Latte Blessings

25 Days of Christmas Challenge for Happy Planning Addicts

2013-11-24T17:37:00.000-08:00

For those in my Facebook group, Happy Planning Addicts, here is the December photo challenge.
Please make an album on the Facebook page with your first and last name, and add your photos there. If you need assistance, please let me know.
All photos must be posted by Dec. 30, 2013
Please try to include your planner in your photos. Also, I know this is a busy month, so you are only required to do 25 of the challenges, or you may do all. It's your choice.

If you are not in that group, but reading this and want to join in, let me know. Our group is for those who love planning and planners like Daytimers, Filofax, Franklin Covey, EC, 3 ring binders etc.. We share how we make our planner work for us, scheduling, routines, and share pictures of pretty decorated pages. Yes, decorate our planners! FUN stuff!

So HERE is the CHALLENGE

Day 1. What are you thankful for?

Day 2. Your favorite planner

Day 3. Selfie (with your planner)

Day 4. Thanksgiving

Day 5. Favorite pens

Day 6. The reason you plan

Day 7. Warm

Day 8. Candy (Christmas candy or your favorite candy)

Day 9. In your Bag

Day 10. With your drink

Day 11. Washi, Washi, Washi

Day 12. Pretty in Pink (or your favorite color)

Day 13. Create

Day 14. Planner Collection

Day 15. Cute clips (decorated paper clips

Day 16. All Decked Out! (your planner, your home, etc...)

Day 17. Where you plan

Day 18. Red & Green (one or both)

Day 19. Cards (Christmas cards, cards in your planner/wallet, etc...)

Day 20. On the Go

Day 21. Tree (Christmas or other)

Day 22. Dividers

Day 23. At Home

Day 24. Stickers

Day 25. FREE day (what do you want to share with us? Make sure it's appropriate please)

Day 26. SNOW (if you don't get snow, show us what your weather is like)

Day 27. Menu planning (Christmas or other)

Day 28. Baking

Day 29. It's a WRAP (wrapped gifts, or some other creative idea)

Day 30. Family

Day 31. Christmas (or other Holiday that you celebrate, ie. birthday, etc...)

Have FUN! I can't wait to see your pictures! You may do them daily, work ahead, or catch up if necessary, but please post by Dec. 30 to be in the drawing for fun prizes. :)

Please help...

2013-08-01T14:57:00.001-07:00

So, I haven't written in a while again. Life has been way too busy, trying to balance work, home, and babysitting the grandkids.

That's soon to change, as I'm going to try to be a stay at home Mom/Grandma for a while, and maybe find a way to make a little money from home. I have a few ideas, including possibly being able to list things on E-bay for the place I currently work.

I really enjoy being able to help my kids out, and spending time with my grand-babies.As long as work stays busy for my husband and we budget carefully, we should be okay.

I am really hoping to start writing/blogging again on a regular basis. I know that a lot of what I post on my Facebook page isn't reaching many of you, so I'm hoping to work on that.

Meanwhile, I'm curious, what do you like to read about? If you subscribe to any blogs, what are your favorite topics, or what area of life do you need help in? Parenting, Organizing, Marriage, Christian living, health? Do you enjoy recipes? How personal do you like it to be?

I find that marriage seems to be a topic that I enjoy writing about and want to use to help others. Not that we have it all figured out. On the contrary! But I'd like to share what we've learned, our struggles, what we're still working on, etc... The good, the bad, and the ugly. Does that interest you? Does that scare you? Ha-ha!

I'd love to hear from you and find out how many of you are still out there, reading this. Answer a few of my questions in the comments if you would be so kind, and let me know what your interests are.

Blessings!

What's going on here?

2012-10-15T10:03:00.000-07:00

In case some of you are wondering why the absence on my blog, I thought I'd give you a little update on my life, and why I haven't written since the end of July. Yikes, that's a long time!

My hubby and I went away for 4 days to celebrate our 20th Anniversary in August. 20 years! I can't believe it! Where does the time go? We spent the first two nights in Ludington at the Candlelite Inn B&B in the Romantic Retreat Suite. It was great!!! I'd highly recommend it! The hostess was wonderful, and the room was great. It was like having our own little apartment, with a little room off the back of the house with our own entrance. The food was great, coffee was always available and she made dessert at night. We had ordered some chocolate covered strawberries and our room had a nice jacuzzi tub, oh and the most comfortable mattress ever! Very nice! Very romantic!
Knowing it was our anniversary, the hostess had a little table for two set for us each morning for breakfast.
I could have stayed forever!

Our last two nights were spent in Empire, Michigan near Sleeping Bear Dunes. The little kitchenette we stayed in paled in comparison to the romantic Bed & Breakfast, but it was sufficient. We had a great time sight seeing, the scenic route at Sleeping Bear Dunes, and the surrounding areas and towns. Isn't the beauty of nature such a great reminder of God's majesty?

I love this picture of my hubby!

The week after our little retreat, I had an interview at the thrift shop where my daughter works. They needed help and hadn't found anyone yet, and I really liked how nice their store is, as well as the fact that it's ministry oriented, and closed on Sundays.

I got the job, and jumped right into two full weeks of training that started the next week. I'm not quite sure I was prepared for that, as it cut my summer short, and I still had a few things to figure out.

One of those things was that I ended up letting go of my crossing guard job because I've been working at the store more than I had thought I would.

Our transmission went out in the car that Rusty drives back and forth to work, so we were down to one vehicle, which made things a little tough with 3 of us now working.

I also started out the year homeschooling "by the seat of my pants" instead of being quite as organized as I'd have liked.

September came, school started, and we began waiting for my daughter's baby to arrive. My hubby found a new to us car, and I thought things would slow down a little, and get back to "normal". Haha, what's normal? I usually look forward to fall, and the sense of routine that it brings. It's a time that I reflect on changes that need to be made, and try to implement them.

I also had to plan and prepare for Brooke's baby shower, which became a huge event, as I heard from more and more people that they were coming. It was great fun, and turned out beautifully, but what a lot of work, while at the same time trying to balance my new job, family, homeschool, etc...

This year, I'm still trying to figure out what "normal" is for us. Baby Sophia didn't arrive in September, my hubby did quite a bit of traveling back and forth and spent some weekends in Port Huron preparing for a big job that would start in October. I was working more than I expected to be at the store, and life has been chaotic to say the least.

Rusty had to leave Sept. 30th for his big job that was suppose to last about 10 days to two weeks. Brooke went into labor on Wednesday, Oct. 3. Just in time I thought to have the baby on my birthday Oct. 4. I got really excited! I was at work when Paul called to tell me they were on the way to the hospital.

It turns out that Brooke wasn't dilated to a 3 yet, so she was went home. She had contractions all night, but they let up in the morning. No baby on my birthday after all.

Contractions came on stronger that evening though, and we got excited again. At 2 am, they woke me up, we all went to the hospital. This was it! Or so we thought... she still hadn't dilated any more. They gave her a sleeping pill to help her "relax" and get some sleep. It didn't work. They let her stay for a little while and use the jacuzzi tub, and released her again around 6 am.

By 10 am she was in such horrible pain, and everyone was frustrated and miserable. Paul called the hospital and said we need to do something. She was already a week over due, so they said come in and we will see what we can do. Finally, when she got there, she had dilated to a 3, and they admitted her without having to induce labor.

By the time she was at a good 4, they went ahead and gave her an epidural (this usually happens at a 5, but the nurse said she had never seen anyone with such bad back labor).

I went home around 9 to get some rest, and at midnight, contractions stopped again. 4 am, still nothing... no contractions, and she was stuck at a 7 and baby was in distress. I got a phone call that they were going to do an Emergency C-Section.

I'm glad I live close, because I wanted to see my baby girl before they took her into surgery. This was new to me, I'd never had a caserean.

Thankfully, baby Sophia was born at 5:08 a.m. Saturday Oct. 6th, and Mama and baby both did great!

I am so proud of my daughter, and how well she did through all of this, and the positive attitude that she had! And most of all, she's the best Mommy in the world!

SOPHIA JADE

It's all so worth it in the end!

As for me, I'm still trying to find balance, and a new normal. Rusty is still in Port Huron, and they keep running into snags on the job that are causing delays. He says at this rate, he may have to retire there, and I'll just have to move over and join him.

He is getting pretty discouraged and stressed out, so if you would say a prayer for him, we would greatly appreciate it. He hasn't met his granddaughter yet, and felt bad that he missed my birthday. He misses his family. He's never been away for this long, and it's hard on all of us.

I pray that you are all doing well, and I'd love to hear from you anytime. Feel free to comment on my blog, or write on my facebook page.

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Latte-Blessings/303803836335198

Blessings!

Do you homeschool? Let's Talk

2012-07-27T06:44:00.000-07:00

We don't look like a "homeschool family" and I don't really blog about homeschooling, because well, it's a struggle for me. We don't have one of those large families with 7 or 8 kids (or more), although some would consider having 4 children a large family. I don't wear a denim jumper, although I did try it, and they are comfortable, but honestly, I felt kind of funny dressing like that. I will also tell you I don't sew or can, or bake bread, and grind my own wheat. I don't make soap (oh wait, I do make my own laundry soap now, does that count?), and well, let's face it, I just don't have it all together.

Really, isn't that what people think when they look at homeschool families? We're considered "weird" and heaven forbid, our children might not be "socialized" in a public school setting. I mean going to church, and playing hockey and being involved in other things isn't enough, is it?  My children are more socialized than I was, and I went to public school all of my life.

Well, there are many families who homeschool who are all of the above (large families, Mom has it all together, etc...) but that isn't me. I have admired those Moms, and wish I could do those things, and boy do I wish I could get it together. There are times that comparing myself to other homeschool Moms, and what I think are "perfect families" has caused me to give up.

I've homeschooled each of my children at one time or another. Currently, I have one in public school, one doing online classes, and I am homeschooling my youngest.

I struggle with what curriculum to use, and even overbuying curriculum because, well, this may be better than that, or someone said this is a really great program, blah, blah, blah.

So let's talk. What do you use for curriculum? Do you use strictly one program that you've used for years because it works? Are you a Charlotte Mason Mom, or do you love unit studies? Traditional textbooks/workbooks? It can be so overwhelming, and although sometimes I want to try something fun like a unit study, or a literature based program, there are other times when I just want to hand them a workbook and say here, do pages ... to ...

Have you been there?

My goal, hopefully this coming week is to take a couple of days and stay at a campground with all of my homeschool "stuff" and do some major planning for the upcoming year.

I plan to take all of the books we currently have and see what will work for this year and what I need to add to it.

I have 2 subjects that we can do on the computer that we did not use last year. (switched on schoolhouse). I need to install those, and figure out how they work and if we want to use them this year.

With what I have, I need to divide how many lessons there are into how many days/weeks of school we will have so that we can get it all done.

I need to plan our schedule, to include days off, field trips, etc... At the same time, while working around my daughter's public school calendar so that they have the same days off, Christmas break, etc.... Hmm... I wonder if that's even available yet?

Then there's the daily schedule, and how to fit it all in.

Oh, I'm getting excited! I love planning!

UNTIL

I have to implement it.

There are so many things demanding our attention. Keeping the laundry done, and the house clean, getting meals on the table, and grocery shopping and other errands. What about Bible study, and what about ME? It's easy to get caught up in trying to do it all, and be superwoman. A friend of mine, one of those homeschool Moms with a large family who I admire. One who seems to have it all together, said, "you have to look at it as a job".

So, I hope that all of the decluttering I've been working on will help me this year to stay more focused. I've decluttered my schedule down to the bare minimum, I've decluttered a lot of "stuff" including paper clutter from our home, although I'm still working on that. It's all an ongoing process, and something that we have to keep on top of. I've even decluttered some "toxic" people from my life.

We can do this! I'm ready! Well, almost.

I'd love to hear from you, how do you plan? Do you take time away from home to plan? Do you plan for the whole year at a time, or weekly, monthly?

How do you stay on top of it through the year once your plan is in place?

I'd love to hear all of your ideas, and please share this post with your homeschool friends.  Let's support and encourage one another in what can be an overwhelming task.

Blessings!

.

The Crazy Lady!

2012-07-13T09:48:00.001-07:00

I'm on the rampage today. Maybe this is not a good time for me to write, but I'm not here to pretend my life is perfect. I'm here to be real. I wouldn't want anyone to look at our family and think that we have it together (not that anyone would) or that I'm in any way a Stepford Wife. Haha

Maybe the little thing my daughter posted on my facebook this morning is true. "I'm in a bad mood, so I think I'll go yell at the kids so they're in a bad mood too." (unknown source)

However, here's my version of it. If the kids didn't drive me crazy, I wouldn't be in a bad mood and yell at them. haha

Just kidding. Well, kind of. I know that I choose how I react or respond to life's little ups and downs, but let me tell you, nothing brings out the crazy lady in me faster than my laundry room/basement area.

I mean I really dislike dishes and paper clutter, but the laundry monster makes me see red. Oh no, it isn't the task of the laundry, such as washing, drying and folding that drives me insane. Perhaps I should make my sweet innocent little children help you say?

Believe me, I do! Therein lies the problem. How is it you can teach your children to do laundry and think that it will lighten your load when in reality, it can, at times, make things worse?

How? Maybe you don't have this problem, which is why I'm asking for your ideas. ;) My laundry room is out of control... I will admit, on a bad day, it has brought me to tears (on more than one occasion).

My hero is the Proverbs 31 woman who seems to be able to do it all, and her children arise and call her blessed while her husband praises her at the city gate.

My reality is that when I go down to that dreary basement to do laundry, I find that the washer already has a load of clothes in it. No problem, I'll just throw them in the dryer. Until... I open that, and it's full of someones dry clothes.  Ugh. Where are the teens who do their own laundry? Not one of them is home.

So, in the midst of dryer sheets strewn across the floor, because someone was too lazy to pick them up, I take the clothes out of the dryer and throw them in a basket. Yep, you read that right. I'm a little irritated, and I'm not folding them.  It seems to me that said teens think they have to start laundry at night without a thought of when they will finish it, and the fact that someone else may need to use the washer or dryer the next day.

I should give them grace, right? I do, and I have folded the stuff forgotten in the dryer many times. Just not today. It's been one of those weeks.

It didn't help when I walked through a certain someone's bedroom, and they (I won't mention any names) have 6 towels strewn across the floor. Used, and probably damp. Six of them! Hmm.. no wonder we never have enough towels. Perhaps they could hang them up to dry, use them more than once, put them in the hamper.

Mount Washmore... never ending. I seem to be the only one who knows how to sort the pile that comes down through the laundry shoot. I guess it's easier to just pull what you need out of the pile, or wait until Mom sorts it for you, and then wash it.

(this is where I would insert photo if it wasn't such a mess) I'm real, but not quite ready to share that yet.

Whoever said that you will miss all of that laundry when your children move out must not have had this issue.

Maybe the answer is to just do all of the laundry myself, but that doesn't sound so great to me. Maybe if there weren't 6 of us, with extras like work clothes, etc...

Perhaps, it is these little daily irritants that are making me into who God wants me to be.   "In nature a pearl forms when some type of irritant enters the mussel or oyster. The irritant may be a food particle, a piece of shell, bacteria or even a piece of sand. The protective process begins. Nacre is secreted in layers around the irritant. The result is a pearl" (Joan Reinbold, ehow.com)

I think that God has a lot of refining to do yet in me but I hope that someday, all the rough edges will be gone, and the result will be a beautiful, shiny pearl, a true wife of noble character (Proverbs 31).

Meanwhile, I'd love to know your household irritants, or your advice on how to resolve this issue. I hope that I didn't scare you away, this was meant to be a little sarcastic, but fun... however true)

Blessings

Multimedia Mess

2012-07-09T05:03:00.001-07:00

Do you ever feel like you're drowning in clutter? I sure do! Sometimes, it feels like no matter how much "stuff" I get rid of, it's never enough.

Paperwork is my #1 enemy, but after that, it's probably movies and books. We have a huge entertainment center, a small tv, and too many movies. To me, it's visual cluttter.

It would be nice if the tv actually fit in the spot it's in, but we don't plan to buy a new tv anytime soon (although my family would love that). For now, it is what it is... ugly cords hanging down and all.

The Wii is next to the tv, along with a few games, and the remotes/charger. The blue box on the right is more Wii stuff.
Below, on the floor (not in the picture) is the X-Box.

The rest of the shelves are DVD's, VCR tapes, cd's, board games, and a few nic-nacs. I've sorted movies and decluttered some, but most or all of these are keepers. I'm thinking that I could go and buy some of those cute baskets like Pottery Barn has...

Or I could buy one like this

However, I don't want to spend a ton of money when what we have is fully functional.

I found these ideas on Pinterest.

I kind of like the bottom one. I could box up all the cases and do this, but I'm not so sure it would stay like that. Meaning the kids probably wouldn't put the movies away in this... but maybe.

What do you think? I'd love to hear your ideas! What are your organizational challenges? Leave your comment below, or on my facebook page.

Blessings!

Country Girl on Main Street

2012-07-05T22:27:00.000-07:00

For all of my married life, I've lived on Main Street. Early in our marriage, we lived in a house my Mother in law owned in a small town with a bar, a post office, and a general store. We lived on Main Street. My husband had to drive about 60 miles to work each day. When I was pregnant with my daughter, we only had one car, and I drove him to work sometimes so that I could use the car to go to Doctor appointments. In one year, we put 100,000 miles on a brand new car.

I started selling Real Estate, and we decided that we should move closer to his work, and my office. So, we bought our first house in a small town about 30 miles closer to hubby's place of work, in the town where I sold Real Estate. We fell in love with a cute little house on Main Street.

However, growing up, I lived in the country.

They say "you can take the girl out of the country, but you can't take the country out of the girl". I'm starting to believe that's true. Oh, I was happy with my cute little house on Main Street for a while, but for the last several years, when we go to the county fair, I get that longing to live in the country. I adore the cute little bunnies, and the cows and horses and pigs.

I love the smell of hay, and the fresh air in the country.

To me, these were flowers... not weeds.

A little creek like this is where I began writing

It isn't just the Fair that causes such discontentment though. Usually when we go to the lake, any lake, but especially Lake Michigan, I wish I lived there. Camping and reading books about the Amish make me long for a more simple life as well. Visiting my cousin in OK, staying at her farm house, and then the ranch really stirred the dream.

Why such discontent, why the longing in my soul? I wish that I was a more content person. But this is who I am. I'm a dreamer, and to me, nature is beauty. It refreshes me! I treasure the memories that I have, and want to recreate them. I often want things to be different, slower paced, have less clutter in my life, more meaningful family time, and for my kids to have the experiences that I had growing up in the country.

I think that things would be different, my children would be different, and I would be different. Better somehow. Call me an Idealist! I am. :)

There are benefits to living in town. Convenience for one! That's why we've stayed where we are. We live in a great community, with a great church, and it's been a great place to raise our children. Will we stay here forever? Who knows? We have dreams of moving to Ludington, or just somewhere out in the country. If we do, then will it feel like home when our children come and visit? (there's that memories thing again)

For now, I'll be content in the season I am in, where God has put me. When discontentment rears its ugly head, and it will, I'll try to remember that.

1 Timothy 6:6 "But godliness with contentment is great gain."

Meanwhile, enjoy the pictures I've taken recently on my drive in the countryside of my little town.

Blessings!

Contest

2012-06-26T06:30:00.002-07:00

I'd love to hear your thoughts on my new web design. Leave me a comment and let me know what you think.

Anyone who leaves a comment will be entered in a drawing for a Starbucks or Bath and Body gift card.

If you share this with your friends on facebook, they can enter too, and I will give you another entry. Let me know if you share it. That's two chances for you to win. :) Contest ends at midnight tonight. I will announce the winner tomorrow.

If you're new here, become a follower here with Google followers, my facebook page http://www.facebook.com/pages/Latte-Blessings/303803836335198
or by email, and leave a comment to let me know. I'll enter you in the contest for that too. :)

Blessings!
Tammy

Who is your Father?

2012-06-18T09:02:00.001-07:00

We had a great celebration for Father's Day yesterday. I took my hubby out to breakfast at a local restaurant before church. Unfortunately, we did not make it to church. The place was packed, and it took at least half an hour to get our food. By the time we were served and finished eating, it was about half an hour past time for church, so we went to the store to get stuff for our cookout.

We came home and the kids and I gave him our cards and gifts, and then he and I cuddled up and took a little nap on the couch. Later, we did a little cleaning, and cooking/preparation for the dinner.

We boiled chicken, marinated the ribs with a Paula Deen dry rub, and later started them in the crock pot before moving to the grill.

We made shortcakes

Baked beans (Very easy, and a big hit)

2 cans of Bush's baked beans

1 c. brown sugar

1 cup of water

1 cup ketchup

and LOTS of bacon!

My Mom brought the potato salad

Hubby was in charge of the grill :)

Love that man!

Love this one too! Dad's helper!

Umm yeah, for those of you who noticed, the mustard fell out of the refrigerator and was duct taped.

Yummy asparagus!

The watermelon was Perfect! Sweet and juicy!

The only thing missing is the amazing ribs my hubby made, and the asparagus, keeping warm on the grill. It was a great meal!

With great company!

My parents

My sons, daughter in law, and nephew

and let's not forget the new grandbaby!

Wyatt with his Great Grandma, my Mom

The boys had fun jumping bikes on their homemade ramps

Dessert was amazing!

Homemade shortcakes

Strawberries and ice cream! Yum!

A little Cool whip to top it off!

We had a great day, but I understand the sad truth that many of you may not have a Dad to celebrate with. Some have gone ahead of us and are watching over us from heaven. Yet others have absent fathers, broken relationships, etc... You may be a Mom who has to fill in as Dad to your children. Regardless of your situation, I want you to know that you have a Father in heaven who loves and adores you, and wants you to cuddle up in his lap, and rest in His arms.

He is the Father to the fatherless. (Psalm 68:5)

I'd also encourage you to fill in the gap for those without fathers. Do you know a hurting child, one whose Dad is absent emotionally or physically? It's easy for parents to be "too busy" Maybe your family could invite them to be a part of your life. Pray for them, invite them to church. Encourage them and build them up with kind words.

Here is a great article on making a difference. http://www.familylife.com/articles/topics/faith/essentials/reaching-out/will-you-make-a-difference-in-the-life-of-a-child

Blessings!

Tammy

A Confession

2012-06-14T05:57:00.000-07:00

Several years ago, with the whole Y2K scare, I began having panic attacks and anxiety. I was pregnant with my youngest child, and I was reading a book that I'd bought from a Christian bookstore. I was worried about having a baby and what would happen. Would we be able to feed him and take care of our other children? Would we be safe? I wanted to be prepared.

The book I was reading turned out to be one of those doomsday type things, and my husband told me to stop reading it. (I listened, and ended up burning it... didn't want anyone else to read it either) :)

I had grown up in church, and was saved, but didn't really understand what it meant to have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ until just a few years before this. I was however, leading a small Bible study with a few close friends in my home. One of my friends gave me the verse from Luke 22: 31&32

"Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers."

That verse was like a lifeline to me. I felt like I had been drowning and no one understood or could help me. That verse helped me to realize that I was letting worry and fear get the best of me, and that I needed to Trust in God.

Now, 13 years later, I feel as if I'm being sifted again. Not the anxiety and panic attacks this time. With God's help, I overcame that at that time.

No, this time it's different. It's more like Where is God? Don't get me wrong, I know He is there. He never leaves us, it is us who moves. It's more like Where did I go? Who am I?

Over the past 4-5 years:

My husband was laid off for most of 2 years.

I lost an Uncle to pancreatic cancer.

I lost my Grandma to cancer, and then my Grandpa died about 6 months later.

That side of my family started fighting, and still has not reconciled, so I feel like I've lost half of my family.

While my husband was laid off, I decided that I should go back to college.

I was also homeschooling my son, working 2 part time jobs, and a Bible study leader for a large community study, as well as being involved in our church, and serving in another ministry.

I became a Grandma and was approaching the big 4-0!

Can you say OVERWHELMED?!!! STRESSED?

My husband found a new job in the same field, and all I wanted was RELIEF. My job was becoming stressful, as was trying to schedule around everything else. A friend recommended that I give something up before I kill myself (or someone else, haha) and I knew that I needed to. I just didn't know what to give up. I loved everything that I was doing, and they were all good things.

After much prayer and thought, I let go of the Bible study, as it was a pretty big commitment. I also ended up putting college on hold for the time being.

I wanted to quit my job, and took on another job with intentions of quitting the first one, but the new job was not at all what I had wanted, so I ended up not keeping the new one. My hubby was worried about me not working after he had been laid off for so long. Do you blame him? I don't, but I have to admit that I was upset.

I felt like I was giving up everything that I really wanted to do and be for a job that I hated. I talked to him, and prayed and prayed, and by January, I couldn't take anymore. I quit! My husband wasn't thrilled about it, but he allowed it.

So, what is my confession? That was only the beginning of a downward spiral for me. I'd like to chalk it up to midlife crisis, but not sure what to call it. I was tired of doing the "right thing" or what everyone else expected me to do. I was tired of showing up at church with a smile on my face when I didn't feel it.

I started living for myself, and making poor decisions. I can't say that I totally walked away from God, because I still believed in Him, but I was not living for Him. I had stepped off the narrow path, and was walking down a dead end road. I was looking for an escape.

Temptation is strongest when we are looking for an escape. We are vulnerable to Satan's offer of another way out. (James 1:14)

I had always thought of myself as a "good Christian girl", but I have to admit, I was kind of a judgmental person. My sin was pride.

You know the saying, "pride comes before the fall?"

Well, let's just say that I've been humbled.

I'm still a work in progress. We all are, but some days, I feel like I'm on a teeter totter with the world and temptation on one end and God on the other. I know that God is bigger than my problems, and He will win, but I have to be willing to let Him do his job. We can't flirt with the devil and walk with God. Like oil and water, they don't mix. When you aren't living what you believe, you don't have peace.

There are still times that my spiritual life feels about as dry as the dessert, and I think where are you God? He feels so far away in this time of drought. But it isn't Him, it is me. God gives us grace, and He forgives our sin, but sometimes the consequences of those sins and our rebellion last forever.

What about you my friend? What road are you on? Is your spiritual well dry? Are you looking for an escape? The world offers many ways to escape. Careers, busyness, our children, alcohol or drugs, pornography, steamy romance novels, soap operas, emotional affairs, shopping, adultery, or even church or community work. Are you trying to fill a void in your life with the wrong things?

If you are on the narrow road, what do you need to do to stay on it? Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. (Mark 14:38)

No matter what road you are on now, or what you've done, it isn't too late to turn back. There is nothing we can do to deserve God's love, and nothing we can do to lessen it! He loves you, right where you are! He is waiting to forgive you. Just confess your sin to him and receive His forgiveness.

Commit to follow Him.
Read your Bible. The Psalms are a great place to start, or if you don't know Him, maybe start with Matthew, Mark, Luke and John in the New Testament.

God's grace is sufficient for you (2 Cor. 12:9)

I would love to pray with you, or for you. Feel free to send me a personal email at tshineldecker@gmail.com

P.S. Watch for my new blog design, coming soon!

Blessings!
Tammy

It's a BOY... and a Girl!

2012-06-02T09:55:00.000-07:00

Wow, it has been a long time since I've written a blog! I apologize, and hope I haven't lost any readers. Life has been crazy! There are many changes taking place in our family, and some of that requires a lot of adjustment, settling into new routines, or in some cases, not adjusting very well. (that's another story that I'll save for another post).

Today, I will just catch you up a little bit on what's going on around here.

I loved that warm weather we had in March! My hubby and I went to Ludington for a day and were able to enjoy a walk along Lake MI. It was 72 degrees here in MI, if you can believe it!

From the looks of the footprints already there, we weren't the only ones! I can't wait until it starts staying warm consistently, and school is out so we can enjoy more time at the beach!

Other than that, I got on a decluttering kick when I was invited to an online resale site for our area. I started going through the attic space, pulling out things that I hadn't used in a while, including a brand new sewing machine, still in the box (I always meant to learn how to use it, but...). That's one way to get rid of that guilt! :) I found many other things that we'd outgrown or no longer used. We made quite a bit of money listing and selling. If you have one of these in your area, I'd highly recommend it. You just take pictures, upload them, with your price and description, and wait for someone to say they want it. Then you make arrangements for a time and place for pickup and they pay you. There are rules, of course, which help make it run smoothly. Overall, it's a pleasant experience, and I like it better than ebay. It's definitely better than a yard sale in my opinion, because I can do a little bit at a time, and I don't have to sit home all day waiting for the right person to come along to give me 50 cents for an item. Our resale site is open to anyone in our whole county, and you get good prices for things.

I must admit, after a lot of decluttering, I started buying baby stuff like crazy! After all, I have 2 new grandblessings due this year. (One born, one to go now) We also found a great deal on a laptop on the site, which has been a blessing to my daughter.

Brooke has decided to withdraw from public school and do online classes. She hopes to work ahead and be done before her baby is due Sept. 28th. Meanwhile, she has also started two part time jobs, one at a missions/thrift store, and another temporary babysitting job. Those are keeping her busy at the moment, along with ob appointments, and other things. I'm really proud of the young lady that she is becoming, as I watch her prepare for Motherhood.

For those who want to know, she found out that she is having a GIRL!

Meanwhile, my oldest son and his wife had their baby! This is such an exciting time for us as our family grows!

Notice the mistake the hospital made on this announcement?

Now let me introduce you to my new, adorable little Grandson, Wyatt!

Is he cute or what? It's amazing how a Grandchild feels like such an extension of yourself. Such a great blessing from the Lord, and how so much love pours out from us when we see them, hold them, and love on them.

So, have you guessed what the mistake is on the birth announcement? If I haven't already told you, leave a comment here on my blog, and I'll have a little prize for the winner. How does a Starbucks gift card sound? Hurry!

I also invite you to follow me on Pinterest if you haven't already. Share your name with me, and I'll follow you back.

Blessings!

Negative Thinking & a Contest

2012-03-15T14:23:00.002-07:00

"Remember, there are no mistakes, only lessons. Love yourself, trust your choices, and everything is possible." Cherie-Carter Scotts

After much thought, and research, I have decided to give Weight Watchers another try. Before signing up, I told my husband, I'll give it 6 months before I consider surgery. You see, in the past, I've been a quitter. I start feeling guilty spending money on a weight loss plan, and then not losing weight like I should. I don't know how many times I've joined weight watchers, but I quit every time.

Today was the best day that I could have joined and went to a meeting.

Today, I realized how much I think or talk negatively to myself. Well, I should have realized it a year ago when I was beating myself up all the time about my weight, and a friend kept telling me to STOP it! I thought he was just trying to be nice. I was sure people really thought the same thing about me that I did.

Today, my leader said that Positive Self Talk helps if you

Beat yourself up
Get discouraged by setbacks (boy do I ever.. that's why I quit when I don't lose)
Feel overwhelmed
Don't feel supported
Eat because of low self esteem (that's a vicous cycle)

We act in ways consistent with our deepest internal beliefs. It's like a self fulfilling prophecy.

I had tears in my eyes as she was talking, when I realized that I struggle with all of those things! (She was telling me after the meeting how many people she noticed crying this week during that talk.)

I need to nix the negative self talk! How? Well, when it comes to weight loss,
Recognize negative thoughts and counter them
Harness the power of positive thinking
Embrace flexibility
Know you can bounce back when things don't go as planned

Those things can apply to other things in life too!

This time will be different!

This time I will succeed!

If I keep making changes, and create better habits, I will reach my goals!

I'm excited! I have hope!

I don't condemn those who have surgery! I just don't want to quit before I really try! In the past, I haven't always tried (ie followed plan). You can't lose weight by just showing up for meetings and not following plan! Who knew? haha

I know that even if I had surgery, I would have to make the same kind of changes, so why not now? I may not lose as fast without surgery, but I will feel better about myself if I don't give up.

Our leader told a story of someone she knew who was very bad about negative thinking. She said she would have been in Pine Rest if people knew what she was really thinking! Finally that person decided to try another way, and after just two weeks of thinking positive thoughts, she began to notice a difference in herself. That person was her! She is a totally different person today.

One of my favorite verses is Philippians 4:8 "Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things."

We need to think about good things! Positive things! Nowhere in that verse does it say think about what you did wrong! It doesn't say think about how many times you've messed up and blew it.

God is a God of second chances. He is a God of forgiveness! If He can forgive us, who are we to not forgive ourselves? He does not expect us to be perfect! So I need to stop expecting perfection of myself! When I mess up, I don't have to quit. I can start over right now! I can look at the big picture, not the little mistakes.

After attending that meeting today, I have decided that failing is not an option! In fact, I'm not going to give myself 6 months! I am just going to do this.. as long as it takes! I will have ups and downs, but doing the best I can consistently will pay off in the long run!

I invite you to hold me accountable! Ask me how I'm doing once in a while, and any encouragement you want to send my way is always welcome! I need a support group. :)

What about you?  Are you a positive thinker, or negative? Did you know that your attitude is contagious?  Your children will pick up on your attitude, whether positive or negative. Which one do you want them to pick up?

I'd love to hear what your favorite verses are. What helps you when you are down, or feeling like a failure?  Post in the comment section below or on my fb page.

If you haven't become a fan of my facebook page yet (Latte Blessings), go and click like.
http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Latte-Blessings/303803836335198

When I reach 75 fans, I'm going to do a drawing for the book Every Woman's Marriage

If you're already a fan of my page, send your friends! The sooner we reach 75, the sooner the drawing. I will enter everyone who is a fan of my facebook page. (If you're already a fan, you're in)

Blessings!

Surgery, Self Control, or both?

2012-03-11T19:45:00.000-07:00

For some, it may seem simple. Watch portion sizes, exercise, count calories, count points, eat less, move more, etc... etc....

I've "tried" several things, but without success in losing weight. Over the past couple of months, I've almost totally quit drinking pop. Still no change in my weight. Since lent, I've given up fast food (with exception of a breakfast on the way to a hockey tournament, and a salad and a few fries today). Still no weight loss.

I've tried weight watchers, but hate trying to figure out points for everything! I also hate going by myself.

For several years, I've considered surgery, such as the lap band, and am very seriously considering it right now. I was doing some research last night about it, and here are some things I found out.

You may only eat about 1/4 to 1/2 cup of food at any given meal after lap band surgery

You should not drink while eating

"Lap band patients are advised not to consume any of the following: high-fat or dense breads and rolls, dried fruit, coconut, nuts, fried foods of any kind, pasta, popcorn, oranges and grapefruits with the membranes, spicy foods, milk, high-fiber vegetables, and meats with gristle" (ehow.com)

Doesn't it seem like if I just did those things anyhow that I would lose weight? I mean if I only ate 1/4-1/2 cup of food at each meal, I'd lose weight without surgery, right?

I wish it was that easy! I wish I had that much self control. But what gives a person more self control after surgery? The fear of vomiting, nausea and abdominal cramping?

Why don't I just start exercising more? I've tried that in the past, but maybe consistency is my downfall.

Maybe it's our lifestyle. Maybe it's lack of accountability.

The thing is, I'm not getting any younger, and I'm definitely not getting any healthier! Sometimes I feel like I'm a heart attack waiting to happen!

What if my Doctor told me that? Would it make a difference? Would I make changes then?

I have a 2 year old grandson, and when I have him over, I'm exhausted afterwards. I have two more grand babies on the way this year. I'm excited, and can't wait, but can I keep up with 3 of them?

I want to be a Grandma who's fun and who has the grand babies over all the time and takes them to do stuff like go to the zoo, and camping and things like that.

I want to be around for them! I want to get to know them and them to know me. I don't want them to say "my grandma died when I was little, I don't remember her".

I need a plan that works and I need it now. I need this time to be different! I need to do this for me!
As much as I want to look better and wear a smaller size, it isn't about all of that. I want to be healthy!

I looked at the weight watchers magazine in the store a few days ago, and thought maybe I should try again.... but I'll probably fail. That doesn't work for me. (negative thinking)

I've been reading the Made to Crave book, and I've learned that I need to turn to God, not food for comfort. Now I need a plan.

I know several people who have had success with weight loss surgery. I admire them! However, I also know someone who had full gastric bypass and has had several health issues.
The lap band is safer, although you lose slower. Your body does not have problems with malabsorption, but there are still some dangers. Any surgery is a risk. One of my biggest fears of having surgery is pain afterwards, especially long term.

I also know several people who have had success in losing weight without surgery. I admire them too! But do I have what it takes? I want to find that determination! The motivation that makes me get up from my computer to go exercise, motivation to walk instead of driving everywhere. Determination to make the right choices in what I eat, and to control my portion sizes. To say NO to the wrong foods.

I feel like if I have surgery, I'm giving up. I feel like I should be able to do this on my own. But I haven't been able to. Surgery would force me to make the changes that I haven't made so far.
How long will I wait? Will it be too late?

Have you had surgery, or do you know someone who has? What were the results? What were the side effects? Was it worth it?

I know I've posted before about this issue, and I apologize if it bores you. It is something I struggle with, and I'm admitting here that I need help!

Please share your thoughts in the comments here.

Have you liked my facebook page yet? It's the best way to not miss upcoming posts. Just follow this link and click like.
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Latte-Blessings/303803836335198

Have a blessed day!

Will your marriage go the distance Part 3

2012-03-07T10:19:00.001-08:00

My husband is such a sweetheart! Last night, (for no reason except that he loves me) he brought home a few chocolate covered strawberries from Tasty Cakery & Sweets. He knows they are one of my favorite things! They were delicious!

It's the little things!

Do you know your spouse's love language? Mine is Words of Affirmation, but for a person who's love language is Receiving Gifts, those strawberries would have had a much deeper meaning than Yummy! For someone who's love language is Physical Touch, a back rub speaks love to them, or holding hands, etc... To the spouse who's love language is Acts of Service, a honey do list means a lot more than getting things done! It might mean when your husband asks you to make that phone call for him while he's at work, and you do it, it shows him that you love him! The other gift is Quality Time. That person feels more loved when you do things together.

You can learn more here The 5 Love Languages, and even take an assessment to find out your and your mates love language. I highly recommend it! It's fun! Start watching and see if you can figure out what your husband or wife's language is. You can read the book by Gary Chapman. He has also written The Five Love Languages for Children, one for Teenagers, etc...

Another key that I want to talk about in making your marriage go the distance is Communication. There are different ways to communicate, and sometimes communication, or lack of can lead to misunderstanding. Ask questions to make sure you understand what your spouse is trying to say. Give them your undivided attention.  Your spouse wants to know that they matter to you. I personally feel more valued when someone cares enough to listen to me.

Stop what you're doing, put down the newspaper, your cell phone, or turn off the television and listen. When your spouse comes home from work, greet him or her at the door. Take a few minutes and ask them about their day. Truly listen.

Choose your time wisely. If your spouse is watching a game, or busy, that may not be the best time to try to talk to them about something important. However, don't let those things become excuses not to talk.  Make time for communication, have a date night where you can talk without interruptions, or set aside time each night to unwind and talk.

When you need to talk about a sensitive subject, choose your words carefully. Think before you speak, be encouraging, and make sure you are understood. And remember, not everything that you are feeling needs to be expressed. Use wisdom. Proverbs 10:19 says   "When there are many words, transgression is unavoidable, but he who restrains his lips is wise." NASB

It is probably not the best time to communicate when you're angry.

Lastly, a key factor in our marriage has been opening our hearts to one another. In order to do that, you need to feel safe. There must be love and trust. Sometimes our hearts may be guarded due to past hurts or relationship issues. If your heart is guarded, if you have a wall up, you can say "I love you" as many times as you want, but your spouse isn't going to feel it. Let your guard down, your marriage will thrive.

Difficulties are inevitable. They don't mean something is wrong with your marriage. How you respond will either drive you apart or bring you closer together. You need a plan for those times. Failure to do so may result in isolation or loneliness.

When that happens, we try to find fulfillment outside of marriage. Our escape can be being busy, becoming a workaholic, shopping, pornography, romance novels, focusing all of our time and energy on our children, or even a love affair (physical or emotional. The result is more isolation.

We've had many ups and downs in our marriage, times where we've thought Can we make it?
It takes all of the "keys" I've talked about in these 3 posts. God, Forgiveness, Communication and Opening Our hearts!

Sadly, divorce is occurring at alarming rates. God hates divorce! Don't consider it an option! There are many tools and resources available that can help you. Not only did you make a vow with your spouse when you got married, but it is a covenant with God.

If you need help, I would suggest Family Life Today. They have many articles, books, etc... If you are able to get away for a Weekend to Remember, that is a great place to start. Seek counseling.

Pray together, and pray for your spouse.
Take the love language assessment and try to make your spouse feel loved each day.

If you haven't read the first 2 posts in this series, you can find them below.

Watch for future posts on marriage.
Make sure that you don't miss any posts! Go to my facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Latte-Blessings/303803836335198 and click like. Then when I post, it will show up in your facebook feed.
You may also subscribe by email on my blog.

I am willing to mentor privately through email if you would like. (limited to my knowledge, experience, and my work with Family Life Today) Email me at tshineldecker@gmail.com

I pray that you have a marriage that not only survives, but thrives! Leave a comment below. I'll be praying for you!
Blessings!

Will your marriage go the distance Part 2

2012-03-05T18:55:00.001-08:00

The first thing I mentioned in helping your marriage go the distance is having a relationship with God.

I think that is a huge factor leading into another key, and that is Forgiveness!

Ephesians 4:32 "And be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you."

I can tell you that our marriage has required a lot of forgiveness. Some little offenses, and some not so little. Sometimes it is a one time thing, and sometimes it is an ongoing process that requires forgiveness over and over.

It is God's place to change our mate, not ours. They may struggle with an issue (addictions, etc...) for a long time before God gives them victory over it. We made a vow "til death do us part" and it is our job to keep that commitment. Pray for your husband.

(That being said, do not be a victim of abuse. If there is abuse in your relationship, seek help from a Pastor or Counselor.)

We need to be willing to admit when we are wrong, and say I'm sorry. Search your heart, pray and ask God to show you when you are wrong. Repent and ask for forgiveness from your spouse. You may also need to pray and ask forgiveness from God. Ask God to change you.

If you are the offended one, you need to grant forgiveness. That doesn't mean that you weren't hurt, or that nothing happened.  It doesn't mean that you will forget. It means you let go of resentment and your "right to get even."

When you argue, it isn't time to call your Mom, or your friends and bad mouth your spouse. You need to work it out between you and your hubby and God. In order for a marriage to work, you need to "leave and cleave" Genesis 2:24 "That is why a man leaves his father and mother and is united to his wife, and they become one flesh." NIV

Forgiveness is a choice! Sometimes it is a choice that we have to make over and over. Jesus says we are to forgive "up to seventy times seven" in Matthew 18: 21-22. It is a choice that sets your spouse free, and begins the healing process. Forgiveness also sets you free!

When we forgive, trust can be rebuilt. In some instances, it may take time to rebuild trust. If you are the one that broke your spouses trust, you need to understand that they need time. You have to earn that trust back.

Forgiveness doesn't automatically cure the hurt, but if we choose not to forgive, a wall is built. Resentment lingers.

When you forgive, resist the tendency to keep bringing up the offense or the hurt.  Yes, you need to talk through the issue, but once it is resolved let it rest. Do not bring it up again, especially when you're angry.

Matthew 6:14 & 15 says "For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins."

I don't know about you, but I want to be forgiven for my sins!

I am blessed with a pretty forgiving husband! I also choose to forgive him when needed!

Have you offended your spouse? Do you need to ask forgiveness? Maybe you are the one who has been offended... Can you find it in your heart to forgive? Pray about it, ask God to help you.

Feel free to email me privately at tshineldecker@gmail.com

Have you liked my facebook page yet? http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Latte-Blessings/303803836335198

Blessings!

Will your marriage go the distance? Part 1

2012-03-03T18:12:00.002-08:00

I read this article this morning and thought it was so precious! This couple answers questions about how they've made it this far. I hope that you will click on the link and read it. Very inspiring!

85 years and counting!

My husband and I have been married almost 20 years. Not nearly as long as this couple, but we have learned several important factors in making our marriage work.

First of all, a relationship with God is key! We went to our first marriage conference after about 6 years of marriage. I grew up in church, but as an adult, I wasn't living as a Christian until the year before our first conference. My husband had only been to church a few times as a child.

We had different values and different backgrounds, which made for a pretty tough marriage. In 1997, we began attending church, and I recommitted my life to Christ, and my hubby was saved.

When we attended that Family Life Weekend to Remember in 1998, it was like a breath of fresh air! It affirmed what we'd been doing right, and at the same time we learned where we needed to make changes.

I learned that submission did not mean that I was a doormat, which is how I perceived it growing up. I began to long for my husband to become the leader of our home. A great book on this topic if you can find it is Rocking the Roles by Robert Lewis.

I like how this years speaker explained it. Using 4 quarters and a dollar bill, she said that we each have different roles, but the same value. 4 Quarters = One dollar.

We learned that the worlds plan (you do your part, I'll do mine 50/50) does not work. We must both be willing to give 110%.

One of the biggest things is "your mate is not your enemy". My husband has used that one on me a few times when I'm mad.

Your husband is God's gift to you. Really! Have you ever thought of it that way? God picked your spouse for you! He uses our differences and weaknesses to build oneness. You must receive your husband or wife as God's gift made personally for you.

After a few years and a little coaxing, my hubby began to pray with me in the mornings before he left for work. This has become a part of our daily routine now, and it is such a blessing. It doesn't have to take a lot of time, and it could be done at night as well. I would highly recommend asking your husband to pray with you.

During the next week, I will be sharing more about what has helped our marriage go the distance.

Communication

Forgiveness

Opening your heart

and more...

Make sure you come back and read more on these topics.

Meanwhile, I'd love to know more about you! How long have you been married? What tips do you have for others? What questions would you like help answering? Comment here, or email me privately at tshineldecker@gmail.com

Blessings!

Scatterbrained... and things I love

2012-02-23T19:12:00.000-08:00

I've got so much going on, making arrangements for the weekend for my husband and myself to go to the Family Life Weekend to Remember, where we are on the city ministry team. Of course, as goes my life, things change day by day. Rusty has worked overtime a lot lately, and we weren't sure we were going to be able to go. In fact, we just reserved our room this week.

Today, he texted me and said "I have to work Saturday". (It isn't really optional when he's in charge of the job)

Now what? I let out a big sigh? Will he have to work late Friday night? Should we just cancel? We can't cancel our room without 48 hours notice. Should we pay for someone else to go since we're going to end up paying for our room anyways? So many questions.

So, I'm too mentally exhausted to post anything deep.

However, I was inspired by Marybeth Whalen's list of things she loves. It gave me an idea. Especially since I'm going to be busy getting ready tomorrow, and away all weekend.

(Oh, in case you're wondering, we're still going, he's going to drive to work from there, we'll volunteer with the prayer team, etc.. as much as possible, and I'll drive my son to his hockey game Saturday. We made arrangements for one daughter to stay with a friend, and we've talked our daughter and her boyfriend (fiance to be) into going with us to attend the pre-married sessions if we can squeeze them in)

I'm going to post my own list of things I love, and see if it inspires you to tell me about things you'd like me to post about in the future. Tell me about things you love, what you like or dislike about my posts and my blog so far. What changes would you like to see? What topics would you like to hear about?

I love (in no certain order)...

Reading (fiction and non, blogs, etc...)

Bible studies

Blogging

my Nook

high lighting my books, my favorite verses in my Bible, etc...

Being married
Butterflies

the zoo

Smoothies

tea cups

pearls

country decor

being pampered

Music

Coffee (Starbucks)

Lattes (especially from the Koffee Kuppe)

My Smart phone

My laptop

Hugs

Especially from my husband :)

and children/grandchild

Camping

Long talks on the phone with my Mom

Coffee with a friend(s)

Flowers (I wish I could afford a landscaper)

Wildflowers

Cookbooks (Taste of Home, Paula Deen, Tricia Yearwood, etc...)

Lake MI, rivers, creeks, streams, ponds, lakes, oceans...

being alone

my parents

truffles

Going out to eat
Fried chicken

Mashed potatoes

a good salad, (especially Mediterranean @ Cartellis)

Chicken Alfredo

Ice Cream

Chocolate covered strawberries

Watermelon

Facebook

Pinterest

My children's laughter

Amish Fiction

Organizing books

being organized

decluttering

7th Heaven

My pink bedroom

wrap around porches

farm houses

living in the country (even though I live in town now)

brown eyes

Mexican food

family traditions

my van

a clean kitchen

a clean house

morning doves, cardinals, bluebirds, canaries

country sounds at night (whippoorwills, crickets, frogs...)
Gerbera Daisies

My roses (transplanted from my Grandma's years ago)

Lilacs

pink

snow falling

rain (when I'm inside)

pens

calendars/planners

kosher dill pickles

visiting my cousin in OK

visiting my Aunt in Detroit

family reunions

Pringles

manicures

pedicures

the smell of fresh cut grass

the smell of fresh cut wood

campfires

chocolate chip cookies

new books released by my favorite authors

breakfast or lunch dates with my kids (one on one time)

date nights with my hubby

the library

being a homebody

lounging in pajamas or comfy clothes

my favorite (hearts at home) sweatshirt

Coty wild musk

Jennifer Aniston perfume

books about writing

marriage conferences

women's conferences

baking

a good haircut & color (#a good stylist)

beautiful things

toddlers

climbing into clean sheets on a made bed

staying at a nice hotel

porch swings

fresh air

the smell of suntan lotion

going barefoot

flip flops

flowers popping up in the spring

summer days

Fireplaces

fireflies

Roasted marshmallows

giving gifts

Christmas

good surprises

Romantic movies

Sentimental movies

lists

index cards

notebooks

big breakfasts

cantaloupe

honeydew

P31 ministries

Hearts at Home

Bookstores

I'll stop there. Comment below and tell me more about yourself. I'd love to get to know my readers. What are a few of your favorite things? what you like or dislike about my posts and my blog so far. What changes would you like to see? What topics would you like to hear about?

I look forward to hearing from you. I'll check in as I can this weekend.

Blessings!

The Winner

2012-02-23T08:35:00.000-08:00

Congratulations to the winner of my contest Lara Wingler! She is now the owner of the book One Thousand Gifts by Ann Voskamp.

If you didn't win this time, please keep following, I will have more contests and new ways to enter.
Remember to tell your friends about this blog if you enjoy it, they may too. :)

Thanks!

Blessings!
Tammy

Chicken stew, its whats for dinner

2012-02-21T17:44:00.000-08:00

When I first started working at Tractor Supply a few years ago (no longer there) one of the guys made this for a potluck we had after Fair. It was amazing!
The recipe we used tonight was a little different, because our local grocery store has not had the right kind of soup mix lately, but I'm going to share with you the original recipe, hoping that you can find it somewhere. Most outlet bread stores carry Bear Creek Soup mix, and so does Walmart and Bill's Shop n Save in Fremont.
If you can't find it, ask your grocer. Most are happy to honor your requests and may start carrying it if they are able.

1 whole chicken

1 bag of frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, etc.)

1 bag Bear Creek Potato Cheddar soup mix

I usually put a chicken in the crock pot with 1 cup of water, add a little seasoning and cook it for the day. (you can tell it's done and turn it on warm when meat falls off bone easily)

You can use a Rotisserie from the deli though to save time.

When chicken is fully cooked, remove from crock pot, allow to cool.

While chicken is cooling, cook soup on stove in large stock pot according to package directions. You can add vegetables to soup while it's cooking, or put them in crock pot if there's enough liquid.

When chicken is cool enough to touch, remove and shred meat from bones.

If you aren't serving it right away, you can just add all ingredients (shredded chicken, soup, and mixed vegetables) to crock pot and leave on warm or low (if you need to cook veggies).

Otherwise, just add shredded chicken to soup in stock pot. Make sure mixed vegetables are tender before serving.

Enjoy!

Organizing

2012-02-21T13:03:00.000-08:00

In yesterday's post, I mentioned using an over the door shoe organizer for winter hats, gloves, etc...
Here is that photo, although mine is not full at the moment, it was. As with anything, the trick is getting everyone else to use this system and put things back in it.

I also mentioned using binders for recipes, bills, etc...
For most things, like recipes that I print from the internet, or hand written ones, I use an 8.5x11 3 ring binder, but for recipes I've handwritten on index cards or small cut outs from magazines, I use a 4x6 photo organizer with slots. (see picture)

For recipes, I use one binder for tried and true recipes that we love, and another for things that I'd like to try. With exception of the index card size ones.

Have fun organizing!

Tammy

Fresh Start Mondays

2012-02-20T20:07:00.000-08:00

TGIF? Sleeping in? What's that? Our weekends are usually a flurry of activity. Traveling back and forth to my son's hockey games, or some kind of meeting for something we've volunteered for, and church stuff on Sundays (when we aren't at a game). While Sunday should be a day of rest, it never really feels like that to me.

My wonderful husband let me sleep in this Sunday. I actually got 8 hours of sleep!

We had hockey tournaments this weekend, but didn't do well enough to make it to semi finals, so we didn't end up playing Sunday.

He had to work all weekend. I normally get up and make his lunch and get him breakfast before he leaves, but he said I was sleeping so well, (ie. snoring, but lets blame that on me being sick) that he didn't want to wake me up. He knew I needed it. What a great guy!

In the past, I've worked retail part time, and Friday never really meant a weekend off for me.

My current "work" schedule is only school days, about 1/2 hr before and after school. It really doesn't feel like work, and I enjoy it.

So, why do I love Mondays? It feels like a fresh start! The beginning of a new week, which sometimes means a less busy calendar.

After all weekend of being busy, Monday seems calm! It's a day that I don't usually plan anything outside of the home if I can help it. It's my day to catch up on housework after our whirlwind weekends. The kids are back in school, hubby at work, and I can get back to my routine.

Well, if you'd call it a routine. Things are always changing and constantly busy in our ever growing family, but I enjoy it (usually). I love being available to serve my family by taking care of things on the home front.

It's an ongoing process, but I'm always trying to improve how I run things at home. A year ago, I was blessed to be able to quit my part time job, which enables me to implement some new ideas and start working on things that I didn't have time for before.

I finally found a good system for keeping track of bills, recipes, etc.... I've started using 3 ring binders with page protectors for many of those things.
I've decluttered a lot, but that seems like a never ending process. I dislike very much having yard sales, so I usually box stuff up and take to a charity or pass it along to someone who could use it. I like to get it out of the house as soon as possible as I just don't have space to store boxes, and until it's out of the house, it drives me crazy.

I also hung a shoe organizer inside of our closet to hold winter hats, gloves, etc... That is one of the best things I've ever done! No more searching through the basket in the closet to find a matching glove.

It's the little things that make me happy!

I will try to post pictures tomorrow of the closet organizer idea.

Please share in the comment section any ideas you've found for organizing.
AND what is your best day of the week?

Blessings!

Give Away! One Thousand Gifts

2012-02-17T04:12:00.000-08:00

I am running a contest starting today! To be entered for a drawing of the book 1000 Gifts A Dare to live fully right where you are by Ann Voskamp, you must like my facebook page Latte Blessings, and become a follower of my blog www.latteblessings.com

Once you have done those two things, send me an email (tshineldecker@gmail.com) with your name and address letting me know.

I will draw a name next Thursday, and mail the book to you.

To become a follower, go to my blog page and scroll down. On the right side of the page, you may subscribe by email, and below that, where it says Followers, you may click join this site.

If you're having a hard time finding me on fb, here's the link
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Latte-Blessings/303803836335198#!/pages/Latte-Blessings/303803836335198

Have fun! Please feel free to share this post with others... anyone can enter to win, and I'd love more followers!

Peach French Toast Recipe

2012-02-16T06:08:00.000-08:00

Today, I'd like to share with you one of our favorite recipes. It comes from allrecipes.com (Geraldine Casey).
Even the picky eaters in my family give this rave reviews!

I've designated it a Christmas morning breakfast, because you start it the night before and let it sit in the refrigerator overnight. I take it out when I first get up and let it sit while the kids open presents, then bake for 20 minutes. (If I'm up before them, which is rare on Christmas morning, I could set it out for 30 min. and then bake while they open presents).

It is DELICIOUS!!! The aroma of baked peaches, brown sugar, and cinnamon while this is baking is delightful to wake up to!

My family has requested it several times, and although I'd like to make it a special Christmas morning thing, it's too good to have only once a year. So, I will probably be making it again soon. It is good served with bacon as a side as well.

I wish I had a picture of mine from Christmas, but I don't, so here is the one from allrecipes.com

Ingredients

1 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup butter or margarine
2 tablespoons water
1 (29 ounce) can sliced peaches, drained
12 (3/4 inch thick) slices day-old French bread
5 eggs
1 1/2 cups milk
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
Ground cinnamon

Directions

In a saucepan, bring brown sugar, butter and water to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer for 10 minutes, stirring frequently. Pour into a greased 13-in. x 9-in. x 2-in. baking dish; top with peaches. Arrange bread over peaches.
In a bowl, whisk the eggs, milk and vanilla; slowly pour over bread. Cover and refrigerate for 8 hours or overnight.
Remove from the refrigerator 30 minutes before baking. Sprinkle with cinnamon. Cover and bake at 350 degrees F for 20 minutes. Uncover; bake 25-30 minutes longer or until the bread is golden brown. Serve with a spoon.

Makes 6 servings

Enjoy!

Heavy

2012-02-14T06:51:00.000-08:00

I have been watching Season 1 of the A&E show Heavy on Netflix, and all I can say is WOW! If those people can do it, so can I. Many of them have much more to lose than I do, and many health problems to go along with it.

I often wish I had a "second chance" like they do, to get away, have a chef cook healthy for me, and a trainer push me to exercise like that. It would be awesome to be able to focus only on getting healthy for 6 months! Reality is, it's expensive (yes, I looked it up) and I can't afford it. Another thing is that I tend to be a quitter, and I'd probably cry and want to give up. I know I'd miss my family like crazy!

There are exactly 120 days left until school is out! That means Summer Vacation, Beaches, Camping, etc... 120 days equals 4 months. Feels like forever until summer is here, right? Well, that means we have 120 days to make a change! Not quite 6 months like they do on the show, but 4 months.

So, what's the plan?

I've pretty much given up pop, increased fiber, am drinking more water. Dr. Ski Chilton of the Made to Crave Action plan book recommends increasing fiber to 25g for women, and 35 for men. I am doing the Made to Crave online Bible study with Melissa Taylor (along with about 9000 other people on facebook). This book by Lysa TerKeurst is teaching us to satisfy our deepest desire with God, not food.

Besides that, I haven't decided on a plan yet. I know that I need to exercise! I have a few exercise DVDs and I have free access to a gym. Now I just need motivation to get from here to there! I enjoy walks with my hubby too, but in the winter, I have to admit, I'd rather stay in where it's warm.

I've half heartedly tried several things in the past, including weight watchers, Ultra 90, wraps by It Works, etc...
Any plan is only as good as the person follows it.

I need something that's going to motivate me to go out in the cold, to choose water instead of pop, carrot sticks instead of chips, and fruit instead of ice cream.

My health is an important factor, especially since I've hit the age of 40 now. I'm sure if I don't make changes, I'm only a short distance away from high blood pressure and cholesterol, or worse a heart attack or stroke, or even diabetes.

Even more motivation is the fact that I've got two more grand babies on the way... this year! So, with Brody, I will have 3 energetic little blessings ages 2 and under. I need ENERGY to keep up with them, not to mention the fact that I want to be able to live to see them grow up! I want to be around to see all of my children graduate and get married and have babies! While we can't guarantee what will happen in life, we can take care of our health so that we can live a good quality life for as long as possible, until God sees fit to bring us home.

What about you?

Have you lost weight, or are you trying to lose weight now? What plan works for you? I'd love to hear the changes you've made, how much weight you've lost, etc...

If you haven't started, but want to, what's holding you back? Would you like to join me?

Below this post, you can leave a comment using your name or other options. Maybe we could start an accountability group here if there's enough interest.
If you have problems commenting here, you can comment on my facebook page.

Please consider becoming a follower of Latte Blessings, here and on my Latte Blessings facebook page. On facebook, all you have to do is click like, and here, just click on Join this site on the right side of the page. You may need to use a computer, not a mobile phone.

Have a blessed day!

New look

2012-02-13T10:21:00.000-08:00

Here is a picture of the new hair color/hi lights that I promised.

What do you think?