FOOD FOR THOUGHT - A DEVOTIONAL
Normally this is where I would share a short devotional with you. But I saw this at Partners In Prayer For Our Prodigals last Wednesday and knew right away I wanted to share it.
Edited on 10/17/07 to say: I've deleted the music video because it may be causing my page to load slowly.
THIS WEEK'S NEWS
What a week! And it all culminated in such trouble with blogger yesterday I just gave up. I came in here all ready to settle in and read all the newest posts showing in bloglines and blogger would not let me leave comments. I could comment on typepad and wordpress accounts but not on blogger. You know how when you're having problems with blogger, uploading photos or leaving comments or even publishing your post, you start getting that feeling in your stomach that tells you you're about to get really ticked off? I had so much going on yesterday I decided, "I'm not doing this today." So I walked away. Rob said something to me ages ago that really applied to how frustrated I knew I'd get if I sat here all morning. Some days you're the windshield, some days you're the bug. Yesterday, at least blog-wise, I was the unfortunate bug.
So in other news...:-)
I started this past week by making these. This is a double batch. It's amazing how fast we go through these around here.
I took this photo of Mandy and her fiance, Aaron, last Sunday at the birthday dinner his mother had for him at her house. Aaron just turned 25. He's one the nicest young men I've ever met and our family is thrilled that next June he officially becomes our newest son. Aren't they the sweetest looking couple? Smart, too. She's teaches third grade. He's a psychologist specializing in schizophrenia. They're attending the Dave Ramsey Financial Peace course at Fellowship Church and are about halfway done now. What a smart thing for an engaged couple to do.Wednesday my mom and I dropped everything and got together. Things are so crazy where she works (she's a nurse) right now that we're having a hard time finding these opportunities to get together. The nursing home has implemented a new computer program which in itself isn't the problem. Evidently the problem is that the building is so old it doesn't facilitate working with the new system. Five nurses have thrown in the towel and walked out without giving notice, they're so frustrated. So Mom's working a lot of extra shifts, 12-hour shifts, and it's difficult. I'm praying this will settle down soon and she can have her life back.
Meantime, she and I went grocery shopping together and came back to my place and had the easy barbecued chicken sandwiches I posted about and then played Scrabble. I won. :-)
Tada! This is a pile of 153 Santa stars. I did it! I'm done. The dining room table is now officially cleared of all star making stuff and ready for my next project (gifts in a jar).
These are the twelve different Santas I ended up making with the scraps and remnants I had on hand and a few purchased fat quarters of fabric. If you click on the photo you can see them better. They came out really cute and the girls and I are all set for ornaments for ourselves and gifts to give our family and friends. So I'm done with my official 2006 ornament.Pattern update: I've mailed the pattern for these Santa stars to about fifty people now. This past week I mailed it to Tracey in Santiago, Chile! Her husband is with the American embassy there. She said she wanted to make something American this Christmas. Isn't that amazing? Imagine. Chile.
Last week my sister completely changed her look. She got a new hairdo. When I saw the photo she posted, I had an aha moment. It just hit me in the face that my whole look is completely wrong. I'm not and have never been a blond. But somehow through salon colorings and my own bathroom colorings, I've morphed into a blond with a short severe haircut. I like my hair short. But not severe. So yesterday when I went in for my regular cut, I told Kree we needed to completely soften up the whole look. I took a photo of Bev's new look with me and said make me look like this. :-) Then I went to the store and bought a light brown hair color. I'm not ready to post a photo yet but when I get this look where I want it, I'll be contacting Susie at Blue Bird Blogs to change my profile photo. (I can't change it myself - she has to do it.) Anyway, I guess I just wasn't really seeing myself when I looked in a mirror. But yesterday I did and my first thought was, why on earth am I so blond!
I took this photo last night. Just thought I'd show you all how big my little grandson Cameron is getting. He's sixteen months old now. Isn't he adorable? And you know what? He's a good baby. He's got the most pleasant personality, he's a complete joy to be with. Do I sound like I'm very fond of him?SUNDAY DINNER
Today I'm making chicken pot pie. Robin at Little Bits of Life emailed me her recipe for Super Easy Chicken Pot Pie weeks ago and it just sat in my "must try" recipe pile. So I bought the ingredients last Wednesday night and am making it today. If you could see our weather here, you'd know why comforting homemade chicken pot pie is perfect for today. It's dreary and bleak outside, very cold and looks like it may snow any minute.
Rob's working today. Yep. The Christmas rush has hit. If he gets home in time for football, I'm making bacon cheese fries for him. I ran across this recipe in someone's blog recently and it's driving me crazy that I can't remember who posted it. So if you read this, please make me happy by letting me know it was you. :-) I was sure I knew but after searching her archives couldn't find it.
One more thing. I tried a new tea yesterday. If you haven't tried Celestial Seasonings Cinnamon Apple Spice, do! It's wonderful.
ONE LAST THOUGHT
"Given another shot at life, I would seize every minute...look back and really see it...live it and never give it back."
Erma Bombeck - If I Had My Life To Live Over, written upon finding out she had terminal cancer
Stop sweating the small stuff!!! Don't worry about who doesn't like you, who has more, or who's doing what. Instead, let's cherish the relationships we have with those who love us. Let's think about what God has blessed us with and what we are doing each day to promote ourselves mentally, physically and emotionally.
I received this in one of those annoying forwarded emails and it made me think.
I plan to get some much needed maintenance and cooking done around her today. Then I'm treating myself to all your new posts and will hopefully get some comments posted.
I hope you all have a very blessed new week. (I just looked out my window and it's snowing!)
Posts
30 comments:
There you are! I feel better now, knowing youre there, Sunday Meanderings is posted, and all is right with your world. Cant wait to see the new 'do.....xooxxo
Wow! I'm impressed with all the santa stars you've made. I can't wait to see the new look. I need to come up with one, but have been blocked. I just wish someone would show up at my house every morning and do my hair for me. I think the bacon cheese fries were on one of the Five Ingredient Friday memes, but can't remember whose recipe it was. Enjoy your day!
Barb, I wanted to tell you that I was driving home from grocery-getting yesterday here in suburban St. Louis and I saw a CUTE little hair salon called.....
A CHELSEA MORNING!!!!!!!!!!!!
I totally thought of you and said a little prayer that you'd be blessed.
And, in an ironic twist after reading your post today, I have to say that I can't wait to see your new hair.
I LOVE Josh Groban. I bought his newest CD yesterday or rather I bought three...one for my niece, one for my daughter and one for me :) I also bought Il Divo and Celtic Women's new Christmas CD. BEAUTIFUL!
Your little Cameron is adorable! What big eyes he has!
Wonderful post and the music was perfect!
Hey there! thanks for the link love and I am trying your pumpkin cookies...
Robin
Love the song! Its very sweet. And Yay for the Santa stars. It must be a good feeling to have those completed. Good luck with the hair. I'm sure you'll look just lovely. I recently darkened mine too. It got to a point where it was almost a white blond and that was just not me. I like it a lot better darker. I never noticed it until a huge portion of my hair fell out from my last epidural. Funny what makes us sit up and take notice:D Hope you have a great week. Must get back to baking my cookies...
Barb: Right off the bat I want to say I so love Cameron's big, beautiful eyes. I'm telling you they melt my heart.
Josh Grobin: on my Christmas list. That young man is so talented. My favorite of his is "You lift me up".
Gotta go buy that C.S. Cinnamon Apple tea. I've been drinking the Peach/Apricot Honeytree flavor. It's yummy. And as usual you're motivating me to go bake.
The Josh Groban recording was so nice to listen to as I read this post. You always leave me feeling happy after I read here.
Those Santa stars are adorable! The tea sounds yummy and I need to get some. I'm looking forward to seeing your new hairdo!
And most of all -- that grandson of yours is beautiful!!!
So much I could say to this week's meanderings...:)
First off...can't wait to see your new "look"...:)
Love the Santa stars! And love Cameron's adorable big eyes! He looks so much like the pictures I've seen of his mommy, and also of Mandy, too!
(And yes, Mandy and her fiance make a very sweet looking couple! In fact, I really miss Mandy's blog, by the way!)
Oh...one more thing...loved your ending thoughts. It's almost exactly what my post today was about! Still, I do worry too much about who likes me, if so-in-so's mad...and I need to quit sweating that small stuff much more! Great reminder!
Happy Sunday and a blessed week!
Love your star ornies!! Do you think I could have the pattern too? Please?? Angie Shipley, 709 Jim Town Road, Mooresburg, TN 37811
That child is absolutely adorable!!!
And your chicken pot pie sounds scrumptious! Thanks for the tip re Cinnamon Apple Spice tea. I'll pick some up when I'm at the grocery store next. :D
Angie
www.threadcatcher.blogspot.com
Can't wiat to see the new 'do :)
I am, honest and true, going to the fabric store this week and will get started on at least one Santa Star. Baby steps :)
And, did you know- we are the only fmaily I know of that goes to Outback Steakhouse ONLY for the bacon cheese fries? That and tea. hahahaha-
Wow! I had recently purchased Josh's wonderful new song on itunes, and was about to listen to it while I was catching up on blogs, when I saw your video - how cool is that! I'll have to check out that site!
That's quite the load your mom is doing at work - hope it gets better soon. And Mandy and Aaron make a sweet looking couple! Their kids will be geniuses!
The Santas are stunning, quite the pile! A fun project for sure! That's impressive that you sent patterns to Chile too!
New hairdos are always fun! As long as you remember that hair grows out fast enough if you don't like how it turns out. But going dark will be loads of fun too!
Cameron is still a sweety!
Today I made rotisserie chicken with mash potatoes and gravy. Mmmm, it's almost like Thanksgiving! And I'm feeling the chill here too, so it was definitely comfy food. The sun barely started shining here by 3pm and it's already gone again.
Mmmm, and the bacon cheese fries is a great idea too! I also like adding chicken or turkey gravy all over it.
And thank you for the lovely last thought! I really need to remember that this week while I'm still on rest.
Blessings!
OH MY WORD! My hand is cramping just looking at those stars! If you want, I could tell you how to very easily change that profile pic. I can't wait to see the new hairdo!
I love the video! Josh Groban, is my favorite male singer. His voice is just so very awesome. This song is wonderful.
I always look forward to your Sunday Meanderings. It's like sitting across the table with a cup of coffee and visiting.
Your grandson is adorable. :)
I just discovered the Josh Groban song a few days ago. Love that man's voice. And the hobbit hair is cute, too. :)
I've never made a homemade pot pie -- it sounds great for this time of year, though. I didn't see the recipe at the link -- would you mind sharing? Thanks!
Hi Barb, Just popping over before I settle in to watch Desperate Housewives to answer your question. I said in my blog it was a crazy thing to do and it was. I was on the front porch mixing cookies because of my sons food allergies. I mixed most of the recipe in the kitchen, but I can't (or refuse) to use wheat flour in the kitchen because he is anaphylactic to wheat. The flour poofs up in the air and gets on things and I can't be positive that I've completely cleaned it off so my bright idea was to mix the flour into the batter on the front porch (I did it in the basement last year, but now he plays down there) where he wouldn't be going. Dumb, dumb, dumb.... It was cold. I wouldn't have made these particular cookies except that it is a tradition and I promised to make them again this year. They are in my freezer and will be transported out of state for Thanksgiving. I've informed everyone that this is my last year of making them though and the recipe is actually very easy so I am willing to pass it on to anyone else who would like to take over. It's hard to walk that fine line of being completely obsessive about the allergies or putting Jason at risk. Today was my "aha moment" of its not worth it no matter what the tradition is and my older son will have to learn to live with some of that. Ok, hope I cleared that up. I'm really not the crazy cooking lady just someone who doesn't like to disappoint anyone and will go above and beyond to make sure it doesn't happen.
Barb, I'm trying your pumpkin cookies tomorrow, but now you have me curious about the bacon cheese fries.
Little Cameron is precious! I can tell you like him just a little, huh? ha ha
Thanks so much for your comments on my post. You are so kind. I will continue to keep you and your husband in my prayers. I know it's a difficult time, but God is faithful! Hang in there, sweet friend.
Barb, my girlfriend and I went and bought everything to make the stars and are hoping to start this week...although I'll be lucky to get two done. Your bunch is sure impressive!
I am so excited to see your new do!!
Your little grandson is such a doll. You are so blessed to be able to spend so much time with him.
I'm hoping to try your pumpkin cookies this week.
Laura
PS: I just love Josh Groban...thanks for the beautiful listen while I read your post!
153. Wow! This week my mom and I are going to start making Santa stars too. I'm very excited!
I love the Stop Sweating the Small Stuff thought.
I wish I could edit comments -- after I commented earlier about hobbit hair, I remembered you had talked about getting a haircut, and then I was afraid someone would think I was referring to your hair as hobbit hair -- but it was in the same paragraph talking about Josh Groban, and I've always referred to his hairstyle as hobbit hair. :)
I am looking forward to seeing your new "look." I've always thought of you as blondish -- it will be different seeing a brunette. :)
Oh Barbara, you crack me up. My goodness, Josh has more hair than me and I love his hair. I'd love to have his cute hair. :-) And I'd never in a million years have connected your comment to my own hair. Stay tuned. I'm trying to get Mr. Blogger to let me post my new do. Not real dramatic as of yet. Just a huge color change but honestly, this is my natural color. Well before God decided I needed some grey for character.
:-)
Barb,
I just love your posts. They are so real and so you, so full of pleasure and joy ~ just thought I needed to say that today.
I LOVE Josh Grobin. His voice is so amazing...
What times dinner? I'll be right over...
Yum I like anything to do with pumkins
Mandy and Aaron do look like a good couple
the Santa stars look good
Interested to see what you look like
I only went blonde once when I got married to my daughter's dad - never again - didnt suit me
Have a lovely week
Hi Barb
Thanks so much for the email and for sending the patterns for the snowmen ornaments. I can't wait to get it in the mail. Your pumpkin cookies sure look good. My friend makes the same kind just with frosting. They taste like little pumpkin cakes.
I have been having the same thought about my blond hair lately. I was blond as a child and turned brunette in my 20's and couldn't stand it so now it is blond again. I'm thinking about going to my natural brown. Hope you have a great week.
Barb, this was so delightful. Love the cute little Santa stars! So darling with lots of personality! What a job! :) Cameron is so cute, just brings a smile to your face! :)
Take Care!
There is so much to comment on here, but let me say first, that Cameron is just so cute. Those eyes and those chubby cheeks, I'd just like to give him a big hug.
Then, I'd like to sit and eat some chicken pot pie while watching it snow outside. What a cozy scene.
I "discovered" Josh Groban when he came out with the song "You Raise Me Up" and now I buy all his cds...what a voice!! Wow, that's a lot of little Santa Stars you made...they are sooo adorable! Mandy and Aaron certainly do make a lovely couple and your grandbaby is just too cute!! Love his eyes! You were having snow cuz I thought I'd send some your way...after all, friends should share right??? lol Hugs xox
I want your recipes for gifts in a jar......Ithink this would be a grand idea for people.
Cameron is just so adorable!
The stars came out great - wow! You did a great job!
I can't believe those nurses just up and quit like that w/no notice and over a computer program? Geesh! Praying for your mom that she dosen't have to work so hard, and that they can hire some new nurses soon!
You are so creative! Love the stars.
"Some days you're the windshield, some days you're the bug"
AND, I love that comment, too!
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