Embracing My Blessings

Scripture Sunday - Be Strong and Courageous

2012-01-22T16:24:00.000-06:00

This scripture has been in my mind this week as I've been thinking about the topics of Strength and Courage. For most of my adult life I've had to rely on my own strength for many different situations. When I discovered my relationship with God, I realized He was there with me all along and that he is always with me now. I could have been angry and bitter (and I've had my moments) but I've always thought there was more to life than that! This scripture would have given me some peace in those early days and it's a good reminder for me now when I'm struggling. I hope you find some encouragement today as well.

Today, I'm linking up with the Sunday Community at Jumping Tandem. I hope you'll visit there for more inspiration!

Jackie

Small Everyday Joys...

2012-01-20T07:15:00.000-06:00

"Creativity is a natural extension of our enthusiasm"

~Earl Nightingale

One of the best parts of being a Mom is watching who my children are becoming. This little guy is fun to watch. His creativity and personality are a true joy to me. Writing and drawing are one of his favorite things to do and he takes great care in deciding what he wants to say on paper whether it's a note or a drawing.

I'm glad it's Friday...for a short work week it's been kind of a long one. We have a full weekend planned with visits from my cousin Denise and her family and other activities as well.

On the menu tonight...

Meatball Sandwiches and Seasoned Potato Wedges

I hope your Friday is a great day. See you on Sunday for a scripture I've been working on this week.

Jackie

A Little Tuesday Morning Dreaming...

2012-01-17T10:56:00.000-06:00

It's Tuesday and I'm getting ready to head back to work after a 3-day weekend. And what a beautiful weekend it was...it reached 70 degrees yesterday.

In JANUARY.

In MISSOURI.

Almost unheard of I tell you...

So I'm dreaming today. Thinking of places I'd like to be and doing things I'd like to do. The last few weeks haven't been easy at my house. My husband suffers from depression. Have I told you that before? It's worse in the winter and this year seems worse than any other. He's pretty good at hiding it...so much so...that sometimes I forget he is suffering. It's difficult trying to be supportive and encouraging to him while living my own life and trying to keep things positive for the kids. That's another post for another day though.

Today Is For Dreaming.

Dreaming about things like depression not existing...kids not arguing...and bills paid in full. Dreams that can come true I think...in time.

Or Dreams Like...

Stopping at this lovely and quaint little shop in Paris...

Or this little shop in Provence...

Reading a Book Here...Flip Flops, T-Shirt and Shorts Required...

Or...How About A Cabin In The Mountains?

Or...sitting on this porch with a beautiful view of the Ocean. I can imagine hopping on that darling vintage bike and meeting some friends for coffee on a pier.

Dreams are important! Sometimes my dreams have been lost in the day-to-day. I'm trying to get them back.

Ahhhh.....That's Better...

Jackie

Hello Sunshine...

2012-01-16T10:51:00.000-06:00

When it's January in Missouri we find ourselves talking about the weather pretty often. Usually, we're talking about the dreary and cold weather. Today, we're talking about how beautiful it is outside and what we're going to do with our day off. Supposed to be 62 degrees today. It's getting mighty close from what my thermometer says.

I'm sure we'll get our share of frigid temperatures and abundance of snow before the winter is over in March...but today...I'm enjoying the warmth and sunshine. After we play outside I may have to come in and make some of these...

{On my way to 1000 gifts and connecting with Multitudes on Mondays}

25. Days off with no plans

26. Warmth and sunshine

27. Quiet mornings with God

28. Homemade Plum jelly from a friend and co-worker

29. Neighborhood friends for my boys to play with

Jackie

Scripture Sunday - Psalm 34:4

2012-01-15T10:53:00.000-06:00

God met me more than halfway,
he freed me from my anxious fears.

Psalm 34:4 (The Message)

Linking with Deidra's Sunday Community

Brrrr...Blessings On A Snowy Day...

2012-01-12T08:35:00.003-06:00

Taking cover under a bird feeder on the deck...

This week I began journaling my blessings once again. The goal to reach one thousand or more this year. How can I not be content when I write all I'm grateful for each day? Even the little things add up to Joy when they are counted.

Today we get to move a little slower as school was cancelled. The kids are ecstatic and can't wait to get outside to play. Oh, and I enjoy these days too...when I can go into work a little later or leave a little earlier (or both like today).

From the journal today...counting my way to 1000 gifts.

8. A full night's sleep when I haven't had many of those lately...

9. A flexible job for snow days like we're having today...

10. Bird friends who keep us entertained all winter long...

Bird tracks to the front porch feeder...

Jackie

Oh, For "Pinterest's" Sake...

2012-01-08T15:42:00.001-06:00

I mean...REALLY! Who knew that one little website could take up so much of my time and become so valuable to me because of the amount of information I store there? I hope Pinterest never goes away. It's become my personal creativity site. It's the best use of technology that I've seen in years. I use it every week for meal planning, recipes, gift ideas, quotes and craft inspiration. I imagine in the next month or so I will also start looking at the gardening ideas again too. I'm not quite ready for that though...I'm enjoying all my inside projects right now.

Every time I've looked at Pinterest the last few days it has been full of Valentine ideas. I've pinned some cute printables, crafts and food. Yes! Cute food! Below are some of the ideas I'm thinking about working on in the next few weeks. I can't do all of them and that's my dilemma. Not enough time for all the fun projects I want to tackle! Someday. You can see these and even more Valentine pins on my board, Oh Valentine!

XOXO!

Jackie

Time For A New Start...

2012-01-08T15:18:00.002-06:00

These first few days after Christmas and New Years are good in so many ways for me. I love the feeling of putting the Christmas Tree and all the decorations away (as much as I love them) and giving my home a good scrubbing. Everything feels fresh and clean and uncluttered for the first time in several months. I begin fall decorating in August and go right into the Christmas season. Every year I enjoy the ritual of pulling out treasured items and finding just the right place for them. I equally enjoy putting everything away. January feels like a clean slate for me in all areas.

I've never been one to have a big party and celebrate on New Years Eve. I enjoy pulling out my journal after everyone has gone to bed that night and start writing. Sounds kind of lame and boring now that I see it in writing. However, I really enjoy writing about how the previous year went for me and what I would like to change. I guess I do make resolutions, but I think of them more in the terms of goals I'd like to accomplish throughout the coming year. 2011 was a challenging year. There were moments of happiness and joy but there was a lot of sadness around several deaths beginning with my Grandpa West in April, our good friend Blake in May and our beloved dog Gracie in October. My dear cousin Denise fought her battle with breast cancer the whole of year with most of it in chemotherapy. She is doing great and I'm so proud of her!!

I feel like I lost focus for most of the year. The things I enjoy the most, writing and gardening, were put aside as I coped with a life of being too busy. We spent money we didn't have on things we didn't need and we're paying for it (literally) now. Overall, I look forward to the coming year and the HOPE that I see in it. I look forward to getting back to doing things I enjoy and being more aware of how we're spending our time and money.

I've been tossing around the thought of a defining word for my life for 2012. I've been thinking about it for a few weeks and one word keeps popping into my head....TRANSFORMATION! I'm just now starting to think about what that means for me. At first thought...I want to Transform my life into what I believe God has in store for me. I want to take more time to listen to the small, quiet, nudgings that I get from Him when I take the time. I don't know what Transformation will mean for me this coming year, but I'm looking forward to finding out.

Jackie

Following The Star...A Daily Online Advent Devotional

2011-12-13T05:00:00.000-06:00

A great morning for me is waking around 5:30am (at least an hour before my kids wake up), starting my coffee maker, throwing in a load of laundry and then heading downstairs to read, journal and pray. This time by myself each morning is so important to me and gets my day off to a great start. Sometimes it's hard to do this during the holidays though. I'm tired and busy and sometimes even sitting for 15 minutes to write something in my journal is difficult. A few years ago I discovered Following The Star...and I loved it from the first click.

I encourage you to visit the site. The music is beautiful and helps me focus. The readings are not long and are relevant to the Christmas season. If you don't already have a daily devotional time to read scripture, talk to God and focus on your day...this site is a great way to start. If you would like other devotional time ideas let me know and I would love to chat with you about it.

My Devotional Basket

Jackie

Putting The Apron On...

2011-12-12T13:44:00.002-06:00

It's time to pull out the aprons at my house...this coming weekend the oven will be busy with all the baking that will be done. All my gifts are purchased and wrapped. My house is somewhat clean...as clean as it's gonna get anyway...and now I can spend some time in the kitchen.

I'm looking forward to baking bread this weekend. My boys are really excited about taking gifts to our neighbors this year. We haven't really done this in the past...but it's never too late to start, I say! I plan to use my bread maker to make the dough and then bake in mini loaf pans in my oven. We're doing yeast bread and I have a couple of recipes that I'm going to try out. The absolute best bread machine recipe that I use often is Light Oat Bread. I'll probably use that one if the others don't work out. As my family knows....I frequently have to start over in the kitchen. I foresee that we'll be eating a few of the test runs before they ever make it out the door.

The top photo is of Ted's Mini Loaves. I don't know who Ted is...but his bread looks yummy. We'll be trying out his recipe.

The photo below is from Country Living Magazine and it's another recipe we'll be trying called Mini Country Loaves. Looks yummy and the box is adorable. I hope to find something similar to package my loaves.

I hope all your holiday baking is going well and that you're having fun with it. We're supposed to have fun, right? Sometimes, for me, the baking feels like another chore to add to my already over-packed schedule. This year, I'm trying to enjoy all the moments and not worry about perfection. So far...it's working. I'm less stressed and enjoying the holidays more. I hope you are too.

Jackie

Hey There Friends!

2011-11-28T16:39:00.001-06:00

I realized today that I haven't posted for over a month. I just can't find any time lately to write. I'm attending a Writing Retreat this Friday so I hope to get some words on paper (or screen) that day....we shall see. I had a great Thanksgiving with five, much needed, days off work! It was nice and Monday came all too quickly.

I'm looking forward to changing up the blog look to feel a bit more Christmasy...maybe I'll get a chance to work on that Friday, as well.

I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving and are enjoying your start to the Holiday Season!

Talk To You Soon...

Jackie

Thoughts On Fall...

2011-10-27T13:30:00.000-05:00

Every season has it's beauty. Fall may be the most spectacular of the four seasons, in my opinion. I sort of like the melancholy feeling this time of year and it's appropriate for me right now. I'm enjoying the fading blooms, falling leaves and the way the earth is preparing itself for the coming winter. My flower gardens are withering away, getting ready for the months of frigid cold that are ahead. I like the idea of starting over with each season and this one is no different. I'm looking forward to the upcoming holidays and staying inside spending time doing things that I don't have time to do in the warmer months. As I walked around my yard yesterday, I tried to notice the beauty in all of the fading and wilting happening around me. When I looked closely at each plant, area of my yard or portion of the sky ..instead of the whole fading and withering scene...I could really see it...The beauty in the browns and yellows and reds.

I hope you, too, can see it wherever you are.

Ecclesiastes 3:1

For everything there is a season,
a time for every activity under heaven.

Jackie

Goodbye Gracie...

2011-10-21T14:37:00.001-05:00

I was looking forward to attending the National Day On Writing festivities we were hosting yesterday. I had ideas of writing I wanted to do and was excited about attending a writing marathon to gain some new inspiration.

I didn't get to go.

When I arrived home from work on Wednesday afternoon our little dog, Gracie, was seriously struggling with her life. She had been sick and was scheduled for some surgery today but she wasn't going to make it that long. She was in serious pain and she was so weak she couldn't stand up. Wednesday night we had to take her to the Veterinary Hospital ER and she was immediately placed in their ICU. She was a sick little girl and was having kidney failure. After learning of her prognosis, we had to make the hard decision to put her to sleep. I believe this was the hardest decision I have ever had to make in my life. I know in my head that it was the right thing to do because she was in so much pain and she was 11 years old. My heart, though, is a different story...

...it is broken.

Now, we have to move forward. Moving forward with heavy hearts. We will have to take joy in the memories we have of her...

Gracie was a sweet, lovable and very patient dog. She loved to snuggle with me every SINGLE time I sat down in the living room.

She would poke her head out of the closed curtains in the living room window to watch us leave.

When I was working at the computer or cooking in the kitchen, she would sit at my feet and whine because she would want me to go snuggle on the couch with her in the living room. I would have to tell her to "go lay down...I'll be there in a minute" and she would go into the living room to wait for me.

She was always looking for the warm spot and would lay on the deck in the sun or in the foyer on the floor where the sun was shining through the door.

Patience...she had a lot of it. A great memory of her is when Kyler was wrapping her up in blankets all the time and how patient she was with all his attention to her

She was curious about these little babies that we brought home from the hospital. With both boys we were afraid she was going to jump into the bassinet with them...she wanted to see who these babies were. She loved the boys!

Her friendliness and love for every person who came into our home was one of her best qualities. She didn't know a stranger and wanted to show her love to everyone.

I have so many great memories of her...many more than I can list here.

We Love You Gracie!

Jackie

Why I Write: National Day On Writing - October 20, 2011

2011-10-17T13:19:00.000-05:00

The 3rd Annual National Day on Writing will be held this Thursday October 20th. Here at the University of Missouri we will be set up on campus and recruiting students, faculty and staff to participate in writing marathons throughout the day. Our writing marathons will be led by faculty, museum curators, landscape designers and students. They will walk us to three locations on campus and we will have short writing sessions using our surroundings as inspiration. It's fun organizing an event like this, but I'm especially looking forward to some new writing inspiration as I participate in one of the marathons.

Everyone can participate in the National Day On Writing. Besides the writing I will do at the marathons I'm thinking about writing and posting to the blog on one or more of the following topics:

Why I Write
My Thoughts On One Of The Quotes From My Finding The Faith Board on Pinterest
A Heart-Breaking Incident I Witnessed This Morning
Thoughts About My Grandma
Peace and Quiet

Will You Participate? I look forward to reading blog posts on Thursday and writings posted in the NDOW Galleries.

Write On...

Jackie

2 Ingredient Pumpkin Muffins...

2011-09-21T06:29:00.000-05:00

Once again, I have snagged a GREAT recipe from Pinterest. This recipe was super easy and I even had the ingredients in my kitchen. While they aren't the most beautiful muffins I've ever seen...I couldn't resist a shot in front of my Pumpkin Patch sign. Also, my boys loved them!! These are perfect for a cool, fall morning.

Ingredients:

1 Box Cake Mix (I used Yellow Cake Mix from Aldi)

1 15 oz Can of Pumpkin (also from Aldi)

Mix both ingredients until most of the lumps are gone and bake at 350 degrees.

That's It!!

For the record...I added in a couple of shakes of Nutmeg and Cinnamon. I guess, technically, that would make these 4 ingredient muffins...but who's counting. I'm making these again today with a Spice Cake mix.

Enjoy!

Jackie

Gracie Says...

2011-09-16T07:22:00.000-05:00

"Have a Great Weekend, Folks!"

Oh, September...

2011-09-15T07:05:00.001-05:00

I love September,

especially when we're in it.

-Willie Stargell

As I write this...it is 41 degrees this morning. I have the oven on and the door open to warm up my kitchen...I'm drinking my coffee with vanilla caramel creamer. I love cool, fall mornings. Something about this time of year makes me want to bake some of this and while it's in the oven set to work on some deep cleaning in this house. In the garden, I'm enjoying watching the blooms fade and some of the leaves start to fall. We have a new friend who has moved in under our driveway...a groundhog...a large one. Maybe he, too, is enjoying fall and looking to spruce up his home before the cold sets in. I'm guessing he is all huddled up in his new home this morning though, since there is a chill in the air. I suspect we don't really want a groundhog living under our driveway since kids are playing in that area all the time. Hmmmm...if it weren't for the possible dangers...I kind of like the thought of a groundhog living under the driveway.

I hope it's feeling Septemberish wherever you are today.

Jackie

Welcoming Fall To My Home...

2011-09-12T09:33:00.003-05:00

Every Leaf Speaks Bliss To Me,

Fluttering From The Autumn Tree

~Emily Bronte

I've been doing some decorating around the house. While it isn't officially here yet...I'm Welcoming Fall.

I can smell the Pumpkin Spice, Apple and Pumpkin Cheesecake candles burning now. Here is a peek at what I've been up to...

Little Fall Tree In The Dining Room...

Fall Vignette Above Hutch In Dining Room...

Our Little Scarecrow Witch Friend In The Foyer...(she's been here longer than the kids I suspect...many years)...

Grandma's Old White Cabinet Decorated For Fall...

Inside The Cabinet...

Mmmm...My Favorite Scent...

Jackie

Surprisingly Satisfied...

2011-09-09T20:13:00.000-05:00

¹² I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. ¹³ I can do all this through him who gives me strength.
Philippians 4:12-13

This weekend I'm mediating on the verse above in Philippians. I feel this one. I know what's it's like to not know if you're going to have a roof over your head or food on the table. Although my Mom did a great job providing for us...this was a very real part of my childhood. A part of my past that I'm grateful for now.

I know the feeling of lack.

This weekend I plan to sign my first Resolution. A Resolution To Be Content.

The Resolution reads like this...

I do solemnly resolve to embrace my current season of life and will maximize my time in it.

I will resist the urge to hurry through or circumvent any portion of my journey but will live with a spirit of contentment.

Resolved,

Jackie

*photo source: My Finding the Faith Pinboard on Pinterest. Original Source Sherbert Blossom.

The next step...a new cast for Kyler...

2011-09-08T19:18:00.000-05:00

Someone is a little nervous before getting the old cast off but he is smiling anyway...

Ahh...look at that cute little orange cast...

Some people think the best part of having a broken leg is getting to bring the old cast home...

Today was a milestone in Kyler's broken leg recovery. The huge long leg cast was removed and a snazzy bright orange walking cast was put on today. He will walk again as early as next week and our little kindergartener will be running around the playground with his new friends in a couple of months.

His recovery has gone so well and we are still amazed at how he has adjusted to life in a wheelchair. From the very first day, he just accepted it and continued on with his life the best he could. I'm feeling much better about things than when I wrote this post a few weeks ago.

We have been fortunate to have a great Doctor and insurance to cover most of the expense. Broken legs and ER visits are very expensive as you can imagine. It will be months before we know exactly how expensive it all is. However...all is well.

He is healing.

He likes school.

He will walk again soon.

It's Good!

Jackie

Inspiring Words...

2011-09-07T10:48:00.000-05:00

These words just make me want to be better...to DO better...

Inspired,

Jackie

What Is The Hurry?

2011-09-06T13:48:00.004-05:00

This whole summer I have been running at a hectic pace. I haven't taken the time to enjoy much. As a result, I have burned out, have had some depression and I can't even really tell you anything we did this summer. Sad. How I've lived the past few months is opposite of the title of this Blog. I haven't Embraced much...except work..at home and at the office.

Recently the question was asked, "What have you been hurrying through?" My answers sounded something like..."work days...crazy evenings at home...weeks...months...pay periods...hot summer days". Life.

The next questions stopped me cold. "What have you been hurrying to get to?" Silence. The only word I had was..."Nothing". I have been rushing through my days, weeks, and months to get to....what? Nothing.

God intended for that question to be asked of me. I have to live these hard questions sometimes so that I step back and take a look at how I'm living my life. I won't get those summer days back. I can do better. I can resolve to not miss things in my life anymore. Rushing through my life and not taking the time to enjoy every moment is not God's plan for me. I can choose to spend my time in a way that is pleasing to Him and blesses my family.

What is the hurry anyway?

Awakened,

Jackie

2011-09-05T15:06:00.004-05:00

Curtains blowing in the cool breeze.
Quiet days.
Food on the grill.
Lovely weekend.

Fall is heading our way...

Jackie

Seeing Through A Different Lens...The Lens of Having a Child With A Disability...

2011-08-23T11:14:00.001-05:00

For the past two weeks I have been the Mom of a child in a wheelchair. Since Kyler broke his leg he has been in a full leg cast and uses a wheelchair. He will have the cast for at least six more weeks and then he will have a boot and possibly be in the wheelchair until Christmas.

Having a child with a disability (albeit a temporary one) is difficult.

The daily challenges: transferring a 55 pound 4 foot tall boy, bathing, toileting, as well as keeping this active 5 year old busy while sitting in a wheelchair. Kyler has done really well. He can be demanding at times (that's not really new though), but he has adjusted well and hasn't complained much at all.

What I'm seeing, though, is what it is like to have a child with a disability. What I mean is, I can somewhat understand now what it would be like to have a child who is disabled all the time. Please don't misunderstand me, I am in no way saying that what we're experiencing is anything close to what someone else experiences when they have a child with a severe disability...but...I am now better able to understand some the of physical and emotional challenges the Moms of those kids face. Our situation is temporary and I'm grateful for that.

Several days after Kyler broke his leg I started to understand that this wasn't going to be easy. Evidently I'm a little slow.

I now understand the exhaustion. Physically lifting Kyler in and out of his wheelchair...into the car...out of the car...onto the toilet...onto the couch...It's tiring.

Taking a child to kindergarten in a wheelchair is emotional. The older kids see him and probably understand that his leg is broken when they see the cast. The younger kids (his classmates) just stare at him and you can see the questions on their faces. It breaks my heart. Now, I understand what it would be like to have a child with a disability and dealing with the stares and the questions. He is handling it well. I don't handle it well sometimes and just want to cry...for him and for me. Then there are the other days when we're doing really well...he has a good day at school and my emotions are in check.

This experience has been another reminder to me that I am Blessed. My kids are healthy. Kyler will be walking again soon. His kindergarten experience will be at least somewhat normal in a few weeks. These challenges that we are facing will fade.

There are many Moms who can't say this. This is the life they live everyday and it continues...and continues. These Moms may have a child in a wheelchair, or a child with Autism or Cancer.

My eyes are opened! I see through a different Lens now.

To the Moms who are dealing with this every day of your life...my heart goes out to you. I now understand more fully the daily challenges you face. You inspire me. I will never again take for granted the health and mobility of my boys.

I'm Encouraged.

Jackie

Ready To Start Kindergarten...Broken Leg and All...

2011-08-17T13:12:00.003-05:00

Kyler had just barely learned to ride his bike without training wheels last Friday when he had a little accident that ended with a visit to the ER and a BIG broken leg. He is doing great and is such a trooper!

What is the good news in all of this? He wasn't excited about school last week...didn't think he would like his teacher...wasn't interested in going. Now? He can't wait to go to school to show off his wheel chair!

By the way...his wheel chair is Hot Pink. The only one we could find in this town of 100,000 people...which is still unbelievable to me. He kind of likes the pink but his big brother has convinced him that he doesn't want to start kindergarten in a PINK wheelchair! Oh, the horror!

So, Can You Say CAMO Duct Tape? We're having a Duct Tape Party tonight!

Jackie

Want A Little Heat For Your Dinner Tonight? Try Cajun Chicken Pasta...

2011-08-02T14:57:00.001-05:00

The heat continues here in Mid Missouri. Since the hot weather doesn't seem to be going away, I decided to just go with it and spice up our dinner one night last week and make Cajun Pasta. It was a huge success with all the boys in the house and I'll be making this dish again.

Cajun Chicken Pasta

Ingredients

4 Boneless, Skinless Chicken breasts, Cut Into Cubes

3 teaspoons Cajun Spice Mix, More To Taste

1 pound linguine or fettuccine
2 Tablespoons Olive Oil
2 Tablespoons Butter
2 Bell Pepper, Seeded And Sliced (whatever color you have)
1 lb Okra (I substituted corn)
1 small Onion, diced
5-6 cloves Garlic, Minced
4 whole Tomatoes, Diced
2 cups Low Sodium Chicken Broth
½ cups White Wine
1 cup Heavy Cream
Cayenne Pepper To Taste
Freshly Ground Black Pepper, To Taste
Salt To Taste

Directions
Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain when pasta is still al dente; do not overcook!

Sprinkle Cajun spice over chicken pieces. Toss around to coat. Heat 1 tablespoon oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a heavy skillet over high heat. Add the chicken in a single layer; do not stir. Allow chicken to brown on one side, about 1 minute. Flip to the other side and cook an additional minute. Remove with a slotted spoon and place on a clean plate, leaving pan on high heat.

Add remaining olive oil and butter. When heated, add all the veggies. Sprinkle on Cajun seasoning. Cook over very high heat for 2-3 minutes, stirring gently and trying to get the vegetables as dark/black as possible. Remove all vegetables from the pan.

With the pan over high heat, pour in the wine and chicken broth. Cook on high for 3 to 5 minutes, scraping the bottom of the pan to deglaze. Reduce heat to medium-low and pour in cream, stirring/whisking constantly. Cook sauce over medium-low heat for a few minutes, until cream starts to thicken the mixture. Taste and add freshly ground black pepper, cayenne pepper, and/or salt to taste. Sauce should be spicy!

Finally, add chicken and vegetables to sauce, making sure to include all the juices that have drained onto the plate. Stir and cook for 1 to 2 minutes, until mixture is bubbly and hot. Add drained pasta and toss to combine and enjoy!

Ca c'est bon!

Jackie

*Recipe credit - The Newlyweds Blog

The Haze Of Summer...

2011-07-27T11:34:00.003-05:00

Old Chair Swallowed Up By DayLillies In My Backyard Garden

It's hot, folks! Sure Is! We're in the Dog Days of Summer and it's not even August yet. It's 100 degrees today and I'm not hating it. There is no snow, ice and frigid temperatures. My A/C is working, flowers are blooming and we have a swimming pool down the street to jump into. It's July and all is well.

As I write this, I'm at The Shack in the new Student Union at the University of Missouri. I'm floating around campus this week while our office is being remodeled. Today, I'm working on budgets...which has proven to be difficult because I keep listening to the conversation at the table next to me.

Here is what I now know...

...the two girls are MU cheerleaders, they are here for the summer while they are trying to get residency, they aren't 21 yet so they are counting the days until they turn 21 (in two years), there is a strange girl living with one of them and while she is their age she looks like she is 40 (gasp) (heehee)...

I need to focus...but those girls definitely make me reminisce about those carefree days of my late teens and early twenties.

But...

Not interested in going back there, though! Thank.You.Very.Much.

I tell you what, getting out of my office this week has been great for my productivity. New workspaces...new people...new views...it's all good to get the creativity flowing. I must remember this when I'm feeling creatively blocked and not producing as much at work as I should in the next few months (because it will happen).

Slow Down Summer....Please....

Jackie

Menu Plan Monday

2011-06-26T09:32:00.004-05:00

Good Morning!

It's been awhile since I've posted my weekly menu so I thought I would join OrgJunkie again and post what we're planning to have for dinner this week.

As I type this, it is Sunday morning and I'm planning to make Strawberry Crumb Bars today and Strawberry Shortcakes since we have an abundance of strawberries that I picked up from the store. Strawberry Shortcake is easy in this house. I simply slice purchased pound cake and top it with lightly sweetened sliced strawberries and whipped cream. Easy and Delicious!

Monday: BLT's, Chips and Veggies with Ranch Dip

Tuesday: Country Corn Casserole and Garden Salad

Wednesday: Taco Salad

Thursday: Baked Garlic & Herb Chicken (using a bottled marinade) and Corn on the Cob

Friday: Bubble Up Pizza

Saturday: Grilled Burgers and Pasta Salad

Sunday: Roast Chicken and Slow Cooker Potatoes

Yum!

Jackie

I'm just Second Hand Rose From Second Avenue...

2011-06-10T13:42:00.003-05:00

Early this morning I ventured out to my deck in PJ's with coffee and journal. It was quiet except for the waking Cicadas who would soon be singing their very loud mating chorus and continue all day long. It was a nice cool morning. Earlier this week I started working through a personal study of Following God With All Your Heart (Believing and Living Gods Plan For You). I'm learning about the challenges Joshua faced and how he became successful. The books I read by Elizabeth George speak to me and I find myself agreeing with so much of what she has to say. One of the questions in today's study was:

Every Christian woman has many roles and responsibilities along with nurturing her relationship with the Lord. What are your daily responsibilities at this stage of your life? And what does God expect you to take care of, regardless of the challenges? List your job assignments from God?

Oh, I have no problem listing everything I'm responsible for. I have a lot on my plate just like most other women out there. We have a lot to take care of each and every day. You know the drill....housework, laundry, meal planning, meal preparation, grocery shopping, nurturing our families...and all this before I even leave the house for work each day. You see, if I follow down this path, my frame of mind can turn negative very quickly. Sometimes I feel like I'm everyone's Assistant or Support Person. I feel like Second Hand Rose (from Funny Girl). At work...I plan the events for our department. I oversee the details of the venue, catering, speakers, advertising, payments, etc. I'm behind the scenes...the support for the Stars of the Show. At work and at home...I'm helping everyone else achieve what they are supposed to be doing in their lives. Sometimes this is discouraging to me. When am I going to be the Star of the Show? However, when I answer the question Elizabeth posed to me above, I realize that the support I'm providing to everyone in my life is exactly where I'm supposed to be right now. My Season right now is one of Support and Encouragement.

Now about Joshua...the more I read about him the more I'm intrigued. Here are a few things I've learned about him today:

He was the Assistant to Moses
He was given huge responsibilities
He wanted to be successful
Moses sent him out ahead to explore Canaan
He Shepherded Gods People

Joshua wasn't the Star of the Show! He was the Assistant!

Joshua was given great responsibilities and God told him that he would always be there for him to not be discouraged!

I have exciting opportunities in my life. We all do...if we just know where to look and sometimes that means seeing what we already have. I'm encouraged. I know God has my back and He has a plan for me.

Uplifted.

Jackie

**Note** Funny Girl is one of my all-time favorite classic movies. Cute, Funny and Quirky. Perfect movie for a Girls Night In.

I'm Blog Hopping Today!

2011-06-08T05:20:00.001-05:00

The last few weeks I've been joining a couple of Blog Hops and I've had so much fun visiting other blogs and meeting the new folks who visit me. Did ya notice the cute new social media bar at the top of my blog? Will you hop on over to my new Facebook page and click Like? I'm hoping to get above 20 folks over there so I can customize my page name...much appreciated!! Hope you all have a wonderful Wednesday!

This week I'm joining...

A Helicopter Mom on the...

3 Four and Under on the...

Fun.

Jackie

Book Review: Beautiful Things Happen When A Woman Trusts God by Sheila Walsh

2011-06-06T10:47:00.000-05:00

About The Book:

Do you ever question God's ability to catch you when you fall?

Do shame, fear, and brokenness keep you from fully trusting God?

Do you secretly believe your dreams are unreachable?

You are not alone.

Beautiful Things Happen When a Woman Trusts God is all about trust. How we fight it. How we learn to do it. How it transforms us.

Life is not safe. That reality slips over us as we grow. Our response to the Father in that reality allows us either to swing higher and higher with the trust of a child . . . or fearfully shrink back from the swing set altogether.

As we weigh that choice, God whispers: Trust me.

In a remarkably transparent account, author and speaker Shelia Walsh opens wide her lifelong battle with trust and the moment-by-moment choices she made to follow where God led.

Shelia has lived a life ruled by "hidden places" of insecurity and brokenness and knows the overwhelming beauty of a life wholly handed over to Christ. As you encounter her struggles and triumphs, you also meet ten of the Bible's transformed-Tabitha, David, Paul, and others-who teach us that in spite of overwhelming circumstances, just one trusting encounter with Christ sets beautiful things in motion.

It can resurrect dreams, instill purpose, and ignite hope.

Discover what beautiful things can happen when you trust God.

My Thoughts:

You know, the bible promises in so many places that if we trust God beautiful things will happen. The trusting part is hard sometimes though. We think we can do everything on our own and we don't need help from anyone or even God sometimes. This book will help you to let go of your anxieties and worry and learn to trust God in everything. Reading about Sheila's personal struggles and how she has overcome them was inspiring and encouraging. Anyone who has struggled with depression will find Sheila's story real and familiar. Her level of trust in God is something for me to aspire to reach. I recommend this book to anyone looking for inspiration for any kind of struggle in their life and how to find God in the middle of those struggles.

Inspiring.

Jackie

I received this book free from BookSneeze.com as part of their Blogger Review Program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commision’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Baseball...As In Life...

2011-06-03T07:00:00.001-05:00

Find your team...ask questions...seek guidance...

Be ready for what comes your way...

Just know there will be setbacks...failures...disappointments...

Seek out personal coaching...counseling...wisdom...when you need it...

Throw a little help...assistance...advice...to others when they need it...

Most of all...do your best... and try to hit it out of the park!

Hey Batta Batta..SuuWiinngg!

Jackie

*reposted from 2009

Book Review: A Deeper Kind of Calm by Linda Dillow

2011-06-02T20:25:00.000-05:00

About The Book:

How Do We Walk Boldly When Our World Seems to Be Crumbling Beneath Our Feet? Join celebrated author and speaker Linda Dillow on the journey to contentment with this follow-up to the best-selling Calm My Anxious Heart. Learn how to positively handle the disappointments of life and discern the comforting truth found in God’s Word. Be encouraged and learn to deal with the waves of trials, depression, and discouragement that threaten to flood our souls. Hidden in the psalms are portraits of what faith looks like in times of trial. Through them, author Linda Dillow will help you discover how to: -remember what God has done (Psalm 77) -hide in His presence (Psalm 46) -cling to Him (Psalm 63) - praise Him for all we cannot see (Psalm 84) The glorious promise from Psalm 84 is that as we walk through the “valley of weeping,” it can be turned into a place of blessing. Includes a four-week Bible study to help you further unpack the comforting truth of God’s Word.

My Thoughts:

This book arrived in my mailbox at the time I needed to read it. My Grandfather and our friend Blake had just died within a few weeks of each other. I needed some help dealing with all of my emotions and this book helped me so much. From the very first page of Chapter 1 named, My Valley of Weeping, I knew this book was going to serve me well. Dillow guides us through the Psalms to help us deal with the Valleys of Weeping in our lives. Even though I had a lot of "why" questions during this time in our life (still do) this book helped me to find my way to God instead of turning away from Him.

I have always turned to Psalms when I need help in some area of my life. Since the book breaks down into four different chapters from Psalms, as stated above, I now have more specific Psalms to turn to in my times of need. There is also a 4-week bible study included at the end of the book to do on your own or with a group.

Final Thoughts:

I recommend that if you are facing any trials in your life and you're wondering how you can find God in the midst of those trials you should read this book. It was a wonderful guide for me during a difficult time. I also recommend another book I have read by Linda Dillow called Calm My Anxious Heart: A Woman's Guide To Finding Contentment.

Highly Recommended.

Jackie

I received this book free from NavPress Publishers as part of their Blogger Review Program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commision’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

And Now About The Wrinkles...

2011-06-02T10:37:00.000-05:00

Ladies...some of you may remember when I wrote this sweet little post a year or so ago. It was all sweetness and honey about how I'm embracing my 40's and how I look so much different now than I did in my 20's and how I'm so OKAY with it all.

Well...this morning as I'm putting on my makeup for 2nd time...I'm saying to myself..."Are you kidding me? What is up with this makeup?".

It's the WRINKLES I tell you!

Powders. Liquids. Matte. Dewy. Primers. Serums.

Doesn't seem to matter the formulation...things just don't glide on my face like they used to.

It's okay...really. It is. I'm Embracing My Wrinkles...Really...

But Still...There Are Those Days...

Okay...Enough about my vanity for today.

Thank You and Amen!

Jackie

When The Big Wind Blows - Reflecting on the Joplin Tornado

2011-05-31T11:52:00.002-05:00

I've hesitated writing about the tornado that devastated Joplin, MO last week because I have needed time to process what has happened there. There are so many tragic stories...but stories of heroism and hope, as well.

An emergency worker carries a girl from the remains of the Academy Sports in Joplin...

Joplin is practically in our backyard...3 hours away...but still...our backyard. In Missouri, tornados happen around us fairly frequently. I've become accustomed to the sirens going off and taking for granted that it's just another storm...We have a basement, after all, so we're safe...right?

Look around you right now...and think about how it could be gone in a matter of seconds. Everything you've worked hard for...built...saved for...gone into debt for...and...carried for 9 months and labored 21 hours for...gone in a matter of seconds. It makes me reconsider everything that I thought was important.

I've been inspired by watching how the people of Joplin...and Missouri...and the Country...are responding to this tragedy. It gives me Hope.

Hundreds of volunteers line up on May 23rd at Missouri Southern State College to wait for their work assignments...

This devastating event...along with other events in the past year remind me that things don't matter. As long as I have a roof over head, my children are healthy and safe, food on the table and job to go to...I am Blessed. I don't know why these things happen or why God allows this kind of thing...but I know that people can come out stronger because of tragedies. When we witness something like this...it makes us stop and think about our own lives. Our differences of opinion regarding religions or political affiliations or whether homeschooling or public school is better, what neighborhood we live in or what kind of car we drive, what color of curtains to hang in the living room or what kind of purse I carry...it all doesn't matter.

Being grateful for what we do have and helping people in their time of need...showing Love for all the people God Created. Now...that's the Good Stuff!

A church severely damaged in the tornado...the Cross still standing...

Togetherness.

Jackie

*photos courtesy of the Commercial Appeal (Memphis, Tennessee)

Book Review: Leaving by Karen Kingsbury

2011-05-23T13:47:00.010-05:00

About Leaving: Bailey Flanigan Series, Volume 1
Bailey's determined to take advantage of her once-in-a-lifetime opportunity on Broadway, but is she really ready to leave family and friends for the loneliness of New York City? And what of Cody? His disappearance has her worried about their future and praying that their love can survive. In order to be closer to his mother in jail, Cody takes a coaching job in a small community outside Indianapolis. New friends, distance, and circumstances expose cracks in his relationship with Bailey Flanigan. Love, loneliness, big opportunities, and even bigger decisions highlight the first book in the new Bailey Flanigan series that features members of the popular Baxter family and will complete the story of Bailey Flanigan and Cody Coleman.

My Thoughts
From the very first page of this book I was hooked. Karen Kingsbury has a way of drawing her readers into the story so much that the characters seem real. I really enjoyed that this book incorporates the Baxter family story as well and I pleased that Ashley and Landon's story (from the Redemption Series) continued in Leaving. This book was very inspirational to me because the characters talk to God and realize that He is in control of every situation. In the way it is written, we actually read the prayers of the characters and in turn we learn how to pray in everyday situations. The conclusion of the book left me wanting more and I was happy to read that the next book in the series comes out June 2011.

Final Thoughts
If you are looking for an inspirational and enjoyable book Leaving is an excellent choice. I also recommend that if you are looking for good books to delve into this summer, check out another series by Karen Kingsbury called the Redemption Series featuring the Baxter family.

I would like to thank Zondervan for providing me with a free copy of the book for review. I was not required to write a favorable review. The opinions expressed here are my own.

Have You Checked Out Pinterest Yet?

2011-05-20T19:23:00.001-05:00

I got my invite for Pinterest yesterday and I have had so much fun pinning photos today. You see, regular readers probably already know this, but I'm the girl who tears things out of magazines and glues them into my journal, pins them on my bulletin board, and sometimes just hang them on the refrigerator. It's one of the ways I'm inspired creatively in decorating my home, gardening, fashion, etc. However, this little tearing and gluing habit of mine has gotten less attention in the last couple of years since I've been spending more and more time online. I have bookmarked and Delicioused so many websites just because of one photo and then I have a hard time finding it again once it's bookmarked. Pinterest solves that for me because everything is grouped together so nicely and that makes the photos (+ their website) easy for me to find later. It's a lot of fun to get inspiration from other boards as well.

Go...Check It Out...Request Your Invite...You won't be disappointed!

Jackie

Making Your House (or apartment...or duplex) Into A Home...

2011-05-18T14:39:00.006-05:00

Stamp your personality on your home.

Invest some love in it.

Give it something of yourself.

Your colors.

Your pictures.

Your favorite objects.

In return, it will welcome you

and your friends.

~Patrick Lindsay

I like coming home to a neat (although not necessarily very clean) and tidy home and making my home a comfortable place to be has always been a priority to me. I have lived in apartments, duplexes, and finally a house that we bought 10 years ago. Wherever we have lived, I always arranged the items that I had in the most pleasing way that I could. I don't have expensive taste (thank goodness) and most of the items in our home I have collected from flea markets, garage sales and from eBay. I remember walking into homes when I was in my early 20's and thinking that my house would never look like that. Several times when that happened, the homeowner would say, "oh, your house will look just like you want it to someday because it takes years to collect all these items". That is exactly what happened...because here I am 20 years later and my house, for the most part, is close to what I had envisioned. It's never done and I'm sure I'll always be checking out the local flea markets...but that's the fun part anyway!

Home is where the heart is.

My little office nook in the kitchen corner...

My new gallery wall in the foyer...some photos I have taken and Wal-Mart frames.

Another view of the kitchen...

A little primitive and a little industrial...my favorite decorating combination...

My Grandma's old chair in the corner of the living room. 2 handmade and lumpy toile pillows and one dollar store pillow.

Thanks for Stopping By,

Jackie

The Reason For Dandelions...

2011-05-17T06:54:00.002-05:00

Why spend my time ridding my yard of dandelions when the backyard provides a virtual field of flowers for a sweet 5 year old boy to give to his Mom as he softly says, "Here is a beautiful flower for you, Mom." "I Love You".

O DANDELION

O Dandelion, yellow as gold, what do you do all day?
“I just wait here in the tall, green grass, ’till the children come to play.”

O Dandelion, yellow as gold, what do you do all night?
“I wait and wait, while the cool dew falls, and my hair grows long and white.”

And what do you do when your hair grows white, and the children come to play?
“They take me in their dimpled hands, and blow my hair away!”

- by Marlys Swinger

When I Am An Old Woman I Shall Wear A Flower On My Hat...

2011-05-14T09:23:00.004-05:00

When I am an Old Woman I shall wear a flower on my hat.

I'll lunch with the ladies and have a lovely chat,

about peonies, daisies and others such as that.

I'll drink Pepsi from a glass bottle with a straw,

and not worry about enjoying a delicious bear claw.

When I'm an Old Woman with a flower on my hat,

I'll spend my days in a dress and garden boots,

sauntering through my garden and admiring the new shoots.

I shan't care about the latest style in women's wear,

because I'd also be happy wearing a flower in my hair.

I'll whisper sweet words to my little struggling lilac shrub,

the one that seems to appear a little smug.

I'll say, "You know you want to...Be Proud,

and I'm sure you'll gain an admiring crowd".

When I'm an Old Woman, the one with the flower on my hat,

I'll spend my evenings having a chat,

with my sweet little neighbor who is almost 95,

she's the one I've lived next door to for the last 25 (years that is).

She and I,

We'll trade seeds and also laugh about all those pesky weeds.

When I'm an Old Woman with a flower on my hat,

I hope to snuggle with a grand baby on my lap,

I'll tell her about peonies, daisies and others such as that.

I'll tell that same grand baby that a garden is no good unless it is shared,

and also that kindnesses aren't meant to be spared.

I'll whisper to her that blessings and love,

can be sprinkled on others like rain from up above.

When I'm an Old Woman with a flower on my hat,

I'll ponder that my children were like my garden.

I planted, I watered and sometimes pulled weeds,

then I stood back and watched what they were to turn out to be.

The most important thing that I hope to know,

is that I took the time to enjoy watching them grow.

Jackie

This Town...My Life...again...

2011-05-11T20:40:00.000-05:00

I originally posted this in May of 2010. Since graduation weekend has already rolled around again...I thought this was worthy of re-posting.

This town I live in is a college town. Approximately 30,000 students roll in here every August and out again in May. In August of this year I will have been here for 21 years. I've seen a lot of changes in that time. The clothing styles I was wearing when I rolled into town in 1989 are almost exactly the same as what I see the students wearing on campus today. It doesn't seem like that long ago but it's been long enough that those clothing styles have come back in fashion 21 years later. A lot of changes but much is the same.

I don't know if I ever really planned to stay here. I planned to go to school and I didn't really have any plans other than that. School didn't work out right away and I ended up working for this company that was unbelievable, to say the least. 1989 was right smack in the upswing of the tech bubble and I got to be part of it by working for a very successful software development company right here in this town. We got to experience much of what the software companies were offering their employees on the coasts. Amazing. A great experience for a young, small town girl. I learned a lot that would serve me well in my future and in those years I also grew to love this town.

Today, as I walked across campus and saw some students in their graduation robes I was thinking how lucky we are to live in this College Town. My town isn't huge by some standards...approximately 100,000 people plus those extra 30,000 or so students. This town is huge compared to the rural area where I'm from. It seemed practically city-like when I moved here 21 years ago. It doesn't feel that way to me now. We have most of the amenities of bigger cities including a traffic problem on most of the major streets. I count myself lucky to live in such a diverse town with different cultures and religions. I love that my children have friends who speak another language at home and were born in different countries. It opens up their world and teaches them to be accepting of people who are different than they are. And what I find is that this town isn't really big at all. For the most part, people are friendly, helpful and it's not uncommon to run into people you know almost everywhere you go.

So, in the past few months I've been evaluating my life. My work, my education, my goals and dreams. I'm 21 years into my work life and, God willing, I have approximately 21 more years before I retire. 21 years is a long time in some respects and a very short amount of time in others. The fact that 21 years here in this town have already passed by tells me how fast time is moving for me.

So how do I want to spend the next 21 years? I'm not sure if I will ever completely know what my career path should be. As a woman in my 40's I know where my strengths are and where they are not. I know I don't want to waste time on selfish endeavors. I don't want to climb career ladders. It's not about me. I want to make a difference in someone else's life. I want to help other women know their value in this world and no matter what their circumstances are they can have a life they have dreamed about. I have some ideas about how to do that and maybe I'll see them become reality sometime in the next 21 years

There are possibly 1000's of students graduating this weekend here in this town. They are starting their new lives right now. Isn't that exciting? They are moving on to new endeavors and probably even new towns. So, what about this town? This town will get 1000's of new students in the fall who are excited to start their own new journey. And...this town is my home. I can't imagine living anywhere else. Most of my new journeys have taken place right here. Although I have dreams of things I want to do... my most important journey is with my children. I look forward to seeing where their lives take off right here... from this town.

**photo--senior sendoff is a tradition held before graduation every year. Seniors run through the columns away from campus symbolizing their new journeys as alumni instead of students. Also, every August the new freshmen run through the columns toward campus symbolizing their new journey as college students.

And...It's a New Day...

2011-05-11T09:54:00.003-05:00

Today, I woke up with a new feeling of hope. Things will be beautiful again. My garden helps me, as it always does, to see the promises of the future.

Isaiah 41:10 (New Living Translation)

Don’t be afraid, for I am with you.
      Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God.
   I will strengthen you and help you.
      I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.

A Peony bud...promising to bloom soon...

A struggling Azalea in my front yard that decided this was the year it was going to overflow with beautiful blooms...

Ladybug friends on the Lemon Balm...

Lilacs just about to bloom...

My neighbors Dogwood Tree that graces us with it's beauty every single year...I have a perfect view of it from my deck...

Blessings,

Jackie

No...Things Aren't Okay...

2011-05-10T14:32:00.006-05:00

One of my favorite pics of Blake and Kobe

My goal for this blog has always been to record my blessings in hopes that someone else will also be blessed by what I've experienced or what I write about.

Sometimes...things just aren't okay though.

One of Kobe's best friends passed away last Thursday morning. Blake was 10 years old. He had survived the Cancer that invaded his body when he was a baby. But...last week his body developed an infection that he couldn't fight off. He was at school on Wednesday until he went home sick in the afternoon. And...Thursday morning...He was gone.

We are overwhelmed with emotions. Sadness, Shock, Disbelief. And...my new emotion today...Anger!

Helping my son work through his grief and supporting Blake's family are my main focus right now. Working through my own emotions is exhausting.

The following lyrics keep playing in my head when I allow myself to sit still and think about it all. I've shared the video below.

Blake's family and everyone close to them could use your prayers!

"Praise You In This Storm"

by Casting Crowns

I was sure by now
God You would have reached down
And wiped our tears away
Stepped in and saved the day
But once again, I say "Amen", and it's still raining

As the thunder rolls
I barely hear Your whisper through the rain
"I'm with you"
And as Your mercy falls
I raise my hands and praise the God who gives
And takes away

[Chorus:]
And I'll praise You in this storm
And I will lift my hands
For You are who You are
No matter where I am
And every tear I've cried
You hold in Your hand
You never left my side
And though my heart is torn
I will praise You in this storm

I remember when
I stumbled in the wind
You heard my cry to you
And you raised me up again
My strength is almost gone
How can I carry on
If I can't find You

But as the thunder rolls
I barely hear You whisper through the rain
"I'm with you"
And as Your mercy falls
I raise my hands and praise the God who gives
And takes away

[Chorus]

I lift my eyes unto the hills
Where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord
The Maker of Heaven and Earth

Barn Charm...and... Photoshoot On The Farm...

2011-05-02T19:00:00.007-05:00

Barns have always interested me. I guess it's my rural upbringing and barns have always been part of that. Today, I'm linking up with Bluff Area Daily and joining Barn Charm. The barn I'm bringing you today is on my Aunt's farm in Northeast Missouri. I have always loved this old barn. We lived in a house directly across from it when I was in high school. I have a lot of great memories on their farm and I still feel so at home anytime I'm there. When we were there a couple of weeks ago I also did a little informal photo shoot of all the boy cousins in the tree line behind their house. We all have some cute boys so it turned out pretty nice.

The Black And White That I'm Framing For My Gallery Wall At Home...

Posing On A Fallen Tree...

Boys...Always Have To Have A "Shoot Em Up" Photo...

Thanks For Stopping By...

Jackie

State Capitol With The 4th Graders...

2011-05-02T11:53:00.000-05:00

Hello Friends,

I have lost my blogging mojo for the last few months. I'm trying to get it back. In March I had the opportunity to go on a field trip with Kobe's class to the Jefferson City, MO and tour the State Capitol and the Governor's Mansion. We had a great day and I learned a lot. Even though I have been in the capitol several times for work related events, I had never had an actual tour. It was a lot of fun...especially hearing the kids comments and seeing what they were most interested in.

The most interesting part of the tour, for me, was sitting in on a legislative session and hearing the legislators debate and vote on bills. It was really great for the kids to see how the voting process works instead of reading about it in their textbooks.

It was a fun day and we'll be going back soon to take photos of the flowers around the capitol grounds.

Kobe and I on the Capitol Steps...

Governor's Mansion...

One Of The Many Murals Inside The Capitol. This Is Kobe's Favorite - Jesse James!

Missouri State Capitol...


Neat View Of The Capitol From The Parking Garage...

Mr. Cool On The Capitol Steps!

Lewis & Clark Memorial...

Thanks For Stopping By...

Jackie

The Little Man Who "Doesn't Want To Grow Up"...

2011-04-29T10:25:00.000-05:00

Kyler With His New Bike!

The Birthday Boy With His Cake!

Kyler celebrated his 5th Birthday last week!! Time already has gone gone by so fast but with him starting Kindergarten in the Fall means time will start to move at lightning speed like it seems to once they start elementary school. I love celebrating his birthday but it makes me happy and sad all rolled into one big emotion...

He has been so excited to turn 5 and tells everyone we see, "Guess What?, I'm 5 years old now". However, he will be quick to tell anyone that he Doesn't Want To Grow Up. If someone asks him what he wants to be when he grows up, he will say, "I'm not going to grow up". I'm okay with him not growing up right now...I want to cherish this little boy phase. However, when he's 19 years old and still says this...then...Houston, we may have problem.

On another note...my little guy who Doesn't Want To Grow Up...is exercising his independence wherever he can. He wants to fix his own cereal in the morning, picks out all his own clothes and dresses himself AND wants to go into public Men's bathrooms wherever we go. Okay...I have a problem with this last one. I still drag him into the public Women's bathrooms with me if my husband isn't around. A couple of weeks ago we went bowling and in a split second Kyler was out of my sight and no where to be found. A scary feeling! I sent his big brother into the Men's bathroom to find him and of course that's where he was. When he came out I said, "You can't go somewhere without telling me....ESPECIALLY the men's bathroom". He said, "I went to the bathroom by myself because that is what a MAN does and I am a MAN".

Never A Dull Moment I Tell You!

Jackie

Finding Your Glass Half Full...or...Half Empty?

2011-03-30T12:02:00.001-05:00

Are You A Glass Half Full Kind Of Person?

Or A Glass Half Empty Person?

What am I? Well, I can fairly easily be a {glass half empty} type of person. I recognize it and I work hard...strive...to be a {glass half full} type of person. I work at it. I seek out joy everyday. I try to start my day on a positive note by ignoring the news and the internet for as long as possible. I enjoy the beauty of the outdoors. I read devotionals and positive affirmations before I start anything else for the day. I pray. I journal. I take notes in this and carry it with me. All of these things help to start my day on the positive and if the day takes a left turn towards the negative I have tools to pull myself back.

Here are some of my Tools...

>>Your Best Life Begins Each Morning: Devotions to Start Every New Day of the Year by Joel Osteen

>>The Message//REMIX Solo Pink: Breast Cancer Awareness Edition

>>My favorite journal...Ecosystem Author (lined version)

>>The Absolute Best Email I receive Everyday comes from Notes From The Universe. I intentionally read it first each day when I open my email.

What are your tools? Please share...

Thanks For Stopping By...

Jackie

**Blooper Photos from the Fathers Day 2010 Photo-shoot

Simple Spring Treat...

2011-03-28T18:45:00.000-05:00

It's Spring Cleaning week here at the house...which means lots of easy dinners like sandwiches or frozen pizza. Tonight we get to enjoy a yummy treat...Strawberry Shortcake...made with sliced purchased pound cake, sliced strawberries and whipped cream. Hello Spring!

Thanks For Stopping By....

Jackie

{Friday Feature} presents... Small Moments of Great Reward...

2011-03-25T12:36:00.004-05:00

Welcome to the first installment of {Friday Feature} where I will focus on a blogger, book, community member or magazine article that has inspired me. I look forward to sharing with you folks I have met personally or feel like I know through their writings. I also look forward to sharing inspiring or informative books and articles on a variety of topics.

{Friday Feature}

presents...

Small Moments of Great Reward
Thoughts from a fifty-something living a richly textured life in Delaware, Ohio

Painting by April's father

April is someone I could be friends with in the real world. I can imagine sitting at her kitchen table, having tea and discussing our thoughts on the events in our lives. April had a self proclaimed visit to "Cancerland" in 2004 and it changed her and how she views this world we live in. When I visit April's blog, I make sure I have time to savor her words because she always makes me think about my own life and how I'm living it. Her life in Ohio along with stories about Warren's (April's husband) work with the Symphony and her own work with the Court system and Grant writing are intriguing, entertaining and thought provoking. By the way, April, congratulations on that new job you have!!

I particularly enjoyed two of April's latest posts about her Clothing Dilemma and the The 3¢ Solution. I chuckled when I read that April regularly reads a fashion blog because it surprised me. I shouldn't have been surprised, though, because I learn much about her every time I read a post.

Recently, April has been on a Spiritual Journey. Reading her thoughts on this subject have mirrored my own several times. She points me to books I wouldn't have read (or known about) and sometimes her words encourage me to think about something from a different angle.

April's life is so different from my own...yet we have much in common. This is what I love about this big online world we have. Friends, I hope you will take the time to visit April at Small Moments of Great Reward. If it weren't for blogging, I never would have gotten to know her and this is the reason I have created {Friday Feature}...I hope you join me for the next installment!

Thanks For Stopping By,

Jackie

We're Under Construction...

2011-03-23T15:06:00.003-05:00

I'm learning Photoshop!! That means this blog is going to be a BIG OLE MESS for a few days while I work out the kinks!

See you soon!

Jackie

This Is How We Celebrate The Day Before The First Day of Spring...

2011-03-19T09:16:00.001-05:00


It's Bound To Be Yummy And Not Last Long In Our House!

Happy Spring!!

Jackie

On My Bookshelves...

2011-03-16T13:54:00.009-05:00

At the beginning of 2011 I made a deal with myself that I would spend less time online and spend more of my free time reading and watching movies...two things that I hadn't spent much time doing in the last couple of years because of being plugged in all the time to Facebook, Blogger, Google Reader and Twitter.

As of today, I have stuck by my deal. However, as a result, my blogging has suffered...so has my housework and laundry at times...but...I have really enjoyed unplugging from the digital world and actually turning real pages in real books.

I want to share with you what I'm reading now and what I plan to pick up at the library in the next few weeks.

What I'm Reading Right Now...

One Thousand Gifts: A Dare To Live Fully Right Where You Are by Ann Voskamp
As you know, I'm a library girl...but...I bought this book because I have been reading Ann's blog - A Holy Experience -for several years and I'm so inspired by her beautiful writing. I encourage you to read this book and visit her blog.

Made To Crave: Satisfying Your Deepest Desire With God, Not Food by Lysa TerKeurst (I'm doing this as a study and So Far...So Good. I'm learning things about myself and thinking about food differently.

Next In Line...

The Life Ready Woman: Thriving In A Do It All World by Shaunti Feldhahn

The Pioneer Woman: Black Heels to Tractor Wheels--A Love Story by Ree Drummond

The Wilder Life: My Adventures in the Lost World of Little House on the Prairie by Wendy McClure

Tiger, Tiger: A Memoir by Margaux Fragoso

The Weird Sisters by Eleanor Brown

Are you reading anything I should add to my list?

Thanks For Stopping By,

Jackie

Thank You Kindly...

2011-03-15T17:44:00.002-05:00

Remember when I posted about my cousin Denise being diagnosed with Breast Cancer back in January? You can read about it here. She is doing GREAT!! She has done so well with her chemo treatments and has adjusted to life without hair and WITH wig! In fact, the last time I asked her how she was handling the wig situation she said, "I Love it, I don't have to mess with my hair and I just throw on the wig and we go". How's that for a great attitude? Her attitude has been amazing throughout this whole process and she has inspired me in so many ways.

This post is to Thank YOU, my blog friends! Even when I posted so infrequently this winter, many of you emailed me or posted comments to tell me that you still had Denise in your prayers, on prayer lists with your churches or that she was still in your thoughts.

Your prayers have been felt and have uplifted Denise and everyone who has been going through this with her.

This community of bloggers is amazing! Most of you I found through other blogs, blog lists, blog communities and even Google searches. I love taking a peek into your lives through your blogs (even when I don't comment as often as I should) and I'm honored when you take the time to peek into my life through my blog.

So, I'm coming to you asking for prayer again. This week Denise will have her last treatment in this round. In 3 weeks she will begin weekly treatments that will last for 12 weeks. The effects of weekly treatments are unknown at this time.

And on another note...Isn't that the cutest cupcake ever? I found it on flickr.com

Thank you so much!

Jackie

Contemplating Change...

2011-03-09T13:12:00.002-06:00

In a few months I will begin a new phase in my life. My youngest will start kindergarten this fall. The thought of this makes my sad, happy, excited and mournful all rolled into one big emotion. Kyler is ready for kindergarten and I know he will do great. He'll be at the same school with his big brother and he'll no longer have to go to his baby school (as he calls it).

It's sad to think that my baby will be in school full-time. I know how fast the years fly by once the kids start school. However, it feels a little free-ing to me in some ways. I won't be paying several hundred dollars each month for preschool tuition, he'll be in school every day (all day) and my work options open up a bit because of this. I've been contemplating a change. Rolling it around. Journaling. Talking to people. I don't know what the future holds, but it's exciting to think about doing something new...different.

One of my professional consultations happened in the car on the way to school the other day. I mentioned that I might be looking to do some different work next year and asked Kobe what he thought I should do. Immediately, he said I should be a Game Designer (this is what he wants to do). I responded that I didn't think that would work out too well since I can barely keep Mario on the road when we're playing Mario Kart Wii. "Any other suggestions", I asked? Kobe said, "I think you should work in the library in my school, you would really like that". My oldest son knows me well...this would definitely be something I'd be interested in.

Then, I turned it over to Kyler, "What kind of job do you think Mom should have"? Kyler thought for a moment and then said, "I just want you to be a Mom". "And...a Mom who doesn't go anywhere to work...I want you to be a full-time Mom". Kobe piped up and said, "Kyler, she is a full-time Mom...she has a double hard job and being a full-time Mom and going to work full-time too."

Have I told you lately how much I love these boys?

Change...it's a comin'....maybe!

What Are You Having For Dinner? And Other Overheard Boys Conversations...

2011-02-28T18:27:00.004-06:00

As I sit to write this long overdue blog post, I'm interrupted by the doorbell, yet again, on this warm Monday afternoon. At the door is a neighbor boy here to play with my boys. He is the 3rd boy to ring the bell since we arrived home from school and work today. It's not unusual...especially as the weather becomes warmer and the days are longer. Our doors, front and back, become revolving doors of boys going in and out continuously. At times, it's exasperating. Other times, I know we're immensely blessed to have a neighborhood full of kids.

As this boy runs into the house, the others shout greetings to him and they all congregate in our family room downstairs. I can hear their conversations while I'm cooking dinner tonight...they are loud...as always. What catches my attention is their talk about what they are having for dinner at their houses tonight. You see, every one of the boys downstairs is from a different culture. One is Russian. His parents speak very little English in their home. The other is Korean. His mother is from Korea and his father met her when he was stationed there. We also shared a duplex wall with this couple almost 20 years ago before any of us had kids. The 3rd boy is from a home where both parents are deaf...another culture altogether. The all have much different experiences in their home than we do. Yet. These boys have so much in common and love spending time together. Their differences don't matter to them and at most...they each think the differences in food, religions, and clothing are interesting...but not that much.

Soon, Kobe shouts up the stairs, "Mom, what are we having for dinner tonight"? I shout back, "Chili 5 Way and Cauliflower Salad." Hoops, Hollers and "YES, my favorite" is what I hear Kobe say. I hear the other boys asking..."what is that...Chili 5 way?"

They learn from each other, share experiences with each other and generally just have a good time together. So, yes...the blessings abound. Living in a culturally diverse small city in the middle of Missouri is truly a blessing to all of us.

Thanks For Stopping By!

Jackie

Craving Lightness and Brightness...

2011-01-15T19:59:00.000-06:00

"Winter, a lingering season, is a time to gather golden moments, embark upon a sentimental journey, and enjoy every idle hour."
- John Boswell

I'm trying to Embrace the Blessing of the Winter Season and sometimes that is hard for me to do. We're in the middle of the Long Dark Winter Days now and I'm craving Light.

These days I find myself pouring through magazines and decorating websites looking for a little inspiration to make my surroundings more cheerful. It's about this time I start treating myself to Bargain Fresh Flowers each week as well.

The photos here are giving me some ideas about some of the projects I have in mind for these winter days. Perfect way to spend the winter...planning projects and hopefully completing some too.

Worrying Doesn't Work...

2011-01-13T14:10:00.003-06:00

Worrying about things doesn't do any good. I know this. I know this. Yet, I am a silent worrier. I even heard myself saying to my husband recently, "Pat, worrying doesn't work because you can worry and whatever is going to happen will happen whether you worried about it or not". Good Advice. I should practice what I preach.

I've learned a lesson about worrying in the last couple of months. In the past, I've worried about our finances, jobs, when the kids were sick, finances, jobs, finances...finances...finances. You get the picture. I can honestly say that I've never worried about my dear cousin Denise getting cancer. Of course, I don't want anyone who I love to get cancer, but I never worried about it because I didn't have a reason to worry. I didn't worry...and...she got Cancer anyway! So, what does that tell you (and me) about worrying? It tells me that worrying doesn't change whatever God has in store for me...Denise...or any of us.

Denise is my cousin, but more like my sister. She is not quite 40 and got her Breast Cancer diagnosis in November 2010. She had a double mastectomy on December 13, 2010. She started her first round of Chemo yesterday. She was really sick all last night. She will lose her hair within 3 weeks. She will be in treatments for months as they are taking an aggressive approach to the type of cancer she has.

I'm not worried.

I'm not worried because I know God has something in mind for all of this pain and sickness that she has to endure. I've already learned the first of many lessons from her and that lesson is: It Doesn't Pay To Worry. Denise has handled this diagnosis with strength and courage from the very beginning. I'm in awe of her Grace in this situation.

When I find myself worrying silently or losing sleep...that will be my reminder to Pray and let God handle it!

Will you also pray for Denise and everyone who is surrounding her during this time?

Thanks for Stopping By,

Jackie

Matthew 6:34 (New Living Translation)

³⁴ “So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today.

**photo courtesy of flickr.com

The Night Before Christmas...Jackie Style...

2010-12-20T10:59:00.004-06:00

'Twas Five Days Before Christmas, When All Through The House

Lots of Creatures Were Stirring, But Hopefully No Mouse!

The Stockings Were Hung By The Chimney With Care

In Hopes That St. Nicholas Would Soon Be There.

The Children Were Shuttled Off To Their Schools

And They Were Instructed To Please Not Break Any Rules.

Dad sped off To Work With a Clang And a Clatter

I Went To The Window To See What Was The Matter

A Flat Tire Was Had By The Dad Of The House

"Merry Christmas", Said I, "And At Least We Don't Have a Mouse!"

These Days Before Christmas, As I Check Things Off My List

I Wonder...Hmmm...What's The Point Of All This?

And Then I Remember...The Reason For All This Joy,

It's Because Of The Birth Of A Special Little Boy!

So, Five Days Before Christmas We Are As Busy As Little Bees,

Baking, Wrapping, Shopping And Things Such As These,

We Look Forward To St. Nicholas Stopping By,

And...
Celebrating The Birth of Jesus Christ!

Merry Christmas and See You in 2011!

Christmas Is A Time For Celebration...

2010-12-07T12:44:00.011-06:00

I have gotten caught up in all the craziness of this Christmas season. I have already purchased almost all of our gifts, the house is decorated, I'm deciding if I'm going to send out Christmas cards or not, we're scheduled to attend Christmas gatherings and open houses at the schools, I'm trying to get through the maze of Christmas shoppers who invade the side of town I live on every year right after Thanksgiving, I'm planning our Christmas menu and when we'll visit relatives, I'm trying to figure out when I'm going to wrap the gifts, what cookies to bake...etc...etc...etc...

It's exhausting when I think about all the normal activities I have and then pile all this extra Holiday Cheer on top of it. Overwhelming Anxiety is what I feel.

Then...I stop and think about what Christmas is really about. I take the time to focus on the meaning of this holiday. The Birth of Jesus. I take time to think about what that means for me and those I love. Overwhelming Gratitude is what I feel.

As I have taken time to dig into the meaning and Purpose of Christmas I discovered the first purpose is...

Christmas Is A Time For Celebration!

So, let's celebrate! Let's gather together with our family and friends and Celebrate the gift God gave us...Jesus! Let's give each other gifts, share meals together, enjoy the lights adorning so many homes, bake cookies, decorate trees, and attend Christmas parties. Jolly Old St. Nick may even visit and bring a few surprises. No matter how we do it...It's time to Celebrate!

**Photos-one of the many "men" on my Snowman Tree and a corner of my dining room.

Sparse Beauty...

2010-12-03T20:04:00.000-06:00

A child on a farm sees a plane fly by overhead and dreams of a faraway place. A traveler on the plane sees the farmhouse and dreams of home.

— Carl Burns

*Photos taken at my Aunt and Uncles farm in NE MO Thanksgiving weekend

Thanks For Stopping By,

Jackie

Got Cranberries?

2010-12-02T13:58:00.000-06:00

I looked in my refrigerator on Tuesday and I had 3 bags of Cranberries left over from Thanksgiving. I found a recipe for Cranberry Cake at Taste of Home so I thought I'd try it out. It has been a huge hit at our house and I'll definitely make it again. It is the perfect blend of tart and sweet and it's surprisingly light since there is no frosting. We top it with whipped cream. Enjoy!

Cranberry Cake

Ingredients

3 eggs
2 cups sugar
3/4 cup butter, softened
1 teaspoon almond extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
2-1/2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries, thawed
2/3 cup chopped pecans
Whipped cream, optional

Directions

In a large bowl, beat eggs and sugar until slightly thickened and lemon-colored, about 5 minutes. Add butter and extract; beat 2 minutes. Gradually stir in flour just until combined. Stir in cranberries and pecans. Spread in a greased 13-in. x 9-in. baking dish.
Bake at 350° for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Serve with whipped cream if desired. Yield: 16-20 servings.

Thanks For Stopping By,

Jackie

An Overdue Thank You...

2010-12-02T07:08:00.004-06:00

Good morning!

A few weeks ago I was awarded the Stylish Blogger Award from Melissa of From My Somewhat Serious Mind! Thanks so much Melissa...I'm honored! I encourage you to visit Melissa's blog...you won't be disappointed! You should also check out her business website...printhis.biz...she prints invitations, digital cards, etc...very nice!

The rules are that I must share 7 things about myself and pass on the award. I confess and say that I'm terrible about choosing who should get these awards and so I'm going to pass this on to all my blog friends...you are all very deserving!!

So here goes...

1. I'm addicted to magazines!! The print kind...you know the ones that arrive in your mailbox? I subscribe to several and buy more at the store. I still enjoy flipping through the pages more than viewing stuff online.

2. Speaking of magazines...I tear stuff out of them and stick it in a scrapbook...yeah, I know, your teenage daughter probably does that too.

3. I've had 3 Cranberry Bliss Bars from Starbucks since they came out this holiday season! Sshhhh! P.S. if you check the nutrition information at the above website you'll note that they don't have it available online. I'm quite sure that is because each bar probably has 852 calories and they don't want anyone to know the truth!

4. I LOVE to bake bread. Okay, I use a bread machine for the dough, so it's cheating a little I know. I love how it makes my house smell.

5. I really want to go on a vacation all by myself! I'd love to have a hotel room all to myself. I'd do LOTS of reading, venture out and take lots of photos and do a LOT of journaling.

6. I'm going to be 42 years old in 28 days! All those kids I walk by everyday on campus...I'm definitely old enough to be their mother now!

7. My kitchen has been half painted for approximately 2 months. It's going to get done before the end of the year...I'm sure of it!

8. And a bonus...My husband and I went to our high school senior prom together...23 years ago! We didn't get married though, until 1997 (ten years after our high school graduation).

I hope you all have a great December 2nd!

Thanks For Stopping By...

Jackie

Menu Plan Monday - November 29, 2010

2010-11-29T05:12:00.000-06:00

Good Morning!

It's a little hard to plan this menu after all the cooking and eating that took place in the last week...but here goes...be sure to stop by Orgjunkie.com for more great menu ideas.

Monday: Farmhouse Chicken (I'm using leftover turkey)

Tuesday: Dinner with Friends (I provide the dessert) Cranberry Crumb Bars

Wednesday: Slow Cooker Texas Pulled Pork (new recipe), Baked Beans, Salad

Thursday: Slow-Cooker Scalloped Potatoes and leftover pulled pork

Friday: Taco Night!

Saturday: Baked Buffalo Wings with Veggies and Dip

Sunday: Baked Chicken Parmesan, Salad and Buttery Bread Machine Rolls

Thanks for stopping by,

Jackie

And Now The Christmas Season Can Begin...

2010-11-26T06:22:00.000-06:00

Christmas is the season for kindling the fire of hospitality in the hall, the genial flame of charity in the heart."
~ Washington Irving (1783-1859), American short-story writer and essayist.


My Christmas Season Will Begin By Enjoying A Cup of This...

While Reading One of These...

Thanks For Stopping By,

Jackie

Favorite Thanksgiving Prayers and Traditions...

2010-11-24T05:47:00.001-06:00

One of my favorite things about Thanksgiving, besides all the great food, is our Thanksgiving Tablecloth! I spread out a white tablecloth and everyone who has dinner with us or stops by on Thanksgiving signs the tablecloth and records what they are thankful for. It is a treasure!! I don't have mine out yet...so no photo...but here is an example.

I've also collected a few simple prayers for Thanksgiving.

My prayer for you this holiday is that your Thanksgiving is filled with warmth, food, good health, family and friends.

O God, when I have food,
help me to remember the hungry;
When I have work,
help me to remember the jobless;
When I have a home,
help me to remember those who have no home at all;
When I am without pain,
help me to remember those who suffer,
And remembering,
help me to destroy my complacency;
bestir my compassion,
and be concerned enough to help;
By word and deed,
those who cry out for what we take for granted.
Amen.

- Samuel F. Pugh

Thank you for the food we eat,

Thank you for the world so sweet,

Thank you for the birds that sing,

Thank you God for everything.

Thanksgiving Prayer

For each new morning with its light,
For rest and shelter of the night,
For health and food,
For love and friends,
For everything Thy goodness sends.

~Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803-1882)

Happy Thanksgiving!

Jackie

Menu Plan Monday - November 22, 2010

2010-11-21T06:42:00.006-06:00

Hello Blog Friends!

Thanksgiving Week is here! I'm participating in Menu Plan Monday sponsored by OrgJunkie. Head over there for more great menus for this wonderful week of cooking and eating.

Monday: Baked Potato Soup with Salad and Rolls

Tuesday: Slow Cooker French Dip with Sweet Potato Fries (frozen)

Wednesday: Kobe's 10th Birthday!! His favorite Brown Sugar Meatloaf with Salad and Cheesy Cauliflower

Thursday: Thanksgiving Day (menu below)

Friday: Leftover Buffet/Eating Out/Shopping/Visiting

Saturday: Leftover Buffet/Eating Out/Shopping/Visiting

Sunday: Taco Night!

Thanksgiving Day Menu

Appetizers

Veggie Tray

Chopped Mediterranean Salad with Pita Chips

Main

Turkey

Stuffing

Mashed Potatoes

Noodles

Cranberry Sauce

Sweet Potato Casserole

Broccoli/Rice Casserole

Sweet Dinner Rolls

Cranberry Waldorf Salad

Desserts

Caramel Pecan Cheesecake Pie

Pumpkin Pie

Thanks For Stopping By!

Jackie

Thoughts On A Cold, November Missouri Morning...

2010-11-18T10:48:00.002-06:00

November. The Month of Being Thankful. This gratitude thing is what I try to do all year round. When I Embrace My Blessings on a daily basis...my life changes. The month of November brings those blessings into the forefront of my thoughts.

This cold morning I saw a thin layer of ice on my deck chairs. I'm thankful the changing seasons. Each new season can be seen a new beginning. As we're about to enter into a busy season of preparing our homes for the holidays and days filled with wrapping gifts and baking I want to take the next few days before Thanksgiving to reflect on my own gratitude. To Slow Down and take note of my Blessings and to prepare my heart for the Spiritual Journey I will take in the next month with Following The Star: The Advent Devotional. I invite you to take part in the devotional journey along with me. This year will mark the 3rd time that I have taken this journey during the Advent Season...you won't be disappointed...

A few of my Multitude of Blessings...

~~Knowing I Can Start Fresh This Morning and God's Mercies Are New Each Day~~

~~My Husband Dealing With a Long-Lived Issue and Working So Hard On It...will you pray for him?~~

~~Hearing Kyler, my 4-year Old, Say To His Brother, "Jesus Was On Earth and He Loves Us"~~

~~Celebrating 10 years Of Being a Mom In A Few Days. One of The Two Best Gifts I've Ever Been Given...Being Kobe's Mom~~

~~Kyler hugging Kobe When We Pick Him Up From School and Hearing Him Say, "I Missed You Big Brother"~~

~~Candle-Light, Conversation with God and Steaming Coffee On A Cold, November Missouri Morning~~

Jackie

**photo - view from my deck on a very cold January morning in 2009.

Menu Plan Monday - November 15, 2010

2010-11-15T05:47:00.001-06:00

Happy Monday Blog Friends!

I'm back for another Menu Planning Monday sponsored by OrgJunkie. Head over there for more great meal ideas!

In addition to the menu below, I plan to make Pumpkin Bread and Banana Cranberry Bread for snacks and quick breakfasts this week.

Monday: Slow Cooker Pork and Beans with Salad and Rolls

Tuesday: Spaghetti with Salad

Wednesday: Honey Mustard Lime Chicken with Rice and Broccoli

Thursday: Aunt Fannie's Dinner with Salad

Friday: Taco Night!

Saturday: Baked Ziti with Salad and Sweet Dinner Rolls

Sunday: Slow Cooker Green Beans, Ham and New Potatoes

Thanks For Stopping By,

Jackie

Book Review - Unlocked by Karen Kingsbury

2010-11-11T13:47:00.002-06:00

From the Product Description...

Holden Harris is an eighteen-year-old locked in a prison of autism. Despite his quiet ways and quirky behaviors, Holden is very happy and socially normal---on the inside, in a private world all his own. In reality, he is bullied at school by kids who only see that he is very different. Ella Reynolds is part of the 'in' crowd. A cheerleader and star of the high school drama production, her life seems perfect. When she catches Holden listening to her rehearse for the school play, she is drawn to him ... the way he is drawn to the music. Then, Ella makes a dramatic discovery---she and Holden were best friends as children. Frustrated by the way Holden is bullied, and horrified at the indifference of her peers, Ella decides to take a stand against the most privileged and popular kids at school. Including her boyfriend, Jake. Ella believes miracles can happen in the unlikeliest places, and that just maybe an entire community might celebrate from the sidelines. But will Holden's praying mother and the efforts of Ella and a cast of theater kids be enough to unlock the prison that contains Holden? This time, friendship, faith, and the power of a song must be strong enough to open the doors to the miracle Holden needs.

My Review...
Unlocked by Karen Kingsbury was enjoyable to read and hard to put down. Karen has a way of drawing me into her stories and her books never fail to inspire me to continually strengthen my faith. While the main themes of this book are Autism, Teen Suicide and Bullying, all relevant topics for today's teenagers, I found myself drawn to the character of Ella and her relationship with her mother. Ella is a strong girl who won't take no for an answer when she is trying to help Holden, yet she has her own struggles at home. The theme of bullying was so interesting to me and I felt myself rooting for the characters who were seen as different and didn't fit in. The ability to see into Holden's locked up world of Autism was fascinating, especially when I read about the research Karen had done to prepare for writing this book. Although the book is fairly predictable, it is an inspirational story filled with hope and it will warm your heart. I recommend this for teenagers to adults. Tissues Needed!

Thanks to Zondervan for sending me this book in exchange for my review!

Jackie

Christmas Is A State of Mind...

2010-11-09T06:09:00.000-06:00

I wish we could put up some of the Christmas spirit in jars and open a jar of it every month. ~Harlan Miller

Christmas Carols, Snowmen and Holiday Cheer were enjoyed by all this past weekend at the Holiday Open Houses we attended. I had a great visit with my Mom and enjoyed seeing my cousin and Aunt as well. We missed the girls who couldn't be with us. I can hardly even believe that I'm almost ready to start my Christmas preparations. I'm not in any hurry to by-pass my favorite holiday, Thanksgiving, but I'm in the Christmas Spirit this year. I have a lot to be Thankful for and I enjoy making my home a warm and inviting place for family and friends to find comfort in. I look forward to sharing some of my decorating and our family traditions with you this season.

My Cute Shopping Partner...

Christmas Trees on The Old Truck Set the Mood...

The New Winter Sign For My Foyer Will Replace...

...this Fall Sign...

Ice Skating Cuteness...

Thanks For Stopping By,

Jackie

Menu Plan Monday...

2010-11-08T05:35:00.005-06:00

Happy Monday Blog Friends!

I'm joining the OrgJunkie this week and participating in Menu Plan Monday. For the last several months I have been planning our menus every two weeks. I do the bulk of our grocery shopping every two weeks, because that is when I am paid, and I do a quick run in between for bread, milk, etc. This schedule works well for us. To help me keep track of our meals, and since I use so many of the other participating blogs to plan my own meals, I've decided to give Menu Plan Mondays a try. I will only be posting our dinner menus because we're gone during lunch and breakfast at our house is quick (toast, cereal, muffins). It will be a short week for us because we will be out of town Friday-Sunday so I'm off the hook for those meals. Here is the plan for this week...

Monday: Broccoli Cheese Soup and Sweet Dinner Rolls
The broccoli cheese soup will be doubled and 1 portion will go in the freezer

Tuesday: Easy Chicken Enchilada Crescent Bake with carrots and dip

Wednesday: Sloppy Joe's (from the freezer), Tater Tots, Corn

Thursday: Beef Stew with Potato Dumplings (gnocchi)

Friday: Out of town

Saturday: Out of town

Sunday: Out of town until early evening...sandwiches and chips for dinner

Thanks for Stopping By,

Jackie

There's a Chill in the Air...

2010-11-05T09:53:00.001-05:00

Whew...those last two posts were a bit on the heavy side...even for me. Let's move on to something a little more fun! It's chilly today and I'm in the mood for some comfort...

It's a perfect day for some leftover Baked Ziti. I made this last night and it was a hit with all the boys. It was an easy weeknight meal and next time I'm going to double the recipe and freeze. The only change I made to the recipe was adding cream cheese and omitting the sour cream. It's what I had on hand and it worked great.

Next on my list is grabbing one of these when I'm out today. It's really on my list folks...and yes I have a problem...I'm aware of it. It's a Pumpkin Spice Latte from Starbucks.

And finally, my Mom is coming to spend the weekend! I'm looking forward to seeing her and snagging some goodies on our little road-trip to the best store in Missouri, Randolph Mercantile! Here is a sampling of what we might see tomorrow...

Have a great weekend!

Until Next Time,

Jackie

Knowing Who My Father Is...Part 2

2010-11-04T14:55:00.000-05:00

And so the story continues. To read the part 1 click here.

Forgiveness.

Forgiveness was a conscious choice. It didn't come easy for me but it did come...about 10 years ago. I had to forgive my Dad to move on in my journey. If I didn't forgive him I would have been stuck...stalled...and bitter. Corrie ten Boom says it best, "Forgiveness is to set a prisoner free, and to realize the prisoner was you."

For me, forgiveness was deciding that I couldn't change the past or change who my Dad was. What I could do was accept the facts and move forward. Forgiveness was part of the journey and took a long time before it was settled in my heart. Forgiveness is what has helped me to be grateful for my experiences and to know that those experiences have shaped who I am today.

Finding my true Father. My Heavenly Father.

In the middle of the worst times of my journey...in the early years...I decided that there had to be something more than what I was feeling. I kept searching and I found my Heavenly Father. I didn't have a conversion experience. I made a decision and decided to trust that there must be something more out there. My faith came alive as I studied and prayed and my relationship with God flourished. It continues to this day.

After I examined my feelings of sadness that day that I had lunch with my friend, I was reminded that I have a Father who loves me. That father is God.

My earthly father...my Dad...may not be what I would hope for and that's okay. God desires a relationship with me and that's all I need.

I also know that my Heavenly Father is my Strength (Isaiah 12:2), my Guide (Proverbs 3:6), my Counselor (Psalm 16:7) and my Strong Tower (Proverbs 18:10). Just as a Father should be.

Until Next Time,
Jackie

*photo courtesy of flickr.com

Knowing Who My Father Is...Part 1

2010-11-03T11:11:00.001-05:00

"Heavenly Father, You are my Restorer. You restore all that has been taken, destroyed, devoured, or lost from my life" (Adapted from Psalm 23:3)

As my friend Julie and I sat down to lunch a few weeks ago, she began telling me that she had met her Dad for coffee earlier that morning. They'd had a nice, long chat and he had helped her with a decision she needed to make about a house repair. She was full of love for her Dad and was thankful he is in her life today. As she was telling me about her morning I felt a tug on my heart. I dismissed the feeling. I wasn't even sure what it was. We went on with our lunch and had an enjoyable time, as usual. On my way back to work I realized what the feeling was...what the tug on my heart meant...it was Sadness. I was surprised at this feeling because I came to terms years ago about the relationship (or lack thereof) I have with my Dad. I'll probably never be able to call him to meet me for coffee or to ask his advice about something. I haven't written much about my Dad on this blog...on purpose. There really isn't much to say. As I grew into adult-hood 20+ years ago I began my journey of figuring out who I was...in spite of who my father was...and what he had led me to believe about myself. That journey was hard in the early years. I had to come to terms with shame, self image, sadness, anger and many other emotions.

I haven't spoken more than a handful of words to my Dad in the last 5 years. I did see him at my Grandmothers funeral earlier this year and you can read about that here. I can't say what my Dad's life is like now. I can't tell you where he lives or if he is even alive. I can tell you what I know about him from my past. He could strike up a conversation with just about anyone. He was an entrepreneur. He was a gardener. He was was also an Alcoholic, Abusive, Manipulative and a Master of Mind Control.

Those are the facts.

I don't write them here to slander my Dad. I write them so you understand where I come from and why I had to take that journey to...Knowing Who My Father is...

We all have stories and I invite you to share one of mine. Stay tuned for Part 2.

*Photo courtesy of flickr.com

Trick or Treat...

2010-11-03T10:00:00.001-05:00

Wind Blowing,

Jack-O-Lanterns Glowing,

Witches, Ghosts, Ninjas and Soldiers,

Characters Out and About,

Candy And Fun Throughout,

Halloween Fright,

Oh, What a Magical Night.

Until Next Time,

Jackie

Love One Another...Even in our Differences...

2010-10-08T07:01:00.006-05:00

Recently I had a conversation with someone who had decided to not attend an event because there was going to be a family at this event who is...different. Different from her family and different from mine. I was taken aback that I was actually hearing this in the year 2010. How is this possible? It would have never occurred to me to NOT attend this event because there would be a family there who is different than mine. I then realized how lucky my family is to live in a diverse community.

As I thought about it more I became Thankful.

Thankful that I don't live my life like that.

Thankful that we are surrounded by families who are different than we are.

Thankful that I get to have conversations with my boys about the fact that not all families look like ours. I get the opportunity to talk to the boys about kindness...tolerance...peace...and respect.

There are all different types of families...cultures...religions...lifestyles...ideas...

Love is what makes a Family.

Love One Another...Even in Our Differences.

1 John 4:7-10 (New Living Translation)

Loving One Another

⁷ Dear friends, let us continue to love one another, for love comes from God. Anyone who loves is a child of God and knows God. ⁸ But anyone who does not love does not know God, for God is love. ⁹ God showed how much he loved us by sending his one and only Son into the world so that we might have eternal life through him. ¹⁰ This is real love—not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as a sacrifice to take away our sins.

Photo courtesy of flickr.com and remember the United Colors of Benetton commercials from the 1980's? That's is what I kept picturing when I was writing this post. I couldn't find any old shots of those but the one above is a good substitute.

Doing The Dishes...

2010-10-05T10:28:00.005-05:00

Eight years ago I worked for a professor here at the University and we had some interesting, deep and philosophical conversations. He was about to retire from a long academic career. He wasn't easy to work for, but he had a lot of knowledge and I learned from him. One of our conversations was about Doing The Dishes. Yes. Doing The Dishes. At the time, my first born was two years old and I was still trying to adjust to Motherhood and Working and what that meant. In one of our conversations, I remember him telling me that every night he and wife would dine together and then he would put on some music and do the dishes. He did the dishes. He said, "it's the most relaxing part of my day". I probably smiled and said something like, "that's nice". What I remember thinking is, "what in the world is he talking about?" I just want to get home, see my baby, eat dinner and get the clean up over with so we can get on with our evening. I was definitely moving at a fast pace and not enjoying the little things. Not really taking the time to enjoy the Moments.

Until last night...I had forgotten about this conversation.

Last night, like always, Pat was at work and the boys and I had dinner. After dinner one was showering and one was in his room. I commenced with the usual after-dinner cleanup. I filled the dishwasher, started it and then began hand-washing some of the pots and glassware. The window above the sink was open and there was a cool breeze blowing in. The sink was full of suds. The house was quiet except for the running water from the shower down the hall.

Then.

I got it. I understood why that was the most relaxing part of his day. I felt it too. The busy-ness of the day was being washed away as the dishes in the sink were becoming clean. It was a simple and repetitive motion. But I relaxed. I enjoyed it. This simple task. It didn't feel like the chore it has always felt like to me in the past.

I'm not sure what has changed within me. Growing older maybe? Probably. But I'm learning to enjoy all the moments. Especially the small ones.

Until Next Time,

Jackie

**photo courtesy of flickr.com

I'm linking up with Blessed Little Nest's - Life Made Lovely Monday (even though it's Tuesday). Head over there for more loveliness!

Touches of Fall Around The House...

2010-09-30T11:42:00.000-05:00

"Even if something is left undone, everyone must take time to sit still and watch the leaves turn."
- Elizabeth Lawrence

The Lord's Prayer...a Personal Version...

2010-09-21T13:46:00.000-05:00

I wrote this post two years ago in response to a devotional I had read. The devotional challenged me to write a personal Lords Prayer. It was one of the first things I wrote publicly...although I'm pretty sure crickets were chirping for almost a year before I ever got a comment on my blog (grin). I've been revisiting the Lords Prayer so I thought I'd share my version again with you.

My Psalm of Gratitude to God

God You are in control of all we do and have.

You give us heat when we're cold
food when we're hungry
a place to sleep when we're tired.

You give us opportunities for knowledge when we're longing to learn more.

You listen when we cry and
You listen when we're full of joy.

You are here with us - full of unconditional love.

I am proud to be your daughter!

To those who don't know You-
You are there waiting for them to acknowledge You.
When they look up and see You, Your arms are open and ready to envelope them in your love and forgiveness.
You don't ask, "Why didn't you come sooner?"
You're just there waiting!

You are the Peacemaker.
Peace within my heart and soul.
Without You my soul is turbulent,
but with You my soul is calm.

Thank You God for being there when I need a steady hand to guide my way

Thank You for loving me when I'm unlovable.
Thank You for filling my heart with love for You.
In turn my heart is full of love for others as well.

Your love truly does envelope me and for that I am thankful!

Rest. Renewal.

2010-09-06T08:26:00.003-05:00

re·new

  : to make like new : restore to freshness, vigor, or perfection renew our strength in sleep> or  

  : to make new spiritually : regenerate.
 

With paintbrush in hand and boys playing outside with their friends these last two weekends I've had some time to think. The quiet and repetitive motion of the strokes of a paintbrush give way to thinking about renewal. As the walls take on a new life... I think about my own. Changing seasons spur thoughts about beginning again. Starting Fresh. Sometimes I need that too. Just as I step back and assess the paint job...I
need to step back and evaluate my life and make changes. Renew. Renewal. To make like New.

Just like the One has taught - Rest and Renewal - are essential for growth.

May this Labor Day be a day of Rest and Renewal for you as it will be for me.

Until Next Time,

Jackie
*photo courtesy of flickr.com