tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7255456001262842072024-03-05T05:55:47.639-05:00Over the Backyard FenceKristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09490282906820870874noreply@blogger.comBlogger204125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-725545600126284207.post-19958173160937072212012-05-09T14:22:00.000-04:002012-05-09T14:22:35.766-04:00Weigh in Wednesday<br />
Here I go again... letting time get by without a blog post! I tell myself I won't let it happen, but it does. Life just gets going and I don't stop to blog about it!<br />
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My blog is Over The Backyard Fence - I share my faith, my life and my home with you! Bible study, cooking, cleaning, working out, gardening... you name it I should share it! :)<br />
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With that... I have been a faithful reader of my friend Kim's blog! Each Wednesday she has her <a href="http://www.athomewithkim.com/2012/05/weighin-wednesday-tracking.html" target="_blank">Weigh In Wednesday's</a> posts. It's not about your weight - it's about health and fitness goals and making good choices.<br />
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So here is my first, official Weigh in Wednesday Post!!! <br />
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Kim asked us three simple (or not so simple - grin) questions<br />
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<strong><u>What are you doing well?</u></strong><br />
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I've been training well on my bike! As long as work doesn't get in the way! Not getting in as many miles as I would like, but training hard & I finally got my first race under my belt! <br />
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I still go to my Strength & Endurance Class on Monday evenings. In the fall/winter months I'm at the gym 4-5 times a week, in the summer it's once a week and the rest of the time is on my bike. Unless it's raining, then I will hit the gym - or sometimes just relax!<br />
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<strong><u>What do you need to improve on?</u></strong><br />
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I need more base miles. I need to eat less sugar - I'm a sucker for Dutch Chocolate Ice Cream!<br />
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The one thing I've learned is this. I eat in moderation, I never use the word diet (to me that's just setting myself up for failure) I don't deprive myself of things I like. Lots of veggies and fruits and lean proteins. I really hate processed foods, but don't limit myself to just brown rice and wheat flour. I think that's another way of setting myself up for failure. I need flavor for crying out loud! I enjoy a cocktail now and again as well!<br />
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<strong><u>What are your goals for the coming week?</u></strong><br />
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A good long<strong> </strong>weekend ride on my bike, better lunch time eating habits! That's the time of day that can cause me to not eat soon enough, eat on the run or eat something REALLY bad for me!<br />
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So what are your goals? What are you doing well in your healthy lifestyle choices? What could you be doing better?<br />
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Join in each week! Let's old each other accountable! <br />
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Remember this link!!! <a href="http://www.athomewithkim.com/" target="_blank">At Home With Kim</a><br />
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Stay healthy friends!Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09490282906820870874noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-725545600126284207.post-33632136911382333722012-03-21T13:19:00.000-04:002012-03-21T13:19:13.457-04:00<br />
OK, so the best laid intentions simply never seem to turn into action for me on my blog! Fortunately Jim and I have been extremely busy with work. We are prayerful the real estate market in Indy continues to turn upward! We have truly been blessed!<br />
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I had to laugh looking back at the last post I wrote - Homemade Fire Starters! Who would have thought I wouldn't need them in March? We have had temps in the 80's for about a week now, and I even had to resort to turning on the A/C at night! Gasp! Yes - the A/C in Indiana and technically the calendar still said it was Winter! Spring is just a few short days old! It looks like more seasonal temps are on the way & I'm thankful! I do love spring! <br />
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So with nothing really pressing on my heart to write today... and with very limited time... I thought I would share a few photos I've taken in the last few months. I am loving my new camera & hope to have more time to really learn how to use it!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtMLpPJkQpOI5O33CWZ4VCjaiiSe6TBfYKl6bAzdZ7v3GIyFlsutGbCqbxsAG4BRC9owGlmJc-Yqu__EGnREl_lA3iF8FivzcHywE77axsz3mmZaXVAGiiBPAGy4GhXzNShbsZYoE5l_M/s1600/red+bellied+wp+out.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="427" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtMLpPJkQpOI5O33CWZ4VCjaiiSe6TBfYKl6bAzdZ7v3GIyFlsutGbCqbxsAG4BRC9owGlmJc-Yqu__EGnREl_lA3iF8FivzcHywE77axsz3mmZaXVAGiiBPAGy4GhXzNShbsZYoE5l_M/s640/red+bellied+wp+out.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Red Bellied Woodpecker</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3KCA8MKhZM1bkIMRF_KlLKVpna16ZLWYgjblXb-IOb0_g8hSMXWAMbKAsOMkc5vDeosCJFaJz8RO42Uk_sBo0eSaSeqRIg-v7API1e2tE8O7Y_CteSZARqp-AVAzXQeUOnx6vcDPLQ5w/s1600/red+bellied+wp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="427" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3KCA8MKhZM1bkIMRF_KlLKVpna16ZLWYgjblXb-IOb0_g8hSMXWAMbKAsOMkc5vDeosCJFaJz8RO42Uk_sBo0eSaSeqRIg-v7API1e2tE8O7Y_CteSZARqp-AVAzXQeUOnx6vcDPLQ5w/s640/red+bellied+wp.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I love seeing Mrs. Woodpecker peeking out of their nest</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXq0n_4h2jBFqjPTULjxISoDfAYc0x72RxsCaVPMWpPA1yja5aj9OI0E3lf8iE0k2kzWwZpY_5YxyttuxRITdLx3E3Ux457uwDNT7anvoSDY7iC0AsSrvSTgAQvNW4BgjnZR60J8zrLxU/s1600/bluebird.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="427" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXq0n_4h2jBFqjPTULjxISoDfAYc0x72RxsCaVPMWpPA1yja5aj9OI0E3lf8iE0k2kzWwZpY_5YxyttuxRITdLx3E3Ux457uwDNT7anvoSDY7iC0AsSrvSTgAQvNW4BgjnZR60J8zrLxU/s640/bluebird.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bluebird sitting on the Bluebird House - Took 3 years, but we got a pair!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM1bFWwX87lQLY3EWbECGb6ltbVMJN4EexnMsF3PoifQCEgbt3D0d43Wk9CZCKDrO9aG_CAVAA9nOkEftEd2UCmP_7OLth39OvCP9iq5t9LQLYjkEfXbj750adR6rq4ijLXYAbz4Mxtqk/s1600/spring+robin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="427" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM1bFWwX87lQLY3EWbECGb6ltbVMJN4EexnMsF3PoifQCEgbt3D0d43Wk9CZCKDrO9aG_CAVAA9nOkEftEd2UCmP_7OLth39OvCP9iq5t9LQLYjkEfXbj750adR6rq4ijLXYAbz4Mxtqk/s640/spring+robin.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spring Robin in our neighbor's garden</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhStXmbH2Zbki3fPye0isaJFNXxsyXgYHXrNIuTg1LkhSxwp6Oq_cMJVAEt_wWAwIRvtCLqRTcPINHyKtMFrkJrO54iOVC6g5lSWAXtu9bt6D9nRMqc0RxizeOYoOLjxBRdQ-2wLJKjtyw/s1600/singing+card.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhStXmbH2Zbki3fPye0isaJFNXxsyXgYHXrNIuTg1LkhSxwp6Oq_cMJVAEt_wWAwIRvtCLqRTcPINHyKtMFrkJrO54iOVC6g5lSWAXtu9bt6D9nRMqc0RxizeOYoOLjxBRdQ-2wLJKjtyw/s640/singing+card.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mr. Cardinal Singing for his Supper</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwDUhR9HVYGshrCCBpRTtOmhH6knmmxRuJaKXKWf-moePVwinyWPJTufrCblCE60ZtG6JRWNuPiHBBWpsS87MZbeWQIx5iYj4JW6Aa85ignSKvedDO8m7PChHr4dHQChWxKhXs_Y2E5vE/s1600/card+miser.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwDUhR9HVYGshrCCBpRTtOmhH6knmmxRuJaKXKWf-moePVwinyWPJTufrCblCE60ZtG6JRWNuPiHBBWpsS87MZbeWQIx5iYj4JW6Aa85ignSKvedDO8m7PChHr4dHQChWxKhXs_Y2E5vE/s640/card+miser.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I LOVE how the wind blew the tuft on the top of the Cardinal's Head</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW8muhKaKU0FXZ3edfWDkcU56ndUphmBnpph9k7eygTDbov4e8jeV_SVO-0NWpkYQ1Oc0rQCFl1KL0ieuprD2q9v2NQnX2hn9-9G3fupIlC7DHNXABOijx_ZuLLB3F0ZrQyXeevu93ZFc/s1600/schmim+jen+dave.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="427" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW8muhKaKU0FXZ3edfWDkcU56ndUphmBnpph9k7eygTDbov4e8jeV_SVO-0NWpkYQ1Oc0rQCFl1KL0ieuprD2q9v2NQnX2hn9-9G3fupIlC7DHNXABOijx_ZuLLB3F0ZrQyXeevu93ZFc/s640/schmim+jen+dave.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My niece Kimberly at her last meet hosted by her gym. They honor the Seniors that are Level 10 Competitors<br />
Kimberly will be attending Eastern Michigan University in the fall on a full ride gymnastics scholarship!<br />
I'm so proud!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp0FrH4MWc8IyJ9nIQrCyNRZL1Tq6zncAQhVc5BeUm3G3C3_QeefNvOjCDwSav3VwYaHiBR0JdX87McG9Ix6LGNLiHVijaW5mgbM8yyIsOTL55x2Ou78CiImckh5oByeyuuNveypHdO3w/s1600/super+bowl+circle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp0FrH4MWc8IyJ9nIQrCyNRZL1Tq6zncAQhVc5BeUm3G3C3_QeefNvOjCDwSav3VwYaHiBR0JdX87McG9Ix6LGNLiHVijaW5mgbM8yyIsOTL55x2Ou78CiImckh5oByeyuuNveypHdO3w/s640/super+bowl+circle.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Downtown Indy during Super Bowl Festivities!<br />
We had such a great time enjoying the city and of course all things Football!<br />
This is a favorite picture of mine - one taken w/ my iPhone, not my new camera!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPXyTeEjOWaVy6P-exIDrBc0yiUHHYvqovSI74d_YmYEbvpHDnBfDKGSD-pVLGsnJEGW7HtBsb00IUtS9cwQuqGFX7W0-iBA0aFcL40AVXSHCsicAVTgmtuH7UQ8Qd7OdUz-UkHY8wIUU/s1600/Jet+in+the+sun.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPXyTeEjOWaVy6P-exIDrBc0yiUHHYvqovSI74d_YmYEbvpHDnBfDKGSD-pVLGsnJEGW7HtBsb00IUtS9cwQuqGFX7W0-iBA0aFcL40AVXSHCsicAVTgmtuH7UQ8Qd7OdUz-UkHY8wIUU/s640/Jet+in+the+sun.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jet in the Sunshine<br />
I LOVE this photo!<br />
Jet NEVER has relaxed like this before - I'm so thankful to have caught him soaking up the sun!<br />
I really like the shadows and sunshine contrast<br />
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Hope to have more for you all soon!<br /><br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54486/372/1CAFD83BBD9EF0575BAD98C41D547546.png" style="background: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px;" /></a>Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09490282906820870874noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-725545600126284207.post-42165857304112754852012-02-14T15:03:00.001-05:002012-02-14T15:12:03.843-05:00Homemade Ideas - Firestarters<div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"><strong><span style="font-size:large;">Keeping the Home Fires Burning</span></strong></div><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"><strong><span style="font-size:large;"><br /></span></strong><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; CLEAR: both" class="separator"><a style="MARGIN-LEFT: 1em; MARGIN-RIGHT: 1em" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS-39O2WWcAc3nz-PFVTBsgGZzECQIaWVNTTjd0HbfIYs1QcLXn4VPwwv765pr_Fk6_LRrZPhWojZ0WJpneJwYmtm-vQnHeI7TtIuZs2Zs9plUZU5K47bptdBtY7EgeJ5LBqXBLwegFsE/s1600/fireplace+at+christmas.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS-39O2WWcAc3nz-PFVTBsgGZzECQIaWVNTTjd0HbfIYs1QcLXn4VPwwv765pr_Fk6_LRrZPhWojZ0WJpneJwYmtm-vQnHeI7TtIuZs2Zs9plUZU5K47bptdBtY7EgeJ5LBqXBLwegFsE/s400/fireplace+at+christmas.jpg" width="300" height="400" yda="true" /></a></div><br /><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left">We love our fireplace! We love that our fireplace is wood burning. We love the sounds, the sight and smell of a wonderful wood fire. I know many people enjoy the ease of turning a key, flipping a switch or pressing a button to start a gas or electric fire. But I for one LOVE the old fashioned (really? old fashioned?) wood burning fires. The picture above was taken a few days before Christmas w/ my iPhone. I was enjoying a cozy fire, a cup of Christmas Tea and a sweet Christmas Book. Ahhh!!! That chair is a favorite spot of mine. But I digress.... OK, so back to the fireplace. After almost 20 years in our home we have become very savvy at starting a fire in the fireplace. For many years we bought duraflame type starters, or even cut up duraflame type logs to use as firestarters. Over the years, Martha Stewart among others have provided up w/ valuable tips on how to start the perfect fire! We make donuts out of newspaper, we collect sticks and twigs from our yard for kindling. We have received wonderful gifts for the fireplace over the years such as baskets of fatwood, "magic pinecones" that burn beautiful colors and utensils. However last year I decided to try my hand at making homemade firestarters out of saw dust, wax and egg cartons! My attempt worked marvelously! I made another batch this past Sunday & decided it would be a fun project to share! It's not too difficult, you just have to be careful as you are working w/ hot wax.</div><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"><br /></div><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"><br /></div><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left">The wax I collect comes from old jar candles, tapers that are nothing but stubs etc. The easiest way to remove wax from jars or votive holders - place them in the freezer. After a short time in the freezer the wax will just pop out. Sometimes you have to use a butter knife to section wax in a larger jar. </div><br /><br /><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; CLEAR: both" class="separator"><a style="MARGIN-LEFT: 1em; MARGIN-RIGHT: 1em" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4p_UNumy6tDmLYQhJfZg1jzS7LK839289_6SXWe0vwE-WKNg1Rqt9oRuFuPdHClNd7utk5qTgdauILCUoxpCjSv7FnecUkTGX_h8mQAi6u0NhyfoIvxU1vOE3NHK-Q8B8VrYkAymVLY0/s1600/IMG_1148%255B1%255D" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4p_UNumy6tDmLYQhJfZg1jzS7LK839289_6SXWe0vwE-WKNg1Rqt9oRuFuPdHClNd7utk5qTgdauILCUoxpCjSv7FnecUkTGX_h8mQAi6u0NhyfoIvxU1vOE3NHK-Q8B8VrYkAymVLY0/s400/IMG_1148%255B1%255D" width="400" height="266" /></a></div><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; CLEAR: both" class="separator"><br /></div><br /><div style="BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; TEXT-ALIGN: center; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; CLEAR: both; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-RIGHT: medium none" class="separator">Cardboard Egg Cartons (not Styrofoam)</div><br /><div style="BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; TEXT-ALIGN: center; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; CLEAR: both; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-RIGHT: medium none" class="separator"><br /></div><br /><div style="BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; TEXT-ALIGN: center; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; CLEAR: both; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-RIGHT: medium none" class="separator"><a style="MARGIN-LEFT: 1em; MARGIN-RIGHT: 1em" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG0-u6rbudvty2K38kApR8QLhF-Ltp46n65TU14f6jrN95JtPknD8IoQhx6HQRIpIsBV2p__zj8gCy5jigBs5vT5k-8F5mYxJb5fd5nvYt7IROIVLZWNX2cdOf1ctku_v0oPXLaPFrq-k/s1600/IMG_1140%255B1%255D" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG0-u6rbudvty2K38kApR8QLhF-Ltp46n65TU14f6jrN95JtPknD8IoQhx6HQRIpIsBV2p__zj8gCy5jigBs5vT5k-8F5mYxJb5fd5nvYt7IROIVLZWNX2cdOf1ctku_v0oPXLaPFrq-k/s400/IMG_1140%255B1%255D" width="400" height="267" /></a></div><br /><div style="BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; TEXT-ALIGN: center; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; CLEAR: both; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-RIGHT: medium none" class="separator"><br /></div><br /><div style="BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; TEXT-ALIGN: center; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; CLEAR: both; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-RIGHT: medium none" class="separator">I collect wax throughout the year and store it in ziploc baggies</div><br /><div style="BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; TEXT-ALIGN: center; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; CLEAR: both; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-RIGHT: medium none" class="separator"><br /></div><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; CLEAR: both" class="separator"><a style="MARGIN-LEFT: 1em; MARGIN-RIGHT: 1em" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCy7allK7T3wggo8rl8YinJ414hi_Lz4g8Xk4zpcugRXlP7BxpcBFtpJ-3kgewW3htb8e48elvPOrQlD4PDzwSWX2t8lubCQu0WuskUZ1EmxAh2XLgTxAmrHWFU-lfyfvDCAaj8NpNwY8/s1600/IMG_1138%5B1%5D" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCy7allK7T3wggo8rl8YinJ414hi_Lz4g8Xk4zpcugRXlP7BxpcBFtpJ-3kgewW3htb8e48elvPOrQlD4PDzwSWX2t8lubCQu0WuskUZ1EmxAh2XLgTxAmrHWFU-lfyfvDCAaj8NpNwY8/s400/IMG_1138%5B1%5D" width="400" height="266" yda="true" /></a></div><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; CLEAR: both" class="separator"><br /></div><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; CLEAR: both" class="separator">I have a melt setting on my range...</div><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; CLEAR: both" class="separator">however I do set it a bit higher so the wax melts quicker </div><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; CLEAR: both" class="separator">Be careful that you don't set the temp to high! No fires on the rangetop please!</div><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; CLEAR: both" class="separator"><br /></div><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; CLEAR: both" class="separator"><a style="MARGIN-LEFT: 1em; MARGIN-RIGHT: 1em" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVoElgKxAlGsDxyMwbJqSaagAfLy5Mn1bfVcsK5zmncAr-DGt7DF7rxxkRqynLxerphK8CM2o-X37viAm9TdG12cMPbQdizF3UBf2wv6nckdE4R4nkAp6qbk593uyreiW_IeCHQYHIiKs/s1600/IMG_1144%5B1%5D" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVoElgKxAlGsDxyMwbJqSaagAfLy5Mn1bfVcsK5zmncAr-DGt7DF7rxxkRqynLxerphK8CM2o-X37viAm9TdG12cMPbQdizF3UBf2wv6nckdE4R4nkAp6qbk593uyreiW_IeCHQYHIiKs/s400/IMG_1144%5B1%5D" width="400" height="266" yda="true" /></a></div><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; CLEAR: both" class="separator"><br /></div><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; CLEAR: both" class="separator">Fill each egg section w/ your wood shavings or sawdust</div><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; CLEAR: both" class="separator">This particular time I used wood shavings from the logs that Jim </div><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; CLEAR: both" class="separator">used to make his woodpecker feeders </div><br /><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; CLEAR: both" class="separator"><a style="MARGIN-LEFT: 1em; MARGIN-RIGHT: 1em" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj06SVF3m5TE_VaUfi61OJEkBWwItgpoWY-s6pLGINpfGQq1GDevolAqC_KFCraj2YvfqLhLgLBvxPSzCHeifTT-AwuJGHzKUoP4XdNWT2Na5RzJRKkm0zx_2avzr0dYB6rqqE7GKk1iTA/s1600/IMG_1145%5B1%5D" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj06SVF3m5TE_VaUfi61OJEkBWwItgpoWY-s6pLGINpfGQq1GDevolAqC_KFCraj2YvfqLhLgLBvxPSzCHeifTT-AwuJGHzKUoP4XdNWT2Na5RzJRKkm0zx_2avzr0dYB6rqqE7GKk1iTA/s400/IMG_1145%5B1%5D" width="400" height="266" yda="true" /></a></div><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; CLEAR: both" class="separator"><br /></div><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; CLEAR: both" class="separator">Make sure you place a thick layer of newspaper under</div><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; CLEAR: both" class="separator">the egg cartons as the wax will seep through the bottom</div><br /><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; CLEAR: both" class="separator"><a style="MARGIN-LEFT: 1em; MARGIN-RIGHT: 1em" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjskaqihFwbuaOyqeShmrethaETLjthtQQ2Gxk21AW_DRD7CLGb7BT4xNO6TZfJd4q1xhLZUiVwTlrM6FVjMbZMEFj3vfqWhFCTtfx3KDuWf5XevgCISXvbjf0lN_nOgxtvJdh48djDsoM/s1600/IMG_1147%5B1%5D" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjskaqihFwbuaOyqeShmrethaETLjthtQQ2Gxk21AW_DRD7CLGb7BT4xNO6TZfJd4q1xhLZUiVwTlrM6FVjMbZMEFj3vfqWhFCTtfx3KDuWf5XevgCISXvbjf0lN_nOgxtvJdh48djDsoM/s400/IMG_1147%5B1%5D" width="400" height="266" yda="true" /></a></div><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; CLEAR: both" class="separator"><br /></div><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; CLEAR: both" class="separator">This is the pan I use for melting my wax. </div><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; CLEAR: both" class="separator">Be careful the wax is HOT!</div><br /><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; CLEAR: both" class="separator"><a style="MARGIN-LEFT: 1em; MARGIN-RIGHT: 1em" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkefc4yjpumo_I1t7RUu6nOaOxEEzYqKdR9y-e_amKWIknNdvoc1o0NKVgkelib5T7Pb1Y448EqkhVUCr_itB3l0IyPLWlX-CWDYwfVHjLImxTJul1FJE1Ch0CvUOk3QAHhQgvYVcX5j0/s1600/IMG_1149%5B1%5D" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkefc4yjpumo_I1t7RUu6nOaOxEEzYqKdR9y-e_amKWIknNdvoc1o0NKVgkelib5T7Pb1Y448EqkhVUCr_itB3l0IyPLWlX-CWDYwfVHjLImxTJul1FJE1Ch0CvUOk3QAHhQgvYVcX5j0/s400/IMG_1149%5B1%5D" width="400" height="266" yda="true" /></a></div><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; CLEAR: both" class="separator"><br /></div><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; CLEAR: both" class="separator">Pour the wax (careful as it's very hot)</div><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; CLEAR: both" class="separator">over the shavings</div><br /><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; CLEAR: both" class="separator"><a style="MARGIN-LEFT: 1em; MARGIN-RIGHT: 1em" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-ewt47C0_9YcaNMi28k0CQhfCo1MQumBU9r6DR09dZPpJ-qHBn86pKawgj1fMhcAVmJkHxmNC9DckRmbyQolYx50UyCBeBlzwLlieYR7HbfRtbTxfvG_0E5CXqvS390aOPXfwYpTiZbg/s1600/IMG_1150%5B1%5D" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-ewt47C0_9YcaNMi28k0CQhfCo1MQumBU9r6DR09dZPpJ-qHBn86pKawgj1fMhcAVmJkHxmNC9DckRmbyQolYx50UyCBeBlzwLlieYR7HbfRtbTxfvG_0E5CXqvS390aOPXfwYpTiZbg/s400/IMG_1150%5B1%5D" width="400" height="266" yda="true" /></a></div><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; CLEAR: both" class="separator"><br /></div><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; CLEAR: both" class="separator">Let the wax harden and you are ready to tear the sections apart</div><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; CLEAR: both" class="separator"><br /></div><br /><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; CLEAR: both" class="separator"><a style="MARGIN-LEFT: 1em; MARGIN-RIGHT: 1em" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL2SUzZqY6LMN3m54KPAtcFwPJHUgnGowybZOU-dblU4ApNjQIMrCQdn1D6xAxf_LUFw6luOZzY5mvRd0TAcb5gBKBLuSm8YFgmUcyXy9adfl4m5Riyy6nLbJDL4nwZu3GISDetLp6OPg/s1600/IMG_1152%5B1%5D" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL2SUzZqY6LMN3m54KPAtcFwPJHUgnGowybZOU-dblU4ApNjQIMrCQdn1D6xAxf_LUFw6luOZzY5mvRd0TAcb5gBKBLuSm8YFgmUcyXy9adfl4m5Riyy6nLbJDL4nwZu3GISDetLp6OPg/s400/IMG_1152%5B1%5D" width="400" height="266" yda="true" /></a></div><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; CLEAR: both" class="separator"><br /></div><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; CLEAR: both" class="separator">They aren't the prettiest things, but they do the job!</div><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; CLEAR: both" class="separator">One starter per fire is all we use!</div><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; CLEAR: both" class="separator"><br /></div><br /><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; CLEAR: both" class="separator"><a style="MARGIN-LEFT: 1em; MARGIN-RIGHT: 1em" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT1NnelOrSaLWykRM4plbnFM_IlS6TDm5sKXtlWL-cJ4om-jx8O8CgIKQ0ZCCkENlf-zoNptqsB48V_y_toc2cTwKvOnHLsbVzsZlteyqRc3tAFfLo1CDDWu3VSeyDst_BDauP-v71aqs/s1600/IMG_1156%5B1%5D" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT1NnelOrSaLWykRM4plbnFM_IlS6TDm5sKXtlWL-cJ4om-jx8O8CgIKQ0ZCCkENlf-zoNptqsB48V_y_toc2cTwKvOnHLsbVzsZlteyqRc3tAFfLo1CDDWu3VSeyDst_BDauP-v71aqs/s400/IMG_1156%5B1%5D" width="400" height="266" yda="true" /></a></div><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; CLEAR: both" class="separator"><br /></div><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; CLEAR: both" class="separator"><br /></div><br /><div style="BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; TEXT-ALIGN: center; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; CLEAR: both; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-RIGHT: medium none" class="separator"><br /></div><br /><div style="BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; TEXT-ALIGN: center; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; CLEAR: both; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-RIGHT: medium none" class="separator">PLEASE NOTE! DO NOT USE THESE IN A GAS FIREPLACE! </div><br /><div style="BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; TEXT-ALIGN: center; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; CLEAR: both; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-RIGHT: medium none" class="separator">Use extreme care whenever fire is involved! </div><br /><div style="BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; TEXT-ALIGN: center; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; CLEAR: both; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-RIGHT: medium none" class="separator"><br /></div><br /><div style="BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; TEXT-ALIGN: center; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; CLEAR: both; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-RIGHT: medium none" class="separator"><br /></div><br /><div style="BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; TEXT-ALIGN: center; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; CLEAR: both; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-RIGHT: medium none" class="separator"><br /></div><br /><div style="BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; TEXT-ALIGN: center; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; CLEAR: both; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-RIGHT: medium none" class="separator"><br /></div><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; BACKGROUND: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54486/372/1CAFD83BBD9EF0575BAD98C41D547546.png" /></a></div>Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09490282906820870874noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-725545600126284207.post-37351952882146279772012-01-24T13:08:00.009-05:002012-01-24T14:24:51.331-05:00New Year's Resolutions????OK, I am not big on resolutions! Too much pressure I say! Many times I set myself up for failure... many times it's just a good idea (or not) and not a resolution! Weight loss and exercise are not resolutions for me, as I am a fitness junky (and I do love junk food - so possibly the reason for being a junk food junky)That's my lifestyle, so I have to find other resolutions, uh I mean lifestyle additions. More prayer time, more Bible time, more handwritten letters/notes... can you imagine the list I have made in my head?<br /><br />My blogging friend Kim at <a href="http://www.recipestorunon.com/">http://www.recipestorunon.com/</a> is who inspired me to get back to my blog and start writing! She made a few comments about what she is and what she is not, and why she is going to change her blog etc. That inspired me to get back to blogging! I am not a famous Bible teacher, and sometimes I feel if I don't have anything faith filled to share - why blog? I am not a famout TV chef/cook, and sometimes I feel that posting about food I've made isn't worth sharing... I could go on and on about what I am not! But what I am is a gal who loves Social Media, who has made many cyber friends over the years, and one who dearly loved blogging and following blogs. Of course Facebook, Twitter etc are a big part of my "social media" time both personally and professionally. If I wasn't disciplined about the computer I think I would waste, I mean spend 24 hours a day on the interent! Pinterest, FB, Twitter, Blogging, Food boards, other blogs... not to mention I do have some favorite television programs I love to watch! I have missed the blogland girls... I know I have missed out on meeting new cyber space pals, as well as also sharing with the folks who at one time read my blog faithfully. If I'm not a faitful writer, I won't have faithful readers!<br /><br />With that... to catch up... Just kidding! I won't write a dissertation of what's gone on in my life over the last months... well, maybe I will for those who might just be interested. Business has been improving and I'm not in my over anxious mode that I normally experience in January, February and sometimes into March! Our dishwasher went kaput (is that how you spell kaput?) 2 Sunday's ago - and I have been washing dishes by hand since then. Oh how dry my poor hands are. Madge/the 1970's Palmolive Dish Soap Manicurist would be disappointed in me... remember "you're soaking in it?" We have purhased a new dishwasher, which also had to come with a new fridge and range! After all they have to match... RIGHT? I think I'm excited about all three pieces. The range has a double oven - so more blog posts about my cooking adventures right? The weather has been super mild this winter - not much snow - which I do miss, but I have to say it's been nice. I am excited about planning our spring/summer/fall garden and plan on lots of canning with my sister this next season. I've been working out and added some extra-intense training as this spring/summer I will be racing. I was asked to be on a cycling racing team - that has me nervous and excited. My niece signed her National Letter of Intent in November and will be attending Eastern Michigan University on a full ride gymnastics scholarship in the fall! I am so excited for her... as a former gymnast... I still LOVE the sport and love how my niece's have excelled. Her younger sister has also made her verbal commitment to accept a full gymnastics scholarship as well. My nephews continue to prosper and are growing up very fast. My nieces from Jim's side are amazing. The youngest is now a DDS! How could my sweet Ashley be a dentist? She practices in Seattle, WA. Two of my nieces have added more babies to our family - and I am now a Great Aunt to 5 wonderful, darling kids! My niece Stephanie Ann.. she and her husband are avid travellers and I am continually amazed at how smart, funny and grown up she is! We have a wonderful group of friends who we truly enjoy spending time with... Jim's mom continues to live on her own and we celebrated her 90th birthday last September. My mom retired in August, but still continues to consult, so I say she's not truly retired. My dad is retired and enjoys being retired. I am truly blessed! The Whippets and the cat continue to amuse and love on us! Jim continues to be my biggest fan, my best friend! We do enjoy our life!<br /><br />Oh... and we did get a new Canon DSLR camera for Christmas - so I am excited to learn how to use all the features! It's a bit daunting... but I will share a few photos I've already taken before I sign off! Oh - and I promise to not be absent for so long! I do love to write all my thoughts down! No matter if they aren't profound! LOL<br /><br /><div align="center"><br /><br />This was the first photo I took in the close up mode - I love it! It might not be great, but I took it! :)<br /></div><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaNRKivdOP_SIFbWkSysZehbqp8E9Wgq7UaSIxDDJU-ZlNrbYEfnzpQ14OLMRH5ycaTDhgySq2wTiWmys7ttOUrajv_4C49brQCf_5f2ZhsRv7Y9SjyyOWZ1-ayWOmZltkZTqkJjfN2XE/s1600/Christmas+Close+Up+w+new+camera.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5701277075945123186" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaNRKivdOP_SIFbWkSysZehbqp8E9Wgq7UaSIxDDJU-ZlNrbYEfnzpQ14OLMRH5ycaTDhgySq2wTiWmys7ttOUrajv_4C49brQCf_5f2ZhsRv7Y9SjyyOWZ1-ayWOmZltkZTqkJjfN2XE/s400/Christmas+Close+Up+w+new+camera.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div align="center"><br />My niece Kimberly just before the twist out of her Yurchenko Half<br /></div><br /><p><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5701278385928391714" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8mY0xfcz2VkDCpJb_nj2xT7cRKrl3plAL4awaDslNkCRYAqwAHM16PdUBc5lwrktUEsL5zMfW86EKwbQze_jcEDhghDqDxzDHQBrEs4mzfeBOi6dM4MHQTDbJ2BKEpab4RYPsqoDkyY0/s400/KNE+vault+jc.JPG" /> </p><br /><p align="center"><br />Sarah going into a tumbling pass - she's a strong tumbler and vaulter like her Auntie K *grin*<br /></p><br /><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinRHEZ2bBR_ImWqnNxtE6jSCkMsHR9HS6HWgLyK3J_LN0FPEUcVVnlmj7sKaalGO7pQVVO8JZkz5bgq_dTqhqhi22uLWdPVmZNzRshYETqoKe6HKtdD_EqC2xI7iR65Wq8FbCxn0J7RKc/s1600/strng.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 266px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5701279711235785266" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinRHEZ2bBR_ImWqnNxtE6jSCkMsHR9HS6HWgLyK3J_LN0FPEUcVVnlmj7sKaalGO7pQVVO8JZkz5bgq_dTqhqhi22uLWdPVmZNzRshYETqoKe6HKtdD_EqC2xI7iR65Wq8FbCxn0J7RKc/s400/strng.JPG" /></a></p><br /><p>Needless to say I have A LOT to learn... and I'm excited to start a new hobby!</p><br /><p>Have a blessed day and thanks for stopping by my "Backyard Fence" for a chat!<br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; BACKGROUND: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54486/372/1CAFD83BBD9EF0575BAD98C41D547546.png" /></a> </p><br /><p></p><br /><br /><br /><br /><p></p>Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09490282906820870874noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-725545600126284207.post-11227052640541220902011-12-05T15:29:00.003-05:002011-12-05T15:37:45.316-05:00It's been too long...Has it really been this long since my last blog post? August? Really? <br /><br />Social networking definitely is different for me these days. Facebook is where I spend most of my time as I can be in contact with so many friends and family both near and far. Response time can be almost instant and I can peruse pictures and updates from everyone and I do enjoy that!<br /><br />However, I certainly miss blogging. I miss the good ole days before FB... when I was connected with several ladies via blogland. Visiting their blogs, reading up on their lives, seeing photos, sharing recipes and memes. Cozied up on a winter afternoon, coffee cup at my side, reading updates from friends whom I had never met this side of the computer screen. If there were more time in the day I could do it all! Right? Tweet, Facebook, Blog, work, cook, workout, relax... *sigh* So I must decide where to spend my time. <br /><br />I miss writing down my thoughts. I really miss reading the blogs I hold so dear. Oh to have the time to visit them all! <br /><br />I really need to make a point of coming here more often... perhaps as the winter months bring a slower work schedule I can. Perhaps once a week? That would take too much time!<br /><br />I hope to be able to share my thoughts here more often... to post weekly. I should try! <br /><br />I miss you all in blogland! I hope to find the time soon to catch up with all of your blogs! Until then - much love, enjoy and savor the season of Advent!<br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54486/372/1CAFD83BBD9EF0575BAD98C41D547546.png" style="border: 0 !important; background: transparent;"/></a>Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09490282906820870874noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-725545600126284207.post-76425273363189314552011-08-15T11:45:00.007-04:002011-08-15T13:01:43.075-04:00Sunshine Pickles...I am sure many of you have heard of "Sun Tea" - remember buying those jugs, filling them up w/ water, adding tea bags and putting the jug out and letting that tea steep in the sun! Well... my good friend Tonja gave me a recipe she received from an old farmer's wife for "Sunshine Pickles"
<br />Start with a 1 gallon glass jar ( just like sun tea )
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<br />2 Cups White Vinegar
<br />1/2 Cup Pickling Salt
<br />1/2 tsp Alum Powder (in the spice section at the grocery)
<br />2 Cups of Water
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<br />Stir until the salt dissolves
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<br />Cut the pickling cucumbers into spears and pack them into the jar. Add 4
<br />sprigs of fresh dill and 6 garlic buds (in between the cucumbers if possible)
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<br />Fill the remainder of the jar with water, put the lid on tight and shake.
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<br />Set jars outdoors in the sun for three days, giving the jar a vigorous shake each
<br />day.
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<br />Refrigerate after the third day.
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<br />I must tell you... these pickles are tasty! I think you could add a slice of a banana pepper to give them a bit of heat.
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<br />I didn't make up my pickles in a gallon jug. I used quart canning jars. I filled each jar half way w/ the pickling mixture, place a few sprigs of dill in each jar along w/ a couple of garlic cloves. I topped the jar off with more water and placed the jars on the patio railing. I have done another batch since these photos were taken and I will be putting another batch out tomorrow! Simple and tasty! Perfect to take along on a picnic, to a cookout or serve w/ supper! Hope you try and enjoy!
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<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQOoWUyPUqxefcRcoewncwXxP4vf7q1qatyyYOLUq_6nA_-2A3OIBf3NuErEhC2rQgyuy7cxSVAheH5H1HrEU1ENgHy9CbUFPYHcgrakZWPFxvkAI9MIRjUTLZPHOTMjoZqhDylUUCQis/s1600/pickles+in+sun.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQOoWUyPUqxefcRcoewncwXxP4vf7q1qatyyYOLUq_6nA_-2A3OIBf3NuErEhC2rQgyuy7cxSVAheH5H1HrEU1ENgHy9CbUFPYHcgrakZWPFxvkAI9MIRjUTLZPHOTMjoZqhDylUUCQis/s400/pickles+in+sun.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5641128891376805810" /></a>
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<br />Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09490282906820870874noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-725545600126284207.post-5553929059116204652011-05-31T09:15:00.007-04:002011-05-31T16:16:04.134-04:00Unofficial Start to Summer?<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnxuCRI-INs4bff4Lpb-PX1U9OoQlCufak4kXC06GlyQ6IkknnGNPMnlrHX-TVSaHOfESumeX52U4XAH0U1m_B0d1gZDIQ4FocgNV2AFutwjYdL4i3YxY45WLD7s2lSz_rlVnYy2dN2LQ/s1600/summer+front+door.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5612876470212290626" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnxuCRI-INs4bff4Lpb-PX1U9OoQlCufak4kXC06GlyQ6IkknnGNPMnlrHX-TVSaHOfESumeX52U4XAH0U1m_B0d1gZDIQ4FocgNV2AFutwjYdL4i3YxY45WLD7s2lSz_rlVnYy2dN2LQ/s320/summer+front+door.jpg" /></a><br />Memorial Day Weekend seems to be the Official Kick-off to Summer... even though summer begins in June. So does that make Memorial Weekend the Unofficial Kick-off to summer? Hmmmm...<br /><br />In Indianapolis the month of May is obviously an exciting time as the Indy 500 is on the Sunday of Memorial Weekend. (unless it's rained out & then it's on Memorial Day) :) Cookouts, pool parties, yard work... summer activities are in full swing. I have to say after a very cold, snowy, icy winter and a very rainy, wet, temps all over the board spring, I'm ready for some good ole summertime fun.<br /><br />As I reflect back on the last few days I have to say it was one of the most wonderful Memorial Weekends. Our cycling team's annual Memorial Weekend ride brought out 40 of our cycling pals to ride. Yard work, grad open houses, a cookout to celebrate one of my good friend's birthday, more yard work, garden work & then a cookout/pool party with some of our dearest friends yesterday afternoon/evening. As we were heading out the door to drive home last night, several of us we discussing that we hope the summer doesn't just fly by! I can't believe we will be turning the calendar to the 6th month of the year tomorrow. Mercy where has 2011 gone?<br /><br />So the rough winter and wet spring took it's toll on our largest hosta bed. We lost all but our "blue hostas". The wet spring prevented us from doing much work until 2 weeks ago. I weeded, cut branches, cleared out... ugggh! I've included a photo of my work... on that particular day Jim played golf & I, well you can see what I was up to in the photo below:<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi6g-N9UtdAM05KuWVf-L32uwStCC9Qn7LzaO8c4knYQJpXCpsKFbvzCNuBaklYRGsmfKdUOp1ZaA6Pt5TMAEfKeSsm5-ahwJQ29GgzEHw2-Bv4GeNg_HIdF3DzDl_x-RVmsTUHYsS2Qo/s1600/weed+bed.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5612894226300675010" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi6g-N9UtdAM05KuWVf-L32uwStCC9Qn7LzaO8c4knYQJpXCpsKFbvzCNuBaklYRGsmfKdUOp1ZaA6Pt5TMAEfKeSsm5-ahwJQ29GgzEHw2-Bv4GeNg_HIdF3DzDl_x-RVmsTUHYsS2Qo/s320/weed+bed.jpg" /></a><br /><br />Did I mention this part of summertime fun included a mild case of poison ivy? Grrrrr!<br /><br />After weeding and dividing hostas from other beds & hosta beds at Jim's sister's home... things began to look a bit better as you can see in the pic below. This hosta garden has been a big part of our landscape for over 18 years, so we were sad when we lost so many plants. Especially one of Jim's favs...<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLb1Luc-JqDb-PEfLL7wkblrjxML4f8N2gW2hPjYGosB-62oeOILXrLvU1bOrriUO9u7q9GyRjiFgI6vjIYy1hyCPs3JG7-ivtmQo8zNakwqO27fEj2o3IJfCjHZtbBRj5cEwT6gVGIEM/s1600/hosta.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 235px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 306px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5612896425750375650" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLb1Luc-JqDb-PEfLL7wkblrjxML4f8N2gW2hPjYGosB-62oeOILXrLvU1bOrriUO9u7q9GyRjiFgI6vjIYy1hyCPs3JG7-ivtmQo8zNakwqO27fEj2o3IJfCjHZtbBRj5cEwT6gVGIEM/s320/hosta.jpg" /></a><br />I wish I had a better camera so I could get the entire bed in the shot. This bed runs just about the entire length of our drive.<br /><br />Memorial Weekend always brings the worst of my allergy suffering. The Cottonwoods are blooming - some areas the white fuzzies almost look like snow floating through the air. And the pollen from our two pecan trees wreck havoc on my allergies. My allergy meds don't seem to help much, and my neti pot goes into full use! Because they were bad over the weekend, I am electing to stay off the bike tonight and workout at the Y. Wahhhh! Can you hear me crying? I will hit the road tomorrow! <br /><br />We did get a lot of our veggie garden put in yesterday. FINALLY! We had it all worked up and then the rains came, AGAIN! Too much rain. This is the absolute latest we've ever put the garden in! We missed all the spring/cool weather veggies. We will have to plant in the fall. Tomatoes, potatoes, brussels sprouts & onions are in. I am going to plant Swiss Chard in one of our flower beds. Should be interesting. <br /><br />So what are your plans for this summer? Travelling? Staying home? One of our local Television stations puts together links to what they call "One Tank Getaways". Since gas is so high, I know a lot of folks aren't taking big vacations this is a neat idea if you want to get away, but don't want to spend a lot of cash! <br /><br />We have been blessed with a good spring in our business life. It looks to be a good summer for us as well. God provides... I know we have a long way to go before our economy & the housing market rebounds... but yes... God provides! God is still on His throne and He is in the midst of this comforting, guiding and yes... providing.<br /><br />I do hope I can be more consistent with my blogging. I remember when I first started and was a part of such a wonderful community of blogland sisters! I certainly miss all of you! Perhaps I need to start a summer meme?<br /><br />Enjoy your day! Much Love! <br /><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; BACKGROUND: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54486/372/1CAFD83BBD9EF0575BAD98C41D547546.png" /></a>Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09490282906820870874noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-725545600126284207.post-48597940717915945972011-05-06T13:18:00.010-04:002011-05-06T20:47:35.173-04:00FINALLY!!!!It's been quite some time since my last post! (about 3 months too long) "Busy"<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">ness</span> and Business has gotten in the way. I happy to say that business improved and I will take that during this tough economic time we <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">navigate</span> daily. Real Estate has it's fair share of ups and downs... but these ebbing and flowing tides are just too much at times!<br /><br />Spring has sprung, so it was definitely time to change that blog header of mine... the snow, greenery and candlelit wreath were lovely, but Winter thankfully is OVER! At least by the calendar hanging on the wall in my kitchen! We had an incredibly RAINY April! If April showers bring May flowers I'm thinking we should have spring blooms the size of sunflowers! Alas... spring has not only brought all this rain, but some colder temps too. We actually had a Frost Warning the other night! REALLY??? Our veggie garden remains <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">untiled</span>. Well Jim did attempt to till yesterday afternoon as we had a day full of sunshine (finally). He was able to till up a few areas, however the rest of the garden was still too muddy. :( Looks like radishes and other cold weather veggies will have to wait until fall. I'm just hoping I can get my tomato plants etc. soon!<br /><br />We brought the patio furniture out the week before Easter & I'm sad to say we have only been able to enjoy relaxing on the deck once. I know more warm, sunny days lie ahead... but it was a long, cold, snowy, icy winter and now it's been a wet, rainy spring! I'm ready to read a good book while the sun warms my cheeks!<br /><br />We have been out on our bikes getting some miles in... not as often as we'd like (due to the weather of course)but we know many good, long rides are ahead of us!<br /><br /><br /><br />We finished up the back hall off of the kitchen. We carried the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">bead board</span> ceiling into that area which really brightened the hall nicely. It was a dark, wood ceiling before the remodel. It's amazing how fresh paint and a new white ceiling can brighten up a small space!<br /><br /><br /><br /><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHrfhWRGQtynH-QplyTIySg1vd98buEPqczwHF19Ig8CTuq-EY7t_8YPbOZdB49k5URajoWNXcEagM55nxaj3i3M24HQszZ9gz5hz4V_ots5dZChBoKNobkRU6frveaaIi4sWCA1dhq5E/s1600/it%2527s+good+to+be+home.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5603658044042731154" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHrfhWRGQtynH-QplyTIySg1vd98buEPqczwHF19Ig8CTuq-EY7t_8YPbOZdB49k5URajoWNXcEagM55nxaj3i3M24HQszZ9gz5hz4V_ots5dZChBoKNobkRU6frveaaIi4sWCA1dhq5E/s320/it%2527s+good+to+be+home.jpg" /></a> I purchased this vinyl wall treatment through an <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">Etsy</span> Shop... so many times Jim and I will be relaxing in our favorite chairs and we will say "It's Good to Be Home". I wanted to see that sentiment <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">every time</span> we arrive home... so the back hall wall was a perfect place for this saying!<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdZ0GGC5HVrGP-peXLrehy9vC0rf2CXnypgwlg71Poc6olS3k5eaqXMggFbjbbjOhMVYedOmpX5hCArWUaArQj1ltzdk-5wNZ3qAIHOUg2fKaa8mra4QTnktouW0CIrL8h-DalnpCzGr0/s1600/orchid.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5603659196765868914" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdZ0GGC5HVrGP-peXLrehy9vC0rf2CXnypgwlg71Poc6olS3k5eaqXMggFbjbbjOhMVYedOmpX5hCArWUaArQj1ltzdk-5wNZ3qAIHOUg2fKaa8mra4QTnktouW0CIrL8h-DalnpCzGr0/s320/orchid.jpg" /></a><br /></p><br /><br /><p>I purchased a new mirror to hang over the antique table that belonged to my Grandmother. The orchid was a gift from some of our cycling friends. I love how elegant an orchid is!!! After we completed the project I <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">would</span> just stand in the back hall enjoying the brightness!!!! It's so crisp and clean... I love it! AND it's prompted more painting projects. (Much to Jim's chagrin). The family room is next, then the main bath, then the living/dining and hall areas. They are in much need of fresh paint as I don't believe we've painted in over 10 years! It's time to freshen things up. We more than likely will paint the living/dining and hall closer to fall!!!<br /></p><br /><br /><p>We once again hosted our family Easter Luncheon. This year we had 27 people for lunch. Our biggest event yet and I have to say I was exhausted! It was a lot of work transforming the house, preparing the food etc. Everyone loved it and I was happy they all enjoyed! I'm still putting things away! I guess I am not so worried about things not being back in order immediately in my older age! (not that I'm old) ;) </p><br /><br /><p>Here are a few pictures from Easter...</p><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOpa-21KkFONUFnMv1r-KLtTtAlgl4h8ZqtSY9EZ_2_6ON4A0fpa-2AStHSEgCrg6bl8eyRtemWj842rvs-V0SagS4sBjESQR31Lcu_nkNLKyPi7aYE4N0IMRTw2YxZtfdaEOl1yLfOyo/s1600/adult+table.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5603727176247902770" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOpa-21KkFONUFnMv1r-KLtTtAlgl4h8ZqtSY9EZ_2_6ON4A0fpa-2AStHSEgCrg6bl8eyRtemWj842rvs-V0SagS4sBjESQR31Lcu_nkNLKyPi7aYE4N0IMRTw2YxZtfdaEOl1yLfOyo/s320/adult+table.JPG" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_r65hh4iWzQENgJ0aEGysHJ8TtvCLH_Gf4EA-AhrBfUCKca5V1x0W69we5qY2DMlLewC5tdBICleIxMvqGY90vgQ87_pSQidTM2pa3aXGgiZRGWmipvBRYk54LUHwN21tNJHZSJ9O2tE/s1600/long+table.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 240px; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5603727893467557954" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_r65hh4iWzQENgJ0aEGysHJ8TtvCLH_Gf4EA-AhrBfUCKca5V1x0W69we5qY2DMlLewC5tdBICleIxMvqGY90vgQ87_pSQidTM2pa3aXGgiZRGWmipvBRYk54LUHwN21tNJHZSJ9O2tE/s320/long+table.JPG" /></a><br />Our lovely tables... I had 4 set up!<br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDs522m3l39U9q00EQQFwBL1f49nRouDHCb2olXyxHIHzQp5rWrtAEATokNf9t_LnjbQArJG1ZALsQyWw-Ezq3yFyrhuIQEqlZGlMOkUjd4O8FAhVSGA3b75gum0n24Ynn66jAjl3rk4M/s1600/lg+table+fp.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5603727889133838498" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDs522m3l39U9q00EQQFwBL1f49nRouDHCb2olXyxHIHzQp5rWrtAEATokNf9t_LnjbQArJG1ZALsQyWw-Ezq3yFyrhuIQEqlZGlMOkUjd4O8FAhVSGA3b75gum0n24Ynn66jAjl3rk4M/s320/lg+table+fp.JPG" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEdqpxiPZICfrbPLthL8cIJsm8H76NLPVLbt_GmifXEqdtBO-didD41s9Q5YNvCdkwEskIRCqmL1HwwKeiWU1yo-bU8_xcmGjfo1PiKgo5ngvSicqSEwKJobGa2nDjtGSLuq9P_A_j6H4/s1600/girls+table.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5603727882048316962" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEdqpxiPZICfrbPLthL8cIJsm8H76NLPVLbt_GmifXEqdtBO-didD41s9Q5YNvCdkwEskIRCqmL1HwwKeiWU1yo-bU8_xcmGjfo1PiKgo5ngvSicqSEwKJobGa2nDjtGSLuq9P_A_j6H4/s320/girls+table.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizgLI2SfzK09P0-En5CtgASKSs3GIMcLiLkWbbgdSTpj0TZm1Z_UpoQQIRcwiG0Bxi4eYy_d_rUxp53mlbYXnciZ2ZMDXcmq82MZ6xr7dWhnNZI9Pfu4Oc-McTS2maTtFi-xpwHRZ0zS8/s1600/drink+buffet.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5603728481649160354" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizgLI2SfzK09P0-En5CtgASKSs3GIMcLiLkWbbgdSTpj0TZm1Z_UpoQQIRcwiG0Bxi4eYy_d_rUxp53mlbYXnciZ2ZMDXcmq82MZ6xr7dWhnNZI9Pfu4Oc-McTS2maTtFi-xpwHRZ0zS8/s320/drink+buffet.JPG" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9MMnRzrnFpdp6H3ShZFl6Bei5fjMFvUVkjxWmGyDh40xQualOcl8o0tHjt4-nb-SsSaKHWoLxdPzN0b_Z5Go2i9dmaPsPqlUD6K9H414H68YHCz6mku7ebblOs2Vo1hEk54FpzAdC1KM/s1600/dishes.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5603728486303770226" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9MMnRzrnFpdp6H3ShZFl6Bei5fjMFvUVkjxWmGyDh40xQualOcl8o0tHjt4-nb-SsSaKHWoLxdPzN0b_Z5Go2i9dmaPsPqlUD6K9H414H68YHCz6mku7ebblOs2Vo1hEk54FpzAdC1KM/s320/dishes.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div>A portion of the Drink Buffet... and of course the mountain of dishes<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLsgutLLKnoHEfFokOa85Vtg9F1wRKsoogNn4IQ8E_a3X5BAUiT6qwTXfcBbhnOe2FcQ9i4vkT3tKh9b7hLWp5QayLjBRnlSq3z4AGc9Gx2bIFwvIHwKEcE-8ltNDVh_qvRqkub06WimQ/s1600/menu.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 256px; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5603728470179040450" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLsgutLLKnoHEfFokOa85Vtg9F1wRKsoogNn4IQ8E_a3X5BAUiT6qwTXfcBbhnOe2FcQ9i4vkT3tKh9b7hLWp5QayLjBRnlSq3z4AGc9Gx2bIFwvIHwKEcE-8ltNDVh_qvRqkub06WimQ/s320/menu.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSeMQ1zlTo-hpNRFuJ0xhfxplVzcohHsKrPtk-4cfLCYSBUtzkd6PzzFbHoxuZEod-K8ejEmH6_aYbhHUOgtLcTxFWGMKyWoADKqL4pktKVwoHgmL8-qNSZNYFtxStr6iVWFSRFdFYi50/s1600/jesus+has+risen.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5603728475082766690" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSeMQ1zlTo-hpNRFuJ0xhfxplVzcohHsKrPtk-4cfLCYSBUtzkd6PzzFbHoxuZEod-K8ejEmH6_aYbhHUOgtLcTxFWGMKyWoADKqL4pktKVwoHgmL8-qNSZNYFtxStr6iVWFSRFdFYi50/s320/jesus+has+risen.JPG" /></a><br /><br />The Menu Card & a beautiful sentiment - given to me by my sister-in-law Ann!</div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div>I really, really, really hope to be more active in <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-error">blogland</span>... I have truly missed so many of the wonderful ladies that I have connected with over the years. PLUS, I LOVE the new header I created. It makes me smile!</div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div>Much Love to all of you!</div><br /><br /><div><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; BACKGROUND: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54486/372/1CAFD83BBD9EF0575BAD98C41D547546.png" /></a> </div>Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09490282906820870874noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-725545600126284207.post-73880426431280745162011-02-11T13:23:00.007-05:002011-02-11T14:35:46.441-05:00<div align="center">There is light at the end of the Frozen Tundra Tunnel! Temps will be creeping up from well below zero yesterday to the 50's by this time next week! Hooray! I am sure Old Man Winter isn't done with us yet... but Spring is near! With temps that warm I am hopeful to open a few windows (even if only for a short time) and let some fresh air into the house!<br /><br />I am in the beginning stages of planning my veggie garden for 2011! We are going to add a couple of raised beds this year as well as build a nice organized compost area. I found a great article in the<a href="http://www.bhg-digital.com/bhg/201011?pg=132#pg134"> November 2010 issue of Better Homes & Gardens</a> about composting. I loved the photo of the compost bin made from shipping pallets! We have access to as many pallets as we would like, so I have plans for how and where the compost area will be! (Jim's thrilled) I will post pics later this spring when we have it all put together.<br /><br />I will use the raised beds for onions, carrots, parsnips,shallots etc! Potatoes, Brussels sprouts, peppers, tomatoes, turnips, beets are already in the plans for the main garden area. I am going to tidy up and organize my herb garden this year. And I have also found articles about incorporating Swiss Chard etc in the flower gardens, so I plan to do that as well! Can you tell it's been a long, long, cold winter? *grin*<br /><br />I plan on doing a lot of canning, preserving and freezing this year as well. Nothing better than preserving fresh veggies and fruits! My pantry will hopefully be overflowing with summer's bounty!<br /><br /><br /><br />Next weekend I am attending a container gardening seminar at our local feed and seed store that is just around the corner from our home! I can't wait! Should be a lot of fun!<br /><br /><br /><br />I am dreaming of spring and all the promises that come with the season. Easter will soon be here and<br /><br />we will celebrate as a family Christ's glorious resurrection! I long to see buds on the trees ready to burst forth in color. I can visual the garden full of bounty that the Lord will provide. I can imagine lovely evenings enjoying food with good friends on the back patio. I can imagine early mornings with my coffee and the paper or quiet time out there as well.<br /><br /><br /><br />I am sure you are all looking forward to spring as well! Do you have any special plans? Are you veggie gardening this year? I'd love to hear what your plans are!<br /><br /><br /><br />Until then... I can look out my window and dream...<br /><br /><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9FOdmeSdiRjoqzS3u9UHo43KJgqOvK1kODZjyLxeE5vR9uE0PC-hm4BNir8_YeAg5v1pWsxn7KG1xV_vTUIHg2sVtVoRGfsSML7ipXEtS_Z-8ij5YUu7PcqVz8kt3WapBZUKINlxWNDU/s1600/deck+in+feb.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5572514987124452402" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9FOdmeSdiRjoqzS3u9UHo43KJgqOvK1kODZjyLxeE5vR9uE0PC-hm4BNir8_YeAg5v1pWsxn7KG1xV_vTUIHg2sVtVoRGfsSML7ipXEtS_Z-8ij5YUu7PcqVz8kt3WapBZUKINlxWNDU/s320/deck+in+feb.JPG" /> <p align="center"></a><br />Deck from my window... today<br /><br /></p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIt_2HPO49n7c0zahvH4gUoNTRByBvsyjrpASNqSXVVBGp2FIuwOdVxm_ItXzO6VYvmP5fFrUua83Gs9arMn2X5TpHIWNAistsSrrZ5HsyrxnwU43cjVmfk8J-pKtHy0QW_Nxh6LulMiY/s1600/deck+summer.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5572515935270557426" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIt_2HPO49n7c0zahvH4gUoNTRByBvsyjrpASNqSXVVBGp2FIuwOdVxm_ItXzO6VYvmP5fFrUua83Gs9arMn2X5TpHIWNAistsSrrZ5HsyrxnwU43cjVmfk8J-pKtHy0QW_Nxh6LulMiY/s320/deck+summer.JPG" /> <p align="center"></a>Last Summer<br /><br /></p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8BtgX7mtF6Xl6k3g4Mg516SGnra5NfyXLFEQ01OaL-HbelJTrpzR33HA03VUoyStOECRDmZBvtkNXzdUg_1PqylVGSpE71S7DICz4k90nV2FlOiyXq_QCAC87AFjoTmKBvS03QJGVEGQ/s1600/DSCF0373.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5572517025939529650" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8BtgX7mtF6Xl6k3g4Mg516SGnra5NfyXLFEQ01OaL-HbelJTrpzR33HA03VUoyStOECRDmZBvtkNXzdUg_1PqylVGSpE71S7DICz4k90nV2FlOiyXq_QCAC87AFjoTmKBvS03QJGVEGQ/s320/DSCF0373.JPG" /> <p align="center"></a>Onions in June 2010<br /><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; BACKGROUND: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54486/372/1CAFD83BBD9EF0575BAD98C41D547546.png" /></a>Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09490282906820870874noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-725545600126284207.post-26324729070706783592011-02-05T14:23:00.004-05:002011-02-05T14:39:42.526-05:00Saturday Swap!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDbr5lnLdIIzlZrVQ1QZiekPCmy3kWdBvpywIzjpltbrsu5G4rfMUwhaUIOlBcV9z3hiD9VeHbnF1UnlujPn6UzsiS2kWiV0-W8BtERm0h9MZ_zkk1vzxukAd_NpIuYt5OiNsm4xtz1rA/s1600/white+chick+chili.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5570291900547408706" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDbr5lnLdIIzlZrVQ1QZiekPCmy3kWdBvpywIzjpltbrsu5G4rfMUwhaUIOlBcV9z3hiD9VeHbnF1UnlujPn6UzsiS2kWiV0-W8BtERm0h9MZ_zkk1vzxukAd_NpIuYt5OiNsm4xtz1rA/s320/white+chick+chili.JPG" /></a><br /><div>As the "Monster Storm" blew through Indianapolis I was happy to be tucked in my cozy home cooking! I had snipped this recipe out of the Indianapolis Star about, ummmm... 2 years ago! I found it after I had to reorganize my recipe box (I dropped it last year and all the recipes dumped on the floor - only to be mixed up and very unorganized - why it took a year to put back in order is another story) I have to say I was very, very pleased with the recipe! I did modify a bit - I only used one can of beans rather than 2 (as the recipe only serves 6) I didn't have any fresh parsley or a jalapeno in the house and the weather made it impossible to run to the market. So I used dried Parsley (just don't use as much as the fresh) I had jarred sliced jalapenos - so I pulled out several slices, rinsed them and chopped. I didn't put the garlic or jalapenos in until the onions began to sweat. I also used - gasp - jarred, minced garlic rather than my garden garlic. I served with a dollop of sour cream and Sea Salt Tortilla Chips rather than crackers! The recipe is a WINNER! And I will make again and again! For a larger crowd I suggest doubling the recipe! So without further adieu... here is my contribution to "<a href="http://quiteatingout.blogspot.com/">Quit Eating Out</a> ~ Saturday Swap!"<br /><br /><br /><br /></div><center><a href="http://quiteatingout.blogspot.com/p/saturday-swaps.html"><img src="http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z104/danielle982/2010%20Blogs/Quit%20Eating%20Out/QuitEatingOutbutton3.png" /> </a></center><div><br /></div><center></center><div><br /></div><center></center><div><br /><br /><strong>White Chili with Chicken</strong> </div><div><br />1 medium onion, chopped<br />1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and chopped (optional)<br />2 garlic cloves, minced<br />1 tablespoon vegetable oil<br />4 cups chicken broth<br />2 cans (151/2 ounces each) great northern beans, rinsed and drained<br />2 tablespoons fresh minced parsley<br />1 tablespoon lime juice<br />1 to 11/4 teaspoons ground cumin<br />2 tablespoons cornstarch<br />1/4 cup cold water<br />2 cups cubed cooked chicken<br />Directions<br />1. In a large saucepan, cook the onion, jalapeno if desired and garlic in oil until tender. Stir in the broth, beans, parsley, lime juice and cumin; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.<br /><br />2. Combine cornstarch and water until smooth; stir into chili. Add chicken. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 2 minutes until thickened. </div><div></div><div>Serves 6<br /><br /><br /><br /></div><p></p><div><br /><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; BACKGROUND: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54486/372/1CAFD83BBD9EF0575BAD98C41D547546.png" /></a><br /><br /></div><strong></strong><strong></strong>Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09490282906820870874noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-725545600126284207.post-26700811713470159112011-02-01T11:30:00.003-05:002011-02-01T11:42:39.235-05:00SSMT Verse #3Could January really be over? Indeed January is in the books... and February, well February has come in like a lion here in Indy. One wave of this ice storm has moved through. The next wave, which will be more dangerous is on it's way. I know so many of you dislike snow... believe me you would rather have snow than this ice. I am praying our power stays on and our trees remain in tact. After the first round the landscape is encased in ice, so branches sagging dangerously... I am hopeful our trees don't suffer and damage.<br /><br />So on to Memory verse #3! So far, so good! I repeat my verses many, many times during the day! I know get to add this verse from Philippians:<br /><br />And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus. ~ Philippians 4:19<br /><br />How is everyone doing with their memory verses? I have to tell you... I feel the prayers of Siestaville! I have yet to make it through a year of memory work... this year I will! Thank you for your encouragement! I am excited about this and am hoping that after I make it through 2011 that I can coordinate a Memory Verse Team at our Church for 2012! <br /><br />I am praying for you girls who are dedicating 2011 to memorizing scripture! <br />Much Love,<br /><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; BACKGROUND: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54486/372/1CAFD83BBD9EF0575BAD98C41D547546.png" /></a>Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09490282906820870874noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-725545600126284207.post-51528108494555483972011-01-18T13:29:00.003-05:002011-01-18T13:51:07.128-05:00<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8vZUfhDp26RTZiVZ0uq1mng25sg3RKhUN7QIzCbpTLq41OnVS29w281fzMPF0Jl478Tp3BPcWOjdETrhZ_SnW4bcZIGLaQr4qWEb14LlPxedcGHByjYtwMRDNnvSn6VDX7GnBCoE6oMo/s1600/Silver_Melting.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 292px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5563599958877080690" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8vZUfhDp26RTZiVZ0uq1mng25sg3RKhUN7QIzCbpTLq41OnVS29w281fzMPF0Jl478Tp3BPcWOjdETrhZ_SnW4bcZIGLaQr4qWEb14LlPxedcGHByjYtwMRDNnvSn6VDX7GnBCoE6oMo/s320/Silver_Melting.jpg" /></a><br /><div><br /><br />Sometimes one reads something that they just have to share. An old high school classmate of mine shared this on Facebook. I just had to share it as well. I did a quick search as I wanted to find the source of her post so I could make reference to it on my blog! From Girlfriends in God on crosswalk.com<br /><a href="http://www.crosswalk.com/devotionals/girlfriends/11644267/">http://www.crosswalk.com/devotionals/girlfriends/11644267/</a><br /><br />You're Just Like Your Father ~ Mary Southerland<br /><br />Today's Truth<br /><br />Malachi 3:3 "He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver" (NIV).<br /><br /><br />Friend To Friend<br /><br />The story is told of a group of women who met each week to study the Bible, hoping to learn more about the nature and character of God and how He works in our life. The women were puzzled and even a little troubled by the description of God they found in Malachi 3:3, "He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver." One of the women offered to do a little research on the subject and report back to the group at their next meeting. The woman found a local silversmith and made an appointment to observe him at work, explaining that she was particularly interested in the process of refining silver. She watched as the craftsman carefully selected a piece of silver for his demonstration. She thought the piece of silver was already beautiful but evidently the silversmith saw something that she could not see. As he held the silver over the furnace, the craftsman explained that in refining silver, the silver had to be placed in the middle of the fire where the flames were hottest so all of the impurities would be burned away.<br /><br />The woman was silent for a moment as her thoughts drifted to the fiery trials she was facing in her own life. Honestly, she did not get it. Why would a loving God allow His children to suffer when He could so easily deliver them? In fact, why does God even allow bad things to happen to people who are seeking Him and really trying to live for Him?<br /><br />The woman asked the silversmith if it was true that he had to sit in front of the fire the whole time the silver was being refined. "Oh, yes!" he replied. "I cannot take my eyes off the silver. If it is left in the furnace even a moment too long, it will be destroyed." The woman suddenly understood the beauty and comfort of Malachi 3:3, "He shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver."<br /><br /><br />Yes, there are times when it seems as if we will be swallowed whole by the fires of Hell itself. The pain seems too hard to bear. The fear is paralyzing. The doubt is overwhelming and questions flood our heart and mind.<br /><br />Is God really who He says He is?<br /><br />Will He really do what He says He will do?<br /><br />Will He really keep His promises?<br /><br />Our trials are not random persecutions. Heaven is not in a panic and where we are and what we are going through is no surprise to God. We may be knocked down and kicked around by life, but if we have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, we will not be destroyed.<br /><br />Our lives are filled with excess baggage and waste - a cherished sin we refuse to relinquish or an addiction to which we are enslaved. What about the emotional garbage that weighs us down or our unforgiving spirit that holds us prisoner? Fiery trials come to burn away the guilt of sin and then purify our heart. From those ashes of freedom, the Father then creates a work of beauty.<br /><br />I believe the words I just wrote. I know and accept the truth that trials and hard times make me stronger and strengthen my faith, but there are times when I want it all to stop. I find myself asking, "How much is enough, Lord? How many trials do I have to endure? When will the pain and trouble end?"<br /><br />"How do you know when the silver is fully refined?" the woman asked. The silversmith smiled and answered, "Oh, that's easy. The refining process is complete when I can see my image reflected in the silver."<br /><br />God is not committed to our comfort. He is committed to our character. Only God can exchange the ashes of our sin for the beauty of His forgiveness and grace. God alone can replace our despair with His peace that passes all understanding. Hope can only be found in Him. Our purpose in life is to know and become more like Jesus ... and act just like our Father.<br /><br />Let's Pray<br /><br />Father, I want to be more like You. Give me the strength to withstand the trials in my life. Help me love the people who are hard to love and forgive the people who have hurt and even abused me. Burn away the sin in my life and empower me to live for You. Create a clean heart in me, Lord, and teach me how to live for You.<br /><br />In Jesus' name,<br /><br />Amen.<br /><br />~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~</div><div><br />I pray my dear friends that you are as touched by this as I was... I truly needed this one today. I know many of you are walking in the "fire" right now... God is with you! Refining you! Making you shine! Making you pure!<br /><br />Much Love,<br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; BACKGROUND: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54486/372/1CAFD83BBD9EF0575BAD98C41D547546.png" /></a> </div>Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09490282906820870874noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-725545600126284207.post-80842927526401039702011-01-16T13:04:00.002-05:002011-01-16T13:29:38.014-05:002011 Siesta Scripture Memory Team: Verse 2!The 15th snuck up very quickly! How many times do I utter in a week "where does the time go?" So here I am... ready to begin verse 2. And then... PANIC! I had picked my 2nd verse during a noon time devotion last week! I wrote the verse down on a sticky not and placed it on the calendar. My calendar at the office.... did I tell you that when it came time to post my verse at LPM and write the verse in my spiral that I was home??? The sticky note was at the office. I was a bit upset as the verse was perfect, and of course I didn't recall the specific verse because I hadn't memorized the verse. All I remembered was that it was from Isaiah. Isaiah! Trying to find that verse would almost be like searching for the needle in the proverbial haystack. So I prayed... I read other verses... and I thought about what I need to have the Lord say to me at this time, place and moment! So here it is... Verse 2!<br /><br /><span style="color:#000066;">Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.<br /></span>~ Joshua 1:9 NIV<br /><br />January/February are always tough months for me. Not only is our business down, but Satan tries his schemes to raise that anxiety level about money, being self-employed etc. I worry... I worry too much. I am afraid... frankly there are days that I feel terrified! This verse will remind me that the Lord never leaves my side. Oh forgive me Lord when I rely on my own strength to get through these tough times!!!<br />I am praying for all my Siestas who are journeying through scripture memory this year. God willing I will be able to join the Siestas next January!<br /><br />Be strong and courageous dear ones... HE is with you!<br />Love,<br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; BACKGROUND: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54486/372/1CAFD83BBD9EF0575BAD98C41D547546.png" /></a>Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09490282906820870874noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-725545600126284207.post-31161046841992485142011-01-13T16:51:00.001-05:002011-01-13T16:52:45.995-05:00Winter Musings....It's hard to believe we are almost through the 2nd week of January! Winter settled in weeks ago in our area! For the first time in quite some time we had a White Christmas. Not just a White Christmas, but snow throughout December! It really added to the season! New Year's Day rolled around and temps actually hit the 60 degree mark! It seems that only in Indiana do the temps go from the teens to 60 in a matter of days! We were fortunate enough to get out on the road for an urban MTB ride! <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Look Ma! No Hands!</td></tr>
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After Epiphany I began to Undeck the Halls from their Boughs of Holly. I am always ready to tuck away the ornaments until the next season rolls around, even if a bit sad. Each ornament tells a story... each year I seem to add an ornament or two to my collection. This year my dear friend Paula gave me two ornaments!<br />
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</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">I placed them on the tree in our small guest room - she gave me the treble clef because she noticed I always have music playing... the acorn, because we hand feed the squirrels. They were perfect and I love that she thoughtfully picked them out for us!!!</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">It wasn't long after the new ornaments we placed on the tree that they were removed and carefully put away! The house is back to "normal"! </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the many Christmas decoaration boxes we have!</td></tr>
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</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">We had more snow move through and the ground and landscape is white again! We might as well have snow in my opinion - we can't control the season so we might as well enjoy what comes with it! I went out today and took a few pictures! </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Little Visitors</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jim needs to fill up the feeders!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I removed the red bow, but kept up the wreath - lovely winter greenery</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibDW5iAiHrQqrWOJNEGFz4sLtDWXmVB-cqHWZmedBr4OnJtzQNuOc3YBWJ7nSwQKKSd5RK9RTZNPBL2rmivSodjx9JdgOo1IUNU-Cjhuhz9xMKYTuy-WrNpa1GS4fiwu9fX9UURbX38O0/s1600/wrenhouse.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibDW5iAiHrQqrWOJNEGFz4sLtDWXmVB-cqHWZmedBr4OnJtzQNuOc3YBWJ7nSwQKKSd5RK9RTZNPBL2rmivSodjx9JdgOo1IUNU-Cjhuhz9xMKYTuy-WrNpa1GS4fiwu9fX9UURbX38O0/s320/wrenhouse.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Wren House Jim made for our neighbors</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Long afternoon shadows </td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">We have settled in for winter! I have a lot of plans that will play out in the living room! I dumped my recipe box (by accident) last summer and I need to reorganize. I have too many recipes that need a home in a binder or written out on recipe cards tucked into a drawer in the kitchen sideboard. I have a lot of pages torn from magazines for holiday ideas/ decorating ideas etc that I plan to put in binders... yes... I PLAN on doing this in the comfort of my living room, on the sofa in front of a blazing fire! I really, really, really want to get this done! I have a few months to complete the project... surely I won't procrastinate?!? (roll eyes here) I am also going to start planning my veggie garden! I do have to admit - I'm getting antsy to get my hands dirty!!!</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">I am enjoying the blessing of the<a href="http://christianchick-kristen.blogspot.com/2011/01/2011-siesta-scripture-memory-team.html"> Siesta Scripture Memory</a> verse (mine for Jan 1-14 is John 8:12) I should have started a tally on how many times I have repeated and prayed this verse in the last few weeks. Truly, it's been a blessing! </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div>We are going to start redoing the back hall off the kitchen (the hall connects our kitchen to the living as well as allows us access to exiting the house on both sides. I will post pics as we transform this area! We have a lot of "house" plans for 2011! Mostly it's a lot of painting! It's time - the halls need fresh paint, the family room, the living room! <br />
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Our small group Bible study starts again soon - I'm looking forward to digging into the Word again with my loving small group family! Of course we continue to workout at the Y and to plug away in this unpredictable housing market! <br />
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2011 is yet to be written - only the Lord knows what lies ahead... I'm trusting Him and putting it all into His hands!<br />
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What are your "winter musings"? What have you been up to? What plans do you have for the months ahead? I pray I have a little more time to spend in blogland this year! I have truly missed connecting with some of you that I came to know via my blog and your blog! I hope to meet some of you this year!!!<br />
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God Bless! Stay Warm and enjoy what the Lord gives us during this winter time of His seasons!<br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54486/372/1CAFD83BBD9EF0575BAD98C41D547546.png" style="background: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px;" /></a></div>Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09490282906820870874noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-725545600126284207.post-33209847685069142062011-01-03T12:05:00.002-05:002011-01-03T12:07:08.635-05:002011 Siesta Scripture Memory Team<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin_hzUHtlADSCoWoc1ZJvcA1tJ9NzuNo4VrrN8MtoP2GwoAE35fFjtu_TbkVPECxaKyMk2_pdXM-V35FEbqw1fKOVOqnGWDZGYfwtsJkJ5dWfGAdDtsSAIVq7maIXh87FfRIbkQmb4MTM/s1600/light+of+the+world.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="319" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin_hzUHtlADSCoWoc1ZJvcA1tJ9NzuNo4VrrN8MtoP2GwoAE35fFjtu_TbkVPECxaKyMk2_pdXM-V35FEbqw1fKOVOqnGWDZGYfwtsJkJ5dWfGAdDtsSAIVq7maIXh87FfRIbkQmb4MTM/s320/light+of+the+world.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
I am so excited to begin 2011 participating in the <a href="http://blog.lproof.org/2010/12/siesta-scripture-memory-instructions.html">Siesta Scripture Memory Team</a>! On the 1st and 15th of each month during 2011 I will be choosing a verse of scripture to memorize. By the end of 2011 I will have memorized 24 verses! Your prayers would be wonderful as I attempted to do this a few years ago and failed miserably. By April I got lazy and quit! I am determined to make it through this time with the Lord's help and plenty of prayer!<br />
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The verse I have chosen for January 1st - 14th, 2011 is <strong>John 8:12: </strong><br />
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When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said,<span style="color: red;"> <span class="woj">“I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”</span> </span><br />
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I have this scripture highlighted in my bible to read the day after Christmas - I always get a bit depressed the day after Christmas when the lights, trees, and sounds of the season seem to immediately cease!<br />
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For all my "Siestas" participating - I am praying for you as we journey together! For those who have not heard of the Scripture Memory Team - click the link above - read on and join in!<br />
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Happy New Year dear ones!!!<br />
Love,<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54486/372/1CAFD83BBD9EF0575BAD98C41D547546.png" style="background: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px;" /></a>Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09490282906820870874noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-725545600126284207.post-30801693145545130462010-12-29T12:18:00.000-05:002010-12-29T12:18:35.255-05:00The hustle and bustle of preparing for Christmas is over. The presents that were so thoughtfully wrapped are tucked back under the tree and the wrapping paper, well, torn to shreds and in the trash barrel. <br />
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We had a wonderful Christmas this year. Despite living "in the "minute" rather than "in the moment" the two weeks leading up to December 25th! Both of my parents had over a week stint in the hospital (Dad the week before Thanksgiving, Mom the 2 weeks before Christmas), so 2 weeks of preparation were lost. Hosptial stays are exhausting if I do say so myself. I was over-tired doing nothing but sitting. I am glad to say they are both recovering wonderfully and I am not as exhausted as before. It's amazing how just sitting idle, adding in stress and worry will utterly exhaust a person. <br />
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Christmas Eve and Christmas Day certainly came and went in a flurry. (no pun intended as we did have snow on Christmas) And even though the retail market is promoting "After Christmas" sales, Christmas is still alive and intact at the Schwark homestead! The trees are still twinkling, the music still rings of the season... I am letting it last through Epiphany. Well, most of the decorations will last. This weekend I will start to take down the Family Room tree as we are going to be working on the back hall off the kitchen. The rest of the house - Living Room etc will continue to sparkle for Christmas! <br />
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Jim and I are blessed beyond measure by our family. Christmas night, as we sat in front of a crackling fire in the fireplace I got a bit emotional as I thought about how blessed we truly are... One reason I really wanted a family, when we were trying to have children, was to create a magical, picture perfect holiday for a child... one with both parents living under the same roof as husband and wife, as mom and dad. (coming from a broken home that was something I truly desired). God had His reasons for not allowing us to have children of our own, however, He did provide us with the Christmas family I so desired. Jim's family, my family... it might not be what I had envisioned, but it truly is a prayer answered! It wasn't up to me to "create" a perfect family holiday... it was up to me to respond to Christmas and enjoy what God provided for the world on Christmas Day... <br />
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Here are a few photos from this Christmas - we had so much fun! <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjscIpxfuifnwjtkKdeHcrEyCQ-RRCZvwKqxPlFMCKhcpEg9wvQf7bTSbo9pYuax0cPZ6K55GhDbtM4DBZK5aHeM-PuOiigLQ5PlKmlcmpuR6gyg5SPaV0DjyXDfP-fTmcL70zBb8dH_zI/s1600/family.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjscIpxfuifnwjtkKdeHcrEyCQ-RRCZvwKqxPlFMCKhcpEg9wvQf7bTSbo9pYuax0cPZ6K55GhDbtM4DBZK5aHeM-PuOiigLQ5PlKmlcmpuR6gyg5SPaV0DjyXDfP-fTmcL70zBb8dH_zI/s320/family.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Niece: Stephanie Ann, Me, niece: Chrissy; Great Nephew: Chase</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2A7RNVJBtwG32P2bmp1daM_Y5KhF6s57C9ZkUf0cIfRy92XWEeiZ0eETdENyh3Z06fZ_28fOi5nCtQwd1oTwHnPLPjcUe_41jrCMQ5rvdqlcQtXmNW53h4JbPW8lSHFUP-GkFV3DM0Jc/s1600/kiddos.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2A7RNVJBtwG32P2bmp1daM_Y5KhF6s57C9ZkUf0cIfRy92XWEeiZ0eETdENyh3Z06fZ_28fOi5nCtQwd1oTwHnPLPjcUe_41jrCMQ5rvdqlcQtXmNW53h4JbPW8lSHFUP-GkFV3DM0Jc/s320/kiddos.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nieces & Nephews<br />
Kimberly, Isaac, Matthias & Sarah<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTDyX6_Czx7tNTgoamKoVFLpIh-BJDdQOcpIALEo2tmmRVTVWUYLVQp0wI_z7SSClbkMLy1_9TB7jgvFeVEjc9AhTf6Lmn5CdiZbsInl1ly2BKSuNPlHMUui_KJoeLMYlaiCcGJMCFWSg/s1600/kas+kitchen+stuff.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTDyX6_Czx7tNTgoamKoVFLpIh-BJDdQOcpIALEo2tmmRVTVWUYLVQp0wI_z7SSClbkMLy1_9TB7jgvFeVEjc9AhTf6Lmn5CdiZbsInl1ly2BKSuNPlHMUui_KJoeLMYlaiCcGJMCFWSg/s320/kas+kitchen+stuff.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It wouldn't be Christmas if I didn't get a kitchen gadget or two...</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5HFlQ3x3SE9AQtsj_UXpNry6AautjlR3wK5HHXVK58kg-824ciyh9Lc7m56zv463zCsNxA9ZLhyMGHPCO30MfaVMuHVGxwasihD6ocZoRTgJcVMMBnozF5OQjpcIhncACtVEilaRAB8Y/s1600/amen+to+that.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5HFlQ3x3SE9AQtsj_UXpNry6AautjlR3wK5HHXVK58kg-824ciyh9Lc7m56zv463zCsNxA9ZLhyMGHPCO30MfaVMuHVGxwasihD6ocZoRTgJcVMMBnozF5OQjpcIhncACtVEilaRAB8Y/s320/amen+to+that.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">If you knew my sister... you would understand how true this statement is!!!!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJCnhK_i3zdP_GEHi_gmm1ihR8HS-Xsn7L9DGZq2ITHLR5TnF_mNRHpuZ-_z2FGv71V3hH45guZAzhYXhMWfQHILLJ9apGDVb2dSV_UlUiLKr4skz2_N1HYSHL2EhE-tFAu96OSLysjrQ/s1600/WHAT.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJCnhK_i3zdP_GEHi_gmm1ihR8HS-Xsn7L9DGZq2ITHLR5TnF_mNRHpuZ-_z2FGv71V3hH45guZAzhYXhMWfQHILLJ9apGDVb2dSV_UlUiLKr4skz2_N1HYSHL2EhE-tFAu96OSLysjrQ/s320/WHAT.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sister Melissa got a FoodSaver... Kimberly didn't quite understand why<br />
someone would want to save food! LOL</td></tr>
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Soon I will tenderly tuck away my cherished ornaments and decorations... soaking in the memories of this Christmas as well as from Christmases past. It's bittersweet... but until next season, I will hold Christmas in my heart everyday!<br />
<br />
I pray you continue to enjoy what Christmas is all about. That your celebration, no matter if things went as planned or not, was lovely! I am looking forward to the year ahead! I cannot believe 2011 is just around the corner!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54486/372/1CAFD83BBD9EF0575BAD98C41D547546.png" style="background: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px;" /></a>Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09490282906820870874noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-725545600126284207.post-42753155373137782202010-12-24T09:15:00.000-05:002010-12-24T09:15:56.598-05:001 CORINTHIANS 12 ~ A Christmas Version1 CORINTHIANS 13 ~ A CHRISTMAS VERSION<br />
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Happy Christmas Eve, my friends! Darling Jennifer from over at <a href="http://smellingcoffeetoday.blogspot.com/">Smelling Coffee</a> , shared this on her blog and it was so good I wanted to share it with everyone as well! . It's a wonderful way of keeping the season in perspective as we prepare our hearts for the coming of the Christ Child. I pray your Christmas Eve is full of all the riches the Lord has given you!<br />
<br />
1 CORINTHIANS 13 ~ A CHRISTMAS VERSION ~<br />
author unknown <br />
If I decorate my house perfectly with plaid bows, strands of twinkling<br />
lights and shiny balls, but do not show love, <br />
I'm just another decorator.<br />
<br />
If I slave away in the kitchen, baking dozens of Christmas cookies,<br />
preparing gourmet meals and arranging a beautifully adorned mealtime, <br />
but do not show love,<br />
I'm just another cook.<br />
<br />
If I work at the soup kitchen, carol in the nursing home <br />
and give all that I have to charity, <br />
but do not show love, <br />
it profits me nothing. <br />
<br />
f I trim the spruce with shimmering angels and crocheted snowflakes, <br />
attend a myriad of holiday parties and sing in the choir's cantata... <br />
but do not focus on Christ,<br />
I have missed the point.<br />
<br />
Love stops the cooking to hug the child. <br />
<br />
Love sets aside the decorating to kiss the husband. <br />
<br />
Love is kind, though harried and tired. <br />
<br />
Love doesn't envy another's home that has coordinated Christmas china and table linens.<br />
<br />
Love doesn't yell at the kids to get out of the way, but is thankful they are there to be in the way. <br />
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Love doesn't give only to those who are able to give in return, but rejoices in giving to those who can't.<br />
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Love bears all things, <br />
<br />
believes all things, <br />
<br />
hopes all things, <br />
<br />
and endures all things.<br />
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Love never fails.<br />
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Video games will break, pearl necklaces will be lost, golf clubs will rust,<br />
<br />
but giving the gift of love will endure. <br />
<br />
<br />
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Much Love in Him!<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54486/372/1CAFD83BBD9EF0575BAD98C41D547546.png" style="background: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px;" /></a>Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09490282906820870874noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-725545600126284207.post-21714896207669984362010-12-22T12:27:00.002-05:002010-12-22T12:29:54.883-05:00I'm Dreaming of a White Christmas... <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Blessed Christmas from my home to yours!</td></tr>
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Each December it's something I hope for, yes even pray for at times. A White Christmas. Well this year I get one of my Christmas Wishes! We have had snow on the ground for several weeks. God replenishes and whitens the landscape every few days with a new coating of the lovely white precip! The other night about 4 inches fell and it looked as if we were living in a snowglobe that God had shaken! Gorgeous Christmas Snow! <br />
<br />
Thousands of years ago God did a different kind of shaking. He shook the world when He sent his son to dwell amongst us. To save the world from our fallen nature. To be in very nature not just true God, but also true man! <br />
<br />
This past Sunday, while in church the Lord put something on my heart... Our Pastor's sermon focused on Jesus as "Son of God" the sermon text focused mainly on John 1:14-18<br />
<br />
There was so much "meat" to the sermon - one of the notes I wrote down as I was listening was this:<br />
<em>God wants to be known & wants us to know who He is. He wants to grow close to us and have a relationship with us</em>. I focused on these words from<strong> John 1:14</strong><u> "The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. </u> God sent His son not only to save us, but to show us that He desperately wants a relationship with us. He sent Christ to dwell, as flesh and bone, among us. With that I started to think about Advent and Christmas. Thinking on this time of year from a Christian perspective not just a worldly perspective. This is a time of year we prepare for Christmas Day. We shop for gifts to present to our loved ones. We prepare our homes, we prepare menus, we go to parties, we celebrate the good things the Lord has given us. This brings me to what the Spirit put on my heart during worship yesterday morning. For a Christian we are in the season of Advent - we are preparing for Christmas. Christmas, on the Church Year Calendar, begins on December 25th and lasts 12 days. From the 25th of December to January 6th (Epiphany). For the "world" December 26th arrives and boom - the sounds of the season are gone, the sale tags go up, the trees come down, Nativity scenes are wrapped with care, ornaments are packed and Christmas is over for another year. This has always brought a bit of sadness to my heart. I thought... how can I share Christ... how can I help those around me see that God wants us to know Christ? How can I share that Christmas isn't over on the 26th? One thing I decided to do is this... I will share a scripture verse, a line from a hymn or carol, a prayer etc. during the 12 days of Christmas on my FB status. For 12 Days in a row I will post something new to my status sharing Jesus. So... what does me sharing this idea with you mean??? I would like to encourage you to do that same. Share Christ every day from the 25th to the 6th on your FB status, your blog, or wherever you can. Something new everyday! 12 days in a row! If you are unable to change your status, or blog each day - don't beat yourself up, share when you can. Your blog posts need not be long thought out messages. They can be brief and point straight to Christ! The one thing I know about each of you is that you do share your faith on your blog, on FB, and/or Twitter throughout the year... I am thankful and blessed to be journeying shoulder to shoulder, key pad to key pad with so many faithful, Christ loving women (and men)<br />
As 2010 comes to a close, I pray that each of you are preparing your hearts as well as your homes for the coming of the Christ child. I pray whatever burdens, hurts, fears, praises and requests you have are presented and lifted to the Lord. That each of you and your families are wrapped in the love of Christ and you experience Heavenly peace. I pray that you let Christmas live in your hearts 365 days a year... that you are able to share Him in some way each an every day of the year with someone you come in contact with. Even if it's a kind word or a smile. Someone who I hold very dear once told me "You may just be the only Bible someone will ever read"... Each one of you is so special to me. I am thankful for Blogland, email and Facebook - it's been a wonderful way to reconnect with old friends and meet new friends. As we journey this side of heaven I am grateful to be journeying with all of you!<br />
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Even if your Christmas doesn't have snow on the ground - may you hold tight to this promise of a white Christmas:<br />
"though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be white as snow." ~ Isaiah 1:18 <br />
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Glory to God in the Highest and peace to each of you as you prepare to make room for Him! Christ IS the King of Kings and Lord of Lords!<br />
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I Love you all!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54486/372/1CAFD83BBD9EF0575BAD98C41D547546.png" style="background: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px;" /></a></div>Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09490282906820870874noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-725545600126284207.post-5310083611680186402010-12-15T10:26:00.000-05:002010-12-15T10:26:42.209-05:00Settling in for a long winter's nap...<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">It's beginning to look a lot like.... WINTER!</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Temps have plummeted into the single digits, wind chill has been sub-zero the past few mornings and a gorgeous blanket of snow has covered the ground. So thankful for a warm furnace (last year we battled being "furnace-less"), the roof over our heads, and oven to cook cozy, winter meals... oh and my coffee pot! Gotta have that coffee going! The halls of our home are all "decked" and I am enjoying the sparkling lights on our trees! So happy we got some beautiful Christmas snow! I'm a sucker for snow in the winter! If it's winter... it might as well snow. I was reminded of Isaiah 1:18 as I gazed out my kitchen window early this morning. "though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be white as snow." Such a wonderful promise to reflect on during this Advent season. It was still dark and the frigid temps made the snow sparkly! A beautiful sight indeed. More snow is forecast for tonight! After I work out I will hunker down in front of the fireplace and enjoy a toasty fire and some of my December issues of my magazines! A cup of Sleepytime tea will be involved as well. </div><br />
How's the weather in your neck of the woods???? How are you coming along with your Christmas shopping? Are you baking cookies? Are you planning anything new and different this year? What are some of your favorite Christmas traditions? I'd love to know! I hope you are ready to settle in for a long winter's nap... as I tell my friends who complain about winter and say I wish it were spring... "don't wish your life away." There is a season for everything under God! Embrace the seasons... He designed them!<br />
Much Love<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54486/372/1CAFD83BBD9EF0575BAD98C41D547546.png" style="background: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px;" /></a>Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09490282906820870874noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-725545600126284207.post-79546496785328393442010-11-19T09:46:00.000-05:002010-11-19T09:46:54.481-05:00<div style="text-align: center;">Today, I have the privelege to be guest posting over at Kim's blog<a href="http://quiteatingout.blogspot.com/2010/11/saturday-swap.html"> Quit Eating Out,</a> for the Saturday Swap!!! </div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjiastsErsGplNQjRZjKDa-2IRop2E4SPflSpx2hsCYTe4g33Kmfs2Dpt_n8fbFYHmuoegRRGZB9y2QnSmdmAff8QDDtlPBOY1IeWI45a862dHGnh7TYbHnQkwv9NP-TYxFTsHBUJXquU/s1600/quit+eating+out.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjiastsErsGplNQjRZjKDa-2IRop2E4SPflSpx2hsCYTe4g33Kmfs2Dpt_n8fbFYHmuoegRRGZB9y2QnSmdmAff8QDDtlPBOY1IeWI45a862dHGnh7TYbHnQkwv9NP-TYxFTsHBUJXquU/s1600/quit+eating+out.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Please join me there and make sure to check out all of her delicious & wonderful recipes!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I'm sharing a "One Pot Dinner" recipe from <u>Everyday Food</u> Magazine (November 2010)</div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><strong>Butternut Squash Baked Risotto</strong></div><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Enjoy!</div><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54486/372/1CAFD83BBD9EF0575BAD98C41D547546.png" style="background: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px;" /></a>Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09490282906820870874noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-725545600126284207.post-4179754530421116982010-11-05T15:18:00.000-04:002010-11-05T15:18:56.578-04:00Pumpkin Doughnut MuffinsToday I'm linking up to Kim's blog <a href="http://quiteatingout.blogspot.com/2010/11/come-join-saturday-swap-of-recipes.html">Quit Eating Out </a>and joining the fun of <a href="http://quiteatingout.blogspot.com/p/saturday-swaps.html">"Saturday Swaps" </a> Please click the links for this weeks swap & how you can also participate in the quest to stop dining out, bring meals back into the home and enjoy time around your kitchen or dining room table.<br />
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<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">One of the best times of the year to cook or bake is during the fall and winter months. The cold temps and wintry weather bring us back indoors to celebrate hearth and home. I see no better time of the year to "Quit Eating Out"!!! Cozy meals and yummy treats are a staple for us in our home! Won't you join us, gather around your table and share meals the way they were intended to be enjoyed!</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">One of my favorite cooking magazines is <u>Everyday Food .</u> The November issue is chock full of great recipes. Today I made Pumpkin Doughnut Muffins (from Everyday Food, November 2010) </div><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ingredients Gathered & I'm ready to go!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><strong><span style="font-size: large;">PUMPKIN DOUGHNUT MUFFINS </span></strong><br />
Makes 12 - Total Time approx 1 hour from prep to finish<br />
<br />
Ingredients<br />
<br />
<u><strong>For the Batter:</strong></u><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia3VFujJcoGsULmcsaeW6fJpG4qS0BFdyHT2y9eTgr1kMcBNmEshnAvIJc4Jgei-VRqsYXJ_Tbyp16mu8cWFd_ZoOkwUdpJq6depfD9bMxELXTb6QJEp9Qg5Dx3v0KEm-rUA6e3XVkMiM/s1600/butter+and+brown+sug.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia3VFujJcoGsULmcsaeW6fJpG4qS0BFdyHT2y9eTgr1kMcBNmEshnAvIJc4Jgei-VRqsYXJ_Tbyp16mu8cWFd_ZoOkwUdpJq6depfD9bMxELXTb6QJEp9Qg5Dx3v0KEm-rUA6e3XVkMiM/s200/butter+and+brown+sug.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Butter & Brown Sugar <br />
Can't go wrong!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9j3FWvYYYDyogbHzuDMyTDLLA4gs41IQ2vNNiLwaQ3z2t3pLy0hnP2x60mOQdt6utKzrrbO19pw8gK-oswqe5cfEoSFlbJSb3yskjbOtTwzmy1SBNWX-I9fJzdHhd-RQJABSKGreZ3j0/s1600/flour+pumpkin+buttermilk.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9j3FWvYYYDyogbHzuDMyTDLLA4gs41IQ2vNNiLwaQ3z2t3pLy0hnP2x60mOQdt6utKzrrbO19pw8gK-oswqe5cfEoSFlbJSb3yskjbOtTwzmy1SBNWX-I9fJzdHhd-RQJABSKGreZ3j0/s200/flour+pumpkin+buttermilk.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dry & Wet Ingredients</td></tr>
</tbody></table>•10 tablespoons (1 1/4 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature, plus more for pan<br />
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•3 cups all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled), plus more for pan<br />
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•2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder<br />
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•1/4 teaspoon baking soda<br />
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•1 teaspoon coarse salt<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwFwUHLfFePbDt2dQ16tZkdY9-Y2oz1MnUD2jssrMDHZO9Tp7QC0-7oxrSKjdofCuKNzaGca1KJF3N3AuVQQ-cvl7uFpYw8Yvd0_oRoAG-kZKsEC4s9tcq41lbjgovI4QY578mT58DbGE/s1600/batter.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwFwUHLfFePbDt2dQ16tZkdY9-Y2oz1MnUD2jssrMDHZO9Tp7QC0-7oxrSKjdofCuKNzaGca1KJF3N3AuVQQ-cvl7uFpYw8Yvd0_oRoAG-kZKsEC4s9tcq41lbjgovI4QY578mT58DbGE/s200/batter.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">•1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div>•1/4 teaspoon ground allspice<br />
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<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">•1/3 cup buttermilk</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">•1 1/4 cups pure pumpkin puree (14 oz. - a can is 15 oz. - I measured by sight - the extra ounce I gave to the dogs {grin})<br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">•3/4 cup light-brown sugar </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">•2 large eggs</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><u></u><br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><strong><u>For the Sugar Coating:</u></strong></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"></div>•3/4 cup granulated sugar<br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div>•2 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon<br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">•1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, melted</div><br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Butter and flour 12 standard muffin pan. (I used Baker's Joy) Make batter. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, nutmeg, and allspice. In a small bowl, whisk together buttermilk and pumpkin puree. In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, beat butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs, one at a time, scraping down bowl as needed. With mixer on low, add flour mixture in three additions, alternating with two additions pumpkin mixture and beat to combine.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Spoon 1/3 cup batter into each muffin cup and bake until a toothpick inserted in center of a muffin comes out clean, 30 minutes. Meanwhile, in a medium bowl, combine granulated sugar and cinnamon. Let muffins cool 10 minutes in pan on a wire rack. Working with one at a time, remove muffins from pan, brush all over with butter, then toss to coat in sugar mixture. Let muffins cool completely on a wire rack.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvLLpqrxkcfRCFDuK50iIfLLeR-rouPHUKbwU9MR8GJFeD6mwh-rqzs-046ZlctZpyiXEEXHUh1aNt1jW70IcQStqk4uwymU5lNtvXHUkBhfEPyh9PYQBh91l9lA1Dzdp4QCJrIVnzWiA/s1600/ready+for+the+oven.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvLLpqrxkcfRCFDuK50iIfLLeR-rouPHUKbwU9MR8GJFeD6mwh-rqzs-046ZlctZpyiXEEXHUh1aNt1jW70IcQStqk4uwymU5lNtvXHUkBhfEPyh9PYQBh91l9lA1Dzdp4QCJrIVnzWiA/s200/ready+for+the+oven.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ready for the Oven<br />
Preheated to 350</td></tr>
</tbody></table>The doughnuts were very dense... not too sweet (even w/ the cinnamon sugar). The will keep for 1 day in an air tight container, or you can freeze un sugared muffins for up to 3 months. I of course had to sample the finished product! I enjoyed mine with a tall glass of cold skim milk! Now I need to hit the gym!!! <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcY49_96258jtakOPHoca5mRKkRWsP5q4HB4XN9sP54Ho3UNfDW_ScYJJSQzE3ZDzIkDfsEEGpb0aRxYel-o7tq2M8bK-MOrHoURHIEzldmcSxdcafKpUZr5gtiTpNdXefuR-HB6PhduI/s1600/out+of+oven.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcY49_96258jtakOPHoca5mRKkRWsP5q4HB4XN9sP54Ho3UNfDW_ScYJJSQzE3ZDzIkDfsEEGpb0aRxYel-o7tq2M8bK-MOrHoURHIEzldmcSxdcafKpUZr5gtiTpNdXefuR-HB6PhduI/s200/out+of+oven.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cool in pan for 10 minutes</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN7VmBABZ0bnqXGtTmWxyqwZ_TPRGgqDmGXzSu9TtVErC9DvSsr46v1DL63bu6N3-og4ipQzOL10pxpM73tEs2F1-vPbIxRnBLaSZq082AakQR7hBWdgd3_6lVB8nM8XN5Cny8WRiQK5M/s1600/cool+and+ready+to+coat.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN7VmBABZ0bnqXGtTmWxyqwZ_TPRGgqDmGXzSu9TtVErC9DvSsr46v1DL63bu6N3-og4ipQzOL10pxpM73tEs2F1-vPbIxRnBLaSZq082AakQR7hBWdgd3_6lVB8nM8XN5Cny8WRiQK5M/s200/cool+and+ready+to+coat.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ready to Coat</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6GwNe2IP7JxZHXPbGnbtCieM4m-fY7vQt157UGpcp5VBnh7D7VbrI2zkBFCF7UJbmckwKy3LCUt4DtiA1A9OhcEoKeCneZjn4lKb87h7hDx0za2pGnODqiecDPzAKZJ-7gNCw4zi7skU/s1600/sugar+coat.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6GwNe2IP7JxZHXPbGnbtCieM4m-fY7vQt157UGpcp5VBnh7D7VbrI2zkBFCF7UJbmckwKy3LCUt4DtiA1A9OhcEoKeCneZjn4lKb87h7hDx0za2pGnODqiecDPzAKZJ-7gNCw4zi7skU/s200/sugar+coat.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cinnamon Sugar - You can't go wrong!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhAQXVTEE4HmR_bv4HyFcEn8aU6c4k7nk7gjBlpQvV89-s-9BYZtMND6PpAgXpmF97ZqCQLFMmtPvnQFZ_XnBHHhhR1dCKqfoLAqllbxttbt23SowC1EzKZwv8qUuI2xGOpvCJXgMYayw/s1600/ready+to+eat.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhAQXVTEE4HmR_bv4HyFcEn8aU6c4k7nk7gjBlpQvV89-s-9BYZtMND6PpAgXpmF97ZqCQLFMmtPvnQFZ_XnBHHhhR1dCKqfoLAqllbxttbt23SowC1EzKZwv8qUuI2xGOpvCJXgMYayw/s400/ready+to+eat.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"></div> <br />
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54486/372/1CAFD83BBD9EF0575BAD98C41D547546.png" style="background: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px;" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09490282906820870874noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-725545600126284207.post-4806311033742010082010-10-26T12:37:00.000-04:002010-10-26T12:37:16.727-04:00Autumn Musings...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii-tBY9ynt0jxfgdXo6ZPO_vrc1rNx-Uxj6eeTVvxbRS27hOuZPWPpxtiHUxVDyt4lPeyT8A6J7tAc0m5OxwSRa1wjzjXzc4KOrAtBfoHK25wQ2lVjAhoCPEH6Z4Gs9uzMJfIJ2bS8ETg/s1600/pumpkin+side+porch.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" nx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii-tBY9ynt0jxfgdXo6ZPO_vrc1rNx-Uxj6eeTVvxbRS27hOuZPWPpxtiHUxVDyt4lPeyT8A6J7tAc0m5OxwSRa1wjzjXzc4KOrAtBfoHK25wQ2lVjAhoCPEH6Z4Gs9uzMJfIJ2bS8ETg/s200/pumpkin+side+porch.JPG" width="175" /></a></div>The warm days of fall will soon be fading into winter. We finally received some much needed (still not enough) rain... and more is on the way. The winds have definitely been picked and we had quite the line of storms move through this morning. The wind was wicked! Gonna be a blustery day! I always call them the "winds of change" this time of year. We have plenty of firewood, so I can enjoy one of my favorite fall and winter pastimes... sitting in the comfy living room chair in front of a crackling fire w/ a good book, magazine or a movie!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjouU6GRNeh-0fZt-toc5C8Mj6OdmUwifJF9D90fn0QiIYD1U8FN35uW8k-ZBUf869fFZFGJmZNh0eTZn-KOLWgDpTuQhGK7mt7636cJQP8HdLByEQVpayq8fY1ziIzHl-HCmn6kQZ_tI/s1600/wood+pile.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" nx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjouU6GRNeh-0fZt-toc5C8Mj6OdmUwifJF9D90fn0QiIYD1U8FN35uW8k-ZBUf869fFZFGJmZNh0eTZn-KOLWgDpTuQhGK7mt7636cJQP8HdLByEQVpayq8fY1ziIzHl-HCmn6kQZ_tI/s200/wood+pile.JPG" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of our many woodpiles</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN6raoHGV7uVzAmn3gvJnajyrEKKzHh1DU7afTy-7OQzAUeVS-Rzj4qOEgusu5m9-IW15hk8cyg4gP6dQA8efEOlAgaCQNorR08jpZqBYG-rI7eSDub9lEaxj6ee5aWIRBeQgd4RNIxGA/s1600/golden+maple.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" nx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN6raoHGV7uVzAmn3gvJnajyrEKKzHh1DU7afTy-7OQzAUeVS-Rzj4qOEgusu5m9-IW15hk8cyg4gP6dQA8efEOlAgaCQNorR08jpZqBYG-rI7eSDub9lEaxj6ee5aWIRBeQgd4RNIxGA/s200/golden+maple.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My Favorite Golden Maple</td></tr>
</tbody></table> The leaves are turning quite nicely despite the lack of rain... the landscape is painted golden, red, brown - earthy. Pumpkins are everywhere... apples are a frequent staple in my salads and snacks. Cider, well of course I am enjoying cider from my favorite orchard. So many rich blessings of fall! I have traded in the outdoor grill for my stockpot & crockpot! (although we have been known to grill a steak or chicken breast on a snowy evening!) <br />
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For the most part we have put the garden to bed for the winter. There are still a few turnips to be pulled (I peel them, cut them in chunks, toss in olive oil, sprinkle w/ kosher salt and cracked pepper and roast at 350 degrees until golden brown. They have been a wonderful addition to our fall meals. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEZefEENLuS3HOROuxWEpIwODit1FIaYLR9MwZpo6ffPb_K8IAgurPZdkiIYSX3t7ah4TwSOYRRDA6nAKdKej1rlJjKLdFCQ3-XD3Px5Th1LvyZaFs0uYJpqYkGWo6Ud9LKqwdHIw1Wr8/s1600/brussels+sprouts.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" nx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEZefEENLuS3HOROuxWEpIwODit1FIaYLR9MwZpo6ffPb_K8IAgurPZdkiIYSX3t7ah4TwSOYRRDA6nAKdKej1rlJjKLdFCQ3-XD3Px5Th1LvyZaFs0uYJpqYkGWo6Ud9LKqwdHIw1Wr8/s200/brussels+sprouts.JPG" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brussels Sprout Plant</td></tr>
</tbody></table> The Brussels sprouts plants still stand tall waiting for the Thanksgiving harvest. Each year the day before Thanksgiving Jim cuts down the plants (this year we have 4 plant), we remove the sprouts, soak them in salt water overnight to get rid of any critters (grin) and we enjoy a nice dish of steamed, fresh Brussels sprouts tossed in butter and salt on the Thanksgiving table. I am so thankful that my Grandmother inspired me to garden, that Jim's mom inspired him to garden. We truly are blessed to have fresh veggies all summer long and into the winter months. When I open a can of tomatoes I put up from the garden bounty, it's like a taste of summer in the middle of winter. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAWNb4wzqAYVzl9pbfXxmW2T2LncxLtAj3JoF_BivTtuQ307Q5BDEgk0JebnIXhDzotZqXjXMpNx5ZLAIlP0AKnIA495m9OPHc14YBV83z6pmURuKCUmJSHj8aI1R9xsqeLnYUh7mXc8k/s1600/mum.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" nx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAWNb4wzqAYVzl9pbfXxmW2T2LncxLtAj3JoF_BivTtuQ307Q5BDEgk0JebnIXhDzotZqXjXMpNx5ZLAIlP0AKnIA495m9OPHc14YBV83z6pmURuKCUmJSHj8aI1R9xsqeLnYUh7mXc8k/s200/mum.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of my favs this year!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>We still have quite a bit to do around the house in order to batten down the hatches for a long winter's nap! The windows have been washed, the storm windows washed and put into place to keep out the cold and wind. We have pulled the faded summer flowers from their pots, thrown them into the compost and stored the pots in the barn until spring. This weekend we will store the patio furniture away *sigh* I love to relax on the patio... thank the Lord for my comfy chair in the living room! The flower beds and landscaped areas are cleaned out, the peonies cut down and we have been raking, raking, raking leaves. Did I mention we have quite a few trees? AND our neighbors have quite a few trees. I do believe all of our neighbor's leaves end up in our yard! We purchased some gorgeous mums this year - they are in pots right now, however I would like to get them in the ground and hopefully they will come back next year! <br />
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The bird feeders are overflowing w/ seed so our feathered friends (and the furry ones - squirrels) have been quite happy. I love watching the birds flit around enjoying the seeds. Nuthatch, Titmouse, Chickadee, Cardinals, Junkos (Snowbirds), Wrens... oh and our woodpeckers! We have quite a variety of woodpeckers each year! The bird book and the binoculars are ready for use at all times! <br />
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The inside of my house is ready for fall as well. Fall decorations are up, throws are placed back on the sofa and chairs to cuddle up when it gets chilly. Pumpkin scented candles are burning.... the color scheme of my house definitely shines this time of year! I waxed and polished the hardwoods this past weekend. (our floors aren't sealed - so I still use old fashioned Bruce's floor wax). The windows are also washed inside and the blinds are clean! I have cleaned out the closets, donated items and organized! My pantry is cleaned out, organized and ready for the winter stock up! <br />
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OK, so I have rambled on too long about our fall/winter preparations! I hope you are enjoying this season! Pumpkins, apples, leaves, sweatshirts, bulky sweaters, football, cider and hot cocoa! What's not to love!!! What have you been doing around your house this autumn? <br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54486/372/1CAFD83BBD9EF0575BAD98C41D547546.png" style="background: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px;" /></a>Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09490282906820870874noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-725545600126284207.post-21063634092532762182010-10-07T10:16:00.000-04:002010-10-07T10:16:00.394-04:00Feathering my Nest...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIfX8vBwFe4KC6vPXmYxFjYv2iofpcyiCDGn-Z-cN8PStcuqPRF0VGpVGKjVJS7Re4oiiciUiCK2ZdnP0jeFBLkWEBOD7S9x_oxGifFa8twy7Q6dr9YIVBXZAlwcpOkA536MEBBLf-W78/s1600/squirrel+pumpkin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ex="true" height="276" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIfX8vBwFe4KC6vPXmYxFjYv2iofpcyiCDGn-Z-cN8PStcuqPRF0VGpVGKjVJS7Re4oiiciUiCK2ZdnP0jeFBLkWEBOD7S9x_oxGifFa8twy7Q6dr9YIVBXZAlwcpOkA536MEBBLf-W78/s320/squirrel+pumpkin.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>"Autumn is a second spring when every leaf's a flower" ~ Albert Camus<br />
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I love this time of year... as the year matures into the beauty of autumn. We have already enjoyed our first fire in our fireplace... I was snuggled into my favorite fall/winter spot - my comfy chair next to a crackling fire. There is something about the change into fall that seems to say slow down, savor and enjoy this season. I prefer this time of year much more so than the heat, humidity and the lack of rain we endured in Indy this summer.<br />
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I love to feather my nest, especially in the fall, and prepare for crisp evenings and the cold of winter. I embrace it... I can't change the fact that winter follows as I am not the one in charge of the seasons, the temps etc. I leave that to God! ;) I have found I am in much better spirits and more fun to be around if I don't grumble about what I cannot control! <br />
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I found these tips on the Better Homes and Gardens website and thought I would share them with you all! I hope they offer you an opportunity to cozy up your home so you can enjoy when the change of seasons keeps you indoors.<br />
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<strong>Add a Throw Blanket</strong><br />
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Nubby knits are an ideal companion for chilly nights at home with a movie. Plus, they temporarily add seasonal pattern and color to your home.<br />
Get Cozy: Place throw blankets over your sofa and chairs, and even keep a few folded for the floor.<br />
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<strong>Pile Up Pillows</strong><br />
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Paired with a warm blanket, pillows become snuggle buddies during on-the-sofa homework help or bill paying.<br />
Get Cozy: Look for pillows with a lot of texture so they'll stand up to all the touching, snuggling, and (maybe!) throwing. Then pile them on the sofa and think about investing in or making larger ones for the floor.<br />
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<strong>Gather Around the Hearth</strong><br />
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A crackling fire naturally draws people to it, so accommodate that with extra seating around your hearth.<br />
Get Cozy: Rearrange your furniture to shift your conversation area to the fireplace. Add a stack of books to encourage much-needed relaxation time<br />
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<strong>Line Tables with Fabric</strong><br />
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Bare tables, while perfect for breezy summers, are too stark for fall. Cover them up with seasonally appropriate runners.<br />
Get Cozy: Tablecloths are expected, but a runner is an even easier way to dress up a table. Get creative and use a long scarf, a fabric remnant, or a thin blanket as a runner.<br />
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<strong>Carve Out a Reading Nook</strong><br />
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Forget summer reading lists. Fall is the time to pull out your favorite tomes and lose yourself for hours in a good book.<br />
Get Cozy: Pick a well-lit corner of your home, either by natural light or a lamp, and shove a comfy armchair in it. Place a table nearby, stacked with your favorite books and reading lists.<br />
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<strong>Try an Area Rug</strong><br />
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Nothing heralds the pending arrival of winter quite like a cold floor on bare feet.<br />
Get Cozy: Fend off icy toes by placing area rugs in well-traveled spots in the home. And put on a pair of house slippers!<br />
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<strong>Hang Heavier Drapes</strong><br />
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Heavy drapes keep out drafts and lend an opulence to the room, especially if you let them pool an inch or so on the ground.<br />
Get Cozy: Switch out summer sheers for pattern drapes, layering fabrics for extra warmth if you want it.<br />
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So what types of changes/ additions do you make to your home in the fall/winter to make it cozy and comfy! What do you look forward to the most as the seasons turn! (no negatives about how you hate winter please... remember, we don't want grumbling ! [ grin] )<br />
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Savor this season friends... the landscape shines in the rich colors God has provided! Soak in His majesty and the ordinary miracles many overlook as they go about their day. Take a walk, sip some cider, visit an apple orchard and pick your own apples, bake a pie or an apple crisp! Snuggle up with a good book, your bible or a movie! <br />
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"Even if something is left undone, everyone must take time to sit still and watch the leaves turn."<br />
- Elizabeth Lawrence<br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54486/372/1CAFD83BBD9EF0575BAD98C41D547546.png" style="background: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px;" /></a>Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09490282906820870874noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-725545600126284207.post-87622793159710310422010-09-14T16:13:00.001-04:002010-09-14T16:17:47.289-04:00"The house seems a little emptier now..."<i>"Took Amanda back to school today. The house seems a little emptier now. I guess I'll just have to harass Alex and Liz more!"</i><br />
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This was a friend of ours status on Facebook through last night... he posted it last Wednesday (I think). I remember smiling when I read this post. Poor Alex & Liz! <br />
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Last night, it wasn't the words <em>"I guess I'll just have to harass Alex and Liz"</em> that resonated in my heart, but the words <em>"the house seems a little emptier now."</em> I cried... my heart ached. Amanda, our friend's oldest daughter, passed away yesterday. Sunday evening, Amanda was riding her bike and was struck from behind in a hit and run accident. She was taken to Methodist Hospital in critical condition. Yesterday afternoon... the Lord took her home. There are no words at a time such as this... only prayers... only the grace, mercy and comfort of our Father in Heaven. This morning when I checked my Facebook account these words were part of our friend's status and they hung heavy in my heart...<em> "As for Amanda, I never thought I could feel this much pain before" </em>I am not a mother. I have never been able to have children.... I cannot fathom the depth of pain one feels at the loss of a child. My heart aches for the family. Their house will seem a little emptier now... one of them is gone. This family is a family of deep faith... I am thankful for that as I know the strength of the Lord will be the balm that soothes their emptiness, their sadness... their loss. Please pray for Roger, Angie, Alex, Liz and their entire extended family. I am thankful that in Christ, death is not the end... and this family will be reunited again... in a house that if full of many rooms. A house where there will be no emptiness, no pain, no tears. <br />
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"He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away." ~ Revelation 21:4<br />
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Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever. <br />
~Psalm 23:6<br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54486/372/1CAFD83BBD9EF0575BAD98C41D547546.png" style="background: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px;" /></a>Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09490282906820870874noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-725545600126284207.post-46081741678821710422010-09-09T15:40:00.000-04:002010-09-09T15:40:35.464-04:00Well the kitchen renovation is 99.99999% complete. Just a few more things like one switch plate cover and ummm... well a few decorative items like a rug for under the table (winter is coming and I have to keep my toes toasty!) I am taking my time as I want to make sure I really, really like what I purchase. I need a lamp or lamps for my buffet table... all in good time. Nothing has really jumped out at me yet! Of course I haven't really looked, but that's ok. Of course no that the kitchen tasks have been done for a few weeks I am ready to paint the trim in the back hall (off the kitchen). Fall cleaning is also in full swing!<br />
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So... here are a few more pictures. They are the best, but I wanted to share what we have done!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj_sZNgGzvd0zVKQ0UUkuY217L6eumb2ESyZlIq0enM9ZxHXjDVQikjPGcxsFbz7X2-IlVW54TCGqf4TGNHdWdYbi6MbMnaRSPg-jH-eTd6YmA3jFFX-9UNnsAHd0WA-sK5ofPFOXPoJU/s1600/lazy+susan.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj_sZNgGzvd0zVKQ0UUkuY217L6eumb2ESyZlIq0enM9ZxHXjDVQikjPGcxsFbz7X2-IlVW54TCGqf4TGNHdWdYbi6MbMnaRSPg-jH-eTd6YmA3jFFX-9UNnsAHd0WA-sK5ofPFOXPoJU/s320/lazy+susan.JPG" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">We tore out the counter tops ourselves - the old cast iron sink weighed a ton!</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhilkF2m7SI-TM2OqQfNFem9sLXUMvWfas18ghbMhfaIBzF4a50myXCxqCbJrASRPtZBs5PnTZRmtD7ztL40N7xtUbwtV-zsvo9tytQ1Xg79UdV1WVl7F29K6ZBrBFw7Oe9qv9reEHTOO4/s1600/ctr+tops+going+in.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhilkF2m7SI-TM2OqQfNFem9sLXUMvWfas18ghbMhfaIBzF4a50myXCxqCbJrASRPtZBs5PnTZRmtD7ztL40N7xtUbwtV-zsvo9tytQ1Xg79UdV1WVl7F29K6ZBrBFw7Oe9qv9reEHTOO4/s320/ctr+tops+going+in.JPG" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">Oh Happy Day! Counter tops going in!!!</div><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Installing the beadboard backsplash</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jim putting up cabinet doors (whew what a job)<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwlO5MlN24_NE7OPOZ7zn6o6OAE4n4Uuvw3-wj9zqE_k0rBnoG7Su_5h9n0LHbUAMpqaB777OC9fmezJMTgcR0wdj7T6LwqY1o-RVuzhNHs9_Rv_Mm697QNVIo03wU-Lyx1xPfu2MMbG4/s1600/drawer+pulls.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwlO5MlN24_NE7OPOZ7zn6o6OAE4n4Uuvw3-wj9zqE_k0rBnoG7Su_5h9n0LHbUAMpqaB777OC9fmezJMTgcR0wdj7T6LwqY1o-RVuzhNHs9_Rv_Mm697QNVIo03wU-Lyx1xPfu2MMbG4/s320/drawer+pulls.JPG" /></a></div><br />
Cabinet knobs & drawer pulls are oil rubber bronze<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihQKDQ0_PnqdSzEiT_gReI8q8ayRtshcyx5STXTGDkq67vI6GQeYuLqmpx01bLol9P6mV3q84kkntD7GZUZ8MTJ2ICKIyeyMsNOvFyeAsmhMhO7L7TQJChmjCBOw4a80PR-e8hWSYkeVo/s1600/clock.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihQKDQ0_PnqdSzEiT_gReI8q8ayRtshcyx5STXTGDkq67vI6GQeYuLqmpx01bLol9P6mV3q84kkntD7GZUZ8MTJ2ICKIyeyMsNOvFyeAsmhMhO7L7TQJChmjCBOw4a80PR-e8hWSYkeVo/s320/clock.JPG" /></a></div>Love my new clock - it hangs above the buffet table<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLu0_KvId9DHj7y19wQVPfsLLORWbMN7rnpcqnpcmp83W3npkYfK3DlEkQG4d-aO2uwZGnw2fzeRuamYc5NhjTctxzBv5klFajMzf8pPTqqw_p8hHNw_4FdPtmE-ZhOQwnM1eLGA9jeS8/s1600/from+back+hall.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLu0_KvId9DHj7y19wQVPfsLLORWbMN7rnpcqnpcmp83W3npkYfK3DlEkQG4d-aO2uwZGnw2fzeRuamYc5NhjTctxzBv5klFajMzf8pPTqqw_p8hHNw_4FdPtmE-ZhOQwnM1eLGA9jeS8/s320/from+back+hall.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ahhhh... pretty much done!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcUdLzxjZhjuVzxrN4PkAym4icbLy9-ZT4S2cMNR6cd6-11TUU15Gt-ADaljtHXFywhz0T0-LvfnWVzk92MnulNd5cxGx4SGkB2xc6jlsv5m8imQLaiZWAPmar-MQb2JI7_afIuozWKn4/s1600/cutting+board+area.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcUdLzxjZhjuVzxrN4PkAym4icbLy9-ZT4S2cMNR6cd6-11TUU15Gt-ADaljtHXFywhz0T0-LvfnWVzk92MnulNd5cxGx4SGkB2xc6jlsv5m8imQLaiZWAPmar-MQb2JI7_afIuozWKn4/s320/cutting+board+area.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiyWRDHp0XM1RiVaqV31ATBX7iY-Xn-3EtL4NHo6iGmCEwBLui32woeJeIuZXteihZns78cEGMsVsWqVGK-8ZBSzJx_LAFlcjOyP_HQZAalrph0ovAMDU7FXWFmHF7JBmpiiKcZJdQEjE/s1600/view+from+hall.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiyWRDHp0XM1RiVaqV31ATBX7iY-Xn-3EtL4NHo6iGmCEwBLui32woeJeIuZXteihZns78cEGMsVsWqVGK-8ZBSzJx_LAFlcjOyP_HQZAalrph0ovAMDU7FXWFmHF7JBmpiiKcZJdQEjE/s320/view+from+hall.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZZ-zZnK2oFeCaShiYnrbKj3ubkD1bmnrWZiGrwrjGwmYPYPqYAq04R8ERLBawdHcF171FVXugYBTr0gHPQSjKk53e-CWZmZDw0-mggevT_by2WDi6_VNtOTLXp5W6a1_CGdFoRF7WT54/s1600/DSCF0758.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZZ-zZnK2oFeCaShiYnrbKj3ubkD1bmnrWZiGrwrjGwmYPYPqYAq04R8ERLBawdHcF171FVXugYBTr0gHPQSjKk53e-CWZmZDw0-mggevT_by2WDi6_VNtOTLXp5W6a1_CGdFoRF7WT54/s320/DSCF0758.JPG" /></a></div>I LOVE my new sink! Because we only painted cabinets & didn't replace<br />
we could only get a single bowl (really what I wanted) cabinet wasn't large enough<br />
The sink is really deep!!!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-7Qva5gh6dBmGROhseN6uGlbPKsNhh28uHuxST-gSSbFtWaCfmXzXOfOdPQM9oXZqq856wiiiNsSnwe-OqNlqkIIv1ETKdbYgntw4S7KggF6jG_rUrryRKHu9-7Qg794EuXwShyphenhyphenoVF8w/s1600/light+to+stove.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-7Qva5gh6dBmGROhseN6uGlbPKsNhh28uHuxST-gSSbFtWaCfmXzXOfOdPQM9oXZqq856wiiiNsSnwe-OqNlqkIIv1ETKdbYgntw4S7KggF6jG_rUrryRKHu9-7Qg794EuXwShyphenhyphenoVF8w/s320/light+to+stove.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG7inmeyzx2Lx3PbkV4sThT4ZnNzGQbceakojPqK69HM3Tz8G9GZ1I36pK0JDReTz5BH9wSWxinbgj9TfkCRpriOgZYj-6h1Tv3RCm9taM8mHWBniOJJn8d6EamSlI0FrfKqVAECAr3p0/s1600/how+it+all+started.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG7inmeyzx2Lx3PbkV4sThT4ZnNzGQbceakojPqK69HM3Tz8G9GZ1I36pK0JDReTz5BH9wSWxinbgj9TfkCRpriOgZYj-6h1Tv3RCm9taM8mHWBniOJJn8d6EamSlI0FrfKqVAECAr3p0/s320/how+it+all+started.JPG" /></a></div>The inspiration for the re-do is up!!!<br />
<br />
<br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">I have to say I am so glad it's done! There were some bumps along the way... but for the most part we didn't have too many problems. Jim has decided he is not a plumber! LOL! I have decided I can do some electrical work! Ha! It was wonderful to finally have running water and a clean kitchen! I was able to make a nice birthday dinner for Jim. (even if it was a day late). </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">I am now looking forward to the change of seasons. My kitchen is complete - just in time for soups, baking... comfort foods! I wish I could have all of you over for a cup of coffee... and make some wonderful memories around my kitchen table! For now we will have to meet "Over the Backyard Fence" here in blogland! </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54486/372/1CAFD83BBD9EF0575BAD98C41D547546.png" style="background: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px;" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09490282906820870874noreply@blogger.com12