Serving

Thinking of those who served our country and gave the ultimate sacrifice, their life, for the freedoms with which we are now blessed in the United States of America.

As I was reading about the history of Memorial Day I learned this. . .

To help re-educate and remind Americans of the true meaning of Memorial Day, the "National Moment of Remembrance" resolution was passed on Dec 2000 which asks that at 3 p.m. local time, for all Americans "To voluntarily and informally observe in their own way a Moment of remembrance and respect, pausing from whatever they are doing for a moment of silence or listening to 'Taps."

I then glanced at the clock and it was 3:00pm.  I was glad to join others in our country for a moment of prayer.

 

Thinking of those currently serving our country so we may continue to hold the freedoms we are so blessed with in the United States of America.

Thinking of our responsibility as believers to look for ways to serve others. . . our family, our church, our community, our friends. . . so that the love of Christ may be seen through our service.

Remembering a special dinner recently where the boys were asked to be waiters and serve tables.  It was a fun evening and a bit of a leap out of their comfort zone. 

(Mom said it was a good experience for them. . . and they had a great time!)

I hope we will impress upon our kids the joy of living "outside themselves".

As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace: whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.1 Peter 4:10-11 (ESV)

Happy Memorial Day Monday,

Angels in a Mustang

They stop on by with a gift in hand,

Linda's famous chicken noodle soup-

the BEST in all the land!

Ed and Linda bless many with God's love and care,

and they are prayer warriors from the heart;

Friends like this are rare.

Can you believe, these two are grandparents great?

I hope I'm this hip at 70 and sittin' next to my mate!

Thanks for blessing Mr. E. with his favorite birthday meal, Linda! 

You're our angels in a Mustang!

It's number 46 for my handsome husband today. . .

I'm thankful for him and our special family.

He's a cat lovin', deer huntin', trap line runnin', fish reelin', fun lovin', husband o' mine!

Happy Friday!

The eyes have it

The weather has been beautiful around here.

Not too hot.

Not too cold.

No bugs.

Blue skies and sunshine.

Perfect for taking a few family photos for our friends.

 

 

The kids (and Daddy :), have just a wee bit of patience for the camera.

Especially when these are awaiting. . .

Don't kids just love marshmallows?!  Every last sticky bite.

This beautiful blue eyed family of five added their latest miracle just a few months ago.

After months of bed rest and concern for baby M, God's plan was perfect and they are now blessed to smother this new healthy baby boy with love.

And every time a new little addition joins their family?

A puppy does too!  It's a family tradition.

So yes, that makes three kids and three Labs!

 

 

       

           

 

And those eyes!  A photographer's dream.

 

This verse came to mind as I was taken with such beautiful eyes. . .

Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.  Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. Hebrews 12:2-3 (NIV)

Happy Wednesday,

little things

It was a little thing but a definite blessing. . .

Daddy was out of town a few weeks ago.

Out of town for 4 nights in a row.

Which leaves momma bear a bit weary.

Grandpa and Grandma's phone call to say that they'd be in town and taking us out to dinner was a welcome surprise.

No cooking or overseeing clean-up tonight.  Yipeee!

I am beginning to learn that it is the sweet, simple things of life which are the real ones after all.
Laura Ingalls Wilder

May I always remember the sweet little things in my days and whisper a "Thank you, Lord" from my heart.

And the ice cream flavor of the day?. . . Turtle!  Very yummy!

Happy Saturday,

Pepperoni Pizza Puffs

It's lunch time once again.

Meals are sooo. . . daily.  You know? 

I recently found this recipe in a Rachael Ray magazine and thought

it would be a perfect lunchtime option.

So I tried it and. . . .

the kids loved 'em!

Thumbs up all around!

Here's the recipe which serves 4.  I doubled it.

Pepperoni Pizza Puffs

3/4 C flour

3/4 tsp baking powder

3/4 C milk

1 egg

4 oz shredded mozzarella cheese

4 oz pepperoni, cut into small cubes ( I did not double this)

1/2 C pizza sauce

2 T finely chopped fresh basil

1.  Preheat the oven to 375, Grease a 24-cup mini-muffin pan or 12 regular muffin pan.  In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and baking powder; whisk in the milk and egg.  Stir in the mozzarella and pepperoni; let stand for 10 minutes. 

2.  Stir the batter and divide among the mini-muffin cups.  Bake until puffed and golden, 20-25 minutes.

3.  Meanwhile, heat the pizza sauce, then stir in 1 T basil.  Sprinkle the puffs with the remaining 1 T of basil.  Serve the puffs with pizza sauce for dipping.

Enjoy!

Happy Wednesday,

Simple Woman's Daybook

Monday, May 10, 2010

Outside my window.....the skies are cloudy this afternoon but the weekend snow has thankfully disappeared.

I am thinking....about making dinner.  (eggs with broccoli and cheese tonight)

I am thankful.....for safe travels this past weekend.  Especially after passing a family van which had caught on fire.

I am wearing.....a white t-shirt and black sport pants from my afternoon walk.

I am hearing....Little A letting me know she'll wash her hands, "Me do it myself."

I am creating.....bridal shower invitations.

I am going......for a walk with Mr. E tonight after dinner.

I am reading.....the latest REAL SIMPLE magazine which my mom gave me for Mothers Day. Thanks, Mom!
I am praying.....for curriculum decisions which need to be made for next year.

I am remembering.....a beautiful complete rainbow we had the fun of seeing last week.

I am hoping.....to get some sort of device to listen to music as I walk which will possibly spur me on to walk faster?!

On my mind.....how to better organize and store our pictures and videos.

From the learning rooms....glad we'll be finishing up throughout the next four weeks.

Noticing that. . . the deck railings need staining this summer.

Pondering these words....."Let us know, let us press on to know the Lord; his appearing is as sure as the dawn; he will come to us like the showers, like the spring rains that water the earth."  Hosea 6:3 NRSV

From the kitchen.....I need to clean out the refrigerator this week!

Around the house....are a few bags which still need to be unpacked from our weekend travels.

One of my favorite things.....is coming home to a clean house. (not that it was my reality but it is a favorite thing of mine)

A few plans for the rest of the week.....running kids here and there, a church meeting and a wedding on Saturday.

Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you....

Mr. E and I were glad to wish our moms a Happy Mother's Day! in person on Sunday.

Thank you for stopping and visiting my daybook. If you'd like to visit others who are participating or write a journal yourself, please stop over at Peggy's at Simple Woman's Daybook.

Happy Monday in May,

Simply Grand Game

It's a cloudy, cool, spring, Monday.

A good day to grab one of the educational games I had purchased for a day like today.

All the boys had a great time playing Presto Change-O.

The 2-4 players learn how to make change, save money and spend it wisely. Players travel around a game board filled with everyday financial decisions as they earn money, sell lemonade, spend money at the museum or movies, and much more. The first player to save $10.00 wins! For 2-4 players. Ages 8 and up.

It seems we spend all of our school time trying to cover the basics but it's fun to "change it up" a bit and add an educational game every once and awhile.

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider Him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart (Hebrews 12:1-3, NIV).

I'm trying to not grow weary as we finish up our last month of school. 

We're beginning to see the light at the end of the tunnel.

Let's finish strong boys!

Happy Monday!