Thanksgiving 2008
My family and I had a delightful Thanksgiving. I hope your Thanksgiving was blessed, too. Here is a sneak peak into our day:

Lily looked lovely in her new dress from her grandparents



Mama and her girl...Annie, you crack me up!
Stevie enjoying his Thanksgiving feast.


Daddy and his eldest- so sweet!
Anna Rose


Yummy...Lily and her cousin Jewel sampling some homemade whipped cream!

Menu Plan Monday December 1-7
It is hard to believe that it is already December! I am looking forward to making some good 'ole fashioned comfort food for my family!

Monday~ Spaghetti, Salad, and Crust Topped Broccoli Cheese Bake

Tuesday~ Crockpot Chicken Chow Mein and Brown Rice (see recipe below) *I never got a chance to make this, last week, so I am looking forward to making it, this week.

Wednesday~ off- sister-in-law's turn cooking

Thursday~ Egg Drop Soup

Friday~ Burritos/Tostadas

Saturday~ Chicken Stir Fry and Rice

Sunday~ Homemade Pizza

Crockpot Chicken Chow Mein (per Tiffany's request)
(From the Fix it and Forget it 5-Ingredient Favorites, pg 55)

Makes 5-6 servings
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cooking Time: 4-5 hours

1 lb. boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cubed
2 cups diced celery
1 cup diced onion
2 Tablespoons soy sauce
2 cups water
1/2 tsp. salt (optional)
1/2 tsp. pepper (optional)
1 Tbsp. cornstarch
1/4 cup of water

1. Place chicken in slow cooker. Add celery, onion, soy sauce, 2 cups water, and salt and pepper, if you wish.
2. Cover and cook on High 4 hours.
3. Just before serving, mix cornstarch with 1/4 cup of water in a small bowl. When smooth, add to slow cooker to thicken the sauce a bit. Heat for a few more minutes.
4. I like to serve this over cooked rice, chow mein noodles, or both.

What meals are you enjoying this week? For more menu plans, visit Laura.Many blessings to you!

Cookie Making Tradition
Last year, my sister-in-law started a really fun tradition for our extended family. The ladies in the family each select a cookie recipe to prepare, at a cookie swap. The children and ladies have a blast, sipping coffee/hot cocoa, and making our cookies. This website contains a variety of fun ideas to start a cookie making tradition, in your family, or among friends. This website contains a variety of scrumptious looking cookies. Very Best Baking has a huge assortment of cookie recipes, which look delicious. Family Fun website has some child-friendly cookie recipes. What is your favorite cookie recipe? I am still scouring websites to find a fun recipe for the children and I to select, this year. Last year, we made the popular peanut butter blossoms. I would also love to hear your favorite Christmas traditions! Blessings!

Precious Babies
Congratulations to my friend, Rebecca, who had her precious baby girl, a few days ago. She had such a wonderful hospital birth; it was a delight to read. Please join me in praying for three dear friends, who may have their precious babies, at any time. Pray for Lora Lynn, Aubrey, and Michelle. Also, please pray for newly expectant mothers, Julie-Anne (baby blessing #5) and Lady of Virtue (baby blessing #15!). Blessings!

Gratitude for All Things
The Hand of our Heavenly Father weighs and measures all things which come to us, both good and bad. So often, when I encounter a bad situation, I stay in the mire, and fail to see His Handiwork and great blessings. When He sends me sunlight and apparent blessings, then I naturally turn to Him, and thank my Lord. But what about the good that He works in the struggles and difficulties of life? Why am I not more faithful in thanking Him for those times? The reason why, to the natural man is obvious. Who wants to thank someone for an inconvenience? How natural is it to thank someone, when you have a broken leg, a child who is terribly sick, or a flat tire? It is only natural to shrink away from something that is sad and difficult. But as a new creation, I am not to act like the old person, which I used to be. I am to live a life of faith and trust in Him, that every seemingly negative thing, is for my benefit, and for His glory. This article encouraged me so much to remember that my ways are not His Ways, and to see the blessings in the good and the bad. Perhaps some of the greatest blessings have come about in my life, because of something that I struggled with, or as a result of something that seemed negative, at the time. This Thanksgiving, I hope and pray that I will be truly thankful for all of my Heavenly Father's glorious blessings! May you be blessed!

November 24-30 Menu Plans

Monday-
lunch- Egg salad Sandwiches, Celery and Peanut Butter
dinner-Lentil Stew (from Sue Gregg's recipe book)

Tuesday-
lunch- Cheese Ravioli, Salad, and Toast
dinner- Pot Roast (crock pot)

Wednesday-
lunch- Party at hubby's work- Vegetable Pizza
dinner- Spaghetti

Thursday-
Bring to sister-in-law's: homemade cranberry sauce and pumpkin roll
(I made the Libby's Pumpkin roll, last year for the first time, and it was delicious!)

Friday- Pizza

Saturday- Burritos/Tostadas

Sunday- (Fellowship Meal) Crock Pot Chicken Chow Mein and Brown Rice

What are your Thanksgiving Day plans? Are you bringing a dish to a potluck or cooking the entire meal? I hope you have a blessed Thanksgiving. For more menu plans, visit Laura.

Do you Twitter?

If so, please feel free to follow me . Also, if you scroll down to my right side bar, you can see my delicious links. I love delicious, as it is a simple way for me to keep track of any websites, blog posts, etc, which catch my eye. Blessings!

What Works for Me: Mid-November Edition

1. Phonics Cards
I enjoy teaching my children as painlessly as possible. Creating phonics cards to supplement corresponding phonics lessons has helped my children in learning to read faster. I broke down the words in chunks, and wrote the different blends in different colors.I wrote the page number for the corresponding lesson, on the back of the card. We use Phonics Pathways for phonics lessons, but I am sure that this would work for a variety of reading programs. These are terrific for car schooling; siblings have so much fun sounding these out.These cards also are a simple way to include Daddy in homeschooling the children. For the kinesthetic learner, let the child trace the words with his finger. Laminate the cards and use the cards for handwriting practice. Hole punch the corner and put the cards in on a ring, for easy re-use. For a fun game idea, put the cards on the wall, using sticky tack. Let your children read the cards in their beds, using a flashlight. (They may even want to go to bed early for this one!)



2. My Shark Steam Mop
Seeing dust bunnies around my house is frustrating. I like to keep the floors clean, yet don't want to spend hours, cleaning. The Shark Steam Mop does a decent job at cleaning the floors, after I sweep. (In my opinion, nothing gets my floors as clean as scrubbing on my hands and knees.) My favorite thing about it is that it doesn't use harsh chemicals to clean. It uses steam to sanitize your floor. I love how safe that is for my children.

3. Homeschool List Forms
Is your homeschool a bit "outside of the curriculum box", with a rich literature base, museum visits, and occasional educational movie viewing? Sometimes, these methods of homeschooling can be difficult to "put on paper". Donna Young takes the tedium out of it, by creating documents to readily record these often overlooked learning methods. Don't miss her excellent forms here. I even enjoy using these book lists to keep track of my monthly reading.

4. Prayer Lists
As a busy mama of three children, five and under, it is a rare moment that I am alone. One of those rare moments are my five minutes of shower time, each day. (Though it isn't rare for that time to be interrupted, too!) I find that my shower time is a wonderful prayer time. To remember all of the prayer intentions of my family and friends, I write down prayer needs on pieces of loose leaf paper. I insert that paper into a sheet protector and tape it in the shower. I can use that time to mentally lift up my loved ones. I usually have a sheet of expectant mothers to pray for, a list of needs for my immediate family members, and another sheet of prayer needs for friends and family. I find that this helps me tremendously, as I do feel like I am suffering from "momnesia", and forget to pray for many if I do not have prayer needs laid out in an orderly way.

This is what is working for me this month; I would love to hear what is working for you! Blessings!

Trip to visit Grandparents
My Dad and Stevie






My Mom is so talented! I think I would break a limb trying this!

Cousins galore!

Chex Mix Muddy Buddies
My oldest two children and I have had so much fun making this delicious recipe, today. It is one of my absolutely favorite, easy peasy recipes to make with little ones. We made two batches of it, plenty for us, and some to give away. This is a tasty gift to give to neighbors, friends and family at holiday time. Blessings!

Muddy Buddies/Puppy Chow

9	cups Chex
1	cup semisweet chocolate chips
1/2	cup peanut butter
1/4	cup butter or margarine
1	teaspoon vanilla
1 1/2	cups powdered sugar

Substitution

Peanut butter and chocolate are a favorite flavor combo, but peanut butter lovers can substitute peanut butter chips for the chocolate chips to intensify that flavor. Preparations:

1.	Into large bowl, measure cereal; set aside.
2.	In 1-quart microwavable bowl, microwave chocolate chips, peanut butter and butter uncovered on High 1 minute; stir. Microwave about 30 seconds longer or until mixture can be stirred smooth. Stir in vanilla. Pour mixture over cereal, stirring until evenly coated. Pour into 2-gallon resealable food-storage plastic bag.
3.	Add powdered sugar. Seal bag; shake until well coated. Spread on waxed paper to cool. Store in airtight container in refrigerator.

Menu Plan Monday November 10th- 14th

Monday~ Spaghetti

Tuesday~ Cheesy Chicken, Pasta, and Vegetables

Wednesday~ off~sister-in-law cooking

Thursday~ Burrito Bake * new to us recipe*

Friday~ Homemade Pizza

The following recipe was sent in by blog reader, Jennifer H! This is a bread machine, cinnamon roll recipe. I am planning on trying it, this week. Let me know if you try it, too! I think it would be a delightful recipe to have on hand, and since it freezes well, it is superb for hospitality. Thank you for sharing this, Jennifer!

Cinnabon Cinnamon Rolls

1 cup milk
4 tbsp melted butter
4 tbsp water
1 egg
4 cups white flour
½ box(3.4 oz size) instant vanilla pudding
1 tbsp sugar
½ tsp salt
2 ½ tsp quick rise yeast

Place ingredients in machine in order given. Set to dough cycle. After dough cycle completes, remove from machine and roll out to a 17x10 (approximately) rectangle.

FILLING:
½ cup softened butter
1 cup brown sugar
2 tsp cinnamon

Mix together brown sugar and cinnamon. Spread softened butter over dough. Sprinkle brown sugar and cinnamon mixture over top. Roll tightly into a jelly roll and slice into ½ inch slices (or larger if desired). Place into greased cake pans. Let rise until doubled. Bake at 350 for 15-20 minutes until golden. DO NOT OVERBAKE.

Frost with cream cheese icing. Serve warm.

These freeze really well (I make them early in the week, let them cool then bag and freeze for Sunday morning treat!) If freezing, let thaw or warm in microwave for a 10-15 seconds.

Cream Cheese Icing

¼ cup butter
4 oz (1/2 brick) cream cheese, softened
1 tsp vanilla
2 cups icing sugar

Beat all together. Spread on cinnamon rolls (This recipe will make enough for 2 of the above recipes)

For more menu plans, visit Laura.

Interesting Links

* Kendra's Fantastic Free Homeschooling Links There is a little something here for everyone!

* Wisdom regarding the Christian and Politics John Piper is a theologian with much practical wisdom for Christians.

* Fleeing From Mommy Guilt
Tired of feeling guilty that your child isn't studying microbiology at the age of 12? Exhausted from keeping up with the Jones'? I sure am! Crystal writes a delightful piece about relishing where we are, and avoiding the temptation to compare our children or our situations with others. We can delight in others' accomplishments, and appreciate the difference. Freeing indeed!

* Walmart's Huge In-Store Specials 11/8/2008 at 8 am
Totally unrelated- but maybe you can snag a few Christmas gifts, at a great price. I am still contemplating whether I will attempt this. After all, some people get downright violent over getting a good deal. lol

Resting in Him, Despite Fear
I must admit that Tuesday's election events filled my heart with fear. Living in a nation with so many freedoms, has been such a blessing to me. I am concerned when one tries to compromise those freedoms, at any price. My fear, however, was unnatural, as I wasn't seeking to lean on the Lord, enough. God has used this experience to teach me to lean on Him, that much more. There are a few things that He has led me to reflect on, to encourage my heart, at this uncertain time.

* Regardless of who the president is, I am called to diligently pray for him and to respect him. God has set this person, as an authority figure over me. If I am fearful, I need to lean on Him that much more.Here is a beautiful post outlining 10 ways to pray for our future president.

*God works in the heart of the King/Pharaoh/President- In Exodus 7:14 (and several instances following), God hardened Pharaoh's heart. Clearly, God has the power to work in the heart of the authority figure, for our good. The authority comes from God, and He can work in the heart of even the vilest ruler. That is something to rest in!

* "Honor the king."-( 1 Peter 2:17)We are to honor our leader. Just as we are commanded, as wives, to honor our husbands, even if they aren't always pleasant or kind towards us, we are to honor the king. God will bless our faithfulness.

I exhort you to pray earnestly for this man and to wait upon the Lord. I am humbled at my own shortcomings, and I hope that God will lead me closer to Him. He has shown me my need to come to Him and to look to Him for my everything. I am thankful for this crucial reminder.

Having Fun with my new camera
My dear hubby gave me my Christmas present, early, this year, and I am loving my new camera. It has 10x zoom, which I have been really wanting. I am amazed at the quality of this camera! Blessings!

Stevie is always silly!

Natural Goodies which I Love!

Over the past couple of years, my hubby and I have been trying to implement natural ways to keep ourselves healthy. These are all baby steps, and there is so much more that we want to do. Click on the items if you are interested in purchasing them.

* Sub-Zero Water Bottle I purchased mine at Walgreens; it was only $3. Similar stainless steel bottles are normally about $20. I only like safe plastic code water bottles, or stainless steel ones, lest BPA leak into our water.

* Greens Today This is an excellent supplement for children, containing 72 superfoods, such as broccoli. This gives me a little peace of mind, particularly for my picky-eater.

* Rainbow Light Prenatal This is my favorite natural, one-a-day, prenatal vitamin. I stay on this all year round, as it is a terrific supplement for breast-feeding and/or pregnancy. It is also quite affordable, at 5 months for about $25, shipped. Many whole foods vitamins seem to cost that much, just for one month.

* Dr. Bronner's Peppermint Soap This is our favorite soap. Just a little dab will do ya! We try to get one bottle to last two to three months. We use the natural castille type on our toddler's head and body. We are trying to avoid pthlalates and sodium laureth sulfates.

*Kiss my Face Liquid Roll On After trying several natural deodorants, which never seemed to hide odor, I have been thrilled with this one. It contains no aluminum (which is why antiperspirants are so dangerous), is paraben free, and it naturally keeps you smelling fresh.

* N*ked Naturals This is my favorite, all-natural shampoo, which is available at Walgreens. It doesn't contain Sodium Laurel or Laureth Sulfates. This also can be used very sparingly. We can get a bottle to last 3 or 4 months, even when taking daily showers. This helps keep hair naturally strong. Scents include lavender, citrus, and aloe vera.

* Fish Oil Each member of my family takes a teaspoon of this daily, in orange juice. The benefits of fish oil are numerous, including, a cancer preventative, a brain builder (for pregnant mamas), Alzheimer's Disease preventative, an aid to weight loss, and an immune booster.

* Basic H2 Organic Super Cleaner (not pictured) This is my favorite cleaning solution. I like to clean spills thoroughly, yet without any toxic cleaners. This is a perfect solution. One bottle is so heavily concentrated, that it can last for over a year. I use a smidge in my bucket to clean bath tubs and floors. I just add a bit of water, and occasionally a bit of ivory soap.

Eventually, I would like to switch over to a more natural toothpaste, shaving cream, and makeup (for the occasional times when I wear it).
I would love to hear about your favorite natural products!