tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-43582077099013214762024-10-09T18:03:01.079-05:00Judith M.http://www.blogger.com/profile/12370819213417028495noreply@blogger.comBlogger156125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4358207709901321476.post-89968068822035225672015-09-03T12:27:00.000-05:002015-09-03T17:03:31.658-05:00<div> Seasons...</div> <div> <br /></div> <div> Our lives are filled with them.</div> <div> <br /></div> <div> Whether we willingly enter them or not,</div> <div> <br /></div> <div> they happen.</div> <div> <br /></div> <div> Some call them chapters...</div> <div> <br /></div> <div> Others say adventures.</div> <div> <br /></div> <div> Whatever the word used - journeys/changes/chapters/adventures/seasons -&nbsp;</div> <div> <br /></div> <div> they happen.</div> <div> <br /></div> <div> Ecclesiastes 3:1-8, 11 tells us...</div> <div> <br /></div> <div> <i>There is a time for everything,&nbsp;</i></div> <div> <i>and a season for every activity&nbsp;under the heavens:</i></div> <div> <i><br /></i></div> <div> <i>a time to be born and a time to die,&nbsp;</i></div> <div> <i>a time to plant and a time to uproot,&nbsp;</i></div> <div> <i>a time to kill and a time to heal,&nbsp;</i></div> <div> <i>a time to tear down and a time to build,</i></div> <div> <i>a time to weep and a time to laugh,</i></div> <div> <i>a time to mourn and a time to dance,</i></div> <div> <i>a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them,</i></div> <div> <i>a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing,</i></div> <div> <i>a time to search and a time to give up,</i></div> <div> <i>a time to keep and a time to throw away,</i></div> <div> <i>a time to tear and a time to mend,</i></div> <div> <i>a time to be silent and a time to speak,</i></div> <div> <i>a time to love and a time to hate,</i></div> <div> <i>a time for war and a time for peace.</i></div> <div> <i><br /></i></div> <div> <i>He has made everything beautiful in its time...</i></div> <div> <br /></div> <div> <br /></div> <div> Recently, my family left a state that we so dearly love for my husband's new work assignment.</div> <div> <br /></div> <div> As a military family, that's normal. &nbsp;No biggie.</div> <div> <br /></div> <div> Moves happen constantly and it's just something that happens often.</div> <div> <br /></div> <div> But...</div> <div> <br /></div> <div> With this move, I'm entering my first year as a homeschooling mom.</div> <div> <br /></div> <div> Another season.</div> <div> <br /></div> <div> I never imagined myself to be in this position.</div> <div> <br /></div> <div> Home all day with my little one...</div> <div> <br /></div> <div> ... teaching him.</div> <div> <br /></div> <div> It's most definitely a new season for me and I'm not sure I was ready for this time to come so quickly.</div> <div> <br /></div> <div> For our move to happen this year,</div> <div> <br /></div> <div> For our son to grow up so fast,</div> <div> <br /></div> <div> and for MY personal time to be no longer.</div> <div> <br /></div> <div> Thankfully, the Lord prepared our hearts over the course of a year.<br /> <br /> (We didn't make this decision overnight.)<br /> <br /> Praise God for that!<br /> <br /> Praise Him for the wisdom from our friends who have successfully homeschool and are currently homeschooling.<br /> <br /> Praise Him for the privilege to go to Him daily in prayer.</div> <div> <br /></div> <div> We've prayerfully entered into this time and have complete peace about our decision to homeschool.</div> <div> <br /></div> <div> While it may be a struggle to adjust to this new change and there may be days filled with tears and frustration, I'm resting in the fact that the Lord is with us, and that we will have lots of joy, growth, and time together as a family.</div> <div> <br /></div> <div> Praying for those entering into new seasons also.</div> <div> <br /></div> <div> May the Lord reveal His plan for you during this time. &nbsp;May you seek Him daily for comfort, peace, and guidance during your new challenges. &nbsp;I pray for growth in Him and that He may be gloried through it all. &nbsp;</div> <div> <br /></div> <div> Together in Christ,</div> Judith M.http://www.blogger.com/profile/12370819213417028495noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4358207709901321476.post-77848591140376549002014-12-22T22:31:00.001-06:002014-12-23T09:40:08.931-06:00<div> One of my sweet friends recently gifted me a beautiful book titled <u>One-Dish Vegan</u>&nbsp;by Robin Robertson.</div> <div> <br /></div> <div> I had been wanting to try more vegetarian meals and the idea of vegan sounded enticing.</div> <div> <br /></div> <div> I spotted a recipe in the book that made me curious...</div> <div> <br /></div> <div> So I made a trip to the grocery store and ...</div> <div> <br /></div> <div> Boy am I glad I did.</div> <div> <br /></div> <div> This recipe was terrific!</div> <div> <br /></div> <div> It only took about 30 minutes to throw together, and the taste...</div> <div> <br /></div> <div> Was outstanding!</div> <div> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHdecKETXMxu10kyJb2wYh5AoAlDOf5wlEYNlJc1TQW_c6_95sSpTjssM_Q3nRbckTxxfx56ml05A6B6p2I68N_K_H7__k-toYGSGE1Xra0bUywj4NBrDOkuIAS1r8tCqiV_s1aVtvwiQ/s1600/IMG_1547.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHdecKETXMxu10kyJb2wYh5AoAlDOf5wlEYNlJc1TQW_c6_95sSpTjssM_Q3nRbckTxxfx56ml05A6B6p2I68N_K_H7__k-toYGSGE1Xra0bUywj4NBrDOkuIAS1r8tCqiV_s1aVtvwiQ/s1600/IMG_1547.jpg" height="297" width="400" /></a></div> <div> <br /></div> <div> <br /></div> <div> Here's the recipe adapted from that lovely book.</div> <div> <br /></div> <div> Enjoy!</div> <div> <br /></div> <div> <u>Cuban Black Beans and Rice</u></div> <div> 1 Tbsp olive oil</div> <div> 1 medium onion, chopped</div> <div> 1 medium green bell pepper, chopped</div> <div> 1 zucchini, chopped</div> <div> 4 garlic cloves, pressed/finely chopped</div> <div> 1 small can of tomato paste</div> <div> 1 tsp ground cumin</div> <div> 1 tsp oregano</div> <div> 1 (14.5 oz) can fire-roasted diced tomatoes, undrained</div> <div> 2 cans black beans, rinsed and drained</div> <div> 1 tsp Tony Chachere's Creole Seasoning</div> <div> Salt &amp; pepper to taste</div> <div> <br /></div> <div> In large saucepan over medium heat, add oil, onion, bell pepper, zucchini and garlic. &nbsp;Cover and cook until veggies soften, about 5 minutes. &nbsp;Stir in tomato paste and seasonings, mix well. &nbsp;Add diced tomatoes and beans. &nbsp;Cook uncovered, stirring occasionally until veggies are tender, about 15-25 minutes. &nbsp;Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. &nbsp;Serve over quinoa, white rice, or brown rice.</div> Judith M.http://www.blogger.com/profile/12370819213417028495noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4358207709901321476.post-72720776179205414682014-12-19T23:22:00.000-06:002014-12-29T16:44:48.312-06:00There's a drink in Pennsylvania's coal region called Boilo.<br /> <div> <br /></div> <div> It's very similar to a super delicious hot toddy.</div> <div> <br /> Served warm, this drink is made out of fruit, spices, honey, and moonshine or whiskey.<br /> <br /></div> <div> My husband grew up the coal region and has been talking about Boilo since I've known him.</div> <div> <br /></div> <div> This holiday, I decided to attempt at making his hometown holiday classic.</div> <div> <br /></div> <div> After searching for recipes, I discovered <u>numerous</u>&nbsp;versions of Boilo.</div> <div> <br /></div> <div> Meaning, there are many ways to skin this cat.</div> <div> <br /></div> <div> So....my first batch had too much whiskey.</div> <div> <br /></div> <div> The second was too citrus-y...</div> <div> <br /></div> <div> and after a few tweaking...the third was just right!</div> <div> <br /></div> <div> Whew - Coal region nectar!<br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN04kWcCcO2v2qZ2tJf1cEkd52k74wdM0TvnGAKEQrOmX0_lfp1_hvhQgvGo5n_u6RIV28G4e8G2q9iby5aXvjUyjyQvXZLX88QPyZ3GNfj-W4bw2Gbkq_ucGYQHpa9mEaXIJNne1ZD2w/s1600/IMG_1540_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN04kWcCcO2v2qZ2tJf1cEkd52k74wdM0TvnGAKEQrOmX0_lfp1_hvhQgvGo5n_u6RIV28G4e8G2q9iby5aXvjUyjyQvXZLX88QPyZ3GNfj-W4bw2Gbkq_ucGYQHpa9mEaXIJNne1ZD2w/s1600/IMG_1540_2.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div> <br /></div> <div> After several attempts and tastings, I was F-L-A-T on the couch.<br /> <br /> To avoid multiple tries and making this perfect the first time, here's the recipe that worked best.</div> <div> <br /></div> <div> <u>Coal Region Boilo</u></div> <div> <br /></div> <div> 4 cups water</div> <div> 1 cup clover honey</div> <div> 3 oranges</div> <div> 1 lemons</div> <div> 3 cinnamon stick</div> <div> 2 tsp whole cloves</div> <div> 1 tsp nutmeg</div> <div> 1 tsp caraway seeds</div> <div> 1 tsp anise seeds</div> <div> 12 oz moonshine or whiskey (Jim Beam)</div> <div> <br /></div> <div> Juice oranges and lemons (keep the rind). &nbsp;In a medium pot, add water, honey, orange &amp; lemon juice, orange &amp; lemon rinds, all the spices. &nbsp;Simmer until rind softens. &nbsp;Strain pulp. &nbsp;Add whiskey. &nbsp;Pour into jars and add one cinnamon stick (optional). &nbsp;Serve warm. &nbsp;Store in the refrigerator.</div> <div> <br /></div> <div> Enjoy!</div> <a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=4358207709901321476" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=4358207709901321476" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a>Judith M.http://www.blogger.com/profile/12370819213417028495noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4358207709901321476.post-2031269973251507002014-12-18T12:02:00.001-06:002014-12-18T12:28:40.190-06:00This year...<br /> <br /> <b>Christmas snuck up on me</b>!<br /> <br /> Oh....did it sneak up on me!!<br /> <br /> I've been super busy with all of my volunteer projects that Christmas presents just fell by the wayside.<br /> <br /> Presents for my family.<br /> <br /> Presents for my friends...<br /> <br /> and presents for my son's classmates!!<br /> <br /> While I overlooked my son's classmates, I organized a group gift card from all the parents for his teachers.<br /> <br /> That counts a little, doesn't it?<br /> <br /> (No.... NO it doesn't!!)<br /> <br /> Oh... his presents for his classmates!<br /> <br /> How did I miss the boat?<br /> <br /> UGH!<br /> <br /> I look forward to making these presents each year.<br /> <br /> Last year, I spent weeks on these birdseed gingerbread shaped ornaments for all 20 of his classmates.<br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOphbQ29-Y3IJN-BvY5N06e3z65PazXMCJQu9YlUjkGXAEI4vKziKxhxJy5B0O3GFgSpyG2EuHRQQTtA7MiMKWYTkFjn1-EmcocI_I-OVG3yC8BtNNq3Pbh-VZnMITbo3hWgaqn-NcmW0/s1600/IMG_1895.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOphbQ29-Y3IJN-BvY5N06e3z65PazXMCJQu9YlUjkGXAEI4vKziKxhxJy5B0O3GFgSpyG2EuHRQQTtA7MiMKWYTkFjn1-EmcocI_I-OVG3yC8BtNNq3Pbh-VZnMITbo3hWgaqn-NcmW0/s1600/IMG_1895.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div> <br /> These were messy, super time consuming, but lots of fun.<br /> <br /> This year...<br /> <br /> Feeling like a failure of a mom, I dug around in my craft box looking for some ideas <u>the morning</u> of his Holiday party.<br /> <br /> I found some acorn jingle bells I bought in the Fall, some leftover precut cards, and some holiday stamps...<br /> <br /> oh, and a little ribbon and...<br /> <br /> a little five-year old with a marker...<br /> <br /> WHA - LA!<br /> <br /> The final product....all in less than ONE HOUR!!<br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHn3q4UE_pwWQTTD-uY4gMmOw3T6sCM2fs7OWt_YPkKHwMEZv90pAakVHoEqKWzfaCZuPbmrOGNg9oTLCaOKqLPzROPA37H5XCecozFGaI4XruYvnWERjT5ipEsa1Hj3BfVAJ9ueiBf70/s1600/IMG_1538.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHn3q4UE_pwWQTTD-uY4gMmOw3T6sCM2fs7OWt_YPkKHwMEZv90pAakVHoEqKWzfaCZuPbmrOGNg9oTLCaOKqLPzROPA37H5XCecozFGaI4XruYvnWERjT5ipEsa1Hj3BfVAJ9ueiBf70/s1600/IMG_1538.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5hcki1d3HCPWTF6trSLLnyG1BPYL6tb9bl2fifKvqyESykGTOcEDW0J8MpEJ7sTQ9K3peCQaugGgu-vqgF1iWbi0LG112I7yugc9CBDh_RKBxCh2Q8l7g3yH0Yo_AraM7zdgjfuexfvs/s1600/IMG_1539.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5hcki1d3HCPWTF6trSLLnyG1BPYL6tb9bl2fifKvqyESykGTOcEDW0J8MpEJ7sTQ9K3peCQaugGgu-vqgF1iWbi0LG112I7yugc9CBDh_RKBxCh2Q8l7g3yH0Yo_AraM7zdgjfuexfvs/s1600/IMG_1539.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <br /></div> Thank goodness for my hoarding ways.<br /> <br /> Next on the list, presents for the family :)<br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div> <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D4358207709901321476%23editor%2Ftarget%3Dpost%3BpostID%3D203126997325150700&amp;media=https%3A%2F%2Fimages-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com%2Fgadgets%2Fproxy%3Furl%3Dhttp%253A%252F%252F1.bp.blogspot.com%252F-quiy-z4ptNg%252FVJMU0934fjI%252FAAAAAAAACXI%252F25BjK3EVdKs%252Fs1600%252FIMG_1538.jpg%26container%3Dblogger%26gadget%3Da%26rewriteMime%3Dimage%252F*&amp;xm=h&amp;xv=sa1.35&amp;description=" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 153px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 1354px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D4358207709901321476%23editor%2Ftarget%3Dpost%3BpostID%3D203126997325150700&amp;media=https%3A%2F%2Fimages-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com%2Fgadgets%2Fproxy%3Furl%3Dhttp%253A%252F%252F1.bp.blogspot.com%252F-quiy-z4ptNg%252FVJMU0934fjI%252FAAAAAAAACXI%252F25BjK3EVdKs%252Fs1600%252FIMG_1538.jpg%26container%3Dblogger%26gadget%3Da%26rewriteMime%3Dimage%252F*&amp;xm=h&amp;xv=sa1.35&amp;description=" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 153px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 1354px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><br /> <a href="" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a>Judith M.http://www.blogger.com/profile/12370819213417028495noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4358207709901321476.post-75994968206152763112014-12-15T21:46:00.003-06:002015-02-26T12:23:36.799-06:00Happy December!!<br /> <div> <br /></div> <div> It's one of my most favorite times of the year...</div> <div> <br /></div> <div> and also the busiest.</div> <div> <br /></div> <div> From holiday parties to ...</div> <div> <br /></div> <div> Husband's office potlucks to ...</div> <div> <br /></div> <div> Breakfast playdates to ...</div> <div> <br /></div> <div> Fellowship breakfast meetings to ...</div> <div> <br /></div> <div> yadda .... yadda .... yadda.</div> <div> <br /></div> <div> The list is endless and for all of it -</div> <div> <br /></div> <div> I bring food.</div> <div> <br /></div> <div> I know, it's too much sometimes ... but I love it.</div> <div> <br /></div> <div> My go-to dish this holiday season has been an Amish Breakfast Casserole.</div> <div> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqZt9f_i4SPeEDlFBGVeZGtcwH5ueXd5rWuxZog_3E80byDkph2TcW2I2n3oAGHFgLxwVAv2q-FAH51tufTxN2iz3hcwz3I1QIm-o5cyD53Yaj_3ERnZyBznFTEb6CJTwzBWgLZagd248/s1600/DSC_0988.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqZt9f_i4SPeEDlFBGVeZGtcwH5ueXd5rWuxZog_3E80byDkph2TcW2I2n3oAGHFgLxwVAv2q-FAH51tufTxN2iz3hcwz3I1QIm-o5cyD53Yaj_3ERnZyBznFTEb6CJTwzBWgLZagd248/s1600/DSC_0988.JPG" height="288" width="400" /></a></div> <div> <br /></div> <div> <div> This dish is&nbsp;<u>always</u>&nbsp;and I mean&nbsp;<u style="font-weight: bold;">ALWAYS</u>&nbsp;a hit!</div> <div> <br /></div> <div> Even the gluten-free folks go nuts over it.</div> </div> <div> <br /></div> <div> I found this recipe years ago online and recently discovered it again for this year's holiday gatherings.</div> <div> <br /></div> <div> It's amazingly simple and delicious.</div> <div> <br /></div> <div> I just throw the ingredients together the night before and store in the fridge.</div> <div> <br /></div> <div> Then the next morning, I bake it for 35-45 mins and BAM...</div> <div> <br /></div> <div> My kitchen smells amazing and I have a yummy crowd pleasing dish to share.</div> <div> <br /></div> <div> In case, you're in the market for a scrumptious casserole to bring to a breakfast or brunch this busy holiday season... consider this yummy casserole.</div> <div> <br /></div> <div> <u><b>Amish Breakfast Casserole</b></u><br /> <span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>adapted from allrecipes.com</i></span></div> <div> <br /> 1 lb sliced bacon, cooked and crumbled<br /> 1 medium sweet onion, chopped<br /> 1 Tbsp olive oil<br /> 6 eggs, lightly beaten<br /> 3 cups &nbsp;frozen shredded hash brown potatoes, thawed<br /> 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese<br /> 1 cup shredded Mexican four cheese (or swiss, or mild cheddar)<br /> 16 oz small curd cottage cheese<br /> <br /> In large skillet, cook onion in olive oil until translucent. &nbsp;Set aside. &nbsp;In large bowl, combine eggs, hash browns, and cheeses. &nbsp;Stir in bacon and onions. &nbsp;Transfer to a greased 13in-9in-2in baking dish.<br /> <br /> Either bake immediately or cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight. &nbsp;Bake at 350 degrees for 35-45 mins until bubbly. &nbsp;Let stand for 10 mins before cutting. <br /> <br /> Happy Holidays!</div> Judith M.http://www.blogger.com/profile/12370819213417028495noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4358207709901321476.post-84419042381014318962014-11-11T20:55:00.002-06:002020-12-08T20:20:47.537-06:00<br />Veteran's Day is a federal holiday that I never really understood.<div> <br /></div> <div> I knew it was a day when we remember and thank those who have served and those who are currently serving in the US military.</div> <div> <br /></div> <div> I also knew it was a day when restaurants gave free food or discounts to the retired and active duty military, as well as retail stores offering discounts to retired, active duty and their families.</div> <div> <br /></div> <div> As a military spouse, I looked forward to this day for the shopping discounts and free food.</div> <div> <br /></div> <div> I just love great deals.</div> <div> <br /></div> <div> But...</div> <div> <br /></div> <div> As a daughter to a retired Navy veteran, I never thought twice about the retirees.</div> <div> <br /></div> <div> I mean, yeah.... I thank them and all.</div> <div> <br /></div> <div> But, Veteran's Day had turned into my day of getting great deals.</div> <div> <br /></div> <div> Sad, but true.</div> <div> <br /></div> <div> It wasn't until recently that I started questioning every holiday and observance.</div> <div> <br /></div> <div> Federal .... State .... Religious ...</div> <div> <br /></div> <div> Why do we celebrate these?</div> <div> <br /></div> <div> Are they holidays and observances that I want to celebrate and/or make time for?</div> <div> <br /></div> <div> Am I just going along with the status quo and going through the motions?</div> <div> <br /></div> <div> Do I really understand them enough to teach my son the specifics on ... "Why we celebrate?".</div> <div> <br /></div> <div> Well...</div> <div> <br /></div> <div> As it turns out, Veteran's Day is a federal holiday to honor those who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces.</div> <div> <br /></div> <div> People in other parts of the world also celebrate this day as Armistice Day and Remembrance Day as it marks the end of World War I.</div> <div> <br /></div> <div> The war ended at the 11th day at the 11th hour at the 11th month in 1918.</div> <div> <br /></div> <div> Since that day, the U.S. celebrated Armistice Day, but in 1954 this holiday evolved in the U.S. as Veterans Day.</div> <div> <br /></div> <div> How about that?!!</div> <div> <br /></div> <div> Today, I'm looking at Veteran's Day with a new set of eyes.</div> <div> <br /></div> <div> I'm bursting with gratitude for those who have served to protect the freedoms that I take for granted.</div> <div> <br /></div> <div> The freedom of unalienable rights as described in our <a href="http://www.archives.gov/exhibits/charters/declaration_transcript.html" target="_blank">Declaration of Independence</a>.</div> <div> <br /></div> <div> God bless you for your sacrifice for this free nation.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfeKr6g9CzULsF-qHynlyd8TcVq17yIaj8CbmSOFpfsnwg7nUeBogqcgSs4hARPDT5WVtspoIeYUcI5ikD1TnRpxLKWDd_NsbLfX1Fq9m92c_Y9YHPZhQmzA5Vkr_oqCTQrkFkxW_efho/s640/patriotism-3328261_640.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="360" data-original-width="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfeKr6g9CzULsF-qHynlyd8TcVq17yIaj8CbmSOFpfsnwg7nUeBogqcgSs4hARPDT5WVtspoIeYUcI5ikD1TnRpxLKWDd_NsbLfX1Fq9m92c_Y9YHPZhQmzA5Vkr_oqCTQrkFkxW_efho/s320/patriotism-3328261_640.jpg" width="320" /></a></div></div> Judith M.http://www.blogger.com/profile/12370819213417028495noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4358207709901321476.post-62605015494970041182014-11-11T00:25:00.004-06:002014-11-11T19:00:38.098-06:00Ever since my son watched Spiderman 3, he's been obsessed with the villain...Venom.<br /> <br /> So when I was cleaning his closet last week and discovered a black shirt hanging in his closet with oil stains on the front, I had an idea...<br /> <br /> Venom!<br /> <br /> So, I researched venom logos and drove to the craft store to figure out how to put the white logo on a black shirt.<br /> <br /> THREE hours later, I left with Tulip fabric spray paint, Elmers spray adhesive, masking tape, and a black t-shirt.<br /> <br /> I picked up a black tee as backup in case I mess up with the first shirt.<br /> <br /> Here's how my first shirt turned out...<br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmcJqfEDQdgsaKcSRpRJAyabDirFJvMwTfStZZURUbs_atJiPp0I1zqbihm7M3caf3xty6FGIejmSGeBybULsRrVZ1mMAEL5QHeH9FiZITR3VqrESlqFNbaxB25mKV29I-aSPnXF-iWhk/s1600/IMG_1200_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmcJqfEDQdgsaKcSRpRJAyabDirFJvMwTfStZZURUbs_atJiPp0I1zqbihm7M3caf3xty6FGIejmSGeBybULsRrVZ1mMAEL5QHeH9FiZITR3VqrESlqFNbaxB25mKV29I-aSPnXF-iWhk/s1600/IMG_1200_2.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div> <br /> It came out great and my son LOVED it!<br /> <br /> So, thought I'd detail the process with the back-up t-shirt.<br /> <br /> 1. &nbsp;Print the image in the exact size that you'd like on the t-shirt. &nbsp;Nothing fancy.<br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6MoJzf0ipyXI0rrAPvOpz1O25Qc5GdSIeVaPWVxsKDMxQO2lzJFxhNGPI2k0SCNhfUBjx3JpwgyJy7p2Re4oCY1oymTNXs8m-i79TFUabNNBLretzzFJVp_pBUOCPDSkP4OXFZY_mIIE/s1600/IMG_1189_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6MoJzf0ipyXI0rrAPvOpz1O25Qc5GdSIeVaPWVxsKDMxQO2lzJFxhNGPI2k0SCNhfUBjx3JpwgyJy7p2Re4oCY1oymTNXs8m-i79TFUabNNBLretzzFJVp_pBUOCPDSkP4OXFZY_mIIE/s1600/IMG_1189_2.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div> <br /> 2. &nbsp;Place image on a cutting board. &nbsp;Cut out the image with a blade. &nbsp;An x acto knife would have been much easier than the box cutter, but I couldn't find my x acto knife, so this had to do.<br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUHLGPvD8OZIyr-E5kXyWDcRUK5jR5x-QY5HZ4akF8ut8jjS40DBs8ikvl22wIY2mwPiS5VUmwv0R1HvxlGGfi-FYloX17aDeBCdKDqgSyXL4TxjEkue6gQUcf_3Tz4s9RI5vwhGE1TE8/s1600/IMG_1190_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUHLGPvD8OZIyr-E5kXyWDcRUK5jR5x-QY5HZ4akF8ut8jjS40DBs8ikvl22wIY2mwPiS5VUmwv0R1HvxlGGfi-FYloX17aDeBCdKDqgSyXL4TxjEkue6gQUcf_3Tz4s9RI5vwhGE1TE8/s1600/IMG_1190_2.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div> <br /> Remove the image. &nbsp;Now you have a stencil. &nbsp;Woo Hoo!!!<br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXICO-l6HRbHpcG7PryhL4DKXmBU6lmhjKLHnnVctnE6Pxo1xYsfeBxWFfT8pk74qCabYTlOLYprakVYkpQ1G4FZ93bJ2Q1PftjGdvcHn0qlhnlueR4GaG9JTRcR5amdzAfFYfP5WVFLU/s1600/IMG_1191.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXICO-l6HRbHpcG7PryhL4DKXmBU6lmhjKLHnnVctnE6Pxo1xYsfeBxWFfT8pk74qCabYTlOLYprakVYkpQ1G4FZ93bJ2Q1PftjGdvcHn0qlhnlueR4GaG9JTRcR5amdzAfFYfP5WVFLU/s1600/IMG_1191.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div> <br /> 3. &nbsp;Prepare the t-shirt by putting something inside that's flat. &nbsp;Also in case the paint seeps through the shirt, it doesn't bleed through on the other side. &nbsp;Here I used an old Disney book.<br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq056jxl5GbzWVfMGW_YwuoeEYFrjOPeWab-qrjXpW7VD4oVVd-i74V6N12bncBGtXzyGsTPv7gvdWWMRQdpJTqeU4LGBYv7c4Ocg_bzuH0X-dBC4J2AzyDNc96aJ_k4a7jscxCsTqSKk/s1600/IMG_1192_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq056jxl5GbzWVfMGW_YwuoeEYFrjOPeWab-qrjXpW7VD4oVVd-i74V6N12bncBGtXzyGsTPv7gvdWWMRQdpJTqeU4LGBYv7c4Ocg_bzuH0X-dBC4J2AzyDNc96aJ_k4a7jscxCsTqSKk/s1600/IMG_1192_2.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div> <br /> 4. &nbsp;Take the stencil, turn it over and spray with the spray adhesive. &nbsp;Let sit for 2-3 mins.<br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihdn4e-pm__ToKhHEC3PHV3qUfpeREzhr8hyHIpEap1yFuwD4WmdxyPvC54MaZ_dUKNcFMuYtbe4zyXCxQI5bw3_mf_Cc6SkH35u_MuRJ0bqW1unh5SpFvYSZOasnf0HocWwKk4jfDssg/s1600/IMG_1194.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihdn4e-pm__ToKhHEC3PHV3qUfpeREzhr8hyHIpEap1yFuwD4WmdxyPvC54MaZ_dUKNcFMuYtbe4zyXCxQI5bw3_mf_Cc6SkH35u_MuRJ0bqW1unh5SpFvYSZOasnf0HocWwKk4jfDssg/s1600/IMG_1194.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div> <br /> 5. &nbsp;Center the stencil on the t-shirt and make sure it's flat on the shirt. &nbsp;Straighten out any bumps and make sure the outline and edges are glued down.<br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXgDuh5y8OHwl7CRSkrXx3VJFbGyFEeQfWeAS195c3_2-ESovSMk8gyhbh4Ty4_Efi0NFn_TyE7Je-frC8k49IMx0-u0E_cOx2GCEVvRHlb6rIImM3LhF6BwYPMBTeGS1eaw97h4liYpQ/s1600/IMG_1195.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXgDuh5y8OHwl7CRSkrXx3VJFbGyFEeQfWeAS195c3_2-ESovSMk8gyhbh4Ty4_Efi0NFn_TyE7Je-frC8k49IMx0-u0E_cOx2GCEVvRHlb6rIImM3LhF6BwYPMBTeGS1eaw97h4liYpQ/s1600/IMG_1195.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div> <br /> 6. &nbsp;Take large pieces of paper and masking tape and cover the shirt around the stencil. &nbsp;This protects the shirt from any paint splatters and such. &nbsp;Here I used newspaper.<br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgih7-WYFvDMBbpH8rfuWVmag4dNGZDA9Jp885cXR6C7_rldkATVCHAaHNlQvVOmPcT2UZK7hp62mqzM2EP37uRb3reTvtIDtA-ceET-eLKqKP9awhgBbLKMcrL5kduuApHlp_z2ec0nyY/s1600/IMG_1196_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgih7-WYFvDMBbpH8rfuWVmag4dNGZDA9Jp885cXR6C7_rldkATVCHAaHNlQvVOmPcT2UZK7hp62mqzM2EP37uRb3reTvtIDtA-ceET-eLKqKP9awhgBbLKMcrL5kduuApHlp_z2ec0nyY/s1600/IMG_1196_2.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div> <br /> Spray generously. <br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie7v42acQZs89yqD_TCDa1SSbzppKb94sdHWZh4gAWt7wWMEB8CsQsgnKuPEkYMPtXOU_NlO5PPITD_6C-ELgk3DK9-t7nRuA1TvR7uVBex1YexuAa-nTtgeO7lHtCwIlOMK1ODm1jMqE/s1600/IMG_1197.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie7v42acQZs89yqD_TCDa1SSbzppKb94sdHWZh4gAWt7wWMEB8CsQsgnKuPEkYMPtXOU_NlO5PPITD_6C-ELgk3DK9-t7nRuA1TvR7uVBex1YexuAa-nTtgeO7lHtCwIlOMK1ODm1jMqE/s1600/IMG_1197.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div> <br /> Here's the paint I used.<br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnaw766G3wU9gTpUVICUv427slqOwXG15xgwiuG7HHFleuAKC82x8iUfE2v8CB8PS6O6GPbfXgD5TkHo2C-tQutRqF9dY5OzqOhXAnueJYJOoSqosLMvPLiWWpA0NDeBWPEBbFLei9oGs/s1600/IMG_1198.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnaw766G3wU9gTpUVICUv427slqOwXG15xgwiuG7HHFleuAKC82x8iUfE2v8CB8PS6O6GPbfXgD5TkHo2C-tQutRqF9dY5OzqOhXAnueJYJOoSqosLMvPLiWWpA0NDeBWPEBbFLei9oGs/s1600/IMG_1198.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div> <br /> 7. &nbsp;Let sit for 30 mins. &nbsp;Then quickly peel the paper off the shirt. &nbsp;The paint will still be wet, but if you rip quickly it won't smear.<br /> <br /> I let this dry overnight...<br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ1N1dIe0cKSKTITO5T3qWoBPoTSYrYwAK1ZOmUIFfCMVkWKlC7MjeAjGk_WpzRIbPqG606nwjckda2IT-ixRnXGtEvjTV79l5HRZtOAQFpvv6VghLt3-HgehjZ5D_pzSFclg2s0A27oo/s1600/IMG_1199.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ1N1dIe0cKSKTITO5T3qWoBPoTSYrYwAK1ZOmUIFfCMVkWKlC7MjeAjGk_WpzRIbPqG606nwjckda2IT-ixRnXGtEvjTV79l5HRZtOAQFpvv6VghLt3-HgehjZ5D_pzSFclg2s0A27oo/s1600/IMG_1199.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div> <br /> Voila! <br /> <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D4358207709901321476%23editor%2Fsrc%3Ddashboard&amp;media=https%3A%2F%2Fimages-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com%2Fgadgets%2Fproxy%3Furl%3Dhttp%253A%252F%252F2.bp.blogspot.com%252F-MCbGZrYkiMs%252FVGGfZ6h4RJI%252FAAAAAAAACVM%252FxDRrrlCNcGk%252Fs1600%252FIMG_1191.jpg%26container%3Dblogger%26gadget%3Da%26rewriteMime%3Dimage%252F*&amp;xm=h&amp;xv=sa1.35&amp;description=" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 233px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 1340px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D4358207709901321476%23editor%2Fsrc%3Ddashboard&amp;media=https%3A%2F%2Fimages-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com%2Fgadgets%2Fproxy%3Furl%3Dhttp%253A%252F%252F2.bp.blogspot.com%252F-MCbGZrYkiMs%252FVGGfZ6h4RJI%252FAAAAAAAACVM%252FxDRrrlCNcGk%252Fs1600%252FIMG_1191.jpg%26container%3Dblogger%26gadget%3Da%26rewriteMime%3Dimage%252F*&amp;xm=h&amp;xv=sa1.35&amp;description=" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 233px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 1340px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D4358207709901321476%23editor%2Fsrc%3Ddashboard&amp;media=https%3A%2F%2Fimages-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com%2Fgadgets%2Fproxy%3Furl%3Dhttp%253A%252F%252F2.bp.blogspot.com%252F-MCbGZrYkiMs%252FVGGfZ6h4RJI%252FAAAAAAAACVM%252FxDRrrlCNcGk%252Fs1600%252FIMG_1191.jpg%26container%3Dblogger%26gadget%3Da%26rewriteMime%3Dimage%252F*&amp;xm=h&amp;xv=sa1.35&amp;description=" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 233px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 1340px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D4358207709901321476%23editor%2Fsrc%3Ddashboard&amp;media=https%3A%2F%2Fimages-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com%2Fgadgets%2Fproxy%3Furl%3Dhttp%253A%252F%252F2.bp.blogspot.com%252F-MCbGZrYkiMs%252FVGGfZ6h4RJI%252FAAAAAAAACVM%252FxDRrrlCNcGk%252Fs1600%252FIMG_1191.jpg%26container%3Dblogger%26gadget%3Da%26rewriteMime%3Dimage%252F*&amp;xm=h&amp;xv=sa1.35&amp;description=" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 233px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 1340px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a>Judith M.http://www.blogger.com/profile/12370819213417028495noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4358207709901321476.post-26835715408356497882014-10-20T15:06:00.003-05:002014-10-20T18:18:46.290-05:00It's Monday and I really don't like Mondays.<br /> <div> <br /></div> <div> When I woke up this morning, I reached over for my iPad to look at my calendar for the day.<br /> <div> <br /></div> <div> With a little dread, I realized that I had scheduled some time for me and my son to volunteer putting flags on Chaplains graves at the Fort Sam National Cemetery.</div> <div> <br /></div> <div> UGHHHhhhhh!!!</div> <div> <br /></div> <div> Although it sounded like a great idea last week when I signed up, but on Monday morning at 8:15am...</div> <div> <br /></div> <div> Not - so - much!</div> <div> <br /></div> <div> I pulled myself together...</div> <div> <br /></div> <div> Rushed my son through breakfast...</div> <div> <br /></div> <div> And raced out the door.</div> <div> <br /></div> <div> Hurried and a little bothered with the start to my week, I met my friend at the cemetery office who gave me flags, a list of Chaplains, and a map of the cemetery.</div> <div> <br /></div> <div> I figured that we'd rush through finding the sites, push flags into the ground, and then quickly get back to our cozy little home.</div> </div> <div> <br /></div> <div> But...</div> <div> <br /></div> <div> As I stood frustrated next my car attempting to figure out where to find LTC Richard Carty's tombstone in Sec 41 Plot 619...</div> <div> <br /></div> <div> I looked up and saw this.</div> <div> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRH-WBq7LgbWXY4Sv4QCUYrFjDcVVV9KLIDpXQJCqgReckLZlr5YUaffv5AD-v9ZHnj6hoSiOPgPhADJHu8ITobzqYG4N8XKao4e8vsdwwIypEc4egIvR6x4rbpXQnJp4Be3EGfteyrqs/s1600/IMG_1114.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRH-WBq7LgbWXY4Sv4QCUYrFjDcVVV9KLIDpXQJCqgReckLZlr5YUaffv5AD-v9ZHnj6hoSiOPgPhADJHu8ITobzqYG4N8XKao4e8vsdwwIypEc4egIvR6x4rbpXQnJp4Be3EGfteyrqs/s1600/IMG_1114.jpg" height="479" width="640" /></a></div> <br /> This beautiful image.<br /> <br /> It took my breath away.<br /> <br /> My little boy facing the graves of our nation's heroes.<br /> <br /> I was overcome with emotion.<br /> <br /> At this point, I knew it was going to be very special morning for both of us.<br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWVSDqmmJbjtqBdaeToGkrztp-GAo9nS3V_nPZ2lHZkXt3EfLWwbYZEhiR6Bwfn-ycjmqSl57mue6vw5N38kh1KxO8-T6dx64fYZRUCQp5Lv_7qxPjicav_9jPJcZC-K1ZR4y2b3plO3M/s1600/IMG_1116.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWVSDqmmJbjtqBdaeToGkrztp-GAo9nS3V_nPZ2lHZkXt3EfLWwbYZEhiR6Bwfn-ycjmqSl57mue6vw5N38kh1KxO8-T6dx64fYZRUCQp5Lv_7qxPjicav_9jPJcZC-K1ZR4y2b3plO3M/s1600/IMG_1116.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div> <br /> We took our time and found tombstones for many Chaplains....<br /> <br /> Put flags down and...<br /> <br /> Prayed.<br /> <br /> Thanking God for their beautiful life of service in this world.<br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div> <br /> Not only to this country, but service to people.<br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEircQVelq3l5cXMJARlQlSAoWUH-L2TYw0nZkp4641gRtytYn37CMjacbsIG998kO6doyO8mgqHYrozcLVhPkAavWi62xPHddMC0FpdmC6pJDUNTZ1kxexq0BS3DgVkASPQnmNein0Cg9M/s1600/IMG_1126_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEircQVelq3l5cXMJARlQlSAoWUH-L2TYw0nZkp4641gRtytYn37CMjacbsIG998kO6doyO8mgqHYrozcLVhPkAavWi62xPHddMC0FpdmC6pJDUNTZ1kxexq0BS3DgVkASPQnmNein0Cg9M/s1600/IMG_1126_2.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div> <br /> It was an honor to be among them.<br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvG9ucoCYMEQ2DUAyZaKCTYosFGS_k5rmK_LO_sinZLt7B0rnUtfY3NYsksUdbQjeWnGSl_2PeNdpPCJ93CFcO0vl8kM0PsIZW27GDAtHg8WN8tObE9JoMiZsveIgl45Sch7P-bJmhnsc/s1600/IMG_1130_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvG9ucoCYMEQ2DUAyZaKCTYosFGS_k5rmK_LO_sinZLt7B0rnUtfY3NYsksUdbQjeWnGSl_2PeNdpPCJ93CFcO0vl8kM0PsIZW27GDAtHg8WN8tObE9JoMiZsveIgl45Sch7P-bJmhnsc/s1600/IMG_1130_2.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div> <br /> My heart burst with gratitude.<br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9FN_BduA19kZfh_FWYrHX_75bgWst2vgNJEpjJFZfjBeNR2a0MO2WXGDi5P7nfNdYKGnqFgxJh68JOjVF3SLEo9eSURQqBRHeF-794TxQxWBhTHdtXWa9-6NbiHPHEKnEMKbycCl_AsI/s1600/IMG_1133_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9FN_BduA19kZfh_FWYrHX_75bgWst2vgNJEpjJFZfjBeNR2a0MO2WXGDi5P7nfNdYKGnqFgxJh68JOjVF3SLEo9eSURQqBRHeF-794TxQxWBhTHdtXWa9-6NbiHPHEKnEMKbycCl_AsI/s1600/IMG_1133_2.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div> <br /> Many wives were buried with their husbands.<br /> <br /> Their epitaphs were carved on the backs of tombstones...<br /> <br /> And as we walked back to the car to leave, I noticed this one.<br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDMDPujjrQSf-jtG58wnyTW4cmyKnd1DFENUlr94MbPvk6I76Ye9cdwh7OdM2rq9gXNXloMwX1p-a0-lE17-tbavqCJr9axZNDz-21h8OQZFvRGzLwt1wbJkgXwM1-RJ7ykW1kY991FBw/s1600/IMG_1139_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDMDPujjrQSf-jtG58wnyTW4cmyKnd1DFENUlr94MbPvk6I76Ye9cdwh7OdM2rq9gXNXloMwX1p-a0-lE17-tbavqCJr9axZNDz-21h8OQZFvRGzLwt1wbJkgXwM1-RJ7ykW1kY991FBw/s1600/IMG_1139_2.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div> <div> <br /></div> <div> This put a big smile on my face.</div> <div> <br /></div> <div> Most of the epitaphs that I walked by read...</div> <div> <br /></div> <div> "forever in our hearts".... "loving wife &amp; mother"... "beloved".</div> <div> <br /></div> <div> This one stood out with "I took the one less traveled by"</div> <div> <br /></div> <div> I don't know this lady, but I sure do love her.</div> <div> <br /></div> <div> I wonder if we would have been great friends.</div> <div> <br /></div> <div> (If I were older, of course).</div> <div> <br /></div> <div> <i>"Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. &nbsp;Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is -- his good, pleasing and perfect will." - Romans 12:2</i></div> <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D4358207709901321476%23editor%2Ftarget%3Dpost%3BpostID%3D2683571540835649788&amp;media=https%3A%2F%2Fimages-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com%2Fgadgets%2Fproxy%3Furl%3Dhttp%253A%252F%252F2.bp.blogspot.com%252F-kOPzm-0oOes%252FVEVg1NKih5I%252FAAAAAAAACUo%252Fv4j1JTgV6pA%252Fs1600%252FIMG_1139_2.jpg%26container%3Dblogger%26gadget%3Da%26rewriteMime%3Dimage%252F*&amp;xm=h&amp;xv=sa1.35&amp;description=" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 113px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 3021px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D4358207709901321476%23editor%2Ftarget%3Dpost%3BpostID%3D2683571540835649788&amp;media=https%3A%2F%2Fimages-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com%2Fgadgets%2Fproxy%3Furl%3Dhttp%253A%252F%252F2.bp.blogspot.com%252F-kOPzm-0oOes%252FVEVg1NKih5I%252FAAAAAAAACUo%252Fv4j1JTgV6pA%252Fs1600%252FIMG_1139_2.jpg%26container%3Dblogger%26gadget%3Da%26rewriteMime%3Dimage%252F*&amp;xm=h&amp;xv=sa1.35&amp;description=" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 113px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 3021px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a>Judith M.http://www.blogger.com/profile/12370819213417028495noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4358207709901321476.post-8724277150475597342014-10-17T08:50:00.002-05:002015-02-26T12:35:04.977-06:00It's October and I'm going through Hatch Chile withdrawals.<br /> <div> <br /></div> <div> These seasonal peppers explode into the grocery stores here in Texas around Aug &amp; Sept.</div> <div> <br /></div> <div> Then...</div> <div> <br /></div> <div> They're GONE!</div> <div> <br /></div> <div> GONE... GONE... GONE!!</div> <div> <br /></div> <div> It's so sad.</div> <div> <br /></div> <div> They're from Hatch, New Mexico and I fell in love them.</div> <div> <br /></div> <div> And you would too if you like peppers or anything spicy.</div> <div> <br /></div> <div> So...</div> <div> <br /></div> <div> Next year when the Hatch frenzy comes back, here are some things to look forward to.</div> <div> <br /></div> <div> Central Market's Hatch Chile Fest.</div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0-AdEDvvH4eY3r7FthOCLEF_67OfKEfpPsteUBTCwaXO1ZI-4w1xW6SXb4D_yEUt0srHcbWWNG0WgojKieFatBliaFQiWDXrCrApWLzVVow3rNEVDQ9fuuZAFTinPCEqLsv-fLVaG9Fc/s1600/IMG_5195.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0-AdEDvvH4eY3r7FthOCLEF_67OfKEfpPsteUBTCwaXO1ZI-4w1xW6SXb4D_yEUt0srHcbWWNG0WgojKieFatBliaFQiWDXrCrApWLzVVow3rNEVDQ9fuuZAFTinPCEqLsv-fLVaG9Fc/s1600/IMG_5195.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div> <div> <br /></div> <div> It's really amazing!</div> <div> <br /></div> <div> <div> The place is crawling with Hatch EVERYTHING.</div> <div> <br /></div> <div> Hatch chips.....Hatch scones....Hatch jelly...</div> </div> <div> <br /></div> <div> Here are a few things I picked up one morning.</div> <div> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMQHIliah-ZDGNGWOPMLWrBeAX61UPFg-rCb0dV5WlBeq4pregfdUdo5ZW3qolSMH1VCw7KvLrG1aAycmiFhALTD0BAKzNicE_bB5asv_OBs8z02yzTcKIEITpfPJWxdTLmySybd5yZ54/s1600/hatch_chile.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMQHIliah-ZDGNGWOPMLWrBeAX61UPFg-rCb0dV5WlBeq4pregfdUdo5ZW3qolSMH1VCw7KvLrG1aAycmiFhALTD0BAKzNicE_bB5asv_OBs8z02yzTcKIEITpfPJWxdTLmySybd5yZ54/s1600/hatch_chile.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div> <div> <br /></div> <div> Nevermind the malt balls and chocolate almonds.</div> <div> <br /></div> <div> They weren't Hatch.</div> <div> <br /></div> <div> I just had a major sweet tooth that day :)</div> <div> <br /></div> <div> Needless to say, I made several trips to Central Market during the season.</div> <div> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4cDbVyUxRZnaTX91EkvL0VP0sWAyWtf6uZEjZyUK4pvgCEhMF5eqjzWEcdjl6mbsg_f3Gfn6PF9sWtMb0s14yimf7K4F0WovS275tzESazW7_ti-pcDpRwI83ndqALLYb0kh5R822lU4/s1600/IMG_5192.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4cDbVyUxRZnaTX91EkvL0VP0sWAyWtf6uZEjZyUK4pvgCEhMF5eqjzWEcdjl6mbsg_f3Gfn6PF9sWtMb0s14yimf7K4F0WovS275tzESazW7_ti-pcDpRwI83ndqALLYb0kh5R822lU4/s1600/IMG_5192.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div> <br /> I also frequented other stores.<br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwgc-Qe99_be7itZQRePateHbDH-4LVJB8tEhxNaNfvhv8zIG5FZ8XyTAqrC1oMBduD8-xMLbmsok81ZyQLpZ-GU4WNjyuPTfUn3KoMjEo7LzwQVlPhjjDGmrEbx8TOKnhrd_i-W0Li_o/s1600/IMG_5317.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwgc-Qe99_be7itZQRePateHbDH-4LVJB8tEhxNaNfvhv8zIG5FZ8XyTAqrC1oMBduD8-xMLbmsok81ZyQLpZ-GU4WNjyuPTfUn3KoMjEo7LzwQVlPhjjDGmrEbx8TOKnhrd_i-W0Li_o/s1600/IMG_5317.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div> <br /> Aren't they gorgeous?!<br /> <br /> Great price too.<br /> <br /> There are many ways to cook these lovelies.<br /> <br /> Here's a link to some <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/reciperenovator/hatch-chile-recipes/" target="_blank">recipes</a>.<br /> <br /> A recent favorite recipe and one that I've been using lately came from my friend.<br /> <br /> It's super simple.<br /> <br /> Here's a photo.<br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWA_dRBo9JZhw5MY-F5LeAuWwWVKN_NOvlPpl_XRIwWowzNuBMNnMxrLRQpkkCh98AumDZ0PgLBpdfzFaj6mjV6J8Hdy6r0Qs7wYWONvhu857SKoKoQ_PAZvU2A_EhyOPReCIVi5QATSM/s1600/IMG_5194.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWA_dRBo9JZhw5MY-F5LeAuWwWVKN_NOvlPpl_XRIwWowzNuBMNnMxrLRQpkkCh98AumDZ0PgLBpdfzFaj6mjV6J8Hdy6r0Qs7wYWONvhu857SKoKoQ_PAZvU2A_EhyOPReCIVi5QATSM/s1600/IMG_5194.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div> These are just cut in half, filled with 1 Tbsp light cream cheese, and wrapped with a half strip of low sodium bacon each.<br /> <br /> Bake at 350 until pepper is tender and bacon is cooked.<br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqsC6uws5-hLONt6DTLRvspU7Yx39xvcqQt8U-yEewozOvrH-Omt5ZS-P6fsHk2UM4SChPdc6UYoUD8FLsqZJk-_h4vfKsAz-wWpRUCqSXReoXZOFTWnWUEl4k8ok32l1RqQlShvw1xE0/s1600/IMG_5198.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqsC6uws5-hLONt6DTLRvspU7Yx39xvcqQt8U-yEewozOvrH-Omt5ZS-P6fsHk2UM4SChPdc6UYoUD8FLsqZJk-_h4vfKsAz-wWpRUCqSXReoXZOFTWnWUEl4k8ok32l1RqQlShvw1xE0/s1600/IMG_5198.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div> <br /> Oh, man...<br /> <br /> I so wish I could make these right now!<br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> Yum - ME!!!!</div> Judith M.http://www.blogger.com/profile/12370819213417028495noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4358207709901321476.post-82805057536920366442014-10-16T14:02:00.000-05:002014-10-16T20:11:21.561-05:00Trying to figure out what to write about after a six month hiatus, and all I can think of is food ...<br /> <div> <br /></div> <div> Just food.</div> <div> <br /></div> <div> Maybe it's because I'm hungry...</div> <div> <br /></div> <div> Maybe I just always have food on the brain...</div> <div> <br /></div> <div> Or maybe I don't want to dive into anything too heavy after being away for some time.</div> <div> <br /></div> <div> Nevertheless, I searched my phone to see what I had snapped the past six months.</div> <div> <br /></div> <div> This is what I found...</div> <div> <br /></div> <div> <div> This photo is my Hatch Chili Burrito taken at&nbsp;<a href="http://theshadygrove.com/" target="_blank">Shady Grove</a>&nbsp;in Austin, TX during hatch chili season.</div> <div> <br /></div> <div> I highly recommend visiting Austin during the hatch chili season (Aug - Sept) if you like spicy. &nbsp;The town goes crazy over these spicy big peppers.</div> </div> <div> <br /></div> <div> Amazing food to be had here.</div> <div> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh22LLJngKbGrQ3QwrONuXkHySMo2u-HeITTKRq1QjRy3UCEJ9xeUcc1cP_TY_dPcP9sL82ZGz0b9Vcjogx6rSuV0_j858LpfeD87Pij-LBiViYsUevD1WNv-LUaakGwgDseIKDq2A2IIQ/s1600/IMG_1027_2.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh22LLJngKbGrQ3QwrONuXkHySMo2u-HeITTKRq1QjRy3UCEJ9xeUcc1cP_TY_dPcP9sL82ZGz0b9Vcjogx6rSuV0_j858LpfeD87Pij-LBiViYsUevD1WNv-LUaakGwgDseIKDq2A2IIQ/s1600/IMG_1027_2.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div> <br /> This was my husband's amazing Hatch Chili Chicken Fried Steak.<br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKreyxWkRlo75ksxkDYajyo315_2WH_8UucnxzWbV-k4acGaozvxk9Wcpx4XoDCIp-H2yQt5CE-oGDMFBL6eN9n2vV8eeXYSX21h9vj8UqHmD2oDkXnJXU-BHRb5L4TmufWpdHrwiepBk/s1600/IMG_1028_2.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKreyxWkRlo75ksxkDYajyo315_2WH_8UucnxzWbV-k4acGaozvxk9Wcpx4XoDCIp-H2yQt5CE-oGDMFBL6eN9n2vV8eeXYSX21h9vj8UqHmD2oDkXnJXU-BHRb5L4TmufWpdHrwiepBk/s1600/IMG_1028_2.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div> <br /> Incredible - incredible - incredible!<br /> <br /> Or as he described, "this was KICK-HATCH!".<br /> <br /> (he's silly)<br /> <br /> This next picture is my go-to-dish for my meal deliveries.<br /> <div> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPxfDrpNVVPYIg7HFd321FMwU-5IOshhq2aFbuEqw0RjA27y9ZqyXOSjDUdqU6M4-75JDzVFCFWBipPOA-1jrnGoyWRcfx0YdKNHDqT2hyphenhyphenhGSVAi3dfBXe9Pr0RVuy_1X2ha8BlzzGl2U/s1600/IMG_1078_2.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPxfDrpNVVPYIg7HFd321FMwU-5IOshhq2aFbuEqw0RjA27y9ZqyXOSjDUdqU6M4-75JDzVFCFWBipPOA-1jrnGoyWRcfx0YdKNHDqT2hyphenhyphenhGSVAi3dfBXe9Pr0RVuy_1X2ha8BlzzGl2U/s1600/IMG_1078_2.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div> <br /> I made this for a sweet friend who just gave birth to a beautiful baby girl.<br /> <br /> This&nbsp;<a href="http://www.beachesandberries.com/2012/09/chicken-pasta-in-tomato-cream-sauce.html" target="_blank">Chicken Pasta</a>&nbsp;dish is super easy, inexpensive, feeds many, and always a big hit.<br /> <br /> Moving on...<br /> <br /> Looking at this photo just breaks my heart!<br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimCwNJCnHFvDh47NAjnhDFVmq0I7Hw1oHRL1jABejKH-wTpHhZndYzj0y34Yupad9aXA1ZCxT2TtkGODpM399EYKFgdkYNj4S2NInRjaS4ca5aSMwl1HmVEB_7959BZhsoLpOgwYTvPJ0/s1600/IMG_1083_2.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimCwNJCnHFvDh47NAjnhDFVmq0I7Hw1oHRL1jABejKH-wTpHhZndYzj0y34Yupad9aXA1ZCxT2TtkGODpM399EYKFgdkYNj4S2NInRjaS4ca5aSMwl1HmVEB_7959BZhsoLpOgwYTvPJ0/s1600/IMG_1083_2.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody> <tr><td><br /> <div style="text-align: left;"> I snapped this picture on a dessert and coffee date with my husband at one of our favorite places in San Antonio,&nbsp;<a href="http://www.bakerylorraine.com/" target="_blank">Bakery Lorraine</a>.<br /> <br /> Their regular coffee never disappoints and neither does their pain au chocolat.<br /> <br /> However on this day... disappointment.<br /> <br /> Not the quality.<br /> <br /> Oh, never the quality.<br /> <br /> .... just the quantity.<br /> <br /> I don't need that much cream. &nbsp;In fact I don't need cream at all.<br /> <br /> :(<br /> <br /> Speaking of creme...<br /> <br /> Krispy Kreme gave away free donuts to pirates one day.</div> </td></tr> </tbody></table> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixUmnEk9XpJ6z0ImEL6U_-hboYnopExBtke9e3UwcjAVg1z1NQO4gQErRX9n84MfNm7zxdJ1RHuMRQx5vpWjqmkm297O34LPrmh2OZOSoGR8e2vVXEekr0olyE9WDbrUvm3M_HVlUBoTM/s1600/IMG_1084_2.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixUmnEk9XpJ6z0ImEL6U_-hboYnopExBtke9e3UwcjAVg1z1NQO4gQErRX9n84MfNm7zxdJ1RHuMRQx5vpWjqmkm297O34LPrmh2OZOSoGR8e2vVXEekr0olyE9WDbrUvm3M_HVlUBoTM/s1600/IMG_1084_2.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> Look at those adorable pirates!</div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJF5eKLPm7VdISnUX3NVkEziefR1gD5gYS3B21sMwhCPnsF1IhJei5JVklgZvWHMWIY4VyANrsbw1QZG53yamGc2PuaQypbBXLU4LgRB3e3giVrvBHfSkapPbY2W8WDWA5F7BFLNFHFzc/s1600/IMG_1085_2.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJF5eKLPm7VdISnUX3NVkEziefR1gD5gYS3B21sMwhCPnsF1IhJei5JVklgZvWHMWIY4VyANrsbw1QZG53yamGc2PuaQypbBXLU4LgRB3e3giVrvBHfSkapPbY2W8WDWA5F7BFLNFHFzc/s1600/IMG_1085_2.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div> <br /> See this large plate of caramel-ly goodness?<br /> <br /> Our neighbor's aunt visiting from Mexico delivered this gem to us one night.<br /> <br /> A whole big plateful of flan.<br /> <br /> Holy cow!<br /> <br /> For just the two of us?!?!<br /> <br /> I think I put on 5 lbs just snacking on this bad boy all week. &nbsp;Eeeek!<br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKFSp97MUMmH_LjijL8ju_9-ITipQ3_GW4QnR3WX1CVxlWezWHlmBg75syoMbQ183QVaj-2YZ5yyjdkJQI6zLUi6EvUMGoDK7ZS1L9F-9OCmfjSA-S7dfgoUfsshQtt5PGTU0oUIkD-4s/s1600/IMG_1737.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKFSp97MUMmH_LjijL8ju_9-ITipQ3_GW4QnR3WX1CVxlWezWHlmBg75syoMbQ183QVaj-2YZ5yyjdkJQI6zLUi6EvUMGoDK7ZS1L9F-9OCmfjSA-S7dfgoUfsshQtt5PGTU0oUIkD-4s/s1600/IMG_1737.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> This is a photo of my plate at the&nbsp;<a href="http://www.theauslander.com/" target="_blank">Auslander Restaurant&nbsp;</a>and Biergarten in Fredricksburg, TX.</div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> It was a Chickenschnitzel with hot German potato salad and potato pancakes.</div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> Honestly, not my fav.</div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> German food doesn't really appeal to me, but my husband keeps trying to convince me otherwise.</div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> He loves it and hopes to move back to Germany one day.</div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> Oh Lord.... help Me!</div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4PQupgtWqRgTsLJI_IZDeoRST8zr3CK0kQPZx4iSUAqEMACoUl4KUxeUqvnzgDpl366C_8YTuvVXtCsbu5IBPfFKyVIfMmgchGynKlT0UNhjF1v18boI61sbmatYa8lgrLDy04FzRXGQ/s1600/IMG_1858.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4PQupgtWqRgTsLJI_IZDeoRST8zr3CK0kQPZx4iSUAqEMACoUl4KUxeUqvnzgDpl366C_8YTuvVXtCsbu5IBPfFKyVIfMmgchGynKlT0UNhjF1v18boI61sbmatYa8lgrLDy04FzRXGQ/s1600/IMG_1858.jpg" height="239" width="320" /></a></div> And finally, I saved the best for last...<br /> <br /> Roasted Kale Chips!!<br /> <br /> Woo Hoo.....Kale Chips!!<br /> <br /> My favorite evening snack.<br /> <br /> Simple recipe: &nbsp;fresh kale de-stemed, coated in olive oil, roasted in the oven at 300 degrees for 30-45 mins until crispy.<br /> <br /> Delish!<br /> <br /> Thanks for reading :)Judith M.http://www.blogger.com/profile/12370819213417028495noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4358207709901321476.post-86067893580438715192014-06-01T17:03:00.000-05:002014-06-01T20:31:29.902-05:00There was a time when I spent a lot of hours in the world of blogging.<br /> <div> <br /></div> <div> Not only reading blogs, but building mine, and writing down my simple stories to publish.</div> <div> <br /></div> <div> I loved it.</div> <div> <br /></div> <div> Absolutely - without a doubt - loved it!</div> <div> <br /></div> <div> It was my way of chronicling my thoughts and my great recipe finds.</div> <div> <br /></div> <div> Journaling my mindless chatter, just helped me look at things more clearly.</div> <div> <br /></div> <div> And surprisingly through my blog, I made some great friends and also strengthened some friendships that I already had.</div> <div> <br /></div> <div> So….why did I take a break? &nbsp;</div> <div> <br /></div> <div> Such a very long break?!</div> <div> <br /></div> <div> Unfortunately, the only thing that I can think of …<br /> <br /> &nbsp;My schedule became complicated.<br /> <br /></div> <div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcm7pkaUKSYmshtK7xf28n84fXQ2ZNIV34Osg7oPIdjtYNUT15xbC1WvehgvlhOcefmnJXWeExT6RxFrMtZE73UnquMZiWSPPKPyaPJ95oBer-ulwhz_5laeLtTlfwkVmZtLgGKmVAfsc/s1600/Busy_life_2014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcm7pkaUKSYmshtK7xf28n84fXQ2ZNIV34Osg7oPIdjtYNUT15xbC1WvehgvlhOcefmnJXWeExT6RxFrMtZE73UnquMZiWSPPKPyaPJ95oBer-ulwhz_5laeLtTlfwkVmZtLgGKmVAfsc/s1600/Busy_life_2014.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div> <br /></div> <div> My volunteer projects went from one … to two ... to three … to four …</div> <div> <br /></div> <div> Then there were school field trips, fundraisers, parties …</div> <div> <br /></div> <div> And the many sports programs that kept my son busy.</div> <div> <br /></div> <div> Not to mention our weekly playdates with friends and such.</div> <div> <br /></div> <div> Frankly, I was OVER-scheduled!</div> <div> <br /></div> <div> I miss my time of gathering my thoughts and just writing.</div> <div> <br /></div> <div> I miss being simple.</div> <div> <br /></div> <div> I miss my blog.<br /> <br /> <i>"Life is really simple, but we insist on making it really complicated."</i> - Confucius<br /> <br /> <i>"Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, "Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest."</i> - Mark 6:31</div> Judith M.http://www.blogger.com/profile/12370819213417028495noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4358207709901321476.post-18270955644387511432014-01-29T09:08:00.004-06:002014-01-29T13:50:34.893-06:00Welcome New Year….welcome!<br /> <div> <br /></div> <div> I'm so excited for another year and am thankful that everyone in my family is relatively healthy.<br /> <br /> We kicked off our new year with family in town visiting for a WHOLE WEEK...</div> <div> <br /></div> <div> … and loved every single minute of a super noisy, cluttered, and chaotic house.</div> <div> <br /></div> <div> Since my son is the only child, having his cousins in town for seven days was just heavenly.</div> <div> <br /></div> <div> Not only for him, but for me &amp; my husband.<br /> <br /> It was joyful.<br /> <br /> Here's a photo of everyone gathered around our tree.<br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3hNlUKaRdNDlcrEKEapMdPCCV5y6QzMXx-WVopwjoX3NQ9S6VQTFK0taNhKrwLsrIWaTAOtWz05S5WdsgD5ItIOeW69LIYVhgmjbxg3AM6dTtqdYIuXZtGMxcsAxiAg1uIMjFwgRjEH8/s1600/mom+and+kids.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3hNlUKaRdNDlcrEKEapMdPCCV5y6QzMXx-WVopwjoX3NQ9S6VQTFK0taNhKrwLsrIWaTAOtWz05S5WdsgD5ItIOeW69LIYVhgmjbxg3AM6dTtqdYIuXZtGMxcsAxiAg1uIMjFwgRjEH8/s1600/mom+and+kids.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div> <br /> My mom brought my nieces and nephew down from Dallas to spend the remainder of their holiday break with us in San Antonio.<br /> <br /> Such a blessed time getting to know each of my sister's children.<br /> <br /> I've lived away since they were all born and flown home for visits once or twice each year, but my occasional visits didn't allow for deep and meaningful relationship building.<br /> <br /> This whole week with my family really helped me get to know each of them and truly love and appreciate the beautiful people they're growing up to be.<br /> <br /> I hope for more of these opportunities in this new year. &nbsp;Happy 2014!<br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXIPC35emYR-F3JOs5Uz4dKf7DB1FuXjb6pL512S31DFzu6weK5JMcvnbS77cm87yKsvxRoo3ozEs-HfPYUpB95Ls4ivy0HUA4ICo7zoKShuE80SZ8T6-N6SOoZCB8R2N9GLptSZVMf-U/s1600/kids2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXIPC35emYR-F3JOs5Uz4dKf7DB1FuXjb6pL512S31DFzu6weK5JMcvnbS77cm87yKsvxRoo3ozEs-HfPYUpB95Ls4ivy0HUA4ICo7zoKShuE80SZ8T6-N6SOoZCB8R2N9GLptSZVMf-U/s1600/kids2.jpg" height="400" width="298" /></a></div> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5hRfD_lLYLj_dfloQH1ofaBPX6F5oGXLnomuYNeXddHKmS78g8FpRmHiZrRO0TH5bwjnfR7inVA9bqqd0YH9POrdAoOyz_H3dHlvLbE21N22C3kk_jzsu7nv9M3n6YSso56Rl6IXk0Qs/s1600/kids3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5hRfD_lLYLj_dfloQH1ofaBPX6F5oGXLnomuYNeXddHKmS78g8FpRmHiZrRO0TH5bwjnfR7inVA9bqqd0YH9POrdAoOyz_H3dHlvLbE21N22C3kk_jzsu7nv9M3n6YSso56Rl6IXk0Qs/s1600/kids3.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div> <br /></div> Judith M.http://www.blogger.com/profile/12370819213417028495noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4358207709901321476.post-41678789796298539082013-12-05T10:10:00.002-06:002020-12-08T20:08:59.241-06:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyBfOwlxtcBlaU2-oC8D-aVz2KldWU5UlrWfT8Ll-u5_kFUBr5fPx5gkZiYiTcmXIP7OqsC5C2sCx-y4uzNMn7rcPNeV5jGsZtKV0uc1QGfpUrDjEygLo9eEnqBlEMnBog8eTM3nTgefg/s640/rail-234318_640.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyBfOwlxtcBlaU2-oC8D-aVz2KldWU5UlrWfT8Ll-u5_kFUBr5fPx5gkZiYiTcmXIP7OqsC5C2sCx-y4uzNMn7rcPNeV5jGsZtKV0uc1QGfpUrDjEygLo9eEnqBlEMnBog8eTM3nTgefg/s320/rail-234318_640.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>I'm off track.</div><div> <div> <br /></div> <div> Have you ever felt the same?<br /> <br /> Just feeling like you're not yourself.<br /> <br /> Knowing that you're acting like someone you're not.<br /> <br /> Doing things that make others happy, but make you miserable.<br /> <br /> Well, that's me.<br /> <br /> I'm off track.<br /> <br /> I've been too wrapped up with doing things for others for all the wrong reasons.<br /> <br /> Although I regularly serve in two ministries, attend church on Sundays, and am involved in two bible studies each week, doesn't make me closer to God.<br /> <br /> It also doesn't give me the peace that I need.<br /> <br /> It just makes me tired!<br /> <br /> One of the ladies in my bible studies said the other day, "You can sit in a garage all day, but that doesn't make you a car".<br /> <br /> When she said that, I almost spit out the coffee that I was sipping through my nostrils.<br /> <br /> That statement was hilarious!<br /> <br /> But so very true.<br /> <br /> I can exhaust my daily schedule by filling it up with various ministries and bible studies, or I can spend personal quality time with the Lord each day studying His word and in deep prayer.<br /> <br /> I think by dedicating time each day to the Lord...<br /> <br /> By cutting out ministries that are weighing me down...<br /> <br /> Focusing on one bible study instead of many…<br /> <br /> And through fellowship with other believers, I can get back on track.<br /> <br /> A song that I just love and have been hearing on the radio lately reminds me of my focus.<br /> <br /> My redeemer,<br /> <br /> My Savior,<br /> <br /> And My purpose.<br /> <br /> If you've been feeling like me, where your days are without peace.<br /> <br /> I pray that you listen to this song and also find your focus, and that the Holy Spirit will comfort you with His peace as you seek him daily.<br /> <br /></div> <iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/WnDTDLOM0rY" width="420"></iframe><br /> <br /> Love in Christ,</div>Judith M.http://www.blogger.com/profile/12370819213417028495noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4358207709901321476.post-32056066389563912132013-11-21T21:18:00.000-06:002013-11-21T21:35:51.258-06:00A month ago, one of my son's teachers asked me if I'd be willing to help coordinate one of their holiday class parties. <br /> <div> <br /></div> <div> <div> I thought, oh……this new school really gets their parents involved…..</div> <div> <br /></div> <div> And sure, I'm happy to help. &nbsp;</div> <div> <br /></div> <div> I used to coordinate large events for Nike for goodness gracious. &nbsp;What's a small class party?</div> <div> <br /></div> <div> Since I'm now a stay-at-home mom. &nbsp; Isn't that what stay-at-home mom's are supposed to do?</div> <div> <br /></div> <div> Anyway, I thought that having a little project at my son's new school would be fun.</div> <div> <br /></div> <div> Well... lemme tell ya…. &nbsp;it wasn't all fun, and the project sure wasn't little.</div> <div> <br /></div> <div> Since being assigned to coordinate my son's Thanksgiving party, I've obsessed over the whole darn thing.</div> <div> <br /></div> <div> From food…</div> <div> <br /></div> <div> To decorations…</div> <div> <br /></div> <div> To communicating with other parents…</div> <div> <br /></div> <div> To managing expectations…</div> <div> <br /></div> <div> You name it, I obsessed over it.</div> <div> <br /></div> <div> It also didn't help that my son's teacher would do periodic checks every week to touch base on the party, which would freak me out.</div> <div> <br /></div> <div> I mean really, it's just a Thanksgiving party for kids. &nbsp;Right?</div> <div> <br /></div> <div> Well….thankfully the party happened today and it was a pretty great event.</div> <div> <br /></div> <div> The kids all had a great time and so did their parents.</div> <div> <br /></div> <div> <b>Thank the good Lord!</b></div> <div> <br /></div> <div> Now I can finally take a deep breath, put up my holiday DIY decorations, and stop thinking about all this Thanksgiving stuff.</div> <div> <br /></div> <div> Oh wait, Thanksgiving is next week...</div> <div> <br /></div> <div> Good grief!</div> <div> <br /></div> <div> Well, at least I have some really nice decorations this year that are now ready to go….which is a positive.</div> <div> <br /></div> <div> So, if you happen to still be planning for Thanksgiving and are in need of some inexpensive and easy DIY decorations, I'd like to share a couple of the ones that got rave reviews from both kids and their parents.</div> <div> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6fxH-_QzPo-chxP_xiCKARxK3Ul4cmhyphenhyphenuzfmUHqMPut2fatSPqvf5XTdS67ALf9o6t7ZZXacZgFafJSv7XOZqeo3hxIX69wrUR0H3AipJv-E4ZHT6lHGtPMXqi7z67LiFzNYIbajmIqE/s1600/IMG_1542.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="476" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6fxH-_QzPo-chxP_xiCKARxK3Ul4cmhyphenhyphenuzfmUHqMPut2fatSPqvf5XTdS67ALf9o6t7ZZXacZgFafJSv7XOZqeo3hxIX69wrUR0H3AipJv-E4ZHT6lHGtPMXqi7z67LiFzNYIbajmIqE/s640/IMG_1542.JPG" width="640" /></a></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> A "give thanks" banner that I made out of grow-grain ribbon, felt squares, letters printed off of my printer (cinnamon cake font) and stapled to each square.</div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> This hung nicely in the party room with two thumb tacks.</div> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJLjxiQVSv52liHCuRu4lVvuyTCa4g6bu-1JKP980bsSFTss4zdmryte5beHjbUVGMPfXI1H45owjay5kecfPwUemyvOX4zRXDZdRsSMowB6EM2g0n8ghekHquVw0K067In-D9H2Cp1vA/s1600/IMG_0145+-+Version+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJLjxiQVSv52liHCuRu4lVvuyTCa4g6bu-1JKP980bsSFTss4zdmryte5beHjbUVGMPfXI1H45owjay5kecfPwUemyvOX4zRXDZdRsSMowB6EM2g0n8ghekHquVw0K067In-D9H2Cp1vA/s640/IMG_0145+-+Version+3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> It also was great for taking a beautiful Thanksgiving class photo. &nbsp;Parents just loved this picture.</div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSver34q0NZxLQ_vb9poDLw0mZPOciLmp1GwsmGT1Tl5S5wl3erQWqmj3F6R84ywD26keAY81l6IqRHurrYV89XO7Sifd09AM4r9HWRxwHcgKnc138GYZflf64wttcmeMsLhjfgZYpHO4/s1600/IMG_1544.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSver34q0NZxLQ_vb9poDLw0mZPOciLmp1GwsmGT1Tl5S5wl3erQWqmj3F6R84ywD26keAY81l6IqRHurrYV89XO7Sifd09AM4r9HWRxwHcgKnc138GYZflf64wttcmeMsLhjfgZYpHO4/s640/IMG_1544.JPG" width="640" /></a></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> For place cards, I made these little boats out of scrapbooking paper, tape, popsicle sticks, round labels, a sharpee, orange curling ribbon, glue stick, and mini chocolate cupcakes (no icing).&nbsp;</div> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0AJ2Hi01Et4zexMjVXYOeFHrzN8OGDs1OzGYsfsG6sky0jkFvjsPJVtbPIl7nrBQvbGpDlmUWBkF3OEB5gpVXSwx6zf4gJsNtWPEVCnPiEGb_jlphJFzk32fgBCKI4EAujCkeEfP0e7o/s1600/IMG_1547+-+Version+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0AJ2Hi01Et4zexMjVXYOeFHrzN8OGDs1OzGYsfsG6sky0jkFvjsPJVtbPIl7nrBQvbGpDlmUWBkF3OEB5gpVXSwx6zf4gJsNtWPEVCnPiEGb_jlphJFzk32fgBCKI4EAujCkeEfP0e7o/s640/IMG_1547+-+Version+2.JPG" width="640" /></a></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <div> Here's what they looked like on the tables. &nbsp;The kids loved them and thought they were pretty awesome.</div> </div> <div> <br /></div> <div> The absolute BEST part of the party for me was when one of the kids screamed out as he was leaving, "That was the best Thanksgiving party I've ever been to!".<br /> <br /> Granted, he's only four and probably only started speaking in full sentences last year, but his enthusiasm works for me.</div> <div> <br /></div> <div> Happy Thanksgiving Ya'll !</div> Judith M.http://www.blogger.com/profile/12370819213417028495noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4358207709901321476.post-27333367458024993312013-10-19T19:30:00.000-05:002013-10-19T19:32:06.442-05:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCYUwj5q1BuOAutUzxqyg5cC6y8geAWrQg4QTh1hLN_n_H4j_Fhzog-5dRS-jP7lK_2KvXjLBAN2bBYtw-oOM6u3SUSYR6NRS1oeUwZ7eoV5zvniMCSWRA04KbBrwlOsfauYxhkI8hR2g/s1600/blog_chocolate_snaps.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCYUwj5q1BuOAutUzxqyg5cC6y8geAWrQg4QTh1hLN_n_H4j_Fhzog-5dRS-jP7lK_2KvXjLBAN2bBYtw-oOM6u3SUSYR6NRS1oeUwZ7eoV5zvniMCSWRA04KbBrwlOsfauYxhkI8hR2g/s640/blog_chocolate_snaps.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> These cookies are awesome!</div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> My little picky eater loves them and so do I.</div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> I found the recipe for these yummy cookies on one of my favorite food blogs, <a href="http://weelicious.com/" target="_blank">Weelicious</a>.</div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> Weelicious is great for anyone interested in simple, quick, and nutritious kid-friendly recipes....like these <a href="http://weelicious.com/2011/12/05/chocolate-orange-snaps/" target="_blank">Chocolate Orange Snaps</a>.</div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> Enjoy!</div> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHMLg6QnzIo9KwJjC_DuVzMCckSV976Uvo3AxvIr74hXLAm9ArciTFAM6L7j1s8sm5K1Nbl_XLvzsNEQXT-fFJXo8JBG20253gPvkkNXcMsg5YgpQHjmh0oZLOE3FogSsU-go7udUnRbg/s1600/blog_chocolate_snap_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHMLg6QnzIo9KwJjC_DuVzMCckSV976Uvo3AxvIr74hXLAm9ArciTFAM6L7j1s8sm5K1Nbl_XLvzsNEQXT-fFJXo8JBG20253gPvkkNXcMsg5YgpQHjmh0oZLOE3FogSsU-go7udUnRbg/s640/blog_chocolate_snap_2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> Judith M.http://www.blogger.com/profile/12370819213417028495noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4358207709901321476.post-28411932025197375152013-09-21T09:00:00.000-05:002013-09-22T08:21:38.531-05:00At the <a href="http://www.beachesandberries.com/2013/09/taco-build-up.html" target="_blank">Taco Build-Up</a> dinner party last week, one of the ladies brought an "interactive" dessert.<br /> <br /> At first, I started guessing. &nbsp;Banana splits? &nbsp;Smores?<br /> <br /> But as she began pulling out the items from her brown paper bag, I went blank ...<br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYRvj0mkkQzJB7aeb7-IzXvpifGE9GM8OpqAAiddTy26YV96QArlm6vsgvNJnSCvMjmvW6E9mRDnOJOjgjAb_vOTwlJoTe2F-61a5QIvQkB9BDH344Q8aYmF-bpZp7VGoLF4V7hGtUcyY/s1600/choco_cora_ingreds_labeled.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYRvj0mkkQzJB7aeb7-IzXvpifGE9GM8OpqAAiddTy26YV96QArlm6vsgvNJnSCvMjmvW6E9mRDnOJOjgjAb_vOTwlJoTe2F-61a5QIvQkB9BDH344Q8aYmF-bpZp7VGoLF4V7hGtUcyY/s400/choco_cora_ingreds_labeled.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <br /> Then I found out that we were making chocolate ... and got a little worried.<br /> <br /> Isn't chocolate pretty delicate to make?<br /> <br /> Isn't it complicated?<br /> <br /> And doesn't it take forever?<br /> <br /> I remember reading something once about using a double boiler and candy thermometer.<br /> <br /> Anyway...<br /> <br /> The lady who signed up for dessert didn't eat sugar because of a Candida diagnosis long ago.<br /> <br /> So she brought her favorite chocolate recipe that everyone can enjoy regardless of diet restrictions.<br /> <br /> She's a genius by the way because it was FABULOUS!<br /> <br /> Here's her recipe.....<br /> <br /> Since chocolate is 50% fat, everything is a one-to-one ratio.<br /> <br /> One-to-One Ratio = 1 Tbsp Raw Cacao Powder + 1 Tbsp Fat of Choice + 1 Tbsp Sweetener<br /> <br /> Here's what I made ... &nbsp;I chose coconut oil and honey.<br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh63tbWgwV8mqubWg9wl8foUlJV37scnZvSSNt7s1MJ-b_-TBC922CJvlDWOW3D4QcSxkyYpi7VXl6I5CZ2qwD7p16f55ZaUtKb3boMFPfAekVxNXBNMo_g782eSW4W8gnbYoTL3n4A8Qk/s1600/choco_cora_mix.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh63tbWgwV8mqubWg9wl8foUlJV37scnZvSSNt7s1MJ-b_-TBC922CJvlDWOW3D4QcSxkyYpi7VXl6I5CZ2qwD7p16f55ZaUtKb3boMFPfAekVxNXBNMo_g782eSW4W8gnbYoTL3n4A8Qk/s400/choco_cora_mix.JPG" width="400" /></a></div> <br /> That's not it folks!<br /> <br /> Then, she had another table with these toppings... Oh My Heavens!!<br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTFndllKoQI4KIYloTo3i6BDi72HlzixYUmO5z5jhAGoIVYHAsE5LfXJt5Ur5Ob1_9qrOEZ8a2trA-R0mK5AsjiNj-hr81hA91Nh5zpXwgBffyf6EY-Pt9-ZVekzygAdiORxHpMLF7xxk/s1600/choco_toppings_labeled.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTFndllKoQI4KIYloTo3i6BDi72HlzixYUmO5z5jhAGoIVYHAsE5LfXJt5Ur5Ob1_9qrOEZ8a2trA-R0mK5AsjiNj-hr81hA91Nh5zpXwgBffyf6EY-Pt9-ZVekzygAdiORxHpMLF7xxk/s400/choco_toppings_labeled.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <br /> Here's my bowl...<br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOQK_vRDFaFYFtNe0nAuS6iiw8bded3sNOGK3VSMpsn8VNrpevK9SOMBCoz6a21gCXixgSUdwz2rJCN_iX3RkKJXxLDput2QnnBQC9ueGWyph419WjiwfloLWs48UJ1OuTkEy4U_gcvpc/s1600/choco_cora_toppings.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOQK_vRDFaFYFtNe0nAuS6iiw8bded3sNOGK3VSMpsn8VNrpevK9SOMBCoz6a21gCXixgSUdwz2rJCN_iX3RkKJXxLDput2QnnBQC9ueGWyph419WjiwfloLWs48UJ1OuTkEy4U_gcvpc/s400/choco_cora_toppings.JPG" width="400" /></a></div> <br /> Guys, this was <span style="font-size: large;">I.N.C.R.E.D.I.B.L.E</span>!!!!!!! <br /> <br /> It's the best chocolate I have ever had tasted!<br /> <br /> Not only is this <b>heavenly</b>, it's also jam-packed with good vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, fiber, and protein. &nbsp;Definitely making this recipe "The Best Chocolate Ever"!<br /> <br /> I recreated this dessert for my husband who's a serious chocoholic.<br /> <br /> Here's my spread...<br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3HCjsD4nA78Nl0gmwTHJlrSW3vXMhriR3AHo4bOuTwh5E7XVYW4blJaeBIVQWPIiytvlUKO5MFlyR_cYwHx-vSexYNm2cgeU5U5HEnUhHzX03xxbbNWn2bbg2wFt86h3rGpxqyMtSIhs/s1600/choco_ingreds.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="452" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3HCjsD4nA78Nl0gmwTHJlrSW3vXMhriR3AHo4bOuTwh5E7XVYW4blJaeBIVQWPIiytvlUKO5MFlyR_cYwHx-vSexYNm2cgeU5U5HEnUhHzX03xxbbNWn2bbg2wFt86h3rGpxqyMtSIhs/s640/choco_ingreds.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> <br /> And here are the steps...<br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiasmhdGulpmiG-_1uAgoeVh9qBAclbPXmgDCNkKSqX8AHx81dkhuN2KI9vO5oKQ9arR8H9PixNAB3XMx4G3zM0zONzhSfe2Zr0g6jbPP1vr_cOkSadaqQpcS4e48sa26I_srib4xdEQZM/s1600/chocolate_steps+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiasmhdGulpmiG-_1uAgoeVh9qBAclbPXmgDCNkKSqX8AHx81dkhuN2KI9vO5oKQ9arR8H9PixNAB3XMx4G3zM0zONzhSfe2Zr0g6jbPP1vr_cOkSadaqQpcS4e48sa26I_srib4xdEQZM/s640/chocolate_steps+1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> <br /> 1. &nbsp;1 Tbsp of <a href="http://www.blogger.com/%3Ciframe%20src=%22http://rcm-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/cm?t=beaber-20&amp;o=1&amp;p=8&amp;l=as1&amp;asins=B001ECTW1G&amp;ref=tf_til&amp;fc1=000000&amp;IS2=1&amp;lt1=_blank&amp;m=amazon&amp;lc1=0000FF&amp;bc1=000000&amp;bg1=FFFFFF&amp;f=ifr%22%20style=%22width:120px;height:240px;%22%20scrolling=%22no%22%20marginwidth=%220%22%20marginheight=%220%22%20frameborder=%220%22%3E%3C/iframe%3E" target="_blank">Raw Cacao Powder</a><br /> 2. &nbsp;1 Tbsp <a href="http://www.blogger.com/%3Ciframe%20src=%22http://rcm-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/cm?t=beaber-20&amp;o=1&amp;p=8&amp;l=as1&amp;asins=B005WXMP0S&amp;ref=tf_til&amp;fc1=000000&amp;IS2=1&amp;lt1=_blank&amp;m=amazon&amp;lc1=0000FF&amp;bc1=000000&amp;bg1=FFFFFF&amp;f=ifr%22%20style=%22width:120px;height:240px;%22%20scrolling=%22no%22%20marginwidth=%220%22%20marginheight=%220%22%20frameborder=%220%22%3E%3C/iframe%3E" target="_blank">Coconut Oil</a><br /> 3. &nbsp;1 Tbsp <a href="http://www.blogger.com/%3Ciframe%20src=%22http://rcm-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/cm?t=beaber-20&amp;o=1&amp;p=8&amp;l=as1&amp;asins=B0073HL0RA&amp;ref=tf_til&amp;fc1=000000&amp;IS2=1&amp;lt1=_blank&amp;m=amazon&amp;lc1=0000FF&amp;bc1=000000&amp;bg1=FFFFFF&amp;f=ifr%22%20style=%22width:120px;height:240px;%22%20scrolling=%22no%22%20marginwidth=%220%22%20marginheight=%220%22%20frameborder=%220%22%3E%3C/iframe%3E" target="_blank">Agave</a><br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDmi2uBJm0SmfitWGkHFokyyH-9ap-eZ1tjmXOWInph86oBYpE8qi5UqDk7_JWkMv2kUz2WrJ6bo13CI80Dow203jVtpomWiVB5l3dSv5AYfHilJuwG18bfxIdTrAaOQDBL2kiAIb6jf4/s1600/choco_step+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDmi2uBJm0SmfitWGkHFokyyH-9ap-eZ1tjmXOWInph86oBYpE8qi5UqDk7_JWkMv2kUz2WrJ6bo13CI80Dow203jVtpomWiVB5l3dSv5AYfHilJuwG18bfxIdTrAaOQDBL2kiAIb6jf4/s640/choco_step+2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> <br /> 4. &nbsp;Handful of Sliced Raw Almonds<br /> 5. &nbsp;Mix well<br /> 6. &nbsp;Yummy bite!<br /> <br /> This has since been our favorite dessert and we've had it every night since I brought this recipe home.<br /> <br /> In fact, we sometimes have it for lunch too. &nbsp;(Goes great with bananas.)<br /> <br /> If you're a chocolate lover, you're going to want to try this amazing recipe. &nbsp;It only takes about a minute to make.<br /> <br /> Forget those double boilers, candy thermometers, and chocolate bars. &nbsp;This is the real deal!<br /> <br /> Enjoy!Judith M.http://www.blogger.com/profile/12370819213417028495noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4358207709901321476.post-34572728807871080432013-09-20T14:33:00.000-05:002013-09-20T21:16:34.859-05:00Last week, one of my new friends invited me to a "Taco Build-Up" dinner.<br /> <br /> I was super excited because I wanted to have some girl time and .... I this type of party was a first for me.<br /> <br /> "Taco Build-Ups" are a stress free way of hosting a potluck.<br /> <br /> Everyone contributes.<br /> <br /> People don't have to obsess over making big and fabulous dishes to share.<br /> <br /> The host doesn't have to shoulder the entire food and drink bill.<br /> <br /> And everyone eats the SAME thing - tacos! &nbsp;YUM!<br /> <br /> Here's the sign-up sheet I got in my email box a couple days before the dinner. <br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA8mE1Z48H48VE3VNTMlukcyriE2zlZ5TRO0PRV0G1cOrxpEG2fYrtGH-HP9i8Qzr8tZJxqJ8MQY-HWObIOIOH-C-dFlb9qKc26GZn4tAg13AG9u3rIuMqbgGmJ_f9rHZb684W5B7k9Tw/s1600/Taco-Build-Up.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA8mE1Z48H48VE3VNTMlukcyriE2zlZ5TRO0PRV0G1cOrxpEG2fYrtGH-HP9i8Qzr8tZJxqJ8MQY-HWObIOIOH-C-dFlb9qKc26GZn4tAg13AG9u3rIuMqbgGmJ_f9rHZb684W5B7k9Tw/s1600/Taco-Build-Up.jpg" width="267" /></a></div> <br /> Super easy and not too fancy.<br /> <br /> My kind of dinner party!<br /> <br /> Taco Build-Up anyone?!!Judith M.http://www.blogger.com/profile/12370819213417028495noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4358207709901321476.post-14485760999063808392013-09-03T10:56:00.001-05:002013-09-03T11:38:03.927-05:00With the start of school today, I just realized that Summer 2013 is officially over.<br /> <div> <br /></div> <div> <div> My son is now two inches taller with spotted feet from wearing his water sandals often,</div> <div> <br /></div> <div> I'm about 5-10 pounds heavier (give or take a few), from indulging on pizza, burgers and hot dogs. &nbsp;Ugh!</div> <div> <br /></div> <div> And my husband, well ... for some reason he just keeps getting thinner. &nbsp;Lucky him!</div> <div> <br /></div> <div> Anyway,&nbsp;I didn't think that the end of summer would hit me as hard as it has.</div> <div> <br /></div> <div> I mean, it's been one super busy summer and I've been looking forward to the day when I would be able to fall back into a daily routine each week...</div> <div> <br /></div> <div> Have a few hours each day to myself,<br /> <br /></div> <div> And focus on writing in my blog once again.</div> <div> <br /></div> <div> But as I sit here in the quiet of my kitchen typing my thoughts, I have such mixed emotions.</div> </div> <div> <br /></div> <div> I truly loved these past few months of summer regardless of it being the hottest months of the year in San Antonio.<br /> <br /> And regardless of being consistently super busy and over-scheduled.<br /> <br /> I'll always think of my Summer 2013 as pretty darn fabulous.</div> <div> <br /> I snapped a photo of my son's spotted feet yesterday while he was running around the house. <br /> <br /> Of all the pictures I took this summer, this one is hands-down my favorite! &nbsp;(blurry and all)<br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-fBfhgVldJV4vsWuqLO1MfyFEW-iSoERiuPxkQLZ1sVt0uDzTK79uk_ysfeMMM6o290V-ETHLK4n8eCTUaOxSCOq5Hrnqz279BY2xZczmArr7bv3GNM-b88WsJP-csTYLz77gql_t-uA/s1600/Spotted_Feet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-fBfhgVldJV4vsWuqLO1MfyFEW-iSoERiuPxkQLZ1sVt0uDzTK79uk_ysfeMMM6o290V-ETHLK4n8eCTUaOxSCOq5Hrnqz279BY2xZczmArr7bv3GNM-b88WsJP-csTYLz77gql_t-uA/s400/Spotted_Feet.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <br /></div> Judith M.http://www.blogger.com/profile/12370819213417028495noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4358207709901321476.post-43611967968924673672013-08-07T10:00:00.000-05:002013-08-07T10:00:00.951-05:00This past week, I scoured Pinterest and my favorite food blogs for an easy appetizer recipe to bring to a friend's house.<br /> <br /> Something that I didn't have to cook, bake, or even microwave.<br /> <br /> Something refreshing and full of flavor.<br /> <br /> And something that's simple to eat, as in.....no plates and forks needed.<br /> <br /> Here's what I ended up bringing...<br /> <br /> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody> <tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifoqKLZra4Qg9p59_QgpSaArQc623CMmT3DpeiXU4Lzh9aiDdNRUJ58jwInzC7OlX4Q3SvjyYCJWJH07esBV9nTfHFqOiZbAwEjgbIVXfNBGOCVk1XDd2-WO5fTeIx9ioOY1QinTk10Q4/s1600/43194.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifoqKLZra4Qg9p59_QgpSaArQc623CMmT3DpeiXU4Lzh9aiDdNRUJ58jwInzC7OlX4Q3SvjyYCJWJH07esBV9nTfHFqOiZbAwEjgbIVXfNBGOCVk1XDd2-WO5fTeIx9ioOY1QinTk10Q4/s1600/43194.jpg" /></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://allrecipes.com/recipe/tomato-and-mozzarella-bites/detail.aspx" target="_blank">allrecipes.com</a></td></tr> </tbody></table> <a href="http://allrecipes.com/recipe/tomato-and-mozzarella-bites/detail.aspx" target="_blank">Tomato &amp; Basil Bites.</a><br /> <br /> YUMMY!<br /> <br /> These were surprisingly easy to throw together and they sure looked pretty on the plate.<br /> <br /> They also paired very well with wine. &nbsp;Both red and white. <br /> <br /> YAY......huge hit! <br /> <br /> Not one single bite was spared at the end of the evening.<br /> <br /> So, if you're looking for something simple this summer to make for friends and family, you gotta try this dish.Judith M.http://www.blogger.com/profile/12370819213417028495noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4358207709901321476.post-48144454703851486102013-08-05T20:08:00.002-05:002013-08-05T20:08:25.291-05:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> It's summer and I just don't feel like cooking these days.</div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> With temperatures at 100+ degrees here in San Antonio, I'd rather be outside playing in the water with my son than standing over a hot stove in the kitchen. &nbsp;So needless to say, we've been doing a lot of eating out this summer.</div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> This past week while running behind on getting our dinner plans together, I decided to try Domino's Pizza. &nbsp;It's literally just down the hill and less than one minute away from my house.</div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> I think the first time I ate a Domino's Pizza was in 1988 in my dorm room at the University of Texas at Austin.</div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> It was late, the pizza was cheap, and I was stressed out cramming for an exam.</div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> Unfortunately, the pizza wasn't that great which is why that experience with Domino's was my last.</div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> Fast forward 25 years...</div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> With aggressive Domino's advertising campaigns promising a new &amp; improved pizza...</div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> A four year old who demands pizza for breakfast, lunch, and dinner...</div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> And one crazy busy mommy who loses track of time each day,</div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> I finally caved in a gave Domino's another shot.</div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> While perusing my iPhone for Domino's coupons, I discovered something super cool.</div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> Their online ordering system.</div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> I used their online coupon (2 medium two topping pizzas for $5.99 each) and tracked my order on my phone!!</div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZyaNUcYMq0OG6HnMFDCHlqMvNsnchDUWAiwCnLp3wlW1mR_yc1ZqK4BrR6tZo1hYsMtUqbB8X15Yh5w-3UDysCWNTtG5S12WOG-cHwWwPIdWTrLrlisx6OgZ0xRPE_55zO0tcYNdwGbI/s1600/IMG_0001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="309" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZyaNUcYMq0OG6HnMFDCHlqMvNsnchDUWAiwCnLp3wlW1mR_yc1ZqK4BrR6tZo1hYsMtUqbB8X15Yh5w-3UDysCWNTtG5S12WOG-cHwWwPIdWTrLrlisx6OgZ0xRPE_55zO0tcYNdwGbI/s320/IMG_0001.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> Yippee, they were in the oven!</div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <br /></div> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyRehzYudXft0iaYQW0DrD7_Y5diQT3NNuTGYy_b67xSjAVsW08qi6t2ez6EOCZLCvst4uY-bVmfdpXB4x3FzaxQTCUzuWxoedUftnt4FjItcaAhQFBTlfzmRDOzVYYIjQEbVMnapEpfY/s1600/IMG_0003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyRehzYudXft0iaYQW0DrD7_Y5diQT3NNuTGYy_b67xSjAVsW08qi6t2ez6EOCZLCvst4uY-bVmfdpXB4x3FzaxQTCUzuWxoedUftnt4FjItcaAhQFBTlfzmRDOzVYYIjQEbVMnapEpfY/s320/IMG_0003.jpg" width="317" /></a></div> <br /> Already? &nbsp;AMAZING!!!!!!!!! <br /> <br /> In less than 10 minutes, it was ready!<br /> <br /> My husband walked in and he walked out.<br /> <br /> It was that simple!<br /> <br /> Oh, and the pizza? &nbsp;Well, lemme tell ya..........it was fantastic!<br /> <br /> If you haven't tried Domino's in a while, I highly recommend you give it a try. <br /> <br /> Use their online coupons and online ordering system. <br /> <br /> It's super simple and their new pizza recipe is delightfully delicious.Judith M.http://www.blogger.com/profile/12370819213417028495noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4358207709901321476.post-84273731008398086592013-07-25T19:11:00.004-05:002013-07-25T19:18:01.713-05:00For the mommies out there ...<br /> <div> <br /></div> <div> Have you ever had a day filled with heart-wrenching moments watching your child overcome feelings of being left out.</div> <div> <br /></div> <div> Feeling helpless as their protector for not shielding their little hearts from this imperfect world?</div> <div> <br /></div> <div> Harbor feelings of sadness and anger for those who are insensitive to a child's most innocent feelings?</div> <div> <br /></div> <div> Well, yesterday was that day for me and here's why...</div> <div> <br /></div> <div> As I rushed into my son's summer school class to pick him up before their scheduled lunch hour at 12pm, I noticed that the entire class was already sitting at the table with their lunch boxes while my son sat off to the side on the floor all alone. &nbsp;The teachers were standing over the students by the lunch tables as my son sat all by himself.</div> <div> <br /></div> <div> WHAT??!! <br /> <br /> Many thoughts rushed through my head...</div> <div> <br /></div> <div> Why did the teachers go off schedule and start lunch early?&nbsp;</div> <div> <br /></div> <div> Why was my son all alone and not sitting at the table with everyone else and given some of the goldfish or graham crackers that I had donated to the class?</div> <div> <br /></div> <div> Should I have paid the extra money and signed him up to stay for lunches and nap times so this would never have happened?</div> <div> <br /></div> <div> As I was prepared to start asking my questions, my eyes locked onto my son's big brown eyes and he burst into tears.</div> <div> <br /></div> <div> Although I knew what was wrong, I asked him anyway.</div> <div> <br /></div> <div> With tears flowing down his chubby cheeks, he pointed to the kids at the table eating and said, "Mommy, I don't have one of those boxes!".</div> <div> <br /></div> <div> My heart ached for him.<br /> <br /> His teachers just stood there watching.<br /> <br /> And I scooped him up and carried him out of the classroom while he cried uncontrollably.<br /> <br /> As I reached the door, his teacher yelled, "Bye Luke, see you tomorrow!".<br /> <br /> Oy! &nbsp;The insensitivity and lack of communication by his teachers were shocking.<br /> <br /> So...<br /> <br /> Today when I dropped off my son at school, I walked up to the teacher and asked her when she plans to start lunch, and told her that I was just heart broken yesterday seeing my son on the floor by himself.<br /> <br /> When she rudely told me that they always start at 12pm and that my son declined to sit at the table with the rest of the kids, I transformed into "Big Mama Bear".<br /> <br /> Through my bared and gritted teeth, my response was short, stern, and direct.<br /> <br /> <b><i>"Ok, whatever. &nbsp;If you decide to start lunch early again today, I included snacks in his bag. &nbsp;PLEASE give it to him. &nbsp;THANKS!"</i></b><br /> <br /> The teacher looked surprised, walked out of the room, and I heard a faint "I'm sorry".<br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEhp_hQx15pT9ha2kurQuAa3WzDb0X7HyfkNQ7C8KkNKgYwD10p59EkWPbkDK7W8yRUCirRN6zi54MDPA8ADTbRa4uN9y11fi0FqUBUWhTqaVDnMaX-eKrWqYRC8xPeUhiuGOHqUwEhjs/s1600/7ddec4391e7ba211ed95a05f87d48544.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEhp_hQx15pT9ha2kurQuAa3WzDb0X7HyfkNQ7C8KkNKgYwD10p59EkWPbkDK7W8yRUCirRN6zi54MDPA8ADTbRa4uN9y11fi0FqUBUWhTqaVDnMaX-eKrWqYRC8xPeUhiuGOHqUwEhjs/s640/7ddec4391e7ba211ed95a05f87d48544.jpg" width="418" /></a></div> <br /> Grrrrrrrrr!!<br /> <br /> - Big Mama Bear</div> Judith M.http://www.blogger.com/profile/12370819213417028495noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4358207709901321476.post-73525377413496968282013-07-18T20:04:00.000-05:002013-07-18T20:04:51.978-05:00My sweet little cousin got married last weekend in Laguna Beach and I was blessed to be there on her very special day.<br /> <div> <br /></div> <div> The weather was perfect.</div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-soG0iHQxsy2lSA19igVY-Vwp3vOjN1eF6qWGn85iBAX7Ek8Xyq2xCEJd-Ix99Gy7g7DnTy9ra8xiyJQExKXULp7rrmjVi-ai96uvO6_VKAfygLZCRypUcAh2OXcCjfxcn8dQVkjLVhg/s1600/Cathy_wedding.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-soG0iHQxsy2lSA19igVY-Vwp3vOjN1eF6qWGn85iBAX7Ek8Xyq2xCEJd-Ix99Gy7g7DnTy9ra8xiyJQExKXULp7rrmjVi-ai96uvO6_VKAfygLZCRypUcAh2OXcCjfxcn8dQVkjLVhg/s320/Cathy_wedding.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> <div> <br /></div> <div> <br /></div> <div> The location was breathtaking.</div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD_nHvRbYx9wddQUSSFaDx_eUH7VtlNOfMAKrMEQkJneaExUZdQNLD2IgMt26TLo8ya_Mua_6KbnmY6zNLgivOqL8zL-E4tRH1VkxCmI1hbIDFsaRFdSy7mBaQFmWF6fVWTdGyXDPE4mc/s1600/Cathy+Wedding+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD_nHvRbYx9wddQUSSFaDx_eUH7VtlNOfMAKrMEQkJneaExUZdQNLD2IgMt26TLo8ya_Mua_6KbnmY6zNLgivOqL8zL-E4tRH1VkxCmI1hbIDFsaRFdSy7mBaQFmWF6fVWTdGyXDPE4mc/s1600/Cathy+Wedding+4.jpg" /></a></div> <div> <br /></div> <div> <br /></div> <div> And the bride was simply stunning.</div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRMAcT_yqvmA0_2IQg0eUgaR5Ye2eAsf7aXolcOI5u9Hlciy_vZ48wPttMKhzTGVjc-iTCVTxsh6C4lB18Gw_095PyDnPRlPmIODd5E6wL8W0AvleqM0RJAw3AboVr4H0VruP7SsLtcko/s1600/Cathy+Wedding+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRMAcT_yqvmA0_2IQg0eUgaR5Ye2eAsf7aXolcOI5u9Hlciy_vZ48wPttMKhzTGVjc-iTCVTxsh6C4lB18Gw_095PyDnPRlPmIODd5E6wL8W0AvleqM0RJAw3AboVr4H0VruP7SsLtcko/s320/Cathy+Wedding+3.jpg" width="240" /></a></div> <div> <br /></div> <div> <br /></div> <div> During the reception, my husband and I spotted a photo booth.</div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTwBOYVBnEO_EpWPLSoT59dlPBGlU3LJs5qOs-aeclEGhuCjh_oWEbx2AAiwO_xOKz3P6o3048X8sKVnThdU_UphO4qp8gWPHcbecpc_auTjYFKAMICbQcwxJjU22Tfv1VXjgb-vo_dYo/s1600/Cathy's+Wedding_photo_booth_3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTwBOYVBnEO_EpWPLSoT59dlPBGlU3LJs5qOs-aeclEGhuCjh_oWEbx2AAiwO_xOKz3P6o3048X8sKVnThdU_UphO4qp8gWPHcbecpc_auTjYFKAMICbQcwxJjU22Tfv1VXjgb-vo_dYo/s400/Cathy's+Wedding_photo_booth_3.jpg" width="300" /></a></div> <br /> <br /> ...and some props...<br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJVAZrX2KtY5GozSaaqqqSycG0bd4OjT_brGjiEROi_Damz7ePBXNNVxhTwModi0_EYlyG0FZ5VJlheMi1erwFRV-ePVz-SV-vofObQeaILqDL8UJiYN10TUEGV0MdsCXVToexlbYbMHk/s1600/Cathy's+Wedding_photo_booth.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJVAZrX2KtY5GozSaaqqqSycG0bd4OjT_brGjiEROi_Damz7ePBXNNVxhTwModi0_EYlyG0FZ5VJlheMi1erwFRV-ePVz-SV-vofObQeaILqDL8UJiYN10TUEGV0MdsCXVToexlbYbMHk/s400/Cathy's+Wedding_photo_booth.jpg" width="300" /></a></div> <br /> <br /> ...and more props.<br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmcssv_iIkTjBEyw9BjhPqJ4s28tzFCmPRL2wLgfleG7ErgyyHXMHJa70nkgtpPrmtlEP-q-9SsKbqxM9nXSF1TRnJ68wiZpxRfMTtfb2NfkgCzMA8NfLw0NqBZyafIvFp9ok4e5Mn-lY/s1600/Cathy's+Wedding_photo_booth2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmcssv_iIkTjBEyw9BjhPqJ4s28tzFCmPRL2wLgfleG7ErgyyHXMHJa70nkgtpPrmtlEP-q-9SsKbqxM9nXSF1TRnJ68wiZpxRfMTtfb2NfkgCzMA8NfLw0NqBZyafIvFp9ok4e5Mn-lY/s400/Cathy's+Wedding_photo_booth2.jpg" width="298" /></a></div> <div> <br /></div> Judith M.http://www.blogger.com/profile/12370819213417028495noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4358207709901321476.post-42383770140844344222013-07-10T11:16:00.003-05:002013-08-12T15:23:46.212-05:00It's been one crazy busy summer for our family.<br /> <div> <br /></div> <div> We've taken several family trips so far...</div> <div> <br /></div> <div> Several more family trips are planned...</div> <div> <br /></div> <div> Summer school worked in for our little guy...</div> <div> <br /></div> <div> My mom's group leadership duties...</div> <div> <br /></div> <div> Family visits scheduled in between...</div> <div> <br /></div> <div> And, my best attempt at keeping it all straight!</div> <div> <br /></div> <div> While running around this morning and trying to squeeze all of my errands in the three hour reprieve that I get while my son is in summer school, I realized that I haven't posted to my blog for some time.</div> <div> <br /></div> <div> Man - O - Man!</div> <div> <br /></div> <div> I love my blog.</div> <div> <br /></div> <div> I miss my blog.</div> <div> <br /></div> <div> Writing in my blog just makes me happy.</div> <div> <br /></div> <div> It helps me put things into perspective and makes me take the time to download photos from my camera.</div> <div> <br /></div> <div> Here are some pictures that I took yesterday while I was outside enjoying the little garden that my son &amp; I planted last Spring.</div> <div> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8hKjkXM35X_8q9smkoI64pxMi1jZtEgvYH-mzDQVn_1VyrhYEJqTtqocVjI8XCKl6PVXvq19PrPNUewOBiNynWsfVzzolxwVsNBQQQ0zOBlhR9ZezJPUG7T7SaHYuSNHnKFy_TN1eHO0/s1600/Blog_monarchs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8hKjkXM35X_8q9smkoI64pxMi1jZtEgvYH-mzDQVn_1VyrhYEJqTtqocVjI8XCKl6PVXvq19PrPNUewOBiNynWsfVzzolxwVsNBQQQ0zOBlhR9ZezJPUG7T7SaHYuSNHnKFy_TN1eHO0/s640/Blog_monarchs.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> <div> <br /></div> <div> It's my first garden of flowers.<br /> <br /> In midst of this hectic summer......<br /> <br /> I think I've discovered a new love.</div> Judith M.http://www.blogger.com/profile/12370819213417028495noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4358207709901321476.post-44454248867478203992013-05-17T14:59:00.001-05:002013-08-05T19:16:43.746-05:00Happy Belated Mother's Day!<br /> <div> <br /></div> <div> I'm a little late with my celebratory post and well wishes for a wonderful holiday.</div> <div> <br /></div> <div> Nonetheless, I hope all of my mom friends had a fantastic day.</div> <div> <br /></div> <div> It sure is awesome being a mom. &nbsp;Isn't it?!</div> <div> <br /></div> <div> Although it's the most wonderful and most rewarding job I've ever had, at times it sure seems to be the most challenging.</div> <div> <br /></div> <div> Like most mom's of toddlers and school kids, our "end-of-school year / beginning of summer" calendar has been super-amped and over-scheduled lately.<br /> <br /> Hence, my lack of attention to my blog.</div> <div> <br /></div> <div> Just trying to keep all of the school activities and play dates straight has simply been overwhelming. &nbsp;</div> <div> <br /></div> <div> Not to mention parties we've hosted, parties we've attended, spontaneous road trips we've taken, various church functions where we've committed, and my volunteering commitments all squeezed in there.</div> <div> <br /></div> <div> It's certainly a struggle to stay organized and ensure that I don't walk out the door still wearing my pajamas.</div> <div> <br /></div> <div> Sadly and seriously, that's truly a concern.</div> <div> <br /></div> <div> Anyway, the other day while frantically rushing to make <a href="http://www.beachesandberries.com/2013/02/zuppa-toscana.html" target="_blank">Zuppa Toscana</a> for dinner, I had a cooking accident.</div> <div> <br /></div> <div> Prior to the accident, my son was making me nutty by asking me to help him with his many"projects". &nbsp;He always has "projects".</div> <div> <br /></div> <div> This is what the incident looked like:</div> <div> <br /></div> <div> <i>I put a pot on the stove...</i></div> <div> <i><br /></i></div> <div> <i>Rush over to help him...</i></div> <div> <i><br /></i></div> <div> <i>Put some olive oil in the pot...</i></div> <div> <i><br /></i></div> <div> <i>Rush over to help him...</i></div> <div> <i><br /></i></div> <div> <i>Crush some garlic in my garlic press and put it in the pot...</i></div> <div> <i><br /></i></div> <div> <i>Rush over to help him...</i></div> <div> <i><br /></i></div> <div> <i>Slice the onions and throw them in the pot with the garlic...</i></div> <div> <i><br /></i></div> <div> <i>Rush over to help him...</i></div> <div> <i><br /></i></div> <div> <i>Start slicing the potatoes...</i></div> <div> <i><br /></i></div> <div> <i>Rush over to help him...</i></div> <div> <i><br /></i></div> <div> <i>Slice my thumb while missing the potato...</i></div> <div> <i><br /></i></div> <div> <b>OUCH!!!!!!!! &nbsp; &nbsp;OUCH!!!!!!!! &nbsp; &nbsp; Oh my heavens ...... OUCH!!!!!!!!</b></div> <div> <br /></div> <div> I had been so crazed and flustered with my son's constant demands for attention that I had sliced my thumb all the way down to the meat part!</div> <div> <br /></div> <div> The cut was deep and I couldn't get it to stop bleeding.</div> <div> <br /></div> <div> At that moment, my husband walked in the door from work and I - JUST - LOST - IT !</div> <div> <br /></div> <div> Withstanding my crazy babble and uncontrollable tears, he patched me up and then tended to our son who had been peaking around the corner and listening to me rant about how difficult it is to be everything to everyone.<br /> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEILRlv24cKcL9trnSxVRdChMOhucIkEzGz7wxaGp5mkRKg1wutDZcd6-7tea64_b561sQJWFPG2QyuL3wcFWR5Acy6AvPGdE-qz9HZnJxbpQaEh1Y4_8DEjInONTEPecpHUCaiwEeshs/s1600/blog_bandaid.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEILRlv24cKcL9trnSxVRdChMOhucIkEzGz7wxaGp5mkRKg1wutDZcd6-7tea64_b561sQJWFPG2QyuL3wcFWR5Acy6AvPGdE-qz9HZnJxbpQaEh1Y4_8DEjInONTEPecpHUCaiwEeshs/s400/blog_bandaid.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <div> <br /></div> <div> I took a time out and just prayed for peace.</div> <div> <br /></div> <div> That evening while putting my son to sleep, we knelt down at his bedside for his bedtime prayer.</div> <div> <br /></div> <div> And here's what he prayed:</div> <div> <br /></div> <div> "Dear God, please heal Mommy and me. &nbsp;Thank you for Jesus. &nbsp;I love You. &nbsp;Amen."</div> <div> <br /></div> <div> I fought back the tears, tucked him into bed, told him thank you for his beautiful prayer, and slowly slipped out of his room.</div> <div> <br /></div> <div> Once I saw my husband downstairs on the couch, I repeated his prayer and the tears just flowed once again.</div> <div> <br /></div> <div> Except these tears weren't tears of pain and frustration that he experienced earlier from me, these were tears of undeniable jubilation.</div> <div> <br /></div> <div> On this Mother's Day, I learned a very big lesson in motherhood.</div> <div> <br /></div> <div> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Simplify - Simplify - Simplify!</span><br /> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I - MUST - SIMPLIFY!</span></div> <div> <br /></div> <div> If I don't have time to make dinner, we're going out.</div> <div> <br /></div> <div> If I can't think straight because of the many functions that we have on our calendar, we're deleting a few.<br /> <br /> If my son needs me to help him with his precious little "projects", I"m putting down the knife!<br /> <br /> Being a mom is certainly the most rewarding job I've ever had, but it doesn't have to be the most challenging.<br /> <br /> <i>"Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." &nbsp;</i>- Philippians 4:6-7</div> Judith M.http://www.blogger.com/profile/12370819213417028495noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4358207709901321476.post-87848125029013882702013-04-19T10:48:00.003-05:002013-04-19T13:16:57.091-05:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> For the past couple of weeks, my favorite Christian radio station, <a href="http://www.klove.com/contests/mission-trip-shoes-for-orphan-souls.aspx" target="_blank">K-LOVE</a>, has been promoting the opportunity to win a missions trip to Guatemala with <a href="http://www.mikeschair.com/" target="_blank">Mikeschair</a>&nbsp;and <a href="http://www.shoesfororphansouls.org/" target="_blank">Shoes for Orphan Souls</a>.</div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> What a chance of a lifetime!</div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> All you have to do is just send a photo of your shoes. &nbsp;</div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> Easy-peasy simple.</div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <br /></div> Every morning since the start of the contest, I would come up with creative shot ideas of my shoes for my entry...<br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> Get excited about submitting my photo...</div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> And just daydream of the opportunity to go on mission to Guatemala and work with orphaned children for Christ.</div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> Plus, spend time with Mikeschair and hopefully listen to them sing a few beautiful tunes along the way.</div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> But quickly after daydreaming each day, I would become distracted by the challenges of being a mom to a strong-willed toddler who commands 100% of my attention and end up forgetting about the contest.</div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> This morning while I was driving my son to school, I heard the contest promotion on the radio.</div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> Yippeeeeeeee! &nbsp;I thought, maybe I still had a chance.</div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> I rushed home. &nbsp;Grabbed my basic point and shoot camera, ran by the window, and took this photo.</div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEiyeM7Oi523N_a8IRuDiPpDsBa5Ch1Ck38-tOWzSVcdTsOmpLRbLRdAShoMKFYqfUDj3ztGss_BQ3SfwdCCu5cCxzH8TcCy4rny2RUVlmSj7UybDHYdJXQEhio8kVpCcNzx-QAAmeLfY/s1600/blog_shoes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEiyeM7Oi523N_a8IRuDiPpDsBa5Ch1Ck38-tOWzSVcdTsOmpLRbLRdAShoMKFYqfUDj3ztGss_BQ3SfwdCCu5cCxzH8TcCy4rny2RUVlmSj7UybDHYdJXQEhio8kVpCcNzx-QAAmeLfY/s400/blog_shoes.jpg" width="341" /></a></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> Yup, nothing fancy. &nbsp;</div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> No editing.</div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> No elaborate backgrounds.</div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> No graphics.</div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> Just the best that I can do.</div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> I hurried to my computer to upload my photo for the contest and discovered that they were already preparing to announce the winner in a few hours.</div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> Oh man, I missed it!</div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> Darn - darn - darn!</div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> I love entering photo contests like these. &nbsp;Just putting myself out there and leaving it in God's hands.</div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> Oh well. &nbsp;</div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> This obviously wasn't meant to be for me.</div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> So, instead of letting this photo just get filed away in my online photo library, I thought I'd share it with you all.</div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> A little bummed, but I'll just keep pressing on and praying for God's direction on missions in the future. &nbsp;</div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"> My heart certainly is there, but the timing may not be right.</div> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <i>"But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. &nbsp;They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint." &nbsp;</i>- Isaiah 40:31</div> Judith M.http://www.blogger.com/profile/12370819213417028495noreply@blogger.com0