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I have a few wreaths to decorate my front door with for the season. So far I have a fall wreath and a Christmas Wreath. I dream of getting a few more to keep one on the door through all the seasons. Here are some I dream of having for spring! What kind would you choose?
I’ll start with my all time favorite….the pussywillow wreath. 
FOR TODAY Monday, March 23, 2009…
Outside my window…wetness, muddyness, and hope.
I am thinking…of the things to come. Spring does that to me.
I am thankful for…all the blessings I take for granted each day. Amazing Grace.
From the learning rooms…I’m struggling my way through this program…and Pray for strength to continue and persevere.
From the kitchen…A fresh start and new recipes…see yesterday’s post
I am wearing…a bedhead….and a positive attitude for a great start to a great week!
I am creating…a new person inside of me. no, i’m not expecting a baby…i AM the baby. so much to learn in life, i sometiems feel like a baby soaking it all in.
I am going…to smile my way through the mud and muck of spring
I am reading…captivating…
I am hoping…to get it ALL done today. ALL meaning everything on my list.
I am hearing…my home working to keep me comfortable and content. (furnace and fridge and fan)
Around the house…are signs of a happy home. toys, candles, light, food, and even pocket change.
One of my favorite things…is a plan of action. not the action itself…just the plan. 
A few plans for the rest of the week:
bible study with my GF monday morning.
couples bible study monday night.
tuesday night is sewing with a few church ladies,
wednesday night is the last night for the girls clubs program at church,
thursday is the start of spring break for my kindy girl and a birthday party for one of her favorite church friends,
and thursday night the girlfriends and I are headed to olive garden for supper. yummy!
after that it’s friday and weekend time already! WOW!
Here is picture thought I am sharing…(a picture of one of my favorite scrapbooking projects i’ve ever done…a mini album of us as a family for DH many years ago)
Last week I caved, and bought a new cookbook. I had looked it up a year or so ago, and thought it would be nice but never bit at it. This week I came across it again, and couldn’t resist. That’s kinda putting it mildly! LOL. I went to purchase it, and saw that it was available as an ebook, or as a published book needing to be shipped. Shipping to Canada was an unreal price, and driving the 15 miles across the border to pick it up was not sounding too exciting either. Having a new printer with relatively efficient ink usage and costs, I figured the amount I could save in shipping would pay for my printing and a binder (which I had available to me in the basement after shuffling some papers around). That was before I realized the size of this book. I was imagining a regular book, like the church cookbooks I had in my cupboard. Well, this book is chalk full of resources, tips, suggestions, substitutions, and who knows what. It consists of a full 470+ pages.
As I started printing, I realized that my printer was going to take a year and a day. I had opted for the double sided printing (Praise the Lord), and divided it between two days. (not wanting to sit and wait for the paper bin to empty on me inbetween, I left the room to do other things…thus it took longer).
Finally, I had the book together. I hole punched the pages, and put them in my nice ‘new’ binder. Oh the joy that filled my soul as I sat and paged through it. There was SO much stuff in there! And So many recipe’s that I just KNOW i’m going to make!
We’ve enjoyed one recipe so far, and I look forward to trying more!
You mean to say, I’ve gone on and on, and on, yet haven’t told you WHAT book I bought? I’m so sorry! (right, i’ll let you think I am….LOL)
I purchased the book called Dining on a Dime by Tawra Jean Kellam and Jill Cooper. You can find out more about them on their website called Living on a Dime.
You can follow my recipe review and progress here. If you have this book, what are your favorite recipes? I am considering getting this book and giving it to every new bride I know! It’s just so full of information I had to gather from here and there throughout the last 8 years of marriage…plus more! An amazing resource!
life has been taking turns here and there in the last few weeks, and there’s so many signs indicating a change of seasons approaching. have you been noticing the difference? the changes are evident in my life as well as in my surroundings. in case you hadn’t noticed, i’m not talking just about the approaching of spring.
i’ve been feeling the changes tugging at my heart for months, and have been blessed in so many ways already by allowing God to work in my life. i’m praying for the doors of different areas of my life to open up, and the amazing work of God to prevail. i have been blessed in so many areas of life, and i pray that God will strengthen those blessings and allow them to help me grow according to his desires for me. seek ye FIRST the kingdom of God, and all these things shall be added unto you.
we where hanging out in the living room as a family sunday afternoon when the girls suddenly shouted out they saw canada geese! darrell and i questioned them a bit about the specs of what a canada goose looked like, and their description was certainly that of a canada goose. we ran to the window, but saw nothing. we ran to the back window and again saw nothing. i suggested we hop in the van and drive to the nearest open ‘water’ to see if they had landed anywhere. no luck. we didn’t doubt the girls knowledge of what a canada goose looked like, nor that they would benefit from lying to us, but we did have some doubt that it was truly that time of year. that the geese had ventured this far north already. later that day, as i was throwing together some leftovers for a quick supper, i looked out the kitchen window to catch a glimpse of three geese flying in the regular V form south of our place. the husband was there beside me, and witnessed it as well. all doubt of the DD’s sighting was gone. hope of the change of seasons was here! signs of change where in sight!
what are you seeing change in your life? are you in the middle of a change of seasons? what do you look forward to most about spring?
My blog counter had been going haywire again laitly. I was silly enough to head over to alphainventions and condron.us again the other day, to browse through some blogs while holding my cranky teething baby. (i don’t normally have time for this, i promise! LOL). Well, needless to say, that ended up brining me heaps of visitors here. Apparently when you are on their site, and you have your site open on your computer, they feed your site through theirs for others to view and thus, providing you traffic. Interesting and complicated process…so needless to say, my counter shows many hits that I wouldn’t count as real traffic. I don’t consider myself real traffic to a site that passes through their system. Only when I click on a site to actually read it’s content do I consider it a hit. Regardless, i’m feeling mighty popular. I will venture out and say that a few peoples google searchs have helped them find their way here, according to my dashboard information here behind the scenes. I have had a few hits for those seeking information on Lemi Shine, Mennonite Girls Can Cook, and Icefishing! Now we’re feeling it! LOL.
Super excited this morning to have an hour to myself! I spent some time with the teacher (a good 10 min.), and then ventured out to do some window shopping and pricing! I checked out two local shops for their pricing on reasonably lovely furniture for our bedroom. I was hoping to stick to my budget of $1500 before taxes. Well, needless to say, I came out of those stores realizing I will have to spend about $2000 plus taxes. I do hope that I can compromise a bit with the idea of having dh build us a bed frame (platform style) and then I could come up with some headboard to hammer to the wall. The other portion of my dreaming excursion was at the central vac location. I’m dreaming of owning a vacuum cleaner powerhead. we have the central vac system in the house…and it’s been working fairly well for the last 35 years. The only thing it would need would be a bit of maitnance. (did I use that word right? we’re not sure of it’s exact meaning over here) I’m dreaming for things to happen here this spring!
Did I tell you laitly what ELSE I’ve been wasting my time with these days? The girls have these toys. They lye around the house, they beep at me from under who knows where, and I get SO annoyed with them. This leads me to fixing the problem. I hunt these toys down….and start playing with them to fix the problem. Did you know that you have to clean up potty messes after the digital pet shop pets? Did you know that you have to feed them, comb their hair, and play with them? Well. When these pets have been neglected for a while, they start singing out of the blue. They either need to eat, have a brushing, or made a mess. Once i’ve solved the problem I usually feel the need to do something more fun with them, so i’ll take them up on a game of bowling! I think I could get addicted. I think I could quite easily be challenged to keep my score on the top score podium. I’m not competitive normally. I just like to challenge my kids to be better, that’s all.
Well, I better get to my kitchen…Enjoy your friday! What’s on YOUR agenda?
FOR TODAY February 8, 2009…
Outside my window…the peaceful quiet of the morning air in the country. well, and the traffic sound of those driving to and from work…along with birds, dogs, cows, and who knows what else might actually be making sounds out there! it just LOOKS quiet and peaceful.
I am thinking…that i love mornings, but it just doesn’t seem i like them as much as i like my evenings at this point in life. once the kids are in bed, i thrive on my ME time…and my mornings seem to suffer. 
I am thankful for…antibiotics for the baby.
From the kitchen…my menu planning for week 2 begins!
I am wearing…earrings and finger rings. nothing else is of relevance here.
I am creating…a paper scrapbook page i started some 3 years ago. are you surprised, proud, or disappointed in me?
I am going…to finish my driving week with smiles on my face!
I am reading…my devotion book. i really need to start another book. guess i’ll just have to go out and get me another book one of these days.
I am hoping…and praying for the week to go smoothly. theres enough planned to fill it up…and i don’t need any distractions!
I am hearing…the cooling fan under the laptop. i like the sound.
Around the house…is the aftermath of a weekend. nothing terrible, just the aftermath!
One of my favorite things…is driving alone in my vehicle. i love the peace and quiet, or the option of listening to my kinda music.
A few plans for the rest of the week: monday night is bible study night (might not happen this week), tuesday morning is mom’s program, wednesday night is clubs for the kids, thursday is the oldest baby’s birthday with i’m sure a party or two after school, and then we’re till friday. wow, and it’s a long weekend, isn’t it!?!
Here’s a picture thought I will share with you! hope you enjoy your weekend, and the plans you have!
FOR TODAY Monday, January 26, 2009…
Outside My Window…a bright sunshine beaming into my eyes.
I am thinking…that i’m so thankful for mondays, even though there seamingly always so much more to do on mondays.
I am thankful for…oh, i just said that in answer to the last question! LOL. Monday’s…lets just leave it at that.
From the kitchen…well, i need to sit down and figure out my meals for teh week, and see if i need anything from the store to accomplish what i want to. so far? we’ve had cereal, bread & butter, crackers and cheesewhiz, and milk.
I am wearing…my house dress and a t-shirt
I am creating…a clean heart.
I am going…to town to run errands and to drive the kindergarten kids!
I am reading…nothing at the moment, even though i will be reading soon. i probably will purchase a book this week.
I am hoping…and praying, living and dreaming. for what? for love, joy and peace in being who i was created to be!
I am hearing…my daughter talking about baby Jesus in the stalls, and about Jesus being the King. She’s dictating to me what i should be typing, and saying how long my sentences should be. she’s waiting patiently for a turn to type on my computer.
she’s waiting patiently for a turn to type on my computer. Around the house…toys. the evidence of childrens imagination and excitement and delight in the small things.
One of my favorite things…picking up my babies from nap time. I love their excitement in seeing me, and lying there waiting to be picked up and loved.
A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week:
monday: errands and driving kindy kids
tuesday: driving kindy kids and having a play date
wednesday: kids clubs in the evening
thursday: bible study in the evening
friday: no plans!
Here is picture thought I am sharing…
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FOR TODAY Monday, January 19, 2009…
Outside my window…bright white snow, and the warmest sunshine we’ve had in a few weeks!
I am thinking…what to do for dh’s birthday tomorrow?!
I am thankful for…my girl friend who got me motivated to work on the retreat we’re planning this saturday!
From the learning rooms…photoshop. just one word to describe that one! LOL. it’s all i’ve got time to learn these days, and it’s a big enough job! one of these days you’ll see the results of me learning it, and learning it well!
From the kitchen…left overs. oh my how i need to plan. do you have a plan for the week? can i borrow that plan?
I am wearing…capri’s, sox and shoes, and a t-shirt.
I am creating…um…nothin’ really. i guess i’m creating and organizing a retreat this weekend! (a day retreat)
I am going…to stay home all day today! yehaw!
I am reading…nothing! i finished my john grisham book over the weekend, and passed it on to my sister! it was pretty good!
I am hoping…that i can accomplish everything i need to before saturday.
I am hearing…my girls have a quiet time (nap time hopefully)
Around the house…are many things to do. a pile of this, and a pile of that. a few loads of laundry, and most of all, a clean bathroom! that makes me smile. what makes you smile?
One of my favorite things…the feeling of accomplishment. don’t you just love having had accomplished something?
A few plans for the rest of the week: tuesday is the first moms program in town, wednesday my GF is coming to work on retreat stuff and staying for lunch plus clubs for the girls in the evening, thursday is nothing, and friday is a meeting for the retreat volunteers to wrap up the plans, and get prepared for the event!
Here is picture thought I am sharing… here’s one that goes way back. back to 2005-2006. I have always loved this bedhead morning picture. it just makes me smile!
FOR TODAY Monday, January 12, 2009…
Outside My Window…morning dew on the new growth of life starting to form. ok, i’m kidding. it’s still all white and cold out there.
I am thinking…it would be nice to exercise. one of these days i’ll start. should it be today? maybe i’ll start today. we’ll see!
I am thankful for…a loving husband, who loves me for me.
From the learning rooms…to be more gracious. God is grace, and if i want to be more like Him, i need to extend grace more.
From the kitchen…today is menu planning day, but i REALLY want to make cauliflower soup again. hmmm, it was SCRUMPTIOUS last week!
I am wearing…my pj’s.
I am creating…cleanliness. my house is a disaster, and if i want to possibly do a girls coffee tonight, i’ll have to clean this joint up first!
I am going…to drive the kindergarten girls TWO more days…then i’m done for another week! oh the joy that fills my soul! LOL.
I am reading…my John Grisham book. getting further and further…one chapter at a time. i also want to finish reading my book for bible study (that’s starting up again on thursday) by philip yancey called what’s so amazing about grace.
I am hoping…and prayin’.
I am hearing…the laptop cooling plate, doing it’s job. this thing’s been working SO much better since i started using that thing. who’de have thought?
Around the house…lets not talk about it, ok? maybe tomorrow i’ll be able to talk about it again. we’ll see how much i actually get done today!
One of my favorite things…order. next to order would have to be contentment. i love feeling content with my surroundings, my faith, myself, my family, and most of all, my everyday. i have a wonderful life.
A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week: monday is girls coffee night (if i plan it i guess), tuesday is ladies meeting at church, wednesday is the girls clubs program at church, thursday is bible study, and friday is off to winnipeg for the weekend for two nights. oh what a FUN and full week! what are YOU doin’?
what are YOU doin’?Here is picture thought I am sharing…
messy baby enjoying her first baby cracker
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Today I want to share with you a staple item of our winter menu planning. Seeing as it’s National Soup Month, I thought it would kill two birds with one stone.
Taco Soup
- 1 tin can diced tomatoes
- 1 tin can kidney beans
- 1 tin can corn (or frozen, either works well)
- 1 tin can tomato soup (plus one tin water)
- 1/2 an onion chopped (i used dehydrated onions…always on hand, and don’t ‘grow’ before their time’s up)
- 1-2 lb. ground beef (it’s not really fussy how much of each ingredient you use…it all depends on how thick you want the soup to turn out)
- 1 envelope taco seasoning
I begin the soup by browning up the ground beef. To create nice small browned pieces, I separate the pieces using a potato masher as it browns. Works WONDERS! Once the meat is browned, I add the taco seasoning, onions, corn, and all the tins. I rinse out the tomato soup tin and add one tin water to the soup. Bring these ingredients to a boil. Cover and simmer till it’s reached the consistency you desire. I love it as a thicker soup, so I could simmer it for an hour, but you really don’t need to cook any of the ingredients, so you could just simmer till heated thru (or the corn is thawed if it’s frozen like mine)
Serve with mozza cheese and taco chips. (we each do our own in our individual bowls).
The girls LOVE this soup, tho they don’t care for the beans. I have at times eliminated them, but I find the soup just isn’t quite the same without them. The other thing i have done, is mashed them up. For the most part, I just let her pick out the beans from her bowl, and the rest of us are happy to enjoy it the way it is!
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