Posted by: Lori | October 17, 2008

candles, kids, and cups

Hello Friends,

I find myself sitting, in the dark, at the new-to-me desk I found at the thrift store today, with a single candle burning just beyond the top of the laptop I work upon.  I have become very fond of candles, just recently.  I found another blog whose owner burns candles a lot (for no reason) and I found myself enjoying looking at those pictures as much as my children enjoy looking at pictures in their baby books.  I, recently, found a bunch of half burned candles and gave them new purpose in my home.  It didn’t matter the shape or color - they all work for me.   The warm, romantic glow of the flame in a room, the graceful dance the flame performs - it all makes me feel *warm* on the inside.  This is a picture of a lovely candle-lit dinner we had just the other evening.  We closed up the blinds, turned off the lights and had dinner *Little-House-On-The-Prairie-Style*.  The girls thought this was a magnificent thing to do! 

 

Candles lit for dinner or throughout the day are little things that I have never considered doing, but things that are equally as important.  These are little things, memories of *home* the little darlings will take with them to their own families.  I want my children to leave our home inspired to make a lovely home of their own full of fond, loving, fun memories.  Teaching and allowing my children to have every experience necessary to prepare them for life the good Lord has called them to.   Teaching each one, lovingly and patiently to bake homemade bread, sew clothing, love their own children unconditionally, shop and save money frugally.  Allowing them to get their feet filthy in a mud puddle and be reassured Momma will be waiting to help clean them off.  Bathtubs filled with way too many bubbles.  These are all the little things that make our homes cherished. 

Allowing each child the chance to add to the family album - making memories of their own.  Both girls have been practicing their photography skills.  They have taken dozens of pictures.  Some that will, in fact, go into the family album - like these pics of the family animals.  Ali took the top picture of Sandy Dog - I think it resembles ”The Dog” type photos.  Sydney took the picture of Gabby below - this is a very accurate picture. 

Momma and the girls having lots of fun in the kitchen together. Sydney does NOT have a lazy eye - she has lately become fascinated by crossing her eyes - silly girl!

Big Sister making bread - it was so very delicious!

Teaching my children is the single most blessed thing I am able to do.   When Mighty Man and I first made the decision to homeschool our children - it was simply an act of obedience.  It was not something I, personally, wanted to do, but God called us to do this, therefore we did.  Not *many* arguments followed :o)  However just the other day, while at the store, picking up paint brushes, a woman began asking me questions about our homeschooling experience.  This short conversation made me reevaluate my current heart condition in regards to the decision we made so many years ago - and my answer to her ultimate question of “How do you like homeschooling your children?” without a bat of the eye was ”…I wouldn’t have it any other way!”.  Being at home with my children, making sure they are brought-up with appropriate faith, values, and morals is the best decision I’ve ever been a part of, hands down, throughout my life.   Below is Sydney reading her Bible - hiding God’s word away in her heart.

Homeschooling Ali has restored the mother/daughter relationship, between us, ordained by God.  She is a beautiful young lady, who will someday make some man of God a wonderful Help Meet.  I am so proud of who she is becoming.  Watching her change from day to day, learning and preparing - with so many talents and such a large, giving heart - she is undoubtedly full of His treasures.  I give thanksgiving to the Lord that I have such wonderful children.  If we have no other children, I am happy and content with the beautiful, healthy two we have been blessed with. 

And finally - a picture of a cup I couldn’t resist at the local thrift store.  I thought this little guy was so incredibly cute.  Just witnessing him sitting on the shelf brought a broad smile to my face and chuckle to my belly.  With a very small crack in his bottom (no punn intended), he could no longer be used to hold a hot beverage for his owner, and found himself sitting upon a shelf, lonely, hoping to be adopted into another family with a more constructive purpose - so how about holding the children’s paint brushes for a constructive purpose?!?!

And although we don’t have land and cannot *garden* we are going to have our own little herb garden.  I found this cute will pot to grow herbs in.  Another memory in the making (and science as well). 

But for now, I must bid you all farewell.  It is terribly late and my eyelids are beginning to protest their current position.  Continue to keep looking upward and you will never be disappointed as the things of this world are temporal, but the things of Christ are eternal.  Give your loved ones an extra kiss [and hug] or two.  And most of all, allow yourself to be blessed.  Until next time…

In His Grace, Lori   

5 Comments

Posted in My Treasured Blessings

Posted by: Lori | October 14, 2008

why i can’t vote for obama

I received these through email and felt I should pass it on…more food for thought! 

…is reading “The Post-American World” –  it’s a Muslim’s view.

Dear Friends,  

 

First I must say whoever wins the election will have my prayer support. Obama needs to be commended for his accomplishments but I need to explain why I will not be voting for him. 

 

Many people process their identity through their blackness.  

 

I process my identity through Christ. Being a Christian (a Christ follower) means He leads I follow. I can’t dictate the terms He does because He is the leader.  

 

I can’t vote black because I am black, I have to vote Christian because that’s who I am. Christian first, black second. Neither should anyone from the other ethnic groups vote because of ethnicity. 200 years from now I won’t be asked if I was black or white. I will be asked if I knew Jesus and accepted Him as Lord and Savior.  

 

In an election there are many issues to consider but when a society gets abortion, same-sex marriage, embryonic stem-cell research, human cloning to name a few, wrong economic concerns will soon not matter.  

 

We need to follow Martin Luther King’s words, don’t judge someone by the color of their skin but by the content of their character. I don’t know Obama so all I can go off is his voting record. 

 

His voting record earned him the title of the most liberal senator in the US Senate in 2007.  

 

NATIONAL JOURNAL: Obama: Most Liberal Senator in 2007 (01/31/2008)  

 

To beat Ted Kennedy and Hilary Clinton as the most liberal senator, takes some doing.
Obama accomplished this feat in 2 short years. I wonder what would happen to America if he had four years to work with.  

 

There is a reason Planned Parenthood gives him a 100 % rating.
There is a reason the homosexual community supports him.
There is a reason Ahmadinejad, Chavez, Castro, Hamas etc. love him.
There is a reason he said he would nominate liberal judges to the Supreme Court.
There is a reason he voted against the infanticide bill.
There is a reason he voted No on the constitutional ban of same-sex marriage.
There is a reason he voted No on banning partial birth abortion.
There is a reason he voted No on confirming Justices Roberts and Alito. These two judges are conservatives and they have since overturned partial birth abortion. The same practice Obama wanted to continue.  

 

Let’s take a look at the practice he wanted to continue. 

 

THE 5 STEP PARTIAL BIRTH ABORTION PROCEDURE
A. Guided by ultrasound, the abortionist grabs the (live) baby’s leg with forceps.
B. The baby’s leg is pulled out into the birth canal.
C. The abortionist delivers the baby’s entire body, except for the head.
D. The abortionist jams scissors into the baby’s skull. The scissors are then opened to enlarge the hole.
E. The scissors are removed and a suction catheter is inserted. The child’s brains are sucked out, causing the skull to collapse. The dead baby is then removed.
God help him. 

 

There is a reason Obama opposed the parental notification law.  

 

Think about this: you can’t give a kid an aspirin without parental notification but that same kid can have an abortion without parental notification. This is insane. 

 

There is a reason he went to Jeremiah Wright’s church for 20 years.  

 

Obama tells us he has good judgment but he sat under Jeremiah Wright teaching for 20 years. Now he is condemning Wright’s sermons. I wonder why now?  

 

Obama said Jeremiah Wright led him to the Lord and discipled him. A disciple is one in training. Jesus told us in Matthew 28:19 - 20 ‘Go and make disciples of all nations.’ This means reproduce yourself. Teach people to think like you, walk like you, talk like you believe what you believe etc. The question I have is what did Jeremiah Wright teach him?  

 

Would you support a White President who went to a church which has tenets that said they have a  

 

1. Commitment to the White Community
2. Commitment to the White Family
3. Adherence to the White Work Ethic
4. Pledge to make the fruits of all developing and acquired skills available to the White Community.
5. Pledge to Allocate Regularly, a Portion of Personal Resources for Strengthening and Supporting White Institutions
6. Pledge allegiance to all White leadership who espouse and embrace the White Value System
7. Personal commitment to embracement of the White Value System.
Would you support a President who went to a church like that?  

 

Just change the word from white to black and you have the tenets of Obama’s former church. If President Bush was a member of a church like this, he would be called a racist. Jessie Jackson and Al Sharpton would have been marching outside.  

 

This kind of church is a racist church. Obama did not wake up after 20 years and just discovered he went to a racist church. The church can’t be about race. Jesus did not come for any particular race. He came for the whole world.  

 

A church can’t have a value system based on race. The churches value system has to be based on biblical mandate. It does not matter if it’s a white church or a black church it’s still wrong. Anyone from either race that attends a church like this would never get my vote.  

 

Obama’s former Pastor Jeremiah Wright is a disciple of liberal theologian James Cone, author of the 1970 book A Black Theology of Liberation. Cone once wrote: ‘Black theology refuses to accept a God who is not identified totally with the goals of the black community. If God is not for us and against white people, then he is a murderer, and we had better kill him.  

 

Cone is the man Obama’s mentor looks up to. Does Obama believe this?  

 

So what does all this mean for the nation? 

 

In the past when the Lord brought someone with the beliefs of Obama to lead a nation it meant one thing - judgment.  

 

Read 1 Samuel 8 when Israel asked for a king. 

 

First God says in 1 Samuel 1:9 ‘Now listen to them; but warn them solemnly and let them know what the king who will reign over them will do.’
Then God says
1 Samuel 1:18 ‘ When that day comes, you will cry out for relief from the king you have chosen, and the LORD will not answer you in that day.’ 19 But the people refused to listen to Samuel. ‘No!’ they said. ‘We want a king over us. 20 Then we will be like all the other nations, with a king to lead us and to go out before us and fight our battles.’ 21 When Samuel heard all that the people said, he repeated it before the LORD. 22 The LORD answered, ‘Listen to them and give them a king.’  

 

Here is what we know for sure.  

 

God is not schizophrenic

He would not tell one person to vote for Obama and one to vote for McCain. As the scripture says, a city divided against itself cannot stand, so obviously many people are not hearing from God.

Maybe I am the one not hearing but I know God does not change and Obama contradicts many things I read in scripture so I doubt it. 

 

For all my friends who are voting for Obama can you really look God in the face and say; Father based on your word, I am voting for Obama even though I know he will continue the genocidal practice of partial birth abortion. He might have to nominate three or four Supreme Court justices, and I am sure he will be nominating liberal judges who will be making laws that are against you. I also know he will continue to push for homosexual rights, even though you destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah for this. I know I can look the other way because of the economy.  

 

I could not see Jesus agreeing with many of Obama’s positions. Finally I have two questions for all my liberal friends.  

 

Since we know someone’s value system has to be placed on the nation,  

 

1. Whose value system should be placed on the nation?  

 

2. Who should determine that this is the right value system for the nation?

2 Comments

Posted in Biblical Womanhood

Posted by: Lori | October 12, 2008

the river, bikes, and daughters

It’s been another day spent with family, and a sweet one at that.  We all took a long walk into the woods that surrounds the river.  Of course the girls pleaded to go swimming (again).  They love spending time in the currents and playing on the rope swings.  It doesn’t seem to matter what part of the river you visit, there will be a tattered ‘ole rope swing to hang from and let the tips of your toes gingerly sweep the surface of the water.  There are many specimens of Fall foliage in bloom.  The ‘cooler’ weather has set in and calls for the dainty flowers to become alive with color.

We started our afternoon with lovely friends over after church.  Fresh greens, homemade spaghetti, warm, from the oven bread, and spice cake topped with cream cheese frosting that is the yummiest of things that I have tasted in some time (and I typically don’t like frosting).  Here’s the recipe…

Cream Cheese Frosting

1 cup of softened (real) butter
1 8 ounce package of cream cheese, softened
2 teaspoons of vanilla
4 cups of sifted confectioner’s sugar

Cream together butter and cream cheese, and stir in vanilla

Add confectioner’s sugar a little at a time, beating well until blended.

After,a more than satisfying, lunch and our guests left Mighty Man taught the girls a little bit of science in the motion of sound waves over guitar strings and air through the mouthpiece of a bottle.  In this picture was Sydney trying to make the sound, but the mouth of the bottle was too big for her, so alas, no sound.  She was devastated.  Big Sister got in on the action and mastered playing the Aquafina-bottle-horn.

Of course Mighty Man got in on the action.

I forgot to share this with my last post, but I wanted to let you all in on the current state of our real estate market here.  Evidently this is what you can get with $50K - and it needs everything!  We thought a picture of this poor house might provide some solace for those of you “in the market” somewhere else.

Our old, faithful Golden ReBEAVER.  There will soon be a video to explain this joke in our sweet little family!  This old girl has brought many memories and laughs throughout the years that we’ve had her.  She is nine years old now, but still runs like a puppy.  She just doesn’t understand the concept of ‘getting older’.  She was just told she shouldn’t run *that* hard anymore.  The nerve of her - sticking her tounge out at us!

We’ve seen many of these this year.  It amazes me to watch them work - they are so diligent and they don’t seem to fret about anything.  Unless antagonized, they keep to themselves and go about their work.

The girls love to ride their bikes and a trip to Mammouth Tree is just what the doctor ordered!  It is sometimes hard for me to believe how proficient Sydney has become on her bike.  It was only just months ago that she didn’t want Daddy to take his hand off the back of her seat and here she is keeping up with her big sister.  They get along so well - I feel very blessed they have become best friends through our time here.

Another picture of Mammouth Tree.  It really is an outstanding tree in size.  On the trail to this bank of the river, other trees in normal size, 4-6″ diameter, line the trails, but this one stands out.  It puts it in proportion to see Mighty Man next to it, Alisha peering out from behind the tree, and Sydney just being plain goofy.

Another view of God’s extraordinary creation.

More Fall foliage here in Texas.

This is a picture of a complete stranger.  Why did I take this picture, you ask?  No reason besides it was just a strange site to see.  Can you guess what he is doing?  The black tray he is holding with his face in it has a clear, plastic bottom - making it simple for him to view the bottom of the river.  We became apprised of this by asking “What, exactly, are you looking for?”  He had no problem telling us all about his adventures and finds throughout the time he’s been enjoying this ‘hobby’.  We thought this was rather strange, but it wasn’t too awful long after that, the girls found that he had a great idea.  They put their goggles on and under the water they went.  And not to be disappointed…

This is what the girls found on the bottom of the river on ONE small bend.  Makes wearing shoes a requirement for swimming in the river.  It breaks my heart to see the things people have no trouble throwing in the beautiful, crystal clear, wonderful river.

Just one close-up from above.  This is a BONE.  We don’t know of who (or what), but we found three parts.  You can imagine the surprise of the find.  Of course our Golden ReBEAVER wanted to eat them.

A little bit of river-weed caught on my shoe.  This is what cleans the water so well.  It amazes me how God has everything set-up to take care of the other.  To think, these little strands of foliage that I consistently don’t like to step in, could be eaten.  Not going to garnish a salad with them anytime soon!

The power and force of nature.

A little more Texas foliage.

And a little more, with a small surprise inside.  Can you find the surprise?

And off to home we traveled.  Back into the complex where we are currently resting and calling home.  It’s a nice little place.  We have a cozy home that provides us with luxuries that many don’t have.  We are able to pray, read our Bibles, hold bible study meetings, be a family, watch good movies together (like tonight), make nutritious meals, give hugs and kisses good-night, watch the sun rise and set, laugh, and even cry.  Where the arms of God shelters us from harm and His voice reaches us daily.  I thank Him that we have so much. 

I thank you for coming by for a visit, but I have to close this one for now.  Time to climb under the covers on Mom and Dad’s bed to watch a movie together.  Until next time, be Blessed.

In His Grace - Lori

 

 

3 Comments

Posted in A Little Bit of Fun

Posted by: Lori | October 11, 2008

a simple saturday

I haven’t been here much recently.  I’ve been devoting my time to my lovely family life.  It has become increasingly important for me to make every moment count.  Stopping to take a deep, invigorating breath of joy into my life.  Not allowing the menial things, of this world, change the direction the Lord has given each of my days.  Still more work to be done in all these areas as there is so much I still want to do.  So many more things than simply mopping the surface of the floor, but rather allowing Him a deep cleaning within the rooms of my heart. 

“Search me, O God, and know my heart:  try me, and know my thoughts:  And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.”

Precious memories being made and etched into my heart and mind each and every minute of each and every day.  And I thank the good Lord for each of those that I am able to recount, bringing tears to my eyes as the once tiny toes gracefully graduate into more grown-up fittings and the hands that once fit inside of mine, are now a mamma’s hands in the making.

Sisters.

God’s creation in all of it’s Fall splendor, here, in Texas.

Treasured blessings to train in His ways each and every day.

Wonderful thrift-store finds to adorn family heirlooms.

The river is amazingly clear with the ability to see fresh water turtles returning home after a days work of finding food - ten feet under the water’s surface.

With a rope swing as a means of entrance into the clear water that flows, from a natural spring, 72 degrees all year through.

And bridges to jump from as yet another means to enter the crystal clear waters.

And daddy to hold on to tightly, knowing he will protect, save, and love.

Husband’s hands making sweet music.

I pray we all take the time and appreciate what we, indeed, already have in our precious lives.  Allowing not the world to take away from us what He has so generously given.  The little things of His splendorous creation.  The warm fuzzy hugs from the treasured ones He has, so discerningly, put in our lives.  The sweet tunes that come from notes flowing, ever-so tenderly, over the strings.  Our place of Origin, beginning with each breath we take in.  Finding Peace in who we are because He made us exactly how He saw fit.  And for those of you who are stuggling and carrying heavy burdens - lay them at His feet and frolic in the splendor of His grace.  He loves you and will never leave your side - you are the apple of His eye.

As for me, I had better call this this finished as it is time to snuggle in for the night and prepare a heart for more worship tomorrow.  We will be getting up earlier than usual as we have offered to be the greeters this month at the church we attend.  I feel so blessed in doing this job as we are able to serve as a family.  Alisha stands at one door and Daddy, Sydney, and I stand at the double sets.  I love to see the smiling faces and for those that don’t have a smile - I’m always attempting to create one.  I pray you have a wonderful Sunday of rest.  Until next time - be blessed. 

In His Grace, Lori

 

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Posted in A Little Family Fun

Posted by: Lori | October 8, 2008

the scripturally fortified family

I have read so many posts lately about how to make a ’strong, happy, close’ family.  And all that I’ve read have been great ideas.  Games played together, consistent dinner-time for the family, bedtime prayers - all of these are great things to implement, but the one ingredient missing is the word of God.  What about Holy Scripture?  A game, among the family, is just that; a game.  But has there been scripture taught in how to handle winning or loosing that simple game?  The way things are handled [in that game] are a reflection on how happenings will be handled in days to come.  Is there humility taught to the winner, is there courage to try and try again, with a happy heart, to the one(s) who don’t “take home the trophy”?

“Train up a child in the way he should go:  and when he is old, he will not depart from it.”  Proverbs 22:6

My husband and I try to implement the Word into each and every daily activity (not always succeeding).  It is terribly important as Mammas and Pappas to know Scripture ourselves, in order to pass it along when needed [in a moment's notice].  Being in the Word is not enough.  I have to understand what the Scripture means when applied to my life in order to pass it along to the next generation.  And furthermore, make sure that next generation has an understanding of what it means for them, regardless of self and the world around them.

“Finally, Brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.”  Philippians 4:8

We are the Body and need to be a scripturally fortified people and make the same of our own households; scripturally fortified families.  Have you taken your Vitamin today?  If not, open up the Sword and ingest your daily dose.

“A merry heart doeth good like a medicine:  but a broken spirit drieth the bones.”  Proverbs 17:22

In all things just love Him and it will spill over into your little blessings.  If they see that you love Him and do good because of that - they too will love Him and want to be pleasing forthe Lord.  And love them.  Give an extra hug today and smooch with your hubby this evening.  Show him you’ve been thinking about him and waiting for him to come home - let the kiddos see you smooch in the kitchen - it shows them how to love their [future] spouse(s).  And of course in all things, give thanks dear ones.  I am abundantly thankful for all your sweet comments.  I look forward to and love to read each of them.  It makes my heart happy when I see another little note pop up, especially thought of and written with me in mind.  I pray you have a grand hump-day!  Until next time - be Blessed!

In His Grace - Lori

4 Comments

Posted in Strings To My Heart

Posted by: Lori | October 7, 2008

bean counter chowder

Another fine recipe (that same friend asked me for) you may be interested in.  A family favorite around here in the cold autumn/winter months.  This is a truly frugal soup as it will only cost you [about] $.35 per serving when it’s all said and done.  I have felt an urgency to learn to cook beans in a multitude of ways and we are really enjoying the fruit of my labors. 

  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
    (I always add more)
  • 1/2 C. chopped onion
  • 1 tablespoon oil
    (whichever type you use)
  • 1 medium tomato, chopped
    (or one can of diced toms)
  • 2 cans (or five cups) chicken broth
  • 1-3/4 C. water
  • 1/2 tsp. each dried basil, oregano, and
    celery flakes
  • 1/4 tsp. pepper
  • 3 cans (or 1/2 lb. dry - cooked) great
    northern beans or pinto beans
  • 1 C. uncooked elbow macaroni
  • 1 tbs. minced fresh parsley
    (you can also use dried)

In a large saucepan, saute onion and garlic in oil until tender.  Add tomato; simmer for 5 minutes.  Add the broth, water, and seasonings.  Bring to a boil; cook for 5 minutes.  Add canned/cooked - dry - beans and uncooked macaroni; return to a boil.  Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, for 15 minutes or until macaroni is tender.  Sprinkle with parsley.

I hope your family enjoys this one as much as ours does.  Until next time, dear friends, be Blessed! 

In His Grace - Lori

1 Comment

Posted in What's Cooking In the Kitchen

Posted by: Lori | October 6, 2008

homemade tomato soup

I am still here, but just haven’t had a lot to say lately (which is strange for me). I have just been spending time with my family; giving them all my attention and loving on them a whole lot.  That is, however, the most important thing we do in our lives as mammas and wives.

Love, love, love.  Daddy needs that too - not just the babes!  As we have settled into our new little home and time seems to be more plentiful, I have been able to get a handle on all the little things that I *still* want to do with my little ones.  Although - not quite as little as they once were - I still have much I so want to teach them.  They are growing up so quickly - becoming wonderful little women right before my eyes.  Like flashes of light - one day learning to walk, the next, learning to drive.  Where does the time go and how can I make them stay with me longer?  They must spread their wings and fly, but I still have a *to-do* list to accomplish and a heart to prepare.  Just an abbreviated list of to-do’s:

  • learn to sew together
  • learn to crochet together
  • plant a garden together
  • make lots of meals together
  • read His word together
  • teach cursive to the youngest
  • give more kisses and hugs
  • read more good books to them
  • teach the oldest Algebra

So today, there is a heavenly smell coming from the kitchen as Split-Pea-Soup is simmering in the crock pot.   Veggies tenderly and lovingly cut by four *little* hands.  We are purposed to make this cake.  There’s a cake-walk as an activity during this weekend’s festivities at the church we attend and I’ve volunteered to make (at least) one cake.  I thought this would be a great choice for Fall.  I do, however, think it would be a good thing to give it a trial run, so either tonight or tomorrow night we’re having a beautiful, yummy dessert.  Doesn’t it look wonderful?  If you haven’t been over to Jewel’s blog - you simply must go.  She has such a talent for photography, writing, and being a loving mamma to eight blessings (as well as two grand-blessings)!  She and her family are an inspiration to us.

********************

A dear friend of mine asked me for a recipe that I use and I thought I would archive it in the case she might *loose* the recipe again (although Nana actually wrote it down ;))  This is a wonderful homemade tomato soup that I came across many years ago and replaced the typical Campbell’s with it:

  • 2 C. sliced carrots
  • 1 C. chopped celery
  • 1 small onion, chopped
  • 1/2 C. chopped green pepper
  • 1/4 C. real butter
  • 4-1/2 cups chick broth
  • 4 medium tomatoes, peeled
    and chopped (4 cups) or 3-4
    cans ‘diced tomatoes’
  • 4 tsp. sugar
  • 1/2 tsp. curry powder
  • 1/2 tsp. salt
  • 1/4 tsp. pepper
  • 1/4 C. flour (all-purpose or
    freshly milled is fine)

In a large pan, saute carrots, celery, onion, and green pepper in butter until tender.  Ad 4 cups broth (saving 1/2 cup of the broth), tomatoes, sugar, curry powder, salt; bring to boil.  Reduce heat; simmer for 20 minutes.  In a small bowl, combine the flour and remaining broth until smooth.  Gradually add to soup.  Bring to a boil; cook ans stir for 2 minutes.

This is yummy Autumn meal served with a green salad and homemade bread (slathered in real butter of course).  Sometimes I serve plain, cooked, brown rice and let everyone put their own desired amounts in it.

So there, you have it - a bit of catch-up and a great recipe too!  I wish all of you the best of Mondays and look forward to showing some pics of our *cake extravaganza*.  Until next time, be Blessed! 

Lovingly, In His Grace - Lori

3 Comments

Posted in What's Cooking In the Kitchen

Posted by: Lori | September 26, 2008

a week in pics at our new home: main bath

Well, after a night (and a day) out thrifting I’m ready to sit down and show you another space.  But you’re not getting a ‘good’ room tonight - I’m giving you the main bath, which, I know, is no big deal.  Our room (which I’m still working on) and the girl’s room will be for next week.  Aahhh….the suspense!

Sporting the $.99 thrift store shower curtain with an islet ruffle at the top, that just looks plain country, is the main bath

and another quirky trash can.  A dry measure that I found at a thrift store for $.99.

Curtains?  In the bathroom?  On the mirror?  You bet!  The mirror just looked harsh and plain so I wanted to soften the lines without doing the same exact thing I did in the 1/2 bath.  Spare tension rod - spare valance - wallah!

The vanity with (of course) glass jars…

and a dainty cup of flowers - both (flowers & cup) are thrift shop finds.  I bought the cup several weeks ago for $.49 to hold toothbrushes and toothpaste, but the girls began putting not only their toothbrushes in it, but their hair brushes too.  I had issues with that so I found the green toothbrush holder today ($.99) and found the flowers that matched GREAT just today also for only $.49.  The candle sitting in the background is the nightlight for this bath.  It works well and gives our youngest something specific to do at bedtime.  AND they all just happen to match…

this bathroom set that I found at Goodwill for $6.

Picture above towels was a find for $1.99 some time ago (thrift store of course) and the towels just happen to be on sale for $1 recently at Wal*Mart.  And look, they match!

This little basket was a quick fix for all our shower needs like razors, combs, and foot tools.

This is the cabinet that hangs over the throne so I filled the top with a few of the extras I had lying around.  The candlestick holder is being replaced with a pewter one as the red one is going on the bedside table with a utility candle soon.  The box you see is an OLD battery.  I hate to get rid of something so old, but it really is a useless item!

And of course the throne itself.  My mother had the Bonnell sign made for us a long time ago.  It didn’t look right anywhere else and fits perfectly (in size) in this space.  The balls below it are a little bit of fru fru.  Another thrifting find - I loved the bowl and the balls smell of baby powder - I couldn’t resist.

Well, that is it for this week.  I will be posting more pics next week.  There are no more baths so you can rest assured they will be “good” rooms ;)  Thanks for all your comments and I hope you’ve enjoyed this week in pics of our new home.  I’m really beginning to like it here!  I would love to see pics of your home!  Like I said last night, I enjoy being a looky-lou!  Until we meet again, be Blessed!

4 Comments

Posted in Corners of My Home

Posted by: Lori | September 26, 2008

kicked out

Sorry ladies, I dropped the ball tonight.  I was preparing myself for which room I was going to show and hubby came home and threw me for a loop - by kicking me out of the house.  He took over with dinner and told me to……GO THRIFTING.  How, I ask, how could I refuse?!?!?  So with cash in pocket, I left to go a-thriftin’, hence, there will be no tour of home *tonight*, but I will show some pics of various other things to satisfy the urge of looking into someone else’s life!  Sorry, I’m only assuming you all are like me!!!  I love being a looky-lou ;)

Before…

After…

Before…

After…

The most current happening - Ladybug lost her 6th tooth!

Oops at Mammouth tree…

Our two friends at the garage sale - they didn’t sell!  Anyone interested?

Acting goofy in one of the few summer rain *storms*.

Both girls at Mammouth tree checking the status of Dad’s geocache.

A little nook for the aprons.

Bug hamming it up for the camera and showing off her new *holes*.

3 Comments

Posted in My Treasured Blessings

Posted by: Lori | September 24, 2008

a week in pics at our new home: kitchen

Well, I’m to (almost) every woman’s haven - the kitchen; home away from home!  Aahh yes, I spend most of my time in this room, which could explain a few things, but that’s beside the point.  I have had fun in this room.  I decided I wasn’t going to go with a ‘theme’, like usual, but rather decorate with all I use.  Imagine that - a functional kitchen!  I love it!  The kitchen is paired with a dinette as this apartment does not offer a FORMAL dining room - which, by the way, is fine with me.  The dinette serves dual purpose as ‘homeschool central’ for us as well.  In any case, enough talk…

The kitchen…

Functional decorating at its best!

A full view.

Large pantry - I can’t complain!

More functional decorating - my cutting boards (isn’t the pear cute?).

Glass jars.  Remember, I *like* glass jars?!?!

And…more…glass jars (on the back of the stove).

Homeschool central as you can see (by the way - the whiteboard was FREE).

This is the table we found on Craigslist for less than $100.

Well, that was it for the kitchen/dinette area of our humble little abode.  I am waiting for a couple little things to make it all complete.  I would like to find a small bakers rack to hold our daily homeschool books. I would also like to find a couple rugs, that match, for the kitchen (5×7) and dining room (round), but until I stumble upon those - the floors will be bare.  I hope you’ve enjoyed tonight’s little tour.  I’ll see you tomorrow for yet another room in this tour of our home!  Until next time, be Blessed!

12 Comments

Posted in Corners of My Home

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