tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-68226946625729909222024-03-13T11:56:19.386-07:00Ordinary Miraclesan intentional recounting of the extraordinary in everyday lifeKarenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01840110041134141152noreply@blogger.comBlogger46125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6822694662572990922.post-27691001201593153672013-10-28T05:10:00.000-07:002013-10-28T05:10:43.156-07:00Sweet Words<span style="font-family: inherit;">I had a friend call last week all the way from Pennsylvania. She left a very sweet voicemail, the kind that you never delete and even go back and listen to on occasion. And when we were able to connect "in person," our conversation was so incredibly encouraging. She has been faithfully praying for us since we left PA, almost two years ago, and God had laid it on her heart recently to share that with me.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">She had no idea what is going on in our life and ministry right now. But God does! He knew I needed the encouragement, the perspective, even the loving rebuke that only she could give, so far removed from the situation(s). I am so grateful for this friend's sensitivity and surrender to the Lord's leading. Her words and prayers were truly a "balm" to my weary soul.</span><br />
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<i style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Margaret Grubric</span></i></h4>
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<span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">"A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in a setting of silver." Proverbs 25:11</span></span></div>
Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01840110041134141152noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6822694662572990922.post-55611680123175113802013-10-24T18:24:00.000-07:002013-10-28T05:11:28.662-07:00ReturningI've been studying the book of Nehemiah in preparation for teaching our teen girls Sunday School class. This book, as well as Ezra, is about return. The people physically return to the their homeland. Under Ezra, they rebuild the temple. Yet some still weep because even its present glory couldn't compare to its former.<br />
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Then the people rebuild the walls of Jerusalem under Nehemiah's leadership. They return the city to the structure of strength it once was. Yet many scholars believe Nehemiah's wall to be much smaller in circumference than the original. <br />
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And then, most importantly, the people return to the Book of the Law. They read about the Feast of Tabernacles and God's constant dwellingplace with His people, even in the wilderness. They weep and mourn for their disobedience in not keeping this feast since the days of Joshua, some 900 years earlier. But they return and keep the feast, with rejoicing in the unchanging character of their God. They read of how they were to be a holy people, set apart from the pagan influences of the surrounding cultures. And they do the hard work of returning to that sanctity, many of them by divorcing foreign wives.<br />
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So too in our lives, we can't always go back. We can't undo mistakes, take back words or change our actions. We don't even get a second chance to take advantage of missed opportunities. The people of Israel made a choice to worship other gods. Their long captivity was the consequence, God's judgment. <br />
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But we can always return. We can go back to the place we left behind and we can start over. This is the Biblical idea of repentance, turning from our sin back to God. We so easily stray after sin, "prone to wander," as the songwriter aptly describes. But we can always return to our God. There is not even a "shadow of turning" with Him (James 1:17). He remains constant and faithful, waiting to welcome us back as the father of the prodigal son in Luke 15. He offers abundant grace and mercy when we return to His throne (Heb. 4:16).<br />
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Why, then, is it so hard to return? I fear it is our pride that keeps us from turning back. It takes true humility to admit our sin and return to Christ. And it takes grace to remain at the foot of the cross when Satan constantly reminds us of the far-reaches of sin we came from and tempts us to come back. <br />
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I can't help but think of Naomi, another character we've studied in our girls SS class. She left her homeland in famine and some would say experienced God's judgment for doing so in the loss of her husband and sons. But she returned and what did she find? Not only food in abundance, but a redeemer for her dying family. What grace!<br />
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It's been almost two and a half years since I last posted. . . So much has taken place since June 2011 - a second child, a new job, a new house, a new life for our family - and I haven't written a single sentence! But now it's time to return. I've been burdened lately to come back to the discipline of writing, putting my thoughts down on electronic "paper." Not necessarily for you, the reader (because I really don't think there are many, if any!). But for me. I need to remind myself of the ordinary miracles present in my life - like grace for the repentant, returning sinner.<br />
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So at the risk of admitting my failure, past and probably future too, I officially return to blogging! May God give me grace. :)Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01840110041134141152noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6822694662572990922.post-66774222140538316272011-06-10T12:33:00.000-07:002011-06-10T12:37:07.845-07:00Mystery Dinner - Times Two!Last night, the non-profit I work for hosted its annual board dinner. This has historically been a rather dry and boring event, but I was in charge this year. So we livened things up a bit with a 1920s murder mystery.<br />
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I wrote the mystery myself (which was quite the literary undertaking!). I based the plot and characters loosely on "The Great Gatsby" by F. Scott Fitzgerald (minus the drinking and swearing and other "inappropriate" behavior).<br />
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I tried to create the atmosphere of a 1920s dinner party with lots of feathers, pearls, cut glass and white linens. We had jazz and dance music playing during dinner and even a few vintage cars out front as guests arrived. Many people came in costume, which added to the evening. I even managed to come up with a costume from a few local consignment shops that accommodated my growing belly. (My husband was a character in the murder mystery - that's why he's wearing the funny glasses.) <br />
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Overall, I think the evening was a great success! No one solved the murder, though, so I must have made it a little too mysterious. . .<br />
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This morning my husband surprised me with a mystery of my own to solve! Today is our 6th anniversary, so I have to piece together clues I've been receiving throughout the day (including a motive, getaway vehicle and "weapon of displayed affection") to figure out what he he in store for us tonight. We'll see where we end up! <br />
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</a></div>Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01840110041134141152noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6822694662572990922.post-64113033417858146532011-05-16T18:00:00.000-07:002011-05-16T18:01:58.057-07:00Ladies Night OutMuch of what has been consuming my time lately was a ladies outreach event for our church. We held our first Ladies Night Out on Friday with a theme of "Making Life Beautiful" - inside and out.<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">About 40 ladies got together for a night of pampering - chocolate, coffee, cosmetics and just plain fun. We had a speaker share a few beauty tips and "trends" for the upcoming season. We played a few games and gave away some fun prizes. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We wrapped up the evening with a challenge from God's Word on the true inner beauty that comes only from a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We enjoyed quite the spread of finger foods to dip in our chocolate fountain and an extensive variety of coffees and teas in our very own coffee bar!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-12IpAnONS6M/TdHHl2aZHMI/AAAAAAAAAGM/lHp8fFRNGlc/s1600/DSC06391.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-12IpAnONS6M/TdHHl2aZHMI/AAAAAAAAAGM/lHp8fFRNGlc/s320/DSC06391.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We decorated with butterflies in fun spring shades of green and purple.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It was a lot of fun to spend an evening together with ladies of all ages and backgrounds. What a lot of work - but it was well worth it. Seeds were planted and now we get to see how God will grow them into beautiful, transformed lives for His glory.</div>Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01840110041134141152noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6822694662572990922.post-36835996818456476702011-05-16T17:48:00.000-07:002011-05-16T18:02:10.120-07:00Deals - May 16Life has been so crazy lately, I've hardly had time to shop, let alone coupon! It felt very good to go out tonight alone (thanks to my wonderful husband for watching our son) and save some money. :) Here are few of the best deals I found:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D9B_BkGXFXA/TdHD34IeNCI/AAAAAAAAAGA/PaRvQC8r2vM/s1600/cvspharmacy.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="87" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D9B_BkGXFXA/TdHD34IeNCI/AAAAAAAAAGA/PaRvQC8r2vM/s200/cvspharmacy.png" width="200" /></a></div><br />
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<b>Pampers Jumbo Pack ($8.83)</b><br />
-$1.50/1 manufacturer's coupon<br />
-$1/1 CVS coupon<br />
-$2 ECB<br />
=$4.33<br />
+$1 ECB (green tag)<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cI96yXxCxGg/TKvR2aIzwpI/AAAAAAAAAA0/HdYKt-QqnwY/s1600/logo_GIANT.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="82" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cI96yXxCxGg/TKvR2aIzwpI/AAAAAAAAAA0/HdYKt-QqnwY/s200/logo_GIANT.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br />
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<b>Heinz ketchup ($1.89)</b><br />
-$2/1 coupon<br />
=FREE<br />
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<b>Kraft salad dressing (2/$4)</b><br />
-$1.50/2 coupon<br />
=$2.50/2 (or $1.25 each)<br />
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<b>Rold Gold pretzels (2/$5)</b><br />
-$2/2 coupon<br />
=2/$3 (or $1.50 each)<br />
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<b>Poptarts (3/$5)</b><br />
-$1/3 coupon<br />
=3/$4 (or $1.33 each)<br />
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<b>Duncan Hines brownies ($1.69)</b><br />
-$0.50/1 coupon (doubled)<br />
=$0.69<br />
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Giant also had some great store coupons, including a free half gallon of Turkey Hill ice cream! :) My total savings was 47% - a "personal best"!Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01840110041134141152noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6822694662572990922.post-82660275111701258052011-04-26T16:10:00.000-07:002011-04-26T16:12:09.460-07:00Peanut Butter GoodnessI've been craving chocolate and peanut butter lately, so tonight I decided to make the "old standby" - chocolate cake with peanut butter frosting. The cake was in the oven before I realized I had no powdered sugar for the frosting. Tactical error on my part. :(<br />
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I found a recipe online for peanut butter frosting without the powdered sugar and decided to give it a try. It turned out beautifully. I'm not a marshmallow fan, but you wouldn't even know it's in there! The best part is you don't even have to wait for the cake to cool - which I find the most frustrating part of baking.<br />
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My craving has been satisfied! Momma and baby are very happy. :)<br />
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<b>Peanut Butter Frosting (without Powdered Sugar)</b><br />
1/2 cup evaporated milk<br />
1 cup sugar<br />
1 tablespoon butter<br />
1/2 cup peanut butter (I used a little bit more)<br />
1/2 cup marshmallows (I used marshmallow creme)<br />
1 teaspoon vanilla<br />
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Combine milk, sugar and butter in saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a boil and boil for 2 minutes, stirring constantly. Remove from heat; add peanut butter and marshmallow. Stir in vanilla. Pour immediately over warm cake.Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01840110041134141152noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6822694662572990922.post-6756787154321123442011-04-24T15:43:00.000-07:002011-04-24T15:46:26.579-07:00Easter EventsThe past week has been a busy one with many church and family activities celebrating our Lord's death and resurrection.<br />
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My husband put together a beautiful Easter program for this morning's service. We called it "What Wondrous Love." It was a fresh reminder of God's gracious love for us.<br />
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This past Thursday, our playgroup Connect the Tots hosted an Easter Egg Hunt. It wasn't the warmest spring day, but everyone had a lot of fun.<br />
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Then my family came for Easter dinner today. It's actually the first time I hosted a sit-down meal for more than four people and the first time in a very long time my whole family posed for a picture.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ae_Xye6r_eQ/TbSm5TUU4AI/AAAAAAAAAFw/hYTAHXasbgA/s1600/DSC_0155.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ae_Xye6r_eQ/TbSm5TUU4AI/AAAAAAAAAFw/hYTAHXasbgA/s320/DSC_0155.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Noah had fun hiding eggs for us and then "helping" us find them.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><span id="goog_1727379905"></span><span id="goog_1727379906"></span>Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01840110041134141152noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6822694662572990922.post-70493058924593757302011-04-11T11:14:00.000-07:002011-04-11T11:14:58.527-07:00Recent DealsMarch was a pretty bad month for the budget - for some reason we were way over in most every category. But I'm determined to do better this month and so far, I've been finding pretty good deals. Here are a few from my past few shopping trips:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UF56GlAVJzs/TS4Kk2hKNLI/AAAAAAAAAEw/cZjOT9oXEaQ/s1600/cvspharmacy.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="87" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UF56GlAVJzs/TS4Kk2hKNLI/AAAAAAAAAEw/cZjOT9oXEaQ/s200/cvspharmacy.png" width="200" /></a></div><u><br />
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<i>From the week of March 28</i><br />
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Wisk ($8.39) B1G1 free <br />
- 2 $2/1 coupons<br />
-$2 ECB<br />
=$2.56 for 2 (or $1.28 each)<br />
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Oral B toothbrushes ($2.99)<br />
-2 $1/1 coupons<br />
-$1.50 ECB<br />
=$2.48 for 2 (or $1.24 each)<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ejHN-scJKWw/TS4IEKkRyZI/AAAAAAAAAEo/ofQT5_GyopY/s1600/target.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ejHN-scJKWw/TS4IEKkRyZI/AAAAAAAAAEo/ofQT5_GyopY/s200/target.jpg" width="163" /></a></div><br />
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<i>From the week of April 4 </i><br />
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Kandoo Toddler Wipes ($1.42)<br />
-$1/1 coupon<br />
=$0.42<br />
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Raid Ant Traps ($2.49)<br />
-$2/1 coupon<br />
=$0.49<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cI96yXxCxGg/TKvR2aIzwpI/AAAAAAAAAA0/HdYKt-QqnwY/s1600/logo_GIANT.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="82" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cI96yXxCxGg/TKvR2aIzwpI/AAAAAAAAAA0/HdYKt-QqnwY/s200/logo_GIANT.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br />
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<i>From the week of April 4 </i><br />
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Pepperidge Farm cookies ($3.49) B1G1 free<br />
-$1/2 coupon<br />
-$1 Giant doubler coupon<br />
=$1.49 for 2 (or $0.75 each)<br />
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DeerPark water, 24-pack ($3.99)<br />
on sale for $2.99 with Bonuscard<br />
-$1/1 coupon<br />
-$1 Giant doubler coupon<br />
=$0.99<br />
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MinuteMaid orange juice ($2.50)<br />
-$1/1 coupon<br />
-$1/1 Giant doubler coupon<br />
=$0.50<br />
<br />
<i>I love when Giant gives the extra $1 doublers! It really does make a difference. And thanks to a dear friend who gave me her coupons too, I saved an extra $8 this week between two trips.</i>Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01840110041134141152noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6822694662572990922.post-9173325037716910902011-03-25T11:19:00.000-07:002011-03-25T11:23:17.751-07:00Granola & Galoshes<div style="text-align: center;"><i>"Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good!" </i><br />
<i>Psalm 34:8 </i></div><br />
The other day Noah and I went to Trader Joe's for the first time. I had had some of their very yummy granola at my sister-in-law's house while we were visiting California, and I was hoping to pick up some for myself. I was even prepared to pay a little bit extra for it - it was that good. I was pleasantly surprised to find a larger box for less than my usual generic grocery store brand. I must say that I have thoroughly enjoyed my breakfast the past few days. I know, the little things. . .<br />
<br />
Even before we went to California (and first tasted the yummy granola), I had been looking for galoshes for Noah. This has been almost a month-long search now - consignment sales, department stores, shoe stores, Craig's List. . . you name it. No one seemed to have decent-looking galoshes in the size I needed for the price I was willing to pay.<br />
<br />
I was just about to give up hope of ever letting my son play outside this spring, when I was visiting a dear friend's house and she pulled out a tub of things her kids had outgrown and asked me if I wanted anything for Noah. In the very bottom of the tub was a pair of red, size 8 galoshes! Noah and I were so excited that we walked home from her house through the yard, just so we could look for mud puddles to jump in! I guess I need a pair of galoshes now too!<br />
<br />
God is good, and He cares about the "little things" that we eat and wear just as much (and more) than we do. He richly provides us everything to enjoy (I Timothy 6:17), even granola and galoshes.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-jjqAkn6IW0k/TYzcizzeDtI/AAAAAAAAAFc/gniFacEKBY0/s1600/1068805_33985060.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-jjqAkn6IW0k/TYzcizzeDtI/AAAAAAAAAFc/gniFacEKBY0/s320/1068805_33985060.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01840110041134141152noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6822694662572990922.post-59143491640631145222011-02-25T06:28:00.000-08:002011-02-25T06:29:15.573-08:00Another Ordinary Miracle<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>"I will give thanks to You because I have been so amazingly and miraculously made. Your works are miraculous, and my soul is fully aware of this." Ps. 139:14 (GWT)</i></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Xd5zJI9S6mw/TWe6OHV-6hI/AAAAAAAAAFY/3UMsohf9SJM/s1600/8+wk+ultrasound.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="242" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Xd5zJI9S6mw/TWe6OHV-6hI/AAAAAAAAAFY/3UMsohf9SJM/s320/8+wk+ultrasound.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Jeremy and I are happy to announce that we're expecting our second child. Baby #2 is due September 22. The above ultrasound picture is from our 8-week appointment, where everything checked out just fine.<br />
<br />
I was reminded that even what's considered "normal" in the world of pregnancy and "fetal development" is a miracle from God. The fact that we can conceive naturally (and rather quickly!) is a miracle. The fact that our baby is now the size of a kumquat with fingernails and "hair" already is a miracle! It may be <i>ordinary</i> compared to some people's experiences, but it's still <i>miraculous</i>.Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01840110041134141152noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6822694662572990922.post-88658425969047213972011-02-14T12:11:00.000-08:002011-02-14T12:11:30.026-08:00Happy Valentine's Day!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yfcCgv8VmGs/TVmMU7KnXPI/AAAAAAAAAFU/rH4NP1F-KlQ/s1600/Picture+009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yfcCgv8VmGs/TVmMU7KnXPI/AAAAAAAAAFU/rH4NP1F-KlQ/s320/Picture+009.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>From my sweet boys :)Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01840110041134141152noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6822694662572990922.post-18353507476623635232011-01-26T11:41:00.000-08:002011-01-26T11:41:00.596-08:00It's A Chocolate Chip Cookie Day. . .. . . even without brown sugar.<br />
<br />
It's been snowing most of the day, with much more forecasted for tonight. It took me almost 45 minutes to drive the 6 miles to work because of the snow. And my son has been full of whines, pouts and "no"s all day. So, yes, chocolate chip cookies sounded like a good "pick me up."<br />
<br />
Only after I started mixing the batter did I realize that I was out of brown sugar. Grrr! But Betty Crocker came to my rescue and told me I could substitute white sugar and molasses. Cookies saved! And they turned out pretty well, all things considered. They seem a little darker and sweeter than normal, but they definitely hit the spot. Here's my recipe:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_XsjUtP-v54o/TUB4wN6tWBI/AAAAAAAAAFM/6U9ccMRZpnI/s1600/1100060_11625576.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_XsjUtP-v54o/TUB4wN6tWBI/AAAAAAAAAFM/6U9ccMRZpnI/s320/1100060_11625576.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<b>Chocolate Chip Cookies</b><br />
<i>makes about 4 dozen</i><br />
<br />
3/4 cup granulated sugar<br />
3/4 cup brown sugar (OR 3/4 granulated sugar and 1 1/2 T molasses)<br />
1 cup butter, softened<br />
1 teaspoon vanilla<br />
1 egg<br />
2 1/4 cup flour<br />
1 teaspoon baking soda<br />
1/2 teaspoon salt<br />
12 oz (1 bag) chocolate chips<br />
<br />
Preheat oven to 375. Beat sugars, butter, vanilla and egg until creamy. Stir in flour, baking soda and salt. Sitr in chocolate chips. Drop by rounded tablespoon onto ungreased cookie sheet. Bake 8-10 minutes. Cool 1-2 minutes and remove to wire rack.Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01840110041134141152noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6822694662572990922.post-31329456237004732942011-01-24T12:16:00.001-08:002011-01-24T12:16:57.297-08:00Deals - January 24I had another good week of grocery shopping - saving over $18 at Giant (about 43%). I only saved $7.50 at Walmart (about 27%), because I got "caught" and ran out of a few things that we had to have. Yes, well. My goal is to not shop again this month, which would bring me $5.22 under my goal for January. I'm off to a good start! <br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_XsjUtP-v54o/TT3Z20bbiII/AAAAAAAAAFI/m3PktgevMeU/s1600/walmart_logo_214x54.gif" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_XsjUtP-v54o/TT3Z20bbiII/AAAAAAAAAFI/m3PktgevMeU/s1600/walmart_logo_214x54.gif" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Scotch Brite sponges (4)</b><br />
$.84/each<br />
-(2) $1/2<br />
=$1.36/4 (or $.34 each)<br />
<br />
<b>Old Spice </b> <br />
$4/2-pack deodorant <br />
$3.50/1 body wash<br />
-B1G1 free<br />
=$4 for all 3<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_XsjUtP-v54o/TTX6tyBZcBI/AAAAAAAAAFE/e6WuJxBILjQ/s1600/logo_GIANT.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_XsjUtP-v54o/TTX6tyBZcBI/AAAAAAAAAFE/e6WuJxBILjQ/s1600/logo_GIANT.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Purina Cat Chow (3)</b> <br />
$3.89 each <br />
-$2/2<br />
-$3 off instantly<br />
=$6.67/3 (or $2.23 each)<br />
<br />
<b>Pillsbury brownie mix (2)</b> <br />
$1 each<br />
-$1/1 <br />
=$1/2 (or $.50 each)<br />
<br />
<i>I also used the coupon for a free gallon of milk that I got last week. The milk cost $3.38, but the coupon rang up as the maximum value of $4.50! What a blessing!</i>Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01840110041134141152noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6822694662572990922.post-37345960897211883182011-01-18T12:55:00.000-08:002011-01-18T12:56:18.414-08:00Deals - January 17I did pretty well this week on both toiletries and groceries. I saved almost $16 at CVS (about 60%) and over $35 at Giant (about 36%). Here are some of the deals I found:<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_XsjUtP-v54o/TTX5wytUbeI/AAAAAAAAAFA/Oz0RydprU04/s1600/cvspharmacy.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_XsjUtP-v54o/TTX5wytUbeI/AAAAAAAAAFA/Oz0RydprU04/s1600/cvspharmacy.png" /></a><b> </b><br />
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<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Dawn dish soap (3)</b><br />
$.97/each<br />
-$1/2<br />
-$.20/1 <br />
=$1.71/3 (or $.57 each)<br />
<br />
<b>Bounty paper towels</b> <br />
$9.99/8-pack<br />
-$1/1<br />
-$3/1 (CVS coupon)<br />
-$3 ECB<br />
=$2.99 (about .37/roll)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_XsjUtP-v54o/TTX6tyBZcBI/AAAAAAAAAFE/e6WuJxBILjQ/s1600/logo_GIANT.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_XsjUtP-v54o/TTX6tyBZcBI/AAAAAAAAAFE/e6WuJxBILjQ/s1600/logo_GIANT.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
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<br />
<b>General Mills cereal (4)</b> <br />
$2.59 each <br />
-$1/3<br />
-$.55/1 (doubled)<br />
-$6 off total purchase instantly<br />
=$2.36/4 (or $.59 each)<br />
<i>plus I got a catalina for a free gallon of milk with my next purchase!</i><br />
<br />
<b>Quaker oatmeal (2)</b> <br />
2 for $5<br />
-$1/1 (2)<br />
=$3/2 (or $1.50 each)<br />
<br />
<b>McCormick pepper grinder</b><br />
$2<br />
-$.75/1 (doubled)<br />
=$.50<br />
<br />
<b>Progresso soup</b> (4)<br />
$1 each<br />
-$1/4<br />
=$3/4 (or .75 each)<br />
<br />
<b>Prego sauce</b> (2)<br />
3 for $5<br />
-$.35/2 (doubled)<br />
=$2.63 (or $1.32 each)Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01840110041134141152noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6822694662572990922.post-46222542667114471352011-01-16T18:31:00.000-08:002011-01-16T18:34:30.316-08:00Old Navy Clearance Deals<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_XsjUtP-v54o/TTOpw9_Yg0I/AAAAAAAAAE8/rLv32f3VPUc/s1600/ON_logo.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_XsjUtP-v54o/TTOpw9_Yg0I/AAAAAAAAAE8/rLv32f3VPUc/s1600/ON_logo.gif" /></a></div><br />
Jeremy and I had a "date" tonight at Old Navy and came away with some great deals. They're currently running a sale of 40% off clearance items and I had a coupon for an additional $10 off a $50 purchase. Here's what we came away with:<br />
<br />
<u>Noah</u><br />
3-n-1 winter jacket<br />
thermal shirt<br />
polo shirt<br />
<br />
<u>Jeremy</u><br />
moleskin blazer<br />
socks<br />
<br />
<u>Karen</u><br />
cardigan wrap sweater<u> </u><br />
(4) tops<br />
<u> </u><br />
. . . and a lunchbox<br />
<br />
The best deal by far was Noah's winter coat (for next year). It's original retail price was $39.50. It was on clearance for $14.99. The 40% discount brought it down to $8.99. And then because it had a small tear on the sleeve (easily repairable), it was marked down an additional 50%. So we paid only $4.49! <i>Now that's an ordinary miracle!</i><br />
<br />
Our combined total was $44.51. The original retail price for everything came to $265 (without tax). That's a savings of over 83%! Even at clearance price, we saved more than we spent ($49.50 or 53%).Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01840110041134141152noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6822694662572990922.post-55220060983681792942011-01-16T11:36:00.000-08:002011-01-16T11:36:12.901-08:00Great Resource!I just found a great couponing resource that I have to share! It's called A Full Cup and its a huge coupon database that lets you search for and print coupons online. So in addition to "clipping" coupons from the paper and sites like coupons.com or smartsource.com, I've been searching this database to see if there are any coupons I've "missed" that correspond to the weekly sales.<br />
<br />
Maybe everyone already knows about this but me, but I'm very excited to finally know!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.afullcup.com/coupons/"><img border="0" height="77" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_XsjUtP-v54o/TTNIgzLf9QI/AAAAAAAAAE4/UG7EarOVdEI/s320/logo.gif" width="320" /></a></div>Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01840110041134141152noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6822694662572990922.post-37216361329625349822011-01-12T14:01:00.000-08:002011-01-12T14:01:25.874-08:002011 Monthly GoalsOK, so I made a lot of New Year's resolutions this year. But I honestly don't think any of them are unrealistic. Many I've broken down into monthly goals to help keep me on track. For instance, my two "big goals" are to memorize 20 Scripture passages and read 11 books in 2011. I'd also like to have at least two dinner guests a month (good friends don't count - you know who you are!).<br />
<br />
I created this simple list that folds easily into a little booklet. At the beginning of each month, I'll fill out my goals for that month and set to "work." Feel free to adapt and use the list. Let's see how we do!<br />
<br />
<a href="https://docs.google.com/viewer?a=v&pid=explorer&chrome=true&srcid=0B3JZrB98KVN-ODA4MTI3YjAtNTNmNS00MzdlLWI1YWYtYzUxMjk3ZGNmMWFk&hl=en">2011 Monthly Goals</a>Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01840110041134141152noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6822694662572990922.post-61774511292621168462011-01-12T12:22:00.000-08:002011-01-12T12:22:39.759-08:00Out of the Mouth of BabesWe've recently started "teaching" Noah to pray. Before meals and bedtime we try to have him repeat after us as we pray. <br />
<br />
Last night before dinner, Jeremy asked Noah if he wanted to pray for the food. He said "yes" and before Jeremy could start, Noah began praying on his own. It went something like this:<br />
<br />
"Dear Jesus,<br />
Chee-toe (thank you) Daddy, Papa<br />
Chee-toe Mommy, Coda (my parents' dog)<br />
Chee-toe Nanny, Uncle An-doo (my brother Andrew)<br />
Chee-toe Miss Sara and Molly (the two most recent guests at our house).<br />
<br />
PAUSE<br />
<br />
(with Jeremy's prompting) <br />
Chee-toe dis food<br />
A-nem (amen)."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_XsjUtP-v54o/TS4Ngw76bEI/AAAAAAAAAE0/979JuSHhh5Q/s1600/2lu30c0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="277" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_XsjUtP-v54o/TS4Ngw76bEI/AAAAAAAAAE0/979JuSHhh5Q/s320/2lu30c0.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Needless to say, it melted our hearts. :)Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01840110041134141152noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6822694662572990922.post-53686122537403164922011-01-12T12:12:00.000-08:002011-01-13T06:01:03.318-08:00Deals - January 12Another one of my New Year's resolutions is to get back to couponing and better track my savings. I found a very helpful tool from <a href="http://thecouponproject.com/2010/12/savings-tracker-2011-for-excel-and-google-docs.html">The Coupon Project</a>. I've set monthly "budgets" for groceries and household items (including toiletries) and am back on track for 2011. So far, I've saved an average of 24% on groceries and over 30% on household items. Here are a few of my most recent deals:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_XsjUtP-v54o/TS4IEKkRyZI/AAAAAAAAAEo/lAKWLQs9eh4/s1600/target.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_XsjUtP-v54o/TS4IEKkRyZI/AAAAAAAAAEo/lAKWLQs9eh4/s200/target.jpg" width="163" /></a></div><br />
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<br />
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<br />
<b>Jergens lotion</b> (2)<br />
$3.29 each<br />
-$3/2<br />
=$3.58/2<br />
<br />
<b>Dove soap</b> <br />
$4.79/4-pack<br />
-$1.50/1<br />
=$3.29 (about .82/bar)<br />
<br />
<b>Reach floss</b> <br />
.97 each<br />
-$1/1<br />
=FREE<br />
<br />
<b>Suave shampoo</b> <br />
.84 each<br />
-$1/1<br />
=FREE<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_XsjUtP-v54o/TS4JnVjodTI/AAAAAAAAAEs/YJaXTswYlRY/s1600/logo_GIANT.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_XsjUtP-v54o/TS4JnVjodTI/AAAAAAAAAEs/YJaXTswYlRY/s1600/logo_GIANT.jpg" /></a></div><br />
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<br />
<br />
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<b>Healthy Choice Fresh Mixers</b> (2)<br />
$2/5<br />
-$1/1 (2)<br />
=$3/2 or $1.50 each<br />
<br />
<b>Scotties tissues</b> (5)<br />
.79 each<br />
-$1/5<br />
=$2.95/5 or .59 each<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_XsjUtP-v54o/TS4Kk2hKNLI/AAAAAAAAAEw/Tont1GbfPq8/s1600/cvspharmacy.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_XsjUtP-v54o/TS4Kk2hKNLI/AAAAAAAAAEw/Tont1GbfPq8/s1600/cvspharmacy.png" /></a></div><br />
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<br />
(this one's from last week, but it's such a good deal, I had to share!)<br />
<br />
<b>Starbucks coffee</b><br />
$6.99 each<br />
-$1/1<br />
-$3 ECB<br />
=$2.99Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01840110041134141152noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6822694662572990922.post-65800043273617511732011-01-02T13:16:00.000-08:002011-01-02T13:16:28.060-08:00Christmas Sales & ResolutionsFor many reasons, Christmas was very busy and yet not very purposeful this year. The season seemed to fly by without me being able to enjoy or appreciate much of anything.<br />
<br />
Reflecting on that at the start of this new year made me "resolve" to not repeat the Christmas of 2010. I have purposed to have a purposeful Christmas this year. For me that means, among other things:<br />
<br />
- Finalizing the church's Christmas program by the end of the summer<br />
- Doing all my holiday baking Thanksgiving weekend<br />
- Creating and using an advent calendar (complete with a Scripture passage and a family activity for each day)<br />
<br />
- Sending out Christmas cards (complete with family picture) at least two weeks before Christmas; and <br />
- NOT hosting a three-year-old's birthday party two weeks before Christmas!<br />
<br />
I've gotten a jump start by shopping all the after-Christmas sales this year. I already have our cards and the supplies I'll need to make my advent calendar as well as a bunch of new ornaments for our tree. Here's what I was able to get, all for less than $55 (I only paid $35, thanks to a gift card from a friend):<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_XsjUtP-v54o/TSDpGbyFx8I/AAAAAAAAAEk/7QienLs5czw/s1600/Picture+001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_XsjUtP-v54o/TSDpGbyFx8I/AAAAAAAAAEk/7QienLs5czw/s320/Picture+001.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
By God's grace, this Christmas will be different - less stress and more purpose.Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01840110041134141152noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6822694662572990922.post-26546941197756617122010-12-30T19:15:00.000-08:002010-12-30T19:15:38.202-08:00Presents for All!Throughout this Christmas season, my husband and I have been trying to teach Noah the importance of "giving." With a birthday two weeks before Christmas and as the only grandchild on my family's side, he's been blessed with more than enough presents from family and friends. So we've talked a lot about how giving gifts to other people makes them, us and Jesus happy. <br />
<br />
A few days before Christmas, I took Noah out shopping with me. As we were driving toward the mall, we were talking about all the family members we'll be seeing soon and the presents that we've gotten them - "making our list and checking it twice." :)<br />
<br />
We finished the list and Noah was quiet for a minute. Then suddenly, he cried out "Oh, no!"<br />
<br />
"What's the matter?" I asked.<br />
<br />
"Coda!" he replied. (Coda is my parents' dog.)<br />
<br />
"Coda! Missing!" he said, very concerned.<br />
<br />
"Coda's missing?" I asked.<br />
<br />
"Yeah, Coda. Missing present," he said and continued to repeat the entire way to the mall. <br />
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He was so insistent that we had to make a stop at the nearest pet store to pick out a present for Coda the dog. When we got home, he helped me wrap the gift and when we arrived at Nanny and Papa's house for Christmas, Coda was the first one to receive a present from Noah.<br />
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I guess he's learning something. . . <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_XsjUtP-v54o/TR1KHDCwt3I/AAAAAAAAAEg/cd0RBPmIz50/s1600/28706_5218.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="211" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_XsjUtP-v54o/TR1KHDCwt3I/AAAAAAAAAEg/cd0RBPmIz50/s320/28706_5218.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01840110041134141152noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6822694662572990922.post-61300293953143124492010-12-30T19:00:00.000-08:002010-12-30T19:01:18.799-08:00The Great Cookie AdventureSince Noah is so enamored with Thomas the Train, I thought it would be cute to have train cookies for his birthday party. Little did I know what I was getting myself into. . .<br />
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I found a set of train-shaped cookie cutters on Amazon for $8 and set to work making a triple batch of sugar cookies. Though time-consuming, baking was the "easy" part.<br />
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Once cooled, I had to icing them all. I actually had never worked with royal icing before. Thankfully, a dear friend of mine brought over her "tackle box" of cake decorating paraphernalia and gave me a crash course. Who knew that egg whites would make icing harden?!?<br />
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So, we set to work about 7pm. We had two batches of icing - one "thick" to outline and one "thin" to flood. Each batch was divided in thirds for our three colors. My "expert" friend outlined them all with her wonderfully-steady hand while another friend and I attempted to flood them. Let's just say the first few were rather awful-looking. But we eventually got the hang of it and turned out almost six dozen cookies by the stroke of midnight.<br />
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There was, of course, a "royal" mess to clean up when all was said and done. But the cookies turned out rather well, all things considered. They were very tasty and didn't look half-bad, either. They were a big hit at the party and I had extra to share with the kids at church the following week.<br />
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In hindsight, I will think twice before undertaking such an "adventure" again. But who can say "no" to this face when he asks for a "Thomas cookie"? :)<br />
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Happy birthday, Noah!Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01840110041134141152noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6822694662572990922.post-17778134453754229642010-12-13T12:22:00.000-08:002010-12-13T12:41:01.995-08:00Christmas TeaOur little church hosted its first ladies' Christmas tea on Friday. We literally transformed our fellowship hall into a sparkling "winter wonderland."<br />
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It was certainly a labor of love to plan, set up, decorate, bake for 50 ladies, but what a treat for everyone! We were able to spend a quiet evening together as ladies, drinking tea and of course, eating desserts!<br />
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We played a few tea-themed games (see below for a PDF), sang some Christmas carols and heard a testimony on the power of prayer from one of the ladies in our church. It was such a special evening. Though, I'm glad that we have a whole year to rest up before we do it again!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_XsjUtP-v54o/TQZ9_v0RVkI/AAAAAAAAAEA/IA_FJ3TKpjU/s1600/IMG_1208.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_XsjUtP-v54o/TQZ9_v0RVkI/AAAAAAAAAEA/IA_FJ3TKpjU/s320/IMG_1208.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
I had a hard time finding appropriate tea party games online, so if you're ever in need of some tea trivia, feel free to use or adapt the games I created <a href="https://docs.google.com/viewer?a=v&pid=explorer&chrome=true&srcid=0B3JZrB98KVN-YTA0ZGIwYzItMTExNC00NDY1LWI0YjUtZjkwY2Y4N2Q5OTVi&hl=en">here</a>.Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01840110041134141152noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6822694662572990922.post-26814659815591387732010-11-28T11:58:00.000-08:002010-11-28T11:58:54.975-08:00Soup to Share<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="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_XsjUtP-v54o/TPKzFqnSjGI/AAAAAAAAAD0/830mAoy31Vw/s1600/md10262300_0907_soup_l.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_XsjUtP-v54o/TPKzFqnSjGI/AAAAAAAAAD0/830mAoy31Vw/s1600/md10262300_0907_soup_l.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">White Cheddar Corn Chowder</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
I love soup, especially when the winter turns cold. Last year, I came across this delicious recipe and I've already made it twice this year! Both times, I've doubled the recipe and shared some with friends and other families. It's somewhat labor-intensive (as are most recipes from Martha Stewart), but it's well worth the effort.<br />
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<div><div style="background-color: transparent; border: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;"><div class="ms-col2-recipe-ingredients">White Cheddar Corn Chowder <br />
<i>from Martha Stewart Living, Sept. 2007</i><br />
Serves 6<br />
<ul><li>2 tablespoons olive oil</li>
<li>1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped (about 1 cup)</li>
<li>1 celery stalk, finely chopped (about 1/2 cup)</li>
<li> 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander</li>
<li> 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin</li>
<li> 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper</li>
<li> 1/2 cup dry white wine</li>
<li>3 Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch pieces (about 2 1/2 cups)</li>
<li>2 cups homemade or low-sodium store-bought chicken stock</li>
<li>1 cup nonfat milk</li>
<li>3 cups fresh corn kernels (from about 6 ears of corn)</li>
<li>1 1/4 teaspoons coarse salt</li>
<li> Freshly ground pepper, to taste</li>
<li>2 ounces sharp white cheddar cheese, grated (about 3/4 cup)</li>
</ul></div><div class="ms-col2-recipe-directions"> <ol><li> <span>Heat oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add onion, and cook until softened, about 4 minutes. Add celery, and cook until tender, about 4 minutes. Add coriander, cumin, and cayenne. Raise heat to medium-high, and add wine. Cook until most of the liquid has evaporated, 2 to 3 minutes. Add potatoes, stock, and milk, and bring to a boil (skim any foam from surface). Reduce heat, and simmer until potatoes are tender, about 15 minutes.</span> </li>
<li> <span>Add corn, and cook until tender, 3 to 4 minutes. <b>*I added 4 oz of grated white cheddar cheese and let it melt before pureeing.*</b> Remove from heat. Transfer 2 cups soup to a blender. Let cool slightly, then puree. Return puree to pan, and stir. Reheat if needed. Season with salt and pepper. Pour into bowls, and top with cheese. <b>*I served with crumbled bacon.*</b> Chowder can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days.</span></li>
</ol></div><span><a href="http://www.wholeliving.com/recipe/white-cheddar-corn-chowder#ixzz16bogaAG6" style="color: #003399;"><br />
</a> </span></div></div>Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01840110041134141152noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6822694662572990922.post-80938615912150326742010-11-28T11:40:00.000-08:002010-11-28T11:41:10.597-08:00Baskets of Blessing<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_XsjUtP-v54o/TPKsAmr3PGI/AAAAAAAAADs/KJo8KF1AB10/s1600/logo+2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="253" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_XsjUtP-v54o/TPKsAmr3PGI/AAAAAAAAADs/KJo8KF1AB10/s320/logo+2.png" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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This year, my husband and I started a Thanksgiving ministry at our church called Baskets of Blessings, taken from Deuteronomy 26. The ministry was designed to be both outreach into our community and "in-reach" for our congregation. For the outreach, we asked our church families to collect non-perishable food items to donate to a local food bank. Together, we were able to donate 8 complete meals for needy families, each including a $25 gift card for the turkey!<br />
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For the "in-reach," we asked families to compile a basket of items that represented God's specific blessings over the past year. At our praise service, the night before Thanksgiving, families took turns sharing what was in their baskets. What a sweet time of fellowship!<br />
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Here's what we included in our basket:<br />
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<b>Our wedding picture</b><br />
<i>We've been blessed with five years together</i><br />
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<b>Our high school diplomas and senior yearbooks</b><br />
<i>We've both been blessed with a godly family heritage and Christian education</i><br />
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<b>An ice scraper</b><br />
<i>We considered the blizzard of 2010 to be a beautiful blessing. Also, we used that ice scraper to hold open the hatch back of my 1989 Ford station wagon, which we were able to sell this year for $800.</i><br />
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<b>My coupon book</b><br />
<i>We're blessed to have a little extra cash this year thanks to all that I've learned in the world of couponing.</i><br />
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<b>My external hard drive</b><br />
<i>I posted about losing my external hard drive a few months ago, but this was a blessing in disguise - showing me my need for complete dependence on God.</i><br />
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<b>Noah's new coat</b><br />
<i>Noah had been needing an "in-between" coat and I found a great one at a consignment shop for less than $5. An added blessing was that on Black Friday, I saw the exact same coat in the department store for $70!</i>Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01840110041134141152noreply@blogger.com0