I Thought...

I thought I was going to beat it this time.  I was pretty sure I had dodged the sickness bullet.

Well, I thought wrong.

All I can say is UGH!

And thank goodness for my older boys who know how to make a mean PB&J, do the laundry and re-fill momma's drinks.

I'm going to go hide underneath a comforter now.

Low Key

 

I have come to the conclusion, after two weeks of sore throats, high fevers, achyness, headaches, tummy upsets, nasty coughs and brain blowing congestion, that we have contracted some strain of influenza. 

My children have been miserable. They are still uncomfortable and run down.  The coughing continues. One child sounds like he is coughing up a lung, the other can't stop hacking and my daughter has a scary croupy bark.  I have spent the past week sleeping every where but in my bed.  Several nights I spent on the living room floor surrounded by feverish, thrashing bodies.  A couple I have spent in my daughters room enclosed in a shroud of mist from the vaporizer.  Last night I held her upright for a while, because her coughing was making me a bit anxious.

So, needless to say, our Thanksgiving was a quiet affair.  Joel's parents and his sister came over to celebrate the day with us.  We gave them fair warning of the crud swirling around our home, but God bless them they came anyway! 

Today my family is celebrating Thanksgiving.  All my sisters and their families, my brother and his family and my grandma will be at my parents for a wonderful feast and a day full of constant talking and laughing. 

We will not be there.

I am going to miss seeing everyone, but we definitely don't want to spread this nasty stuff.  So, this morning I will finish the rolls and mix together the "from scratch" stuffing and send it all on its way over to my mom's with lots of love. Along with this "poo-ple" tutu I made for my nieces 3rd birthday.

 

Today instead of turkey and all the fixin's, I'm going to make a batch of chili. We have several packs of Bob Evans Cheddar Smoked Sausage in the fridge and we are going to have us some kickin' Chili Dogs!  Not exactly your typical Thanksgiving weekend fare, but yummy just the same. :)

Usually I have leftover turkey to use up, but not this year!  But, if you do, you have to try this recipe.  It is one of my favorite ways to use up all the scrumptious meat from a big ole' turkey bird.

Popover with Hot Turkey Salad

2 eggs, room temperature

1 cup milk, room temperature

1 cup flour

1/2 teaspoon salt

4 cups diced cooked turkey

2 cups diced celery

1 cup shredded carrot

1/4 cup minced onion

2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

1- 1 1/2 cups mayonnaise or salad dressing

1/4 cup milk

1/8 teaspoon pepper

salt to taste

 

In a mixing bowl, beat eggs until lemon-colored and foamy.  Add milk, flour and salt; beat just until smooth (do not over beat).  Pour into greased 10-in. glass pie plate.  Bake at 400*F for 35-40 minutes or until deep golden brown.  Immediately prick with a fork in the center to allow steam to escape.  While popover is cooking cook celery, onion and carrot in small amount of olive oil, cook until tender crisp. Next add the turkey, mayo, cheese, milk and seasoning. Stir and cook over low heat until heated through.  When popover is done spoon turkey salad into it.  Garnish with tomato slices if desired and serve immediately.  Serves 8-10

 

Hope each and everyone of you is enjoying this time spent with friends and family! I'm off now to wipe some runny noses and watch a Care Bears DVD for the 20th time!

Through the Good and the Bad...

 

 

Thankfulness takes the sting out of adversity. That is why I have instructed you to give thanks for everything. There is an element of mystery in this transaction: You give Me thanks (regardless of your feelings), and I give you Joy (regardless of your circumstances). This is a spiritual act of obedience- at times, bind obedience.  To people who don't know Me intimately, it can seem irrational and even impossible to thank Me for heartrending hardships.  Nonetheless, those who obey Me in this way are invariably blessed, even through difficulties may remain.

Thankfulness opens your heart to My Presence and your mind to My thoughts.  You may still be in the same place, with the same set of circumstances, but it is as if a light has been switched on, enabling you to see from My perspective.  It is this Light of My Presence that removes the sting from adversity.  

(Young, Sarah, Jesus Calling, pg 343)

Thanking God for the blessings and hardships this Thanksgiving~

  Jenn

 

Mr. Goggins

"UH, mom, we got problems back here. Mr Goggins spilled pop on my lovey." (Said by Lauren as we were traveling and pop mysteriously appeared on her favorite blanket.)

Mr Goggins,

We are a welcoming, warm family and quite happy to have house guests under normal circumstances. However I must confess your visits are far from easy and enjoyable. Since you are a cute, purple, tiny mouse, people may wonder what the problem is, but as you well know looks can be deceiving.

When Lauren first introduced us to you we were all caught up in your adorableness, but time soon changed our opinion. You may be cute, tiny, fuzzy and best of all purple, but you are also mischievous, sneaky and a trouble maker.

If a drink gets spilled you are the culprit. It a mess is made you have made it. If food disappears, you have devoured it. You, Mr. Goggins are synonymous with disaster, destruction and gluttony.

Oh, I have tried to be patient. I have tried to pleasant. I have played the part of a gracious hostess. But, enough is enough.

You come into my house and eat everything in sight. You spill, toss, and scatter. You cause all sorts of catastrophes. Never an apology escapes you tiny mouse lips. As a matter of fact you never utter a word. I have heard it said you can't talk. That sir, is extremely far fetched.

The time has come for an ultimatum. Here are my terms:

• No more flinging of food, toys, drinks or paper
• No more breaking of toys
• No more scattering of my collection of buttons
• No more making of nests in my children's loveys
• No more incessant eating and scratching

Please consider these carefully. If you feel you can't comply with my wishes then please pack your tiny mouse bags and vacate.

If you feel that you can obey these rules then you are more than welcome to stay. Because, sir, at times you provide an amazing amount of entertainment.

Sincerely,

~A mom in search of order, cleanliness, and the truth

Feelin' British

The scone is a small British quick bread (or cake if recipe includes sugar) of Scottish origin. Scones are especially popular in the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland and Canada, but are eaten in many other countries. They are usually made of wheat, barley or oatmeal, with baking powder as a leavening agent. The scone is a basic component of the cream tea or Devonshire tea. (Wikipedia)

Jacob, had scone as one of his spelling words this week.  I tried to explain to him what they were with a little success.  When my three younger children went out to play before lunch, I whipped up a couple batches of this super easy scone recipe.

Simple Scones

2 cups of flour  (use whatever comb. you desire. I used 1/2 c wheat and 1  1/2 c of white)

1/3 cup sugar

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/4 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

8 Tablespoons cold butter, chopped

1/2 cup mini chocolate chips

1/2 cup sour cream

1 large egg

1 teaspoon vanilla (optional)

1 teaspoon additional sugar

Mix first 5 ingredients together in a medium sized bowl.  Add chopped butter and blend with pastry blender until it is the texture of coarse meal. Add in chocolate chips.

In a small bowl combine egg, vanilla, and sour cream.

Add to flour mixture and mix together until large clumps of dough form.

Then using your hands work the dough until a ball forms.

Place dough on a floured surface and pat unto a 8 inch circle.  Cut into 8 wedges.  Place on parchment paper lined cookie sheet.  Sprinkle with 1 teaspoon of sugar.

Bake at 400*F for 15-17 minutes or until golden brown.  Serve warm or at room temperature.

This is a wonderful basic scone recipe and there are many variations to it...

Dried cranberries and 1 teaspoon orange or lemon zest

Dried cherries and white chocolate chips

Blueberries and lemon zest

Hazelnuts and toffee chips

The options are endless.

Be Creative!

The scones in the picture above are chocolate chip, which I made for the kids.  For myself I made orange cranberry, a bit more sophisticated, don't you think?!  They were both so yummy, great fresh out of the oven, and awesome with a cup of tea or coffee.

*recipe from allrecipes

This Thing Called Three

Three is not easy.

For me, it has been one of the hardest stages I have had to mother my children through. Whoever, came up with the saying, "the terrible twos", should have followed that up with, "the tenacious, unreasonable, theatrical threes".

Three has so many facets its hard to pinpoint them all. There's the unleashed defiance that comes roaring out like a speeding train. Or how about the pushing, pushing, pushing of the limits. What about the dramatic crumpling to the floor in pure devastation with moaning, tears and maybe a few kicks of the feet for added emphasis. Or the stubborn countenance and scowling face that stares back at you for the slightest offense.

Three is not easy.

Three is full of emotions. Happy one minute, sad the next. Agreeing to obey one minute, doing exactly the opposite the next. Playing peacefully one minute, tossing an uncooperative toy across the room the next. Full of love and hugs one minute, seething with enmity the next.

Three is not easy.

It is full of change. It is full of uncertainty. It is full of struggles and a pull for independence. There are boundaries to test. Frontiers to explore. Lessons to learn. For it is the beginning of an independent nature and the ending of the complete reliance of babyhood.

Three is not easy.

But, it can be fun!

Three can be infused with giggles and belly laughs. It is full with absurd stories and silly conversations. Three abounds with hugs so tight that they literally squeeze off your oxygen supply. It is full of bright eyes and toothy smiles. It permeates with all things dramatic, dress up and imaginary friends galore. It is full of running and dancing and pure hilarity.

This thing called three may be difficult, stressful, mind-bending and dramatic, but I wouldn't miss it for the world! Especially when she says in her three year old slur, "Awww, sweetheart give me a hug"!

Falling For You

 

 

It's Autumn Beauty week at I ♥ faces.  I love how this picture turned out! The  autumn sun glowing on the side of my daughters face and hair and a few fall leaves (most have been blown out of our yard!) scattered in the grass.  I was especially surprised that this turned out so lovely, since she was rolling every which way and I was just trying to keep up with her!

For more Autumn Beauty visit...

YAWN!

 

It is a gray, overcast day, dreary and devoid of color.  The beauty of autumn fades so fast. I am looking forward to the snow. The scenery needs some brightness and cleanliness added to its drab blanket.

I'm in slow motion today. Not sure if its the weather or lack of sleep, maybe a combination of both. 

I have two down with sickness, quarantined to their bedroom. And school has been put on hold for the day.  Homemade chicken soup and quiet time seems more important right now.

I've lit some candles

and have praise and worship music playing softly in the background.  I'm going to focus on taking care of my sick boys and thanking the Lord for the blessings He has given me. Even the bare trees and sullen sky.

Because every now and then I have a bit of color and activity flitting to my back deck to remind me of God's beautiful creation.

Remember

Praise the Lord, O my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name.  Praise the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits. He who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion, who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagles. Psalm 103:1-5

 

Learning to Listen

 

Last week was a good week! I felt like I accomplished so much. My heart felt light, my feet were ready to take me where I needed to go, and my hands were busy.

Take a look at a few moments I captured with my camera.

A gorgeous sunset~

 

Harvest time~

Home baked bread~

Crochet projects~

 

Jam pile on the living room floor~

 

 

This week I am not accomplishing as much as I wish, do to the fact that my tachycardia (fast heart rate) has flared up. I have dealt with it off and on for the past 13 years. After I had Lauren, I didn't have any trouble with my heart rate.  But, this week has proven that it is still with me.  Monday was especially difficult.  I was extremely tired, could feel my heart racing and was short of breath, which in turn (sad to say) makes me a tad bit grouchy.  Yesterday and today have been better and I am hoping for an even better day tomorrow. My children are especially hoping to wake up to find a less crabby momma. I had to ask for forgiveness several times times from my children.  Thankfully they were willing to forgive and forget.  I need to remember to slow down when the attacks start, to get a glass of water and sit down. Not to keep pushing through it and making it worse.

So, this week instead of crossing things off my list, I am hoping to focus on quieter activities.  Like reading the rest of a book to Jacob that we started a few weeks back. And getting in lots of snuggles from my children. And focusing less on my to-to list and more on being still.  Because I know the Lord is trying to reach me and teach me through this.

I just need to grab that glass of water, slow down, and listen.

 

 

Beautiful or Pesky

Recently we have had to deal with a behavior from one of our children that is a bit pesky. Actually, at times it becomes down right obstinate. It keeps rearing its ugly head, demanding to be dealt with. Just when we all think we have triumphed over this issue. It comes back for an unwelcome visit.

Raising my children and dealing with some of the prickly issues we have faced lately reminds me of the pesky, yet beautiful thistle. Unwanted character issues, when looked at face on aren't pretty. They can cause strife, anger, tension, and profound sadness for those involved. If I were to ignore these issues and look the other way, I would have a festering, seething, invasive problem. In exactly the same way thistle can take over a farmers field, so can a misbehavior take over my child's life.

To read the rest of my most recent article visit At The Well.

Transformation for an Hour

Lauren is painfully shy.

And a master at making discouraging faces to anyone who invades her sense of personal space.

So, when I had to take her with me to clean our neighbor ladies house I was a little apprehensive, to say the least.

I have known Wanda since I was 15. I grew up living right across the road from her. She is like part of our family and I enjoy helping her when I can. She has severe Macular Degeneration and can't see well enough to clean her home anymore, so I help her with basic cleaning.

Lauren knows Wanda a little. Mostly from hearing all of us talking about her and some from the several times they have met. But, I wasn't sure if she would sit nicely on Wanda's couch or if she would adhere herself to my leg while I cleaned. Thankfully Wanda has The Dish, so we were able to put cartoons on the T.V.

As I vacuumed, Lauren watched me and Wanda watched Lauren. As I moved on to clean the bathroom I heard this...

Wanda: How are your brothers today?

(silence)

Wanda: Is your grandpa hauling corn today?

(silence)

Wanda: Do you like kitties?

(silence)

I sent up a silent prayer that Lauren would come out of her shell and at least respond with a one word answer.

Several minutes later I heard this...

Lauren: Twinkle, twinkle, little star...I know that.

Wanda: What sweetie? Wanda doesn't hear to good anymore?

Lauren: Twinkle, twinkle, little star...do you know that?

Wanda: I sure do like your hair.

Lauren: Which one (character on the TV) do you like?

Wanda: Uh huh, sure!

Lauren: I like newborn babies.

Wanda: My niece used to like Barney when she was growing up, too.

For the next five minutes or so they each held up their end of what sounded like one-sided conversations! I have never been so entertained while scrubbing a toilet before!

By the time we left Lauren was twirling around the living room, doing sideways somersaults and wandering from room to room like an old pro.

Thank you Lord for bringing my little girl out of her shell long enough to entertain a dear, sweet friend. The transformation from shy and withdrawn to cheerful, energetic and sweet was a blessing to an elderly lady who I'm sure is lonely.

And I so want others to see this side of her...

happy, sweet, friendly and ready to love!