What Am I Learning Friday

I am Learning I can't discourage the way Mekenzei dresses- she really did wear this to school. She has her own unique style. I admire that. I am Learning that I still love watching them asleep, especially that exhausted sleep.

Believe it or Not there is a child under the blanket. I could tell how long of a week they had by the idea that all three children were asleep within thirty minutes of being home from school. I was proud of Jakob a while later when I woke him up and then a few minutes later saw he was already reading his summer book that he has to turn in a book report for 1st day of school- hmm a couple of months out. I am learning that I influence him greatly, that would not be his dad's way to do things, that would be mine. Get it over and done.

I am learning that I take to long to grab a movie- came back in from grabbing one and the last child was out, in my bed. We all must take naps sometimes so he slept, and now we watch Gulliver's Travels. I learned that McD's had a special code for today's rental, it was only 54 cents. Yeah for end of the school year. Yeah for summer break. I do hope we enjoy it.

Thankful Thursday

This week I am thankful for my three finished quilt orders. I am thankful that each customer was led to me and I was able to create a Graduation Gift for them. It was a lot of work to do in two days but it all worked out well.

I am thankful for the new queen size tshirt quilt order that came in. I am also thankful that my husband saw my stress level and changed side job days so we could go get the gray flannel I needed tonight instead of waiting. 

I am thankful that Mekenzei did so well on choir auditions that she made Chamber Choir- normally 8th grade girls. These girls have to be able to sight read music- she did well on that. She also passed the Algebra I entrance exam and will be able to take that as a 7th grader.  It amazes me how hard they push kids. Alg was not even offered in Ca until High School when I went to school. Here is Texas you can take it in 7th grade.

I am a little thankful that Zekaryah will only take Pre Algebra. I like that he will be given some extra time to get the basics down, but that he is still not taking 7th grade basic math.

I am thankful that the kids saw my stress level over the house when they got home and it encouraged my daughter to "truly clean" the bathroom. I do have to clean the shower but she did everything else, including mopping the floor with a towel. What a relief to have one less thing to do. I was disappointed that the boys felt video games were a better use of their time while we were gone getting fabric then their "To Do List" but they will have to work hard tomorrow and Friday- there will be no video games until my list is done.

I am thankful for the extra work Paul will pull in tomorrow, it will help his trip in June be more manageable. I don't really know how we could sacrifice that money otherwise.

I am thankful for the boxes that I got in the mail from my dad today. It was very hard to open them. I did not know he was mailing me some of my things and I did not know what was in them. To my surprise 2 contained photos. I can't wait to really be able to look through them and take time, but it was nice to see a few of my mom and the kids when they were very little. Sad at the same time.

I am lastly thankful that Thursday marks the last day of this school year. It surely has been a great one. The kids have all grown so much and have accomplished great things. It is sad that in the end it means one more year that they are closer to being out of the house but I know that is ineveitable.

I am also thankful that I handled a negative reading on a test Tue night well. I was not sure how my emotions would be either way. I admit being a little disappointed but at the same time I know that the Lord's plan may be different than my heart's desire. I am thankful he gave me a new quilt to focus on.

WordFilled Wednesday

I can do all this through him who gives me strength. 

Philippians 4:13

I can tell you with certainty that the Lord helped me get this quilt done. It measures 68 by 68 and holds 16 Theater Shirts. I had finished a quilt Tuesday morning and then started this one, so it was truly done in one day. I really wanted to get this in the mail early in the week so that it will arrive on time for graduation. It was a last minute order like the other two I did this week. On this one I used a blue for the binding instead of dark gray or black like normal in order to draw the blue out of the quilt from the 4 shirts.

This was my favorite block of the quilt, I love challenges with shirts like this one. There was no way to not include the sleeves of this shirt because the designer placed the graphics so high up. They surely are always a challenge to me but I love it when I pull it off and it looks really good.

Tackle it Tuesday

Not sure if this totally counts as a Tackle it Tuesday, I was working on the quilt top at midnight so I would think so. I finished it this morning. I love the idea of this quilt because I know so many guys that have Rock Band Tshirts. It would be a great way to treasure those concerts etc. I have one more to go and then the orders that have to be out for graduation are done. I am praying some more come in. We are still way behind this month so I am starting to get a little nervous. My husband has not picked up any side jobs lately either, so the extra money we typically have has not been there and we have had added expenses that I was not anticipating. I know it will all work out but I also know it is good to pray for more work. I didn't make much progress on the house yesterday but Baby Steps are good- I suppose. Today I will be working on laundry, the bathroom and Zekaryah's Room. Jakob's Room is nearly done. First I am going to go tackle that last quilt order. Might be able to post pictures tonight. It is going to be a more difficult quilt- hence- why I saved it for last.

Monday Madness

I really enjoyed doing this quilt. I took it as a rush order, a woman wanted a graduation gift for her son, she needed it by July 11th. The order came in on the 19th, I got the shirts on Saturday and finished the order today, not bad. I actually put it in front of two others. I could not believe how wonderful the customer was. Each shirt was marked, she was easy to work with meaning I could choose between three colors I had on hand, and she even printed the invoice and put it in the box. So now the quilt can go out tomorrow. I have one more to try and do tonight- might be finishing it in the morning though.

She had put in a special request for this little patch, it was located on the sleeve, it was super easy to do because it had not been sewn on. I have two more quilts to finish and have out by Friday. I also have an entire yard and house to prepare as we have a family guest on Saturday. I am already hitting resistance with the kids, please pray they will work with me. I really need them to pull together and help out. Jakob's room is nearly done, so just 8 more to go.

Canning Night

We had so many jalapenos and I was not sure what to really do with them. My husband loves Jalapeno Jam, so today I got what we needed to make him a small batch- new lids and pectin. We had everything else. I could not believe how simple it was! Took 12 peppers ( I think we had 14) cut them up, you don't have to seed them, then puree with 1 cup of cider vinegar. Then you put in a pan add another cup of cider vinegar and 6 Cups of Sugar- stirring constantly bring it to a boil. Continue to stir while it is boiling for 10 minutes. Then you stir in 2 pouches of pectin, continue to stir for one minute, add to your heated jars, leave 1/4 in headspace and screw on band. Make sure you have wiped the sides of the jar around the rim though. You can add food coloring if you want to, but we don't. I think it is plenty dark and a more natural color. You boil them for ten minutes with a lid on- make sure your water covers the jars, then wait five minutes and pull them out. Make sure you hear/feel the pop and you are set to just put it on the shelf. If for some reason the jar does not seal- sometimes this takes a while just stick it in the fridge, it will be fine in there a couple of weeks.

We made some great Blueberry Jam too, it takes 4 1/2 cups of fruit for the jam, and we only had 4 so we added half of cup of strawberries- let me tell you it smelled and tasted so good. I was a little thankful that we had some leftover so I could sample it tonight. I was even able to freeze to pints of salsa and have one quart in the freezer. It was a nice day of cooking and preparing.

Deception of the World

2 Thessalonians 2

The Man of Lawlessness

 ¹ Concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our being gathered to him, we ask you, brothers and sisters, ² not to become easily unsettled or alarmed by the teaching allegedly from us—whether by a prophecy or by word of mouth or by letter—asserting that the day of the Lord has already come. ³ Don’t let anyone deceive you in any way, for that day will not come until the rebellion occurs and the man of lawlessness^[a] is revealed, the man doomed to destruction.

Saturday Scripture Speaks

 "But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only."

Matthew 24:36

Okay so let me just say I am not one to play into the hype of all this End of the World Bizarreness. When I read other work than the bible I ask myself what truth does it stand on? What does the Lord say about this? How can I apply this to my life? Blah, Blah, Blah... you get the picture.

This week all I hear about is this crazy idea that the world is ending May 21st. Now while I admit that I am not a bible scholar by any means. I have taken some religion classes in college, as I went to a Lutheran campus, I did also excel greatly in those courses however, I cannot quote you every aspect of the bible that supports my thought on this matter. I can most firmly state that I personally believe the World is not ending because a man on earth said it is going to. Let me just think about that, how is it that we would think that a human here on earth has the answers? Or better yet that some ancient civilization who was developing a calendar stopped at a certain point so that indicates that another date is the end of the world. 

The Lord is very clear that ONLY HE knows when the time will come that all will end. Not even Christ, his own son knows, not the angels in heaven, NO ONE but him.

This is also noted in Mark 13:32

But of that day and that hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels which are in heaven, neither the Son, but the Father. 

I really don't understand why we concern ourselves with worries over such things. People fear the end of the world like it is something horrible, what greater promise to we have than eternal life with our Heavenly Father, at the end of this world that is what is to come.

I then lean to what is said in Acts 1:7

  He said to them: "It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority.

So as I ponder my children's concerns over the world that wonders what May 21st brings, or December 21, 2012, I rest assured that 

¹¹ For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. 

Jeremiah 29:11 

and

 ¹⁶ For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.  

John 3:16

For us we are going to have an End of the World False Prophecy Celebration- that means Family Time..Got to make something out of this absurdness.

What Am I Learning Friday

MY STARS

I am learning that pizza solves 75 six graders need to talk constantly for hours during rehearsal. Yesterday after school I went up to help watch over all of the sixth grade choir so that their teacher could run rehearsal of last nights performance. This morning my head is splitting and I am spending the day with them again on a field trip. I would not change it for the world though because of all the memories. I loved watching my children really have fun on stage last night, not just sing but have fun.

The night incorporated many shirt changes according to songs, my son is practicing during rehearsal even though they didn't have to, notice his double shirt. He had the most horrible headache part way through practice. I am ever so thankful my husband was able to stop for some chocolate right before it all started. I had given him a motrin but he needed a pick me up. Hmmm college days or late nights anyone? That is my instant trick.

Be Still My Heart, I could listen to her for hours. Of course I am her mama so I am maybe a little biased but I think she did wonderful last night. Her nerves were pretty heavy but I can see that with a few more times of performing some solos, she is going to have those nerves anchored down and running away.

So the lesson I learned this week is Being Fair does not always work, hmm or maybe wanting to do something special for one might hurt feelings of another..Well maybe some of both. See we have two children in sixth grade, they do some of the same activities like track and choir. Last night MeKenzei had an entire 3 minute solo, while Zekaryah did not. He could have but he decided he was too scared to get on stage in front of so many people. I really with all my heart wanted to get MeKenzei some flowers and make a moment out of the solo. However, Zekaryah worked hard also and I didn't want to penalize him for the stage fright.. See my situation? I couldn't think of something to give Zekaryah, we had already decided to get MeKenzei a stuffed animal instead. Then I am sitting at practice and I think Goggles.. They all need them, see they couldn't play in the pool Wed night because I didn't want their eyes puffy for the show.. This time it was problem solved, however, it sure is hard trying to be fair and not make one child feel left out because the other one is "special".  So for now I can just share the show with you SOLO

Thankful Thursday

Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?

Matthew 6:26

I am thankful for Provision this week. Provision of crops from our garden, we have eaten produce several nights this week from what we are growing and it has helped us not to buy these items since money is extremely tight. In fact we purchased more zucchini seeds so that we might plant some more crop and then freeze the produce to last through the winter months. I am thankful also for the black netting my husband had for another area since deer decided to still some of our crops this week. It seems the netting is helping out some. I am super thankful for all my husbands hard work and that we are using this for quality time most nights by watering together.

I am thankful that we had funds to be able to finally file the paper work to correct the spelling on Mekenzei's name. It seems silly that it got all confused but what a pain it has been these last 12 years. Now that she is old enough to really care I am thankful the paperwork is in the mail, and hope it will soon be a memory of the past. She decided she wanted it MeKenzei, notice the K is capitalized, I would not have thought to do that.

I am thankful that I also filed paperwork for unclaimed property today. It seems that when I was in college when Jakob was little I had some funds left in my account and I never claimed them. I am hoping the letters that I provided showing an address, all replies from state legislators/ the president of the U.S. (Bill Clinton)  will suffice, since I could not locate a electric or water bill for nearly 15 years ago. It would be a tremendous help if we got that $750 minus the 3% fee they charge to process it. I am thankful I did the filing myself instead of dealing with someone else who wanted to take profit from such findings. Please pray that Texas Comptroller accepts everything and that this check will be processed, with Jakob's needing braces it would help out tremendously with what i will make the month of June teaching.

I am thankful the pool is set up and that the kids are enjoying it. I pray the Lord will provide the money for that water bill that will come next month. I am sure it will be a doosey.

I am thankful that friends are posting  about my quilts and spreading my name and information around. It is wonderful to see people supporting me and having faith in my work.

I am thankful for the Pop show and Mekenzei's solo. I am excited to see her blossom and can't wait to support her. I am also thankful she is nearly my size because she needed a purple shirt and she didn't have one, well I did and it fits pretty well. A little part of me was saddened by that fact too. 

I am thankful that I nearly have Jakob's quilt done. It sure was one of those that I had to really think on in order to finish. It seemed so impossible. I wish my mom could see it, I think it has been the most difficult one I have ever done. She would have been so amazed at the outcome. She did see the center piece and I remember how much she liked it. 

This week has left me much to be thankful for, as another chapter of our lives is about to close with the school year wrapping up, I am really looking forward to a new chapter. I am looking forward to the summer and the hardwork that we will put in to school and the house/yard. Mostly I am looking forward to the time and memories we will create once again.

Being a Blessing to Others

Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God. Hebrews 13:16

Ever since I was a very little child I loved to give. I gave of my time, gave of my talents, gave of myself. I loved helping the elderly ladies that lived on our block. Sometimes I would just visit, other times I would help them make cookies or dinner, I might help them water their yards, I would often sing for them. I did the same in the homes that cared for people that needed extra help too. I would help where I could at church, help teachers after school etc. I just love helping others and giving to them. As I have become an adult I have found other ways to give and it always makes my heart so glad to be able to give the gift of a quilt to someone. Last week I was able to mail this one out. It touched my heart to hear a story about a blanket that the recipient has, which is worn but still so treasured. I hope that this will be something new, also treasured and be an expression of his mother's love for him. May the Lord use it to provide warmth, security and love. In a way anytime I am ever able to provide like this, or like a monetary donation that I was able to also do last week it reminds me of a parable from the bible that goes like this,

For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.’ Then the righteous will answer him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? And when did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? And when did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?’ ...Matthew 25:35-40

I am so thankful for the provision the Lord continues to grant my family. I am thankful that we can make sacrifices to then also bless others. It's in time of sacrifice through blessing that I truly feel His Glory. I pray that He continue to open the doors for us to be a light of His eternal glory and promise.

WordFilled Wednesday

"Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights." (James 1:17)

This weekend we spent time finally getting the pool up. I am thankful that we received an extra check that helped this become possible, see we lacked the money for the chemicals for the pool, so it has been sitting since just after Easter. With the warmer weather and no ac in the living areas of the house, it has been pretty miserable. The last few days have been much nicer though, and the kids have taken advantage of the pool the last two days. I came out to let them know it was time to come inside for the night and they decided to give me a pose for my thankful blog.. I felt this one worked too. This was a perfect gift to them. It will also be a perfect gift for me too, as I can send them outside in the heat of the day to cool off and I can also use it to get some much needed deep cleaning done this summer. The Lord may not have provided windows just yet, I am not sure why, but I am thankful for this provision, I think in some ways they will enjoy it even more.

Tackle it Tuesday

Jakob's Quilt Top

I really would like to give this to him for the end of Graduation this year. I started his quilt gosh almost three years ago. He loves games. This quilt holds 27 game fabrics, boy did it take a while to find them all. Funny because I had one more fabric, but I think I will opt to do pillowcases with it. I was so frustrated while working on this quilt. It has been the most difficult yet. I had a great Sudoku plan- the middle portion of the quilt, but it wasn't big enough. I don't know what I was thinking. So with the help of my friend Des I thought of a way to make it work, after figuring out I cannot make FLYING GEESE. That would have been so cool, but nope I just couldn't figure it out. I think he might have me put one more border around it because it is short of being twin size, it comes in at 66 by 82 non quilted and trimmed. Will see. I should have put a colored border in between the black and white fabrics and the game squares that follow, but other than that I like it. Funny how we are our worst critics right? Now I just pray for a quilt sale. I don't have the batting to finish his quilt, well I do, but its for a quilt order I already took. I am worried about using it and trusting that I would have the money later for it so there is my faith for you.. I have to trust that if the Lord feels its important he will provide me with that $20 for the batting. Sometimes its so hard to trust but I am thankful that MY GOD is bigger than even this quilt! I am also thankful that it is almost done, next time I will have a better plan laid out like I do now on all my quilts. This quilt at least taught me that- always have a layout and dimensions before you begin, it makes it so much less of a headache, trust me I have been getting plenty of those lately physically, no reason to have one mentally too. :-)

Children are Gifts

Sometimes I think our world can be very cruel. I am often amazed at the advice of parents, probably more so when everything I know from a bible standpoint goes against that advice. There is a couple out there, both young, yet adults- not high school age, they have become pregnant and the advice of the parents were for the girl to abort the child, their grandchild. They felt for whatever reason this was the best answer. My husband was telling me of this situation and I just felt horrible on so many levels. I would love to have another child, we would take a child in - in a heartbeat if it meant there would be no abortion. I began to pray.
I am happy to say that she has decided to go against her parents wishes, she is keeping this baby. So now I am collecting baby things, swing, car seat etc to try and help out. I remember being 20 and us having no job, just recently been married and finding out we were pregnant. We didn't have much but we had the essentials, a couple blankets, a carseat, a stroller and a crib. I shopped thrift shops, had friends donate etc. I ask that you pray that the Lord help in this situation. That he would provide a feeling of peace so that they will know this is His Will. That she would know that babies are a gift, sometimes they are far from planned and sometimes they may seem unwanted but that feeling is just fear, and that is normal. I pray that the Lord will use us in any way possible, and that my husband can continue to minister to the young "to be" dad. I am so thankful he continued to talk with his girlfriend- as he wanted this baby. My husband really helped him see he had a right to this child so that it would be saved.

Menu Monday

So the test of faith came this week. We tithed even though it meant I had $100 for the whole month for food. What a way to step out in faith. I am thankful for our stockpile of food in the closet and some in the freezer, looks like we are really going to need it.

Monday

Spaghetti, Garlic Bread and Veggies

Tuesday

Green Chili Pork- adults

Mac N Cheese Kiddos

Wednesday

Pancakes and Eggs

Thursday

Green Chili Pork

Hotdogs- kids

Friday 

Chicken/Beef Fajita from last week (menu Got changed)

Saturday

Fajita Quesadillas

Sunday

On Your Own

For more menu planning ideas please see Orgjunkie.com

Psalm Saturday

Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. (NIV)

Psalms 51:10

What I Am Learning Friday

Been a while since I have done a post like this but after this week I felt it was needed.
Yesterday a couple of interesting things happened to us. First I found out on Wednesday night that Jakob had to register for his college class this week or he would not get in. Meant I had to dip into my savings fund for windows to pay for the class. I was a little bummed, yet I knew once I had purchased all the products needed for my two quilt orders the remaining balance could be transferred back into my savings, I just had to be patient and trust that all would work out. While at the college yesterday we had to wait a long time to see an advisor. It was a little funny when we sat down. The lady looked Jakob up and reviewed his scores, then seemed a little puzzled as to why I took the chair nearest her. She looked directly at Jakob and asked, is she your girlfriend? Then Paused a second and said or sister? She was wrong on both accounts and when leaving Jakob stated to me that he was scarred emotionally over the whole thing. I had to laugh. It really did make my day, or week. She also said she doesn't see high scores like his on the placement tests, especially not out of freshman. That made me excited, as I was a little worried about how he would do in the class. Now the only obstacle left for the class is the scientific calculator. That is about $100 I think. OUCH!
So the next interesting thing is that the Lord has a way to work things out even when you feel there is none. My husband had stopped by at Joann's near his work for me on Wed night. They did not have any gray flannel- which I need for two current quilt orders. I was a little worried. I asked him to stop again last night on his way home to see if there shipment came in, he forgot. So when he got home we loaded into my truck and went to another one a few cities over. We got there and they had the flannel. I was super excited till I realized we did not have the coupon, it was in his truck. We walked around a bit and then I just decided I could not justify paying full price. We went to the truck sat their a bit. He double checked his wallet to make sure he had not left one in there and we talked. We talked "reality". The reality was they didn't have much flannel, that we had already spent gas money driving out, so if I spent gas money to drive out again I would loose more money on what I was already trying to save. We talked about just getting part of what I needed, but then I feared not getting it for the next quilt in time. We finally decided to just pay the full price. When we walked back in the young lady behind the cutting counter seemed puzzled. I walked right back grabbed the two bolts they had and sat them on her table. I had to take all of what they have and will have to piece part of it because it was not in the 2 yard increments I needed, at this point I realized i didn't care. She said something which prompted my husband to say that we left the coupon on the table and had been debating whether we could get the flannel at full price since we were buying nearly 9 yards at $6.99 a yard. I then went on to say how he had already been to the other store and they were out, how I had two orders that needed to be out next week and that I was worried they would not have it if I came back. Then I asked if they would be stocking more because that is a common quilt color for me. She was so super sweet. I could just see the peace of understanding wash over her. She checked for me, let me know that indeed Willowbrook didn't have any, but another store another half hour away did, if I needed it before they got more. She then said she thought she had a 50% off coupon on hand for me. YEAH LORD!
Now let me explain why its so imperative, see I had already done a donation quilt this week. I took some of the quilt profits and used it for supplies I needed. I had just paid that $60 for Jakob's course and had donated to a worthy cause for a friend that day. Then I saw that I was buying 9 yards of fabric at regular price. When you calculate the 50% off coupon well that was a savings of $30. I am so thankful that even though I forgot to trust the Lord to work it out, he already had a plan for us. They had exactly the amount I needed, even if I have to manipulate it, he put a kind worker at the counter who helped me out and he verified that even though I was trying to CONTROL the situation, it wasn't in MY HANDS it was in HIS.
Why do we not remember this?
What's even better today is that while looking for Mekenzei's

Thankful Thursday

I am thankful this week for a husband who has been so helpful with my quilting needs. He stopped twice this week and will stop again tonight for items that I needed for quilt orders I have been working on. He could have purchased the flannel I needed last night but he wanted to use the 50% off coupon he had so that I saved more on the purchase. For that I am very grateful, it really helps us keep more profit if I can get supplies at the cheapest rate. Last night I had to replace my rotary cutter, it broke again. I was a little concerned when he said that he could not get the same one I have always used, well I will be honest in that I love this new one. It will take a while to get used to it, but so far I think it might really be a better cutter.

I am thankful for the provision for my daughter this week. Last year we could barely do anything for birthdays. This year I was able to provide two gifts because family sent small checks. I was also able to take her out to eat. I couldn't take the boys and her dad too, but it was nice to just be us. Then we were able to stop and get some things for her lunches too. I actually let her get some fruit snacks- which I never buy the good ones. That made her very happy. I am thankful I finished her quilt too. It meant so much to me to get that done for her.

 I am thankful this week for my Blogger friend, she allowed me to do another quilt for her. I had nothing on my schedule at all yesterday. I am so thankful for the time and the humbleness that provided the quilt for her son's graduation. I know it can't be easy to let someone do something for you, but I am thankful she was humble because I believe it truly has already blessed me. I can't wait to send it later this afternoon. I am praying she will allow me to do one for her other son soon too. So if you will pray she will have provision of funds to send me more shirts that would be great. It has been such an honor to provide something for her children.

I am thankful this week to have two definite quilt orders. Sometimes its so hard when you deal with inquiries. It seems like many of them fall through. I do know though that the Lord only gives you what you can handle and I do know that sometimes people change their mind so I constantly have to remember not to take it personal and let the devil put dumb thoughts in my head. I am so ever thankful for these orders because it is paying for Jakob's college class that we register for today. I have no idea how we would have come up with that $60 otherwise. It is so nice we get a price break on the class since he is in High School. 

I am thankful for the provision we are already seeing from our garden and the research we did yesterday on Zucchini that showed us we can plant more and that we were watering wrong. I had no idea you should not get the leaves wet. I pray we don't loose our already adult plant. I am thankful we also found out we should water it in the morning not the evening.

I am thankful for the meeting at the Junior High this week. It is exciting to think about getting involved in school again, this year has been a nice break since neither school they were at this year really has a place for us to be deeply involved. I am trusting the Lord in his direction for me to be treasurer this year. I am not quite sure why he took me out of my comfort zone. I would have much rather been Secretary or Vice President like normal. I guess he wanted me to try something new. I pray that I am up for the challenge and welcome it.

I am thankful that my husband and I sat down and figured out all debt, the best way to try and pay it down and that we decided to go ahead and lean on our food storage supply. We wrote a list of the contents of freezers and I pray for provision of veggies and dairy products to get us through these next three months. It seems like the end of Spring beginning of Summer are harder than the end of the year for us. I pray for provision of quilt orders, I am thankful to the Lord for providing a part time job for the month of June and I pray that my husband get some extra work through the metal and pvc jobs that his brother in law's side companies so that we can get out from under not being able to pay for things every month. I am thankful we have credit cards to provide money for gas and food but I really want to be able to get away from using those means of payment.

It has been a very good week. I am very blessed with a wonderful family who helped me get through Mother's Day. It was so much more difficult than I ever could have imagined. I am thankful that the Lord knew this so many years ago when he surprisingly blessed our lives with Mekenzei. Having her birthday to focus on really pulled me through.

Mekenzei's 12th Birthday

Mekenzei's 12th birthday.

It was over 90 degrees in the house so we decided to open gifts in my room on the bed. Mekenzei and I had dinner out right after school, and we were just doing mini cupcakes this year so it seemed fitting, and it was nice to be cool.

Mekenzei and I both love Colbie Caillat, esp her song Bubbly. I thought it was super fitting that on the day she tried out for a solo, with that exact song was her birthday- esp since I already purchased the Cd for her.

The summer around here means heat. It also means we have three bedrooms to lean on because they are the only rooms with window units at this point. Last summer we fixed Jakob's windows by adding plexi glass to them and we put in a window unit framed by plywood. That seems to be doing well. Mekenzei's room also has a window unit and I saw that we really needed a place for another tv, which meant we needed the fixings to get tv. Hence the antenna..

My dad sent money. I love money because it allowed me to get her this converter box. I still think these are priced way to high! They cost more than the dvd player, that seems just crazy to me. It is so worth it for now though because there will be less fighting while I am working in the mornings/mid afternoon during the month of June. I was very concerned about having them separate while I am working so no accidents occur.

Lastly my dad in Utah also sent a check so I used it to get her this DVD player. We still monitor what they are allowed to watch in their rooms but for now it seems an okay option. She was very excited to have some new things for her room. Hopefully we get them all set up tonight as we ran out of time last night. She had a wonderful birthday and I am so thankful for the Coupon for a free meal at Dennys. That really helped round it all out. I am very thankful that I had those two little checks so that I could get her more than just the cd and the handmade quilt too. Just think next year I will have all teenagers, what a scary but exciting thought.

WordFilled Wednesday

Genesis 2:19
Now the LORD God had formed out of the ground all the wild animals and all the birds in the sky. He brought them to the man to see what he would name them; and whatever the man called each living creature, that was its name.

The last two nights I have watered the garden for my husband. It is really more "his thing". He helped the first night with homework and then last night he had stopped for flannel for a quilt I am doing so I decided to be kind and water for him. I am glad I did or I would have never caught this site. Three Red Birds sitting on my fence, waiting for me to change where I was watering so they could drink from the metal fencing that holds the tomato plants. What I love is there are two male and one female, do you see the direction of the birds. I could not believe how many different birds they were and when I was telling my husband he told me about the little nest of eggs and helped me capture that picture too. I just love spring and all the new life! I am ever so thankful for the new life we get in accepting the Lord as our personal savior.

Tackle it Tuesday

Happy Birthday Mekenzei. 

 

This quilt was to give her something from me to her, in case something ever happens to me unexpectedly she will always have this. Then it was to provide comfort to her from the loss of my mom, we found a way to put symbolism in the quilt, then just to have a quilt for her bedroom, which we are still in the process of making over. I think it turned out beautifully. Now I have one more child's quilt to finish. That one a little more of an obstacle, but I know Christ will give me strength and wisdom.

Paul's Fabulous Green Salsa

Pauls' Fabulous Green Salsa (reposted)

Here is a great recipe for a green salsa, we love this. It is definitely as good as what you get in a Mexican Restaurant. Here is a How To Blog.. I might try to start doing this on Wednesday's as my normal post and then one day of the weekend. I find it beneficial to cook from scratch where we can. Helps me feel more like I am providing better for our family.


First thing first you take 4 tomatillos- with the husk and place them in a pan. You bring these to a blanch - boil. This will help you remove the husks without them becoming so sticky.


In a pan you cook for 15 min 3 green or yellow- not red quartered tomatoes, the unhusked and cut in half tomatillos, 3 gloves of garlic diced, and 2 jalapenos- it is up to you how much seed you leave in. The more seeds the hotter it will be. You let this all render in their own juices while cooking. DO NOT add water.


During this time you also cut/pit and half 4 avocados- these need to be ripe. Next pull off leaves to 3 sprigs of cilantro- make sure you rinse them.

Once you had let the mixture in the pan simmer 15 min or so, you pour it into a blender or food processor, we do not have the later..
add the avocados and cilantro to the blender, mix thoroughly.
Whisk in 1 large tablespoon of sour cream
Then Chill before eating, it tastes better when cold, however I eat it all the time right after he is done, because I am not very patient.
It is wonderful served with Taquitos, chips etc.


Here is what you needed to do the above- to make it easier
4 Tomatillos
4 Avocados
3-4 Green/Yellow Tomatoes- not red
3 sprigs or so of cilantro
2 jalapenos- med size
3 cloves of garlic- minced
1 large tbsp of sour cream

For other recipes see *

Garden Progress 2011

Our first zucchini about ready to be picked!

Yellow Squash growing well

A second plant of yellow squash, finally starting to show progress.

Some kind of other squash, maybe butternut?

Jalepenos almost ready for picking this coming weekend. Betting it will be great in the homemade salsa he makes.

A batch of tomatoes doing well. I am thinking we might pick these green to make his green salsa.

Watermelon really starting to grow and we are finally seeing buds. I am betting next year we plant more squash. The hay really seems to help this year. In the past we get some but the ants will get to them or they get soft inside. The one I picked this morning was perfect. Can't wait to use it for Wednesdays Stir Fry that is planned.

Mothers Day Blessings

Saturday night I prepared my heart for Mother's Day by going to church. It was a great service and we got to watch so many babies be dedicated to the house of the Lord. I love moments like that. Our daughter was at a friends birthday party, so I missed out on a picture moment. I don't know why but I didn't want to take my Mother's Day photo without her there. So we will get one sometime this week. My husband was great, he cooked a great breakfast meal for the two of us and we ate before the kids got up on Mother's Day morning. I got a few cool little gifts. Like these brown wash cloths and hand towels for the bathroom. I really needed some, mine are full of holes. Maybe next year I will get some bath towels to match.

We have been having a organization issue in the shower. We used to all use the same soap, shampoo etc, but with teens I find that they like their own thing. So he got me this extended space saver rack. It is over twice the size of what I had before and now I don't have all the clutter on the sides of the tub. It will make it much easier to clean. I love it!

This was a true blessing and very unexpected. He asked me what I wanted that was small for Mother's Day to add to the practical side of his gifts. He thought of candy. I actually didn't want candy. See I am borderline diabetic because of my weight and family history, so I actually need to start exercising and loose a little weight. Seems I have gained 10 lbs since my mom passed away. Amazing what depression can do, and lots of cokes. So I cut the coke and cut way back on candy and he was left wondering what to do. His work had made an order from a company and they sent him a gift card to a local sports place. I love that he thought of me. He came home Friday night and said - hey they have $20 shoes for walking and running, what about that? I was a little leery. It is often hard to find my size, but guess what we found two different pairs. A nice pair of shape ups the new fad- which I finally decided against because I wanted to be practical and run in them too, so we found these. $20 brand new Nike shoes, he got me a bag of socks to go with it. Very nice gift. Still practical but I am a practical gal.

Now this totally crashed my diet. I actually wanted carrot cake- I got trumped by everyone but my husband. My husband said its Mothers Day and your mother should decide what she wants. I quickly saw my poor children's faces and decided pineapple upside down cake it was. It was super Yummy. I enjoyed a piece for Breakfast too. We will get the carrot cake next weekend because my daughter wants red velvet cake for her birthday- guess what she is the only one that likes it. I have already decided to just buy the one piece for her from the store. I really dislike all the red dye in it. It was a very good Mother's Day. We enjoyed a crockpot pork loin roast with carrots and potatoes and even got the fridge and freezer cleaned out. I loved that I got to wrap the night up by talking to my grandma and my dad. I sure miss family.

Menu Plan Monday

So I will be honest we did not do so well with our menu planning last week. I am hoping that we do better this week. In fact my husband helped me (as part of my mother's day) to clean the fridge and inside freezer and get a rough idea of what is in the deep freeze, then we planned menus for the rest of the month into the first week of June. I am hoping outside of things like eggs, milk and bread we dont' have to buy much. This is always our two most expensive months of the year (May and June).

Monday

Nachos

Tuesday Happy 12th Birthday Mekenzei!!!

Kenzei and I go to Denny's Its her birthday and she gets a free meal.

Zekaryah Totinos Pizza

Jakob Taquitos

Wednesday

Tuna Helper- Kiddos

Shrimp Stir Fry

Thursday

Blueberry Waffles

Friday

Chicken Fajita

Saturday- Church Night

Chicken Fajita Quesadillas

Sunday

Taco Salad- 

Celebrate Mekenzei's Bday 

Get her a piece of Red Velvet Cake

Everyone else is eating Carrot Cake

(use leftover chicken meat)

Giveaway of Book Sun Stand Still

I am hosting a giveaway for a wonderful book- it will come NEW to you, not Used- 

It has truly been just an amazing inspiration to me and I want to share that with someone else. I posted the giveaway yesterday but so far have not had a single person enter. Maybe I didn't get enough information about the book out there for you.

Here is some information

If you're not DARING TO BELIEVE GOD for the impossible,
you may be SLEEPING THROUGH
some of the BEST PARTS of your Christian Life.

Sun Stand Still is an important and powerful call to trust God to do things completely beyond our own ability, while also giving it absolutely all we've got. If you've got a dream but are lacking the faith to see it come to pass, or if you just find yourself too stuck in comfort and safe prayers, this is definitely a book worth checking out.  

Personally  I am inspired to pray better, to dig deeper into the Lord's word and claim his many promises for my life and my family. I am inspired that I have a bigger purpose than owning a quilting business that gets busy from time to time but is not dependable income. I feel the Lord has a huge purpose that is bigger than my own imagination. It has ignited a fire within me. I feel better about the loss of my mom, better about our finances that are constantly a struggle and feel hope about the situations in our lives that need much improvement. I highly recommend it for any Christian, not just a new Christian.

Please consider entering my giveaway

Thankful Thursday

Gen 3:20

Adam named his wife Eve, because she would become the mother of all the living.

Thankful Thursday this week has me focusing on what it means to me to be a mother. I feel honored to have three wonderful, healthy, caring children. I have some pictures that have the kids and I in them but usually I am the one with the camera, so here is a little trip down memory lane.

We love times at the beach, we have spent many summers laying the sand, playing the water and having fun.

Proverbs 3:5-6
Trust in the LORD with all your heart
and lean not on your own understanding;
in all your ways acknowledge him,
and he will make your paths straight.

We enjoyed a summer vacation in California to see my family back in 2005. I am ever so thankful as they will have memories of my family. We spent time at amusement parks that summer too.

Proverbs 22:6 says to 

"train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it."

I have had the privilege of participating in all of my children's baptisms. I am so thankful they each know Christ as their personal savior.

Psalms 127:3
Children are a gift from the Lord; they are a reward from him.

I love all the opportunities we have to spend time together as a family. Game Nights, Movie Nights, Working in the yard. It is nice to have so much to be thankful for.

Proverbs 20:11
Even children are known by the way they act, whether their conduct is pure, and whether it is right.

I am thankful for the time as they have gotten older that I have been a stay at home mom, for the time that I have been able to volunteer at school and be there for awards days etc. I love showing them how much I support them and what they do.

Matthew 18:2-4
He called a little child and had him stand among them. And he said: "I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven."

I also love our special times like blueberry picking or date nights. I admit they are harder to come by but I pray the Lord allow us time and finances to have more of those one on one moments.

Isa 66:13
As a mother comforts her child, so will I comfort you; and you will be comforted over Jerusalem."

We love to swim. Thankfully Paul has two family members with pools and occasionally we use them at hotels when we stay. I am thankful that this year we were able to purchase our own since we are not doing a family vacation. That money will be well spent with all the fun memories we make during the hottest months of this summer and many to come.

1 Timothy 4:12
Don’t let anyone think less of you because you are young. Be an example to all believers in what you say, in the way you live, in your love, your faith, and your purity.

I love that even at 15 my oldest still wants me around. I see so many parents who don't have that, and it makes me terribly sad. I am so thankful for my oldest, he is such a treasure of support to pick up slack when needed etc. I also love how outspoken he is about his faith.

1 Timothy 1:5

"The goal of his command is love, which comes from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith."

I love that my younger two have the voice of angels. I am so proud of them for sticking with choir and can't wait to see what is in store for their lives. It warms my heart to listen to them sing. Every once in a while you will find a tear or two in my eyes too.

1 John 3:18

"Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth." We should start focusing on showing our love to others as we say what we feel.

I sure miss these days, they seemed simple. I miss the hand painting, the reading books for ours, the snuggling on the couch during a movie with popcorn- which we still do but its not the same. I am thankful they grow older and less dependent on me. I enjoy watching them grow.

Proverbs 13:24
Those who love their children care enough to discipline them.

I love times we have had at zoos and museums.

Ephesians 6:1-3
Children, obey your parents because you belong to the Lord, for this is the right thing to do. "Honor your father and mother." This is the first commandment with a promise: If you honor your father and mother, "things will go well for you, and you will have a long life on the earth."

I love cuddly time and miss that Ham that Jakob used to be.

Ecclesiastes 4:9–12
Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble. Likewise, two people lying close together can keep each other warm. But how can one be warm alone? A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken.

I love a happy home, we have our moments of fighting but mostly we are a house full of laughter and smiles.

Proverbs 17:17
A friend is always loyal, and a brother is born to help in time of need.

There are times of upset, times where they are sad and hurt. I am thankful that the Lord gave mother's intuition so that we know how to comfort and love them.

Colossians 3:14
And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.

My favorite activity when they were little was to swing. This is also probably one of my most treasured pictures. There is just something so sweet about it.

Ezek 16:44
"Everyone who quotes proverbs will quote this proverb about you: "Like mother, like daughter."

We are Texans for sure, love bluebonnets and Springtime here.

1 Peter 4:8
Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.

This is another photo that I will treasure forever. Out of 2 bus loads of kids from High School only 3 parents attended the Field trip this year. My son personally asked me, and even smiled for a picture that his teacher took for us. I am thankful I will always have that day.

1 Corinthians 13:13
And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.

Lastly we wrap the beginning of this year up with My Grandma June. If there was ever a mother that I wanted to learn from it was her. She had many kids and then still took care of so many others that were not hers. She was everyone's mom. Now that she is older she will tell you that Babies are like Christmas..I am incredibly thankful that my children got to meet her as teenagers. I am hoping they will have the few days we spent with her forever in their minds. I am incredibly thankful to be a mom. I don't know of a better job on earth. The pay is sometimes rough when bills seem larger than what is on your checkbook balance but I would not trade any of it. It's far the best thing I have ever done and will continue to do. Happy Thankful Thursday.

1 Corinthians 13:4–8a
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails ...