Caroline's Place

My Heritage

2012-01-30T16:11:00.000-08:00

Good Afternoon,
Last night we at TTC were privileged to hear Bro. Bob Baglin preach. My, my, what a treat! And preach he did! About our great heritage in this Pentecostal Way. I couldn't help but be reminded of some thoughts I had a few days ago about how blessed I am to attend the greatest church. And how that sometimes I can forget and take it for granted. I have been so blessed by God that sometimes when I really stop to think about it, it blows my mind! Let me tell you a bit about my Heritage.

Both sets of my grandparents were in the church. My dad's dad was a preacher and pastored a little church here in the valley. While my parents did backside for a few years at some point in their lives, as far back as I can remember, they have lived for God. My father retired from the Immigration Service at the age of 52 and went full-time into the ministry. Assisting two pastors for some years before finally taking his own pastorate at...a little church here in the valley.
I really don't remember a lot about my grandparents when it comes to church. I just know they lived for God. And I am grateful. (I need to get the details on them.) But when it comes to my parents, well, that I do know. Here's what they gave me as my heritage in God:

My Mom:
My mother is/was the best singer/song leader this side of anywhere. My love of singing comes from her. She taught me to sing with everything that's in me, to give it all I've got. That if my song does not inspire me, then it will not inspire others. That even when I'm struggling, keep on singing anyway-God deserves the glory even if I'm not on top of the world. I can remember lots of times as a kid growing up, when she would be leading song service and we'd be singing a song about heaven-like, 'I'll Be Singing There', before you knew it she'd be marching around the pulpit, whooping and shouting and the people couldn't help but get excited right along with her. (I miss that.) Sometimes when I'm singing, I can kinda hear her...
My mother is a praying woman. She's told us the story many times, of how when my dad was not living for God and she prayed him back into the church. She prayed for him at home. She prayed for him at church. She prayed for him in the alter after the preaching. Then she prayed some more when she got home from church. She prayed without ceasing and it worked! One day my dad up and said, "Georgia, I don't think it's safe for you and the kids to be driving all that long windy road to church by yourself. I'm going to start driving you." And the rest as they say, is history. She's up in years now (soon be 79), and daddy gone these last five, but she is still faithful to church, even when she's tired and weary in body. Faithful all the way.

My Daddy:
My daddy was a man of faith with a capital F. He believed God could do anything and was blessed to have witnessed so many miracles in his life. As I've mentioned in posts about him before, he believed right up till the day he died that God would heal him of cancer. I can remember so many times while he was sick when he would smile at me and say, "Well, sis, I feel much better today, I think the Lord has healed me." I want that kind of faith.
My dad was a self-taught Bible scholar. And his knowledge of the Bible went as far and maybe even beyond anything he may have learned had he gone to any Bible college out there. He transferred his love of study to me, and while I will never be anywhere close to being as knowledgeable as he, I love The Word- and this glorious truth! And I have him to thank for it. More then anything in this world, daddy loved the truth. And he gifted that love to me. If I ever asked him about someone that was struggling with going to church, or believing the truth, he would ALWAYS quote the scriptures in 2Thessalonians 2:10-12. Daddy bought the truth, and sold it not. I don't plan on selling it either.
Daddy taught me to be faithful to church. If we were sick, we went to church to get healed. If we were out of town, we went to church in whatever town we were in. We did not miss church. He taught me NOT too be late...anywhere. He always said if you were fifteen minutes early, you were late. I agree. Sometimes when I lean way back in my chair and look up to the heavens, seems like I can hear him encouraging me to keep on keeping on. "Sis, buy the truth, don't sell it, and for heaven's sake, when the trumpet sounds you had better not be late!"

Yes, Bro. Baglin, I have a tremendous heritage. One that I don't ever want to take for granted. And one I intend to pass down to my children and grandchildren. Thank you Elder for passing by our way last night and reminding us! We love you and Sis. Baglin so very much!

Well, here we are...

2012-01-27T20:33:00.000-08:00

Back in the saddle again. There's only one thing to do when you fall off a horse...climb back on.
Right Rick? ;-)

Hello Friends, Family and Critics,
First, it appears that little ol' me is not the only one to have issues with this problem of late. If these folks can handle it what's my excuse? So, after some lectures from some family and friends, and after giving much thought as to why I want to continue blogging, I decided to return. (You knew I would. ;-)

All I'm going to say is that I allowed one small-minded critic to run me off. Shame on me! There will always be critics. Always someone with a difference of opinion. Someone who misinterprets something I write. Someone who thinks they know everything. Someone who gets offended. It can't be helped. It was not necessarily the critic themselves that got me riled. No, it was the opinion they hold and how degrading it is to women, that got me. There is more to this story but it would serve no purpose to write it. Suffice it to say, that I have decided that I will write what I will and let the critics say what they will. I have found the heart to write again, and for that I am thankful.

Thanks for hanging around. I really do appreciate it!

Peace Out.

Da Na Na, Da Na Na,..

2012-01-17T18:53:00.000-08:00

I ain't no Rocky Balboa (thank God!), but I got me a victory to chant about. You remember that silly little incline I posted about here awhile back, you know, the one that's at the end of my walks?

Yeah, this one. Well, yesterday as I turned the corner to walk up it, tired as I was, something just came over me. I looked around right quick (I've never done this in public before so I was kinda shy a bout it), and then I RAN, yes RAN, right up that puppy! Yahoo! Did that ever feel good! About halfway up I didn't care who might be watching- I was winning this round! "Punching" all the way! Now, I'll admit when I got to the top I was out of breath big time- but cool as a cucumber, I slowed to a walk and acted like I always do that...and maybe I will!

Dinner Party Anyone?

2012-01-16T12:48:00.000-08:00

In a word, quick oats are repulsive! Slimy, sticky, wallpaper paste, yuck! And, they are made even worse when one finds a hair in them! Instead of throwing up, I threw it out- much more civilized, I think.

Thus began my Monday morning, and I'm hoping that it has not set a precedence for the rest of my day! All of the quick oats in this house will be disposed of posthaste...no matter how free w/coupons they were! Groooossss! Old Fashion Quaker buddy, my main man, I love you...and you don't make my stomach quake. I'll be by to pick you up this afternoon!

Ah, but I did not come here to talk about slimy oats- although I do feel somewhat better for having gotten the issue out of my system. No, I want to talk about dinner parties. An occasion I have not had the privilege to put on for 30 some years. I love to throw dinner parties! Years ago (in my early twenties) I had them on a regular basis. I know you may be surprised because I never throw them now. That's because my house in not dinner party friendly- too small, too...well, it's just not, trust me on this one. But... if I had a house that was, I'd be having dinner parties every chance I got. I like to dream about them sometimes. What would I cook? Who would I invite? When? Dream, dream, dream. So, with that in mind. I thought I'd have a bit of fun today and ask you a dinner party question.

K, here's the deal: Your having the ultimate dinner party, and only six people can come. These six people have either had a great influence on you, are someone you admire, or they may just be someone whose brain you'd like to pick. They can be authors, teachers, presidents, first ladies, preachers, Bible characters, family members...etc. etc.,you get the picture. Next to their names you can write the reason why you invited them if you want.

Here's my guest list:

The six people attending my ultimate dinner party:

Jesus (The questions I have for him are endless!)
Ellie Krieger (A healthy version of the Pioneer Woman. I want Ellie to cook the dinner.)
Apostle Peter (Me and him got a lot in common. I wanna find out more about him than what's in The Book.)
My Dad (I always loved picking his brain! I miss him horribly.)
My nephew Rick. (Gotta have some humor here folks! Plus, he's a lot like my dad)
Nona Freeman (Maybe she could rub off on me a bit.)

Well, there you have it folks. There are a lot more people I could add to this list. People who have had great influence in my life, authors I read, folks who just fascinate me and I'd like to know them. But, I set the limit at six so I had to abide by the rules. I don't like that the cook took up one of the spots (even tho I really do like her recipes), but I want to be able to just sit at the table and soak it all up, so I needed a cook.

OK, now it your turn. Who's the who at your ultimate dinner party?

You looking for me?

2012-01-08T22:06:00.000-08:00

I went thata way ----------------->

Or maybe <---------------------- thisa way

either <-----------------> way, I won't be back till this Saturday.

I'm taking a break to focus on prayer and fasting week at my church..

Blessings :)

Operation Move--It's about TIME!

2012-01-05T14:09:00.000-08:00

About a year ago I started a Blog called Now I Weigh Me Down for Keeps, but I never ended up getting it up and running. But in riding along on the wave of a brand new years motivation, I am excited to be starting another blog. And although I liked the old name (rather catchy I thought), I have begun a whole new blog with a different name. It's called Operation Move. Oh, it's still about losing weigh, but instead of focusing just on food like the old one, I want this new blog to focus on exercise as well. I feel like I'm eating well (although I did backslide a bit over the holidays), it's the moving part that's not moving as much as it should and it needs to get a move on! A nice balance is my hope.

I actually started the new blog on the third of Jan. and have already put up two posts- one being the introduction, and the other stating my plan of action. The Plan will officially start tomorrow so you'll be joining me for my first day of accountability! I'm looking forward to it! I will warn you though, I'm aiming for direction, not perfection, so please don't expect anything more.
So, If your interested, join me for a brand new adventure at Operation Move, and lets get this New year started off on the right (left, right left...) foot! If not, then just hang out around here where I'll continue to try my best to keep you from falling asleep at your computer. =)

Do you have any plans for getting healthy and fit this year?

So THAT'S what's wrong with me...

2011-12-30T19:07:00.000-08:00

I was listening to Focus on the Family today and thought it good enough to share. It's all about strong-willed children, and adults. I figure I was/am a strong-willed child/adult and was glad to hear that having a strong will is only a bad thing when it's headed in the wrong direction. Here are the links to both parts if you're interested.

Part 1

Part 2

You can also check out Cynthia Tobias's books here. I have put her book "You can't make me" [But I can be persuaded], on hold at the library and am looking forward to reading it. Look for the review.

Thanks for showing up here today, preciate it. =)

New Year--New Beginings

2011-12-29T16:42:00.000-08:00

I'm sure you noticed that I changed the title of this blog a few weeks back. It was time for a change. And the name wasn't the only change. A lot of posts went into the delete pile- they needed trashed. And some things that stayed, got relabeled. I'm not where I was when I started this blog, in fact, I'm not where I was even a year ago. There's been a lot of changes in my life the last two years, some good, some not so good, and I've posted-although not in detail, about most of it. But...I'm ready for change, and I want this blog to reflect where I desire to go from here. As the old saying goes... you have no control over what happens to you, but you can control how you react to it. A lot of things I don't understand, a lot of things I don't have answers for, but life goes on, and one works with what one has. Oh, I realize this may not make any sense to any of you, but I know what it means, and when I look back a year from now at this post (if the Lord tarries) I hope I can say I have utilized this God-given insight well.

That old worn-out cliche "Life's too short", has never hit home with me so much before as it has in the last few days. It really is so very short, no matter how many years one gets. That being said, I need to make sure I utilize my time better. I know I've said this before, but I'm saying it again. More time with family and friends. More time with God. The friends and family I have in my life have always meant a lot to me, but never so much as they do these days. I'd best not take them for granted. Ah well, before I get too much more philosophical on ya, let me just wrap up this post with the words of an old hymn that's been stuck in my head for the last week or so- it goes like this...

"Gonna lay down my burdens, down by the riverside, down by the riverside, down by the riverside. Gonna lay down my burdens, down by the riverside, ain't gonna study war no more."

Wishing you all a pleasant and peaceful New Year!
Much love, Caroline

Helmet Head

2011-12-28T11:03:00.000-08:00

Now all I need are some uber cool riding clothes to match.

The Very Best Gift!

2011-12-26T16:57:00.000-08:00

How was your Christmas this year? Did you get everything you put on your wish list? Did you get to spend the day with family and friends? I hope so! I truly do.

Kathy over at McMoments and Memories gave her readers permission the enjoy Christmas to the fullest-- sans any guilt, and I did just that. Sweet Guy and I spent the most of the day at Steph's house, along with Kate, a few friends, and my son-in-laws parents. What a wonderful time of food, fun and laughter we had! I'd like to say how much I love and appreciate my son-in-law's parents, and how thankful I am for all the good times we have shared together with our children. How blessed we all are and what a lucky grandson we have!

Sweet Guy, Kate and I had started the day with the usual Kenny G, cinnamon rolls and coffee while we opened our gifts- a tradition we started many moons ago. For three days before Christmas I got to puzzle over a wrapped box that looked just the right size to hold a helmet...and Lo and Behold it did! It's not girlie with pink or flowers on it, but it's not all manly with racing stripes and flames either, it's a beautiful smoke grey, full faced helmet that you can pull the front part up when your going slow or parked, with a compass on the side and a clock that.... Yeah, yeah, I'm like a kid in a candy store about it, I know. It's just that I've wanted one for soooo long. Good things come to those that wait, but waiting can be hard. All I know is...Santa must not have checked his list more than once. lol Lucky for me!

Now all this talk of wonderful presents is nice. But even though I really like my new helmet, it's wasn't the show stopping gift of the year. No, the very best gift I received this year was my husband sitting right next to me in church on Christmas morning! Amazing! And I believe it won't be long before that becomes an every service happening! Thank you to all that are praying for him. I can't begin to tell you what it means to me to have your love and support!

And so, another Christmas has come and gone, leaving behind it's warm glow of peace and good cheer,but most of all... hope!

Blessings :-}

2011-12-24T10:14:00.000-08:00

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

FROM: ME

TO: YOU

May your Christmas be rich with gifts that money cannot buy.

Much Love, Caroline

Christmas Song Wars

2011-12-21T20:34:00.000-08:00

Here are a few of my favorite Christmas songs, and my favorite folks to sing them.

Let it be Christmas by Alan Jackson
O Holy Night by Celine Dion
The Prayer by Andrea Bocelli and Celine Dion
I heard the Bells on Christmas Day by Bette Midler
Jingle Bells by Rory Mac
Silver Bells by Ray Conniff singers
It's the Most Wonderful time of the Year by Andy Williams
O Little Town Of Bethlehem by no one in particular

But....

There are a few I'd dig having earplugs for, and most of the folks who "sing" them.

Last Christmas by Taylor Swift, or anybody for that matter....Like fingernails on a chalkboard!
Christmas Shoes by anybody... who wants morbid at Christmas??
Santa Claus is coming to town by Bruce Springsteen.... painful!
Feliz Natividad by anybody.... too cheesy for me, sorry.
Little Drummer Boy by anybody... monotonous, to say the least.
Santa Baby....need I say more?

These are just the ones I can think of off the top of my head. I'm sure there are more of both. What about you? Is there a Christmas song you'd like to see eradicated? And do you have a favorite?

Cheers!

YOu've gOt 2 B kIdDinG mE!

2011-12-16T12:44:00.000-08:00

Christmas...is only how many days away? and I've only bought one gift! and the only decorations in the house are the lovely cards I've received from friends (that really would be enough IF it were just me) and a circle-of-cranberries candle holder on the piano. Pitimuss! Somebody crack the whip! Somebody get me some major caffeine! Somebody write me a list and rob me a bank! Heeeelp! Christmas is upon me and I am- for the first time EVER, totally unprepared! I do have a boatload of Christmas spirit, but I just can't seem to get a grip on the mechanics of it all. Anybody out there know what I'm talkin' bout?

So in honor of my plight, here's yet another corny rewrite of 'Twas the Night before Christmas'.

'Twas the Wreck before Christmas
Twas the wreck before Christmas, and all thru the house.
The only creatures a stirring, were two cats and a half-dead mouse.
No stockings were hung on the wall mirror with care,
cuz the lady that hangs them was just not prepared.

Papa and Grammy were snug in their bed,
when they should have been out buying presents instead.
Take off that kerchief! take off that cap!
There's stuff what needs doing, no time for a nap!

Then out on the lawn there arouse such a clatter,
we sprang from our bed to see what was the matter.
Away to the window we flew like a flash,
to discover it was only a bum in the trash.

The moon on the breast of the ghetto's "fine" view,
gave a glow to the trash all around us anew.
When what to our wandering eye's should appear,
but a swat team with guns drawn a little too near!

Now, back to the matter of Christmas --this rhyme,
see, I can't seem to focus on one thing at a time.
Parsley, sage, rosemary and thyme..

Distractions encircle my head like a wreath-
All because of the empty space underneath.
What? where was I? Oh yeah, Christmas! the subject at hand.

I must get to workin' or it'll be bland!

Get presents! now, cookies! Stockings and candy!
On, garland! On, light strings! Get, busy! be handy!
To the top of the list! then on to the mall!
Now dash away! Dash away! Get on the ball!

So, I'll spring to my trusty Camry today,
put her in gear and be on my way.
And to y'all I'll exclaim, 'ere I scramble to get this here Holiday right,
"Happy Christmas to all, and to all a, a,... um...a partridge in a pear tree?

By Caroline

Happy Friday y'all!

Choose your color...

2011-12-12T17:19:00.000-08:00

Rory spent the night with me Saturday. On the way to Sunday school the next morning, we were listening to Christmas music. Bette Midler was in the middle of belting out 'I'm dreaming of a white Christmas', when Rory pipes up in the back with a loud,"I wanna hear a blue one."

"May your days be merry and bright,
and may all your Christmases be white!"

Hello, God? It's me,______.

2011-12-09T16:33:00.000-08:00

Knock, knock. Nobody's home.
Have you ever felt like you've prayed and prayed your guts out, sometimes for years and years, and God's not hearing you? Or maybe you know he's listening but it seems like it's taking forever for him to answer? Have you ever felt like you're the only one who knows and understands your situation, and you wonder if anybody is helping you pray? I'm sure we've all felt that way at some point in our lives. It's one of the many tricks of Satan to make us feel like our prayers and hopes are in vain. And yet us humans can fall prey to his stupid lies. (I will say this for the loser- he's good at one thing, and one thing only...lying!) I must confess, I have, at times, fallen victim to his lies- grasping at hope and faith to keep praying when it seems like nobody cares and nothing is happening.
But then, all of a sudden, out of the blue, I get a simple text message today that lets me know that in fact, the opposite is true. Someone does care, someone is helping me pray, and God is working on that answer! It humbled me, and gave me a boost in the faith department. And I am unspeakably grateful!

reply:
tx! ur a blsng 2 me!

Knock, knock. Who's there. God. God who? The god who loves and hears, and answers, so hang in there kiddo!

Prayer for 2012

2011-12-07T17:34:00.000-08:00

One of my friends from Tops sent me this in an email today.

Dear God,
My prayer for 2012 is for a
fat bank account & a thin body.
Please don't mix these up like
you did last year.
AMEN!

Life in Pictures

2011-12-04T22:44:00.000-08:00

Here are a few pictures I've taken with my phone in the past few weeks:

This is Shaver Lake a few weekends ago.

It has very little water in in right now...

They are cleaning and repairing the dam.

Seems like a totally different place.

This is what I call Apple Crack.

It's apple with cinnamon- and one of my new favorite snacks!

This is a silly little incline that meets me at the end of every walk- but having walked 3-4 miles, feels more like I'm climbing Mt. Everest. I always want to do a Rocky Balboa dance when I get to the top! ;)

"Hi Grammy."

I love it when he glances up at me like this!

Don't Mind Me...

2011-12-03T11:33:00.000-08:00

I'm just talkin' to myself.

~~~~~~

I just finished reading Rory a story about Nero the pig, who is a bully, and also, who wouldn't listen to his scoutmaster and ended up setting the forest on fire. There was a part in the story that really stood out to me. It's the part where Nero is griping about having to go on the dumb camping trip in the first place- it says:

"Isn't it funny how people are different? On the one hand, the buddies (monkey, duck and rabbit) loved everything about scouting and this trip was a real adventure. On the other hand, Nero Hogwash hated everything about scouting. And what's amazing, when you step back and look real close, is that the folks who resist and resent and gripe are the folks who need a thing the most."

I've heard it said that the things you don't like, or have a hard time dealing with in others, are the very things you don't like about, or struggle with yourself... and I have found that to be true. And while I would never "set a forest on fire" (not intentionally) rebel (by the grace of God) against the authority that's in my life, I find myself griping about a lot of issues here, and resenting them for the trouble they've caused me. This blog has been my sounding board, and it's the truth, I've really have been...just talkin' to myself.

Mirror, mirror on the wall,

I am myself, after all.

The Silver Tongued Kid

2011-11-30T17:59:00.000-08:00

Today, Rory told me that I was his best Grammy to snuggle. I was pleased as Christmas punch for about 1.4 seconds, until I remembered...I'm his only Grammy. That kid...I'll bet he says that stuff to all the girls!

The Charmer

O Tidings of Comfort and Warmth

2011-11-29T14:16:00.000-08:00

When it's muy caliente in da summer, I crave salads, fruit, green smoothies, grilled something or other, and sandwiches. But now that it's muy frio, I feel the need to replace the veggies in my salad for veggie soup with cornbread in and the green in my smoothies for a spinach quiche; The lunch meat in my sammies for a sleep-inducing pot roast, with piping hot mashed taters and gravy on the side. As for fruit... instead of peaches and plums, I enjoy apples, cranberries and pumpkin...yum. Oh... and steamy spiced oatmeal with raisins for breakfast, in place of cold cereal, yogurt or, banana wraps. 'Tis the season for warm comfort foods and hibernation- and usually in that order. I think I went a little overboard last night with my veggie soup making though... I had about six quarts left over after me and SG had our fill! I put some in the freezer for another day.

What about you? Do your food preferences change with the seasons?

A New Season.

2011-11-25T13:42:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, Sweet Guy, me, and my youngest drove over to the coast to celebrate our day of thanks. Here are some pictures, a few of them shamelessly stolen from Kate. :)

Turkey for lunch...

Kate got her cranberries!

Beautiful!

I get no respect...;-)

Fish and Chips for dinner. Yum!

And now...now begins a new season- the beginning of the Christmas season. In my family, it's a tradition that Christmas doesn't officially start until after the last bite of Thanksgiving dinner has been taken. Then someone hollers, "Put on Kenny and Dolly!" (Christmas CD), and the new season is begun. Even though we weren't in our usual place this year, I made sure we keep that tradition. It brought a smile to my face and a good feeling to my heart. Yes, said I, Thanksgiving is born in the heart... Thank you Lord for a good day!

Seasons. Life has it's own seasons. In whatever season you're in in your life, here is my wish for you:

“May God give you...For every storm a rainbow, for every tear a smile,

for every care a promise and a blessing in each trial.

For every problem life sends, a faithful friend to share,

for every sigh a sweet song, and an answer for each prayer.”

~Irish Blessing~

Caroline

My Thanks To Him

2011-11-24T08:05:00.000-08:00

For the blessings of this life:

The little everyday things that bring a smile to my face.
The magnificent array of thy creation that at times takes my breath away.
The hugs and kisses from my lil Sugar Bunkin that cause my heart to swell till it could burst.
My children/family
My church.
Your sweet Spirit in my heart.
Breath
Health
Food, raiment and shelter.
Mercy
Hope

"For He is more than all the world to me. The dearest friend that I have ever known. And it will take the whole eternity, to thank Him for the love that He has shown."

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

Dear Black Friday,

2011-11-22T22:43:00.000-08:00

I've never paid much attention to you before. I h.a.t.e. to shop, so you were always just a dull subject buzzing around in the background on past Thanksgivings. But this year it's hard not to notice you. Seems like there is much controversy going on about when you should begin. Well, I'm just letting you to know, that I don't care if you start at midnight, or 4am in the morning- I ain't showin' up! You have absolutely nothing that I am willing to risk life or limb over! Please don't be offended, but I've just got better things to do.

Regards,
The Sleeper

What's your take on Black Friday? You dig, or do you avoid it like The Plague?

Stuck in my Head

2011-11-19T11:11:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, as I was leaving the bread store, the lady in front of me held the door for me. I said, "Thank you very much." But instead of the standard, you're welcome reply, she said, "That's what I'm here for."

For some reason, I can't get it out of my head....

Note this Post

2011-11-15T11:49:00.000-08:00

I loved this post! Get Rich Slowly

This one's a keeper!

2011-11-15T08:29:00.000-08:00

Tried this recipe last night on a whim and we really liked it! I've created similar recipes on my own, but this was easy and oh-so-yummy! Enjoy!

Stovetop Italian Macaroni

source

Ingredients
1 pound of ground beef

1 can (28 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained *
2 cups water
1 envelope onion soup mix
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, optional (I didn't have any)
2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni (I used Barilla Whole Grain Shells)
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup (4 ounces) shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese*

Directions

*In a Dutch oven, cook beef over medium heat until no longer pink; drain. Add the tomatoes, water, soup mix, Italian seasoning and pepper flakes if desired. Bring to a boil. Stir in macaroni. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 8-9 minutes or until macaroni is tender.

*Remove from the heat; stir in Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle with

mozzarella cheese. Cover and let stand for 2 minutes or until cheese is melted. Yield: 5 servings.

Nutrition Facts: 1-1/3 cups equals 410 calories, 17 g fat (8 g saturated fat), 76 mg cholesterol, 969 mg sodium, 34 g carbohydrate, 4 g fiber, 30 g protein.

Note: If you end up using two 14 oz. cans of diced tomatoes like I did, I recommend draining one of the cans. Also, to save calories, I didn't add any mozzarella to the pan, I just sprinkled a couple of TBSP on top on our individual bowls.

West Coast

2011-11-07T22:00:00.000-08:00

West Coast was both invigorating and exhausting. Reassuring yet convicting. Fun yet work--with very little sleep in between. All of these things combined into two and a half days = one very tired, yet renewed-in-spirit-gal. Excited about revival. Convicted about my need to do more towards that end. All the preaching I heard was good, but Friday mornings sermon by Bro. Garza was my fav! Even though it hit me right square in the head! But that's OK, I want the preacher to preach to me about the things I need to work on.

I didn't get to hear the sermons on Thursday because I was helping put the minister's dinner together all day. But I did heard a lot about one sermon in-particular, for some strange reason. ;)

Once again, another incredible West Coast, come and gone. Hard to believe. I not gonna say, my, my, how time does fly. But it does!
Can you hear those turkeys gobbling already?

I'm Here...

2011-11-07T09:16:00.000-08:00

Kinda, sorta, half-way, not really...zzzzz

Be back in a bit!

I Want To Be Poor...

2011-10-26T11:00:00.000-07:00

Dirt-poor, poor-as-Job's-turkey, flat broke, impoverished. destitute, in-debt-up-to-my-eyeballs-poor, bankrupt, needful.

Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Matthew 5:3

"I need Thee, Oh, I need Thee.

Every hour I need Thee.

Bless me now my Savior, I come to Thee."

Heaven Help Me...

2011-10-21T12:52:00.000-07:00

God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change,
Courage to change the things I can,
And wisdom to know the difference.

~~~~~~~~~~

For by thee I have run through a troop: by my God have I leaped over a wall.

2 Samuel 22:30

Crash! Boom! Bang!

2011-10-20T12:35:00.000-07:00

"Not last night, but the night before, one really drunk guy, came driving by our door. As we ran out, he raced away, but he totaled eight cars along the way!"

Okay, I know it's a silly song. But you know me... I never do anything the ordinary way--IF I can avoid it. ;-) Anyway, this really happened at our house the night before last--just like the song says. And when the "dust" settled, there were eight family's left without cars to drive to work the next morning. The cops caught the guy, but because no one was injured, they said he'd be out on the street in three hours !

Only in America... *sigh*

Buying a Smartphone...Is NOT Smart...

2011-10-15T10:27:00.000-07:00

For ME anyway.

"I don't wanna grow up,
I'm a Toys Я Us kid.
There's a million toys at Toys Я Us
That I can play with."

Sometimes... being an adult, is hard. That's because adults are really just little kids trapped inside big people bodies. We have the same desire to play, similar wants, needs, and sometimes act just as immature as we did when we were 11. (I picked eleven because to me, it's one of the most annoying ages!) Only now, as adults, we have to figure out how to pay for our wants, and reach for our desires and needs. Oh yes, hopefully, we've gained a lot more wisdom since we were 11, but really, except for the aches, pains, fat, wrinkles, glasses, hearing-aids, hot-flashes, arthritis, and heartburn, we're all just grown-up-kids trying to deal with all the extra responsibility that life has loaded upon our backs. (Oh yeah, and bad backs, too!) Now don't get all adult on me here folks--You know it's true. *grin* Anyhow, I said all of that, to say this...

I WANT A SMARTPHONE!!!! A 4S to be exact. And just because they're cool, not necessarily because I need one. But this...wanna-give-in-to-my-kidlet-desires-adult, ain't gonna be buying one anytime soon. Why? Because adults just don't buy "toys" that they can't justify, that's why. Well...sometimes we do, and that's what I mean when I say we are really just grown-up kids; We sometimes give-in to our temptations, in spite of the fact that we know it's a bad idea. Not to worry tho, I won't be. And that's the whole reason for this silly post. I WANT TO...BAD!!!! Waaaaaaaaa! Sometimes, being an adult...is the pits!

p.s. IF I ever figure out a way to justify one, you'll be the first to know. ; )

Tantrum over.... "regular" programming will resume shortly.

Imagination strikes again...

2011-10-13T23:19:00.000-07:00

Like most children, Rory has a vivid imagination. While playing pirate (a-gain...) on Tuesday afternoon, last, he suddenly took one ear from his Goofy pirate scarf and wrapped it around his chin. He said, " I have a beard". I took the ring from the ear and hung it on his ear so it would stay put. Here are the results...

The usual "cheese"

Arrrrrg!

Grammy calls him a vicious pirate. He says, fishious. ;-)

He's saying..."Dead men tell no tales."

The Hungry Pig Story-- Another Grammy made this up story...

2011-10-12T21:08:00.000-07:00

Once upon a time there was a Papa pig, a Mama pig--and their son, HUNGRY pig. Now, Hungry pig was always hungry. And so every time mama pig went to the store for groceries, before she could even make one meal, Hungry pig would devour them all so that Papa and Mama pig hardly ever got anything to eat. Have you ever seen a skinny pig? Well, that's what Papa and Mama pig were... as skinny as a pigsty rail!
"Oh Papa", said Mama pig, "what are we going to do?"
"If Hungry keeps eating up all the food, we're going to starve to death!"
(It never occurred to them to put Hungry on pig-out...)*snort*
"Now, now, Mama, said Papa pig, "we'll figure something out, don't worry you skinny little head."
Just then, Mama pig had a wonderful idea!
"Hey, Papa", she said, "I know what we can do! We can go out to eat for every meal. That way Hungry can't eat up all our food and we won't starve!"
"Well now, said Papa pig, I think that just might work. Let's give it a try."
And so, that's just what they did. But after about a week, they discovered that eating out was very expensive. And seeing as how they only had so much cash in their food envelope, eating out was causing a major cramp in their budget. They would have to think of something else.
"Well, since we can't eat out, what are we going to do now?", said Mama pig.
" I know!" said Papa pig. "Sam is hiring down at the Deli and I think I could talk him into giving Hungry a job. That way Hungry could earn enough money to buy his own food, plus, he would be able to eat at work too! Then, we can buy groceries for us again-- and, stay within our budget too!"

And so it was...
Hungry got hired at Sam's Deli, and Papa and Mama bought groceries, and never, ever, missed another meal again! *snort*

The End

Ahem...Pardon me, but I just feel like singing!

2011-10-09T12:59:00.000-07:00

This is the song I woke up singing this morning. I just had to share it...

There's within my heart a melody

Jesus whispers sweet and low

Fear not, I am with thee

peace be still

In all of life's ebb and flow

It is Jesus, Jesus, Jesus

Sweetest name I know

Fills my every longing

and He keeps me singing as I go!

There, don't you feel better now? Not because I'm singing, but because God is so good! So faithful! So present! :-D

"Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs,

singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord"

Ephesians 5:19

Home Sweet Tomatoes Home

2011-10-08T15:28:00.000-07:00

Talk may be cheap, but Sweet Tomatoes is not! I really like Sweet Tomatoes, but I don't like that fact that they are a rather pricey now, even with coupons. I've been thinking about setting up a "salad bar" in my home for quite some time now, and today I did just that. I went to Fresh & Easy and bought all the same veggies and stuff I like to put on my salad at Sweet Tomatoes. And, lordy, lordy, magordy, was my salad bomb!

As you can see from the picture, I buy my veggies in bags already washed and cut up. I know it would be more cost effective to buy them whole and cut them up my self, but I tend not to use them all if I buy them that way, so really, for me, this is the cheapest "row to hoe". :)

All for 6 WW points plus!

Another kick in the tummy of a bad economy here at Bargains R Us. Sweet! ;-)

How does your bargain garden grow?

Memories to keep...

2011-10-07T13:55:00.000-07:00

Here are a few pictures of Papa (aka. Sweet Guy) spending some time with Rory. As you will see, Papa is not to be outdone by a two year old...done-in maybe, but always up for the game! Fun! And yes, those are my toes sticking out in a few of the pictures. When you're in the thick of things you can' t be worrying about if your toes are in the way! ;-)

Papa reading Farmer Dugal

Awwww....

Papa shows him how to cock his gun after Rory boards the "pirate ship"

Both up in the "birds nest"

Papa "makes waves"

Fire!

Shooting the scalawags (aka.Grammy).

Papa becomes the ship!

Papa gets thrown in the hootscow

Third round of Peter Rabbit at Grammy's house

I just love watching these two play. *smile*

ReACT or REact?

2011-10-01T09:03:00.000-07:00

Someone talked about this at a meeting I was at the other night, and I can't get it off my brain. (I guess that's a good thing.) I can't remember exactly how he said it, but in essence, what he said was:

Frustration + Frustration= More Frustration

In other words: if we are reacting in frustration, to a frustrating situation, no matter what kind it is, all we will achieve is more frustration. I'll be honest, where I come from, calm was a foreign concept. As I recall, most every offense, was considered a whipping/yelling offense. So, by example, that's how I was geared. And while I realize there might be some situations that call for more aggressive measures, most things can be defused with a calm reaction. But, I'm not just talking about child discipline; This equation "adds up" in every avenue of life, be it work, school, church, relationships, etc. Oh how I wish I had learned this 30 Years ago! Better late than never...Si'?

A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.

Proverbs 15:1

SOMETHING to say!!

2011-09-30T12:07:00.000-07:00

Today at my Tops meeting we celebrated Carlos's 100 lb weight-loss!! And just since February! Yaaahooooo!!! I'll see if I can get some before and after pics for you. AMAZING!

When asked what/how he did it he said, the doctor has him on a 250mil low-salt diet (no room for processed food in that), and walking. Lots of fruit and veggies too. Rocket science folks...No wonder I can't do it. Maybe I should get a job at NASA. Like, sweeping da floors or sonthing ;-)

Sarcasm aside, instead of salt he uses Mrs. Dash and pepper to season his food and prepares all of his meals separate from his families. He also says he bypasses his mothers famous tacos because if he eats one...he eats them all. I heard that! Tacos are like Lays potato chips..."Betcha can't eat just one"!

As you can imagine, he's pumped big-time and has the willpower of a bull. I was feeling totally inspired, that is, until I got home and opened the fridge. Guess I don't' wanna be a bull.
scarf, scarf. ;-P

GO CARLOS!!!!!

H E L L O Big 5-0!

2011-09-19T09:39:00.000-07:00

Ye Old Ancient One.

A TURNING POINT

My thoughts about this day are as such: This, is a turning point in my life.Turning 50 is a huge milestone, and I have given much thought as to which way I want my life to turn. The Bible says in John 10:10, "I am come that they may have life, and that they might have it more abundantly." And that's where I want to turn-- towards a more abundant life. More prayer, more giving, more gratitude, more peace, more love, more laughter, more wisdom, more grace, more service, more Spirit, more worship, more praise, more compassion, more empathy, more understanding, more, more, more--but not more of me. John 3:30 says, "He must increase, but I must decrease." I don't know how many more years I'll get to have in this life, but I pray they will be the most (more) abundant years of my life!

Happy birthday to me

Happy birthday to me
Happy birthday, Happy birthday
Happy birthday to me

And many MORE!

"More cake please." ;-D

OK, Ima preach atcha...but only because I loves ya...

2011-09-16T12:48:00.000-07:00

I was going to say FOR LADIES ONLY, but then decided to direct this post at the men who read this blog too because they're worse than the women about these things! (sorry guys you know I love ya, but it's the truth anyhow. ;-)

I just had to "spank" my sister because she was whining about having to have some check-ups and blood-work done today and, that she has to have another procedure done come Monday. I adore my big sister and I want her to be around for as long as possible, so I'm ecstatic that she is having these tests done! Love you sis!

That said: let me just keep this short and sweet, and say it as nicely as I know how:
I used to be adamant about not wanting to have certain procedures done. Didn't give a lot of thought as to the consequences of not doing so, but not anymore. Sign. Me. Up! After having watched my father suffer a painful and humiliating death from cancer and, having to take my mother to the oncologist month, after month, after month, for breast cancer treatments (will have to for the rest of her life.) After hearing about the horrific pain my sister-in-law suffered before she died of cancer. After losing loved ones and friends to heart attacks, strokes, and other various (preventable) ailments, I submit to you, that preventative testings, though often embarrassing and uncomfortable, are a "walk in the park" by comparison.

One of the saddest things about this, is that most of these people never had the tests needed on a regular basis that could possibly have saved their lives. Please try to avoid being a statistic... Get 'em done!
With much love, Caroline :o)

Have a healthy and happy weekend!

Book Review--LIGHTEN UP!

2011-09-15T11:08:00.000-07:00

sourc

I have taken much more than my usual time (renewed it twice) in reading this book; I was enjoying it so much. I also wanted to allow the wisdom and encouragement of it's words to sink way down in my heart. I agree with the summary on the back of the book: Ken Davis really IS a funny guy! I laughed so hard at times I thought I might choke. Then there were times I cried my heart out. This book hits you right where you live!

It says this on the back of the book:
Only Ken Davis could pull these stranger than life stories together and use them to drive home insights that cut to the heart of Christlike living. Because Ken, being Ken, knows what human fallibility is all about. He knows how tough we adults can be on ourselves. He knows how hard we try to appear more together than we really are. And to all of us, he offers two words of wisdom:
LIGHTEN UP!
Ken's hilarious and touching stories underscore one simple encouraging theme: God's grace is for you. You're not perfect, but you are perfectly loved by God.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

This is one of the most uplifting books I have ever read. I rarely buy books, and when I do they are mostly reference books, but I intend to buy this one and mark it with a highlighter from beginning to end! If you've read this blog for any length of time then you know I'm not afraid to share my struggles and imperfections. Some may think it too much information, and, maybe so. But what I fear more then giving too much away, would be hiding who I really am underneath a false veneer of "I've got it all together". This book helped me to realize that being fallible is not a disease, it's called being human. Adam made it so.....and so it is.
Life is hard, but God is good! And I thank Him for is grace!

I highly recommend this book!

Just thinkin'...

2011-09-09T11:59:00.000-07:00

about fear.

source

I remember going to the grocery store with my mom when we were kids-and as she pushed the cart through the store there would be things that somehow ended up in her cart that she didn't put there. We called 'em creeping and crawling things. It was the "good stuff", like chips and cookies and candies--stuff my mom would not have picked up. (With six kids, you bought beans and taters, not "junk foods".) Sometimes we got to keep the goodies, but mostly not. I guess that was a good thing; we didn't need all that junk anyway.

So, I've been thinking about fear lately. Not all fear is bad. There are some things we need to be afraid of, like snakes and people with guns pointed at us--instead of at the snake. ;-)

I've been wondering, where do our fears come from? Do they just fall out of the sky (like an airplane) and land on our heads? Nope. Do we acquire them by reading scary books. Maybe. I mean, how does one go from being an innocent trusting child to being a "scaredy-cat" adult, scared-to-death of the "boogie man"? The "boogie man" being all kind of things:

Fear of:
Flying
Rejection
People
Public speaking
Relationships
Heights
Water
Dogs
The dark
Roller Coasters
Bugs (NOT the Rory kind ;-)
To love and be loved
Showing weakness
Admitting when you're wrong

And the list could go on and on. How do these fears come about? We were not born with them.What is it that causes us to be so afraid? Can we blame it on the Devil? Yes, some of it. Is it an experience that left us scared to try again? Happens all the time. Fear can be handed down to us from the people that influence our lives. Yup. But no matter where our fears stem from, we need to try and overcome them. I know I need to let go of my fear of several things. It's a kinda like the shopping cart scenario: Somebody, or some thing, put those fears in our "cart" without us knowing. And ya know, I think it'd be a good idea to put 'em back on the shelf. They're not goodies, they're nothing but junk!
Lord help us.

False
Evidence
Appearing
Real

Done thinkin'

Grammys in training...

2011-09-08T10:22:00.000-07:00

His well-earned bicycle

And so is Buggy.
My "little" buggy-boy, sugar-bunkin, Rory-baby...is not a baby anymore. He's bound and determined to become a big boy, thus making Grammy both mega-proud and, heart-broken at the same time.
While you're a parent raising your children, you're so busy with the excitement of seeing how smart they are becoming and how fast they can accomplish things, that you just don't realize how precious or how fast these times go by until you look back thirty years later and wish you hadn't been in such a hurry to make them grow up. But as a grandparent, you're more focused on the child and your relationship with him/her. It's a whole different "ballgame". You're not in any hurry for them to "get on with it" cuz you already know how fast childhood goes by and you've realized by now how much more important the relationship part is, then the all the accomplishments they can achieve. But...that's the circle-of-life. That's the way it's always been I guess....

That said: Buggy is being potty-trained. He's doing great...but Grammy? Well, it's been about 20 years since I have dealt with training children in that fashion so I'm kinda having to go through a refresher course of how to train one. It's like, what's that? Oh yeah, he's not wearing any padding anymore...oops. But, we'll get the hang of it and, Grammy will eventually come to terms with my sugar-bunkin becoming a big boy.

For now, he still loves to crawl up in Grammy's lap and "play baby", but who knows how long that will last, so I'm soaking up every minute of it I can! Yeah, I know, there'll be lots of special times and many, many, things to do all along the way, but he'll only be a baby once and that's... a bittersweet thing. :-/


Bats make good microphones.

"It's a love without end, amen"

Labor Day Staycation and, Crazy... it's all in the mind.

2011-09-07T08:29:00.000-07:00

Due to circumstances beyond my control, I didn't get to go on a planned hiking trip over the weekend. I was bummed, to say the least. But my hero, Sweet Guy, came to my rescue! We spent most of Saturday and Sunday riding/driving through the mountains exploring. Saturday we took the motorcycle and pulled an eight hour mountainous ride that my backside will not-soon-forget. But oh what fun! Beasore Meadows and Donkey Rock were two of the places we rode to, stopping at Jones store for a dynamite cheeseburger to refuel us for the rest our ride.

We stopped at Mammoth Pools on our way up to Donkey Rock. I had never been there before and, I'd probably not stop by again. There were people... everywhere! Camped on "top" of each other all along the river towards the lake--whole villages (my smarteleck description) of people. I'd hate that. Why go to get away from it all, then take it all with you? That's NOT my idea of camping. The farther away from it all I am, the happier I be. To each his own...

Sunday, we took the air-conditioned car, with soft-cushy-seats, and drove up to Dinky Creek, stopping at the store there for the last two cheeseburgers of the season. (They were already closing the cafe when we got there but let us go ahead and order. Sweet! Can you tell we like us some cheeseburgers?)

History in the making. nom nom!

Then we drove on up to Wishon Lake, drinking in the cool sweet air and the beautiful green trees--Exploring places along the way to go camping. (soon, I hope) We found a beautiful waterfall off one side of the road and climbed quite a ways back through some rocks (burning off the cheeseburgers) and found an awesome swimming hole! On our way back down from Wishon Lake, I looked towards the waterfall as we drove by and saw a whole bunch of people washing in the shallows by the road. I'm glad we had made our stop much earlier...and much farther back too...

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Crazy, or what?

Now about that hiking trip I didn't get to take--I'm so hoping for a reschedule. Several people have told me I'm crazy to do such a thing, but I am of the opinion that everybody does something that others would brand as crazy. Here are a few things I think of as "certifiable", but if that's what folks like to do, who am I to say... "Say What?!"

Snow Skiing
Mountain Climbing
Snake handling (snake anything!)
Not getting some form of exercise. (I need to get more myself so I guess I'm really "nuts" right now)
Tight Roping
Bull riding
Snowboarding
Not living for God
Eating an unhealthy diet (not counting cheeseburgers, right?... ;-)
Being a grump, more often than not
Deer hunting (or any animal hunting for that matter. I'm on Bambi's side.)
Eating fish eggs or liver (hey, I'm just sayin'...)
"Making friends" with Depression
Clothes shopping (yes, really)
Flying in an airplane (I'm gone get the victory over this one some a these days. bak bak)
Surfing
Deep Sea diving
Etc, etc, etc...

See? Crazy is subject to interpretation. I actually do think hiking might be "certifiable"... but I want to do it anyway. Yup, call me whacked. But if I live to tell about it, it should make for a great story! ;-)

So, what's your brand of crazy?

Lifespan Calculator

2011-09-01T12:07:00.000-07:00

I came across this lifespan calculator and took the test. It says if I eat right, exercise, am lucky enough to escape a terminal disease, and don't get hit by a mack truck, don't get eaten by a bear (more on that later), or don't get run over by some 85-year-old, I could live to 85. I like the sound of that, but 95 sounds better. I know one thing, if I keep on the tract I'm on right now, I'll be lucky to live till I'm 60. Oh, why do I treat my body thus?!

Note to self: Get back in the fight Caroline!

Lifespan calculator

ALL I can think about today

2011-08-28T13:41:00.000-07:00

is grace...

"But Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord"
Genesis 6:8

It's still amazing to me.

Yo ho, yo ho, a pirates life for me!

2011-08-23T21:15:00.000-07:00

As you can see, a pirate ruled the day last Saturday. We will be singing A Pirate's Life for me, for a good while, I'm sure. I didn't take many pictures, but I got enough so you can see we had a grand time. In fact, this was one of the most enjoyable trips to Disneyland I've ever had--I'm ready to go back!
Oh, I almost forgot to tell you that I finally rode Tower of Terror! No kidding, I've been too scared to ride it all these years, but I finally took a chance. I will be riding it again... you can take that to the bank! I'm not sure what made me finally decide to ride it but I'm sure glad I did! (I think maybe it was because I'm not getting any younger and maybe I'd regret it someday if I didn't.) After I realized I wasn't gonna die, I laughed through the whole ride!

Drink up me 'earties yo ho!

S P AC E

2011-08-17T13:38:00.000-07:00

The FINAL frontier...

( source)

Can I be totally honest here? (cuz like, I never am?) I value my space. Now that doesn't mean I won't get up close and personal, but that's only with people I know really well and am totally comfortable around--but STRANGERS...NO! Sometimes I feel like I'm the only person on the planet that feels that way. No matter where I go, there are folks breathing down my neck. At the library. At the DMV. And the worse place...the grocery store! If there are fifteen lines, I'll get in the one with the heel-banger. You know, those are the folks that keep knocking their cart into the back of your heel. I mean, I can just be standing there minding my own business when all of a sudden--BAM! Ouch! So now, I always put my cart between me and the person behind me. It saves my heels--and my sanity. That is...until yesterday. I forgot to put the cart behind me... and so...

I'm at Winco. I'm trying to put my stuff up on the conveyer when this woman behind me throws a spacer right in the middle of my stuff (not exaggerating here) and starts loading her stuff right on TOP of mine! I'm like, really? Can't you see I'm here lady? Have you never heard of that law of physics? Or am I invisible or something? I didn't say a word, I just moved that spacer back a few inches so I could continue to upload. SHE MOVES IT BACK! I'm not kidding! Seriously, I really AM invisible! Anyway, I turn and look at her and and shake my head a bit. She ignores me and just keeps uploading her stuff! I'm trying to finish but it's a joke because she's up in the middle of my space and her things are getting all mixed up with mine! Are you getting this picture?! OK, now I'm NOT a happy shopper anymore. She's just being rude. I wanted to say, "Lady, if you'll just give me five minutes, I'll be outta here and you can have the whole cotton-pickin' place to yourself." That's what my flesh wanted to say anyway. But I didn't--I just seethed inside and did my best to get the job done and get out of her way. It's times like these when our Christian character is tested to the limit... This was one of those times when it was kinda hard to find the praise...

Am I the only one that has this problem? Do you guys ever have this issue? I mean, seriously, I have to stand sideways in lines or people will literally pull up within inches of my head! I've turned around before and almost bumped noses with total strangers! They've been so close at times, I thought maybe they were trying to read the mind of the guy in front of me! Now, I like people, yea, even love people, but that doesn't mean I wanna rub noses with 'em! eww!

I'm not exactly sure why some people insist on being so close. Maybe they're lonely. Maybe they're in a hurry to get to the cemetery. Maybe they don't have an aversion to other people's bad breath. I have little idea. But whatever the case, that's the way some people roll. I can't fix it--it will never change, so I've just got to deal with it. So....listen folks, I'm going to Disneyland this weekend--where the lines are long, hot, and CLOSE. Y'all pray for me, will ya?! I know I will be! :-}

"Oh, give me a home, where there's room for me to roam.."

"Bid me come"

2011-08-15T07:41:00.000-07:00

"Turn your eyes upon Jesus

Look full in His wonderful face

and the things of this world will grow strangely dim

in the light of His glory and grace."

(I've been having way too many "Peter" moments!)

(source)

I confess, that like Peter, I've had my eyes too long on my circumstances instead of on The One who can "walk me across the troubled waters". Oh, I KNOW (choir here...), that whether it be depending on houses, lands, money, or man--getting our eyes off of Jesus will steal our faith, because anything, or anyone else can fail, fall, hurt, or disappoint us. I just keep forgetting that for some dumb reason. It's a human thing...grr

Psalm 146:3-10

3 Put not your trust in princes, nor in the son of man, in whom there is no help.
4 His breath goeth forth, he returneth to his earth; in that very day his thoughts perish.
5 Happy is he that hath the God of Jacob for his help, whose hope is in the LORD his God:
6 Which made heaven, and earth, the sea, and all that therein is: which keepeth truth for ever:
7 Which executeth judgment for the oppressed: which giveth food to the hungry. The LORD looseth the prisoners:
8 The LORD openeth the eyes of the blind: the LORD raiseth them that are bowed down: the LORD loveth the righteous:
9 The LORD preserveth the strangers; he relieveth the fatherless and widow: but the way of the wicked he turneth upside down. 10 The LORD shall reign for ever, even thy God, O Zion, unto all generations. Praise ye the LORD.

"Just remember I'm human, and humans forget. So remind me, remind me dear Lord."

Happy Monday! Have a safe week!

Just like Mama used to make...

2011-08-12T19:40:00.000-07:00

"Nothing from nothing leaves nothing. Ya gotta have something, if ya wanna bake a cake."

(source)

So lets talk about the phrase, "Make it from Scratch", which means to start with nothing, or from the beginning--like the starting line for a race. Or when cooking or baking--to start with basic ingredients, which is not actually nothing, there's just no premade something or other. Got it? Yeah, that word scratch started "itchin'" my brain, so I had to find out what scratch was... Well, I pretty much knew what it meant, I just didn't know from what/where it originated. Now I know. I know...who cares. Moving on...

When I was learning how to cook, the only things I can remember that didn't have to be made from scratch was pasta and spaghetti sauce, and cake-mixes. Other than those few items, we pretty much made our food from scratch. Then came prepackaged convenience foods. Boxed this, and frozen that, and petrified something else--and "scratching up" dinner went out like bouffant hairdo's. Now we open a box and call it homemade. Now I'm not judgin' folks that cook this way, I did it that way for years--sometimes I still do, I'm just splainin' how things is. =)

There are some things I've never made before that I want to learn how to make from scratch for two reasons. One, because it will save me money. And two, it's fun. So far the new things I've made recently are: Liquid coffee creamer, granola and iced coffee with milk. I'd still like to make my own tortillas, potato ships, flavored syrups, bread, pot of pinto beans (tried before and they never got tender ;( ) and Greek yogurt. (I'm sure I'll find other things to add to that list later.) These are all items that cost me extra in the food (and fat) budget and making my own should help trim things all around. Plus, I like the fact that I can control what goes into 'em

Yummo, this iced coffee I'm sipping is bombdiggidy! I made it at Carebucks for a fraction of what it would have cost me at that brown and green place up the road! I just thought of something... Star--bucks. That's the perfect name for a place where the prices are SKY HIGH! badda boom!

sip, sip. Awwwww....;-)

So, inquiry minds want to know. Have you made anything new from scratch lately? Are you trying to do more "make your own" things to cut back on expenses? Or, maybe you've always cooked from scratch? Do tell.

Have a frugal weekend!

It's just another homemade breakfast in Kentucky

2011-08-11T09:48:00.000-07:00

Okay, this ain't Kentucky (and I'm no Kenny Rogers), but my breakfast WAS homemade. So what? People all over the world make their breakfast at home every day. And...I likewise. So what? Well, the what is that I tried my first attempt at making granola, and it turned out great! I looked and looked and looked at a gazillion (maybe ten 10) different recipes till I found one that was just right for me. E.A.S.Y. None of that 45 minutes turning it every 10 minutes in the oven stuff for me! I have better things to do! (read: read!) Nope, I found one here that you make on the stove-top in just a few minutes! Signed me right up!

Of course, like every recipe I make, well almost, and IF I use a recipe, I have to make a few tweaks. In this case, I left out the sesame seeds cuz, well, cuz, I didn't think they sounded good for granola. Teriyaki Chicken maybe, but granola? Na. Next time I'll try making it with one tablespoon of canola oil instead of two tablespoons of butter to cut back on the fat, and, because I think I'd like the taste to focus more on the oats than on butter. EVERYONE in my house loved it! all three of us... I didn't ask the persnickety cats. They won't eat anything but that disgusting kibble junk anyways, and then they have a COW if you don't put EXACTLY 36 kibbles in the bowl each time. Bet you didn't know cats can count did ya? Anyone need some cats in your life? Free to ANY-KIND of home! ;-P (jk kinda)

Oh, I guess I should show you the picture I took of my marvelous granola. There was more in the jar of course, but after the "vultures" got through with it there wasn't much left. Oh no! I'll have to make some more. Bummer! =)

(Didn't make the Fage of course, but I'm going to try and make that sometime soon.)

I'm lovin' it! No more $3-$4 dollars a box (and that's for the mediocre stuff! The good stuff is even more expensive!) for granola. If I get a hankerin' for a taste of some yummy oat-y-crunch, I'll just whip out my wooden spoon and stir me up some in a jiffy! Take that you rotten economy! ;-)

"Crunch, crunch. MMmmmm!"

Happy Anniversary!

2011-08-08T10:07:00.000-07:00

Me n Sweet Guy

Today is our 24th Wedding Anniversary. To celebrate, we will be going out for a nice dinner this evening. Can't wait! It's a toss up between Red Lobster or Outback. I think I'll let him decide.

The other day at work, I got to thinking about the reasons why I love this guy. I came home and wrote them down and gave him the list that night after dinner. Of course, he was a bit embarrassed by all the complements, but loved them none-the-less. The neat thing is that it only took me about two minutes (or less) to think of them all. Hey, what's not to love about such a great guy? (W..e..ll. there is the ongoing dead phone issue...lol) Anyway, I've decided to share my reasons with y'all.

Here they are: (Not necessarily in this order.)

Gorgeous blue eyes
Smart. Real smart.
Faithful
uber talented
Fun
Can fix ANYTHING
Loves motorcycles. (me too!)
Dependable
Honest
Good lookin'!
Hard worker. (If you know him, you don't need me to tell you how hard...)
Goofy. Yeah I said goofy. It's a good thing. I'm not into stiff and starchy. I like people who are okay with allowing the child in them to embrace life with everything they've got. Did I mention he's a blast to hang around with? Yup.

Well, there you have it. We've shared a lot of good times and bad times in the last 24 (actually it's 28) years. Lots of memories to keep. Here's hoping for many, many more!

If by chance you haven't read Our Story yet, you can read how WE came to be here.

Have a peaceful week!

Lighten Up!

2011-08-02T21:42:00.000-07:00

I was searching Ken Davis's site for some information today and found out he has a blog. It's very uplifting reading. I found this post to be most helpful--especially right now...
Yeah, I was pretty hard on myself yesterday-- I always am. I don't know why, because I don't seem to have trouble forgetting other peoples mess-ups. I often I forget to stop, think, then decide to speak or not. Anyway, I've almost recovered (by the grace of God), and am trying my best to give myself a break.

Ken Davis is a funny and inspirational guy. Check him out...if you haven't already.

And room to grow on, Caroline

Home again, home again, jiggidy jog.

2011-07-30T16:35:00.000-07:00

I'm home. Done throwing up from the ride down the hill. Ugh! Done with my two-hour shower. ;-) Not quite done with the nap but the noisy folks on the corner made the decision to get up for me-- I'll finish it later. For now I'm just sitting here pressing the delete button five thousand times in my email and google-reader accounts. Man! do I go through that much stuff in one week? Time to downsize maybe. Camp was Phe-nom-e-nal! and I'll be back for a full report at a later time, but for now, I think I'll just lean back and enjoy all the comforts of home. See ya soon!

Going Up Yonder...

2011-07-22T11:35:00.000-07:00

I'll be MIA until the 30th of July. I'm headed up to summer camp to work in the kitchen again. Fun, fun, fun!

Tweezers Please...

2011-07-20T12:13:00.000-07:00

If you haven't read Kathy M's. post Sometimes You've Got To Sweat The Small Stuff, I highly recommend it!

(Note: The comments below are not in any way meant to expand on Kathy's well-written post. They are simply MY thoughts on the subject.)

Here's my "short" take on the subject:
I have come believe that the BEST way to get people to become what WE think they should be, build up their character and self-confidence, is to constantly remind them of how inept they are. And it should always be done in front of others so that it might have a much greater effect. Not!

I have been the recipient of this kind of cruel, yet well-practiced behavior in the past, and, am also ashamed to admit that I have been guilty of that same cruel behavior myself. I SO regret it! But all I can do is try and make sure it doesn't happen again.

I am finally learning (I'm a slow learner. Or maybe I'm just "slow"..) that my opinion is just that...MY opinion. It's not worth anything much to anyone but me, and even that's questionable. This doesn't mean I think constructive criticisms should not be given out, I just don't think it should be done in a humiliating and hurtful fashion. Constructive, not Destructive. I have read recently, that when we (and I mean WE) do this, it's usually in an effort to make ourselves feel better about our own insecurities, or prove to our peers that we are "superior" to the one we are criticizing. Really?

We were not all meant to be exactly the same-- like little clones running around all acting, thinking, and doing things exactly the same way. (Did I just say that? Mrs.Opinionated herself? Wonders never cease!)! If that were the case, God would have made it so from the beginning. (How boring that would be!) No--we are ALL different, and therefore, are all going to go about things a little differently. The end really does justify the means. (Oh Lord help me! That was hard for me to say-- but I did! And it didn't kill me! wowsers! lol)

I'm not just pointing a finger outward here, there are three pointing back at me. I've still got a lot to learn about "sharing the road" in life... but by the help and the grace of God, I intend to learn it. I mean really...who am I anyway? And what do I know? Don't answer that...lol

So I guess this post was mostly for me. I'm not ashamed of my honesty here. But I AM terrified of hypocrisy! The song says: I've got a long way to go to be like the Lord. I've got to be merciful, dutiful, faithful and true. Kind and just in all that I do. I've got a long way to go to be like the Lord. I can't fix yesterday, but if I dare, I can work hard to make tomorrow better. With a last name like mine, I realize this will not be easy. But, it's not impossible. lol

Now, if you'll excuse me, I think I might have a splinter in my eye...

Thanks for reading.

A Thing of Beauty

2011-07-15T11:50:00.000-07:00

I wish you could have been there. I wish you could have seen it for yourself. It was a thing of beauty!

A few Sunday's ago, I was driving down the freeway on my way home from church. Suddenly, I heard a loud commotion behind me. When I looked in my rear-view mirror...I saw them comin'. A red Corvette (probably about ten years old), and a beat-up old Volkswagen from the 60's or 70's right behind it. THEY WERE RACING! I couldn't believe it! But that VW was giving that Vet a run for it's money! It was right on that Vet's tail, and like a bulldog with a chunk of leg in it's mouth, would NOT let go!

They passed by me doing about 80-85 (at least) and I watched 'em, for about a half mile, as they raced down the road then turn off at the next exit. I admit I sped up a bit to try and see who would reach the light first, but when I got there a few seconds later, they were no where to be seen. I LOVED IT! I think I grinned for two hours afterwards! It still makes me grin, and even causes a little lump in my throat.

Here's what I took away from this experience:
That VW was ugly as homemade-soap. It had rust from front to back, and was even missing the engine cover. But that VW had something, or someone, inside it with an indomitable spirit! It was like it was saying to the Vet. "You may be pretty and sleek, and you may have a faster engine with lots of power, and, you may have cost way more then I did, but let me tell ya something big-guy...Looks ain't everything! And what I lack in power, I make up for in determination. As for cost? We are both just cars with four tires and an ability to get from point A to point B, right? So you cost more, I still have great worth--And I'm gonna tail you till the cows come home before I'll let you outta my sights Dude!"

(Sweet Guy tells me those VW beetles can "crawl" pretty fast once they get that "rubber-band" wound-up.)

That's Prime!

It reminds me of a song called The Measure of a Man by 4Him. Here's just the first verse and the chorus but I think that's enough to get the point.

This world can analyze and size you up
And throw you on the scales
They can IQ you and run you through
Their rigorous details

They can do their best to rate
And they’ll place you on their charts
And then back it up with scientific smarts
But there’s more to what you’re worth
Than what their human eyes can see

Oh, I say the measure of a man
Is not how tall you stand
How wealthy or intelligent you are
‘Cause I found out the measure of a man
God knows and understands
For He looks inside to the bottom of your heart
And what’s in the heart defines
The measure of a man

~~~~~~~

Thanks for reading. Happy Friday!

Book Review

2011-07-13T08:09:00.000-07:00

I just finished the last book in the SISTERCHICKS series last night. Boo Hoo! It's always a bit sad when a good series comes to an end. I enjoyed them so much! I won't try to give a summary of all of the books, I'll just say if you like to travel (or wish you could) and you don't mind a bit of "friendly mush", then try this series of books. I personally got a lot of encouragement from these books. My thanks to Kathy M. for the recommendation!

Look who came home...

2011-07-11T09:04:00.000-07:00

to take me for a short ride last evening!

My Dear Readers, I'd like to finally introduce you to my Beloved.

Say hello to one of my fav-o-rite guys!

Aw, my Beloved, you handsome devil you, how I've missed you so!

So comfy, and fast! ;-)

My poor Beloved...he's been out of commission for quite some time and I sure have missed him. (He needs new tires and a tune up, which we are hoping will happen in the next two weeks so SG can take me to Donkey Rock on it.) Ya see, Sweet Guy has MANY other bikes we could ride, but there's only one Beloved for me! I'm just loyal that way. Plus, I dearly love that soft comfy backrest I get to lean on.

Like me and Sweet Guy, my Beloved is not as young as he used to be and body parts just keep wearing out with age. SG says the old body parts are getting harder and harder to find anymore. Phooey! Last night at dinner, we talked, and dreamed, of what it would be like to have a brand new bike to ride. Something light and sleek. But alas, SG says the way the new ones are made, it makes it almost impossible to work on them if they break down on the side of the road and, they are way too expensive, not only in price, but also to repair. I'm OK with the idea of a new bike--not that it would ever happen, but secretly, I'm hoping my Beloved will last as long as we do!

Now for that new helmet I've been wishing for for forever! No pink tho! And...maybe some cool lookin' boots to go with! Yeah, that's the ticket...

Happy Fourth!

2011-07-04T21:30:00.000-07:00

We just got back from a wonderful day at the coast. It was so beautiful, and such a nice break from the three digit heat we've been having here in the valley. We found a place on the beach that evidently, few people know about, and spent several hours soaking up the sun and waves in sweet peace. Ahhhhhh! ;-)

Now I'm sitting here at home listening to the sounds of freedom... M-80's. ;-P

The Broken Rose

2011-06-25T13:11:00.000-07:00

Written by Caroline June 25, 2011

The Broken Rose
Petals, petals, everywhere, lying all around.

Tis the picture of a broken life, scattered on the ground.

The petals show the bruises, where human hands made wounds;
The scars of self-reliance, that tore the flower bloom from bloom.

The gardener cast his saddened eyes upon the mess that self had made;

Why could they not have waited, ‘til the master had His way?

Nothing left of a life long spent in doing things self's way,

but a flower's stem, that lies broken and bare, from thoughtless care,

and sorrow that rules the day.

(Note: I know, kinda morbid huh? Don't ask me where this stuff comes from, it just does...)

Daddy's Girl

2011-06-19T06:00:00.000-07:00

The first solid memory I have of my dad, is of him coming down the walk to the front door of the church he'd turned into a house, in Texas. It's early, and fairly dark yet; I think he was coming home from work. He's tall, so tall, and handsome in his dark green uniform and flat-brimmed hat, you know, just like Smokey the Bear wears. There was a magnificently huge grin on his face. I was so in awe of him...

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY

Tops Report

2011-06-17T12:52:00.000-07:00

The thought for the day was: Try to end your day with I'm glad I did, rather than, I wish I had.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Tops has been especially exciting in the last few months because we have a new member that is losing weight BIG TIME! ;-D His name is Carlos. He's in his early thirty's. His weight issues have been such a hindrance to him, that they've cost him his job in the medical field. And, he hasn't been able to walk more then a few steps at a time without a walker, for many years. He has lost about 25 or 30 pounds in the last few months! As a result of his loss, he is now walking all the way around his block, without his walker...everyday! For him, that is a miracle! What a change I have been privileged to witness in his demeanor and confidence over the last few months. Also, after a visit to his doctor last week, (where he used to work) the nurse that took his vitals was so impressed with his success, she called the doctor in to show him. The doctor told him if he keeps it up, he'd see that his job was available to him again when Carlos was able! Now that's what I'm "Topping" about! Go Carlos!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I also feel like sharing with you the Tops pledge we recite every week.

I am an intelligent person.

I will control my emotions, and not let my emotions control me.

Every time I am tempted to use food to satisfy my frustrated desires,

build up my injured ego, or dull my senses, I will remember...

that even though I overeat in private, my excess poundage is there

for all the world to see. I will take off pounds sensibly!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Courage!

Fer Garden Seed!

2011-06-15T08:28:00.000-07:00

Am I the only weirdo in the world that has done things in the past to embarrass the tar outta myself and still turns red-in-the-face when I remember them again years later? I. Hate. That.

Birthday Time!

2011-06-13T09:25:00.000-07:00

CALEB

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO THE CHEETOS KID!

LOVE, GRAMMY CAROLINE

(Note: I think he's the only kid I know that can eat more Cheetos than I can! Love 'em!)

Domestic Goddess (HA!) at work...

2011-06-11T17:05:00.000-07:00

I've been channeling Martha Stewart for about a week now. OK, ok, more like a Marybelle Stewart, but hey. Anywho, I'm not sure what's up with it, but I've just had this insatiable desire to bake, cook, (from scratch!), spring-clean, and launder. So far, the new recipes I've tried are: chocolate chip cookies, made with whole wheat pastry flour (a disaster!), whole wheat pastry flour biscuits (they're pretty good, they just need a little tweaking), and some regular chocolate cookies made with... you ready for this?....Crisco! Yes, Crisco! I was so disgusted with the first batch of cookies, I went to the store and bought stuff I knew would work, just for to soothe my injured "Martha" ego! ;-P They turned out very good, thank you very much.

On one day, in-particular, I decided to boil up some cabbage. I had totally forgotten the stuff existed until I had dinner with my MIL a few days prior and couldn't stop eating it-- it was that good! Of course, she puts a chunk of salt-pork, some sugar, and a "lump" (go learn what that means) of Crisco in it, which explains it's exceptional tastiness. But I digress...When Sweet Guy came home, he asked me if the plumbing was backed up or something. I said, "No why? He said, "It smells like it." And It was at that very second, when I remembered, why I had chosen, all those years ago, to forget that cabbage existed...

Someone suggested maybe I cook it outside next time. I'm not sure there will BE a next time. What is it I've been telling you about anyway, I seem to have forgotten.....

Nobody has broken a tooth or died from any of my baking experiments so I'm encouraged to continue with more. I'm thinking about trying to make homemade tortillas. Or maybe bread. I'll have to see. If this keeps up, I may end up with my own (in)famous magazine. I could call it, Bakin' n Sech. In the meantime, I need to change the laundry and make the bed. Bye y'all!

(Note: I used to cook and bake from scratch all the time, but when I started working, I assumed more convenient methods. And you know, if you don't use it, ya lose it, so I'm resharpening my baking skills. I have more time on my hands now and the responsibility of raising a family is gone, so I can just have fun with it. Nice.)

Mr. Sour Pickle -- Another Story for Rory

2011-06-09T11:56:00.000-07:00

I've been telling Rory stories since before he could understand what I was saying. I like the classics (i.e The Three Little Pigs and Goldilocks and The Three Bears), but it I like to change them up a bit into what I think, are more interesting stories. Rory loves 'em. And, he loves to hear them over, and over, and over again; so much so that I can stop anywhere in the story and he will finish the sentence. Very cool. But...unlike Rory, Grammy gets tired of telling the same stories a gazillion times over, so of late, I've been making up my own stories; Rufus finds a Friend being my first, and The Hungry Pig, the second. (I'll be sharing the latter with you soon.) It's been a lot of fun stretching my imagination... trying to come up with something I think Rory will enjoy, and hopefully, always remember as a story that Grammy made up...just for him. Yesterday, with a grin on his face, he asked me to tell him "stinky story". I don't know what that means, but I'll come up with something, I'm sure. I'm thinking...a dirty sock might work here...who knows... ;-) But for now, without further ado, here's the story of Mr. Sour Pickle.

Mr. Sour Pickle

Once upon a time there was a pickle by the name of Mr. Sour Pickle. He lived in a big jar with a bunch of other sour pickles. Mr. Sour Pickle was NOT a happy pickle, and none of the pickles in the jar he lived in were happy either. Because just as the label on the jar said...They were all SOUR PICKLES. They never smiled. They never laughed. They did nothing but gripe and complain all the time, about anything, and everything. They were the sourest pickles what ever lived in a pickle jar!

One day Mr. Sour Pickle realized that he was tired of being sour. He realized that is was no fun living in a jar of sour pickles, but what could he do about it? Being sour was all he had ever known. Mr. Sour Pickle thought and thought but just couldn't figure out what to do about his sourness.

Then, one day the door to the refrigerator opened and a hand set another big jar of pickles on the shelf right beside the jar of sour pickles. "Oh great, thought Mr. Sour Pickle. That's just what we need in here, another jar of sour pickles, I'm sick of all this sourness!" But it didn't take long for Mr. Sour Pickle notice there was something strange about the other jar of pickles; The pickles in that jar were acting very different than the pickles that lived in his jar. They were all smiling, and laughing. The were all talking about how wonderful it was in their jar; They weren't complaining about anything or everything. They were...well, they were, Happy! What's going on over there in that jar, thought Mr. Sour Pickle. Why is it so different in that jar? He stretched his head to get a closer look and that's when he noticed the label on the other jar... it said... SWEET PICKLES. Oh My! thought Mr. Sour Pickle, that looks so inviting! I wonder what it would be like to live in a jar like that? I think I'll just go join 'em. And with that, Mr. Sour Pickle jumped out of his jar of sour pickles and dove head first right into that big jar of sweet pickles. At first it was so strange, but after a few days Mr. Sour Pickle started to feel the sweetness of jar soaking into his little green body. Soon he was smiling and laughing with all the other pickles! He stopped complaining about anything and everything. How wonderful it was living in that jar of sweet pickles. Mr. Sour Pickle eventually changed his name to Mr. Sweet Pickle and became one of the sweetest pickles what ever lived in a jar!

The End

By Grammy 6-7-2011

Birthday Bug

2011-05-29T06:00:00.000-07:00

(Rory with cousin Emma)

BUG TURNS TWO

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU!

What part of NO MAN...

2011-05-24T12:36:00.000-07:00

knoweth the day nor the hour don't they get?
I've read that Harold Camping has made millions running his non-prophet organization. Fascinating...

Could you spare a little CHANGE?

2011-05-20T12:42:00.000-07:00

Change: (noun) the act, process, or result of making different.

Synonyms: alteration, difference, modification, redoing, refashioning, remaking, remodeling, etc...

Insanity: (noun) Always doing the same thing and expecting something different.

The topic at my TOPS meeting today was: If you are in a rut, change ONE thing in your life.

Our leader told a story of a woman who was stuck in a rut so she moved the kitchen trash can that had sat in the same place for forty years. One day soon thereafter, her son came home from the army. He entered the house with a soda in his hands. She welcomed him with open arms but he sidestepped her to throw the soda away first, and without even looking, dropped it in the place he knew the trash can to be. Of course the soda went every where! "You moved the trash can!", he declared, as he watched the soda spread its way across the floor. As she stood there with her empty arms still waiting for her hug, she decided he wasn't her brightest son, but she was still glad he was home anyway. What ensued was a game of move the trash can. He would get up in the middle of the night and move it back. Then she would find it and move it back to it's new home again. The game went on for the whole week he was home.

Cute story, but what has it to do with weight-loss? Well, the idea is... that making one change in your life, no matter what it is, will also have a domino effect on all the other areas of your life. This story hits home so beautifully the fact that we are sometimes too set in our ways. Always doing what feels comfortable and rarely, if ever, deifying our comfort zone to do something different. Unfortunately, it can cause us to become stagnant. We can get discouraged because the weight just won't come off even tho we are doing all the right things. Our prayer life can suffer and our prayers might seem to bounce right back off the wall. We can get scared to reach for that promotion at work because it may require us to take on a responsibility that we are not convinced we can handle. And so forth, and so on... But, when we apply the concept of doing one thing different to most anything in our lives, whether it be dieting, work-related, relational, spiritual, etc, we create the potential to reap better/different results then if we just stay in the same old rut.

I've been battling the same three pounds for the last few months. Lose them one week, gain them back the next. It's been so frustrating! But hearing the challenge this morning to do something different has inspired me to, in fact, do just that...something different. So, I'm cutting back on carbs for awhile, shaking up my exercise routine, and see what happens. I'm excited about the possibilities! Oh, hey, I almost forgot, my step-son is coming home for a visit next week...I may just move the trash can. ;-)

OK, that's three changes, but who's counting?

"Oh, change is gonna do me good"

Phone Call From Bug, and a "Sharper Image"

2011-05-18T17:42:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, Rory was not feeling too hot, actually, he was feeling REALLY hot, that was the problem. I was concerned about him (as any over protective Grammy would be). But, after a visit to the Doc, it turned out to be the usual toddler immunity-building-fever, so I was glad that's all it was. I was also very glad to get a call from him later in the evening allowing me to really know for sure that he was on the mend! It went something like this:

Grammy: Hello?

Caller: Hi, hi, hi...

Grammy: Hi? Who is this? Hello?

Caller: Hi, mumble, mumble, mumble....

Grammy: Buggy, is that you?

Caller: I GOT SWOOOODS! (on volume 10)

Grammy: Oh Hi Buggy, you got swords?

Buggy: I GOT SWOOOODS!

Grammy: Right on Bug! That's so cool! Now we can play REAL swords!

Bug to mommy: I don't want to talk. (he's done)

Grammy to mommy: Sounds like he's feeling better.

Mommy: Yeah, we took him to Target and bought him some Nerf swords. When we got home, he said he wanted to take them in and show Grammy, we told him you weren't here but that he could call you and tell you about them. He said, Want tell hur.

And so he did...;-)

This morning, I was duly attacked with a Nerf sword upon entering Rory's abode. In case you're wondering, Rory has his favorite parts from the Easter Drama memorized, and him and I act them out quite frequently when we are together. He plays Moshe and I play Barbabas. Then we switch parts and I play the Centurion while he plays Barbabas. Then we switch back to our original parts to end the scene. Sounds confusing, but we've got it down-pat. Barbabas (me) always hollers at Moshe as he runs away. "Moshe, you traitor! Last time it was your nose, next time it'll be your head!" Fun! He also breaks out as Caiaphas and Pilate sometimes, shouting, "Come on Pilate, make a decision! Why? says Pilate,--with his hands outstretched--what has He done?" And the Centurion when he says to Marcus, "I tan't beleb you Marcus, you are a Romat!" One day he started singing, Yo Ho Yo Ho a Pilates life for me. I fell over laughing! I loooove to play with this kid!

The "Sharper Image"

The Swooods!

Pages

2011-05-18T12:14:00.000-07:00

You may have already noticed that I have put some page tabs at the top of the Blog. I wanted to clean up the the front page, and I also wanted to have room to update links and information when needed. So check out the pages often and you will see (new!) beside all of the latest links and information on each one.

On to the next post------->

Revisiting frugality and other news

2011-05-17T12:10:00.000-07:00

I've just been sitting here reading back through some of my earlier posts on Frugality. I've even found myself chuckling a time or two! Seriously though, I needed to revisit those posts! I may have written them, but even I need to revisit them now and then. In other words, I need to remember to practice what I "preach".
I thought maybe if you've never read them you might like to do so, and if you already have, maybe you'd like a little refresher.

Here are my favorites:
$25 Dollar Grocery List W/ Menus
Money Talk
Looking Forward Into the Past
The Green "Blankie" (I still have it!)

And now, for an EXCITING announcement!!!!

We FINALLY kicked the LAST credit card to the curb this month! It's been a long road and I can tell you one thing, I have DISCOVERED all I ever want to know or experience about/with credit cards! I have issues with "snakes". No likey! So...Good-bye Discover Card! Good riddance to bad rubbish! I hope you drown in peanut butter...and I won't even come to your funeral! (hehe)

I owe, I owe.....

2011-05-16T15:13:00.000-07:00

For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required... Luke 12:48

Because He gave, I have:
An Advocate

The Holy Ghost

Heaven in my view
Grace
Forgiveness

Laughter
Love

Joy

Peace
Because He is my provider, have:
Work

Food

Raiment

Shelter
A nice car

Because He blesses me, I have:
Family

Friends

Grandchildren
An awesome Church
The Best Pastor
Because He wants me to have an abundant life, I enjoy:

Books

Music
Pizza!

Flowers
Blue skies
Mountains
Beaches
Motorcycles
Trees
Birds that sing
Animals to cuddle
Roller Coasters
Cool Breezes
Gummy Bears
Chocolate

Sweet Tea
Birthdays
Snooze Buttons
Air-Conditioning

Castillo's
Coffee

Fuzzy slippers

The list could go on, and on....

I. Am. Blessed!

I owe Him my life!

If there was a Heaven for Dogs....

2011-05-11T18:36:00.000-07:00

then ShuShu would be there!

Had to take her this morning and have her put to sleep. One of the hardest things I've ever had to do! I will be composing a longer post about her soon.....as soon as I compose myself.
The world will never be the same...

Morning Chat with God...

2011-05-09T07:29:00.000-07:00

This morning I opened my eyes to another beautiful day. As I lay there savoring the moment; I said,

"Good morning Lord, Thank You for another day!"

My next response was habitual in nature, although I've never asked God this question before, I asked,

"How are you today?"

Then I grinned and answered the question for Him; I said,

"GOOD!"

Things I have because of my Mother.

2011-05-08T06:00:00.000-07:00

A love for music
A sense of humor
A talent for sarcasm *grin*
Primo Housekeeping abilities. (Shameless advertising...)
Cooking skills (Although I think I lost them somewhere along the way... "Here cooking skills, here cooking skills--whistle, whistle-- come to mama, I won't hurt you darlin'.")

Thanks Mom!

And a Happy Mother's Day to all of the mom's out there in Blogville too! Take it easy today! AND don't you dare let them kids/husbands talk you into doing all the work like you normally do everyday, ya hear?! If they give you a hard time, send 'em to me!

Have your wood, and eat it too!

2011-05-06T17:07:00.000-07:00

My oldest used to make a crack about the dog's food. She'd say, "Here Shu, come eat your wood chips." She was joking, of course. But unknowingly, was probably telling the truth. Gross! Read this article and you'll understand why I say that.

Did you read it? What do ya think? OK, here's what I have to say about it:
I've been eying a homemade recipe for Ranch dressing of late and I think I may be trying it out sooner then I thought! Coffee-mate is another BIG staple in my fridge. Guess I'll have to switch to 1/2 & 1/2. I'll probably start shredding blocks of cheese in advance too, for convenience sake, instead of buying it already shredded. Not gonna go stark crazy here, but I will be trying to chuck most of the wood out of my diet.

Ya know, some might think I go a bit overboard about this kind of stuff, but I don't care. What I don't know won't hurt me (maybe just kill me), I always say. But if I know...that's another story entirely!

"How much Coffee-mate could a woodchuck-chuck, if a woodchuck could chuck Coffee-mate?"

Cut!

No More!

2011-05-05T10:18:00.000-07:00

This poem is meant to be humorous. Humor is my way of dealing with life's sorrows. I know, that may sound Psycho, but that's the way I am...

No More!

No more dogs, no more cats, no more people to love.

Let me finish with those that I have!

Tis too hard on the heart, all the losing.

For I get too entirely attached.

I've had enough kitty's to cuddle.

All the dogs that a person doth need.

As for people, I'm content with the numbers,

to have more would just make my heart bleed.

I'd rather be a lonely old lady,

in a tent by the side of the road,

then to keep having my heart strings a broken,

Tis a burdensome burden to bode.

I'd be all alone, there would be no one home,

Tho I'd probably not mind in the least.

There'd be no one to care, no one would be there,

but at least I might have me some peace!

This poem was inspired by the fact that Shu Shu's health is failing fast and we will probably have to put her to "sleep" soon. It's breaking my heart!

This girl was made for walking...

2011-04-30T17:01:00.000-07:00

THIS is the face of a VERY happy walker!

In the last--not quite two months, I have walked about four times--and then not very far. AND at the end of those walks I was in major pain. I am so glad to report that I have walked two days in a row now and have had little to no pain! (Can you hear the MTC singing HALLELUJAH?) Like I've said before, THIS girl NEEDS her walks! Besides prayer, it is the one thing that helps me take a load off my brain. Especially if I hold my head sideways--The air flows right thru and cleans er out right nice. *grin*

Today was a beautiful day. Perfect for walking and talking to the Lord. But I don't suggest walking and searching thru your phone contacts at the same time because you might just meet up with one of these...

"Hello Curb"

like I did yesterday, when I tripped and landed right on my "pride" in front of the entire soccer team across the street. No worries. I just dusted my self off and walked my chubby "pride" right on down the street like I had just sat down for a sec to rest. Good thing I had my phone in my hand in the event that I needed to call and ambulance if I broke my stupid neck! Good thing my phone didn't get broken when it flew out of my hand during the fall! Doh!

All my clumsiness aside-- it's GREAT to be walking again!

What I Eat

2011-04-29T06:00:00.000-07:00

Wed 4-27-11

4 tbsp creamer 2 pts
1 c Fage yogurt 4 pts
1/4 c All Bran 1 pts
2 tbsp strawberry jam 2 pts
1 srv spaghetti 7 pts
1 c baby carrots 0 pts
1/4 c veggie dip 2 pts
1 Weight Watchers Fudge Bar 3 pts
13 Cheetos 4 pts
1 banana 0 pts
Total=25 pts (no activity pts)

I'm thinking I may break even on the scale this week--At least, I hope so. I need a new activity goal to get me motivated. I've been thinking about doing a virtual ride on my "go no where bike". You know, like, pick a place to ride on the map, then keep track every day of how far I've "ridden". I like it, I like it. Now to decide where I'm going to ride to...

Have yourself a cool and breezy, not too sneez-y, may you soon be resting easy, absolutely never gloomy weekend!

He's Alive!

2011-04-24T06:00:00.000-07:00

He is not here; He has risen,

just like He said.

Matthew 28:6

Hallelujah
Jesus is alive
Death has lost its victory
And the grave has been denied
Jesus lives forever
He's alive! He's alive!

He's the alpha and omega
The first and last is he
The curse of sin is broken
And we have perfect liberty
The lamb of God is risen
He's alive, He's alive!

Jesus is alive!

Have a victorious Easter Everyone!

What I Eat

2011-04-22T08:28:00.000-07:00

Wednesday April 20, 2011

2 tbsp creamer 1 pts
2 pc whole wheat toast 2 pts
1 egg 2 pts
1 tsp butter 1 pts
1 pc sliced cheese 2 pts
1 cup grapes 0 pts
1 can tuna 2 pts
1 Bagel Thin 3 pts
1 tbsp mayo 3 pts
1 cup popcorn 2 pts
1 apple 0 pts
1 oz cheddar cheese baked potato chips 3 pts
1 tbsp ranch dressing 1 pts
1 Boca Chix patty 4 pts
1 med salad w/ red peppers, cukes, carrots 0 pts
1 Weight Watchers fudge bar 3 pts
Total 29 minus 4 activity pts = 25 pts

We shall see at weight-in in about 40 minutes if all my hard work has paid off. That little marker on the weight loss ticker below is not moving too fast, but as I recall, slow and steady wins the race so I shall waddle on.

Update: The scale says I'm down 1.5 pounds this week. I'll take it!

Why Me Lord?

2011-04-19T18:18:00.000-07:00

Update: The little birdy lived a lot longer then I thought it would. I had to go to bed so I don't know when it finally died. Sometime during the night. I buried him in the flowerbed close to where I found him this morning. Poor little fella...

As I'm typing this, I'm sitting here holding this tiny baby bird while it slowly dies. All I can say is: Why me Lord?
If there is a stray dog or cat, hurt bird or any animal in need for that matter, I WILL SEE IT, find it, or pick it up out of the middle of the street or off the sidewalk in front of my house--which is where I found this little guy when I came home today. I thought it was already dead when I saw it, but when I got closer it turned it's little head up at me and opened it's little mouth as if to say, "Save me!" I hadn't the heart to turn away. And now I'm holding a tiny bird I can do nothing for except not allow it to die alone on a stone-cold-sidewalk. It breaks my heart. Why me Lord?

Maybe you can...

2011-04-19T13:03:00.000-07:00

help me shed a little light on this . Well... as long as the light does not shine in my bedroom window and keep me awake!

Here's the deal. My neighbors leave their porch light on every night. (I think it's a 10,000 watt bulb!) It lights my room up like it's daytime and makes it very hard to sleep. I have asked them politely a few times to please turn it off but they either don't care, or forget. It's very aggravating...to say the least.

So, my questions for you are:

1. Am I wrong to expect the neighbors to be courteous and turn the light off?
2. Should I just block out the light (which also blocks the air from the open window) and forget it?
3. Who's problem is this, mine or theirs? Or both?

I googled the first question out of curiosity and was surprised at the mix of opinions on the subject. Some thought it is the person who has a problem with the light who should bare the responsibility of covering their window--and that is was, in fact, rude to ask for it to be shut off. Some said, no, it was the neighbors who left the light on that were being rude and that they need to turn off the light. Others just offered ways to shut out the light with different kinds of window coverings. Here's what I believe is true:

It is my opinion that neighbors should always live mindful of how what they do effects those that live around them. For instance:

Mowing the lawn before 8-in-the-AM is inconsiderate.
Playing music or speaking in volumes that pass the borders of your property is inconsiderate. (No matter WHAT the time of day it is... It is also against the law regardless of the time of day--for what that's worth to some...)
Allowing your dog to bark at all hours of the night and day is inconsiderate.
Leaving a light that shines pass the borders of your property, is inconsiderate.

Now, these are just my opinions. But I like y'all to help me out here folks. I am loath to speak the them again about this issue for fear of angering them. (I try hard to live at peace with my neighbors. Unfortunately, it's usually at the expense of my own peace.) I wear an eye-mask to help block out the light (doesn't help much and is not very comfortable). I cover the window with a blanket at night, but that also blocks out any air-flow--and it's getting hot.

What else can I do? And... do I have a right to seek an authority (i.e. the local police POP team that helps with neighborhood disputes) to help solve the issue? The light is not the only problem I have with these neightbors; All of the things listed above are also issues with these same people.

Please leave a comment. If you are not comfortable with leaving a public comment here, feel free to email me at grammygazelle @ gmail.com and leave your comments there.

Many Thanks! zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

What I Eat

2011-04-15T06:00:00.000-07:00

Wednesday April 13, 2011
2 tbs creamer 1 pts
1 cup Fage 4 pts
1 tbs sugar 1 pts
1 cup strawberries 0 pt s
4 oz ground turkey w/ taco seasoning 3 pts
2 oz 2% shredded cheese 4 pts
salsa 0 pts
2 cups shredded lettuce 0 pts
1 mini bag popcorn 1 pts
2 slices sourdough bread 2 pts
1 tsp butter 1 pts
1 string cheese 2 pts
1 apple 0 pts
10 M&M's 1 pts
1 sm banana 0 pts
1 Weight Watchers Smart Ones (Potato & Broccoli) 6 pts
1 Weight Watchers fudge bar 3 pts
1 apple o pts
Total = 29 no ups, no extras ;-)

A Letter

2011-04-12T07:57:00.000-07:00

My Dear Friends,
I wanted to tell you how much it hurts me to see you hurting. How my tears flow at any given moment when I think of what a cruel blow that life has thrown your way. How I wish that it was not so! And how I wish that I could wave a magic wand and make it all go away! Oh how frustrating it is, that I can not do so!
I know some of life's horrid pain, but it was not your pain. I understand great sorrow, but it was not your sorrow. For there is no sorrow like one's own, no one can truly understand it but God.
I can't carry your burden for you, but I can lend you a hand. I can pray. I can weep. I can listen. I can hope. And I will!

With love and prayers,
Caroline

Good + Good + Good = Great!

2011-04-11T09:50:00.000-07:00

I enjoyed a very pleasant weekend. Saturday, we threw a 90Th birthday party for our famous Mee Mee (Sweet Guy's mother)--And what a wonderful celebration it was! This time last year we didn't know if we were going to have her around much longer (you can read about why here), but she rallied back for another crack at this thing called life--and for that we are very thankful! Below is a picture of the birthday invitation. On it are just a few of all the many, many quilts Mee Mee has made over the years. There is no way to get a solid number of how many she has actually made, but I know I have my share of the "loot"! :

(click to enlarge)

We started the decorating at around ten that morning and after the party was over, the last guest left the building and clean up was done, it was around 4:30. Whew! Lots of work, but loads of fun too! Of course, a day's work like that calls for some good eating, so naturally, we ended up at Castillo's for an after party family dinner. It was so good to see all the family and friends that we hadn't seen in too long. It made me realize that I've been too "busy" lately to pay attention to the things in life that matter most. Gotta work on that 'cause I sure don't want a Reclinership reputation!

Then, Sunday night was our church's Easter Outreach kick off. If you don't go to our church then it would be kinda hard to explain just what that entails. The best way I can think of to help you get a feel for what it's like, is for you to imagine a bunch of wild football fans hollering and rooting for their favorite team, then switch that picture over in your mind to to a bunch of folks excited about going out door-knocking to try and win souls to the Lord. It's a blast! Of course, all of that hollering and jumping around calls for some good eating, so naturally, some of us ended up at Castillo's to help build our strength back up. *grin*

A good God
Some good friends and family
And good food
It don't get any better than that!

Happy...is it Monday again already?!

What I Eat

2011-04-07T22:45:00.000-07:00

Wednesday 4-6-2011

2 TBS Creamer 1 pts
1 pancake 2 pts
1 Morning Star sausage 2 pts
1 tsp fig jam 1 pts
1 tsp country crock spread 1 pts
1 cup strawberries 0 pts
1 tsp sugar 1 pts
1 sm tortilla 2 pts
1-1/2 servings rice and beans 4 pts
1-1/2 cups grapes 0 pts
3 cups popcorn 3 pts
1 WW fudge bar 3 pts
2 eggs 4 pts
1 sm potato 3 pts
1 TBS Country Crock spread 1 pts
11 crackers 4 pts
1 cup Silk soy milk 2 pts
1 TBS molasses 1 pts
1 string cheese 2 pts

That's 38 pts minus 9 weekly points used for a grand total of 29 pts

Enjoy your weekend!

So funny it hurt...

2011-04-07T06:00:00.000-07:00

I've been on my soap box a bit strong for the last few posts, so I thought maybe you could use a funny to break up the seriousness. This one made me laugh so hard at a time when laughing was not a good thing. But I appreciated the quick wit mucho none the less!

Last Tuesday afternoon, whilst keeping Rory, I turned to look at a bird he wanted me to see and my back when out. I didn't scream in pain for fear of scaring him, but I wanted to! That night I could barely walk and the pain was like nothing I've had since I brought my last child into the world. Holy Toledo Batman! I texted my son-in-law to ask him about the name of some muscle relaxers, he had given me a while back (I'm so leery of pills.) because I wanted to look up any side effects and instructions for use before I took them. Well, he didn't text me back for a bit (I forgot he was at play practice) so I took a chance and swallowed half of one hoping against hope that if they didn't kill me then at least they might ease the pain.When he texted me back, he asked me if they were the round and flat ones. I said no, and gave him the description of the pills I had. "Oh, sorry, he said, those were Imodium".....

And Do What?

2011-04-04T09:53:00.000-07:00

These are the scriptures that caught my attention this morning:

Proverbs

25 Let thine eyes look right on, and let thine eyelids look straight before thee.

26 Ponder the path of thy feet, and let all thy ways be established.

27 Turn not to the right hand nor to the left: remove thy foot from evil.

I spoke for a few minutes last evening with a beautiful young girl in our church. I don't mean to sound utlra- spiritual here, because I am not (the Lord has been known to use donkeys before.....eh?), but the Lord had given me a dream about her and I felt lead to share it with her. She is discouraged in her walk (I had no idea), but I felt her pain because we all get there sometimes. I was very troubled as I walked away from our conversation, but hopeful too.

I thought about her long into the night. Hoping and praying she will find a foothold in her faith and keep striving toward the gate. This morning when I awoke, I thought of her again and the thought came to me... If she quits, what will she do? I mean, I've been out there and quite frankly, it boring as all get out! One can only party so much, watch so much TV, or whatever else you can think of at this point, without eventually getting downright bored out of their mind! (At least that was my experience with what the world had to offer.) Living for God is NOT boring. There is always something to do in His kingdom (if your interested). The church becomes our family, our support system and are the ONLY people who sincerely care about us and will be there for us when we need them the most. The people of the world will ACT like they care, then when you get in a lurch they'll dump you like a hot potato! (Trust me, I've been there, done that!)

Last night we heard a good word from the Lord (they are all good but I'm just referring to last night K?) about striving toward the gate. Not lolly-gagging toward it. Not barely trying to reach it. Not hoping to reach it. But STRIVING toward it. There has got to be stupendous effort put into the process on our part. I needed to be reminded of that, as I'm sure we all did or the Lord would not have sent the message. This may sound crude, but going to hell is rather easy. You don't have to do anything to get there. Just sit back and do nothing and you'll arrive in due time. NO! God forbid! That. Is. Not. An. Option! God help us to keep striving!

There are SO many things that can beset us in this walk for the Lord. But one of the things that I get bogged down with most are the "cares of life". Just the everyday "junk" that we have to deal with can cause us to become lax in our striving toward the gate. Might I refer you back at this point, to the scriptures I posted above? It's when we get our eyes off of the Lord that we slip and fall. Like the song says: Turn your eyes upon Jesus. Look full in His wonderful face. And the things of this world will grow strangely dim. In the light of His glory and grace.

So my question this morning is this... Quit church and do WHAT?

Thanks for reading today.

What I Eat--And The Empy Nest Syndrome = A Cooking Dilemma

2011-04-01T11:29:00.000-07:00

Wednesday 3-30-2011

3/4 c cottage cheese 3 pts
1/4 c mandarin oranges 0 pts
1 Venti Cinnamon Dolce Latte (skinny) 5 pts
1 c cantaloupe 0 pts
1.2 c blueberries 0 pts
1 c strawberries 0 pts
2 tsp sugar 2 pts
1/2 Subway ham sandwich 7 pts
20 M&M's 2 pts
20 BBQ Kettle chips (low fat) 3 pts
1 egg & bacon burrito 8 pts
1 med potato 3 pts
2 tsp whipped butter 2 pts
1 TBS LF sour cream 0 pts
1 WW fudge bar 3 pts
Total 37 pts

Minus 5 Activity points and 3 weekly points, for a grand total of 29 points

The Empty Nest Syndrome = A Cooking Dilemma
Kate has pretty much flown the coupe--and at twenty three, that's to be expected. Oh she still sleeps here, and once in a while she shows up for dinner. But mostly she's gone. So here's my dilemma:
When I was learning to cook, I had to cook for eight people. So, when I started cooking for own family it was hard to pare it down to just two. Then came Steph, so I had three. Then came Kate, so I had four. But I never have learned to pare it down and make it work real well. (There's always tons of leftovers and no one to eat them except me.) Now with Kate mostly gone, it's just two again and I still haven't got the hang of downsizing meals. Plus there's that fact that Sweet Guy and I don't much care for the same kinds of food. (He wants his meat and potato meals, and I like more veggies and ethnic foods.) Also, Sweet Guys not fond of leftovers. So what's a girl to do? Any suggestions? Help!

Here's what I've thought of so far:
~ Separate meat and other meal items into one serving before freezing. (Which leads me to my next idea...)
~ Fix two different meals.
~ Eat out more.

Have a groovy weekend!

Zzzzzzzz...

2011-03-30T14:52:00.000-07:00

Just can't seem to get enough sleep. Be back soon, with some new posts. Zzzzzzzzz.....

What I Eat--And a Tale of Sorrow

2011-03-25T06:00:00.000-07:00

Wednesday 3-23-2011

1 Skinny Cinnamon Dolce Latte 5 pts
1 pancake 2 pts
1 tsp fig jam 1 pt
1 Morning Star sausage patty 2 pts
1 bag popcorn w/ 1 TBS butter 6 pts
2 crackers w/ cheese 2 pts
1 cup strawberries 0 pts
1 Boca chicken patty 4 pts
1 Whole Wheat hamburger bun 4 pts
1 slice cheese 1 pt
Cheetos 2 pts
1 string cheese 2 pts
1 apple 0pts
20 Jelly Bellys 2 pts
1 cup grapes 0 pts
Total 33 pts

Oh! Woe is me!
The scale has not budged lately. The reason is because I have not budged lately. See, my hip has been out of whack for the last three weeks and I have only been able to walk once, and that about killed me. Walking is my therapy. It makes things go right in my head (yes it could be worse!). And when I can't walk, I get grumpy. And when I get grumpy, I eat. And when I eat too much, I get fat. And when I get fat....You get the picture. So I NEED to walk so I don't stay fat and grumpy!

Not sure what's wrong with my hip (feels like someone stuck a knife in it), but I don't have medical insurance so I have no way to find out. I'm just praying that whatever it is will go away soon so I can get back outside and walk. Oh yeah, it's raining... I couldn't walk anyways. Oh grump! ;-P

I have a "dreadmill" (as Kathy M. calls them) and a "go nowhere bike", but I'm not fond of either one. It's such a drag going nowhere over and over again! Your like singing, "This is the walk/ride that never ends, and it goes on and on my friend!" Phooey! Guess I'd better go make nicey-nice with the bike at least, whether I want to or not, or I'm gonna be grumpier and fatter then ever! AND THAT WILL NOT DO! Nowhereville here I come!

Have a skinny weekend for me, will ya? Oh grump! ;-)

A MUST

2011-03-21T06:00:00.000-07:00

If you don't read anything else today (besides your Bible that is...), I highly recommend you read this: The Ballestero Blog. And while you're there, check out the rest of Bro. Ballestaro's Blog. It will truly be a blessing to you!

Happy Monday!

What I Eat

2011-03-18T06:00:00.000-07:00

Wednesday March 16, 2011

2 pc Sourdough Toast 2 pts
1 TBS whipped butter 2 pts
3/4 cup strawberries 0 pts
1/2 cup grapes 0 pts
1 bean burrito 6 pts
2 tsp oil 2 pts
13 cheese puffs 4 pts
1 1/2 apples 0 pts
15 M&M's 2 pts
1/2 salmon patty (gag!) 1.5 pts
2 pc toast 2 pts
whipped butter 3pts
Total = 24.5 pts

I came down with the Flu on WED. and food just hasn't been a priority. Too bad I have to get sick for that to happen...

A healthy weekend to y'all!

Rufus finds a Friend--A Story for Rory

2011-03-17T16:46:00.000-07:00

Once upon a time, there was a little monster named Rufus. Rufus was sad because he didn't have any friends. All the kids in his neighborhood were afraid of him simply because he RAWRed all the time. One day Rufus said to his mommy,
"Mommy, I'm so lonely. I haven't any friends because everyone's afraid of me".
"Oh Rufus, said mommy. I'm sorry, I didn't realize you were so sad. How about I take you to the park on Saturday, I'm sure you will find some friends there."
"Oh, would you? said Rufus. Maybe there will be one little boy or girl there that would be my friend."

So, the next Saturday, Rufus' mommy took him to the park. Rufus walked slowly over to the edge of the playground. "Go on Rufus", said mommy. Rufus walked over to a boy playing on the slide. "RAWR! said, Rufus. What's your name?" The little boy took one look at Rufus and ran screaming, "Help! Mommy, mommy, there's a monster in the park, there's a monster in the park!" Rufus shook his head sadly.

Rufus introduced himself to a little girl swinging on the swing. "RAWR! My name is Rufus, what's your name?" "EEK! Screamed the little girl. There's a monster in the park, there's a monster in the park!" And she ran away.

Poor Rufus. He wasn't having any luck at all. He decided to give up; Nobody wanted to be friends with a monster.

"Now Rufus, said mommy. You mustn't give up so soon. How about that little boy sitting over at the edge of the playground all by himself? He looks like he could use a friend."

"Oh, alright, said Rufus. I'll try one more time."

Rufus shuffled his way over to the little boy and said, "RAWR! My name is Rufus, what's your name?" The little boy looked up at Rufus and smiled. "My name is Rory, he said. Are you a monster?"

"Yes, said Rufus. Aren't you afraid of me?"

"Oh no, said Rory, I like monsters. Will you do your RAWR! for me again? That was great!"

"Sure, said Rufus RAWR!" Rory laughed and laughed.

"Will you be my friend?", asked Rufus.

"Sure I will", said Rory.

So every Saturday Rufus and Rory met in the park to play. Soon the other little boys and girls realized that Rufus' RAWR! was nothing to be afraid of and Rufus made many friends. Because, after all, RAWRing is just what monsters do...

~The End~

Made up by Grammy 3/14/2011

Learning the Coupon "Game"

2011-03-14T18:37:00.000-07:00

About a month ago, I finally started learning how to use coupons. For a beginner, I'm not doing too bad. My pantry is filling up fast with all kinds of soaps, toothpastes, deodorants, razors, shampoos, Kleenex, dish-soaps, candies, cleansers, Ziploc bags, air-fresheners, etc... And all for next to nothing! I'm lovin' it! Today's the first time I have taken a picture of my loot, here it is:

(Sorry for the dark picture, but I took it with my phone. Need to find some coupons for batteries for my camera. ;-)

2 bottles of Ajax dish soap
1 Bottle of Purex fabric softener
6 cans of salmon (Score! I loove salmon!)
4 Irish Spring Deodorants
3 tubes of Colgate toothpaste
1 pkg of 2 Irish Spring soaps
1 Reese's Pieces (Had to buy this so I would have enough product to match the amount of coupons I had.)

This was over $50.00 dollars worth of product, that I paid 15.69 for! So basically, I paid for the deodorant, and got the rest for free! Yee Haw! Once I get a grip of coupons built up I can save even more! Fun, fun, fun!

When Life Gets Broken...

2011-03-09T07:04:00.000-08:00

When life gets broken
The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.
And you're in despair

He maketh me to lie down in green pastures:
He'll carry your burden

he leadeth me beside the still waters.
When it's too much to bear

He restoreth my soul:

He leadeth me in paths of righteousness for his namesake.
It's down in the valley

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
Where He'll give you strength

I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
And there is nothing you have lost

Thou preparest a table before mine
That He can't replace

the presence of mine enemies:
Thou annointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over:

He'll help you start all over again

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life:

and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
When life gets broken

Psalm 23

When Life Gets Broken
By Michael O'brien

Caroline's Place

My Heritage

Well, here we are...

Da Na Na, Da Na Na,..

Dinner Party Anyone?

You looking for me?

Operation Move--It's about TIME!

So THAT'S what's wrong with me...

New Year--New Beginings

Helmet Head

The Very Best Gift!

Christmas Song Wars

YOu've gOt 2 B kIdDinG mE!

Choose your color...

Hello, God? It's me,______.

Prayer for 2012

Life in Pictures

Don't Mind Me...

The Silver Tongued Kid

O Tidings of Comfort and Warmth

A New Season.

My Thanks To Him

Dear Black Friday,

Stuck in my Head

Note this Post

This one's a keeper!

West Coast

I'm Here...

I Want To Be Poor...

Heaven Help Me...

Crash! Boom! Bang!

Buying a Smartphone...Is NOT Smart...

Imagination strikes again...

The Hungry Pig Story-- Another Grammy made this up story...

Ahem...Pardon me, but I just feel like singing!

Home Sweet Tomatoes Home

Memories to keep...

ReACT or REact?

SOMETHING to say!!

H E L L O Big 5-0!

OK, Ima preach atcha...but only because I loves ya...

Book Review--LIGHTEN UP!

Just thinkin'...

Grammys in training...

Labor Day Staycation and, Crazy... it's all in the mind.

Lifespan Calculator

ALL I can think about today

Yo ho, yo ho, a pirates life for me!

S__ P__ A__C__ E

"Bid me come"

Just like Mama used to make...

It's just another homemade breakfast in Kentucky

Happy Anniversary!

Lighten Up!

Home again, home again, jiggidy jog.

Going Up Yonder...

Tweezers Please...

A Thing of Beauty

Book Review

Look who came home...

Happy Fourth!

The Broken Rose

Daddy's Girl

Tops Report

Fer Garden Seed!

Birthday Time!

Domestic Goddess (HA!) at work...

Mr. Sour Pickle -- Another Story for Rory

Birthday Bug

What part of NO MAN...

Could you spare a little CHANGE?

Phone Call From Bug, and a "Sharper Image"

Pages

Revisiting frugality and other news

I owe, I owe.....

If there was a Heaven for Dogs....

Morning Chat with God...

Things I have because of my Mother.

Have your wood, and eat it too!

No More!

S P AC E