Monday, January 31, 2011

Freshing up with Mrs. Meyers

So, I bought this little room freshener the other day.
I LOVE the scent. 
It looks pretty on my toilet.
I LOVE the scent.
We all LOVE the scent.
I looked up the site and I want to buy more of the products.
Did I mention that I LOVE the smell?
Compared to the price I pay for Tide it will be worth a try. 
Oh, I can just imagine our towels, sheets and clothes smelling like Basil. (you really need to smell it.)

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Snow is in the forecast!
jan31

P Cldy/Wind

58°27° feb01

Snw Shwrs

37°12° feb02

Snw Shwrs

30°6° feb03

Snw Shwrs

26°15° feb04

I know a lot of my readers are TIRED of the snow, but we need any kind of moisture here!
It is actually cloudy today!

Saturday, January 29, 2011

Scones

You all know that my mother-in-law was just here.
She is Scottish.
Before she came my hubby started on a scone kick.
He even talked to his uncle about scones,
which he pronounces with an "on" and not a long "o". 
Many Scottish families had these for breakfast with their tea.
Hubby's Grandma made them often.

I am passing on the family recipe with you.
The original recipe is the best.
We made Orange Cranberry, Lemon Blueberry and Pecan.
(I told you we went on a kick!)
The photos are of the Lemon Blueberry (the second attempt).
(Doesn't she write pretty.)
 

Forgot the lemon juice in the photo.


Dried blueberries are a must.  We used the pie filling type (only thing available at the store we were at).  That made them too moist and very blue.

Roll out 1/2 of the dough.  Shape and cut like this.  You could really roll it thinner then this, they puff up while cooking.

Now I know most of the scones you buy at coffee shops, etc. don't look like this.  They are usually much thicker.  This is the traditional way.  Thin like shortbread. 

These are actually too thick.  But you can see how you bake them on the stove top.

Scones

2 c flour
1/4 c sugar
1/2 tsp salt
4 tsp baking powder
4 Tb (heaping) shortening (may need more)
1 egg, beaten
1/4 c milk

Sift flour, sugar, salt and baking powder. 
Cut in shortening, beaten egg and milk.  Mix.
If the mixture is too dry you can add more shortening.
Form 2 round pieces.
Roll out 1/2 inch (or less) thick.
Cut into pie shaped pieces.
Cook on hot, ungreased griddle about 3 minutes on each side, or until brown, like pancakes.

You can add goodies to taste.
Serve with jelly, butter or just enjoy plain.

Sorry for the quality of the photos.  Hubby bought a new point and shoot.  I still haven't figured it out.

Friday, January 28, 2011

Facebook and "Friends"

I know not all of my readers are on facebook, but most probably are.
While I am not a BIG FB person I am on there. 
(please don't ask me to friend you.  don't mean to be rude, i just like to keep it small.)
Some of my family members only talk through FB.

Would you tell a friend (in FB and in real life) that a photo/comment was not fit to be out there in public?
Would you tell them even if that meant they may unfriend you?
Would you tell them even if they may unfriend you in real life?

Now this post doesn't pertain to any one person/s.
I have seen some things posted on FB that I am sure people wouldn't post while standing on the corner or in a crowded bus.

Thursday, January 27, 2011

more randomness

Still catching up.
I made some cinnamon swirl bread.
Can't remember where I found the recipe.
It was good, but will make some changes if I make it again.

"Are You Hungry Tonight?"...cooking with Elvis, aint nothing like it.
Made this yummy recipe.

I HAD to take a pic of this. 
My crusts never come out this nice, this round. 
Now I have proof.
This was for daughter's birthday buttermilk pies.

January is loaded with birthdays. 
Three of which is ours.


Daughter's friend made her a calendar. 

Wednesday, January 26, 2011

Catching up...

I need to post, but have nothing inspiring, catchy or even DIY projects to show you.

My MIL left today.  She was here for two weeks, three Wed-nes-days.
 (sorry that is how my brain spells it everytime.)
We had a good time. 
A lot of laughs, especially at the end.
Many scones...more on that later.

We had three birthdays.
Will post on that later as the pics are on the pc in the office and it's COLD in there.

Our heater is broke.
Thank God it hasn't been too cold.
We have been using the electric heaters.
But golly, it's nippy in the morning...50 degrees.

Got some "new" books in the mail for next school year.
It always makes me feel giddy, ahead of the ballgame.

I "redecorated" my blog.
I needed color, fun.
Is it too busy?

If my son asks me one more time today "are we/you going anywhere today?"
I am going to think of something nasty for him to clean.  heehee
He asks everyday "Are we going/doing anything today?"
As disorganized as he can be he sure needs his day laid out for him.

I am trying to cut down (not out) on the carbs.
It is MUCH harder then I would imagine.

I was going to do as little as possible today.  Ended up cleaning the inside of our stove!

Okay, enough rambling and off to do stuff around the house.


Thursday, January 20, 2011

long lost relative?

When we first moved here we saw our last name (which is not common) in the phonebook.  Well, ours but not ours.  The first name was of someone we didn't know.  To make a LONG story short...we finally met up with one of hubby's, more than likely, relatives.  We met on MLK's day in the mountains (rui).  Hubby brought some old family photos.  One look at hubby's dad and D. said it looked like his grandpa.  They are very much alike and he is very similar to hubby's cousin in Ill.  It was a pleasure meeting him and I see more visits. 

Wednesday, January 19, 2011

Censorship

The original post has been self-censored due to info that may offend some readers, thoughts that might lead some to believe I was writing about them.  So I bring you some totally random thoughts.


Just got a call.

I had an abnormal test in June.
Last week I went back to recheck it.
I am FINE...no cancer!

Praise God!

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On another note: Do you read those blogs that feature "What I Wore Wednesday"?
Do you care?
I mean, oh never mind.
I am wearing a stained blue grey Old Navy, fluffy grey fluffy exercise pants and my purple slippers.  I'd post a photo, but my hair is not done.

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I am going to try to bake my own baked fish for dinner.
I am learning to be a fish person.
We have been eating boxed fish fillets.
Hopefully, tonight will be good.

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I gave up on the Love Dare book.
It was too, como se de se (how do you say), like looking in the mirror.
You see this big spot on your face.
You try to wipe it off only to find another, then another.
You also see spots on your spouse's face.
I think for now I will leave well enough alone.

Until I have something better to post...have a great day!

Saturday, January 15, 2011

Pago Pago

The big news is my brother and his family are being sent to American Samoa!
You may have to look for Pago Pago on your globe/map.  That would be the capital.

 Matt has been there once about 2 years ago.  He feel in love with the island and it's people.

My brother who has water in his bones, who surfed, lived 3 blocks from the beach, who has lived in the desert for years, is now going to be surrounded by water.

Here he is at one of the schools.  The students were very open.  Yes, males wear skirts too.  They have a different name though.  The men wear dress shirt and tie with shorts and flip flops to church.  Gotta love it.

 Please pray for Matt and his family as they fly far away from home to reach precious souls for Jesus.  They will be pioneering.  Starting from scratch.
My heart is already there.  (I am trying not to cry as I type, part from saddness, part joy.)

Friday, January 14, 2011

I Have a Secret

I have some exciting news...but I can't tell you yet!
Don't you hate that?!
It could be worse...you could have this job!  Or their hair-do, lovely!

Tuesday, January 11, 2011

MIA

Just wanted to let you all know that I will be MIA for the next two weeks or so.
MIL is coming in tonight and will be here for two weeks.
We also have 4 birthdays/parties.

Have a nice Jan!

Saturday, January 8, 2011

Beautiful are the Feet

Hopefully this will come out right and not scattered.
Pioneering has been on my mind lately, mainly because I see what people I love give up, lay down and go through.  (At least from what they'll let on or can't hide.)

Pioneering is one of those words that has brought, for me, many feelings.  When we first came to the church and learned about going out and starting a church, I wanted to go.  I wanted to reach people beyond myself, to be used by God in that way.  Hubby, didn't see it the same.  He didn't want to go, didn't feel "called" to preach.  Honestly, I wrestled with that for a LONG time.  My hubby was firm and didn't let me make him called and thank God for that for so many reasons.  I have learned to be completely content in staying here and sending others out.  Staying has not always been easy and my heart sometimes is sometimes tugged away.  Staying and taking hits as a church, so those who are out have somewhere to anchor themselves to though worth it has a price.  Putting off our wants to so others can go.  Attending and throwing going away party after party.  Hearing the accolades of others sung while we stay hasn't always been the best for my pride.  "We send our best" being said many times over the pulpit can minimize being a pillar.  Being pitied because my husband isn't called, like it's any less to stay. Sometimes things can seem like the men who are called to go get better grooming.  Now we have had pastors who have lifted up those who stay, acknowledged the need and rightful place of pillars and senders.  I thank God for those men.  I have asked myself could I do that, live there, etc. for God and for others.  But it's not about me, it's about souls.  Souls take sacrifice, for those who stay and those who go.  While I may never go out and may never fully understand pioneering, I truly respect those who go (and those who stay).  

Pioneering is also sacrifice.
I see my brother, his wife and three kids, who I miss terribly.  While my brother was never one to "settle" in one place, and the type who loves adventure, I see the weight of taking his kids and wife "out there", starting over.  I hear the toll of taking over a church, working a full time job, keeping up with life can be sometimes over the phone.  The apology (that word seems lacking), in my SIL's voice and face of living on a pioneer's salary and having family over for holidays.  Things that many of us take for granted simply need to wait or to be not even on the radar.

I see my dear friend and her family.  They had one of the "nicer" ones in our church.  Her hubby had one of the best paying jobs in our church.  They're at the age to get settled in, not to start over.  I was there as her walls were lined with packed boxes, both of us crying.  Fears, doubts running through her mind.  They had gone out before and were about to take the chance at it again.  I read her blog and see her teeny stove, her paneled walls, the little things that can make a big difference.  I see her hubby, working a much lower paying job.  My admiration for them grows everyday.

I read about pioneering on another blog and am reminded of how real this all is.  How much people are willing to give up for the call of God, for others.

Pioneering is a blessing. 
The pride and peace I have knowing my brother is saved and doing God's will.   The depth of my niece's understanding of souls for her age.  The joy my nieces and nephew have despite the things they "lack".  The stability they have as a family.  The maturity my brother has.  The strength of my SIL.  The depth of their walk with God.  The things they have gained are not things.  I see my friend who has kept her joy, her compassion for people.  The way God has blessed them in ways He couldn't have if they weren't obedient.  I see the smiles on her kids faces.  They humble me.

How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of him that brings good tidings, that publishes peace; that brings good tidings of good, that publishes salvation; that said to Zion, Your God reigns!  Isaiah 52:7

Friday, January 7, 2011

What I am Reading

I read before bed, in bed.  Sometimes more then one at a time.

*Homeless Bird.  Just finished.  It was one of the books for school.  I loved it.  It is about an Indian girl named Koly who is given in marriage at a young age.  To cut to the chase, it's a bad life gone good.  Quick "page-turner".

*Crazy Love.  I actually heard about this from Meg's Whatever blog.  It interested me.  I went to a bookstore with my mom so we were talking books.  She said my SIL said it was good.  If it's SIL approved then I want to read it.  (I actually need to get a list from her.) Just started and really like it.  It's meeting me at my personal challenge already, to know God better for who He really is.  (Library book)

*The Love Dare. Well, you already know it's good. (library book)

*Live Like a Jesus Freak.  Another school book.  Reading it in bits here and there.  Is a good mix of scripture, quotes, testimonies and stories of people who suffered, gave up, etc. for their faith.  Breaks it into nice chapters like Pray Like a Jesus Freak, Worship like a..., etc.  Really helps boost the faith.

Thursday, January 6, 2011

A Peek Into my Journal

I am cutting into my scheduled posts to say...man i want to do NOTHING today.


Call it a Thursday (my hump day).
Call it post three day fast.
Call it don't want to leave the house and do those errands.
Call it, so need/want to catch up on some things.


Now back to your regular blog post.



Jan. 3rd: I am humbled by the prayers for my brother and for us by the saints of God.  Every time I hear our name or my brother and his family lifted up in prayer, I am humbled and blessed.

Jan. 4th:  Started The Love Dare book.
              Day 1: Love is patient
                         "When you choose to be patient, you respond in a positive way to a negative situation.
                         Patience brings and internal calm during an external storm.  Patience is where love meets             wisdom." (a mixture of excerpts from the book)

Way to just get me on the first dare.  Responding positively to a negative situation is not my strong point.  It is actually what I've asked God to help me with this year.

Jan. 5th:  Day 2: Love is Kind
             Just after two days am struck with the truth that my hubby has these first two down and probably more.  While I knew this, it really hit me.

Wednesday, January 5, 2011

Our Little Winter Friend

Every winter for the past two years this little guy (or gal) shows up and hangs out on this outlet.
He only comes at night and only in the winter. 
One day we come home and look up and there he is, staring at us.
He always watches us.
It's kind of unnerving.
He once flew down at our son.
Last year he had a friend.
It only stayed for part of the winter.
We can only imagine he keeps warm by the motion lights.

He needs a name...

Tuesday, January 4, 2011

She Has This Thing

Our dog, Dolly, has this game she loves to play with us, almost daily.

She is in the house, goes to the door and scratches.
We get up to let her out. 
Then she turns and walks away.
She will do this a few times in a row.
Maybe she's getting back at us for making her scratch a few times before we get up.

Monday, January 3, 2011

Raiding Daughters Files

Happy New Year!
Hope you had a great holiday season.

We ended the year in church, yes, we live there!
Our church has a potluck, No Talent Talent show, and various other things every year.
We also always pray in the new year.

Our daughter sang this year.  She was also in a skit, too funny.
Here she is singing a Kutless song with a dear friend from church.
She also worked all year on an End-of-the-Year video which turned out awesome.
She touched people with it.
(She's going to send you guys one, Anne.)


While I was raiding daughter's files I found these. (no editing done)

Thanksgiving



She loves photographing sunsets.

In son's room.