Week 2: Figure Piping

Okay, I wasn't very motivated to do figure piping. The class project was clowns but they have some other options if you don't like clowns.

I don't.

I made a bear instead; quite a goofy looking bear too I might add! I'm sure that at some point I will want to know how to do the figures and there are quite a few cute little animals you can make.


But for the moment, I'm not in to them. Keep that in mind when you look at my cake... :)

A New Hobby...

I have wanted to take a cake decorating class for a very, very long time. Unfortunately, getting my money and my time together at the same time is very tricky! (I don't think they like each other.)

Until now.

For Christmas this year my very sweet husband bought me a Wilton starter kit and signed me up for cake decorating classes! Last night I decorated my first official cake. (Okay, so I've done cakes in the past but they were usually things like a cowboy boot. I have a picture of that one too. Maybe I'll tack it on to the end of this post).

It should be obvious to you that I have the attention span of a two year old. I stayed on track with the teacher and brought home my cute little cake. However, this morning I couldn't stand it and just had to try the basket weave that is for course two (I'm in course one). It's not the best looking cake ever but it's a start and I'm pleased with my first attempt. If I practice, it can only get better from here, right? (Please tell me I'm right!)

The bonus of all this is that my kids (who hate handwriting practice!) are now seeing me have to practice. I love it when I can show them that if you want to get better you have to work at it! It doesn't hurt that I've told them if they practice their handwriting they'll probably be better at writing on cakes than I am. Gives them a goal to work toward! lol

Josh's new eyes...

Josh got his glasses today! The poor kid couldn't see anything! He was so amazed at the world when we came out of that doctor's office! He saw birds and trees and he could see detail that he didn't know was there. He kept looking at my face like he was seeing it for the first time. I was thrilled that he could see things now but I was also sad that he's missed so much. At least he has the glasses now though right? His eyes are 200/20 with a wicked astigmatism. The doctor was amazed that he'd even been able to read with as bad as his eyes are. I am excited to see how well he does now! He is at this moment playing XBOX and enjoying being able to see the stuff on the screen! So, here is my cute son...

Hide me

I was studying Isaiah chapter 30 this week for our women's group when I was captivated by these two verses:

For thus says the Lord God, the Holy One of Israel:
"In returning and rest you shall be saved;
In quietness and confidence shall be your strength."
But you would not,
And you said, "No, for we will flee on horses"--
Therefore you shall flee!
And, "We will ride on swift horses"--
Therefore those who pursue you shall be swift! Isaiah 30:15-16

Now, I'm not a hunter personally but my husband is and on occasion he will hunt birds. Pheasant can often be found in large fields where they will hide among the tall grass to find protection from their enemies. When they stay hidden, they are safe.

I imagine that this is a very hard thing to remember when the feet of the enemy begin to draw near.

I don't know if you're familiar with pheasant hunting techniques but the typical method is for several men to walk abreast through the field. As they walk the birds are scared into flying, making themselves an easy target for the hunters. They forget all about the safety of the grass and in their panic they put themselves right in harms way.

How many times do we do the same thing? Instead of trusting in our hiding place, the Lord, we try to flee instead. The verses in Isaiah remind me that resting in His strength is where I will find my deliverance. My comfort comes not from fleeing from my enemies but in surrendering to the Lord.

It is when we panic and take flight that we put ourselves out in the path of danger and make ourselves an easy target. I can relate to those Israelites who wanted to flee and make alliances with other countries; we don't seem to feel safe unless we're doing something. The people that Isaiah was addressing didn't just panic, they deliberately ignored the word of the Lord to them and laid other plans. They sought to protect themselves and refused to trust in the Almighty, but to truly be safe we need to take refuge and let Him be our defense.

Psalm 91:1-6 says,

"He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High
Shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.
I will say of the Lord, "He is my refuge and my fortress;
My God, in Him I will trust."

Surely He shall deliver you from the snare of the fowler
And from the perilous pestilence.
He shall cover you with His feathers,
And under His wings you shall take refuge;
His truth shall be your shield and buckler.
You shall not be afraid of the terror by night,
Nor of the arrow that flies by day,
Nor of the pestilence that walks in darkness,
Nor of the destruction that lays waste at noonday."

Abide in Him, then when the feet of the enemy draw near you won't be tempted to flee because you've made Him your dwelling place. The person who trusts in God is the one who lives close to Him.

one, two, three, dip...

As I often do when I hear his truck tires crunching along the gravel road, I went out to the front yard to greet him. I waited patiently as he got out and put his things onto the hood before turning to give me a hug. As usual, he opened his arms to embrace me and I gladly came to him.

But then he did something completely unexpected; he dipped me!

Yes, that's right, he dipped me. Swooped me right off my feet, twisted around and bent low to the ground, looked into my startled eyes and after all that grand swooping simply said, "Hi."

"Hi!" I breathlessly replied. I felt completely helpless dangling there supported only by his strong arms. A quick kiss and I was back on my feet as fast as I'd left them. He gathered his things and flashed a michevious grin at my stunned face.

I'm sure that first dip didn't look as romantic as it might sound because I remember flinging my leg out and wildly clutching at his shoulders. It probably looked more like a drowning woman grasping at a life preserver than a graceful dip! I hate to admit it but I just didn't trust him not to drop me!

He has dipped me many times since that first one and though I am usually still caught off guard by the suddenness of it, I no longer flail about. I have learned to trust that his strength will hold me fast. I have learned not to struggle but to just lie peacefully in his arms, knowing that I will be upright again in a moment. I have learned to enjoy the ride. When he dips me, all I can see is his face looking lovingly into mine and the world falls away for those few beautiful moments.

As I reflect on the gift that I have in my husband I can see that there are bigger, stronger arms than his holding me. Whenever life has knocked me off my feet the arms of the Lord have been there to catch me and set me upright again. When an old hurt rises like a Pheonix from the ashes of my memory His arms encircle and protect me. He whispers reassuring words to my heart that soothe and calm.

There is something wonderful about learning to just lie peacefully and know that I am in the care of one stronger than myself.

"If I say, "My foot slips,"
Your mercy, O Lord wil hold me up.
In the multitude of my anxieties within me,
Your comforts delight my soul."
Psalm 94:18-19

Kid Speak

I love the way kids get things garbled or mixed up when they're speaking. Gracie is almost two and she's says a lot of very interesting stuff! I'm not sure what most of it is but I hang on every word. Here are some of her words and their translation:

Mee, mee = Excuse me!

Tate tu = Thank you

Eeez = Please

Da bouche = garbage (I think this is one of my favorites!)

For banana she sticks her tongue out and moves it back and forth across her lips while making noise. (I love that one too but there is no way I could draw you a picture of it. You'd just have to see her do it. )

As they get a little older the things they say are much more sophisticated. Josh used to call vanilla yogurt "ballilla logurt" but not anymore.

*Sniff*

He just turned six in February and now he is quite the linguistic artist. He pronounces most things correctly these days but he still uses some amusing terms.

Just last night he was holding Snowy (his completely gray kitten) when he exclaimed; "Mom! I didn't know Snowy got so bumpy when he purrs!"

I love that kid. :)

A few weeks ago we went to Alfy's Pizza with a group of friends for an after church lunch. Josh had eaten his required piece of cheese pizza doused liberally with Parmesan and was now eyeballing the candy dispenser. All those colorful little balls of candy were too much for him and he began his quest for a quarter. He turned the full power of those big blue eyes on the adults present and the loose change began to flow!

Sadly, the M&M dispenser was jammed. Despite the Herculean effort of Mr. Miller to jar those candies loose Josh never did get his chocolate fix. At one point he turned to me (the Mommy who can fix everything, don't you know!) and asked if I could "get the pizza cooker guys to come get me a candy?"

If I had thought those pizza cooker guys could get him one I would have pulled one out of that kitchen by his ear!

Funny isn't it? They know what they want and they don't worry about the proper way to ask. Jon and I were talking last night about praying and how we all do it differently. Some people will use King James English and some will use flowery, extravagant terms. Others just pray simply. I love the story of the guy who had just become a Christian and was invited to join a group in prayer. The other members were praying with big religious sounding words but he simply said, "Hi God, in case you don't remember me, it's Bob. I talked to you last week and now I'm back..."

I used to worry about praying in front of others. I had been in a church where the Women's Ministry leader would go along after everyone who had prayed and correct everything they had said. You can imagine the impact that had!

It's taken some time but as I've gotten to know the Lord a little better I've realized that He's like any parent would be. He just loves it when we come and speak to Him. I don't have to use big fancy sounding words or try to impress Him.

I think it pleases Him more when I come to Him like Josh did to me; expecting that He will hear me and take action on my behalf.

I am so comforted by that because most of the time I sound more like Gracie than someone scholarly anyway. He is so amazing, so awe-inspiring that all I can manage is, "Tate-tu!"

And thankfully, that is enough.

"Then Jesus called a little child to Him, set him in the midst of them, and said, "Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven." Mathew 18:2-4 NKJV

My New Podium...

My darling husband finished this new podium for church. I get to teach the Women's Bible Study a couple of times a month and had been hinting to him "that it would sure be nice if I didn't have to use a wobbly music stand!" He finished it two weeks ago in time for me to use it. He was so sweet! He wasn't sure he'd be able to finish it it before my night came up. I told him it was okay, I'd use it the next time. But he wanted me to be the first to use it so he hurried and got it done. When I went in that night this beautiful creation was there waiting for me.

Daddy's Home!

My little Gracie is almost two years old now and she is very adept at making herself heard. This little girl is into everything she can reach and even some things she can't! From the moment she wakes up to the moment she goes to sleep she is busy, busy, busy! She hops, she skips, she even gallops along like a little pony.

Her favorite things to say are, "No!", "Mine!", and "Bye, bye!"

She wants to be just like the big kids and she loves everything to do with music. You can't keep her attention for long if there is anything with a rhythm playing. She can't help herself, she has to dance. Her little head will start bobbing back and forth, then her feet lift in time to the music. Soon, her rear end is swaying back and forth. The rest of us can't help it, we giggle endlessly (which makes her dance all the more!)

There is only one thing that will stop this girlie in her tracks; the sound of Daddy's footsteps on the front porch.

As soon as she realizes that he's home whatever she had been doing is forgotten and chubby little arms are flung into the air. She flies to the front door screaming, "Daddy!!!!!!" (Only it sounds more like Da-yee!)

As soon as he manages to get the door open without smacking her with it Daddy is expected to drop everything and swoop that little chunk into his arms. A task he is only too willing to accomplish.

I love to watch them together; he holds her close and breathes in her scent (a mixture of baby shampoo, peanut butter and possibly the deodorant she tried to eat earlier). She lays her little head on his shoulder and strokes his hair with pudgy fingers. His strength is tempered by the tenderness he feels for her and she knows his arms are a safe place.

So focused on each other they forget that anyone else exists, they both close their eyes and relish this moment of bliss. They are the picture of contentment.

~

Though I am no longer a toddler there are days I think I am as active as one. There are meals to prepare, rooms to clean, laundry to wash and put away. A busy husband who needs my help and support. Four kids; three of which I homeschool while trying to keep the fourth occupied. Grace is screaming, the girls are fighting and Josh is mad that somebody broke his Lego creation. Jon needs help finding something he misplaced and there are many chores to be done before bedtime.

The world is calling and I am tired.

Sometimes, I am too busy to hear His footsteps on the front porch. I get so wrapped up running around doing things that I forget to drop everything, fling my arms up and run to Him.

Oh, but when I do...

...He gathers me close and wraps strong arms around me. I rest in the safety of His embrace and I find peace and contentment.

I could stay here forever.

"The voice of my beloved! Behold, he comes leaping upon the mountains, skipping upon the hills. My beloved is like a gazelle or a young stag. Behold, he stands behind our wall; He is looking through the windows, Gazing through the lattice. My beloved spoke, and said to me; "Rise up, my love, my fair one, and come away. For lo, the winter is past, the rain is over and gone. The flowers appear on the earth; the time of singing has come, and the voice of the turtledove is heard in our land. The fig tree puts forth her green figs, and the vines with the tender grapes give a good smell. Rise up, my love, my fair one, and come away!" Song of Solomon 2:8-13

Time Flies!

Wow! Has it really been over three months since I posted anything? It doesn't seem like that long! I've been trying to decide what to do with this blog since I haven't been posting anything. I've been trying to decide whether I should just delete it or if I should keep it going. I think for now I will keep the blog but I'm going to allow myself to post different types of things. Household tips, patterns, something I'm knitting or sewing at the moment; whatever strikes my fancy. Then, if I have the time I will try to actually write something meaningful. Since I'm probably all alone on here now I don't see this as a problem for my audience! :)

For today here is a recipe I tried last night:

Chicken Curry
4 cups cooked basmati rice
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 cup chopped onion
1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper
3 cups chopped cooked chicken breast
1 cup TOMATO sauce
1 tablespoon flour
1 tablespoon curry powder
1 teaspoon sea salt
1/2 cup water
1/4 cup lemon juice
1 tablespoon garlic powder

Brown onion and green pepper in olive oil until tender; add chicken breast. In a separate bowl combine tomato sauce, flour, curry powder, sea salt, garlic powder, water and lemon juice and stir until smooth. Pour mixture over chicken and stir until combined. Spread rice in a 9x13 baking dish then spread chicken mixture over the top. Bake at 350 for 30 minutes.

I liked it plain but my kids put some sour cream on top and ate it that way. It's got quite a lot of flavor but it's low in calories and fat. My kind of dish! Bon Apetit!

This is an easy and fast to make poncho pattern. E-mail me if you want the directions. (I have directions for sizes from Toddler to Adult.)

Gracie saying "Cheese!"

Pink Version...

It doesn't snow a whole lot around here so my daughter (Jessica) decided she'd better make a snowman while she could! I thought it was cute so I took a picture of it. (That's what mom's do you know!)

My Sentiments Exactly!
(Well, as long as I don't have to drive in it!)

Morning...

I don’t remember what I was dreaming. I only remember the blaring of the alarm clock and the sudden absence of my husband from our bed. He began to rush around and I briefly entertained thoughts of getting up with him.

From my station under the blankets I could feel the bite of the cold morning air on my face and I just couldn’t stand the thought of tossing those covers aside. I knew the moment I did frigid air would wash over me and set my teeth to chattering like a wind up toy.

No, better to stay snuggled under my pile of blankets; maybe even drift back to sleep…

I heard Him whisper...

“You said you wanted to spend time with Me.”

It’s funny how even when clouded with sleep my brain can quickly calculate a plan to keep me in bed longer!

“Honey, Will you reset the alarm for me?”

“I’ll get up at 6:30!” I thought, “That way I can steal another hour of warmth and I’ll still be able to grab a few minutes of quiet time before the kids get up!” I wiggled further into the blankets satisfied with my plan.

Jon reset the alarm for me before gathering the rest of his things. “I’m running a little late so I won’t be able to take the dogs out.”

I stifled a groan. That meant I’d have to do it! Oh well, if he’s late I’ll have to do it whether I get up now or not.

“Okay” I mumbled. We ran through the usual exchange; “Don’t forget your sandwich, have a good day, I love you…” and he quietly shut the door.

As I lay there I heard him go into the bathroom. I shut my eyes and tried to will myself back to sleep, but instead I started thinking.

I thought of the things he needed to do yet before he left. His usual stuff, but today it would be a hassle because he was already running late.

I thought about how he gets up and leaves our warm bed everyday to take care of me and our children.

I thought about how he never complains, even when he comes home from a long hard day at work and still has chores to do at home.

I thought about the overtime he’s been working so he can take the day after Thanksgiving off because I want to go get our Christmas tree.

I started to feel a little guilty but the pull of my bed was still too strong. ‘Oh Lord!’ I prayed, ‘please help me to put myself aside so I can get up and bless him!’

With a sudden resolve I took a breath to brace myself and flung the covers aside. Before I could change my mind I threw on some sweats and headed for the kitchen. As I set to work collecting his things and pouring his coffee he came into the kitchen and stood watching me. I glanced up at him and could read the question in his eyes before he even asked it.

“What are you doing up? I thought you were tired?”

“You said you were late.” I said with a shiver.

The smile he gave me warmed me to my toes. It was a smile that said, “You have blessed me.”

Strong arms enveloped me and held me to his chest. “I love you” he whispered into my hair.

When he had gone, I got my Bible and spent some time with another. I felt the warmth of His presence as I heard Him whisper again to my heart…

“…you have blessed Me.”

Thank you Lord for giving me the strength to get up and serve You and my husband this morning. I am the one who was blessed.
 

What Cartoon Character Are You?

Several weeks ago a bunch of bloggers were doing online quizzes to determine everything from what type of movie they were to what kind of candy they represent. Here is one that you'll have to do your own math on but it was fun and silly so I'm posting it.

Just so you know, I was Sponge Bob Square Pants! (Which has me wondering because that's Jon's least favorite cartoon character!)

Here you go...

Everyone has the personality of a cartoon character. Have you ever asked yourself what cartoon character you most resemble? A group of investigators got together and analyzed the personalities of well known and modern cartoon characters. The information that was gathered was made into this test. Answer all the questions with what describes you best, add up all your points (which are next to the answer that you choose) at the end and look for your results. Do not cheat by looking at the end of the e-mail before you are done.

_____________________________________

1. Which one of the following describes the perfect date?
a) Candlelight dinner (4 pts.)
b) Fun/Theme Park (2 pts.)
c) Painting in the park (5 pts.)
d) Rock concert (1 pt.)
e) Going to the movies (3 pts.)

2. What is your favorite type of music?
a) Rock and Roll (2 pts.)
b) Alternative (1 pt.)
c) Soft Rock (4 pts.)
d) Country (5 pts.)
e) Pop (3 pts.)

3. What type of movies do you prefer?
a) Comedy (2 pts.)
b) Horror (1 pt.)
c) Musical (3 pts.)
d) Romance (4 pts.)
e) Documentary (5 pts.)

4. Which one of these occupations would you choose if you could only could choose one of these? (What kind of a choice is this anyway?)
a) Waiter (4 pts.)
b) Professional Sports Player (5 pts.)
c) Teacher (3 pts.)
d) Police (2 pts.)
e) Cashier (1 pt)

5. What do you do with your spare time?
a) Exercise (5 pts.)
b) Read (4 pts.)
c) Watch television (2 pts.)
d) Listen to music (1 pt.)
e) Sleep (3 pts.)

6. Which one of the following colors do you like best?
a) Yellow (1 pt.)
b) White (5 pts.)
c) Sky Blue (3 pts.)
d) Dark Blue (2 pts.)
e) Red (4 pts.)

7. What do you prefer to eat right now?
a) Snow (3 pts.) (Is snow really considered a food?)
b) Pizza (2 pts.)
c) Sushi (1 pt.)
d) Pasta (4 pts.)
e) Salad (5 pts.)

8. What is your favorite holiday?
a) Halloween (1 pt.)
b) Christmas (3 pts)
c) New Year (2 pts.)
d) Valentine's Day (4 pts.)
e) Thanksgiving (5 pts.)

9. If you could go to one of these places which one would it be?
a) Paris (4 pts)
b) Spain (5 pts.)
c) Las Vegas (1 pt.)
d) Hawaii (4 pts.)
e) Hollywood (3 pts)

10. With which of the following would you prefer to spend time with?
a) Someone Smart (5 pts.)
b) Someone attractive (2 pts.)
c) Someone who likes to Party (1 pt.)
d) Someone who always has fun (3 pts.! )
e) Someone very sentimental (4 pts.)

Now add up your points and find out the answer you have been waiting for! DON'T PEEK YET! NOW, COMPARE YOUR POINTS TO THESE CHARACTERS:

(10-16 points) You are Garfield: You are very comfortable, easygoing, and you definitely know how to have fun but sometimes you take it to an extreme. You always know what you are doing and you are always in control of your life. Others may not see things as you do, but that doesn't mean that you always have to do what is right. Try to remember your happy spirit may hurt you or others.

(17-! 23 points) You are Snoopy: You are fun, you are very cool and popular. You always know what's in and you never are out of style.You are good at knowing how to satisfy everyone else. You have probably disappeared for a few days more than once but you always come home with the family values that you learned. Being married and having children are important to you, but only after you have had your share of fun times.

(24-28 points) You are Elmo: You have lots of friends and you are also popular, always willing to give advice and help out a person in need.You are very optimistic and you always see the bright side of things. Some good advice: try not to be too much of a dreamer, if not you will have many conflicts with life.

(29-35 points) You are Sponge Bob Square Pants: You are the classic person that everyone loves. You are the best friend that anyone could ever have and never want to lose. You never cause harm to anyone and they would never not understand your feelings. Life is a journey, it's funny and calm for the most part. Stay away from traitors and jealous people, then you will be stress free.

(36-43 points) You are Charlie Brown: You are tender, you fall in love quickly but you are also very serious about all relationships. You are a family person. You call your mom every Sunday. You have many friends and may occasionally forget a few Birthdays. Don't let your passion confuse you with reality.

(44-50 points) You are Dexter: You are smart and definitely a thinker. Every situation is fronted with a plan. You have a brilliant mind.You demonstrate very strong family principles. Maintain a stable routine but never ignore a bad situation when it comes.

So, who are you?

I Am Still Here!

I just haven't posted for awhile!

Don't you hate it when you have something all typed out and you think you post it but it disappears! Grrrr!

Okay, we'll try this again! I have been so busy lately that I just haven't had time (or the inclintation!) to get on here and post anything. I know, not a good excuse and I will try to post more often. But not right now! :) Arielle (my 9 year old) fell and broke her leg this past Tuesday. I will tell you more about what happened but I want to (gasp!) actually write a post about that so you'll have to wait.

For now, what you need to know is that she won't be getting a cast until next Tuesday because of concerns about swelling and stuff. So, she is here at home but has to be immobilized or the surgery that she's narrowly avoided so far will catch up with her! It was a pretty serious break (she even had to stay overnight at the hospital) so she's still in a lot of pain. As you can imagine I am running ragged trying to take care of her every need (and I do mean every!) and the other three kiddos.

Until then I leave you with pictures of some of our recent events (I know it's sort of cheating but it's better than nothing right?) And please keep praying for my poor girl!

Arielle standing (something she won't be doing for awhile!) by the river.

Our worn out little camper. She fell asleep in the baby backpack while we were hiking back from the river. We just let her sleep there while we played cards. lol

The campground we went to on this trip was waaaay out there but it was absolutely beautiful. I have a bunch of pics of the river but none of them do it justice.