Menu Monday

Well this week starts out kind of with mixed emotions. We had purchased an extra ham this year to have since times are a little tough and food money is scarce, at least for now, while I still look for work or quilt sales. Paul's family decided on Christmas Eve that they would all get together for Christmas, which was wonderful, despite me being sick. They have not gotten together for many holidays in the last few years, so for me this was such a huge blessing to see unity again. I was really missing their mother, as December is the 4th year since her passing. Anyway, we were to bring the Ham. I honestly was a tad upset as that is probably the most expensive part of the meal and Paul did not even consult me. However, it was good in that I was so sick and did not have to prepare it. Paul handled it all.
The Lord had us covered as my cousin Matt and his wife brought by some gifts while we were at church Christmas Eve. They brought some clothes that had been donated to them for our children and then also a Ham, banana bread and some cookies. They did not want to cause a big fuss so they didn't call first. We had planned to go to church that afternoon with some friends, but they cancelled so instead we cleaned up the house some, and then went that evening. That is when Trisha and Matt came by. Our dog Rufus refuses to stay on the change. We continually try new hooks and nothing has worked yet. He is one smart dog. He jumped the fence while we were gone and was in the front yard when they got to our house. They debated leaving the items but then finally decided it would probably be okay. Well we were so embarrassed to learn that they had left all these items. We knew about the ham as it was half gone when we got home. The poor dog, you should have seen how big he was. While I admit we were very upset with the dog we could not really fault him either. So then I felt back to square one on our meal plans...
So this week we will divide our house some meal wise to make things work. Mekenzei went shopping with me this week to help me come up with some ideas. I think its the first time we have gone to the store without a list, just searching for ideas.
Breakfast- kids on break- hot or cold cereal
Lunches- Tuna, Mac N Cheese, Spag O's, PBJ Sandwiches
Dinners
Monday- Boiled eggs and biscuits
Tuesday- Cheese Enchiladas or Bean (n cheese) Burritos
Wednesday- Frozen fish fillets, frozen pizza and fries
Thursday- French Toast and Bacon
Friday- Waffles
Saturday- Grilled Cheese or Tuna Sandwiches
Sunday - Pancakes
I feel so blessed as this year comes to a close. We could not afford to buy gifts this year but a few people pitched in and helped with that. It is so nice to see them have some warm clothes too, as we go through a pretty cold winter. I was talking to Mekenzei today when we went shopping and I apologized for not being able to get their quilts done, or provide them a gift from us directly. She looked at me and said its okay. Then said it was the best Christmas Ever. I have to admit it was really nice. Filled with love, family and togetherness. I think it was the first year I didn't deeply miss my family either. For the first time I really felt part of the family here, outside of my children and husband I mean, part of his family. A prayer of nearly 15 years finally answered.

Merry Christmas

We Wish You a Merry♪♫•*¨*•.¸¸♥ ¸¸.•*¨*•♫♪ Christmas♪♫•*¨*•.¸¸♥ ¸¸.•*¨*•♫♪We Wish You a Merry ♪♫•*¨*•.¸¸♥ ¸¸.•*¨*•♫♪Christmas ♥ ♥ ♥We Wish You A Merry ♪♫•*¨*•.¸¸♥ ¸¸.•*¨*•♫♪Christmas ♪♫•*¨*•.¸¸♥ ¸¸.•*¨*•♫♪...And A Happy New Year!♪♫•*¨*•.¸¸♥ ¸¸.•*¨*•♫♪..

“Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger." Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.”- Luke 2:11-14

Menu Monday

Well this week all three kids are out from school. I really need a better plan for all our meals but this morning discovered we are out of eggs, milk and bread. That really limits what we can do. Hopefully we can pick some more up, but possibly not until Wednesday when we get paid.
I have some canned soups, and other things so we will pull from there for the next few days.
Tuesday I am at the church for the 1, 3 and 5 services, then Wednesday serving at the 7 at least, but possibly the 5 as well.
So my rough menu is as follows
Monday- cheese enchiladas for younger two Jakob on his own.
Tuesday Beans and/or rice
Wednesday Canned veggies, canned fruit and or tuna sandwiches
Thursday- Ham, mashed potatoes, broccoli, yams and rolls-no dessert planned, hope to get some eggs and milk and I can make up a boxed cake or brownies.
Friday - leftovers
Saturday - leftovers
Sunday- Spaghetti and garlic bread

Menu Monday

Wow is this week busy. It is full of school activities, me rushing to get Christmas Gifts done that my mom ordered for everyone and then hopefully just hopefully working on the kids projects for Christmas which I have no idea how at this point I will finish- well outside of Gods Help in the whole thing. I am thinking the kids might just have to wait, which I think they are really realizing at this point too.
Not sure what night is what except tonight... kind of a pick and choose as we go week

Monday-
biscuits with deer meat gravy and eggs
Tuesday-
French Toast
Wednesday-
Tuna Helper for the kids-
beans and cornbread for Paul and I
Thursday-
Waffles
Friday-
Spaghetti and garlic Bread
Saturday-
Hotdogs and hamburgers
Sunday- On your Own

Menu Monday

This week there is alot going on at the school, so menu meals with simplicity are key.

Monday-
Biscuits, deer sausage gravy and eggs
Tuesday-
Spaghetti with deer sausage meat sauce, garlic bread and brocolli
Wednesday-
Pancakes and eggs
Thursday -
Tuna Sandwiches (choir performance tonight)
Friday-
mini sausages wrapped in crescent rolls
Saturday-
Soup and Sandwiches
Sunday-
On Your Own

What am I Learning Friday

You know sometimes I find myself clueless as to what the lord wants. I know others have to feel the same at times also. I want so many things for my life. Some things are pretty normal, like being a good mom or wife or friend. I try to be one that is encouraging and loving and giving. I find myself often giving way to much of my time for things outside of our home. It is hard to balance it all isn't it?
I was sitting in church a couple Saturdays ago and I found I had this renewed deep desire to start a book that our Pastor and his wife wrote. It is called One Month to Live. It was written a while ago but I wanted to dive in. I find that often I am very discouraged in the morning or before I go to bed. Part of it I will admit is medical- the bipolar depression that lingers at times. However part of it very much is a spiritual battle too. I wanted something that would awake my system. I did get the first chapter in this week, I had hoped for the second one as well but we had a family crisis yesterday that deterred my attention. One thing that I found interesting was a question that was asked, What do you want your life to be like after reading this book.
My answers were fairly simple. Mainly a closer walk with Christ.
I find myself on my knees often in prayer more than ever as we are constantly looking for a way to pay for things, or provide certain things for our children and ourselves. I find that I have had to go out of my comfort zone and apply for jobs like being a waitress, or simply ask the Pastor for a job reference. One thing I never imagined was the love I have for volunteering at the school. How much it speaks to my spirit.
Watching these children at the book fair a couple weeks ago or at the Bulldog Store the school has shows me that we truly are not alone. That many are struggling with providing basic needs. I think in a way it is good to see that as it does not allow Satan to grab a hold of us.
This week the alternator in the truck went out and I did not know how we would pay for it, but we did. It did pull from money we had food wise but we just readjusted some things. I found it even more important to tithe.
The one thing I have learned from being out of work is that the children are really enjoying the extra time I have for them, whether it be up at the school or at home. I am grateful for this struggle because of this provision. My heart is always heavy when I have to miss something that they are in etc. For now that is not the case. I do want another job eventually but am finding myself cherish the moments I am being provided, to truly connect individually with each child. The younger two are in their last year of Elementary school. I feel God allowed this perfect timing to help me heal over the idea that I felt like a bad mom. I now recognize that is not the case at all. To have that be a lesson learned I feel will be very valuable as the world continues to press on about what the perfect mom is. I find that I am discovering what I can do to be that for myself. So while trial and tribulation may not be a joyful time, I do enjoy that I am finding the light in the midst of some of the darkness.

Thankful Thursday

We have been very busy with school, church and the holidays. With my laptop in the shop I find it hard to have time to write my blog for sure. The afternoons the kids "jockey" for the computer- either for homework or facebook games. So this post covers quite a bit and I fear I will leave quite a bit out too.
The 3 quilts that I made were just received and they were exactly what each girl will like to have. That is so wonderful as often I contemplate over quilt orders. I like the freedom in just knowing a theme and a few colors then creating what I feel will be great, but to hear that it will be liked by the person getting the gift that is amazing. Between the quilt orders and the Book fair at school and then normal activities I volunteer for I found myself sick most of last week. Partially exhaustion partially a cold. That has left me behind in some things I had hoped to have done.
The weather has really turned to winter I feel. I know this morning when I woke up I nearly froze just walking through the house to wake the younger two up. It was 50 degrees. I can't wait until this weekend when we are able to put blankets or plastic or something up over the windows to hopefully help restore some heat to the house. I am hoping to purchase Jakob a electric blanket as he is the only one without one. I think that will help the nights be a little more bearable as we continue another winter without heat in the house. One day I hope we can replace all the windows, but until then we need to be creative.
Our thanksgiving was great, we went to Paul's families house and had dinner. They took some pictures of families etc. I am still without a camera so we don't have our own copies. I am grateful for facebook as I was able to copy a few. I am hoping to get a hold of the ones with just our children soon. We did our own thanksgiving dinner Monday, a little late but it was wonderful. A friend from the kids school provided us with a turkey and a gift card so we were able to purchase the meal and then some other food. The children love a big feast. I think that will always remain our tradition as Paul and I both love to cook.
We have much to be thankful for as friends from the children's school or closer friends and their families continue to help provide for our needs. My one dear close friend had provided us with some money around our birthday and her parents just gave us a gift card which will allow for us to get groceries next week, it was a wonderful gift.
Yesterday something extraordinary happened. The weather has gotten so cold and our children did not have winter jackets. They have all grown so much, so either they did not fit or they just did not have one. I stopped in to visit a friend I had been trying to connect with yesterday and we were talking about the kids and Christmas and then the weather. Her and her husband decided that they would provide the children's winter coats. That was a huge burden lifted off our shoulders as it was a true need for them. This friend and I went shopping and after a couple of places that had none, we finally found the perfect jacket for each child. I loved just watching them try them on last night before church. I could see that they were extremely appreciative of such a kind gesture.
I am reminded so much of what this season is all about. As our everyone that has touched our lives recently I am sure. It is not about what you give but rather what we have in life through the birth of our Savior Jesus Christ. Without Him we would have and be nothing. I see the news and it saddens me to see how so many families are just like us or worse. Trying to make it on one income in a time where that truly is nearly impossible. Yet with Christ all things are made possible. We continue to be faithful to our Lord and he continues to show us His provision, love and care. I feel truly blessed to have such wonderful people in my life that would take the step to allow God to provide for us through them. I do continue to pray for the Lord's Will with me finding a job, in the meantime I am at peace with the idea that He will provide for our ultimate needs, even something as simple as winter coats.

Thankful Thursday

I find myself so humble before the Lord today. I was pretty down on myself over the weekend because I failed to get a job that I really felt qualified for. I felt it was an answer to prayer to have a teaching job come available at the same school the children attend. I had that I just know God wants this for us mindset. I forget sometimes that even though it seems like God's Plan, that the answer may be wait, or this isn't it, etc..
I have been super stressed not knowing how we will pay for food and gas. With the economy the way it is the food banks are pretty bare. I know our church is very taxed with the large amount of people unemployed and relying on them to help with bills, food and other things. I have been praying alot about my quilting business. For direction, for wisdom, for use of my talents to help the Lord provide for us. I did get an order finalized for a stadium blanket today.
I found myself on my knees in thanks tonight as we were provided with some food and clothes from two friends, also a couple of gift cards. One particular friend provided us with a Turkey. I knew immediately that was an answer to prayer as I have been dreading Thanksgiving. It is our family tradition to do a meal with our family. Paul and I cook all day and we eat together having what my children call a "Big Feast". The turkey is usually the most expensive part. I figured we would get a small chicken, but THE Lord Provided for us. I am grateful to both friends for their provisions for our family.
Tonight I listened to our youth pastor preach about friends. How in times of trouble you find those who will stand by you and truly help you out. Whether it be by immediate prayer for you, monetarily, spiritually ...I can say that I have many of those areas covered. He also spoke tonight about how we should immediately pray with someone. Not just say that we will, and then do that quick oh I forgot prayer. How that the Lord may be using you to encourage another in need. To allow Him to speak through us.
I find myself really relying on some scripture from Philippians 4 tonight, as a shepherd in the kids area told me tonight, The Lord will provide the right job, be patient- not my best strength. I must admit.
⁴Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! ⁵Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. ⁶Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. ⁷And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
So as I go to bed knowing that the Lord is providing for us as I continue to be unemployed. I pray that your needs also be met whatever they are. That the Lord will overflow your cup and that you will find peace, love, joy and happiness.
Amen..

Tackle it Tuesday

Tackle it Tuesday

This morning I was thinking about what a wonderful Blessing my Children are..I must admit things are pretty stressful right now and I did not awake yesterday to a great birthday but by the time my day ended it was full of much love and joy. Amazing how children can truly give unconditional love (when they want to). :-)
My tackle it Tuesday project was to get my nephew's quilt top sewn together. I had cut the blocks yesterday. I wanted to be able to take it into town today to find fabric to match the front- for the border and the back for the backing. I did actually accomplish just that. I hope that I can get this quilt finished up tonight and tomorrow but it will just depend on how things go, as I have a field trip to attend tomorrow for the younger two. This will be their last one. A little bittersweet. Thursday is my interview and then Friday they have character dress up day at school. Might be a little rush but every little bit will count.
Here is some scripture I read this morning on Blessings of The Lord and Children...

Psalm 127

A Song of Ascents. Of Solomon.

¹ Unless the LORD builds the house,
They labor in vain who build it;
Unless the LORD guards the city,
The watchman stays awake in vain.
² It is vain for you to rise up early,
To sit up late,
To eat the bread of sorrows;
For so He gives His beloved sleep.

³ Behold, children are a heritage from the LORD,
The fruit of the womb is a reward.
⁴ Like arrows in the hand of a warrior,
So are the children of one’s youth.
⁵ Happy is the man who has his quiver full of them;
They shall not be ashamed,
But shall speak with their enemies in the gate.

Have a very blessed Tuesday

My 35th Birthday

First off this is my Yummy Birthday dinner. I admit I cooked the chili myself- I love chili. Wish I had some meat for it but it has homemade salsa from our garden this year, then stewed tomatoes we put up from our garden. Peppers- red, yellow and green from our garden, onion, cilantro, garlic and spices. Then we always put fresh tomato, onion and cilantro right on top. Oh and I made these place mats for our table. I didn't have enough material to make 6 but have the five we needed. I hope to buy some more from Walmart to make some potholders and one more place mat, but will have to wait a little while for that.

You know my husband did really well for my birthday this year. Since I lost my job we agreed that we would not do gifts, since we need the money for food and gas. I was very happy that he stuck to that. He did however get me a little something that meant more than any gift he could have bought. A Card. When we were dating he wrote me letters often, even though we lived on campus together and spent a ton of time together. He used to get me cards pretty often in the first five years or so, then every once in a blue moon since then. This card was very sweet and really touched my heart as we seem to fight a little more lately which is very frustrating. See I am the one that is very practical, tries to plan ahead, does not assume I will get a job etc. While he more says he trusts that God will provide enough that he doesn't seem to be so concerned with the real dollar amount. Difference between men and women I am sure..more than faith.


The card read

Having you to love is reason enough to celebrate but now that its your birthday there's all the more reason.
I could wish all kind of happy things and you'd deserve them all.. but since you're so special.
I want to wish you all the happiness you've given me.
You're a very warm and caring person, and you've made such a difference in my life.
No matter where we go or what we do, you're the one who makes those times wonderful.
That's why I hope your birthday celebration is especially wonderful for you...
After all, your birthday only happens once a year.. and someone like you only happens once in a lifetime.

He then just simply wrote Happy Birthday, I know things with money stink right now but all will get better.
I love you...

Simply put by a man..

The kids did awesome. Mekenzei helped make a pumpkin pie last night- 2 of them. And Zekaryah made meatloaf for me, well added the ingredients, mushed it and then put it in the pan. I ate the pie and meatloaf last night, then had pie this morning for breakfast and meatloaf for lunch. All very very yummy.
Tonight the kids ate nuggets and fries. They are not fans of chili or cornbread- their loss not mine. While they were eating they had come up with the idea for Zekaryah to give me $20 cash so I could go purchase a Old Navy sweatshirt. It really brought tears to my eyes. However, I returned the cash as I know it will be a while before they can earn allowance and he may need his money for something. Mekenzei wrote up a card and then sang it to the sound of Alvin and the Chimpmunks it said
Happy Birthday to You
Your not a 100 and two
Happy Birthday Mommy
Happy Birthday to you.
Very cute..

I had many friends and family email, post to Facebook, phone etc to wish me a happy birthday. That was wonderful too. It rained all day so my scheduled lunch with my friend Melissa fell through because she has a baby boy and its not good to take them out when its all rainy like this. I do remember those days. So we will reschedule.

This has been a very great start to Year 35.