tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-87180798031163991342024-03-14T01:03:04.911-06:00Ryan & JeannineJeanninehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12304713119808218799noreply@blogger.comBlogger203125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8718079803116399134.post-64320512971121164772021-05-14T11:56:00.001-06:002021-05-14T11:56:19.246-06:00Motherhood IsMotherhood is morning snuggles in your bed with children who finally went to bed on time thus, waking up before you did.<div><br></div><div>Motherhood is also singing loudly and terribly in the morning because you are running out of ideas to help your children get out of bed and get ready for school in a positive manner. Some mornings are just hard. </div><div><br></div><div>Motherhood is trying to do your business in the bathroom but your toddler needs help getting chicken poop off his foot at that moment. After going back out to play he interrupts you again with a treasure he found outside such as a freshly laid chicken egg. </div><div><br></div><div>Motherhood is trying to save every book in your house from the monstrous grip of little fingers that don’t yet know how to turn pages smoothly or just lift the flap up instead of off.</div><div><br></div><div>Motherhood is washing your son’s arm off after he sticks it in the exhaust pipe. Twice. </div><div>And letting your 1 year old have a drill with a battery (but no drill bit this time because you are nervous he might damage the wood, himself, etc…) so that you can finish your amazing garden box.</div><div><br></div><div>Motherhood doing laundry parties with your kids because otherwise it’s just too dull.</div><div><br></div><div>Motherhood is putting the blinds up over and over again because your kids pull them down.</div><div><br></div><div>Motherhood is letting your child play at Grandma’s instead of going on your long, boring errand. It would probably have been better to take your child on your long boring errand because he probably would have taken a nap in the car, which you won’t realize he desperately needed until a couple hours too late. </div><div><br></div><div>Motherhood is realizing who you should have given a spare house key to after you lock yourself out of the house. </div><div><br></div><div>Motherhood is mud pits and dark handprints all over your walls and windows. The best ones are when you can see hand lines and fingerprints really well</div><div><br></div><div>Motherhood is leaving all the books, toys and shoes on your front room floor because you just can’t take care of that right now. </div><div><br></div><div>Motherhood is getting interrupted from the work you were doing, the sentence you were saying or the question you were answering because there are a million things to do and people who need your attention and action. </div><div><br></div><div>Motherhood is trying to figure out what your child is upset about because having your child hold the book while you read it is not the same as having desperately needed snuggles on the couch with mom.</div><div><br></div><div>Motherhood is keeping your house from ending up a big pile of rubble.</div><div><br></div><div>Motherhood is having no idea what you do with emotions and then trying to teach other people what to do with their emotions, especially the big ones. And you have to regulate their actions and teach them how to self regulate their own actions when they have the big emotions so your house and other people’s property doesn’t break and people don’t get hurt. </div><div><br></div><div>Motherhood is patiently (or maybe you just lack the energy) working with your child to go say sorry to Grandma. Also to the friend across the street. </div><div><br></div><div>Motherhood is helping your children work against the bad habits they picked up somewhere else. And the ones they picked up at home. </div><div> </div><div>Motherhood is either your house is going to be messy or your children are going to feel neglected or your projects aren’t going to be done, etc, etc… You just can’t do all of the things all by yourself. </div><div><br></div><div>Motherhood is saving your children’s lives over and over. </div><div><br></div><div>Motherhood is saying “I love you,” whether your children are being punks or not. </div><div><br></div><div>Motherhood is understanding that your children really aren’t being punks. They just have big emotions and things to figure out and if you’re helping them do that, then good job, Mamma! </div><div><br></div><div>Motherhood is loving that your son decided to live in a clean room and watching the transformation as he takes ownership and responsibility for this. It’s also following through on him actually cleaning that mess of a room he is blessed with. </div><div><br></div><div>Motherhood is teaching your children to work by having them do the jobs with you even though it takes a million more years this way. </div><div><br></div><div>Motherhood is stepping back and letting your child “sweep” the floor, buckle themselves, stir the food you are in a hurry to get on the table, and do all the other things they see you do and they learn to do themselves. </div><div><br></div><div>Motherhood is redistributing your time and schedule so you can have some time to be with your husband. </div><div><br></div><div>Motherhood is trying to do all the things and thanking your husband for getting all the things done. </div><div><br></div><div>Motherhood is finishing your sentence </div><div><br></div><div>Motherhood is calling a potty training consultant or a therapist or other specialist because it’s just not working and you need help. </div><div><br></div><div>Motherhood is rewashing the window because your child washed it with cleaner instead of water. Just use water when you can’t find Windex. </div><div><br></div><div>Motherhood is regulating the media that comes to your house and teaching your children little by little how to regulate their media so they can be moral, healthy, upstanding citizens of society. </div><div><br></div><div>Motherhood is having the hard discussions with your spouse and with your children. </div><div><br></div><div>Motherhood is having absolutely no idea what your child is saying. Sometimes you guess right and sometimes you learn their language and sometimes you have to recall your words and tell them that hitting actually isn’t a good thing to do.</div><div><br></div><div>Motherhood is sometimes breaking the rules you know or have set as well as trying to figure out what the rules actually are or should be. </div><div><br></div><div>later, when it is quiet enough for you to think of what you were trying to say. Maybe physically quiet enough, maybe mentally. </div><div><br></div><div>Motherhood is thinking, “Why didn’t I think of that?!” after you did your chore the hard way. </div><div><br></div><div>Motherhood is trying to find something small to feed your sobbing child because dinner is almost ready but he needed to already eat dinner. </div><div><br></div><div>Motherhood is trying to ignore that your child is on the table with a box of cereal and hoping and praying that he doesn’t pour it out and make a mess, so you can finish what you are doing or get to a good pausing spot. </div><div><br></div><div>Motherhood is I have no idea. </div><div><br></div><div>Motherhood is taking your kids with you to meetings. </div><div><br></div><div>Motherhood is trying to ignore the awful stench emanating from the lower region of a person, while also trying to take care of it right away so he doesn’t get a rash. And so it doesn’t end up on something else. </div><div><br></div><div>Motherhood is being a broken record because you have phrases on repeat such as “sit down.” “Use your words.” “Use your words. Say, I want…” “Look with your eyes.” “Be soft.” “Okay, now before we go in, what are the rules?” “Spit that out. It’s not edible.” “Poops.” “What?... Then what?... What?...” “I don’t know, tell me.” “Come here.” etc… and not being able to think of the funny ones when you sit down to type them. </div><div><br></div><div>Motherhood is finding some way to record the funny and profound things your children say and do because you need to have a record of it somewhere. </div><div><br></div><div>Motherhood is being grateful for your home with a balcony but also wishing and waiting for the day when you have a backyard of your very own. </div><div><br></div><div>Motherhood is thanking your husband for getting you a house with a backyard. You have no idea how helpful this is to my everyday life. </div><div><br></div><div>Motherhood is telling your child you don’t know what you are doing that day 3 times in a row on the way home from school and finally telling him something you might do just to give an answer and give him something else to ask or say. </div><div><br></div><div>Motherhood is realizing your child is right when he says you have had too much screen time. Ya better fix that, Mom.</div><div><br></div><div>Motherhood is literally doing more things at a time than you are capable of. </div><div><br></div><div>Motherhood is babysitting for someone even if life is chaotic that day. </div><div><br></div><div>Motherhood is finding the kitchen garbage can in the living room. And the lid. And some cooking utensils. And some frozen food. </div><div><br></div><div>Motherhood is listening to the same song 47 times in a single day. </div><div><br></div><div>Motherhood is not listening to certain songs you used to or really want to listen to because you don’t want your children repeating some of the words. </div><div><br></div><div>Motherhood is watching your toddler walk around the house in adult shoes. </div><div><br></div><div>Motherhood is forgetting to do that school poster or project with your child. And not cutting out the butterflies for the kindergarteners but I think there is still time. </div><div><br></div><div>Motherhood is sticking up for your children and teaching them to stand up for themselves and to tell their friend’s parents if a kid throws rocks at you while you are at their house. </div><div><br></div><div>Motherhood is heartbreaks because sometimes people are rude or misunderstanding of your children. </div><div><br></div><div>Motherhood is grateful happiness because the lady or gentleman in the grocery store recognized your child for who they are and waved or said hello back. </div><div><br></div><div>Motherhood is re-learning everything. Even how to say goodbye to all the things. Goodbye weeds in the driveway. Goodbye, fence. Goodbye, bird…</div><div><br></div><div>Motherhood is not getting ready for the day in the morning because that requires getting up earlier. And your sisters being impressed or rejoicing with you when you are ready for the day before 10 o’clock that morning! </div><div><br></div><div>Motherhood is listening to your child read sight words over and over. </div><div><br></div><div>Motherhood is you still need your own mother even though you are an adult and have kids of your own. </div><div><br></div><div>Motherhood is putting the cupcakes back in the freezer because that is not dinner… But it’s also opening the peas because that’s the snack your child wants at that moment. </div><div><br></div><div>Motherhood is your children sharing blueberries while you are in the bathroom and hoping and praying that they don’t get their clothes or your white walls stained. And asking your husband to check on them and wash their hands because he just walked in the house. </div><div><br></div><div>Motherhood is listening to that story that goes on and on and on and on and on and on… and having to listen and listen and listen and listen because your child doesn’t leave out any details. And sometimes you have to cut it off. </div><div><br></div><div>Motherhood is realizing you should have acted quickly to help your child in that moment, even if it would have caused friction with another adult. Or another child. </div><div><br></div><div>Motherhood is praying for your children in general and specific ways. Praying for help in raising them and understanding in how to accomplish fixing or avoiding certain problems. Praying for forgiveness because you did wrong. Praying for your child to be kind and loving to others. Praying everything. And listening for and to the answers so you can best move forward.</div><div><br></div><div>Motherhood is having a million plans but only doing 10 thousand. </div><div><br></div><div>Motherhood is interpreting your child to other people. </div><div><br></div><div>Motherhood is also trying to help the neighbor kids. And looking out for the other children in your life. </div><div><br></div><div>Motherhood is turning around and driving home from school when you were 25 feet away because your child doesn’t have shoes. You thought they were in the car but that was yesterday. Today they are on the back porch. </div><div><br></div><div>Motherhood is having different ideas from your child and figuring out together how to style their room. </div><div><br></div><div>Motherhood is not letting your dissapointed young child read a borrowed book called “Pompeii” without Mom or Dad because it has x rated pictures in it. But how do you explain the reason why to such a young child who is just interested because it was a volcano? </div><div><br></div><div>Motherhood is no potty breaks. But at some point you still have to drink water and eat food. And sometimes you just have to be hungry for a bit. </div><div><br></div><div>Motherhood is tears. All the different kinds of tears. Even if you don’t cry them out your eyes.</div><div>It’s also all the feels. </div><div><br></div><div>Motherhood is not knowing the answers to questions and needing to ask somebody else something like, “Why do construction workers put black ‘tape’ on buildings?” </div><div><br></div><div>Motherhood is loving the sound of little quick slapping feet moving across your floor.</div><div><br></div><div>Motherhood is watching your children copy each other in happy living and laughing </div><div>Motherhood is cleaning up after other people. </div><div><br></div><div>Motherhood is that wonderful feeling when your child, no matter how old, gives you a hug or tells you you are beautiful or that he loves you. It’s that wonderful, satisfying feeling when you see your child, no matter how old, helping another person. </div><div><br></div><div>Motherhood is lots of no’s. It’s also lots of yes’s.</div><div><br></div><div>Motherhood is finally having a quiet moment when all your kids are in bed and the house is quiet. And sometimes the dishes wait until tomorrow. </div><div><br></div><div>Motherhood is an oxymoron, full of messes, full of frustration, full of peace and full of joy. It’s completely full of opposites. And even though some moments feel like the absolute worst, motherhood is the best. </div><div><br></div><div>And of course there are the other weeks.</div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div>Jeanninehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12304713119808218799noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8718079803116399134.post-43902760633052571262019-11-28T02:35:00.000-07:002019-11-28T02:35:01.652-07:00Free Thanksgiving PuppetsHappy Thanksgiving, everyone!<br />
Wow! It has been ages since I've been on here!<br />
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Make <b>Thanksgiving</b> more <b>meaningful</b> and more <b>memorable</b> with these free puppets! There are 2 Plymouth pilgrims and 2 wampanoag indians.<br />
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I hope you, your children and your guests enjoy them!<br />
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(*Cut on the solid lines, fold on the dotted. Tape the sides together and stick your fingers in. You could also just cut them out and tape a stick on the back.<br />
It is a vector you should be able to print on a typical 8.5x11 page.)<br />
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<br />Jeanninehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12304713119808218799noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8718079803116399134.post-3920102129346771772018-06-20T00:20:00.000-06:002018-06-20T00:20:55.149-06:00Best egg rolls ever, ever, ever!!!Ok, so there is the slight possibility that these might be beat by someone else's egg rolls, but there are really, really yummy. I am not a person who generally enough the taste of this specific food, but I made this recipe and it was delicious, even to me.<br />
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Egg Rolls:<br />
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Egg roll wrappers<br />
Stuff:<br />
1 lb Sausage<br />
2-3 cups napa cabbage - diced<br />
1-2 cups shredded carrots<br />
2 eggs<br />
Hoisen sauce (about 2 tablespoons)<br />
Teriyaki sauce (I have no idea how much. 2-4 tablespoons, probably.)<br />
2 tablespoons garlic (diced - I used the kind that sits in the big ol'plastic jar in the fridge and totally stinks until you cook it.)<br />
1/2 ish teaspoon Ginger powder (sprinkle, sprinkle, sprinkle, sprinkle. Then sprinkle again.)<br />
1/8 - 1/4 teaspoon 5 spice (optional and to taste.)<br />
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Preheat oven to 425f.<br />
Mix all the stuff together. (Use chopsticks if you really want to be Chinese! 😉)<br />
Put about a quarter cup of stuff on a wrapper. Fold the sides in and roll. Up. (Use water to wet the edges so they will stick.)<br />
Bake on an ungreased cookie sheet for about 15 minutes or until golden.<br />
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Eat half and give the rest to your husband... Or, you know, whoever is in your life.<br />
Bon appetit!Jeanninehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12304713119808218799noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8718079803116399134.post-21867299468029148642017-11-02T09:52:00.002-06:002017-11-02T10:00:26.156-06:00God's Unspeakable GiftIn the Mormon Tabernacle Choir's music video, "Infant Holy, Infant Lowly," we see the story of reconciliation to Christ. The video shows a man in prison. He is praying, holding the Bible. You know he has been studying, repenting, and seeking Christ.<br />
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As I saw this, I realized this man represents all of us. He represents me. I am in bondage when I sin. Sin is a prison and there is a way out. It is through Jesus Christ. The way for me, for each of us, to get out of our spiritual bondage is to repent and come back to Christ.<br />
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I can see the pain in this process, as it turns to joy and gratitude. I can see it clearly in this story, but it is also visible and even tangible in our own lives, whether we have served jail time or not. The point is, Christ is freedom. Christ is love. Christ is happiness. Christ is home. As we come to Christ and forsake our sins, we find those things. We find them because Christ is the giver of all things good. He tells us to come follow him. I have found that as I follow him, even in small ways that seem insignificant, I find, I gain His peace. His love. His light.<br />
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God is our Father. He wants us to be happy. He wants us to come back and live with him after this life. He wants us to walk with him and with Christ in this life. If we want to live with God, we must live his law. We will all fall short, we will all sin. He knew this would happen and it is why he gave us His Son.<br />
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<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="background-color: rgba(255 , 255 , 255 , 0.01); color: #333333; font-family: "palatino" , "palatino linotype" , "pahoran" , "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 18px;">For </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255 , 255 , 255 , 0.01); color: #333333; font-family: "palatino" , "palatino linotype" , "pahoran" , "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 18px;">God</span><span style="background-color: rgba(255 , 255 , 255 , 0.01); color: #333333; font-family: "palatino" , "palatino linotype" , "pahoran" , "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 18px;"> so </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255 , 255 , 255 , 0.01); color: #333333; font-family: "palatino" , "palatino linotype" , "pahoran" , "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 18px;">loved</span><span style="background-color: rgba(255 , 255 , 255 , 0.01); color: #333333; font-family: "palatino" , "palatino linotype" , "pahoran" , "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 18px;"> the </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255 , 255 , 255 , 0.01); color: #333333; font-family: "palatino" , "palatino linotype" , "pahoran" , "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 18px;">world</span><span style="background-color: rgba(255 , 255 , 255 , 0.01); color: #333333; font-family: "palatino" , "palatino linotype" , "pahoran" , "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 18px;">, that he </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255 , 255 , 255 , 0.01); color: #333333; font-family: "palatino" , "palatino linotype" , "pahoran" , "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 18px;">gave</span><span style="background-color: rgba(255 , 255 , 255 , 0.01); color: #333333; font-family: "palatino" , "palatino linotype" , "pahoran" , "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 18px;"> his </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255 , 255 , 255 , 0.01); color: #333333; font-family: "palatino" , "palatino linotype" , "pahoran" , "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 18px;">only </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255 , 255 , 255 , 0.01); color: #333333; font-family: "palatino" , "palatino linotype" , "pahoran" , "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 18px;">begotten </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255 , 255 , 255 , 0.01); color: #333333; font-family: "palatino" , "palatino linotype" , "pahoran" , "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 18px;">Son</span><span style="background-color: rgba(255 , 255 , 255 , 0.01); color: #333333; font-family: "palatino" , "palatino linotype" , "pahoran" , "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 18px;">, that whosoever </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255 , 255 , 255 , 0.01); color: #333333; font-family: "palatino" , "palatino linotype" , "pahoran" , "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 18px;">believeth</span><span style="background-color: rgba(255 , 255 , 255 , 0.01); color: #333333; font-family: "palatino" , "palatino linotype" , "pahoran" , "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 18px;"> in him should not perish, but have </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255 , 255 , 255 , 0.01); color: #333333; font-family: "palatino" , "palatino linotype" , "pahoran" , "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 18px;">everlasting</span><span style="background-color: rgba(255 , 255 , 255 , 0.01); color: #333333; font-family: "palatino" , "palatino linotype" , "pahoran" , "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 18px;"> </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255 , 255 , 255 , 0.01); color: #333333; font-family: "palatino" , "palatino linotype" , "pahoran" , "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 18px;">life</span><span style="background-color: rgba(255 , 255 , 255 , 0.01); color: #333333; font-family: "palatino" , "palatino linotype" , "pahoran" , "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 18px;">.</span><span style="background-color: rgba(255 , 255 , 255 , 0.01); color: #333333; font-family: "palatino" , "palatino linotype" , "pahoran" , "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 18px;">For God </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255 , 255 , 255 , 0.01); color: #333333; font-family: "palatino" , "palatino linotype" , "pahoran" , "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 18px;">sent</span><span style="background-color: rgba(255 , 255 , 255 , 0.01); color: #333333; font-family: "palatino" , "palatino linotype" , "pahoran" , "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 18px;"> not his Son into the world to </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255 , 255 , 255 , 0.01); color: #333333; font-family: "palatino" , "palatino linotype" , "pahoran" , "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 18px;">condemn</span><span style="background-color: rgba(255 , 255 , 255 , 0.01); color: #333333; font-family: "palatino" , "palatino linotype" , "pahoran" , "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 18px;"> the world; but that the world through him might be </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255 , 255 , 255 , 0.01); color: #333333; font-family: "palatino" , "palatino linotype" , "pahoran" , "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 18px;">saved</span><span style="background-color: rgba(255 , 255 , 255 , 0.01); color: #333333; font-family: "palatino" , "palatino linotype" , "pahoran" , "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 18px;">.</span></blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
- John 3:16-17</blockquote>
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We can take hold of Christ. We can choose to let him in to our lives. To make us whole. To receive the Salvation of Christ. He has already performed his work. It is up to us to choose to accept his gift, or to reject it.<br />
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Truly this gift is unspeakable.<br />
Joyous Thanksgiving & Merry Christmas. May God bless you and yours.<br />
~J<br />
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<br />Jeanninehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12304713119808218799noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8718079803116399134.post-76328394124708053902017-09-16T23:47:00.000-06:002017-09-16T23:47:32.924-06:00Refugee HelpI found this article about how to help refugees and I love it. It talks about religious freedom and why being able to exercise your faith in God or who/whatever you believe in is important. (I hope I'm saying things right. I'm a bit tired right now, so brain function is a little low.)<br />
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Anyway, it was beautiful and held me realize there are things - small things- I can do to help the people around be and with whom I associate.<br />
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http://www.mormonnewsroom.org/article/faith-rebounding-refugee-status-elder-holland-windsor<br />
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That's it. That's the article. Now I hope I don't lose it!<br />
<br />Jeanninehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12304713119808218799noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8718079803116399134.post-5777592294403074242017-09-15T01:04:00.000-06:002017-09-15T01:04:19.392-06:00Grateful in all. September.Today I am so grateful to live in a first world country. I am grateful to helpful sisters who are so willing to serve and take care of me. I am grateful for God, his love, his gospel, his son; my Savior, his watchful care over me and my family, and innumerable blessings!<br />
I am grateful that the lady who pushed me out of my lane didn't run me off the freeway and the semi behind me had a good following distance. I'm so grateful God protected me and my baby in that experience.<br />
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I am grateful for my wonderful, hard working, loving, supportive husband. I'm grateful for love for our son. I'm grateful for my son, his innocence, happiness, humor and perfection. I'm grateful that I'm a woman, a wife, a mother. <br />
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That I have wonderful parents, siblings, in-laws, and extended family. I'm grateful I married into a great family and that we get along.<br />
I'm grateful for that stressful moment today... Those stressful, uncomfortable and a word I forgot moments today. I don't know why I'm grateful for the stressed times, but I am.<br />
I'm just grateful today. I have so many blessings.<br />
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Jeanninehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12304713119808218799noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8718079803116399134.post-16488697558425147892017-08-27T22:36:00.000-06:002017-08-27T22:36:59.020-06:00Beautiful Sabbath - a "Mormon" experience(This began as a fb post. Lol. Short and succinct was never my writing forte.)<br />
It has been such a beautiful Sabbath. In Sacrament meeting, we had powerful talks on the doctrine of prayer as well as patience and persevering in the Lord. The sacrament was beautiful. I have good friends who will watch my child while I'm in meetings. I get to see the good effects the light of the Gospel of Jesus Christ brings to people. We had a beautiful and powerful lesson on the Book of Mormon and the truthfulness of it. I got to fast today and it felt more wonderful than usual. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is rolling out a self reliance initiative and it is inspired and amazing. (If/when you have the opportunity to take advantage of it, DO. It will bless your life.) My dear husband makes sure to pray with me in the morning before he goes to choir and our son before he goes to bed. He takes care of the little guy after church when I'm in other meetings. He makes me dinner and comes with me to "my" fireside. And at the end of the evening hd sang some beautiful songs to/with me. I am truly a blessed woman.<br />
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I know everyone has different experiences and blessings. I am just recognizing some of my blessings. I don't always have days like this. I'm human. Writing down the good helps me remember it and try as well as be better and happier.<br />
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I am grateful for the Lord and his tender, consistent mercy. God lives. Jesus is the Christ. They love you. They are there for you. All you have to do is turn your heart to them. Seek God. Obey him. Learn of and follow the teachings of Jesus Christ. If you do, you will have (more) blessings, peace and strength. You will still have trials; but you won't have to bear them alone. God will never be the one to leave you.<br />
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Jeanninehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12304713119808218799noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8718079803116399134.post-40743921526601359562017-07-04T01:26:00.000-06:002017-07-04T01:26:20.364-06:00Today, a woman railed on a man because she thought he was condemning mothers who worked outside the home. (Before their children move out, of course.)<br />
I didn't think that was what the man was saying at all. He was quoting an LDS prophet who asked a group of people if they had their priorities straight. He urged or encouraged the fathers to stop spending their time in pubs and give their attention to their families. He likewise made note to the mothers that their children should be there highest priority. What's is so bad about that?? Who is going to be teaching your children if not you? Well, let's see. That movie they watch over and over and over? Do they even watch the one you're thinking of? How about that kid at the park who yells and yells at and hits her little sister? Or that boy who doesn't understand social cues or rules, and gets pushed around by the older boys and in turn fights with or hits other children? Do you want the neighbors and strangers with filthy mouths and foul ideas to teach your children their thoughts and language?<br />
Or maybe we should have the internet, movies and media teach them that they aren't good enough, skinny enough, smart enough, blond enough, brilliant enough, fashionable enough, musically inclined enough, showy enough, loud enough, athletic enough, rich enough, and a whole bunch of other "enoughs!"<br />
The truth is your children are more than enough of whatever they are. They are good and they need your love, support, boundaries, ears, kindness, goodness, boldness, spiritual strength and testimony and knowledge, your wisdom, your character, your heart. Your children need you. You are the one who can best help them reach their great potential! The are a LOT of resources or there to help you, too! So you don't have to complain that your 3 year old (or your 30 year old) doesn't listen. They listen! And they choose. Have you heard that song from "Into The Woods" called "Children Will Listen?" They listen. And watch. (So don't call your kid a major clutz! Help him learn how to look at what his hands and feet are doing and learn spatial awareness and coordination. We all have things to overcome, after all.)<br />
When you say words to them, what is the real message? "I don't see your worth, so be someone else" or "you are full of with and goodness just by being you!"<br />
Did you know that children who have a mother and a father in the home, who are invested in their children, do better in school, emotionally and socially? Have less problems in school and a higher graduation rate? Have less problems with teen pregnancies and likely abortions. Have greater determination and perseverance to achieve difficult goals.<br />
Mothers and fathers are very important to their children and their children's lives.<br />
I hope I remember to write what kind of a mother I am in the next post.<br />
Strength and blessings!<br />
Jeannine 🙏Jeanninehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12304713119808218799noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8718079803116399134.post-79514915219212415482017-04-28T00:00:00.002-06:002017-04-28T00:00:57.756-06:00We rain painted today. It was nice. But I'm going to be straight up honest: I just want it to be sunny and warm in the absolute worst way!!!!!! My husband reminds me that we are still in the spring season and claims when it gets hot we will wish it were cool and our electricity bill will skyrocket. I don't think so.<br />
(Warning, This next paragraph may seem rantish...)<br />
Last summer I loved the warmth and was in denial when it ended. And as for our electricity bill, I guess we will just have to live in the pool. ...or circulate the cool air early in the morning which means getting up early... I guess that would be good... Or/and we'll have a high bill. That didn't even cross my mind until he pointed it out. But that's life! I'm just so sick of the cold. Blah.<br />
Ok. That being said, I can continue. We did rain painting. It was pretty fun. We left the first paintings in the rain too long, but I took a pic of what it would look like if we brought it in earlier, so you get an idea. Now, without further ado, Here is the experiment!<br />
We used 2 types of paper. The first: regular printer paper.<br />
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Drip drops of food coloring in your paper. Use a brush to spread and mix. Set it in the rain.<br />
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Beautiful, right? Don't leave it out too long! This was probably a good time to bring it in.<br />
This one is on tissue paper. Harder because it is more fragile. But it looked pretty cool when it dried.<br />
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So, both worked out. Watch it so it doesn't soak. Next time we will try wrapping paper and are how it goes.<br />
Happy Rain Painting!<br />
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Ps, this was really a couple days ago. Today we engineered tunafish trains<br />
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and our view was more like this:<br />
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<br />Jeanninehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12304713119808218799noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8718079803116399134.post-67460453595872217622017-04-19T23:58:00.000-06:002017-04-19T23:58:38.160-06:00The Book of Mormon Invites Us To ChristI was looking for a scripture the other day. One that tells the promise of eternal life. I couldn't find what I was looking for, exactly. Tonight, just while reading, I came across exactly what I was seeking:<br />
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Behold, I am the law, and the light. Look unto me, and endure to the end, and ye shall live; for unto him that endureth to the end will I give eternal life. - 3 Nephi 15:9 </blockquote>
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(Jesus Christ speaking to the people on the American continent after his resurrection.)</blockquote>
This is from the Book of Mormon, Another Testament of Jesus Christ. It is similar to the Bible, written by prophets and a record from the people in the Americas who came over from Jerusalem and Babylon.<br />
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We have been promised by a true prophet, Gordon B. Hinckley, that if we will take up a serious, daily study of the Book of Mormon, humbly reading with our hearts open to God, we will have an increased measure of the Holy Spirit.<br />
I think I can do better at dedicating some daily time to a serious study of this inspired book and it's doctrines. I have felt it in the past as I have taken action on the promise. I know the book is true. I'm grateful that God allows us many opportunities to repent and turn to him. <br />
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If you would like to learn more about this beautiful book or read it, please feel free to visit <a href="http://mormon.org/">mormon.org</a> or <a href="http://lds.org/">lds.org</a> both are beautiful and have wonderful tools to help us learn of Jesus Christ, who he is and why he is important in your life. No matter how young or old you are, there is something for you there.<br />
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Peace,<br />
JJeanninehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12304713119808218799noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8718079803116399134.post-80469665522127255572016-11-16T12:31:00.001-07:002016-11-16T12:31:21.135-07:00starry sandy sleep<span style="color: #262626; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 16px;">I hate going to sleep.</span><br />
<span style="color: #262626; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 16px;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #262626; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 16px;">When stars their glow surrounds the moon,</span><br />
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<span style="color: #262626;"><span style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 16px;">when out of dusk they pop,</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #262626;"><span style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 16px;">You're always there for me, dear bed, </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #262626;"><span style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 16px;">Even when I am not.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #262626;"><span style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 16px;">Refreshing rest you always give will ne'er be forgot.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #262626; font-size: 13px; line-height: 16px;">Mr. Sandman will fly round soon</span></div>
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<span style="color: #262626; font-size: 13px; line-height: 16px;">when down I want to flop</span></div>
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<span style="color: #262626; font-size: 13px; line-height: 16px;">Give a peaceful place to rest my head.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #262626;"><span style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 16px;">In sleep I will be caught.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #262626; font-size: 13px; line-height: 16px;">I'll sweetly lay like in a trance and slumber as I ought.</span></div>
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Jeanninehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12304713119808218799noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8718079803116399134.post-42758331236588236222016-08-10T12:41:00.000-06:002016-08-10T12:41:00.347-06:00What is Temple Square? Why does it matter?<br />
A while ago, my in-laws and I went to a place called Temple Square. It's in Utah. The significance of Temple Square is huge. When the Latter Day Saint (Mormon) pioneers were driven out of their lands in what we now call the Midwestern United States, they traveled West. They went out of what was then the boundaries of the United States and created a flourishing city in the middle of a desert - a piece of land no one wanted<br />
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The significance of Temple Square is that it stands of a witness of God, of his love for his children here on earth (as well as those who have passed on), that his gospel and church has been restored in fullness, and it is a witness of the pioneers who came over, giving everything they had for their God and their families. They left their property, social status, wealth, home, family members, some even gave their lives becuase the gospel is so important. Temple Square is where they built a temple to the Lord God. It is where these saints settled finally in peace, being able to live and raise their children in truth and worship God (including living their testimonies of him and his glorious work) in their every day lives. <br />
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Temple Square means that because of the incredible sacrifices made by those who came before, we are able to come learn of Christ and have eternal families. (Temple Square is not the only place with a temple for the purpose of sealing families together for eternity but it is the place of the last beginning. The place from which place things could expand. Because the Early Saints came out of every other place they had settled and made the exodus (many on foot and in harsh winter weather) because they made the exodus from Nauvoo to Salt Lake we are able to have a way to true happiness in this upside-down world. <br />
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Wait. What? People can't have true happiness without Temple Square? That is not exactly what I am saying. But, it is sort of what I am saying. This is why:<br />
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When the Saints came westward, they had built temples to God, so they could learn and receive inheritance blessings from God. They had to leave those temples which they had given so much to be able to build. Now, why would I say that because they left Nauvoo (and all their other settlements), came to Salt Lake, and built Temple Square that the world can have happiness? <br />
<br />I don't know about you, but I never, ever, ever want to lose my family. They mean the world to me. I also never want to leave/abandon/rebel against/lose God. He has blessed me more ways than I can say. Because we have LDS temples, we can be sealed for eternity with our loved ones - our families. We can be sealed in God's eternal family. We have to obey God and follow his gospel in order to have these eternal blessings and when we follow Christ who shows us the way back to God, we are happy. Our lives are so much easier! <br />
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I look at people who neglect their relationship with, turn away from, or rebel against God and it is obvious to see their happiness... turns in to misery. Every single time. It also brings sorrow and heartache to their families. On the other hand, as people come unto Christ, as they follow and let him lead them back to God - no matter what they have done wrong! - they always find comfort and peace and happiness in life. The temple, living up to the covenants we make in the temple, following God's doctrine/laws is how we secure this happiness into our hearts for the eternities after we die. <br />
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Temple Square matters because it is where the saints were finally able to build a Temple of God - just like in biblical times but no longer practicing the law of Moses - and they were not driven out of their city! Instead of being driven away from their temple, they were able to take advantage of attending the temple, teaching their children what the Gospel of Jesus Christ means and their children and their children's children were able to take to the rest of the world the message of Christ, The Plan of Salvation/Happiness, the truthfulness of the restored gospel including the fact that families can be together for ever and ever and ever when they are sealed with God's authority in His holy house! And now the work of God continues to go forward and bring individuals and families the happiness of the gospel. <br />
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I love the temple. Families can be together for eternity. We can find happiness in this life and in our families and for eternity. <br />
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God bless you. ,<br />
Jeannine<br />
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<br />Jeanninehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12304713119808218799noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8718079803116399134.post-91804083351865739502016-06-22T09:18:00.001-06:002017-07-04T09:42:28.039-06:00God's Hand in the Building of America Lecture & SlideshowI went to a lecture by a lady named, Laura Dixon. She was marvelous! She taught us about the building of America. God's hand was in the building of this nation. It was in the works for such a long, long time before the revolution even started. <br />
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This lecture starts with Joan of Arc. (Well, really, it started with the definitions of freedom and liberty, but I didn't even think to record the lecture until after she had started on Joan of Arc.) I didn't realize her history and Christopher Columbus overlapped. (Okay, I didn't really know anything about Joan of Arc before this lecture. I know, I'm late to the game. ;) Maybe some of you are, too, and that's okay. We'll learn together!) Anyway, it is an awesome lecture. I wish you had been there! So, come, now, and journey with us as we re-discover America and what made it so great! <br />
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I really hope you enjoy this lecture on the building of America. It is beautiful, tasteful and accurately said. <br />
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Loves,<br />
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Happy Independence Day! (In less than 2 weeks!!! Aaaaahhhhhhh!!!)<br />
<br />
J.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/A8hArEJH3LQ" width="480"></iframe>Jeanninehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12304713119808218799noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8718079803116399134.post-79382934333963314062016-06-13T13:42:00.001-06:002016-06-13T13:43:42.509-06:00A Mormon Mom’s To Do List.<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "elsie swash caps";">List
of things to do today: (not in specific order)<o:p></o:p></span></h2>
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<span style="font-family: "bradley hand itc";">Things
I actually do today:<o:p></o:p></span></h2>
</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "elsie swash caps";">Read Scriptures and pray<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "bradley hand itc";">Try to sleep while your
baby is bouncing around in your bed, trying to fall off and pull the lamp
over.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td></tr>
<tr><td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 170.75pt;" valign="top" width="228"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "elsie swash caps";">Send letters &
pictures to (name withheld)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "bradley hand itc";">Realize this isn’t
working and he is hungry. Get him a
bottle to drink so you can sleep. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "elsie swash caps";">Email/share music to
brother<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "bradley hand itc";">Check email and fb. There was a shooting while you were out of
town. Ask cousin about it since he’s
the one who posted. No response. It’s too early! *oops<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "elsie swash caps";">Water plants<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "bradley hand itc";">Get up and find some
yoga clothes<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "elsie swash caps";">Make dinner (crockpot?)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<s><span style="font-family: "bradley hand itc";">Do yoga.</span></s><span style="font-family: "bradley hand itc";">
Change baby’s diaper<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "elsie swash caps";">Clean house<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "bradley hand itc";">Water Plants and keep
baby from throwing some pots off the balcony.
Keep baby from bringing plants in the house while you refill the water
pitcher for the other plants.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "elsie swash caps";">Call cousins to say
happy birthday<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<s><span style="font-family: "bradley hand itc";">Do yoga</span></s><span style="font-family: "bradley hand itc";">.
Go to the bathroom and play the game where you try to get your baby to
shut the door and leave you alone while you are in the bathroom. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "elsie swash caps";">Research foster care<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<s><span style="font-family: "bradley hand itc";">Do yoga</span></s><span style="font-family: "bradley hand itc";">.
Help baby put away the SOS pads he got out while you were in the
bathroom. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "elsie swash caps";">Write in journal<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "bradley hand itc";">Realize
the front door was unlocked and he could have walked out at any time. Thank Heavenly Father he didn’t do that<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td></tr>
<tr><td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 170.75pt;" valign="top" width="228"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "elsie swash caps";">Calendar Natalie’s
Baptism<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<s><span style="font-family: "bradley hand itc";">Do
yoga</span></s><span style="font-family: "bradley hand itc";">. Eat breakfast<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "elsie swash caps";">Practice music<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "bradley hand itc";">Finally start yoga. Put the heavy box in front of the tv so
baby doesn’t keep trying to get the electronics and to keep him from turning
off the tv b/c you are doing the at home yoga and your coach is on the
tv. You are new to yoga and you need
the tv on for it. The phone screen is
way too small.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "elsie swash caps";">Do yoga<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td><td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 296.75pt;" valign="top" width="396"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<s><span style="font-family: "bradley hand itc";">Do yoga</span></s><span style="font-family: "bradley hand itc";">.
Try to do yoga while you keep your baby from hitting you with a stick,
pulling the plugs behind the tv, pulling your clothes up or down, climbing on
you, hitting you with the yogurt maker lid, and pulling your hair. Make sure you are interacting with him in a
positive way so he feels loved and not neglected.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "elsie swash caps";">Find nutritionists in
the area<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td><td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 296.75pt;" valign="top" width="396"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "bradley hand itc";">Enough with the
hairpulling – put baby in bed for the last few minutes of yoga. Ahh.
Lay on the floor and relax.
Baby is calling you. You call
back to baby that you’ll be there in a moment.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "elsie swash caps";">Love and play with baby<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td><td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 296.75pt;" valign="top" width="396"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "bradley hand itc";">Wake up and realize your
baby was stinky when you put him in bed for the 3 minutes that have turned
into a nice, long nap for both of you.
At least you think he slept. He
acts like he slept. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td></tr>
<tr><td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 170.75pt;" valign="top" width="228"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "elsie swash caps";">Give baby outside time<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td><td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 296.75pt;" valign="top" width="396"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "bradley hand itc";">Change baby’s
diaper. Get him dressed. <s>Give him a bottle</s>. <s>Find his bottle</s>. Nevermind, here is another one. The other one will turn up eventually. (Hopefully sooner than later.) <o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td></tr>
<tr><td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 170.75pt;" valign="top" width="228"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "elsie swash caps";">Check for audition and send
in audition if possible. (This can
technically happen tomorrow when you will be just as busy.)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td><td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 296.75pt;" valign="top" width="396"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "bradley hand itc";">Have lunch. Bagels and honey butter it is. Melt the butter too much. Put the bowl of honey butter on ice while
stirring so that it will harden enough to be spreadable. Enjoy lunch with baby. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "elsie swash caps";">Make Dr.’s appointment<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td><td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 296.75pt;" valign="top" width="396"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "bradley hand itc";">Calendar Natalie’s
baptism. Email husband picture he asks
for. (That’s easy, it doesn’t really
count on the “to do list,” but you feel better putting it on.)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td></tr>
<tr><td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 170.75pt;" valign="top" width="228"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "elsie swash caps";">Find least expensive
service for the thing that needs to be fixed<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td><td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 296.75pt;" valign="top" width="396"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "bradley hand itc";">Tell your brother the plan
for Family Home Evening since his family is coming over for it. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td></tr>
<tr><td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 170.75pt;" valign="top" width="228"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "elsie swash caps";">Figure out Family Home Evening
agenda/schedule<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td><td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 296.75pt;" valign="top" width="396"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "bradley hand itc";">Calendar another event
you just got invited to. RSVPing even
though that’s a busy day and you may not make it… Yeah, you’ll probably make it. Well, unless that’s the day you are
celebrating your anniversary<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td></tr>
<tr><td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 170.75pt;" valign="top" width="228"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
</td><td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 296.75pt;" valign="top" width="396"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "bradley hand itc";">Readjust your to-do
list. It’s already 1:00! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table border="1" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="MsoTableGrid" style="border-collapse: collapse; border: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-padding-alt: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-yfti-tbllook: 1184;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 233.75pt;" valign="top" width="312"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<i><span style="color: #2e75b6; font-family: "elsie swash caps"; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #2E75B6; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: lumm=75000; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: accent1; mso-themecolor: accent1; mso-themeshade: 191;">New to-do list<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
</td>
<td style="border-left: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 233.75pt;" valign="top" width="312"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #2e75b6; font-family: "bradley hand itc"; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #2E75B6; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: lumm=75000; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: accent1; mso-themecolor: accent1; mso-themeshade: 191;">Actual to-do list (The
things that really happen.)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 233.75pt;" valign="top" width="312"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<i><span style="font-family: "elsie swash caps";">Clean
the house – at least the front rooms where the company will be tonight<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 233.75pt;" valign="top" width="312"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "bradley hand itc";">Show your baby it’s
raining<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 233.75pt;" valign="top" width="312"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<i><span style="font-family: "elsie swash caps";">Wash
and cook potatoes<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 233.75pt;" valign="top" width="312"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "bradley hand itc";">Interact with him a
little bit while keeping his cute fingers off of the computer while you type
this silly list so that you can show your husband your accomplishments today. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 233.75pt;" valign="top" width="312"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<i><span style="font-family: "elsie swash caps";">Figure
out what to have with the potatoes and if it’s meat, make sure there is
enough time to defrost and cook it<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 233.75pt;" valign="top" width="312"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "bradley hand itc";">Play with baby and then
do the stuff on your lists.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 233.75pt;" valign="top" width="312"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<i><span style="font-family: "elsie swash caps";">Find
the music for tonight<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 233.75pt;" valign="top" width="312"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 233.75pt;" valign="top" width="312"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 233.75pt;" valign="top" width="312"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Jeanninehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12304713119808218799noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8718079803116399134.post-193048517406780142016-04-05T23:55:00.000-06:002016-04-05T23:55:02.801-06:00Yummy Lentil Stew / meat sauceSo, folks, it's been a while. It's been a while.<br />
I am here today to tell you the secret to some Yummy, EASY, husband-pleasing lentils! "Is that even possible?? you may ask? Well, Yes. Yes, it is. And I'm going to tell you the secret. (Unless your husband does not like tomatoes. In that case, you will need to start looking for a new recipe, my dear!) <br />
<br />
<img src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2556/3851293947_ea9a7d9fd7_b.jpg" /><br />
<br />
<br />
I have been trying to (and succeeding in:)) eating healthier! I have not consumed sugar for over 2 weeks! (Unless the pickled beets that I ate had sugar in them... But let's not count that. I really don't know. Let's stay positive here! ...I'm positive there is a chance I did have sugar. :P rats. Moving on!) It has been a lot easier than I thought it would be. (Really, I'm doing the Fast Metabolism Diet by Haley Pomroy.) And, I can eat a lot of food. It's great! <br />
<br />Okay, I started this diet the Monday before Easter - good thinking, not! But on the other hand, I didn't eat any Easter candy! That's good. On the other hand, I did save a rice crispy treat for myself. I stuck it in my freezer with some m&m's. Rice Crispy Treats are my FAVORITE! (sometimes tying with popcorn.) And the candies were just there and everyone was getting some, so I couldn't be left out! Come on, people! So, yeah. On that other hand, it was a bad idea to start before Easter, after all. <br />
Of course, it's never a good time to start a diet. There will always be something or someone who wants to feed you whatever it is you are not eating. So, let's just get it over with! Really.<br />
<br />
Okay,<br />
The real reason I'm writing this post is to say that this lentil sauce/stew is AMAZING. A-maz-ing. Who knew? I said to my co-worker the other day, "It is so hard to eat healthy in America! We don't even know how to eat healthy!" (Something to that effect.) <br />
<br />
I am trying lentils. And I've been trying lentils. And trying!<br />
I finally succeeded. And didn't take a picture. So, pretend this:<br />
<img alt="Meatless Meatsauce Zucchini Pasta -8" src="http://cdn.lemonsandbasil.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/Meatless-Meatsauce-Zucchini-Pasta-8-680x916.jpg" /><br />
<br />
is without zuchinni and more soup-y. Does it seem like it might be good? If not, you are not trying hard enough. Or you just don't even know. Let me tell you 'bout it. (Thanks for the pic, <a href="http://lemonsandbasil.com/zucchini-spaghetti-with-lentil-marinara/">Lemons & Basil</a>!)<br />
<br />
This diet is SO eye-opening. For a couple days per week I have to have a very high in protein and veggies intake. It's nuts. I have to have protein with every meal and for every snack. It is seriously hard. Because none of it can be plant protein. It's all meat. (Unless you are a vegetarian, vegan, or have religious ...what's the word?? laws you go by. Mine is the religious one.) I don't eat (or am not supposed to eat) meat often. I mean, It's fine to have meat, but 5 times a day! That's A LOT. You want to know the real wording? What this law actually says? It's called the <a href="https://www.lds.org/topics/word-of-wisdom?lang=eng">Word of Wisdom</a>. Just FYI, it says this about eating meat. <br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="background: 0px 0px rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314); border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Pahoran, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 25.2px; margin-bottom: 26px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314); color: #333333; font-family: Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Pahoran, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 25.2px;">Yea,</span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314); color: #333333; font-family: Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Pahoran, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 25.2px;"> </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314); color: #333333; font-family: Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Pahoran, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 25.2px;">flesh</span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314); color: #333333; font-family: Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Pahoran, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 25.2px;"> </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314); color: #333333; font-family: Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Pahoran, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 25.2px;">also of</span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314); color: #333333; font-family: Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Pahoran, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 25.2px;"> </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314); color: #333333; font-family: Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Pahoran, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 25.2px;">beasts</span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314); color: #333333; font-family: Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Pahoran, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 25.2px;"> </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314); color: #333333; font-family: Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Pahoran, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 25.2px;">and of the fowls of the air, I, the Lord, have ordained for the use of man with thanksgiving; nevertheless they are to be used</span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314); color: #333333; font-family: Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Pahoran, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 25.2px;"> </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314); color: #333333; font-family: Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Pahoran, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 25.2px;">sparingly;</span>And it is pleasing unto me that they should not be used, only in times of winter, or of cold, or famine.</blockquote>
(<a href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/89?lang=eng">source: lds.org</a>)<br />
<br />
SO, this is why I'm opting for the "vegetarian option" so to speak. And MAN! Is it good! It's so good. I think I just ate 2 cups of the stuff. Seriously. I FOUND A YUMMY, YUMMY LENTIL RECIPE! Okay, the one I did is altered. But it is so good. And I think the original which you can find here is also really yummy b/c mostly all you do differently is add tomato paste. And measure...<br />
<br />
MY YUMMY LENTILS<br />
<br />
(Now, remember, everything in this recipe is approximate. I don't know how much I put in of anything except for the tomatoes.) <br />
<br />
Ingredients:<br />
a lot of lentils Like 4 cups<br />
6 cups water<br />
2 cans of tomatoes. (diced winco brand is dandy if you don't care about or, like myself, you don't have the energy or income to go all organic non-gmo blah blah blah.)<br />
dried onions<br />
garlic powder<br />
salt<br />
oregano<br />
basil<br />
crushed red pepper flakes (just a tiny, tiny bit.)<br />
(Italian seasoning which has...marjoram maybe, rosemary, thyme, and the above mentioned herbs)<br />
<br />
Method:<br />
1. Boil your lentils in 6 cups of water and 1/4 tsp salt for about 30 minutes. This used up ALL my water, so don't let it go too long. You will need to keep an eye on this baby! (If you have canned lentils, just skip this step.)<br />
<br />
2. add the rest of the ingredients. <br />
<br />
3. warm it all up together and let the flavors become your new best friend.<br />
<br />
4. scoop it up, let it cool a bit and enjoy!<br />
<br />
Seriously. SO EASY. And Delicious.<br />
My hubby said, "Mm. That smells good." And when I told him to try some he said he was going to have another bite! (He already had dinner) And he's happy to eat it for lunch tomorrow. <br />
I have to go. Bye. <br />
Peace and lentils and happiness.<br />
J<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Jeanninehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12304713119808218799noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8718079803116399134.post-10045513999555316002015-12-21T22:52:00.002-07:002015-12-21T22:52:14.349-07:0020 Stress-free Christmas Celebrations for your familyMeaningful Ways to Celebrate Christmas... without all the stress<br />
I sometimes wonder how I can make a Christmas holiday focus more on Jesus Christ and less on Santa and getting presents. Although I like the tradition of Santa Clause, I don't want my children to grow up thinking that Santa bringing them presents is what Christmas really means.<br />
I thought about some ways to celebrate Christ's birth that would not be stressful or complicated and that anyone could do, no matter their budget. <br />
<br />
<h4>
Focus on Christ - what Christmas really is and why we have the holiday.</h4>
<br />
<ol>
<li>- Read the Nativity Story - The most popular reading of this beautiful, beautiful story is in <a href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/nt/luke/2?lang=eng" target="_blank">Luke 2</a>, however, it can also be found in <a href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/nt/matt/1?lang=eng" target="_blank">Matthew 1</a> (and the wise men come in the next chapter!) Meanwhile on the American continent Samuel prophesies of Christ's birth and gives the people signs of his coming. (<a href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/bofm/hel/14?lang=eng" target="_blank">Helaman 14</a>.) Later, in <a href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/bofm/3-ne/1?lang=eng" target="_blank">3 Nephi 1</a> Is their account of the birth of our savior. It is So beautiful. <br /></li>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Twn1cb7SNqI/Vnjhun5E9sI/AAAAAAAAGJE/KUHSlxLmmMs/s1600/IMG_20151212_123601.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Twn1cb7SNqI/Vnjhun5E9sI/AAAAAAAAGJE/KUHSlxLmmMs/s320/IMG_20151212_123601.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A little historical note I found at a museum</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<li>-Read stories of Christ - Whether it is his birth, life, ministry or resurrection, the Biblical and Book of Mormon accounts of Christ and his teachings are amazing. If you read with a heart open to the Holy Ghost, you will learn and you will be edified every time! This is one reason why I love the scriptures. <br /></li>
<li>-Act out the Nativity - One of my favorite traditions from my husband's side is that on Christmas Eve, Father reads the nativity from the Bible and the children dress up as the characters and act it out as he reads it. A fun way to do this is to use scarves or scraps of cloth or bathrobes so everyone gets to dress up for the part. Adding props is fun - gifts from under the tree or a jewelry box or bag become gold, frankincense and myrrh. Use other household props or keep it simple and enjoy the purity of the account that way. Sometimes the actors like to play their roles silently and sometimes they like to read their lines. Do what works for your family! <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="A young girl in a biblical costume bends over a wicker basket to put a plastic baby doll inside during a reenactment of the Nativity." itemprop="contentURL" src="http://media.ldscdn.org/images/media-library/christmas/children-live-nativity-1083647-gallery.jpg" style="background: 0px 0px rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314); border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-family: DistrictLight, 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'Lucida Sans', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 13px; margin: 0px auto; max-width: 100%; padding: 0px; text-align: center; vertical-align: baseline;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">courtesy LDS.org</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /><br /></li>
<li>-Color the nativity - Make the best picture you can or <a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=free+nativity+coloring+page&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjB963N2-7JAhVLaT4KHc5jB5UQ_AUIBygB&biw=1242&bih=585" target="_blank">print a free nativity</a>! (Or carefully trace it. Like really carefully so you don't hurt your compy.)<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="A black-and-white illustration of the first Christmas with Mary, Joseph, baby Jesus, a shepherd, and a few animals in the hay." itemprop="contentURL" src="http://media.ldscdn.org/images/media-library/primary/primary-symbols/gospel-topics/nativity-coloring-page-774812-gallery.jpg" style="background: 0px 0px rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314); border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-family: DistrictLight, 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'Lucida Sans', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 13px; margin: 0px auto; max-width: 100%; padding: 0px; text-align: center; vertical-align: baseline;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Free coloring page from LDS.org</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /><br /></li>
<li>-Talk about what you would do if you were supposed to go to the Christ child on that holy night. Or, who you would have liked to have been on that holy night. If you are not the kind of person you want to be, or would want to have been then, what are some ways that you can start working on or toward your own spiritual progress? Make a goal or 2 and have someone to be positively accountable to. <br /></li>
<li>-Watch nativity videos - The Nativity Story is a full length video made in 2006 about the coming of Christ's birth. It is beautifully done. I definitely recommend it. Other shorter clips that helps us think of Christ or learn of his birth can be found <a href="https://www.lds.org/media-library/video/topics/christmas?lang=eng">here</a>. I love these little clips. They are so touching. I think you will enjoy this free little library of inspiring short videos. This is truly a wonderful resource. You can also find some more at at <a href="https://www.mormon.org/christmas">www.mormon.org/christmas</a> <br /></li>
<li>-Find a way to give to someone in need. Serving someone at a soup kitchen, singing to or visiting with a lonely neighbor or family member, taking a meal or treat to someone, etc... Any way you can let someone know they are loved and remembered will be a good service. Whoever you visit is just like you; a child of God. <a href="https://www.lds.org/youth/article/how-to-give-gifts-to-christ?lang=eng">How To Give Gifts To Christ (For Youth)</a><br /></li>
<li>-Use an art medium to create a nativity scene. - Traditional or nontraditional mediums. Just get your creative juices flowing and add beauty to your home with whatever you imagine. Need ideas: pinterest and google. There isn't really much I need to say on this one, is there? BUT I will say that truly beautiful art will add much to any place. <br /></li>
<li>-Gift box for Christ - Make a gift box, jar, or other item that can hold slips of paper and that you will not mind sitting in a prominent or highly visual place in your house. Everyone in your family writes (or draws) what they will give Christ this year. Throughout the year, review your progress and update your goals as needed.<br /><div style="text-align: center;">
<img src="http://hygra.com/uk/jb2/JB448/images/hygra_jb448-1.JPG" /></div>
</li>
<li>-Let your baby type on the computer. Like this: l.</li>
</ol>
L><br />)P?><br />|<br />(That was a joke...)<br />
<br />
<h4>
<b>Connect with your Family -Past-Present-Future</b></h4>
<br />
<ol>
<li>-Read or tell Christmas stories or experiences from your life, your parents, grandparents, or anyone in your family tree<br /></li>
<li>-Read inspirational Christmas stories - Growing up we loved to hear about my great grandmother's Christmas. I could almost quote the whole thing just from hearing it every Christmas. Amelia's Christmas by my Aunt Mary. She wrote it in elementary school, I think. "The closer it got to Christmas, the more secrets there were..."<br /></li>
<li>-Watch a Christmas movie together - Frosty the Snowman, Miracle on 34th Street, The Nativity Story, Cricket on the Hearth, Charlie Brown Christmas, It's a Wonderful Life, etc... There are so many I can't name them all here and still keep the purpose of this post. You know what to do.<br /></li>
<li>-Read/tell the stories of the original Santa Clause - I went to a museum and saw a Christmas display. 1/3 Santa 2/3 Nativity. It was so fun to go see all the nativities!! (I'm sidetracking) The only thing about Santa Clause that really caught my attention were these little stories of how we got the Santa Clause tradition in the first place. <br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JFVrAiDshL4/VnjhuU3dsyI/AAAAAAAAGI4/Axjx5V3lqmY/s1600/IMG_20151212_121647.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JFVrAiDshL4/VnjhuU3dsyI/AAAAAAAAGI4/Axjx5V3lqmY/s320/IMG_20151212_121647.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PTJjbqJCUkI/Vnjht3m8ZlI/AAAAAAAAGIw/Dnnb38q3H_M/s1600/IMG_20151212_121855.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PTJjbqJCUkI/Vnjht3m8ZlI/AAAAAAAAGIw/Dnnb38q3H_M/s320/IMG_20151212_121855.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />Oh, yeah, and there was a gingerbread room. That was kinda fun - to see all the gingerbread houses. My favorite was a replica of a church from (Switzerland?) that the artist's grandfather had attended. <br /></li>
<li>-Sing Christmas songs - Around a tree, outside, around your table, in your living room, wherever. It doesn't matter where. It will lift your spirit. Music is powerful. One of my favorite activities with my family is singing. At Christmas time we love to sit around the tree and sing Christmas carols together. <br /></li>
<li>-Make a fun meal together. It doesn't have to be fancy. Pancakes - add red OR green food coloring and suddenly they are Christmasy! Try drizzling the pancake batter in Christmas shapes. Look on google or pinterest for fun, easy, festive food ideas.<br /></li>
<li>-Make Christmas or winter crafts - google this if you don't have any ideas. There are a billion and one things to do out there!<br /></li>
<li>-Play with your children - the gift of time and attention is so valuable. Your children may or may not remember the exact experience, but they will value the relationship you build with them and that is more important to remember. Your children/teenagers may not act like it is cool, but they will know you love them. <br /></li>
<li>-Go do something together - go to the movies, go sledding, build a pillow and blanket fort, carol at a nursing home, play in the snow, do a snow dance if you don't have snow but want it, anything! Just go do something with your family. Let your family members know you love them and love to spend time with them.<br /></li>
<li>-Sit and talk together - about anything. Make up stories, tell why you love each other, talk about school, work, play, home, build plans together, talk about your dreams and wishes, etc... Listen, too. Part of having a good conversation is being an engaged listener.<br /></li>
<li>-Make a new Christmas treat together - Peppermint bark is really easy and delicious! All it takes is white chocolate and candy canes. Melt the chocolate, crush the canes and mix. Let it dry and voila! yum. (It's not an exact science, but 1/2 pound bark to 12 candy canes is a good starting ratio.) Caramel or candy popcorn, fudge, whatever tickles your fancy!<br /></li>
<li>Christmas Pin Art - If your child is old enough to do this on his own, great. If he needs a little help, great. Sketch/draw a Christmas (or not Christmas) picture on a paper. Put it on the carpet or other soft place. Using a pin, paperclip, pen, or pencil... poke holes through your outlines. When you are finished, hold it up in front of a light or lamp and see the picture shine! (Really, all you need is outlines. If you feel really inadequate drawing, print or trace a picture on white paper and put your dark paper underneath before you make the holes.) </li>
</ol>
<br />
<br />
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<br />Jeanninehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12304713119808218799noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8718079803116399134.post-9151990170295447452015-11-25T15:42:00.000-07:002015-11-29T15:09:40.789-07:00OctoberBaby man got a new toy in October. It was pretty fun to watch him try to figure it out. At first, he liked exploring it but didn't know really how to use it. He is figuring it out and now he likes it better.<br />
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First day with his new jumper!</div>
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Jeanninehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12304713119808218799noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8718079803116399134.post-55101451807397753792015-11-18T13:59:00.002-07:002015-11-29T14:57:15.603-07:00Random Summary of October HappeningsOur little family has been so busy. Here are a few updates from the last little while. <br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IyQbucsBR6s/VkzXozV30pI/AAAAAAAAFiw/eJxhX0Aa3nU/s1600/DSCF2582-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a>October 1: Our family was made "official" and "legal." Yay! This is our Adoption Day. It was pretty good.<br />
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<img border="0" height="274" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Nt5wx41DHkE/VkwXJ5NUgoI/AAAAAAAAFhQ/D6iurVXPw24/s320/DSCF2587-002.JPG" style="text-align: center;" width="320" /><br />
Mostly, it was interesting to get an in person glimpse of the way the court system works. <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZdYjJuoVHAo/VkzYKQFtdvI/AAAAAAAAFi4/MPiISBvgZGs/s1600/DSCF2580.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZdYjJuoVHAo/VkzYKQFtdvI/AAAAAAAAFi4/MPiISBvgZGs/s320/DSCF2580.JPG" width="320" /></a>My uncle was graciously our lawyer and we had a representative from our adoption agency with us and some of our family members were able to sit in on the hearing! It was pretty cool. I was a little nervous when I was answering questions. Okay, I was really nervous. But it all went well and we 3 became 1 family. Legally. We already felt like a family, so it was just more of a formality to us.<br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZdYjJuoVHAo/VkzYKQFtdvI/AAAAAAAAFi4/MPiISBvgZGs/s1600/DSCF2580.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><br /></a>
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IyQbucsBR6s/VkzXozV30pI/AAAAAAAAFiw/eJxhX0Aa3nU/s1600/DSCF2582-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IyQbucsBR6s/VkzXozV30pI/AAAAAAAAFiw/eJxhX0Aa3nU/s1600/DSCF2582-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IyQbucsBR6s/VkzXozV30pI/AAAAAAAAFiw/eJxhX0Aa3nU/s320/DSCF2582-001.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spontaneous Family+ Photo</td></tr>
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I got a new brother for a couple of weeks. My parents had a foreign exchange student from Germany. He is awesome and we loved having him. The Sunday after he left, I was at my folks' house and just felt like things were a little lonely. I told my dad it was weird that he wasn't there and I wished that he was. We miss him. <br />
My little nephew was blessed and that was beautiful. I mean, he received his name and blessing at church. Afterward, family and friends gathered at my parents' to celebrate and enjoy life together.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aAxmnnrxj8o/VkzabOHiPAI/AAAAAAAAFjI/3VvY3ceTysg/s1600/DSCF2874.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aAxmnnrxj8o/VkzabOHiPAI/AAAAAAAAFjI/3VvY3ceTysg/s320/DSCF2874.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AO2Y-SHNuj8/VkzacdexlsI/AAAAAAAAFjQ/uhrkUsiociw/s1600/DSCF2894.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AO2Y-SHNuj8/VkzacdexlsI/AAAAAAAAFjQ/uhrkUsiociw/s320/DSCF2894.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SCYR2GLjQ2c/VkwoAZhAAQI/AAAAAAAAFh8/-_gr2zphx_Q/s1600/DSCF2959.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SCYR2GLjQ2c/VkwoAZhAAQI/AAAAAAAAFh8/-_gr2zphx_Q/s320/DSCF2959.JPG" width="213" /></a><br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QCez-swduqg/VkwoAYu55bI/AAAAAAAAFh4/HWop7l_QhoA/s1600/DSCF2966.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QCez-swduqg/VkwoAYu55bI/AAAAAAAAFh4/HWop7l_QhoA/s320/DSCF2966.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
Little Man learns so fast. He finally figured out how to crawl. Our little friend who is a month older showed him. Then, a week after he learns to crawl, He started pulling himself up on things! Tada! New trick. "...We will now see Little Man pull himself up from the floor on a rocking chair!" <br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SCYR2GLjQ2c/VkwoAZhAAQI/AAAAAAAAFh8/-_gr2zphx_Q/s1600/DSCF2959.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-k6t3bEqk660/VkwXbeCUWiI/AAAAAAAAFhg/mnaQBdMswnU/s1600/DSCF2681.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-k6t3bEqk660/VkwXbeCUWiI/AAAAAAAAFhg/mnaQBdMswnU/s320/DSCF2681.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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The rest of October we were getting ready for our temple day. It was kind of stressful at some points but totally and completely worth it. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ready to go!</td></tr>
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October 24: Our Family Sealing. It was the "Best Day Ever!" Serioiusly. We had been waiting for this day for 7 months and it finally came! We were able to take our angel boy to the temple, the house of the Lord and have him sealed to us for this life and beyond. Before God, we are now a family and if we live true to the covenants that we have made in the temple, we get to be a family after we pass on to the next life. This is the greatest thing! It is my favorite thing about the gospel. One of my favorite things, anyway. <br />
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It was so beautiful. I was stressed before we went, because we had a big weekend and my house was not perfect. Oh well. Then, Saturday evening we went to the temple. We sang a couple hymns on the way. When we arrived and went in, things just got peaceful. Peaceful and peaceful. We knew what we were doing was right. We knew there were angels there with us. We didn't give a lot of notice to our family, but a lot of our family were somehow able to come. They changed their plans for us! It was so meaningful. It was so special. It was so happy! There was power there. What I learned most from our temple sealing are: 1. Angels minister to man. And they do it in families. 2. There is power in the temple. 3. There is power in families. This is power from God. It is strength. It is peace. It is courage. It is comfort. I love it. It's a beautiful thing.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;">Forever Family ~*~ Eternal Family</td></tr>
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The next day was his baby blessing. It was beautiful. I'm grateful that he was able to receive a name and blessing at church. I'm grateful for the holy Priesthood being on the earth today. </div>
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I wish I could thank my baby's birth mother. She is so beautiful and we are so grateful to her for who she is and what she has done for us and our little guy. We do say thank you, but it is never enough. There is just no way that the words, "Thank you" can mean on paper mean what they do in our hearts. We love her and hope she knows it. <br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-W4S_sVgHAfs/VkzgeKlQWKI/AAAAAAAAFjo/j7gtkuJTH9M/s1600/20151031_221753.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><br /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-to5Dyj7Nawc/VkzgRrLOdaI/AAAAAAAAFjg/TpXeBX3DXA8/s1600/20151031_192723.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-to5Dyj7Nawc/VkzgRrLOdaI/AAAAAAAAFjg/TpXeBX3DXA8/s320/20151031_192723.jpg" width="180" /></a>Halloween we had a little get together with some friends. Ryan made "Boo Bubbles" with dry ice, water, soap, and a container with a tube. The neighbor kids LOVED it. After our get together we still had some dry ice, so we got to have a little date at our table. We loved it! <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-W4S_sVgHAfs/VkzgeKlQWKI/AAAAAAAAFjo/j7gtkuJTH9M/s1600/20151031_221753.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-W4S_sVgHAfs/VkzgeKlQWKI/AAAAAAAAFjo/j7gtkuJTH9M/s320/20151031_221753.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;">Halloween: "I (am) a horse."</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;">Pre-Halloween Fun</span></td></tr>
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Those are the big events that happened in October. On to a new month, season, chapter, etc...<br />
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God Bless,<br />
Jeannine<br />
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<br />Jeanninehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12304713119808218799noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8718079803116399134.post-2955966760928837322015-11-17T22:49:00.001-07:002015-11-17T22:49:53.422-07:00Pumpkin BreadOkay, let's face it. The reason I am putting this recipe on my blog is so that I don't lose it! My mom sent me this recipe b/c it is REALLY good. I know; I tried it. And when I say I tried it, I mean that I put it in my mouth, not that I baked it. ...yet. :) Here it is. \<br />
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Another little note about pumpkin bread. My brother made some chocolate chip pumpkin muffins and cooked it in a bunt cake pan. It was delish! Just an idea for you to try when you feel like it. <br />
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Love, Jeannine<br />
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<span style="color: #989a9b; font-family: inherit; font-size: 17.28px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit;">This recipe is from my cookbook, Sally's Baking Addiction Cookbook, and makes one heck of a moist loaf of pumpkin bread. This fall favorite is packed with sweet cinnamon spice, chocolate chips, and tons of pumpkin flavor.</span><br />
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Ingredients:</h3>
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<li style="background: transparent; border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; list-style-type: none; margin: 0px 0px 3px 10px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">1 and 3/4 cups (220g) all-purpose flour (<a href="http://sallysbakingaddiction.com/2015/07/29/baking-basics-measuring-is-everything/" style="background: transparent; border: 0px; color: #76cdd3; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank">measured correctly</a>)</li>
<li style="background: transparent; border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; list-style-type: none; margin: 0px 0px 3px 10px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">1 teaspoon baking soda</li>
<li style="background: transparent; border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; list-style-type: none; margin: 0px 0px 3px 10px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">2 teaspoons ground cinnamon</li>
<li style="background: transparent; border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; list-style-type: none; margin: 0px 0px 3px 10px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg<span style="background: transparent; border: 0px; color: #989a9b; font-family: inherit; font-size: 10px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 0px 2px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">1</span></li>
<li style="background: transparent; border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; list-style-type: none; margin: 0px 0px 3px 10px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">1/4 teaspoon ground cloves<span style="background: transparent; border: 0px; color: #989a9b; font-family: inherit; font-size: 10px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 0px 2px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">1</span></li>
<li style="background: transparent; border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; list-style-type: none; margin: 0px 0px 3px 10px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">3/4 teaspoon salt</li>
<li style="background: transparent; border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; list-style-type: none; margin: 0px 0px 3px 10px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">2 large eggs</li>
<li style="background: transparent; border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; list-style-type: none; margin: 0px 0px 3px 10px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar</li>
<li style="background: transparent; border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; list-style-type: none; margin: 0px 0px 3px 10px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">1/2 cup (100g) packed light or dark brown sugar</li>
<li style="background: transparent; border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; list-style-type: none; margin: 0px 0px 3px 10px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">1 and 1/2 cups (340g) pumpkin puree (canned or fresh)</li>
<li style="background: transparent; border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; list-style-type: none; margin: 0px 0px 3px 10px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">1/2 cup (120ml) vegetable oil, canola oil, or melted coconut oil</li>
<li style="background: transparent; border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; list-style-type: none; margin: 0px 0px 3px 10px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">1/4 cup (60ml) orange juice</li>
<li style="background: transparent; border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; list-style-type: none; margin: 0px 0px 3px 10px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">2/3 cup (120g) semi-sweet chocolate chips<span style="background: transparent; border: 0px; color: #989a9b; font-family: inherit; font-size: 10px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 0px 2px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">2</span></li>
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Directions:</h3>
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<ol style="background: transparent; border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; list-style: none; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<li style="background: transparent; border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; list-style-type: decimal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 20px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 10px; vertical-align: baseline;">Adjust the oven rack to the lower third position and preheat the oven to 350F degrees. Lowering the oven rack prevents the top of your bread from browning too much too soon. Spray a 9x5 inch loaf pan with non-stick spray. Set aside.</li>
<li style="background: transparent; border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; list-style-type: decimal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 20px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 10px; vertical-align: baseline;">In a large bowl, whisk the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt together until combined. In a medium bowl, whisk the eggs, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until combined. Whisk in the pumpkin, oil, and orange juice. Pour these wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently mix together using a rubber spatula or a wooden spoon. There will be a few lumps. Do not overmix. Gently fold in the chocolate chips.</li>
<li style="background: transparent; border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; list-style-type: decimal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 20px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 10px; vertical-align: baseline;">Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Bake for 60-65 minutes, making sure to loosely cover the bread with aluminum foil halfway through to prevent the top from getting too brown. The bread is done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean with only a few small moist crumbs. This may be before or after 60-65 minutes depending on your oven, so begin checking every 5 minutes at the 55 minute mark or so.</li>
<li style="background: transparent; border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; list-style-type: decimal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 20px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 10px; vertical-align: baseline;">Allow the bread to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before removing and slicing. The bread will stay fresh in an airtight container (it tastes better on day 2!) at room temperature or in the refrigerator for up to 10 days. But it won't last that long.</li>
<li style="background: transparent; border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; list-style-type: decimal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 20px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 10px; vertical-align: baseline;"><strong style="background: transparent; border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Make ahead tip: </strong>Baked bread can be frozen up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bring to room temperature before serving.</li>
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<h3 style="background: transparent; border: 0px; clear: left; color: #ff93a5; font-family: Verb, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 20px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: 300; line-height: 1.1; margin: 0px 0px 13px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
Additional Notes:</h3>
<ol style="background: transparent; border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; list-style: none; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<li style="background: transparent; border: 1px dotted rgb(225, 226, 226); font-family: inherit; font-size: 15.36px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.6; list-style-position: inside; list-style-type: decimal; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 10px 13px; vertical-align: baseline;">You can use 1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice instead of these spices.</li>
<li style="background: transparent; border: 1px dotted rgb(225, 226, 226); font-family: inherit; font-size: 15.36px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.6; list-style-position: inside; list-style-type: decimal; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 10px 13px; vertical-align: baseline;">Try using milk chocolate, white chocolate, dark chocolate, or even pecans/walnuts instead of the semi-sweet chocolate chips.</li>
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This recipe makes incredible pumpkin chocolate chip muffins too – about 20 minutes in the oven, same oven temperature.</div>
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Jeanninehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12304713119808218799noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8718079803116399134.post-59961529028859943762015-09-08T20:26:00.002-06:002015-09-08T20:26:27.900-06:00How we get ready to go somewhere.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwiAN_olKeo81oweFPOkx44jlVHStrC78hdElXBQDvSQj9Z9u-PJXFy1OK3__U5cZxJuM7fDoVaZJhR0o4kZQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
Little Man loves his quality time with Papa. Every father should play with his kids. Jeanninehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12304713119808218799noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8718079803116399134.post-77393964316954049472015-09-06T23:18:00.001-06:002015-09-07T00:12:25.468-06:00Blessed Family<h2>
Blessed home </h2>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
Sunday. Sabbath. Family. Dinner. Family time. Sacred music. Quiet moments. Taking care of beautiful children. Learning. Family time. Family talks. Family dinner. </h3>
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After church worship we like to spend time with our family. If I could paint a picture of our Sabbath, it would be beautiful and powerful. <br />
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My husband, son and I are so blessed because our family is faithful and full of love. My sister in law came to my parents' with us today and afterward remarked how she feels so at home when she comes, that it is a good place, there is a good spirit there. It got me thinking about the afternoon and evening. <br />
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I was in a place that was peaceful. Even when the grand-kids were noisy, it was still a place of peace. Of joy. Of love. My sisters and brother helped with their nieces and nephews. One was playing with my baby and when she picked him up she discovered a blowout, so she just started taking care of it. After we got him all clean she washed his shirt - the only clothing that got dirty from it all. During dinner she helped the little ones eat healthy. Everyone helped me by holding my baby and taking care of him. Some days a mom needs a rest! <br />
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Dinner prep: <br />
Mom, my brother, my husband, my sister in law, my sister and I in the kitchen making dinner. Sweetest little voice greeting his cousin, "Hello, baby b." Me leaving to feed baby and my husband and brother finishing the rice that I was doing. My sister, nephew and I picking tomatoes in the garden. My sister-in-law setting the table. Some people visiting, playing beautiful piano, playing with the kids. Welcoming my husband's aunt. <br />
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Family Prayer:<br />
Everyone, children and adults, kneeling together. Communing with Heaven, with The Divine, together offering our hearts to God.<br /><br />
Dinner: <br />
Everyone at the table. Blessing on the food and family. Sister helping grand kids eat. Rice from us. Bread from my brother's family. Potatoes, meat, and veggies from my parents. People sharing what we learned, what we taught, how we <i>all </i>are growing. <br />
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After Dinner: <br />
People cleaning. Someone plays beautiful piano. Some people sing. Sister makes cupcakes. We frost them. Somehow making the frosting was a group effort. I'm silly with the chocolate chips. Chocolate frosting "henna" - silly but fun brother. Chocolate frosting "war" (tease) with sister. Brothers helping with dishes. Discussing, asking questions, teaching, learning. Grandkids, aunts, grandpa outside looking at the stars, playing guitar and singing. Brother and sister on a walk. Can grandchild have a sleepover? "I get to have a sleep over!" <br />
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Goodbyes. We love you. <br />
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Mom and dad are such good people. They work hard to make good in this world, to learn, live, teach, and share the joy of the gospel of Jesus Christ.<br />
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I believe in family.<br />
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Until we meet again (tomorrow for some) God bless you.<br />
JJeanninehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12304713119808218799noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8718079803116399134.post-67545488557195852752015-08-23T19:53:00.000-06:002015-08-23T20:04:25.435-06:00The Coming of BenjaminI shouldn't be posting. I should be asleep. But I wanted to write about my son. He is the sunshine of our life. It was kind of rough getting him here. I'm afraid to publish this post. Maybe I'll wait until after our court date? <br />
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My husband and I started on the adoption path. Journey. We have been married for 8 years this past Summer. All the time, no kids. None of our own, that is. <br />
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We had many friends with children, a niece and nephew, children at church, I worked with children (major: early childhood & special ed.) our little orphan babies in China, but not a son or daughter in our family. <br />
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Our hearts were... broken? Not complete? Shriveled? lacking in fullness? We loved each other and found joy in our life together, but we knew there was something missing. We had seen it in other people's lives as adults and being from "large families," we had seen it growing up, been a part of it, felt it, loved it. Oh, life was not perfect, but it was good. For each of us. <br />
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We yearned and prayed for our children. I knew that the Lord had not forgotten us. I knew there were special kiddos meant for us. But waiting can get tiresome, frustrating, painful. On the other hand, it can be healing, happy and helpful. <br />
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While we waited, we studied. One day, a friend at school asked me why we didn't have any kids. Was it my husband's choice? I said no. Was it my choice? I said no. "Ah," he said, knowingly. It's God's choice." I said yes. He understood. Not in the same way we understood, but he understood. <br />
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The 1st and/or 2nd year of marriage, apparently people would ask when we were having kids. That bothered Ryan. I don't think they asked me so much. People at church would ask. Sometimes family would ask. Living in a culture that loves and welcomes children and expects them in marriage was a little sticky sometimes. But we knew that people didn't mean harm. They wanted us to have the joy. And we were the type of people who everyone expected to have kids early in their marriage. Is that too personal to write? Because it's true and obvious to everyone who knows us. <br />
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Anyway, we finally got going on the adoption road. It was kind of a long road for us until we got certified. Then things started happening. Started happening fast. <br />
Certification. 2 months later an agency asks if they can share our profile with someone. "You've been matched." Someone had chosen us. 2 months later she chose her baby instead of us. Bang. <br />
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Almost a month later: On my lunch break. "There is a baby who is going to be born today. The parents have chosen between you and another couple and can't decide who. You get first voice because you have had a failed adoption." Wow. On my lunch break we had to decide if he was ours or not. I took an extra long lunch break that day. He wasn't ours. And we were on the lookout for <i>our </i>child. Ow. The next month sometime: another baby and he falls through. Crash.<br />
<br />
Next month: Do either of you speak Spanish? <br />
Yes. Why?<br />
There is a little baby boy who was born today. One of the requirements is that one or both of his parents speaks Spanish. You meet everything this mother is looking for in a family. Can you fly down to xx tomorrow and pick him up at noon?<br />
Um! Wow. What? Okay. When Ryan gets home we talk. We pray, even though we already know the answer. This is our boy. He is supposed to be our son. <br />
We get on the plane before we are even usually awake. We fly over. All has been peaceful except for half of a second with a thought that she could change her mind, but then it just left. I didn't even push it away. There wasn't time for that. We were on our way to meet our angel mom and our baby. 7 years, 8 months, 2 weeks, 3 days. We were going to receive our son. We were going to receive <i>our</i> child. <br />
Then... we wait. <br />
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We spend the morning running last minute errands. Clothes. Car seat. Honor gift. Food. Bottle. By the way, where are we going to stay? <br />
We chat with her social worker. How long have we been married? Do we have a name picked out? Um...Yes? Yes. She loves it. Do we have a picture of ourselves? Yikes we need a picture! Oh, you backed them up on your phone when we re-uploaded all the lovely family pictures that I had somehow erased. <br />Let's do that one. (Not my favorite one, but it felt good.) Send. <br />
Ding. New text. <br />
Ryan: Gasp!<br />
What is it? Something bad? ...Oh!<br />
The most beautiful! Priceless. Perfect. Oh! Love. Precious. Heaven. Oh. A picture (3 pictures.) Indescribable. Heavenly, beautiful and perfect. Peace. Those words don't even touch how we felt, but they were, and remain still, the closest I could find. The most beautiful baby boy. Love-struck. Captive. Renewed. A piece of Heaven itself. <br />
Waiting. Hot, tired, hungry, but it doesn't matter much. We have a sandwich and wait. Print the picture and wait. <br />
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text: We are almost ready to meet you. Start heading to the rendezvous. We will be there in 10. So will we. We wait. Grab a table. Wait. I watch every car that passes, even though they are already here. Somewhere. I watch every person who walks outside. I look at everyone who walks in. Turn my head to see even when no one enters. <br />
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Our social worker: "If it is taking a long time that is a good sign." Is she trying to calm our nerves? We are so close. <br />
A phone call. Religious leader back home. I'm sorry, I can't talk. I think they just walked in the door. <br />
In comes a beautiful woman with a heart of purity and a perfect bundle in her arms. We greet. Sit down. <br />
<br />
Would you like to hold him? shock. <br />
Yes. <br />
From her she means he's mine. That was her moment of this is your son. The greatest gift. blessing. honor. How did such a beautiful thing just happen? God is in the works.<br />
We visit and wait for the lawyer. <br />
Tiny, squeaky, quiet cries. I haven't signed the papers. "Do you want to feed him or do you want me to feed him?"<br />
Daddy gets the bottle and formula. Shh. It's alright. We'll feed you. Formula. For such a new baby. The waitress brings the water. <br />
First feeding. Not even an ounce. <br />
We visit. The lawyer comes. We sign. That's it? <br />
Good bye. Thank you. God bless you.<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
How do we say thank you for what she has done? There is no way. We can't even pay it forward? A debt of forever. Gratitude forever. Love forever. We will teach our son and raise him well. We will love him and lift him. We will help him in his journey to God. We will support him in his dreams and goals. We will give him our best. We will give him our love. And he will always have her love. He will always have part of his beautiful angel mama. </blockquote>
The Lawyer comes to us. We have to sign another paper. We sign. I knew there had to be more. <br />
Photo for memory book. Picture texts. Phone call. Dad answers. "Hi, Grandpa. Hi, Grandma." Tears of joy. <br />
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Now, we are setting the court date for finalization. He is almost legally ours. We can't believe how big our little boy is growing! How fast the finalization is coming. How soon we get to have him sealed to us, in our family for eternity! Understanding comes and I can see God's hand working out our lives. He has been here the whole time, stretching, weaving, and guiding so we can become who and what we are today and what we can become in the future. Don't give up. Trust God. He loves you with a pure and perfect love. He is our father. We are so blessed. It is through our trials that we are humbled, taught, come closer to Christ, and find out joy. <br />
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<blockquote class="tr_bq">
For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts. ...For ye shall go out with joy, and be led forth with peace: the mountains and the hills shall break forth before you into singing, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands.<br />
Isaiah 55</blockquote>
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</blockquote>
<br />Jeanninehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12304713119808218799noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8718079803116399134.post-46162686038887134562015-04-23T21:48:00.000-06:002015-04-23T21:48:29.096-06:00Why my son needs his father<div>
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My son needs a father. He needs a mother, too, but he needs his father. </div>
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He was born of a woman and a man. He almost had just the woman, left to raise him without being able to fully provide the other half of his learning and development through the years. He would have been able to study, learn, achieve. To date, marry, raise a family. To work, make friends, love his family, go to school etc... But something would have been missing. <br />
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My son needs a dad to teach him the things that I cannot. Or, rather, to be a second witness of the truths of life. To teach him the same things that I will teach him but from a different role, character, a different ...angle of life (for lack of better words. The English language doesn't give me a word that I can use to say that the way a father nurtures, loves, teaches, perceives, thinks, etc... is different from the way a mother does. But it is.)</div>
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My son needs his father to teach him who he is and how to become himself, his potential. To teach him what it truly means to be a man. To teach him that when he honors womanhood and manhood, honors God, lives according to that honor, and one day marries, that when he marries, he can become complete. But he has to treat his other half with the respect, dignity, love, tenderness, & honor. These he needs in order to become this. </div>
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He has claim to that for the years of his life. A man and woman, together, who love each other and who are married give so much to a child. Although I did not bear my son, he has the same inheritance which he has had a right to from the beginning because he is son to a man and woman who are married and love each other and love him. We both bring our different, essential gifts to the table so to speak. He needs us both. We are forever grateful that we have him. We are honored that he has us to call mother and father.</div>
Jeanninehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12304713119808218799noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8718079803116399134.post-82783395361813635812015-04-23T21:40:00.000-06:002015-04-25T23:30:49.075-06:00Sourdough Pretzels and Guest Post<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">
<div style="font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">
My sister in law sent me these recipes for my sourdough. They are <span style="font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">actually from the book "Beyond Basics with Natural Yeast" By Melissa Richardson</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">I can't wait to try her soft pretzel rolls recipe. and I really hope it works!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12.8000001907349px;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Simple Sourdough Bread Recipe</span></div>
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First, here's a fu<span style="font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">n recipe that is great when you have a lot of starter that you don't know what to do with...</span></div>
<span style="font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">You take 1/4 cup of flour and 1/4 tsp salt and mix them together and put them down on the table. Then plop down a half of a cup to a cup of starter and roll it around in the flour and salt until it's handle-able. Then bake it for 20 minutes, and voila, you have some super sourdough bread! I just made some today and really enjoyed it. I just baked it in my little toaster oven, too. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Natural Yeast Soft Pretzel Rolls:</span></div>
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<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">
1/4 cup starter</div>
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1 1/4 cups warm water</div>
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2 Tbsp soft butter or coconut oil</div>
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1 tsp sea salt</div>
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1/4 cup powdered milk (optional)</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">
2 cups whole weat flour</div>
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2 cups white flour</div>
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Mix all ingredients, adding flour a little at a time. If you're using a kitchenaid, when the dough cleans the sides of the bowl, continue mixing for 10 minutes. Remove to a greased bowl, cover with a wet towell or greased saran wrap and let rise over night or for at least for 8 hours.</div>
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After the first rise, very lightly grease a spot on a clean work surface and rub it in so it is evenly greased (not too much). Dump out your dough onto the greased area and deflate it and cut into desired number of pieces (8 large, 16 medium, or 32 small). Pat each piece into a log shape and roll out into a rope (18 inch for large, 14 inch for medium, or 12 inch for small). Let the ropes relax for about five minutes, then shape them into a tight pretzel and tuck the ends into the center, forming a round roll. Let them rise for at least 30 minutes on a lightly greased cookie sheet.</div>
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Prepare the Water Bath!</div>
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large skillet or shallow pot</div>
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1-2 quarts of water</div>
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1 Tbsp salt</div>
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4 Tbsp baking soda</div>
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Add enough water to the skillet to reach a depth of at least 1 1/2 inches. Add the salt and soda and stir to dissolve. Bring to a boil. Working gently, place the rolls 2 or 3 at a time into the boiling water. Boil for 30 seconds on each side and return them to the baking sheet. Use a slotted spoon or spatula to gently turn over and romove from water. Sprinkle each roll generously with coarse sea salt or kosher salt. Bake 20-25 minutes at 375 degrees, until the crust is medium to dark golden brown.<br />
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Jeanninehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12304713119808218799noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8718079803116399134.post-79244018813447031612015-04-02T12:16:00.000-06:002015-04-02T12:16:06.337-06:00new recipetried it and loved it!<br />
http://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/spiced-lentils-poached-eggs<br />
<br />Jeanninehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12304713119808218799noreply@blogger.com0