(from Sugar Plum)
(I also made this for the housewarming party. Good response... yummy yummy!)
Ingredients:
1/2 cup finely chopped walnuts
1 T honey
3/4 tsp finely ground sea salt, divided use
3 T unsalted butter, divided use
1 1/2 cups finely chopped apple (Braeburn, Gala, Jonagold)
2 tsp finely chopped fresh sage
1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
1/2 tsp minced garlic
8 slices Whole Wheat with Honey Bread
6 oz goat cheese, room temperature
1/2 cup finely chopped cooked applewood smoked bacon
Add walnuts to a large nonstick skillet, over medium heat, and cook 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently, until fragrant and golden; stir in honey and 1/4 tsp salt, and cook and additional minute or until well coated with honey. Pour the walnuts onto a plate and set aside. Melt 1T butter in skillet; add apple and sage and cook 5-6 minutes, stirring frequently, until tender and golden. Stir in additional 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp pepper and garlic, and cook an additional minute; remove from heat and set aside. Preheat oven broiler. Spray a large sheet pan with cooking spray. Cut the bread slices in half diagonally and place on pan. Melt the additional 2T butter and brush evenly over bread. Broil 1 minute or until golden brown; flip and broil an additional minute or until golden. Remove pan from oven; evenly spread goat cheese over bread slices. Break up walnuts a bit and stir into apple mixture; evenly divide apple walnut mixture onto bread slices. Top with bacon and serve.
Saturday, November 14, 2009
Sausage and Sweet Potato Kebabs
(from Martha Stewart)
(I made these for a house warming party not too long ago..... they're killer. SO good!)
Kebab Ingredients:
2 pounds sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 32 (1-inch) cubes
2 T olive oil
1/2 tsp pepper
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 pound spicy smoked sausage, cut into 32 (1/2-inch) pieces
32 wooden picks
Lemon-Garlic Mayonnaise
Garnish: fresh thyme sprigs
Lemon-Garlic Mayonnaise Ingredients:
1T lemon juice
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 cup mayonnaise
2 T chopped fresh parsley
Salt and pepper to taste
Kebab Preparation:
Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Place sweet potato cubes on a lightly greased 15x10 inch jelly-roll pan. Drizzle potatoes with 2T oil, and sprinkle with pepper and salt. Toss to coat. Bake at 450 for 15-20 minutes, turning cubes twice. Cook sausage in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat 3 to 4 minutes on each side or until browned. Drain on paper towels. Place 1 sausage slice on top of 1 sweet potato cube; secure with a wooden pick. Repeat with remaining sausage slices and potato cubes. Serve with Lemon-Garlic Mayonnaise. Garnish, if desired.
Lemon-Garlic Mayonnaise Preparation:
Combine lemon juice and minced garlic in a small bowl; let stand 5 minutes. Stir in mayonnaise and parsley. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
(I made these for a house warming party not too long ago..... they're killer. SO good!)
Kebab Ingredients:
2 pounds sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 32 (1-inch) cubes
2 T olive oil
1/2 tsp pepper
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 pound spicy smoked sausage, cut into 32 (1/2-inch) pieces
32 wooden picks
Lemon-Garlic Mayonnaise
Garnish: fresh thyme sprigs
Lemon-Garlic Mayonnaise Ingredients:
1T lemon juice
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 cup mayonnaise
2 T chopped fresh parsley
Salt and pepper to taste
Kebab Preparation:
Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Place sweet potato cubes on a lightly greased 15x10 inch jelly-roll pan. Drizzle potatoes with 2T oil, and sprinkle with pepper and salt. Toss to coat. Bake at 450 for 15-20 minutes, turning cubes twice. Cook sausage in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat 3 to 4 minutes on each side or until browned. Drain on paper towels. Place 1 sausage slice on top of 1 sweet potato cube; secure with a wooden pick. Repeat with remaining sausage slices and potato cubes. Serve with Lemon-Garlic Mayonnaise. Garnish, if desired.
Lemon-Garlic Mayonnaise Preparation:
Combine lemon juice and minced garlic in a small bowl; let stand 5 minutes. Stir in mayonnaise and parsley. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Tomato-Rosemary Tart
(from Southern Living)
Ingredients:
3 plum tomatoes (or any tomatoes)
1/2 tsp kosher salt
1/2 package frozen puff pastry sheets, thawed
1/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (I actually buy whole mozzarella, cut into thin strips, then I top the whole thing with shredded mozzarella right before cooking)
1 tsp lemon zest
1 tsp fresh rosemary
1/2 tsp freshly ground pepper
1T chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Cut tomatoes into 1/4 inch slices, and place on a paper towel-lined wire rack. Sprinkle tomatoes with salt. Let stand 20 minutes. Pat dry with paper towels. Unfold 1 puff pastry sheet on a lightly greased baking sheet. Arrange tomato slices in a single layer on pastry. Stir together cheese and next 3 ingredients in a small bowl. Sprinkle cheese mixture over tomatoes. Bake tart at 400 for 24 to 27 minutes or until pastry is puffed and golden brown. Sprinkle with parsley, if desired.
Ingredients:
3 plum tomatoes (or any tomatoes)
1/2 tsp kosher salt
1/2 package frozen puff pastry sheets, thawed
1/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (I actually buy whole mozzarella, cut into thin strips, then I top the whole thing with shredded mozzarella right before cooking)
1 tsp lemon zest
1 tsp fresh rosemary
1/2 tsp freshly ground pepper
1T chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Cut tomatoes into 1/4 inch slices, and place on a paper towel-lined wire rack. Sprinkle tomatoes with salt. Let stand 20 minutes. Pat dry with paper towels. Unfold 1 puff pastry sheet on a lightly greased baking sheet. Arrange tomato slices in a single layer on pastry. Stir together cheese and next 3 ingredients in a small bowl. Sprinkle cheese mixture over tomatoes. Bake tart at 400 for 24 to 27 minutes or until pastry is puffed and golden brown. Sprinkle with parsley, if desired.
Rosemary Scones with Strawberry Jam
(from Giada at Home - Giada De Laurentiis)
Scones Ingredients:
2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
1/2 cup sugar
2 tsp baking powder
1T finely chopped rosemary leaves
1/4 tsp fine sea salt
6T unsalted butter, cut into 1/2 inch pieces
1 cup heavy cream
1/3 cup strawberry jam
Glaze Ingredients:
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice, from 1 large lemon
2 cups powdered sugar
1-2T water
Directions:
For the scones: Place an oven rack in the middle of the oven. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with a silpat or parchment paper. Set aside.
In the bowl of a food processor, pulse together the flour, sugar, baking powder, rosemary, salt, and butter until the mixture resembles a coarse meal. (Jennifer's note: I actually don't have a food processor, so I do this all with my hands.) Transfer the mixture to a medium bowl. Gradually stir in the cream until the mixture forms a dough. On a lightly floured work surface, roll our the dough into a 1/2 inch thick, 10-inch circle. Cut out pieces of dough and put on the prepared baking sheet. Gently knead together any leftover pieces of dough and roll out to 1/2-inch thick. Cut the dough and add to the baking sheet. Using an index finger or a small, round measuring spoon, gently make an indentation in the center of each pastry. Spoon a heaped 1/2 teaspoon of jam into each indentation. Bake for 18 to 20 minutes or until the edges are golden brown. Transfer the cooked scones onto a wire rack and cool for 30 minutes.
For the glaze: In a medium bowl, mix together the lemon juice and powdered sugar until smooth. Gradually add the water until the mixture is thin enough to spread. Using a spoon, drizzle the glaze over the scones. Let the glaze set for about 30 minutes (which I of course never do). Serve or store in an airtight plastic container for 2 days.
Scones Ingredients:
2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
1/2 cup sugar
2 tsp baking powder
1T finely chopped rosemary leaves
1/4 tsp fine sea salt
6T unsalted butter, cut into 1/2 inch pieces
1 cup heavy cream
1/3 cup strawberry jam
Glaze Ingredients:
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice, from 1 large lemon
2 cups powdered sugar
1-2T water
Directions:
For the scones: Place an oven rack in the middle of the oven. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with a silpat or parchment paper. Set aside.
In the bowl of a food processor, pulse together the flour, sugar, baking powder, rosemary, salt, and butter until the mixture resembles a coarse meal. (Jennifer's note: I actually don't have a food processor, so I do this all with my hands.) Transfer the mixture to a medium bowl. Gradually stir in the cream until the mixture forms a dough. On a lightly floured work surface, roll our the dough into a 1/2 inch thick, 10-inch circle. Cut out pieces of dough and put on the prepared baking sheet. Gently knead together any leftover pieces of dough and roll out to 1/2-inch thick. Cut the dough and add to the baking sheet. Using an index finger or a small, round measuring spoon, gently make an indentation in the center of each pastry. Spoon a heaped 1/2 teaspoon of jam into each indentation. Bake for 18 to 20 minutes or until the edges are golden brown. Transfer the cooked scones onto a wire rack and cool for 30 minutes.
For the glaze: In a medium bowl, mix together the lemon juice and powdered sugar until smooth. Gradually add the water until the mixture is thin enough to spread. Using a spoon, drizzle the glaze over the scones. Let the glaze set for about 30 minutes (which I of course never do). Serve or store in an airtight plastic container for 2 days.
It's catch up time my friends....
I'm embarrassed at how long it has taken me to finally put some recipes up. My apologies... I've picked out some goodies that I go to quite often. Here goes...
Pancakes with Strawberry Sauce
Pancake Ingredients:
1 1/2 c Flour
1T Sugar
1T Baking Powder
3/4 tsp Salt
1c Milk
2 Eggs
4T Unsalted Butter
1 tsp Vanilla Extract
I mix all ingredients together and then spoon 1/4 c of mix into a skillet. Cook over medium heat (Level 5). You'll have to decrease the heat a bit once your pan has fully heated. If you don't, your pancakes will start to burn. Might I encourage you to throw some semi-sweet chocolate chips in there for the full, delicious experience. :)
Strawberry Sauce Ingredients:
1T Butter
1c Strawberries (sliced)
2T Sugar
1/8 tsp Cinnamon
Melt butter over medium heat. Add remaining ingredients and cook over medium low heat until thick and bubbly (approximately 7-8 minutes... I actually cook it for about 10-12 minutes). Serve in place of syrup and I PROMISE you won't regret it.
Up next... Rosemary Scones with Strawberry Jam....
Pancakes with Strawberry Sauce
Pancake Ingredients:
1 1/2 c Flour
1T Sugar
1T Baking Powder
3/4 tsp Salt
1c Milk
2 Eggs
4T Unsalted Butter
1 tsp Vanilla Extract
I mix all ingredients together and then spoon 1/4 c of mix into a skillet. Cook over medium heat (Level 5). You'll have to decrease the heat a bit once your pan has fully heated. If you don't, your pancakes will start to burn. Might I encourage you to throw some semi-sweet chocolate chips in there for the full, delicious experience. :)
Strawberry Sauce Ingredients:
1T Butter
1c Strawberries (sliced)
2T Sugar
1/8 tsp Cinnamon
Melt butter over medium heat. Add remaining ingredients and cook over medium low heat until thick and bubbly (approximately 7-8 minutes... I actually cook it for about 10-12 minutes). Serve in place of syrup and I PROMISE you won't regret it.
Up next... Rosemary Scones with Strawberry Jam....
Monday, October 12, 2009
P.S.
Things have gotten really crazy around here lately. I've set the book down for a bit, but it will return in future posts.... Don't judge me.. :)
Pumpkin Chiffon Pie
MMMmmm... is all I can say to properly express how great my house smelled while making this pie. I've never had pumpkin pie before truthfully, but it had a few taste tests of this one and have to say it was wonderful. It was light and delicious! Try it... you'll love it, if for no other reason than the aroma.
Pumpkin Chiffon Pie (by Martha Stewart -- of course)
Crust Ingredients:
32 gingersnaps, coarsely broken
1/4 c granulated sugar
1/4 tsp coarst salt
4 TBSP plus 2 tsp unsalted butter
Filling Ingredients:
1 envelope unflavored gelatin (about 1 tablespoon)
1/4 c cold water
1 1/4 c canned pumpkin (from a 15-ounce can)
3 large eggs, separated
3/4 c granulated sugar
1/2 c whole milk
1/4 tsp coarse salt
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp ground ginger
1/8 tsp ground nutmeg
Garnish Ingredients: (the best part!)
1/4 small sugar pumpkin, peeled (sugar pumpkin = small pumpkin... that's it... I googled it)
1 c water
1 1/2 c packed light-brown sugar
2 cinnamon sticks
1 piece (2 inches long and 1 inch wide) peeled fresh ginger
Directions:
1. Make the crust: Preheat oven to 350. Process gingersnaps, granulated sugar and salt in a food processor until finely ground. Add butter, and process until combined. Pour mixture in pie pan, pressing into bottom and up sides. Place on a baking sheet, and bake until darkened and firm, 11 to 13 minutes.
2. Make the filling: sprinkle gelatin over cold water in a bowl. let stand until softened, about 2 minutes.
3. Combine pumpkin, egg yolks, 1/4 c granulated sugar, milk, salt, and spices in a saucepan over medium heat. Cook, stirring, until mixture begins to thicken, about 8 minutes. Do not boil. Remove from heat. Stir in gelatin mixture until dissolved. Let cool completely.
4. Beat egg whites with a mixer until soft peaks form. Gradually add remaining 1/2 c granulated sugar, beating until stiff peaks form. Whisk one-third of beaten egg whites into cooled pumpkin mixture. Gently fold in remaining whites. (Filling can be refrigerated, covered, overnight.)
5. Make the garnish: Using a vegetable peeler, shave pumpkin into thin, wide ribbons. Bring water, brown sugar, cinnamon sticks, and ginger to a boil in a saucepan over medium heat. Cook until reduced by half, about 5 minutes. Add pumpkin pieces, and reduce heat. Simmer gently until tender and translucent, about 8 minutes. Pour into a bowl and let cool completely. (Garnish can stand at room temperature for up to 3 hours.) Top your pie with 3 or 4 pumpkin pieces, discarding syrup. (Although, I chose to let it simmer for a while longer just for the smell.
Pumpkin Chiffon Pie (by Martha Stewart -- of course)
Crust Ingredients:
32 gingersnaps, coarsely broken
1/4 c granulated sugar
1/4 tsp coarst salt
4 TBSP plus 2 tsp unsalted butter
Filling Ingredients:
1 envelope unflavored gelatin (about 1 tablespoon)
1/4 c cold water
1 1/4 c canned pumpkin (from a 15-ounce can)
3 large eggs, separated
3/4 c granulated sugar
1/2 c whole milk
1/4 tsp coarse salt
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp ground ginger
1/8 tsp ground nutmeg
Garnish Ingredients: (the best part!)
1/4 small sugar pumpkin, peeled (sugar pumpkin = small pumpkin... that's it... I googled it)
1 c water
1 1/2 c packed light-brown sugar
2 cinnamon sticks
1 piece (2 inches long and 1 inch wide) peeled fresh ginger
Directions:
1. Make the crust: Preheat oven to 350. Process gingersnaps, granulated sugar and salt in a food processor until finely ground. Add butter, and process until combined. Pour mixture in pie pan, pressing into bottom and up sides. Place on a baking sheet, and bake until darkened and firm, 11 to 13 minutes.
2. Make the filling: sprinkle gelatin over cold water in a bowl. let stand until softened, about 2 minutes.
3. Combine pumpkin, egg yolks, 1/4 c granulated sugar, milk, salt, and spices in a saucepan over medium heat. Cook, stirring, until mixture begins to thicken, about 8 minutes. Do not boil. Remove from heat. Stir in gelatin mixture until dissolved. Let cool completely.
4. Beat egg whites with a mixer until soft peaks form. Gradually add remaining 1/2 c granulated sugar, beating until stiff peaks form. Whisk one-third of beaten egg whites into cooled pumpkin mixture. Gently fold in remaining whites. (Filling can be refrigerated, covered, overnight.)
5. Make the garnish: Using a vegetable peeler, shave pumpkin into thin, wide ribbons. Bring water, brown sugar, cinnamon sticks, and ginger to a boil in a saucepan over medium heat. Cook until reduced by half, about 5 minutes. Add pumpkin pieces, and reduce heat. Simmer gently until tender and translucent, about 8 minutes. Pour into a bowl and let cool completely. (Garnish can stand at room temperature for up to 3 hours.) Top your pie with 3 or 4 pumpkin pieces, discarding syrup. (Although, I chose to let it simmer for a while longer just for the smell.
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Chapter 5: Lord, Strengthen Me to Stand Against the Enemy
I particularly appreciated this chapter. It outs the devil and shows exactly what he truly is, including his motives. The entire chapter was great, but there are some specific parts I felt I should share with the 3 of you following this blog. :)
(p. 64)
"We are all involved in a spiritual battle with an enemy who will never let up. Even though it is people who do evil things to us, we have to keep in mind that it is our ultimate enemy, the devil, who is behind it. "For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places" (Ephesians 6:12).
This verse hits me like a slap in the face every single time I read it. I'll admit it, I have in times past gotten easily offended and let everything negative affect me. If someone said something to me in a mean tone it would seriously hurt my feelings. I would, in turn, hold a grudge against that person. Things have gradually improved in this area, but this verse is a nice reminder. The devil is always looking for ways to get me down. If he knows that I find my self worth in other peoples opinions, then what do you think he's going to target me with? More than likely those very people. That's not the case, but it's sufficient as an example.
(p.64 continued)
"Just as God has a plan for you, so does Satan. Satan's plan is to steal from you and destroy your life (John 10:10). He never takes a day off. He is constantly trying to see his plan for your life fulfilled. That's why you have to "be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour" (1 Peter 5:8).
The devil has many weapons that he uses against us. Stormie explains 5 weapons God has given us to use against the enemy's plan for our destruction:
1. A powerful weapon against the enemy is God's Word- She explains how Jesus combated the temptations of the devil in the wilderness by speaking the Word.
2. A powerful weapon against the enemy is praise- "The devil hates it every time we worship God. That's because he can't tolerate people worshiping anyone else by him."
3. A powerful weapon against the enemy is obedience- "If we are living in sin or walking in disobedience in any way, this leaves the door open in our lives for the devil to gain a point of entry and ultimately a foothold. Bad things happen to us that might be the enemy's work, but it could also be because our own sin has given him a place to erect a stronghold in our life." (SO GOOD)
*This reminds me of one of the previous chapters. Repentance. It's best to get sin taken care of, not only because it causes us to lose confidence before God, but also because it opens the door for the devil to work in our lives. It's so easy to let our pride interfere with us "taking care of business" with God. But, if it's something that can cause something tragic to happen in our lives, we would wish QUICKLY that we would have repented. Run as fast as you can to God's mercy. It's new every morning.
4. A powerful weapon against the enemy is faith- "The enemy is always planting land mines out ahead of you. The way to avoid them is to walk closely with God and let Him guide your steps. That takes faith."
5. A powerful weapon against the enemy is prayer and fasting- It's a way of saying, "I deny myself what I want most and put God first in my life."
Be encouraged!
(p. 64)
"We are all involved in a spiritual battle with an enemy who will never let up. Even though it is people who do evil things to us, we have to keep in mind that it is our ultimate enemy, the devil, who is behind it. "For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places" (Ephesians 6:12).
This verse hits me like a slap in the face every single time I read it. I'll admit it, I have in times past gotten easily offended and let everything negative affect me. If someone said something to me in a mean tone it would seriously hurt my feelings. I would, in turn, hold a grudge against that person. Things have gradually improved in this area, but this verse is a nice reminder. The devil is always looking for ways to get me down. If he knows that I find my self worth in other peoples opinions, then what do you think he's going to target me with? More than likely those very people. That's not the case, but it's sufficient as an example.
(p.64 continued)
"Just as God has a plan for you, so does Satan. Satan's plan is to steal from you and destroy your life (John 10:10). He never takes a day off. He is constantly trying to see his plan for your life fulfilled. That's why you have to "be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour" (1 Peter 5:8).
The devil has many weapons that he uses against us. Stormie explains 5 weapons God has given us to use against the enemy's plan for our destruction:
1. A powerful weapon against the enemy is God's Word- She explains how Jesus combated the temptations of the devil in the wilderness by speaking the Word.
2. A powerful weapon against the enemy is praise- "The devil hates it every time we worship God. That's because he can't tolerate people worshiping anyone else by him."
3. A powerful weapon against the enemy is obedience- "If we are living in sin or walking in disobedience in any way, this leaves the door open in our lives for the devil to gain a point of entry and ultimately a foothold. Bad things happen to us that might be the enemy's work, but it could also be because our own sin has given him a place to erect a stronghold in our life." (SO GOOD)
*This reminds me of one of the previous chapters. Repentance. It's best to get sin taken care of, not only because it causes us to lose confidence before God, but also because it opens the door for the devil to work in our lives. It's so easy to let our pride interfere with us "taking care of business" with God. But, if it's something that can cause something tragic to happen in our lives, we would wish QUICKLY that we would have repented. Run as fast as you can to God's mercy. It's new every morning.
4. A powerful weapon against the enemy is faith- "The enemy is always planting land mines out ahead of you. The way to avoid them is to walk closely with God and let Him guide your steps. That takes faith."
5. A powerful weapon against the enemy is prayer and fasting- It's a way of saying, "I deny myself what I want most and put God first in my life."
Be encouraged!
Monday, August 31, 2009
Chapter 3 "Lord, Help Me to Be a Forgiving Person"
"When we choose not to forgive, we end up walking in the dark (1 John 2:9-11). Because we can't see clearly, we stumble around in confusion. This throws our judgment off and we make mistakes. We become weak, sick and bitter. Other people notice all this because unforgiveness shows in the face, words and actions of those who have it. They see it, even if they can't specifically identify what it is, and they don't feel comfortable around it."
"Just because we confess our unforgiveness toward someone one day doesn't mean we won't have unforgiveness in us the next. That's why forgiveness is a choice we must make everyday. We choose to forgive whether we feel like it or not."
This actually makes sense to me. I worked for this guy one time.... he wasn't a happy person. He was greedy and would say very hurtful things to your face and behind your back. Once I left his business I was SO relieved. I've noticed though, despite the many times I have genuinely chosen to forgive him days, weeks and months later I still have to choose to forgive him. I've actually wondered several times why I keep going through this.
"When we entertain unforgiving thoughts, they turn to hate inside of us." This is exactly why I keep having to forgive him! I haven't kept control of my mind. Instead I've gone with the ongoing movie of the many times he was hurtful to me. I've fumed over it over and over and over. The more I dwell on particular instance the harder it gets for me to choose to forgive and the easier option is to hate, which would make me a murderer (I John 3:15).
2 Corinthians 10:3-5 "For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ."
So, tomorrow I may begin to consider how hurtful that guy was, but then I will choose not to consider and take my thoughts captive. IF the longer I think on hurtful things causes it to become harder for me to choose to forgive, it's probably best that I take those thoughts captive and not consider them.
Romans 8:6 ".. the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace."
Last quote: "When we forgive someone, it doesn't make them right or justify what they have done. It releases them into God's hands so He can deal with them."
"Just because we confess our unforgiveness toward someone one day doesn't mean we won't have unforgiveness in us the next. That's why forgiveness is a choice we must make everyday. We choose to forgive whether we feel like it or not."
This actually makes sense to me. I worked for this guy one time.... he wasn't a happy person. He was greedy and would say very hurtful things to your face and behind your back. Once I left his business I was SO relieved. I've noticed though, despite the many times I have genuinely chosen to forgive him days, weeks and months later I still have to choose to forgive him. I've actually wondered several times why I keep going through this.
"When we entertain unforgiving thoughts, they turn to hate inside of us." This is exactly why I keep having to forgive him! I haven't kept control of my mind. Instead I've gone with the ongoing movie of the many times he was hurtful to me. I've fumed over it over and over and over. The more I dwell on particular instance the harder it gets for me to choose to forgive and the easier option is to hate, which would make me a murderer (I John 3:15).
2 Corinthians 10:3-5 "For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ."
So, tomorrow I may begin to consider how hurtful that guy was, but then I will choose not to consider and take my thoughts captive. IF the longer I think on hurtful things causes it to become harder for me to choose to forgive, it's probably best that I take those thoughts captive and not consider them.
Romans 8:6 ".. the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace."
Last quote: "When we forgive someone, it doesn't make them right or justify what they have done. It releases them into God's hands so He can deal with them."
Chapter 2 "Lord, Cleanse Me and Make My Heart Right Before You."
Okay, first, I'm not saying that there was nothing in chapter one to share. I just got something more from chapter 2. The point is not to tell you everything about the book. You have to go get it! I'm just telling you what speaks to me...
In chapter 2 we are asked to examine ourselves.
"I want you to look upon this idea of cleansing your heart not as judgment that your heart is dirty, but as God's call for you to get completely right before Him so He can bring all the blessings He has for you into your life. See it as God preparing you for the important work He has ahead for you to do."
She continues to lead you into a prayer asking the Lord to: "teach me what I am not understanding. Convict me where I am missing the mark. Tear down my arrogance, pride, fear and insecurities, and help me to see the truth about myself..."
I will say that since praying this prayer the Lord has brought several instances to my remembrance that I didn't deal with. I screwed up and then just swept it under the carpet. I've even found myself contacting individuals and asking for forgiveness. It's a humbling thing to realize how hurtful you've been to people, even if it was unintentional. Luckily, Romans 8:1 says "there is now no condemnation." It's actually exciting to know that God cares enough about me to point out those things so I can get them taken care of. Let me encourage you to take the same steps in your own lives. I'll leave you with this last blurb regarding repentance.
"It's one thing to recognize when you have done something that has violated God's laws; it's another to be saddened by it to such a degree that you are determined never to do it again. That's repentance. Repentance means to change your mind. To turn and walk the other way. Repentance means being so deeply sorry for what you have done that you will do whatever it takes to keep it from happening again. Confession means we recognize we have done wrong and admit our sin. Repentance means we are sorry about our sin to the point of grief, and we have turned and walked away from it.
Repenting of something doesn't necessarily mean we will never commit that sin again. It means we don't intend to ever commit it again. So if you find that you have to confess the same sin again after you have only recently confessed and repented of it, then do it. Don't let the enemy saddle you with guilt and ride on your back shouting words of failure in your ear. Confess and repent as many times as necessary to throw him off and see yourself with the battle over this problem. Don't entertain thoughts such as, Surely God won't forgive me again for the same thing I just confessed to Him last week. He forgives every time you confess sin before Him and fully repent of it. "Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered" (Psalm 32:1). You can turn things around in your life when you turn to the Lord and repent.
Learn to confess and repent quickly so that the death process that is set in motion each time we violate God's rules is not given time to do it's full damage, "for the wages of sin is death" (Romans 6:23). Ask God every day to show you where your heart is not clean and right before Him. Don't let anything separate you for all God has for you." (The Power of a Praying Woman, p. 40-41)
In chapter 2 we are asked to examine ourselves.
"I want you to look upon this idea of cleansing your heart not as judgment that your heart is dirty, but as God's call for you to get completely right before Him so He can bring all the blessings He has for you into your life. See it as God preparing you for the important work He has ahead for you to do."
She continues to lead you into a prayer asking the Lord to: "teach me what I am not understanding. Convict me where I am missing the mark. Tear down my arrogance, pride, fear and insecurities, and help me to see the truth about myself..."
I will say that since praying this prayer the Lord has brought several instances to my remembrance that I didn't deal with. I screwed up and then just swept it under the carpet. I've even found myself contacting individuals and asking for forgiveness. It's a humbling thing to realize how hurtful you've been to people, even if it was unintentional. Luckily, Romans 8:1 says "there is now no condemnation." It's actually exciting to know that God cares enough about me to point out those things so I can get them taken care of. Let me encourage you to take the same steps in your own lives. I'll leave you with this last blurb regarding repentance.
"It's one thing to recognize when you have done something that has violated God's laws; it's another to be saddened by it to such a degree that you are determined never to do it again. That's repentance. Repentance means to change your mind. To turn and walk the other way. Repentance means being so deeply sorry for what you have done that you will do whatever it takes to keep it from happening again. Confession means we recognize we have done wrong and admit our sin. Repentance means we are sorry about our sin to the point of grief, and we have turned and walked away from it.
Repenting of something doesn't necessarily mean we will never commit that sin again. It means we don't intend to ever commit it again. So if you find that you have to confess the same sin again after you have only recently confessed and repented of it, then do it. Don't let the enemy saddle you with guilt and ride on your back shouting words of failure in your ear. Confess and repent as many times as necessary to throw him off and see yourself with the battle over this problem. Don't entertain thoughts such as, Surely God won't forgive me again for the same thing I just confessed to Him last week. He forgives every time you confess sin before Him and fully repent of it. "Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered" (Psalm 32:1). You can turn things around in your life when you turn to the Lord and repent.
Learn to confess and repent quickly so that the death process that is set in motion each time we violate God's rules is not given time to do it's full damage, "for the wages of sin is death" (Romans 6:23). Ask God every day to show you where your heart is not clean and right before Him. Don't let anything separate you for all God has for you." (The Power of a Praying Woman, p. 40-41)
Monday, August 17, 2009
My Journey in Self Discovery
So...... today has been an incredible day. Literally one of the best of my entire life. Sadly, it began with my calling into work due to a killer sinus headache (oh Mississippi summers... how I despise you) but has now ended on an incredible note.
Hubs and I went to dinner and a movie tonight. On the way home, we began discussing some pretty intense stuff going on in our lives individually. I explained to Chris some of the "issues" I've been dealing with recently, which I will fill you in on a little bit. Hubs and I have been together now for about 9 years. For the last 8 years we've been together, I have spent much of that time putting my passions and interests on the back burner. It wasn't something that he required of me, it's just something I did in order to focus completely on him. I went so far as to put what I felt my calling was on hold, and eventually got to the point where I said "I'm just going to follow him around and do whatever He feels like God is calling us to do." (Side note: the Lord has spoken some very specific things to me over the years concerning His plan for me.) About a year ago I began to grow discontent with the way my life was going. I made the decision that I was going to focus on me.... Jennifer Wharton, not Mrs. Chris Wharton. Me... me..... me................. who am I? I'm ashamed to say that I don't even really know. So, I began to launch into the journey of self discovery minus asking the Lord for guidance. I have been determined to find my own opinions in the minute details such as... the bands I like, the clothes I wear, what I think is hip. I do think these things are important in knowing who I am. I will also say that in my time of natural self discovery I discovered a passion for cooking. Truly, it's something I enjoy immensely. I went from having no confidence in the kitchen, to feeling I could fix whatever my heart desired. Anytime I find out people are coming over... I immediately think "What's the menu?" It's now a hobby and I'm very thankful to have one to call my own.... that I'm good at. Anyways, the last few months I've just been VERY discontent and rather angry with my life. I'm in my early 20's with not 1 but 2 kids (YOWZAS!) that I love very very much. This too caused me to push myself aside. I no longer focused any effort on myself. My self worth plummeted... no good. One day, I said some rather heated words to Chris expressing some of my discontentment. Just so happens, our Pastor had been speaking on Wednesday nights about being content. I had to work late one Wednesday and didn't make it to church. Chris came in that night and said what a great message it was and that I should really get the cd. I immediately was offended. "Who does this guy think he is? In no way, under no circumstances, will I allow him to tell me what I should and shouldn't do." (Uh-oh) The next day I had a worship cd going on my way to work. I reached the point where I was fed up. I decided to lay my pride aside and repent. I knew the moment I did that all of this built up frustration would cease to exist. (Why is it that our flesh wants so badly to put off something that would do us so much good?..... don't answer that.... I know) So, that's what I did. Completely broken, I repented to God, and I explained to him how discontent I was, I asked for His help. I told Him that I trusted Him.. that I knew He had a plan for me. I asked for His guidance. Thank God He is faithful! I immediately had a new outlook. I was no longer burdened. In the past few months I've felt so encouraged and motivated to walk out the plan God has for me. Reading my bible and praying has been something I've craved. Tonight I explained some of this to Chris. I told him how I put myself, my desires on the back burner. I told him how I had been looking to him to meet my needs and to give me my self worth.
Detour: we have a book I bought while Chris and I were still dating. I recently pulled it from the bookshelf because the Lord was telling me to read it. At the time, I was reading another book and said "Oh, I'll read this after I finish my current book." Well, I finished that book and moved on to another book (which wasn't the book the Lord told me to read). I did this several times. I even picked up a book by Smith Wigglesworth, which would have done loads for me spiritually, but I started it and couldn't stop thinking about this other book.
Tonight, following my intense conversation with Chris, I (finally) picked up the book the Lord has been prodding me to read "The Power of a Praying Woman" by Stormie Omartian (what a name!) I get not even three pages into it and read the following paragraph:
"Do you ever have times when your life seems out of control? Do you ever feel pressured, as if your days are so busy that you fear you're missing out on a certain quality of life because of it? Do you worry that you are neglecting one or more areas of your life because you are trying to fill numerous roles (I accidentally typed rolls here... you can tell where my head always is) and meet many expectations? I've experienced that too."
"Have you ever felt as if your life is stuck in one place and you're going nowhere? Or worse yet, you are going backward? Have you had times when you've lost your vision for the future? Or have you never really had one to begin with? Have you wondered whether you can actually move into the full purpose and destiny God has for you? Have you experienced feelings of emptiness, frustration, or unfulfillment? I, too, have felt all those things." (HOLY COW!!! THIS WOMAN HAS READ MY MIND.... well... did... many years ago when this was written.... which is weird...)
I proceed to the next page and read the following:
"Every woman has needs. But many of us are guilty of looking to other people to meet them-especially the men in our lives. Too often we expect them to meet the needs that only God can fill. And then we are disappointed when they can't. We expect too much from them when our expectations should be in God.
My friend Lisa Bevere expressed it best when she said that for centuries women have "wrestled and waged war with the sons of Adam in an attempt to get them to bless us and affirm our value. But this struggle has left us frustrated at best....In the end, it is all a senseless and exhausting process in which both parties lose. It is not the fault of the sons of Adam; they cannot give us the blessing we seek, and we have frightened them by giving them so much power over our souls. We must learn that the blessing we truly need come only from God."
So.... all that to say this... I am starting the book "The Power of a Praying Woman" and I am going to blog about each chapter. I feel that it will be helpful for me to have thoughts in a written form for future reflection. If you're interested, buy the book and we'll read together. If not, check back with me every so often. Hopefully, it will encourage you and build you up as I know it will for me. God has me reading this for a reason and I know that I'll come out better than I started in the end. Looking forward to it!
Love you ladies (and gents)! Be encouraged!
Hubs and I went to dinner and a movie tonight. On the way home, we began discussing some pretty intense stuff going on in our lives individually. I explained to Chris some of the "issues" I've been dealing with recently, which I will fill you in on a little bit. Hubs and I have been together now for about 9 years. For the last 8 years we've been together, I have spent much of that time putting my passions and interests on the back burner. It wasn't something that he required of me, it's just something I did in order to focus completely on him. I went so far as to put what I felt my calling was on hold, and eventually got to the point where I said "I'm just going to follow him around and do whatever He feels like God is calling us to do." (Side note: the Lord has spoken some very specific things to me over the years concerning His plan for me.) About a year ago I began to grow discontent with the way my life was going. I made the decision that I was going to focus on me.... Jennifer Wharton, not Mrs. Chris Wharton. Me... me..... me................. who am I? I'm ashamed to say that I don't even really know. So, I began to launch into the journey of self discovery minus asking the Lord for guidance. I have been determined to find my own opinions in the minute details such as... the bands I like, the clothes I wear, what I think is hip. I do think these things are important in knowing who I am. I will also say that in my time of natural self discovery I discovered a passion for cooking. Truly, it's something I enjoy immensely. I went from having no confidence in the kitchen, to feeling I could fix whatever my heart desired. Anytime I find out people are coming over... I immediately think "What's the menu?" It's now a hobby and I'm very thankful to have one to call my own.... that I'm good at. Anyways, the last few months I've just been VERY discontent and rather angry with my life. I'm in my early 20's with not 1 but 2 kids (YOWZAS!) that I love very very much. This too caused me to push myself aside. I no longer focused any effort on myself. My self worth plummeted... no good. One day, I said some rather heated words to Chris expressing some of my discontentment. Just so happens, our Pastor had been speaking on Wednesday nights about being content. I had to work late one Wednesday and didn't make it to church. Chris came in that night and said what a great message it was and that I should really get the cd. I immediately was offended. "Who does this guy think he is? In no way, under no circumstances, will I allow him to tell me what I should and shouldn't do." (Uh-oh) The next day I had a worship cd going on my way to work. I reached the point where I was fed up. I decided to lay my pride aside and repent. I knew the moment I did that all of this built up frustration would cease to exist. (Why is it that our flesh wants so badly to put off something that would do us so much good?..... don't answer that.... I know) So, that's what I did. Completely broken, I repented to God, and I explained to him how discontent I was, I asked for His help. I told Him that I trusted Him.. that I knew He had a plan for me. I asked for His guidance. Thank God He is faithful! I immediately had a new outlook. I was no longer burdened. In the past few months I've felt so encouraged and motivated to walk out the plan God has for me. Reading my bible and praying has been something I've craved. Tonight I explained some of this to Chris. I told him how I put myself, my desires on the back burner. I told him how I had been looking to him to meet my needs and to give me my self worth.
Detour: we have a book I bought while Chris and I were still dating. I recently pulled it from the bookshelf because the Lord was telling me to read it. At the time, I was reading another book and said "Oh, I'll read this after I finish my current book." Well, I finished that book and moved on to another book (which wasn't the book the Lord told me to read). I did this several times. I even picked up a book by Smith Wigglesworth, which would have done loads for me spiritually, but I started it and couldn't stop thinking about this other book.
Tonight, following my intense conversation with Chris, I (finally) picked up the book the Lord has been prodding me to read "The Power of a Praying Woman" by Stormie Omartian (what a name!) I get not even three pages into it and read the following paragraph:
"Do you ever have times when your life seems out of control? Do you ever feel pressured, as if your days are so busy that you fear you're missing out on a certain quality of life because of it? Do you worry that you are neglecting one or more areas of your life because you are trying to fill numerous roles (I accidentally typed rolls here... you can tell where my head always is) and meet many expectations? I've experienced that too."
"Have you ever felt as if your life is stuck in one place and you're going nowhere? Or worse yet, you are going backward? Have you had times when you've lost your vision for the future? Or have you never really had one to begin with? Have you wondered whether you can actually move into the full purpose and destiny God has for you? Have you experienced feelings of emptiness, frustration, or unfulfillment? I, too, have felt all those things." (HOLY COW!!! THIS WOMAN HAS READ MY MIND.... well... did... many years ago when this was written.... which is weird...)
I proceed to the next page and read the following:
"Every woman has needs. But many of us are guilty of looking to other people to meet them-especially the men in our lives. Too often we expect them to meet the needs that only God can fill. And then we are disappointed when they can't. We expect too much from them when our expectations should be in God.
My friend Lisa Bevere expressed it best when she said that for centuries women have "wrestled and waged war with the sons of Adam in an attempt to get them to bless us and affirm our value. But this struggle has left us frustrated at best....In the end, it is all a senseless and exhausting process in which both parties lose. It is not the fault of the sons of Adam; they cannot give us the blessing we seek, and we have frightened them by giving them so much power over our souls. We must learn that the blessing we truly need come only from God."
So.... all that to say this... I am starting the book "The Power of a Praying Woman" and I am going to blog about each chapter. I feel that it will be helpful for me to have thoughts in a written form for future reflection. If you're interested, buy the book and we'll read together. If not, check back with me every so often. Hopefully, it will encourage you and build you up as I know it will for me. God has me reading this for a reason and I know that I'll come out better than I started in the end. Looking forward to it!
Love you ladies (and gents)! Be encouraged!
Monday, August 3, 2009
My heart overflows!
Right now... in this moment... I'm having one of those times of reflection. As I listen to probably one of the most intimate worship songs ever (Beautiful-Kari Jobe) I'm overwhelmed with how good God is. I'm extremely blessed to have two of my very own miracles. Ian, my four-year-old, had a very rough start. In what was probably the most traumatic things I've ever experienced, I'm proud to say my God protected him and healed him. Ian was born June 7, 2005 weighing in at 8 lbs 15 oz. When Ian was 2 days old he began to vomit entire feedings up which carried on the entire second day. I felt in my spirit that something was wrong. I mentioned this to the nurse and she said it was normal for them to spit up. She assured me he was fine, but as we went through onesie after onesie I felt that he needed further attention than what he was receiving. The nurse eventually noticed that he was continually spitting up after EVERY feeding. She agreed it would be a good idea to have him looked at by a doctor. She wheeled him away to the Newborn Nursery and said we would hear from the doctor in the next few hours. After the nurse left, I broke down, called my mother in sobs and asked for prayer. We heard from the doctor within a few hours who informed us Ian would be staying in the NICU until he could hold down his feedings. We were able to visit Ian every few hours the following day. Chris and I were completely confused, nervous, not at peace. The following day Chris and I came back to visit Ian and found Ian screaming in pain with an extremely swollen stomach. The nurses basically said they had no idea what was happening with him and felt he should be transferred to UMC to a pediatric specialist. Off we went.... again, in tears, we packed our things in panic while our 3 day old little boy was carried by ambulance to UMC. We arrived soon after and awaited the pediatric surgeons "prognosis". After 30-45 minutes the surgeon met with Chris and I and informed us that they felt Ian had Hirsch Sprungs Disease. The nerves at the end of Ian's colon were dead. Ian was unable to clear out his stool and it was creating a blockage, thus the swollen stomach. We were advised that he would need surgery in which they would remove the deadened part of his colon and what we could expect for the future. We agreed to the surgery. I went back to visit Ian and found him with a tube up his nose which was slowly sucking the stool out, and IV in his sweet little foot. I was devastated. In that moment of absolute hopelessness, I was reminded of a book my grandmother gave me titled "Scripture Confessions for Moms". I decided that I was going to fight for Ian. I felt it hit me, I was angry, I was confused, but I knew that MY God was bigger. Chris and I spent time with Ian, we prayed over him, stroked his little head, held his hand, gushed over how beautiful he was despite the disgusting wires. Chris and I went home and passed out. We visited Ian several times a day over the next week. Each and every time I was with Ian I read aloud the healing confession from that book. I spoke aloud the scriptures that followed. I talked to Ian as if he understood me "You're healed, you know that?" One night before Ian's surgery we sat with one of the nurses. She sat us and some family down and began to explain what we could expect following his surgery. That there was a good chance that he would have to have a colostomy bag that would hold his stool, we would have to empty it and hook it back up. She mentioned how hard it would probably be hard to potty train him, etc. Though she meant well, and wanted us to be informed, I was furious. Chris and I sat to the side as she spoke and showed the printed information to our family. Immediately following, we left with our family and made it clear that we refused to believe the garbage she just unloaded. The following day, Ian was scheduled for surgery and we were surrounded by family and friends. Chris and I were in a place of total peace. I literally remember it like it was yesterday. There wasn't an ounce of fear or worry. Total peace unlike anything I've ever felt. We sat in the waiting room for 2 hours during Ian's surgery. I remember just being completely exhausted... emotionally and physically. I never once felt unsure of Ian's outcome though. To make a long story short, surgery was a success, he had a speedy recovery. His progress wow'ed the doctors at all of our follow-up appointments. We never once had to deal with a colostomy bag and we had absolutely ZERO (abnormal) trouble potty training him. I'm convinced that the devil had something else in mind for Ian. I'm also convinced that God honored our faith. He proved himself faithful to us. He gave us peace that passes all understanding during a really dark time. I know that everyone doesn't believe that it's God's will for you or I to be healed. I firmly believe that God honors his Word. There's nothing you can do or say to convince me otherwise. Regardless of what you believe, I know that the God I serve is a healer because I've experienced it. I've watched one of the most precious things in my life suffer and come out with not even a trace of disease. My son is all the proof I need. I am forever be grateful for my son and I am forever thankful to my God. :)
He personally bore our sins in His [own] body on the tree a]" style="line-height: 0.5em; ">[a][as on an altar and offered Himself on it], that we might die (cease to exist) to sin and live to righteousness. By His wounds you have been healed. (1 Peter 2:24)
"Great crowds came to him, bringing the lame, the blind, the crippled, the mute and many others, and laid them at his feet; and he healed them ALL" (Matthew 15:30)
"Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever" (Hebrew 13:8)
Saturday, June 20, 2009
It's officially 5 years...
So, I know that it's not right to brag, but being that this is my blog.... I feel the need to do so. As you may know, Friday (as in yesterday) was our (me and hubs) 5th wedding anniversary. This in itself is absolutely shocking, but I have to say that the work that my husband put into making it special was much more shocking. Unbeknownst to me hubs had arranged for us to stay the night at the very place we said our vows to each other 5 years ago, The Dupree House. What made this so special was this was the first time since we left our wedding that Saturday afternoon, that both hubs and I had been back to The Dupree House. From the second we drove up, it was almost as if we were back to our wedding day. Things felt the same. Little has changed and the memories just flooded in. We had a lot of time to reflect back to that day and discuss what we were feeling at each moment. Those were things we've never even thought to discuss since our wedding day. We didn't really even discuss the wedding once we left the reception. It was over and we just wanted to begin our lives together.
We were greeted by Mr. and Mrs. Davis when we arrived. They too had not changed. Probably some of the friendliest people I've ever met. I honestly can't say enough good things about them. They were so welcoming and so easy to talk to. They remembered us and actually had taken some pictures on our wedding day to add to an album they show prospective brides. That in itself meant so much to me. They called us by name the next morning. They both cooked us a fantastic breakfast (home made blueberry pancakes, bacon and ham). They had gotten up that morning and picked the blueberries. Those pancakes were divine! After breakfast we chatted for a bit and then took a tour of the house. Mrs. Davis is the curator for the Old Capitol Museum downtown. You can truly tell how passionate she is about getting the story behind The Dupree House out to the public. The story is truly fascinating, she shows you pictures, handwritten correspondence by Mamie, Mamie's shoes from childhood, etc. It has, in a sense, become her life. She has been restoring this building since she acquired it at 24 years of age back in 1975 (?? I believe).
Anyways, suffice it to say this was truly the best anniversary yet. I look forward to many more special anniversaries, but I can honestly say that nothing will ever top this. It may not look like much from the pictures, but The Dupree House holds a special place in my heart. Hubs, thank you for everything, know that I love and cherish you and sincerely appreciate the time and effort you put into making this anniversary one to remember.
Till next time.... Ciao!
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
My Obsessive Blog Reading
Good Morning All!
I trust you slept well. Yesterday I inquired about some of your favorite blogs and got some great responses. Thanks! I thought I would share the blogs I check daily with you as well.... Enjoy!
http://thingsiboughtthatilove.com/ (She is one of the writer's for "The Office")
http://grumpygardener.southernliving.com/?xid=redirect-promo-grumpygardener
http://rocksinmydryer.typepad.com/shannon/
http://daisypinkcupcake.blogspot.com/ (this is a recent addition)
http://www.babble.com/CS/blogs/strollerderby/archive/tags/kitchenista/default.aspx
http://mamapundit.com/ (Katie Allison Granju- she also has the blog Homework seen below)
http://www.babble.com/CS/blogs/straightfromthebottle/default.aspx (Warning: She tends to have some language here and there)
http://lettuceprayblog.blogspot.com/ (Fabulous recipes- I trust her opinion completely)
http://www.babble.com/CS/blogs/homework/default.aspx (Katie Allison Granju)
http://babble.com/CS/blogs/bandonthediaperrun/ (A member of the band Mates of State)
http://blogs.usatoday.com/popcandy/ (Whitney Matheson of USA Today)
I trust you slept well. Yesterday I inquired about some of your favorite blogs and got some great responses. Thanks! I thought I would share the blogs I check daily with you as well.... Enjoy!
http://thingsiboughtthatilove.com/ (She is one of the writer's for "The Office")
http://grumpygardener.southernliving.com/?xid=redirect-promo-grumpygardener
http://rocksinmydryer.typepad.com/shannon/
http://daisypinkcupcake.blogspot.com/ (this is a recent addition)
http://www.babble.com/CS/blogs/strollerderby/archive/tags/kitchenista/default.aspx
http://mamapundit.com/ (Katie Allison Granju- she also has the blog Homework seen below)
http://www.babble.com/CS/blogs/straightfromthebottle/default.aspx (Warning: She tends to have some language here and there)
http://lettuceprayblog.blogspot.com/ (Fabulous recipes- I trust her opinion completely)
http://www.babble.com/CS/blogs/homework/default.aspx (Katie Allison Granju)
http://babble.com/CS/blogs/bandonthediaperrun/ (A member of the band Mates of State)
http://blogs.usatoday.com/popcandy/ (Whitney Matheson of USA Today)
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Date Night!
Tonight the hubs and I went on a date. We went to UP and little did we know it was in 3D, cool glasses and all.... exhibit A 
. When I woke up this morning, little did I know that tonight would be a monumental night. Why you ask? Because neither hubs or I had, until tonight, ever been to a 3D movie. I raise my large Diet Coke (that I share with hubs) and chocolate covered almonds and say "Here's to you 3D glasses. Thank you for the 2 hours of strange, yet real life images! How did I make it without you?"
. When I woke up this morning, little did I know that tonight would be a monumental night. Why you ask? Because neither hubs or I had, until tonight, ever been to a 3D movie. I raise my large Diet Coke (that I share with hubs) and chocolate covered almonds and say "Here's to you 3D glasses. Thank you for the 2 hours of strange, yet real life images! How did I make it without you?"
Let's catch you up to speed....
My life as I know it now began on this day, my wedding day, June 19, 2004. That man in the picture is my wonderful husband whom shall now be referred to as "hubs". Almost exactly one year later marked the arrival of our first child.. 
hereafter referred to as "spawn-1". Then, 26 months later marked the arrival of our second child...
hereafter referred to as "spawn2". Now, another 22 months later, we all look nothing like this. Life has picked up. Spawn1 is now going into K4 at the private school both I and my husband graduated from. Spawn2 is in the process of beginning to potty train. My husband has begun his own music publishing company and I, as of 2 weeks ago, have made my first birthday cake 
. Accomplished? I'd say so. :)You're up to speed. Farewell till next time!
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