Blogtober

Two of the blogs that I follow regularly, Catherine & Ashley, did a 30 days of blogging,
issued from this challenge, and I realized that I enjoyed checking in everyday to see what they were writing about and I thought that I world try this as well. 

Welcome to Blogtober:

Rule #1 There really aren't any rules. If you miss a day, you can make it up or skip it. The blog police will not come knocking.

Day one coming soon!

Blessings

a day in her life

 

8:20 am wake up

8:30 am head downstairs start the kettle for a morning cuppa tea

8:32 am turn on bx93

8:35 am sit at computer check e-mails, answer e-mails, check facebook spend the several minutes scrolling through the lives of friends

9:20 am the hubs comes home from driving bus, take the puppy and catch a ride to the end of the side road and walk the 2K home

9:45 am eat some breakfast, usually fruit, greek yogurt and granola, either toss a load of laundry in the washer, or bake something delicious, it just depends on the day

10:12 am back at the computer, now reading through the blogs I follow - with this one as my favourite

11:25 am hang the clean clothes out on the wash line, straighten up the main floor living areas

12:00 pm watch “the big bang theory” on tv

12:30 pm eat some lunch, usually a salad of some kind {caesar, spinach, taco/nacho} or a wrap

12:45 pm read newest book borrowed from the library {if it’s nice I end up sitting outside}

2:12 pm the hubs is ready to head back out for his afternoon bus run, take the puppy and catch a ride - two side roads over and walk the 4k home

2:59 am finish tidying up the house, take down laundry and put away, or put fresh baking in containers, and read until the hubs is home

4.20 pm take the puppy and walk out to meet the bus - catch a ride in the lane, help close windows on the bus

4:25 pm start the kettle for an afternoon cuppa tea and check facebook updates

5:15 pm start supper preparations

5:30 pm watch “the big bang theory” on tv, during commercials continue making supper

6:00 pm watch “the big bang theory” on tv, during commercials continue making supper

6:30 pm eat supper

7:00 pm clean up supper, wash the dishes, put the kitchen back in order

7:35 pm sit at computer check e-mails, answer e-mails, check facebook {again} spend the several minutes scrolling through the lives of friends, write a blog post

8:05 pm read book

9:05 pm head to bed, read a bit more

9:35 pm turn off light and get some sleep - another busy {smirk} day tomorrow

so tell me, what does your day look like?

blessings

lately...

 in my kitchen:

stuffed peppers, pulled beef, honey sesame chicken

 

on my night table:

who do you think you are by mark driscoll, northern lights by nora roberts,
the longest ride by nicholas sparks, it happens in the dark by carol o’connell,
crying wolf by peter abrahams

through my speakers:

bx 93, chris tomlin on cd ~ especially lovin' this song

search engine history:

blogger, facebook, mennonite girls can cook

readings in my bible:

philippians, psalms

 

enjoyment:

time spent with family, reading, walking

 

tv shows:

game of thrones, survivor, the big bang theory
 

movies:

bucket list, oblivion, arbitrage, finding nemo - borrowed from the library

how about you?  what are you doing... lately?

blessings

Alone

I often ask myself how and why I can feel so alone in a crowded room. There is an ache deep in my heart to belong. I’ve always felt like I am a bit different ... I have an intense desire to be a part of… something.

Lonely for me comes from a place deep down in my own heart. Not being enough has sort of been a faithful companion in life… always there, reminding me of ways I didn’t fit in or belong.

It’s in that place where the lies tell me,
“you’re not good enough”
“you don’t belong”
“you will never measure up”
“you don’t fit in”.

At times, these lies surface and I run to the nearest dark and lonely corner, because that’s where I believe I belong.  But that’s because I was measuring myself by the wrong perspective.

Which gets me to thinking about how small and insignificant I often feel. Compared to most people and their accomplishments, I feel small, almost unnoticeable. There is something inside of me that wants to be great, to know that I matter, to know that what I do is making an eternal difference.

That’s what comparison does: it skews our view of ourselves and we begin to believe the lie ~ the one that says we aren’t pretty enough
smart enough
stylish enough
skinny enough
tall enough
young enough
good enough. When we feel small and insignificant, we need to remind ourselves that God sees us, and we have to believe that what we have to offer matters.

Just Think
by Roy Lessin

Just think,
you’re here not by chance,
but by God’s choosing.
His hand formed you
and made you the person you are.
He compares you to no one else.
You are one of a kind.
You lack nothing
that His grace can’t give you.
He has allowed you to be here
at this time in history
to fulfill His special purpose
for this generation.

Let us then encourage one another ~ for what you do does not go unnoticed ~ what you do does not go unseen ~ for the One who truly matters is pleased with your humble offerings.

Blessings

done!

we've all dealt with mean girls from time to time, throughout our lives... and while I know that we should extend grace to those we meet, because we don't know the circumstances they could be struggling with, but sometimes, ok honestly, most times, i just want to say this:

Mama always told me that I should play nice
She didn't know you when she gave me that advice
I'm through, with you
You're one bridge I'd like to burn
Bottle up the ashes, smash the urn
I'm through with you, la ti da
I don't wanna be your just for fun,
Don't wanna be under your thumb
All I wanna be is…done
DONE ~ The Band Perry

i'm loving this song, these days!

blessings

Which way?

Ever feel like you're standing at a fork in the road. Considering which is the best way to go?

Do you choose the left or the right? With both ways look equally worn and equally overlaid with un-trodden leaves, how then do you decide which is the best way to go... Do you just start walking?  What if you end up at a dead-end? Or you reach another crossroad ~ do you continue guessing which way to go?

Every day, we make hundreds of decisions. Most are so mundane that we don’t even think about them.

Like:
* should we get up when the alarm rings or hit the snooze button a few times
* what to have for dinner
* what to wear to work
* coke or pepsi
* which bathroom stall to enter

Some are easy, others, more difficult.

How do you make decisions?

Do you write out the pros & cons? Do you flip a coin? Pray? Seek advice from family & friends? Do you search the internet googling how to make decisions?

Or do you turn to the Good Book and read: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”  Philippians 4:6 & 7 {New International Version {NIV} }

We find ourselves at a crossroad in our lives. And, it's these life changing decisions that do not come easy for me. I tend to procrastinate and think long and hard before deciding, trying to determine which is the best way for us. It's like we're standing at a fork in the road, and we're hesitating on which way we should go.  Since we cannot see what's around the bend, and unless we want to stand in the woods forever, we must make a decision. 

I’m not sure that there is a Right path ~ just the chosen path and the other path.

So whichever road we travel, we must first take a step of faith “And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.” Romans 8:28 {New Living Translation {NLT}}

What do you do when you have trouble with making a decision?

Blessings

Letter "B"

Oh how I use to love sitting with the kids watching Sesame street, with the lovable Muppet characters teaching my kids all about letters, numbers and colours.

Featuring the fab insect 4, “The Beetles”…This one is obviously a spoof of the song “Let It Be“ by the Beatles.

Our word today begins with the letter “B”

Can you imagine looking at yourself in the mirror and declaring, “I am beautiful!” and not saying that other B word?

Can you do it? Or is it too hard? Can you see my hand raised high?

I am only beginning to walk the path toward self acceptance. It is not something I am familiar with, and I find myself uncomfortable after the long decades of self criticism. I’m not skinny enough. I’m not tall enough. I’m not athletic enough. I’m not pretty enough. I’m not talkative enough. I’m not social enough. I’m not obedient enough. I’m not talented enough.

I’m not good enough.

Do these statements sound familiar to you?

I know for me, that sometimes I feel so ordinary and invisible…like I am just one of millions of others. Not quite fitting in, desperately trying to find my place. But the thing is, I am one of a kind ~ a unique and beautiful blend of all God wants me to be.

Thankfully, the Lord sees us differently. He sees the beauty. He sees the potential. He sees the gifts bestowed to us, merely waiting to bloom. We are formed by His hands. Beautiful and complex. Unique like the stars.

When we accept ourselves and learn to whisper, “I am beautiful because the Lord made me,” perhaps then our wholehearted beauty will burst forth.

Blessings

Salsa Making 101

Start with the best salsa recipe. 
Grab your daughter and her friend.
Chop until your wrists are sore, eyes are blurred with tears, fingers are numb, arms hurt and the house smells.
And you'll have the best salsa ever!

Using this recipe from my Aunt Virginia.
Salsa
8 cups peeled, chopped tomatoes {scald in boiling water}
1 cup green pepper, chopped
1 cup yellow pepper, chopped
4 jalepeno peppers,{no seeds} chopped
2 jalepeno peppers, {with seeds} chopped
2 cups cooking onions, chopped
3 cloves minced garlic
Mix Together and Add
3/4 cup vinegar
2 T salt
2 T basil
3/4 tsp pepper
1 tsp parsley
Combine and cook uncovered until thickened.  Remove from heat and stir in 2 small tins of tomato paste.  Pour in clean jars and seal. 

We spent the afernoon on Saturday; chopping, chatting, dicing, chatting, mixing, chatting, stirring,  chatting, cooking, chatting and pouring.  Making the most delicious salsa ever. Did I mention we she chatted? 

After 7 hours, 14 batches and 65 jars later, to say we were tired was an understatement.  But what an accomplishment! 

Blessings

Dinner's ready!

Nothing says comfort food, quite like soup & biscuits.

Potato and Ham Chowder

Ingredients
1 box (4.7 oz) Betty Crocker® scalloped potatoes
1 cup diced fully cooked ham 4 cups chicken broth
2 medium stalks celery, chopped (1 cup)
1 medium onion, chopped (1/2 cup)
1/8 teaspoon pepper
2 cups half-and-half
1/3 cup all-purpose flour

Instructions
Mix Potatoes, Sauce mix from potatoes, ham, broth, celery, onion and pepper in slow cooker. Cover and cook on low heat setting 7 hours.
Mix half-and-half and flour. Gradually stir half-and-half mixture into chowder until blended.
Cover and cook on low heat setting 1 hour, stirring occasionally, until thickened and vegetables are tender.

Rosemary & Cheddar Biscuits

Ingredients
2 cups all-purpose flour
½ cup (softened) butter
2 tsp baking powder
¾ cup shredded cheddar cheese
¾ tsp salt
2 tsp dried rosemary
approx. 1 cup milk

Instructions
Preheat your oven to 400 degrees. Combine the dry ingredients (flour, baking powder, cheese, salt and rosemary) in a large bowl and stir until combined.
Add the butter to the dry ingredients and using a fork work it in until the mixture takes on a sandy texture.
Starting with ¾ cup, add just enough milk to moisten the mixture into a thick, paste-like texture. Scoop 8 dollups of the biscuit dough onto the paper (about ⅔ cup each).
Bake the biscuits in the fully preheated 400 degree oven for 18-22 minutes or until they are golden brown on the surface. Serve warm.

ENJOY!

Blessings

Where were you?

September 11, 2001

Where were you?

There are those moments in life, when we can pinpoint exactly where we were when we heard tragic news. Whether it's when Elvis died, JFK was shot, Buddy Holly's plane went down, or when those planes crashed into the Twin Towers; most of us can tell you precisely where we were 12 years ago.

 

As I reflect on this day in history, I recall a conversation I had with my kids as they came home from school, that day.  We talked about this tragic incident and whether or not we should fear for our lives.  But I gently reminded them, that our God is the one who holds the universe and while this a horrible thing to have happened, God is in control of all things.

On this 9/11 may we be reminded of this.

Psalm 91:1 {New International Version {NIV}}

“Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Alimighty.”

 

Blessings

Overwhelmed

Ever feel so overwhelmed, that depression creeps in and pitches a tent and plans to stay?

Yeah, me too.

I tend to have a difficult time when life is so overwhelming {like now} and I know there is nothing I can do to change it. I love my life, my family and I wouldn’t trade them for anything. But the fact that I have several health issues causes moments of sheer panic and that these will not likely change anytime soon.

To say I've been overwhelmed is an understatement.

I've felt bitter that I can't do the things and complete the projects I'd like to.
I've felt sad that I can't be everything to everybody.
Even though I know I can't possibly be and am not created to be.

I've sat staring out the window, because I have no idea what to do with myself sometimes.
I've felt upset that I'm so worn out that I can't even stay up and enjoy myself.
Even though rest is what I really need.

There are days when I don't feel like I'm truly okay...life is spinning fast and there are things to do, places to be, friends to see, and on and on the list goes.

I feel like I'm not enough.

And yet ...

This is what He has for me.

I have faith that He will see me through by His strength. I still stink at having a good attitude sometimes. But, to the best of my ability, I will rely on Him. And this I'm going to do. For Him.

 Colossians 3:17 {New International Version {NIV}}
“And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”

Blessings

Just Peachy

Pie, pie, oh me, oh my!

My Auntie Arlene has the best peach pie! EVER!

Her recipe:
Peach Pie
Ingredients:
Peaches, diced
½ cup white sugar
2 tablespoons flour
Mix together sugar and flour and pour over diced peaches, stir and let sit until dissolved. Pour into an unbaked pie shell.
Crumb Mixture:
1/3 cup flour
½ cup brown sugar
¼ cup {scant} softened butter
Using a fork mix together until crumbly.
Cover the peaches in the pie shell with crumbs.
Bake 425° for 10 minutes, reduce heat to 350° and continue baking 30 minutes or until crust is golden.

Enjoy!

Blessings

Mixed Review

Usually I am not one that likes to try new places, I like to stay in my comfort zone of familiar restaurants or pubs. But, each time we would drive by the Crossing’s Grill & Pub, I knew this was one place I was wanting to try. So, for our anniversary we decided to give it a go. I was super pumped!

As we arrived we were quite concerned that the parking lot was full, leading us to believe the place could be packed and without reservations, we thought we might not even get in. We found an open spot just past the “no parking beyond this point” sign, and since we could not find anywhere else, decided to nab it up. Praying we wouldn’t get towed.

The restaurant is located in a beautiful big old yellow brick house that sits majestically on a hill. The outdoor patio buzzed with excited energy and was comfortably full with seemingly satisfied patrons. You enter through the front doors and are greeted by the staff {all girls} dressed in what appeared to be a catholic school uniform, with skirts that were so short that if they bent over … well I’m sure you get the idea.

Once seated, we were quickly greeted by our server and we ordered a couple beverages, I was quite excited when they had Blackberry Somersby. She returned in a flash, and we ordered an appetizer as we were quite hungry. As we looked over the menu we noticed a decent selection of choices, however, it was mainly pub food. Fish ‘n chips, pizza, burgers, sandwiches, salads, there was a small “patron's choice” page with trout, ribs, chicken et al, however the prices were quite steep. We soon decided a grilled chicken & brie sandwich with a side caesar salad for me and a bacon burger & fries for the hubs.

Our appetizer “Pale Ale & Cheddar Dip served with crostini” was served and we were soon dipping our bread and sampling the dish. Thankfully our server came back quickly to “see” how things were, and I asked “is this supposed to be hot?” and with her affirmative response, we then expressed some disappointment that ours was not. As she quickly whisked it away to, I presumed to reheat it, I said to Wayne “you know really they should give us a new one” . To my surprise she returned with a new order of our appetizer ~ hot and delicious!

While we waited for our entrees, we perused the dessert menu and I was holding out for the Oreo cookie vanilla cheesecake. However, once our dinner came I knew two things right away, 1) we not be getting dessert, and 2) I wasn’t sure I’d be able eat everything on my plate. The portions were huge and very nicely presented. Delicious!

While the food is obviously the main attraction of any restaurant, we were pleasantly surprised that even though it’s listed as a grill & pub, it wasn’t obnoxiously loud like most. The décor, while still sporting tv’s in the corners, they were neither loud, nor distracting.

As we finished our dinner, we declined the opportunity for dessert. Our server brought the bill and we were actually surprised that our appetizer had been removed from our bill.

While the dining experience was satisfactory, it wasn’t the WOW factor I had anticipated. Even though it’s listed as a grill & pub, I had an expectation of something a bit more refined. If you’re looking for an alternative to Jack Astor’s, Kelsey’s, Montana’s, Applebee’s, Crabby Joes and the like, then this is a great place. However, if you’re looking for a casual fine dining experience for those special celebrations in life, this is not it.

But you decide for yourself ~ the restaurant is located at 1269 Hyde Park Road London Ontario. Opened ~ Sunday to Thursday:11am-11pm and Friday & Saturday:11am-1am.

Blessings

Anniversary

Three months.

That’s how long we dated before we got engaged. And ten months after that, we said “I do!” Way to fast.

How do you know he is the right person?

Twenty-seven years later....

We’ve been married over a quarter of a century, and no matter how you phrase it, especially in our culture of divorce-made-easy, that's a l-o-o-o-ng time.

Watching the Disney Classics of Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty and Snow White, I had this unrealistic image in my head of what a marriage was to look like. A fairytale right.

Because I started questioning myself.
Did I do the right thing?
Did I marry the right person?
How do I know?

What if I married the wrong guy and the guy I was to marry, married the wrong girl because I married the wrong guy. {You can get yourself sick over this question. Even if you have prayed and prayed, and knew God was telling you yes.} Then I started nit picking on him. I did the worse thing a wife could do… I compared him to other husbands, those who took off two weeks in the summer, those who weren’t tied down to their own business.

My fairytale didn’t look like a fairytale, in fact it looked like the evil witch. I started looking at all the wrong things about him. And selfishly I prayed that God would change him. To the guy, I thought in my mind, was the “right” guy. I went to God with this image and this list, on how I wanted my husband to be. Change this and this and that. And oh God I really hate that about him, so please change that too. I couldn’t believe how ungrateful I had become. Really the problem in my marriage wasn’t if I married the right person or not. The problem, was {gulp} me.

So often we focus on “finding the right person” that we forget to be the right person.

God likely enjoyed himself when he matched the two of us, opposites in so many ways ~ except for we’re both strong-willed and opinionated. I’d say we’re lovers and fighters. And when I look at our amazing children I have no doubt that he was and is The One.

Happy Anniversary darling!

Blessings

Fall Cleaning

I’ve been busy, {hence the quiet on the blog - has anyone even noticed?} with cleaning, purging, some major re-organizing and have done some fall cleaning too! My mother would be so proud!

In June 2010, our daughter married her sweetheart, that following September both Kyle & Darcy left for college. Going from a full house to an empty one in the matter of a short few months. When our daughter and her husband bought their first home, I went through this old farmhouse and gathered up all her “stuff”, and took it to her new house. The boys rooms, however I left alone.  Until this week, when I realized that I sincerely doubt they will ever move back home and it’s quite silly to leave their rooms looking as if they are just away at college. Both of them are now living with a chum at an apartment and have pretty well taken from the farm most of what it is they want to keep. The “stuff” that’s left behind is primarily old papers, clothes that no longer fit, some keepsakes, but mostly it’s just stuff that someone else could likely benefit from.

So, the last time the boys came home, I had them go through their rooms, dressers & closets; giving me an idea of what to keep, what to toss, and for the past few days I did just that.

I’ve taken 4 large recycling bags to the local thrift shop,

sold some of the furniture, two large boxes are waiting to be burned and the keepsakes are boxed up and ready to be moved.

Not only was I physically exhausted, I was also emotionally drained. As I was packing up their belongings, I was really struggling.  It somehow felt like I was erasing them from our lives. And then I was reminded of these wise words that had been spoken to me “you are not erasing them from your lives by removing their stuff, those are just things”.

For the rest of this year and through the winter of 2014, my goal is to go through each room of the farmhouse; cleaning, purging and organizing each cupboard & closet, until I am rid of the excess. After all, as I've told the farmer, when {not if} we leave the farm most this stuff is not coming with us, and if that’s the case, then why I am hanging on to it?

Blessings

It's about him

The ABC’s of him:
A - athletic
B - bouncer
C - comical
D - dependable
E - energetic
F - friendly
G - gallant
H - humorous
I -incredible
J - jovial
K- kindhearted
L - lovable
M - memorable
N - nifty
O - out-going
P - patient
Q - quiet
R - reflective
S - stylish
T - tattooed
U - upstanding
V - valiant
W- willing
X - xtraordinary
Y - young
Z- zombie-hunter

This is just few characteristics of our son, who is celebrating his birthday, today!

Happy Birthday, Kyle!  May you be blessed this year!
Love Mom

Blessings