The Stitches That Bind

17....

2011-10-27T11:56:00.000-07:00

I so remember when you were born at 1:03am so tiny and so early what a moment that was you were so beautiful they let you stay with us for a little while before they whisked you to NICU but you were healthy and that is all that mattered. Now 17 years later you bring me so much joy with your constant teasing, loves, hugs and I love you's. Happy Birthday to my baby I love you.

Summer

2011-07-21T23:15:00.000-07:00

INSTALLING SUMMER...
███████████████░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░44% DONE.
Install delayed....please wait. Installation failed. Please try again.
404 error: Season not found. Season " Summer " cannot be located.
The season you are looking for might have been removed, had its name
...changed, or is temporarily unavailable in Washington..

2011-07-21T18:12:00.000-07:00

Seattle: Home of the 78-minute summer
By Scott Sistek

Story Updated: Jul 20, 2011

Two women seek shelter under an umbrella from the steady drizzle at the Bite of Seattle on July 17, 2011.
While Sea-Tac Airport only reports temperatures on the hour, the University of Washington Atmospheric Sciences Department keeps a minute-by-minute log of the weather station atop their roof on the Seattle campus. And since the UW is in the heart of Seattle, while the airport is more like the lower-left shin, I figure this could be an accurate representation of what a true Seattle person would have felt this summer.
The mission: Find out how many minutes it's been at 80 degrees or warmer this year-- what I would call a true warm summer day in Seattle.
The answer: 78 minutes.
Or, breaking it down: 12 minutes on July 2, and 66 minutes on July 6.
(The official Sea-Tac record books say Seattle has had three days at 80 or warmer, the warmest being 84 degrees on July 6. The UW's warmest day was 81 on July 6 with the other day at 80 and the third at 79. Check out Cliff Mass' timely weather blog on how the 3rd runway could be skewing Sea-Tac's temperatures.)
For those that say: "C'mon, you know 80's a pipe dream around here. I'd say 75 degrees is a more accurate 'summer representation,' " I'd first reply, "Wow, these past two summers have really warped our perceptions of a normal Seattle summer." Seattle (at Sea-Tac) does averaage 25 days a year at 80 or warmer.
But my second reply would be, "can do."
It turns out, we've had a whopping 18 hours and 48 minutes of temperatures above 75 this summer -- hey, it's more than 2/3rd of a day! Never mind that some cities like Dallas haven't been below 75, day or night, since June 23rd.
(On the other hand, Paine Field in Everett has yet to reach 75 this year. Their highest temperature has been 74.)
Actually, much of the rest of the nation has been suffering under one of the hottest summers they've seen in ages. The Pacific Coast has been the only safe haven for excrutiating heat, so maybe staying cool isn't such a horrible thing.
But we realize that there are a lot of sun fans out here who realize hot weather is rare enough in a normal summer, much less this one. So next time the temperature climbs to 80 degrees, run -- don't walk -- to your nearest beach. It might be all you get.
Oh, and bring a jacket if you're out past 8 o'clock.
Get timely updates and other neat tidbits about Seattle weather by following me on Twitter @ScottSKOMO or on Facebook.

Marshmallows

2011-07-03T17:41:00.001-07:00

Joe has been begging me for a few weeks to make s'mores but the weather hasn't been cooperating enough to have a fire in the fire pit. Well here it is the 4th of July already and so I told him I would make marshmallows because I saw Alton Brown make them. I thought I would give it a shot... Oh my gosh they are so good and so easy to make if you haven't made them before give it a shot!
Ingredients

3 packages unflavored gelatin
1 cup ice cold water, divided
12 ounces granulated sugar, approximately 1 1/2 cups
1 cup light corn syrup
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1/4 cup confectioners' sugar
1/4 cup cornstarch
Nonstick spray

Directions

Place the gelatin into the bowl of a stand mixer along with 1/2 cup of the water. Have the whisk attachment standing by.

In a small saucepan combine the remaining 1/2 cup water, granulated sugar, corn syrup and salt. Place over medium high heat, cover and allow to cook for 3 to 4 minutes. Uncover, clip a candy thermometer onto the side of the pan and continue to cook until the mixture reaches 240 degrees F, approximately 7 to 8 minutes. Once the mixture reaches this temperature, immediately remove from the heat.

Turn the mixer on low speed and, while running, slowly pour the sugar syrup down the side of the bowl into the gelatin mixture. Once you have added all of the syrup, increase the speed to high. Continue to whip until the mixture becomes very thick and is lukewarm, approximately 12 to 15 minutes. Add the vanilla during the last minute of whipping. While the mixture is whipping prepare the pans as follows.

For regular marshmallows:

Combine the confectioners' sugar and cornstarch in a small bowl. Lightly spray a 13 by 9-inch metal baking pan with nonstick cooking spray. Add the sugar and cornstarch mixture and move around to completely coat the bottom and sides of the pan. Return the remaining mixture to the bowl for later use.

When ready, pour the mixture into the prepared pan, using a lightly oiled spatula for spreading evenly into the pan. Dust the top with enough of the remaining sugar and cornstarch mixture to lightly cover. Reserve the rest for later. Allow the marshmallows to sit uncovered for at least 4 hours and up to overnight.

Turn the marshmallows out onto a cutting board and cut into 1-inch squares using a pizza wheel dusted with the confectioners' sugar mixture. Once cut, lightly dust all sides of each marshmallow with the remaining mixture, using additional if necessary. Store in an airtight container for up to 3 weeks.

Birthday Time

2011-06-11T07:59:00.000-07:00

Well we just celebrated Joshua's 22 Birthday, we went to dinner at Red Robin and our friends Vic and Susan tagged along to enjoy the festivities, (well not so much because if we had someone sing happy birthday he would have walked out) lol We do have a good time when we get together though. Now I just want to say for the record I have a 22 year old but I was only 10 when I had him... :)

McLemore Family

2011-06-08T14:46:00.000-07:00

Nic Climbing rope

2011-06-08T10:43:00.000-07:00

Last day :(

2011-06-08T10:39:00.000-07:00

Haley Family

2011-06-08T10:34:00.000-07:00

Visit X2

2011-06-08T09:57:00.000-07:00

Visit with Mom & Dad

2011-06-08T09:52:00.000-07:00

30 Day Photo Challenge

2011-05-11T22:35:00.000-07:00

Day Thirty: A smile :)
Well this is the last photo from my 30 day challenge that took me more like 45 days- Life!

30 Day Photo Challenge

2011-05-09T23:04:00.000-07:00

Day Twenty Nine: Something reflective.

30 Day Photo Challenge

2011-05-05T22:41:00.000-07:00

Day Twenty Eight: A car.

30 Day Photo Challenge

2011-05-03T22:42:00.000-07:00

Day Twenty Seven: Something seasonal.

30 Day Photo Challenge

2011-05-02T12:52:00.000-07:00

Day Twenty Six: Something round.

30 Day Photo Challenge

2011-04-30T20:33:00.001-07:00

Day Twenty Six: Something round.

30 Day Photo Challenge

2011-04-29T23:05:00.001-07:00

Day Twenty Five: Your best friend.

30 Day Photo Challenge

2011-04-27T06:05:00.000-07:00

Day Twenty Four: An interesting pattern.

30 Day Photo Challenge

2011-04-26T06:15:00.000-07:00

Day Twenty Three: A picture taken at night.

30 Day Photo Challenge

2011-04-25T23:23:00.001-07:00

Day Twenty Two: Something delicious.

30 Day Photo Challenge

2011-04-23T00:39:00.001-07:00

Day Twenty One: A collection of your favorite things.

30 Day Photo Challenge

2011-04-21T12:59:00.001-07:00

Day Twenty: Somebody you don't know.
I took this Picture because this woman spent so much time in a tanning bed I thought she was a black woman at first, then realized she wasn't. LOL

30 Day Photo Challenge

2011-04-12T22:20:00.000-07:00

Day Nineteen: Looking down from something.

30 Day Photo Challenge

2011-04-11T22:16:00.001-07:00

Day Eighteen: Something red.

30 Day Photo Challenge

2011-04-08T22:14:00.000-07:00

Day Seventeen: The sky.

30 Day Photo Challenge

2011-04-08T06:31:00.001-07:00

Day Sixteen: Some letters (not mail).

30 Day Photo Challenge

2011-04-05T22:52:00.001-07:00

Day Fifteen: A clock.

30 Day Photo Challenge

2011-04-04T22:28:00.000-07:00

Day Fourteen: Your Favorite Building. Union Station/Court House, Tacoma

30 Day Photo Challenge

2011-04-03T22:47:00.000-07:00

Day Thirteen: Water.

30 Day Photo Challenge

2011-04-02T21:59:00.001-07:00

Day Twelve: An animal.

30 Day Photo Challenge

2011-04-01T21:37:00.001-07:00

Day Eleven: An interesting geological feature.

30 Day Photo Challenge

2011-03-31T23:36:00.000-07:00

Day Ten: Something sentimental.
This quilt was made by Charles grandmother for our wedding.

30 Day Photo Challenge

2011-03-30T23:14:00.000-07:00

Day Nine: Somewhere you like to relax.

30 Day Photo Challenge

2011-03-29T21:46:00.001-07:00

Day Eight: Something tall.

30 Day Photo Challenge

2011-03-28T11:38:00.001-07:00

Day Seven: Something green.

30 Day Photo Challenge

2011-03-27T13:54:00.000-07:00

Day Six: A colleague.

2011-03-26T08:25:00.000-07:00

I got a new laptop a couple of weeks ago and I wanted a wireless mouse to go with it so Charles and Joe went to the store to get my mouse and a few other things so I had to take a picture and share my mouse. =)

30 Day Photo Challenge

2011-03-25T22:26:00.000-07:00

Day Five: Some shadows.

30 Day Photo Challenge

2011-03-24T17:15:00.000-07:00

Day 4: Your favorite drink

30 Day Photo Challenge

2011-03-23T23:37:00.000-07:00

Day 3: Somebody that you love

30 Day Photo Challenge

2011-03-22T22:19:00.000-07:00

Day 2: A view from your bedroom window

30 Day Photo Challenge

2011-03-21T22:27:00.000-07:00

Day One: Yourself.

I took this from Facebook and thought I would do this here...

Create an album called "30 Day Photography Challenge" and each day take a photo of the following subjects:

Day One: Yourself.
Day Two: A view from your bedroom window.
Day Three: Somebody that you love.
Day Four: Your favorite drink.
Day Five: Some shadows.
Day Six: A colleague.
Day Seven: Something green.
Day Eight: Something tall.
Day Nine: Somewhere you like to relax.
Day Ten: Something sentimental.
Day Eleven: An interesting geological feature.
Day Twelve: An animal.
Day Thirteen: Your favorite building.
Day Fourteen: Looking down from something.
Day Fifteen: Water.
Day Sixteen: Some letters (not mail).
Day Seventeen: A clock.
Day Eighteen: The sky.
Day Nineteen: Something red.
Day Twenty: A collection of your favorite things.
Day Twenty One: Somebody you don't know.
Day Twenty Two: Something delicious.
Day Twenty Three: A picture taken at night.
Day Twenty Four: An interesting pattern.
Day Twenty Five: Your best friend.
Day Twenty Six: Something round.
Day Twenty Seven: Something seasonal.
Day Twenty Eight: A car.
Day Twenty Nine: Something reflective.
Day Thirty: A smile :)

You can shoot in any style you like. Your photos can be abstract, black and white, close-up, or even have photography effects applied. Don't forget to ask permission if required, and keep it decent (i.e no extreme nudity).

Interesting low fat brownies

2011-01-29T23:21:00.000-08:00

Ingredients

15 oz canned black beans, rinsed and drained

1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

1 tsp expresso powder

3/4 cup liquid egg substitute

3 tbsp whole wheat pastry flour

3/4 cup agave nectar

1 tbsp unsalted butter, melted

1 tsp vanilla extract

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Spray a 8 x 8 x 2-inch baking dish with cooking spray. Combine the beans, cocoa powder, expresso powder, egg substitute, and flour in the bowl of a food processor. Process until the mixture is smooth, about 2 mintues, scraping down the bowl halfway through.

Add the agave, butter and vanilla. Process until all of the ingredients are combined, about 1 minute. Pour the batter into a prepared baking dish, and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 20 minutes, turning the dish halfway through the baking time. Turn down the temperature of the oven to 300°F and bake for another 5-8 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a little bit of soft batter clinging to it. It should not come out clean, if it does: it’s overcooked.

Let the bars cool completely at room temperature in the baking dish on a wire rack. Then put them in the fridge for at least 3 hours. When they’re cold, cut them into 12 squares and serve. Refrigerate any leftovers.

Happy Days

2011-01-01T11:26:00.000-08:00

18 Things...

2010-12-07T19:32:00.000-08:00

18 Things you can only say at Christmas:

1. I prefer breasts to legs.

2. Tying the legs together keeps the inside moist.

3. Smother the butter all over the breasts!

4. If I don't undo my trousers, I'll burst!

5. I've never seen a better spread!

6. I'm in the mood for a little dark meat..

7. Are you ready for seconds yet?

8. It's a little dry, do you still want to eat it?

9. Just wait your turn, you'll get some!

10. Don't play with your meat.

11. Stuff it up between the legs as far as it will go.

12. Do you think you'll be able to handle all these people at once?

13. I didn't expect everyone to come at the same time!

14. You still have a little bit on your chin.

15.. How long will it take after you put it in?

16. You'll know it's ready when it pops up.

17. Just pull the end and wait for the bang..

18. I'm so full, I've been gobbling nuts all morning

Thanksgiving

2010-11-24T23:21:00.000-08:00

Happy Thanksgiving everyone may your day be blessed!

Birthday time-

2010-11-22T08:12:00.000-08:00

I was told that I forgot something, well it isn't that I forgot it is because I do SO much more on facebook and I made posts there about Charles birthday so here you go my honey
Happy Birthday Charles! Love you.

This picture just makes me laugh!

Sweet 16 for my baby!

2010-10-30T11:22:00.000-07:00

After spending an evening at Red Robin with the family and Joe's friend Danny we came home with helium balloons and cupcakes to enjoy... and Helium balloons brings so much laughter. Even though his birthday was Wednesday we celebrated last night,Joe I love you so much I cant wait to see what the future brings for you.

Senior Pictures

2010-10-19T19:37:00.000-07:00

2010-10-18T09:22:00.000-07:00

Double Chocolate Cake

2010-08-30T07:18:00.000-07:00

I had my company picnic Saturday at my Dr's house, he lives in a big home that over looks the Puget Sound you can see 4 of the Islands in the distance it was beautiful. He had a pool that has the "endless" edge so you feel like your swimming in the sky, a big game room with lots of toys.... I say this because well, Charles and I both didn't like the house it was big had lots of marble but... it didn't flow well and the shape was weird. Nice but we have seen nicer.

Well back to the picnic it was fun having the party someplace other than the park and all of the kids had lots of fun, the lunch was catered by a local Hawaiian place and was wonderful, the employees provided the deserts and there was a contest for them, the Doctors were the judges and they had to choose from about 10 different things strawberry, cherry, pumpkin, chocolate... I won! :) :) Thanks Sheri for the Double Chocolate Cake recipe the guys loved it!

Nic Birthday photos

2010-08-26T11:00:00.001-07:00

I can't believe he is 17 already......

86,400

2010-08-26T10:08:00.000-07:00

Imagine that you had won the following prize in a contest:

Each morning your bank would deposit $86,400.00 in your private account for your use.

However,this prize has rules, just as any game has certain rules.

The first set of rules would be:

Everything that you didn't spend during each day would be taken away from you.

You may not simply transfer money into some other account.

You may only spend it.

Each morning upon awakening, the bank opens your account with another $86,400.00 for that day.

The second set of rules:

The bank can end the game without warning; at any time it can say,

Its over,the game is over!

It can close the account and you will not receive a new one.

What would you personally do?

You would buy anything and everything you wanted, right?

Not only for yourself, but for all people you love, right?

Even for people you don't know, because you couldn't possibly spend it all on yourself, right?

You would try to spend every cent, and use it all, right?

ACTUALLY, this GAME is REALITY!

Each of us is in possession of such a magical bank. We just can't seem to see it.

The MAGICAL BANK is TIME!

Each morning we awaken to receive 86,400 seconds as a gift of life, and when we go to sleep at night, any remaining time is NOT credited to us.

What we haven't lived up that day is forever lost.

Yesterday is forever gone.

Each morning the account is refilled, but the bank can dissolve your account at any time....WITHOUT WARNING.

SO, what will YOU do with your 86,400 seconds?

Aren't they worth so much more than the same amount in dollars?

Think about that, and always think of this:

Enjoy every second of your life, because time races by so much quicker than you think.

So take care of yourself, be Happy, Love Deeply and enjoy life!

25 Years together

2010-07-26T00:20:00.000-07:00

Every year that I'm with you
Has been better than before;
It's hard for me to even think
How I could love you more.

Every year you've graced my life
Has been full of happiness;
I love your caring face, your voice,
Your tender, sweet caress.

Every year when this day comes,
I'm filled with love and pleasure;
Happy Anniversary, Love,
My joy, my delight, my treasure.

4 Signs You’re Living For Christ

2010-07-21T12:36:00.000-07:00

Christians are people whose lives are suppose to be God-centered instead of self-centered.

The Apostle Paul encouraged Christians to “count ourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus,” (Rom 6:11) while Augustine confessed “You have made us for yourself, O Lord, and our hearts are restless until they rest in you.”

It’s Christ who is the source of our joy, strength and purpose. (Col 3:4) “In Him we live and move and have our being.” (Acts 17:28)

So how do you know you’re living for Christ? Here are four signs to help you:

1) You desire to read and study the Bible.
Show me your ways, O LORD, teach me Your paths; guide me in Your truth and teach me, for You are God my Savior, and my hope is in You all day long. (Ps 23:4-5)

Reading and studying the Bible pleases God because it increases our faith. “Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” (Rom 10:17)

Reading and studying the Bible also pleases God because it allows us to identify and avoid bad teaching about Him. “Watch out for those who cause divisions and put obstacles in your way that are contrary to the teaching you have learned. Keep away from them.” (Rom 16:17)

2) You desire to put the Bible’s teaching into practice.
Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. (Jam 1:22)

A famous prayer says “Father, let me not only love Your truth, but live it.”

When we’re living God’s Word it pleases Him because it’s evidence we’re walking with Him. “This is love: that we walk in obedience to his commands.” (2 Jhn 1:6)

When we walk with the Lord He comforts us with a special love. “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me (Ps 23:4)

We don’t look to do good works in order to be saved but because we are already saved through Christ.

3) You’re searching your heart.
Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. (Ps 139:23-24)

We please God when we search our hearts for sin because sin hinders our relationship with Him.

What do we do when we find sin? “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,” but we are “justified freely by His grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.” (Rom 3:23-24) “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.”

4) You build people up through your words.
Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. (Eph 4:29)

God is pleased when we build people up instead of tearing them down. We represent the living God to a dying world and our words should reflect that. Our words should be filled with hope, peace, encouragment and the good news of salvation through Christ.

“How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, ‘Your God reigns!’” (Isa 52:7

God Bless the U.S.A. by Lee Greenwood

2010-07-04T11:29:00.000-07:00

The Book of Eli

2010-06-13T17:21:00.000-07:00

Charles and I just watched this movie if you haven't watched it I encourage you to it was a very good movie.

Little Boy Blue.... Happy Birthday

2010-06-10T19:57:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday Josh I love you.

2010-06-03T08:42:00.000-07:00

The 5 Finger Prayer

The “Five Finger Prayer” is a simple, yet effective, way to pray.

We were separated from God by sin (Romans 3:23). But because Jesus paid for our sin on the cross we now “have access by one Spirit to the Father,” (John 3:16; Ephesians 2:18). Those who receive Jesus as their Savior become “children of God” (John 1:12).

So even though God is “great and mighty in power” (Psalm 147:4), we are His children and He is always thinking of us, “How precious also are Your thoughts to me, O God! How great is the sum of them!” If I should count them, they would be more in number than the sand!” (Psalm 139:17-18)

He is always ready to bend His ear to hear our prayers and so we’re encouraged to “come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need” (Hebrews 4:16).

The Five Finger Prayer is a simple guide we can use when we pray.
1) Your Thumb is nearest to you

So begin your prayers by praying for those closest to you. They are the easiest to remember. To pray for our loved ones is, as C.S. Lewis once said “sweet duty.”

While praying for our loved ones is easy the Bible also tells us to pray for our enemies who, in a negative way, are also near us.

“Love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you. (Matthew 5:44) And again, “Don’t repay evil for evil. Don’t retaliate when people say unkind things about you. Instead, pay them back with a blessing. That is what God wants you to do, and he will bless you for it.” (1 Peter 3:9)
2) The next finger is the Pointing Finger

The pointing finger reminds us of those who instruct so pray for those who teach, instruct and heal. This includes teachers, doctors, and ministers. They need support and wisdom in pointing others in the right direction. Keep them in your prayers. These men and women have great influence on society and we should pray that they display and teach godly principles in all they do.
3) The next finger is the Tallest Finger

Our tallest finger reminds us of those who are in charge. Pray for the president, leaders in business and industry. These people shape our nation and guide public opinion. They need God’s guidance.

When the king of Nineveh prayed to God he saved his nation from destruction (Jonah 3:6-10). We should pray that our decision makers repent and seek God’s will as they lead us.
4) The fourth finger is our Ring Finger

The ring finger is our weakest finger, as any piano teacher will testify. It should remind us to pray for those who are weak, in trouble or in pain. They need your prayers day and night. You cannot pray too much for them.

The Bible tells us that all who believe in Christ are “one body” (1 Corinthians 12:12) and that we are to “bear one another burdens”. We should “pray for one another,” James 5:16 tells us that, because “the effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.”

Praying for others is a way of serving those around us and serving is what gives us purpose to life. “If you love Me,” Jesus said, “feed My sheep.” Praying for those in need is one way to feed Christ’s sheep.
5) And lastly comes our Little Finger

The smallest finger of all. Which is where we should place ourselves in relation to God and others. As the Bible says, “The least shall be the greatest among you.” Your Pinkie should remind you to pray for yourself.

By the time you have prayed for the other four groups, your own needs will be put into proper perspective and you will be able to pray for yourself more effectively.

When praying for ourselves we should first confess our sins because sin breaks fellowship with God and we don’t want to be out of fellowship with Him. No matter how badly we’ve sin take heart and know that “He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9)

Then we should give thanks for all the blessings we have been given, “Offer to God thanksgiving, and pray your vows to the Most High” (Psalm 50:14)

And finally we lay out what is on our heart, the good and the bad, and we pray that God’s will be done in our life. The Father loves you very much and will always do what is best for you. Trust Him and He will lead you and cause all things to work together for the good of those who love Him. (Romans 8:28)

Harmful Drinks in America

2010-05-22T17:54:00.000-07:00

This was very interesting.
(click the link)

Mothers Day

2010-05-07T16:14:00.000-07:00

There was a certain tote bag that was up for grabs not long ago, I was lucky enough to be the winner of the bag. Well, I got the tote bag in the mail today and it is SO AWESOME you see I have been looking for a tote bag that was large enough for books or my computer etc and it is. I cant tell you enough how excited I am to get this bag Oh My Gosh I love, love, love the colors. Mom thank you so much for my mothers day bag. oooh so excited....

Happy Birthday Jarod

2010-05-02T23:38:00.000-07:00

I looked and looked but couldn't find a picture But Jarod I hope your 9th birthday was awesome.

glitter-graphics.com

Wisdom

2010-04-29T23:17:00.000-07:00

With time, women gain weight because we accumulate so much information & wisdom in our heads that when there is no more room, it distributes out to the rest of our bodies. So we aren't heavy, we are enormously cultured, educated & happy. Beginning today, when I look at my butt in the mirror I will think, good grief... look how smart I am!!!

Happy Birthday Kiara

2010-04-06T17:54:00.000-07:00

I have the cutest niece who turns 5 today Happy Birthday K. ;)

GivMusic: Bluetree - God of this City

2010-03-29T17:50:00.001-07:00

These guys are so awesome they came to our church and are up for a DOVE AWARD vote for them and listen to their story and song.

Sweet Thirteen

2010-03-27T08:01:00.000-07:00

Happy birthday today to my favorite 13 year old niece, I love you Madi.

Corned Beef and Cabbage

2010-03-15T19:29:00.000-07:00

Mind you I am not a fan of beer that is my husbands department, but I came across this recipe for Corned Beef and Cabbage that is wonderful. ;)

~George Killian's Irish Red Corned beef and Cabbage~

Ingredients:
5 pounds corned brisket of beef
12 oz George Killian's Irish Red
6 peppercorns or packaged spices
3 Carrots, peeled and quartered
3 onions peeled and quartered
1 medium-sized green cabbage cut into wedges
4 TBS melted butter

Placed the corned beef in water to cover it, and add 1 120z bottle of George Killian's Irish Red (Use only this beer we tried it with other ones and it just doesn't taste the same.. icky!) Add the peppercorn or pickling spices (they come with the corned beef when you buy your beef at the store)Cover the pot or Kettle bring to boil; reduce heat; and simmer 5 hours or until tender, skimming occasionally. During the last hour, add the carrots and onions and cover again. During the last 15 minutes, add the cabbage. Transfer meat and vegetables to platter and brush the vegetables with melted butter. Serve with boiled parsley potatoes, cooked separately.

Loss and Gain

2010-03-10T21:17:00.000-08:00

You know the saying One persons loss is another persons gain? Well it isn't so much a loss really but I am "SO EXCITED" for the gain. You see there was a misunderstanding and with that misunderstanding I gained a wonderful tote bag that I think is beautiful, so thanks Mom for the awesome bag I cant wait to get it.

Happy Birthday

2010-03-08T07:05:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday Mom I hope your day is awesome.

For those who love Valentines day

2010-02-14T00:02:00.000-08:00

myspace

Emergency Bible Numbers

2010-01-29T15:50:00.000-08:00

Emergency Bible Numbers

Charles, Nic & Joe

2010-01-18T18:53:00.000-08:00

Information Please

2010-01-06T21:36:00.000-08:00

When I was a young boy, my father had one of the first telephones in our neighborhood.. I remember the polished, old case fastened to the wall. The shiny receiver hung on the side of the box. I was too little to reach the telephone, but used to listen with fascination when my mother talked to it.

Then I discovered that somewhere inside the wonderful device lived an amazing person. Her name was "Information Please" and there was nothing she did not know. Information Please could supply anyone's number and the correct time.

My personal experience with the genie-in-a-bottle came one day while my mother was visiting a neighbor... Amusing myself at the tool bench in the basement, I whacked my finger with a hammer, the pain was terrible, but there seemed no point in crying because there was no one home to give sympathy.

I walked around the house sucking my throbbing finger, finally arriving at the stairway. The telephone! Quickly, I ran for the footstool in the parlor and dragged it to the landing. Climbing up, I unhooked the receiver in the parlor and held it to my ear.

"Information, please" I said into the mouthpiece just above my head.

A click or two and a small clear voice spoke into my ear.

"Information."

"I hurt my finger..." I wailed into the phone, the tears came readily enough now that I had an audience.

"Isn't your mother home?" came the question.

"Nobody's home but me," I blubbered.

"Are you bleeding?" the voice asked.

"No," I replied. "I hit my finger with the hammer and it hurts."

"Can you open the icebox?" she asked.

I said I could.

"Then chip off a little bit of ice and hold it to your finger," said the voice..

After that, I called "Information Please" for everything.. I asked her for help with my geography, and she told me where Philadelphia was. She helped me with my math.

She told me my pet chipmunk that I had caught in the park just the day before, would eat fruit and nuts.

Then, there was the time Petey, our pet canary, died. I called,

Information Please," and told her the sad story. She listened, and then said things grown-ups say to soothe a child. But I was not consoled. I asked her, "Why is it that birds should sing so beautifully and bring joy to all families, only to end up as a heap of feathers on the bottom of a cage?"

She must have sensed my deep concern, for she said quietly, " Wayne , always remember that there are other worlds to sing in."

Somehow I felt better.

Another day I was on the telephone, "Information Please."

"Information," said in the now familiar voice.

"How do I spell fix?" I asked.

All this took place in a small town in the Pacific Northwest . When I was nine years old, we moved across the country to Boston . I missed my friend very much.

"Information Please" belonged in that old wooden box back home and I somehow never thought of trying the shiny new phone that sat on the table in the hall. As I grew into my teens, the memories of those childhood conversations never really left me..

Often, in moments of doubt and perplexity I would recall the serene sense of security I had then. I appreciated now how patient, understanding, and kind she was to have spent her time on a little boy.

A few years later, on my way west to college, my plane put down in Seattle . I had about a half-hour or so between planes. I spent 15 minutes or so on the phone with my sister, who lived there now. Then without thinking what I was doing, I dialed my hometown operator and said, "Information Please."

Miraculously, I heard the small, clear voice I knew so well.

"Information."

I hadn't planned this, but I heard myself saying,

"Could you please tell me how to spell fix?"

There was a long pause. Then came the soft spoken answer, "I guess your finger must have healed by now..."

I laughed, "So it's really you," I said. "I wonder if you have any idea how much you meant to me during that time?"

I wonder," she said, "if you know how much your call meant to me.

I never had any children and I used to look forward to your calls."

I told her how often I had thought of her over the years and I asked if I could call her again when I came back to visit my sister.

"Please do", she said. "Just ask for Sally."

Three months later I was back in Seattle . A different voice answered,

"Information."

I asked for Sally.

"Are you a friend?" she said.

Yes, a very old friend," I answered.

"I'm sorry to have to tell you this," she said. "Sally had been working part time the last few years because she was sick. She died five weeks ago."

Before I could hang up, she said, " Wait a minute, did you say your name was Wayne ?" "

Yes." I answered.

"Well, Sally left a message for you. She wrote it down in case you called. Let me read it to you..." The note said, "Tell him there are other worlds to sing in. He'll know what I mean.."

I thanked her and hung up. I knew what Sally meant.

Never underestimate the impression you may make on others..

Whose life have you touched today?

Joshua's Picture

2010-01-02T01:16:00.001-08:00

An Old Irish Blessing
May love and laughter light your days,
and warm your heart and home.
May good and faithful friends be yours,
wherever you may roam.
May peace and plenty bless your world
with joy that long endures.
May all life's passing seasons
bring the best to you and yours!

Christmas Memories 2009

2010-01-01T18:58:00.000-08:00

I am finally posting Christmas images I hope you enjoy.
Indy, Joe's buddy.
Our Tree
A favorite ornament
Nicholas
Joseph
Nic & Joe
Nic & Joe
Joe
Nic
Nic & Joe Christmas morning
Nic & Charles
Nicholas

Mistletoe

2009-12-23T23:21:00.000-08:00

As a child there was always mistletoe, hanging in branches of the old oaks around the area. We would try and shoot it out of the branches with a BB gun, climb the tree with sticks to knock it out or shake the branch hoping it would drop off. We would collect it and use it for fund raisers at Christmas time. Aaron and I would go out looking for it in late fall, he being fearless was always the one to climb the tree to try and get it down without breaking all of the leaves off because it is so fragile. As the years have passed I haven't thought much about this Oklahoma State Floral Emblem ;) but I have been looking for it this year not finding it anywhere. I have also looked in the stores for the little packages of (fake) mistletoe to no avail so I guess I get to only remember it fondly.

Flops

2009-11-29T19:56:00.000-08:00

I'm not sure why The Great Oven Spirit has it in for me, but I always manage to screw something up when it comes to baking. Most of you have, no doubt, tasted something great from my oven, Unfortunately, for every happy ending there are probably 15 flops.

One of the things that was a flop was rice krispy treats, how do you screw those up you ask it is only butter, marshmallows and crisp rice cereal well I had every thing right but when I grabbed the spray pam to spray in my dish I grabbed the garlic spray instead. Now mind you they were good and sweet and as you are chewing they are great but then you get this hint of garlic that makes you go wait... what is that?

My latest flop was the pumpkin cheesecake I made for Thanksgiving well it wasn't a flop so much as it just wasn't cooked all of the way through, I followed the recipe to the T but when I took the spring form pan off it started oozing Charles and I trying to think of what to do, dumped it in a bowl for later. We then took it out put it in the oven longer and it came out awesome, not as pretty but awesome.

Kool-Aid Moms

2009-11-26T18:04:00.000-08:00

As my children were growing up I always said I wanted to be the "Kool-Aid" Mom of the block, and in part I was... I was given the opportunity to stay at home with my children as they were growing older. I had a small daycare so the boys would have others to play with I was there when they needed a knee bandaged and had popsicle's ready on warm summer days. As the boys have grown they haven't needed Mom as much, they can put on their own bandages and get their own popsicle's out of the freezer. I do know most all of their friends and they all come and go out of the house. I have been kind if put on the back burner, yes I know the boys love me but lately all I have had is my work until recently... as of 4 months ago I have become the Kool-Aid mom again not so much as before but to my 20 year old or any of his room mates I am again. When they need something he calls to ask Mom how do I make gravy like yours or we have a pumpkin pie how long do you cook it now that it has defrosted? We all go through changes and I am seeing my oldest becoming a man who after a very HARD start into adulthood is learning to stand on his own. Seasons come and go and I am enjoying this new season and again being the Kool-Aid Mom to 10 misfit men who have all had rough starts but for the most part have no one to love them. So I am showing them Christ's Love in my own little way by being Kool-Aid Mom.

Birthday's & Anniversary's

2009-11-23T08:23:00.000-08:00

I Have a Brother and Sister who had an Anniversary yesterday, I hope you had a wonderful day Ken and Kris.

Today I have a Nephew who is turning 15 Happy Birthday Dylan

Today I have a Brother and Sister celebrating their Anniversary Happy day Mike and Sheri. :)

Merry Christmas?

2009-11-18T17:25:00.000-08:00

Twas the month before Christmas*

*When all through our land,*

*Not a Christian was praying*

*Nor taking a stand.*

*See the PC Police had taken away,*

*The reason for Christmas - no one could say.*

*The children were told by their schools not to sing,*

*About Shepherds and Wise Men and Angels and things.*

*It might hurt people's feelings, the teachers would say*

* December 25th is just a ' Holiday '.*

*Yet the shoppers were ready with cash, checks and credit*

*Pushing folks down to the floor just to get it!*

*CDs from Madonna, an X BOX, an I-pod*

*Something was changing, something quite odd! *

*Retailers promoted Ramadan and Kwanzaa*

*In hopes to sell books by Franken & Fonda.*

*As Targets were hanging their trees upside down*

* At Lowe's the word Christmas - was no where to be found.*

*At K-Mart and Staples and Penny's and Sears*

*You won't hear the word Christmas; it won't touch your ears.*

*Inclusive, sensitive, Di-ver-si-ty*

*Are words that were used to intimidate me.*

*Now Daschle, Now Darden, Now Sharpton, Wolf Blitzen*

*On Boxer, on Rather, on Kerry, on Clinton !*

*At the top of the Senate, there arose such a clatter*

*To eliminate Jesus, in all public matter.*

*And we spoke not a word, as they took away our faith*

* Forbidden to speak of salvation and grace*

*The true Gift of Christmas was exchanged and discarded*

*The reason for the season, stopped before it started.*

*So as you celebrate 'Winter Break' under your 'Dream Tree'*

*Sipping your Starbucks, listen to me.*

*Choose your words carefully, choose what you say*

*Shout MERRY CHRISTMAS ,

not Happy Holiday !*

Please, all Christians join together and

wish everyone you meet during the

holidays a

MERRY CHRISTMAS

Christ is, The Reason for the Christ-mas Season!

Wet Pants

2009-11-17T06:20:00.000-08:00

WET PANTS

Come with me to a third grade classroom......There
is a nine-year-old kid sitting at his desk and
all of a sudden, there is a puddle between his
feet and the front of his pants are wet. He
thinks his heart is going to stop because he
cannot possibly imagine how this has
happened. It's never happened before, and
he knows that when the boys find out he will
never hear the end of it. When the girls find
out, they'll never speak to him again as long as
he lives...
The boy
believes his heart is going to stop; he puts his
head down and prays this prayer, 'Dear God, this
is an emergency! I need help now! Five minutes
from now I'm dead
meat.'
He looks
up from his prayer and here comes the teacher
with a look in her eyes that says he has been
discovered.
As the
teacher is walking toward him, a classmate named
Susie is carrying a goldfish bowl that is filled
with water. Susie trips in front of the teacher
and inexplicably dumps the bowl of water in the
boy's lap.
The boy
pretends to be angry, but all the while is
saying to himself, 'Thank you, Lord! Thank you,
Lord!'
Now all
of a sudden, instead of being the object of
ridicule, the boy is the object of sympathy.. The
teacher rushes him downstairs and gives him gym
shorts to put on while his pants dry out. All
the other children are on their hands and knees
cleaning up around his desk. The sympathy is
wonderful . But as life would have it, the
ridicule that should have been his has been
transferred to someone else -
Susie.
She
tries to help, but they tell her to get out.
You've done enough, you
klutz!'
Finally,
at the end of the day, as they are waiting for
the bus, the boy walks over to Susie and
whispers, 'You did that on purpose, didn't you?'
Susie whispers back, 'I wet my pants once
too..
Remember.......Just
going to church doesn't make you a Christian any
more than standing in your garage makes you a
car...
Father,
I ask You to bless my friends, relatives and
those that I care deeply for, who are reading
this right now. Show them a new revelation of
Your love and power, Holy Spirit, I ask You to
minister to their spirit at this very moment.
Where there is pain, give them Your peace and
mercy. Where there is self-doubt, release a
renewed confidence through Your grace.. Where
there is need, I ask you to fulfill their needs.
Bless their homes, families, finances, their
goings and their comings.. Amen.

Happy Birthday Charles

2009-11-11T06:31:00.001-08:00

How do I love thee?
Let me count the ways.
I love thee to the depth and breadth and
height my soul can reach.

Elizabeth Barrett Browning

______

Grow old along with me!
The best is yet to be.

Robert Browning (1812-1889)

More Ruby Tuesday

2009-11-10T22:22:00.000-08:00

Ruby Tuesday 09

2009-11-10T22:15:00.000-08:00

I thought that I would continue with Ruby Tuesday this year and start making it a yearly thing the first part of November. So these are some of the pictures I have collected for this year.

Birthday Wishes

2009-10-28T14:11:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday to my baby who is now 15 {sniff, sniff where has all the time gone} Love you

Pumpkin Farm 2

2009-10-24T07:24:00.000-07:00

Pumpkin Farm

2009-10-24T07:18:00.000-07:00

I Wish

2009-10-22T08:44:00.000-07:00

I wish that when one child came home sick that it would just stay with that one child and not spread to the other family members. Joe was home sick last week with a low grade fever for 4 days (he has always ran high fever's and for about 4-5 days) so it is one of those things that you get used to well he went back to school on Monday and now Nic is home with a fever, cough and stuffy nose.... Please Dear God don't let it spread to me I cant get sick.

New China Hutch

2009-10-18T23:08:00.000-07:00

Well after going through Craig's list for several weeks we finally found a new addition to our family we needed storage space and found this lovely piece built out of walnut, she has some nice lines. So, with $20 paid we brought her home and we are now working to load her up. It is awesome.

Meet my new Nephew

2009-10-15T06:24:00.000-07:00

Kian Rhys isn't he cute!

Southern Kitchen

2009-09-25T23:23:00.000-07:00

Well we went to The Southern Kitchen yesterday
a place that Guy Fieri went to on Diners, drive-ins and dives thinking he went there it must be awesome he raved over the food, what we learned is he is a great Actor the food was overpriced the collard greens were bitter, the black eyed peas had to much vinegar the mashed and gravy was good and the chicken but everything else was disappointing :(

2009-09-23T06:25:00.000-07:00

“What do I ask for myself, Father?

Give me confidence in my own ability;

Load me down with good, plain, old-fashioned common sense;

Let me get my priorities straight – may I never be a servant to my house!

I run it, not the reverse.

It is important that I find time to play with my children.

Help me to be patient, calm and understanding, even when I

feel like blowing my top;

Tap me on my shoulder and remind me that these feelings will

soon pass away, but my words may never be forgotten.

It is strange how my children reflect my moods right back at me;

If I am irritable, or happy, so are they.

I feel that it is mostly up to me to set the tone of our home.

Help me not to be self-centered.

My needs can generally wait until the children are not so dependent on me;

This time with them while they are so young is very precious;

It will not last long, but out of it will come many beautiful

memories to treasure in the future.

There is so much for which I could ask, to help me to be

a good wife and mother.

But there is one thing I desire above all: that you will show

me how to love.

Then I believe all other things will follow.”

Heather Harvey

Happy Birthday Aaron

2009-09-03T09:27:00.000-07:00

My very favorite brother, ok, ok so your my only brother! I love you very much I hope you have a wonderful day.

Go Indy catch that grasshopper

2009-09-03T07:24:00.000-07:00

First day of school

2009-09-03T07:23:00.000-07:00

I have 2 high schoolers [sniff sniff] dancing with joy at the same time! :) LOL

Catching up

2009-09-03T07:16:00.000-07:00

Nicholas and his sweet "16" birthday. Nicholas and his best friend from kindergarden Michael and his birthday cake Nic loves carrot cake

New Year

2009-08-10T18:13:00.000-07:00

I hate the first days of school they are so expensive: this is just the basic list they add on from here plus lab fees, and ABS, and everything it ends up being around $100.00 to walk in the doors
T. B. High School Basic Supply List*
paper – college rule
#2 pencils
calculator
binder – 3 inch
glue sticks
highlighter
index tabs
index cards
pens blue & black
colored pencils
70 page spiral notebooks – college rule
tissue box
*additional supplies may be requested by specific teachers
New Backpack

uggggg!!!

Rod Stewart

2009-08-08T09:18:00.001-07:00

I had the opportunity to see Rod Stewart last night in concert, it was so awesome! My boss bought tickets for the staff to see him VIP box seating and parking thank you so much DR Jarstad. I have wanted to see him for years. I have loved Rod sense High School, oh what a fun time we had.

Josh 2

2009-08-02T16:09:00.000-07:00