Wednesday, January 30, 2008

Wintery Wednesday!


This is one of the first days in I can't even remember how long that we haven't been able to go out for our walk. Making use of umbrellas on rainy days, a plastic cover on the stroller and bundling up we are able to go out for our walk in almost any weather. Today is just too nasty! It is snowing and we have had a flash freeze warning as well as a wind warning. It is gusting to 100 km. an hour and my hubby already had to fetch my big stroller out of the bushes as I usually leave it on the porch. He was unable to make it to work today and almost all the schools in our area are closed and no buses are running. The wind chill is -25. Brrrrrr! Growing up in northern towns I am pretty hardy when it comes to the cold but it is awfully chilly out there!

So today with 4 wild and crazy monkeys who aren't able to go outside we have made a cloud/wind craft, colored, did mazes, had homemade cinnamon rolls for snack and now I have set them up at the table in the kitchen to play playdough.

I have been able to bake two loaves of bread, do some laundry and tidy up the kitchen. Other than that not much is getting done, but refereeing and keeping monkeys busy!

I hope you are keeping warm where you are!

Blessings,
Liisa

Tuesday, January 29, 2008

Happy Birthday!


My little boy is 17 today! As a matter of fact he will turn 17 at 2 minutes to 2 this afternoon. I can't believe that it has already been 17 years! I am pretty sure he was just three years old and then I blinked and he's 17. I am so proud of him and the man he is becoming.

Happy Birthday Andy! I love you very much!

I am quite happy that I have the day off today as I will be baking a birthday cake and going out for lunch with my birthday boy. We will be taking him to a nearby city to the music store there to choose a gift on Saturday. My hubby felt it would be better for him to choose his own gift this year as he is very into guitar but may want to branch out into drums or a keyboard (This music store allows you to rent instruments or equipment and then if you choose to buy it at some point a portion of that comes off your purchase price so we plan to rent what he would like for 6 monthes as his gift so he can decide if he likes it or not then if he wants to buy it a portion is covered for him if not we can just return it.)or he may choose something else. The music store is like a big toy shop for him...and my hubby too!

Blessings,
Liisa

Monday, January 28, 2008

Put on a Happy Face


The last couple of days I have been feeling a bit out of sorts. I am tired of feeling that way when there is so much to be happy about! God is good! He is alive and working in my life! The sun is shining. I am blessed to have three little monkeys here this morning. I am also able to have the day off tomorrow to take my son out for lunch for his birthday just the two of us as my hubby has to work. I have a home full of love and a wonderful family, so what is there to be gloomy about? As the song says.....Put on a happy face!


Put On A Happy Face

Gray skies are gonna clear up,
Put on a happy face;
Brush off the clouds and cheer up,
Put on a happy face.
Take off the gloomy mask of tragedy,
It's not your style;
You'll look so good that you'll be glad
Ya' decide to smile!
Pick out a pleasant outlook,
Stick out that noble chin;
Wipe off that "full of doubt" look,
Slap on a happy grin!
And spread sunshine all over the place,
Just put on a happy face!
Put on a happy face
Put on a happy face
And if you're feeling cross and bitterish
Don't sit and whine
Think of banana split and licorice
And you'll feel fine
I knew a girl so gloomy
She'd never laugh or sing
She wouldn't listen to me
Now she's a mean old thing
So spread sunshine all over the place
Just put on a happy face
So, put on a happy face


Happy Monday!

Blessings,
Liisa

Sunday, January 27, 2008

Back To Bite Me On The Bum


Repeatedly in God's Word He warns about our tongues, about the things we say and how we act. I can vouch for how valuable that advice is. Have you ever had something you've said or done "come back to bite you on the bum?" Pardon the phrase, it is one of my Nanny's that has been popping into my mind alot lately as I have been experiencing alot of this. It is all over one incident 3 months ago when I spoke and acted without thought, based purely on the emotion of the moment. I apologized to the one I may have offended and repeatedly apologized to my Hubby for my actions. Unfortunately it seems some gossips have gotten a hold of this and blew it all completely out of proportion and it keeps coming back relentlessly to bite me on the bum!

How I wish I had kept my mouth shut and walked away no matter how hurt and upset I was at the time. Hindsight is always 20/20 isn't it?

Here is some of what God tells us about this.

Proverbs 10:19
When words are many, sin is not absent, but he who holds his tongue is wise.

Proverbs 17:28
Even a fool is thought wise if he keeps silent, and discerning if he holds his tongue.

Proverbs 21:23
He who guards his mouth and his tongue keeps himself from calamity.

Proverbs 14:29
A patient man has great understanding, but a quick-tempered man displays folly.

Blessings,
Liisa

Friday, January 25, 2008

A Great Night


Last night was our first Titus Women meeting and it turned out great! We didn't have as many women as had signed up but it was still a lot of fun and a lot of wonderful tips and ideas were shared. We also were able to answer several questions and offer advice on some issues so it was a success as that is what we were hoping to accomplish with these meetings. That the older women would be able to teach and help the younger women and that we would all be able to learn from each other.

Some of the ideas shared were.....

To add a prayer section to your binder. In this section you could keep your prayer list and a list of answered prayers which can be very encouraging to look back on and see how the Lord has been working in your life.

To use one of the photo albums with the pockets for pictures to hold all your recipe cards.

To gather your children before dessert and have a "20 minute time bomb" which is where you all work as fast and as best as you can on a job like weeding the garden etc. for 20 minutes. When the timer goes off it's time for dessert. She also suggested that you could do this before snack time etc.

To clean as you go when you cook. My mother in law always has a sink full of hot soapy water when she cooks or bakes this saves so much time as things are dirty in they go so she never has to deal with dried on foods and when she has a minute she washes them up so by the time she is done cooking her kitchen is already clean.

To always put things away as soon as you are done using them.

To let your children do things for themselves and not try and be "super mom" and do every little thing for them so that when they grow up they will know how to do things for themselves.

To use a plastic sheet protector over your to do list page as well as planner sheets, menus etc. and use a dry erase marker to write on it then you can just wipe it off and reuse it over and over again.

To "go European" and not use a top sheet or blankets and just use a duvet with a cover. This is one I shared. I married a German and we use just the duvet with a cover on it and it saves so much time! You just straighten your pillows pull up the duvet and you are done. I also put a quilt over that as a bedspread but it is so much quicker and easier than making the bed the other way. Our pastor's wife said that she also enjoyed this when visiting their son and his wife in Germany.

To buy things when they are on sale. One of the ladies had three cans of soup with her and asked if anyone could tell the difference between the one can on the left and the two cans on the right. The difference was that the one on the left cost 99 cents and the two on the left cost $1.00 for both. The lesson - wait for sales and stock up.

I shared that when I worked at a creamery where they make salad dressing often the label changed but the recipe stayed the same. I also learned that only the least expensive brand of cucumber dressing to buy had actual cucumber in it! So sometimes it really is better to save the money and buy the less expensive brand.

I am looking forward already to next month's meeting where a wonderful lady from our church will be teaching us to make homemade soups!

Here are some pictures from the evening.....

The tables all set up and ready.


Supplies and Printouts.


Closer view of the binder etc. Sorry about the glare!


Next Month's Meeting.

Blessings,
Liisa

Thursday, January 24, 2008

Titus Women Tonight!


Tonight is night! It is our first meeting of Titus Women. I am quite excited. We are making home management binders. Last night my friend and I went to the church and made hundreds of photo copies and set up the tables and supplies. I will try and remember to take some pictures to share tomorrow. I thought today I would share some of the section ideas that could be included in the binders.

Section Ideas
Calendar - Year at a glance and monthly. Use to plan ahead. Write all important dates, appointments etc. on the calendar for each month. Can also include in this section a weekly planner if you like. Printable ones are available at many sites online.

Schedules and Routines - Master daily schedule or routine.

Menus and Recipes - Menu planning, most used recipes, recipes to try, shopping lists, pantry and freezer lists.

Cleaning - Daily, weekly, monthly, semi annual and annual chore lists.
- Cleaning checklists for each room.
- Project list of big cleaning projects to get to. eg. cleaning the attic etc.

School Related - School papers, schedules, forms etc.

Child Related - One section for each child. Put in everything related to that child. List of friends, their phone numbers, addresses and parents names. also include a recent photograph so you can grab it quickly in an emergency. Could also include gift / wish lists etc.

Budget and Money Matters - Yearly, Monthly, Weekly. List of all bills. Numbers to call if cards are stolen, bank contact info. Frugal Living notes.

Projects, Craft and Decor Ideas - Put in any craft instructions, project ideas or thoughts for decorating your home. Could also have in here a selection of paint and fabric swatches. Magazine clippings etc.

Home - A running list of things you need or would like to have for your home, paint swatches of colors in your home, fabric swatches of your furniture and drapes. Measurements of your windows, doors, spot you would like to put a painting or furniture etc. so you will know when you shop if something will fit or match in an area of your home. Instructions for turning off the water and gas.
Numbers of your repair men, contractors, plumbers and electricians.

Exercise and Diet Records - Exercise schedule, diet plan, weekly loss/gain chart, measurements etc.

Bible Study - Bible reading schedule, notes, scriptures to remember etc.

Gifts - Who to buy for and when. Ideas. List of what you have given to each person so you don't buy them the same thing again by mistake.

Addresses and Phone Numbers

Misc. Notes

Herbs and Natural Remedies

Favorite Websites - You never know when your computer may die and you will lose your favorites list.

Books I'd Like to Read and Movies I Would Like to See

Notes to Remember
Outreach / Church Related

Emergencies - CPR guide, First aid notes, Emergency numbers, List of medications you take, In the event of your death notes - where the will is, lawyer information, etc.

Storage Notes - Where things are. Sometimes you put away things so well you can't find them again!

Seasonal Checklists

Hospitality Notes - I used to keep a note taped inside one of my cupboards that listed guests and what they took in their coffee or tea. After they visited the first time I never had to ask them again what they took. This would be an ideal place for such notes. Eunice also shared with me about a woman who had this section in her binder and used to write down guests and what she served for dinner so she didn't repeat it the next time. She also wrote down food preferences, allergies etc. You could also use this section to write down ideas you would like to do in the future for guests etc. like have a basket of snacks and treats in the guest room so if your company wants a late night snack etc. they don't have to worry about asking you for it. (Also nice to have bottled water and a glass at the bedside and you could also provide a basket of toiletries they may need but have forgotten)

Scratch Paper Use clips to attach some scratch paper inside your binder for quick notes, messages etc. tie a pen to your clip and you will be all set!


I'll share more about this tomorrow hopefully with some pictures from the event. Now I better get busy and bake the chocolate chip bars I will be taking for coffee time afterwards.

Blessings,
Liisa

Tuesday, January 22, 2008

Abortion


Since it has been 35 years since Roe vs. Wade there are many posts being written about abortion in the U.S. I thought I would post about abortion in Canada.

Canada has no legal restrictions on abortion.

Over 110,000 abortions are performed in Canada every year.

That is 30 abortions to every 100 live births.

The number of newborns placed into adoption each year is believed to be in the hundreds.

My heart breaks, it absolutely breaks to know that 110,000 babies are being murdered every year in our country alone. 110,000. So very sad.

It is also sad to know that so many loving couples would do anything to have a child of their own and are not able to. Many choose to adopt but waiting lists are very long. I would like to plead with women who are thinking of making the choice to kill their babies to please stop. There are so many wonderful couples that would love to raise that baby as their own, to love and care for them. Please let them.

Blessings,
Liisa

Monday, January 21, 2008

Being Flexible


I just received another wonderful email from Laine of Laines Letters. She is such a wonderful woman and such an inspiration. It is about being flexible. She says that she used to be too flexible spending too much time wasting her day away. Then she went too far the other way and was too rigid and had everything written down in a strict schedule so she was upset when anything happened to ruin her perfectly planned day. Now she has found the key. She prays for the Lord's direction of her day each morning and when her plans for the day are interrupted she is able to accept whatever comes her way as from the Lord.

I love this part of the letter.....
"It is such a pleasure to go to bed at night knowing that I have walked peacefully with Him through all my day. Sometimes I didn't get my plans done, but I know His Plans were accomplished for it has been my joy to work for Him and through Him."

It is wonderful timing to receive this letter just before our Titus Women meeting this week as we will be talking about planning our days and priorities. I plan to read the letter there as I think it is so appropriate!

You'll find the rest of the letter here, spend some time enjoying her site. You will be blessed by the time spent there.

Blessings,
Liisa

Saturday, January 19, 2008

It's Ours!


Well it is official our church has a building! We have just taken possession as of yesterday! How exciting! We have been renting for many years and now we have our own building! Tomorrow after service we will be having a potluck lunch to celebrate!
It really is a beautiful old church. Please pray for us as we embark on this new phase of our journey. I am praying God will bless our efforts, that we will reach many people for Him and that all we do will be for His glory!

Blessings,
Liisa

Hmmm....now what to take to the potluck? ~smile~

Today is the Day


Today is the day! I have finally faced the fact that I need to get back on my diet. I was doing so well before Christmas but then took "a little break". Well that little break has ended up not being so little and now with all the junk food and poor eating habits of the last month I have really noticed not only weight gain but I am just not feeling as well as I should so today is the day! Now why am I telling you all this? For accountability and motivation! I figure if I post this on here for the world to see then I will actually get my bottom in gear and really do it. Mind you I could have picked a better day as today we are going to a near by city and to our favorite European store which sells so many wonderful foods not to mention yummy treats like my all time favorite German chocolate bars! Afterwards we are going out for dinner. ~sigh~ Oh well, I really feel like today is the day to start this again so I will see how I make out!

Blessings,
Liisa

Wednesday, January 16, 2008

Slicing Homemade Bread


I just have a quick tip today that works for me. I received a bread maker for Christmas and LOVE it however I did not love trying to slice the bread. I could not cut it straight, it was too thick etc. Then my wonderful and much loved Hubby suggested that I try using the electric knife to slice it. It works great! I get thin even slices every time even when the bread is still warm. It definitely works for me! For more Works for Me Wednesday ideas please visit Rocks in My Dryer.

Blessings,
Liisa

Happy To Go Back To Work???


The majority of Moms I have talked to about heading back to work after maternity leave are sad and reluctant to go and can't imagine leaving their babies behind. But I have been noticing an alarming number of women who don't feel that way at all. Just this morning I was talking to a mom who was telling me she was going back to work and I asked how she felt about it. She said she was so ready to go and couldn't wait. It was enough of just chasing the baby around all day. Another lady I talked to a few months ago told me that she was going back 5 months early and was ready it was time to get back to work and she was looking forward to it. There have been others too and they seem to feel that their home is some kind of prison and that caring for their wee babies is some kind of burden.

I do not understand those feelings at all. I stayed home with my son until he was in school full days. (No, we were not financially better off than others, in fact my husband made minimum wage!) Afterwards I foolishly went out of the home to work (to spite my husband having much better job) and I so regretted it. I had many jobs with long hours, terrible shifts, I missed so much and my home and my marriage suffered for it. How I longed to be home. Finally the opportunity came to care for children in my home through the agency I work for. I love it! I at last feel happy and fulfilled once again. Being home is not a prison it is a joy. There is so much to do and so many wonderful things that I get to do and be a part of. I am here for my husband and son whenever they need me. My home is cared for and I am able to experiment with recipes and crafts and learn something new everyday about many subjects. It is not dull in the least.

I also can't imagine wanting to leave your own baby. Children are a blessing. I can see the desire for some free time or some time alone but these things can be arranged by trading childcare with another mom of young ones or having your husband give you a day to yourself now and then. There are also many opportunities to spend time with other adults if that is what you feel is lacking in your life. Go to a playgroup and talk to other moms, attend a ladies Bible study where they provide childcare, start your own group and have ladies and their children over for a play date and visit with others while your children play together. I don't feel I am missing out on anything by being home full time in fact it is just the opposite I missed so much when I was working outside the home.

I know not everyone is able to stay home with their children and I am not speaking about those who have no choice - I just don't understand the women who are unhappy at home and can't wait to leave their babies and go back to work. It just seems so sad to me.

Blessings,
Liisa

Tuesday, January 15, 2008

Busy Days!


Things have been so busy around here I feel like I have barely been able to catch my breath! Sunday I enjoyed a wonderful sermon that really inspired me. Then I came home and did some deep cleaning and alot of organizing before enjoying a relaxing evening with my family.

Yesterday, was filled with three little monkeys, errands, baking a double batch of chocolate chip cookies (which are almost gone already) ~smile~ cleaning and catching up on the laundry. Last night for dinner we had Greek Pitas. Basically beef sliced thin and fried with peppers and onions and put into pitas with lettuce, tomatoes and cucumbers with a homemade cucumber sauce. They were really yummy but the best part was that I was able to make the pitas themselves! They were so amazing to make, they even have the pocket inside! I was so impressed! I made the dough in the bread maker - my most favorite thing! Speaking of the bread maker I have also been making bread everyday and trying out new recipes for it.

Last night I went to help audit the church books for our church and also for one of our sister churches. I will be finishing that up this afternoon at about three.

This morning I had a dog related incident which involved our dog and having to clean the dining room rug and then actually take all the furniture out of the dining room and roll up the room sized rug and take it out to the porch where it is drying and airing out as we speak. This happened about fifteen minutes before company was expected to arrive!

I had two other ladies over to really plan and organize for our upcoming Titus Women meeting next week and then had my surprise inspection for the agency I work through. When that was over it was lunch time and now I am just taking a moment to catch up here and already I can hear a little monkey starting to wake up though I am praying right now that he falls back asleep because if he gets up now he won't have had enough sleep and will be really grumpy and wake up the other sleeping monkey who will then also be grumpy. ~sigh~ Busy! Busy!

I better get back at it! I hope you are enjoying your Tuesday!

Blessings,
Liisa

P.S. The dog looks awfully innocent in the picture above doesn't she? Appearances can be deceiving!

Saturday, January 12, 2008

He Reigns


This afternoon I have been enjoying just an awesome time singing praises to the Lord as I baked some garlic, oregano and sundried tomato bread,cleaned up and made dinner. Don't you just love those times when you can listen and sing along with praise music and just be filled with the joy of it? I especially enjoyed the song He Reigns. I put it on my music player and I thought I would share the lyrics with you. Sing along! ~smile~

He Reigns
by- Newsboys

It’s the song of the redeemed
Rising from the African plain
It’s the song of the forgiven
Drowning out the Amazon rain
The song of Asian believers
Filled with God’s holy fire
It’s every tribe, every tongue, every nation
A love song born of a grateful choir

It’s all God’s children singing
Glory, glory, hallelujah
He reigns, He reigns
It’s all God’s children singing
Glory, glory, hallelujah
He reigns, He reigns

Let it rise about the four winds
Caught up in the heavenly sound
Let praises echo from the towers of cathedrals
To the faithful gathered underground
Of all the songs sung from the dawn of creation
Some were meant to persist
Of all the bells rung from a thousand steeples
None rings truer than this

And all the powers of darkness
Tremble at what they’ve just heard
‘Cause all the powers of darkness
Can’t drown out a single word

When all God’s children sing out
Glory, glory, hallelujah
He reigns, He reigns
All God’s people singing
Glory, glory, hallelujah
He reigns, He reigns

I found these lyrics here.

Blessings,
Liisa

Friday, January 11, 2008

Providing For Our Needs


I am continually amazed at how the Lord blesses and provides for us! He knows what I need before I even ask. Back in the summer I broke the zipper on my raincoat. It wasn't worth getting it fixed because it was ripped and sewn and looking awfully shabby. I was resigning myself to having to buy a new one when I was pinning it together on Wednesday. The monkeys and I go out for our walk in almost any weather as they have umbrellas, as well as a plastic cover on the stroller for the littlest monkeys and I (sort of) have a rain coat so we don't let a little rain keep us cooped up. Anyway, I was thinking about how much this was going to cost and figuring that perhaps I should just keep pinning up the old one when I visited a second hand shop yesterday. There in brand new condition was almost the same rain coat I had! It is flannel lined, dark green and wonderful! The best part is that I only had $5 in my wallet left for the week. I asked the price of the coat kind of afraid of the answer - it was $4!!! I bought it and today it was raining again so I donned my new coat and how nice it was to not be embarrassed of it's appearance or to have to pin it closed.

Another way I have been blessed this week was by my telephone situation. All afternoon on Monday I was praying that it wasn't going to cost us alot of money to have the problem fixed. It didn't! The repair man was so nice and was able to fix the problem quickly and with no charge to us!

I just had to share this with you because God does care about the little things as well as the big things. This really builds my faith because if God, Almighty God, cares whether I have a rain coat how much more can I trust Him to care for the big needs in my life.

Matthew 6:28-34
"And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.


Blessings,
Liisa

It Went Well!


My niece is recovering nicely! Thank you to those of you that prayed for her! I will spare you the details but they resolved the problems that she was having and repaired some other issues they discovered when they were operating. So we are praying that this will provide long term health and wellness!

I have four little monkeys today and my goodness they were wound up awfully tight this morning! I am so glad that nap time comes in the afternoon...it didn't take much for them to fall asleep today after all the running around and yelling and dancing etc. that went on earlier!

I spent some time this morning making cinnamon rolls and mini cinnamon apple muffins to take to the church with me tomorrow for those that come to help. We will be taking down all the Christmas decorations, organizing and doing some cleaning. My hubby is working overtime tomorrow so I am free to go and help.

My nephew is staying with us while my sister and niece are at the hospital. It is nice to have him here. He is a good boy and easy to get along with. Also he is 14 now so he basically looks after himself, though I like to look after him. ~smile~ My niece may be home this weekend if everything is o.k. That amazes me how they can operate on your brain and abdomen and still send you home in three days. Wow!

Blessings,
Liisa

Thursday, January 10, 2008

Surgery


My niece is undergoing surgery again this afternoon at 2 p.m. She has been having so many problems with her shunt that it seems to be an unending trail of brain surgeries. This surgery is to completely replace the entire shunt and put it on the other side of her head. I pray this will solve her problems once and for all. Please pray for her.

Blessings,
Liisa

Wednesday, January 9, 2008

Works For Me Wednesday


Today is a Works for me Wednesday backwards edition. I get to ask what works for you! I have recently received a bread maker and I love it but I would like some help with a few things.....

First of all how do you store the bread you make and keep it fresh?

and...

Does anyone have a good recipe for a 2 lb. white bread? The recipe I have is wonderful but it makes a three pound loaf and the math is beyond me to reduce it!

also....

Does anyone have a good rye bread recipe 2, 2.5 or 3 lb. loaf?

I guess I am really taking advantage of this opportunity! If anyone can help me with this I would really appreciate it! For more Works for Me Wednesday please visit Rocks in my Dryer.
Blessings,
Liisa

Tuesday, January 8, 2008

Crockpot Stroganoff


We had this for dinner last night and it was so good I just had to share the recipe. It was the first time I made it.

Crock Pot Stroganoff

2 tbsp. flour
1/2 tsp. garlic powder
1/2 tsp. pepper
1/4 tsp. paprika
1-1/2 to 2 lbs. round steak, sliced thin
10 oz. can cream of mushroom soup
1/2 cup water
1 pkg. onion soup mix
1 can of mushrooms
1/2 cup sour cream

- Combine flour, garlic powder, pepper and paprika in crock pot.
- Add steak and toss to coat.
- Add cream of mushroom soup, water and onion soup mix. Stir until well blended.
- Cover and cook on high 3 - 3 1/2 hours or on low 6-7 hours.
- Stir in mushrooms and sour cream.
- Continue to cook for 15 more minutes or until warmed through.
- Serve on a bed of rice.

Enjoy!

Blessings,
Liisa

P.S. Isn't that recipe box cute? It is part of Martha Stewart's Collection

Monday, January 7, 2008

Chance To Win A Stand Mixer!

A Cowboy’s Wife is having a contest on her food blog! You can win a Hamilton Beach® Stand Mixer and she’ll ship anywhere so everyone is eligible!

The Prize:




The winner will receive a brand new
Hamilton Beach 4.5-qt. Eclectrics Stand Mixer, Pineapple Yellow!!

About the mixer:

From Hamilton Beach’s “Eclectrics” line, this all-metal stand mixer comes with a host of accessories - a Flat Beater for cakes and cookies, a Dough Hook for bread and a Wire Whisk for whipped cream or pudding. The 4.5-qt. stainless steel bowl comes with a Pouring Shield that helps prevent splattering while in operation. The pouring shield has a built-in chute for adding ingredients. Powered by 400 watts, the stand mixer has a two-way mixing action to ensure all ingredients are incorporated into the mix. The quick-release, tilt-up head assists when removing the bowl. 9 x 14 x 14-in. When you’re ready for a kitchen re-do, don’t call in the carpenters! Instead, “counterscape” your kitchen with Hamilton Beach’s retro-designed, affordably priced electrics in happy, sun-saturated colors. Their “Eclectrics” line includes updates to those classic appliances from the 1950s. All of their “Eclectrics” are available in six colors: Apple Green, Moroccan Red, Pineapple Yellow, Intrigue Blue, Sugar White and Licorice Black.

This contest begins on January 1, 2008 and will end on January 31, 2008 at 6:00pm CST. Winner will be announced on February 1, 2008! This contest is open to ALL and to anywhere UPS or the USPS will go!

Phone Troubles


This morning when I picked up our phone there was no dial tone. I called for service (from my mother in law's) and tried the tricks they suggested but all to no avail so now I am awaiting the arrival of the telephone repair man. He was very nice and called (my mother in law's) this morning to let me know that he would be arriving sometime this afternoon. I am hoping he comes after nap time is over. I am also praying that the trouble is outside the house so we do not have to pay for a service call.

I was so glad that he called because that enabled us to still go out for our walk. It was so nice in spite of the bit of drizzle as it is quite warm here today!

One thing I have noticed today without the phone is that it is really quite nice! There have been no telemarketers calling and I haven't been on the phone all day which to my shame happens much too often. I am sensing a theme here with the reduction in computer time and now no phone....so much more gets done and there really is a sense of peace in the house. Technology is a wonderful thing but it takes over our lives sometimes and it is good once in a while to step away from all that. The Bible is full of warnings about these things and this incident has really brought them to mind.

2 Thessalonians 3:10-12
For even when we were with you, we gave you this rule: "If a man will not work, he shall not eat." We hear that some among you are idle. They are not busy; they are busybodies. Such people we command and urge in the Lord Jesus Christ to settle down and earn the bread they eat.

1 Timothy 5:13-14
Besides, they get into the habit of being idle and going about from house to house. And not only do they become idlers, but also gossips and busybodies, saying things they ought not to. So I counsel younger widows to marry, to have children, to manage their homes and to give the enemy no opportunity for slander.

Titus 2:4-5
Then they can train the younger women to love their husbands and children,to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands, so that no one will malign the word of God.

God's Word tells me to be busy and not idle.. To work and not be a busy body. Even though I am at home I can still be a busy body visiting house to house wasting time on the phone or online. It is such an easy thing to do. As I said before technology is wonderful, I just realize that it is important that it does not take over my life and cause me to be idle or a busy body.

Having no phone also gives me a chance to really think things over before I act or say something. Sometimes I go with my impulses and jump on the phone when I have a thought or idea that I would like to share but I often haven't really thought things out fully before I share them. Thinking things out thoroughly before I act is a lesson I have yet to learn fully! ~sigh~

Speaking of being busy I better finish up a few things before my little ones get up from nap time.

Blessings,
Liisa

Saturday, January 5, 2008

Titus Women


I have been busy with two other ladies organizing a monthly get together for ladies (anyone over 16). We are calling it Titus Women. Here is the notice we hope to have included in the bulletin at church.





Titus Women
Titus 2:3-5 - Likewise, teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good. Then they can train the younger women to love their husbands and children, to be self controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands, so that no one will malign the word of God.


The first in a monthly get together for ladies will take place January 24th, 2008 at 7 p.m. at ___________ ___________ _______. These get togethers will be after the spirit of Titus 2, an event where ladies can meet and learn valuable skills from one another. Each month will have a different theme. For January we will be making Home Management Binders. These are wonderful organizational tools and will help in the running of your home and the lives of your family. We will also be discussing planning our days and keeping our priorities straight. If you have any helpful hints or have something that works for you please come prepared to share that information with the rest of us! We hope to see you there! Bring a Friend! ( All materials will be supplied. There is no cost to attend.)

Please let one of us know if you are able to attend January 24th as we will need to purchase supplies in advance. Thank you !



I am so looking forward to these get togethers. We have many ladies at our church that have so many valuable skills and lessons they can share with everyone. I am looking forward to sharing what I may know but mostly to learning from these other women!

Blessings,
Liisa

The End of Holidays


I was surprised with two extra days with no little monkeys this past week. Thursday my hubby was busy at the farm so I was able to go to the church and help with some sorting out, cleaning up and organizing. It was a really nice time spent with a lady I really admire. Then yesterday I was able to spend the day alone with my hubby and he even took me out for lunch. It was so nice...I felt like we were on a date! It is wonderful because I feel even more in love with him than I did years ago. He still gives me that feeling in the pit of my stomach....you know the one I mean! We've been together since I was 15 and that is 20 years ago now! Life is good!

Anyway, I am actually looking forward to everything getting back to normal and the routine of daily life. Holidays are wonderful but it is good to get things back on track! Monday my hubby is back to his regular shift and my son is back to school and all my little monkeys will be back. ~smile~

Blessings,
Liisa

Wednesday, January 2, 2008

Little Monkeys and Getting More Done


Three of my little monkeys are back today! I missed them a lot and have really been enjoying my day with them. This morning we went outside and "colored the snow". I took some condiment bottles (the squeeze kind) and filled them with water that I had added some food coloring to. Our snowbanks out front are very pretty now. ~smile~

Then we went for our walk and got some errands done, had lunch and now they are just getting up from nap.

One of my New Year's resolutions was to get more done each day. In order to do this I decided that I would need to limit my computer time to nap time in the afternoon. This will prevent me from getting carried away. Today was the first day and actually I did go online to do the email Bible study I send to some other ladies, but that was it. I did that and walked away. Do you know what happened? I got SO much done this morning. Things were not at all stressful and I have felt happy and relaxed all day. I think this comes from knowing that so much is done and behind me already. I should say that I previously did not just sit around and surf the net while my house went to the wolves around me but I did have a nasty habit of just popping on for a minute while I had a cup of coffee or thinking I'd just pop on and look up something, the computer is conveniently located right next to the kitchen. These little pop-ons must have really added up!

This morning I ironed the bedding and a skirt, made dinner for tonight and also the meal for tomorrow night (I thought I would be away all day tomorrow and wanted to have dinner ready for the guys), made a loaf of bread, cleaned the house, made scrambled eggs, toast and pancakes for my son and his friend that stayed over night. Got all the dishes done, looked after three little girls and several other things before it was time for our morning walk. Wow!

So now it is 3:30 and I have my dinner ready, the pots etc. washed, dried and away so all I will have to wash up is the plates etc.after dinner and I will be able to get some work for the church done tonight as well as some other tasks I haven't had time for.

All in all it has been a great day. I hope yours has been too!

Blessings,
Liisa

Tuesday, January 1, 2008

Happy New Year



Yesterday I went shopping with my sister and our friend. It was a really nice day and we were all able to pick up the things we needed for celebrations last night, then it was home for a busy time of preparations for the night ahead!

I made some feta fingers which were yummy but so unhealthy! I also prepared chip dip, stuffed mushrooms,feta stuffed cherry tomatoes and made up plates of chocolates and cookies as well and making up a cheese tray....it's a good thing one of my resolutions is to eat healthier - I will need to after the things I ate last night ~smile~

We stayed home and celebrated with another couple that we are good friends with. It was a lot of fun. We played Cranium and a couple of trivia games and ate way too much!
The only down part of the evening was that my son opted to spend New Years at his girlfriend's house in a near by town. It was the first New Year's Eve we have spent without him since he was born. I was a little sad and can see that it was the first of many we will be apart for. We did talk on the phone though. ~sigh~ Where do the years go? If you have little ones at home I encourage you to cherish every moment you have with them.

Today has been off to a slow start as we were up WAY past our bedtime and didn't turn in until almost three. When we got up I made a mushroom, green onion and cheddar omelet for my hubby while he went to pick up our son and now hubby is off to work and my son just finished snow blowing the driveway. We got a lot of snow through the early morning hours and it is still coming down.

This afternoon I will be making a pork roast, mashed potatoes, turnip and carrots, corn and some fresh bread for dinner. My sister and her children, my mother in law and I believe several of my son's friends will be joining us for dinner. We would normally have turkey or ham for New Year's dinner but in the interest of being frugal we opted to use what we already had in the freezer.

I have quite a bit to get done so I better get at it. I also hope to spend some time reflecting on the year past and planning for the one ahead. I would like to go over my resolutions and the steps I need to take to make them a reality as well.

I pray God will be with you and bless you in the coming year.

Blessings,
Liisa