WHY I BAKE BREAD

OK....it's been a LONG time since I've enjoyed the stress of having ticked someone off due to my judgmental views. I thought about saying that all who don't bake bread are being irresponsible and neglectful toward their children and that good Christians bake their own bread. I could probably even spin some Bible verses to back me up. ROFLMBO!!!



No, I won't. I'll tell you the REAL reason I have started baking bread.



I have always wanted to. That's it.



For a LONG time, my hubby and I have only eaten "wheat" bread. (I only put that in quotes because the only thing I know for sure was that it wasn't white.) A few years ago, we got to where we would only buy wheat (stone ground, whole grain) bread.....mainly to avoid high fructose corn syrup.



We go through quite a bit of bread. I considered baking my own, but always talked myself out of it. Well, about 10 days ago, I decided to try it. I had so much fun. I truly did. I didn't use a bread-machine.....I don't even have one. Nope, I stood and kneaded it for about 15 minutes and baked 2 loaves of wheat. It was so easy and so much fun that I have decided to just start baking it. It really doesn't take that long to throw together.



So, for my cyber-friend Amy Q, I'm going to post the recipe I use and maybe some pictures. (It depends on how they look.)



WHOLE WHEAT BREAD



ingredients:


2 pgk. active dry yeast
1/4 cup warm water
1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar or honey
1 tablespoon salt
2-1/2 cups hot water
1/4 cup butter, softened
4-1/2 cups whole wheat flour
2-3/4 to3-3/4 cups all purpose flour



In a small bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water (105-115 degrees) *I find that the hot tap water is sufficient. In large bowl, combine brown sugar, salt, hot water and butter; cool slightly. To cooled mixture, add 3 cups whole wheat flour. Blend at low speed until moistened; beat 3 minutes at medium speed. Add remaining whole wheat flour and dissolved yeast; mix well. By hand, stir in an additional 2-1/4 to 2-3/4 cups all purpose flour until dough pulls cleanly away from sides of bowl.



On floured surface, knead in 1/2 to 1 cup all purpose flour until dough is smooth and elastic, about 10 to 15 minutes. Place dough in greased bowl; cover loosely with plastic wrap and cloth towel. Let rise in warm place (80-85 degrees) until light and doubled in size, about 30 to 45 minutes. (If my kitchen isn't warm enough, I turn the oven on to 400 for 1 minute, turn off and let dough rise in the oven.)



Generously grease two 8X4 or 9X5-inch loaf pans. Punch down dough several times to remove all air bubbles. Divide dough into 2 parts; shape into loaves. Place in greased pans. Cover, let rise in warm place until light and doubled in size, about 30 to 45 minutes. (I do NOT do this rising in the oven.)



Heat oven to 375. Uncover dough. Bake 30 minutes. Reduce oven temperature to 350; bake an additional 10 to 15 minutes or until loaves sound hollow when lightly tapped. Immediately remove from pans; col on wire racks.



OK....here are the pics:


before first rise

After first rise

Punching down

after 2nd rise

Fresh out of the oven

OK, Amy Q....go for it. Let me know how it goes!

MY LIFE OF CRIME

So, I have a half-brother. I consider myself an only child. I was raised and only child, but I actually have a half-brother. He lived in the same town. We knew who we were to each other....and I saw him only on Christmas day.

Only on Christmas day until I was a freshman in high school....he was a senior. I was excited to tell people he was my brother. Most of my friends knew him and knew who he was to me.

One day, during our health class, the students had been instructed to go to the track. Our health instructor was a coach. Being freshmen, the only way we had to get the 4 blocks was to walk. EXCEPT.......I had a brother with a truck.

I ran up to him, told him the situation, and asked to borrow the truck. He said he would, but he had locked the keys in and was waiting for an extra set, due to arrive during his lunch break. Bummed, I walked out to tell the group of friends who were waiting at the truck.

One "resourceful" student found a coat hanger and actually broke into the truck. Being responsible, and not wanting to miss class, we loaded up as many kids as we could into the back of the truck. I drove....minding the speed limit at all times....and hoping that the cops wouldn't see a truck full of kids being driven by a 15 year old.

We made it to the track, watched part of the meet, the headed back to the school. As soon as we pulled into the parking lot, we all scattered like roaches in the night.

Being the good little sister, I returned the keys to my brother. He stared at me in disbelief. Looking back, I think he would NOT have let me take the truck. LOL. He had a good excuse....little did he know that I would break in and steal unlock and borrow his truck.

I got home at a normal time, sat at the normal table and had a normal meal with my family....until my mother said, "Did anyone see you?"

"Huh?"

"Did anyone see you?"

(daddy) "Did anyone see what?"

(me) "Uh.....what?"

(mother, turning to my dad) "Your daughter borrowed your son's truck and drove a bunch of students down to the track for a class."

(daddy) "REALLY? Did you get caught?"

(me...with a grin) "No, sir."

(daddy)"Well, I hope this doesn't happen again." *chuckle*

I then proceeded to tell them the story. They did laugh....and gave me the look that said I should be in trouble. I didn't get into trouble, but I don't know (still) how they found out.

My life of crime was short lived. The town I grew up in was too small to get away with anything.

TEMPT MY TUMMY TUESDAY

I have been behind in so many things....scroll down to read the previous post and you'll find out why.

So today, I'm back for this installment of Tempt My Tummy Tuesday. It's a fun blog carnival at "Lisa's place" in which a lot of folk come together and share kitchen stuff.

For my entry, I decided to do some

CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIE CHEESECAKE

Did you hear me? I said,

CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIE CHEESECAKE!!!

One picture is from the top (obviously) and the other is to show you how thick it is in the 9 x 13 inch pan.



ingredients:

crust:
3/4 cup shortening
3/4 cup sugar
1/3 cup packed brown sugar
1 egg
1-1/2 teaspoons vanilla
1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
3/4 teaspoon baking soda
1-1/2 cups mini-chocolate chips
3/4 cup chopped pecans (I used the cookie pieces)

filling:
2 packages (8 ounces each) cream cheese, softened
3/4 cup sugar
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla

In a mixing bowl, cream shortening and sugars. Beat in egg and vanilla. Combine the flour, salt and baking soda; add to the creamed mixture and mix well. Fold in the chocolate chips and pecans. Set aside a third of the dough for topping. Press remaining dough into a greased 13 X 9 X 2 in baking pan. Bake at 350 for 8 minutes.

Meanwhile, in a small mixing bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add eggs and vanilla; mix well. Spoon over crust. (The crust is still doughy at this point.) Drop teaspoonfuls of reserved dough over filling.

Bake at 350 for 35-40 minutes or until golden brown. Cool on wire rack. Cover and store in the refrigerator.

PLEASE STAND BY

Please, forgive me. I seem to be experiencing technical difficulties!

Today is normally saved for Making a Happy Home Monday. I'll still try to do it tonight, but I have had some issues and I need to vent about them and my day...then introduce something new I want to incorporate in MHHM.

First off, the school kids got out of school early because the electricity in their building went off....and stayed off for a few hours. That is fun.

The problem with the technical difficulties is with my computer. You know, I had issues (last week) with my pictures. For some reason, my computer wouldn't recognize the camera. My DH fixed that. Last night, and for a chunk of today, I couldn't get online. FINALLY, we get that stuff up and going....and ALL my bookmarks are *poof*....GONE!






SO.....today's Making a Happy Home Monday is actually getting my computer up and running again. (This after spending over $100 last week on DH's virus infested computer.)

I do hope you will join me and be patient.

Now....let me tell you what I'm adding to the MHHM. I understand that you might not want to join me. I understand. I'm going to add a memorization component. I, personally, don't have enough scripture memorized and I want to change that. So, I thought that I would start telling you, dear reader, what I'm working on. If you want to join me, great. If you already do something like this, link up on Mr. Linky and tell me what you are currently working on!

This week, I'm working on:

Philipians 4: 4-8

4Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice.
5Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand.
6Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
7And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
8Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

NEW PLAYLIST

OK, guys. I have a new playlist.

I'm very excited because there are some songs on the movie "TWILIGHT" that I simply adore.

I had to do a LOT of looking. For example, there is a song that, during the movie, Edward Cullen is playing. It is "Bella's Lullaby." I know it is, I have known that is it, but if you do a search, you find many "Bella's Lullaby" entries....after searching, and searching, (and searching), I found the one from the movie.

You will probably notice on the playlist that there are three entries for "Bella's Lullaby." The first entry is the one I hear at night...the one that I seriously must have the music for.

The second is Carter Burwell's song on piano. It is very lovely. It is a great song to sit and close your eyes and just feel the music.

The third entry is the same as the second, only an orchestra is added.

The song "Super Massive Black Hole" is from the baseball field. I love that song.

A few interesting things about the movie.....Robert Pattinson, the dude who plays Edward, actually composed a few songs....and in the part where he is playing "Bella's Lullaby"....well, he is actually playing that. No, he didn't compose the song itself, but I think the secondary melody is his composition.

Also, the 2nd time Bella and Charlie are in the diner, after they find out the "animal" they are tracking is really human, the waitress says, "Here's your veggie plate, Stephenie." Well, that is Stephenie Meyer, the authoress of the Twilight series.

When Bella and Edward are in the restaurant in Port Angeles, the background music is "Never Think." That is Robert's (Edward's) composition and performance. At the end of the movie, where Edward is sucking the venom out of Edward's arm, that is Robert singing his own song.

OK...that's all. The post is really about the music....enjoy!

GOINGS ON

HEY, Y'ALL!!!

Just thought I would come on here and touch base. I feel as if I have been neglected all 3 of you. LOL!

It has been busy. This time of year is busy for me with school parties, springtime activities and other things.

Monday night, I played a fun game of Bunco with some great friends. I actually won the $5 I put into the pot....for the fewest number of wins. It pays to lose!!! Anyway, I had spent all day baking a coconut cream pie (esp. for my friend tollesons4him) and a cinnamon chocolate cake with PUDDLES of icing. yum.

Tuesday, after the smoke fiasco, I spent the day on a field trip with my oldest. It was fun....but hot. Fourth graders don't have cute smells anymore...it's just B.O!

That night was spent airing out the house and wiping things down...TRYING to deodorize the house.

Wednesday, I went to the school to teach a lesson on volume (the measurement) to my 2nd son's class. That was a lot of fun. After that, we had guitar lessons and soccer practice.

Yesterday, I FINALLY started on my regular housekeeping duties. When you need to run 3 loads of laundry a day to stay in control, and you haven't done anything since Saturday....well, you find yourself in a laundry conundrum....heh....I like that word. Picked up the kids from school for more lessons/practices and such.

Today, went to the store to buy things for my 3rd sons birthday party. He turned 6 on Tuesday. We are having his party tomorrow at the park. It will hopefully be fun for all.

I do have a gripe....and I have to write "in code" as I'm not sure who all reads. All I can say is this.....there needs to be a school handbook written, FOR PARENTS, on how to be a room mom/dad. I mean REALLY? Some of these moms I'm dealing with are using some questionable decision making skills......well, they are being ridiculous. (Please note that ridiculous has NO "E's" in it.....) LOL (that's a whole " 'nother" peeve of mine.)

Anyway, if you are a room parent, your job is to make the teacher's job easier, when it comes to parties. I'll be quiet for now....I guess I'll go work on that handbook. LOL!!!

Tomorrow is the 25th. I know you don't need reminding (well, some of you do) that tomorrow is the monthly Rudolph Club Meeting over at OrganizedChristmas.com. And I feel it prudent to remind you that, including tomorrow, there are only 8 more meetings until THE DAY!!!

Other things I'm thinking about.....I really want the sheet music to some of the Twilight movie soundtrack. I want "Bella's Lullaby," but until I hear the soundtrack, I don't know for sure if it has what I want. I can't find the part that I want. It might just be some "free composing" on top of the melody. That is fine....I just want to know for sure.

I have some Pampered Chef stuff that I need to get handed out to my friends.

My son's ear appointment went well. We are going to wait 18 months, on the advice of the surgeon. That is OK....now we know.

I have a lot of work to do around here. I feel 5 steps behind, ALWAYS! I need to pull an all-nighter. Wish I still had it in me to do, but I just don't. Maybe in the next few, my hubby will take the kids for an extended play date. *hint hint*

I'm about to start making all of our bread. I'm pretty excited about that.

OK....that's all. Y'all have a good day. I'll be back my Monday, at least.

A DANGEROUS ZERO

So this morning, I had to get up a bit earlier to make sure we were all ready.


Not only is it my 3rd son's birthday (he turned 6) but I was going on my oldest son's field trip. That meant that my 2 youngest boys would be going to the babysitter....needing sack lunches. Since I would be there, I needed a sack lunch, as well. Also, I couldn't just pull my hair back and slip on shorts for exercising, I had to do my hair and work on beautifying myself. (some days are easier than others.)


AND, when we are usually leaving (rushing) out the door at about 8:13 to get there by 8:30 I had to be sure we were all leaving by 8:05 to get to the sitter, then get the rest to the school on time.


NO PROBLEM!


I got up a few minutes early and was through the water, squeaky clean, before I started to wake the boys. The birthday boy was easy to wake up, excited he was to be 6. The oldest was easy to wake, as he was going on the aforementioned field trip. The 2nd is always easy to wake. The 4th? Well, when in a hurry it's best to just get everyone ready that you can and wake him at the last minute.


With my plan formulated and clothes already chosen, I started on the day's routine.


I always make sure the kids have a good breakfast. ("Good" being subjective.) We don't do poptarts or oreos for this meal, but many items are microwaveable. That being said, I chose one of their favorites.....pancake on a stick.


Now when I microwave, I usually do them one at a time....I don't want them too hot or with any hot spots. I put the first in for 45 seconds, got the syrup and unwrapped some others. I also pulled some juice pouches and other things to get ready to pack for the day.


First stick out. Second put in and buttons pushed. First breakfast delivered. Obligatory instructions reminding kids of teeth, deodorant, hair and clean socks. Youngest encouraged to wake up....all on the way back to my room to don another piece of clothing, apply another coat of mascara and find my shoes.


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





A zero, when added in the wrong space, can be a truly dangerous thing.




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





On my way back into the kitchen, I hear the microwave running. Seeing as how none of my sons think to take it upon themselves to "reboot" the breakfast, I was a bit concerned. You see, I was gone for a little longer than 45 seconds.


A zero, when added in the wrong space, can truly be a dangerous thing.


Did you know that if you microwave a precooked, frozen sausage wrapped in a pancake for 4 minutes 50 seconds...well, you ONLY have to wait 3 minutes and 34 seconds....yep.....the timer had 1 minute 16 seconds left....and some smoke leaking out the sides.


So concerned was I that there was a fire IN the microwave, that I opened it (stopping the cooking) to check it. Immediately, smoke billowed out! You heard me.....BILLOWED!





I had fans on, door ajar, windows open.....so thick was the smoke that we could not go into the kitchen for a good 10 minutes. SERIOUSLY! I was so concerned about the 3rd son (asthma) that I put him on the floor....you know....the whole "STOP! DROP! AND ROLL!" mentality.


Somehow, we were able to get out the door, with not a second to lose. I had to hold a cloth to my nose and pack the lunches one-handed to even tolerate being in the kitchen.


Thinking I smelled of smoke, I explained my mishap to a good teacher friend. She said I didn't smell. Good....maybe driving down the road in 55 degrees with the heat on high and the windows down kind of aired us all out. (Granted, she was stuffed up, but I was grasping.) My babysitter said that I smelled as if I had had some coffee......OK....I can handle that. Coffee is not unpleasant to everyone.


SO, we make it to the field trip. We are in a gym. The kids STINK! (One hundred fifty 4th graders with budding B.O.......blech!) We are close to the end when a teacher asks a group of us, "Do you smell food?" I started to laugh. I said, "Smoke. It's smoke."


She said, "YES!!! Burnt popcorn!"


Close, but not quite. I explained, to the entertainment of all the teachers around, what had happened and why my entire family reeked of smoke.


We got home and, yep....you guessed it....the house STILL smells. Shoot, there might even be smoke damage somewhere. So here I sit, typing this up, throat hurting (smoke inhalation is painful), windows open, fans going, candles burning, OUST sprayed and contemplating how much laundry I am going to have to do to finally be rid of the smell.


Never, NEVER underestimate the power of one, hollow zero.

ETA: The picture of the microwave is not my own...though the depiction is VERY accurate.

MAKING A HAPPY HOME MONDAY

Welcome to another Making a Happy Home Monday.

This is a blog carnival that I host in which I wish to be held accountable....I need to be held accountable in getting some housework done.

I hope to inspire and encourage others to accomplish things around the house. That being said, I would love for you to join me and post about some of your projects.

Pick a project...ANY project. Make it big or small. Make it clean, more organized or prettier. Whatever you do, make it happier.....the happiness can filter down into your home.

For my entry, I would like to post about our garage.

AND, I'm disappointed that, as yet, I have NO pictures.

Wait, that is not right. I DO have pictures, but for some reason, they will not download. I suspect it has something to do with the work my DH was doing on my computer. I have in a "trouble call" to him, but as he is on the east coast right now, it might be a bit before he gets back with me. As soon as he does, and I figure this out, I will get the pics up.

So, I'll try to describe. This task.....this major undertaking.....was actually done by my hubby and his dad. They spent an afternoon and worked a small miracle, it would appear.

Picture a very messy, VERY packed, 2 car garage. (Perhaps you are picturing your garage?) Neither FTU would fit in the garage due to the dresser, entertainment center, 4 or 5 bikes, 1 tricycle, 2 big wheels, Tiny Coupe, 2 small 4-wheelers, 2 BIG 4-wheelers, boxes of teaching stuff...like 12 boxes, a Christmas tree, fridge, fans, boxes with dishes, stuffed animals, 2 card tables, 8 chairs......you know? I can't even finish as I don't even know.

A lot of stuff got put on the curb in hopes of adoption. Now, both FTUs fit quite nicely....bring on the hail....we can handle it. :) The only thing I have to work on is the school stuff....it was just stacked neatly, awaiting my going through it. AND, I have to wait until hubby is home because, from what I understand, there was a certain amount of mouse "left-overs" and I'm worried about the "EW" factor.

Please, join me. If you would like to post about a project, please link up on Mr. Linky. I can't wait to see what you have to share!

VERY IMPORTANT UPDATE!!!

I have just foud out 2 wonderful things.

FIRST.....Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince will be opening 2 days earlier than expected....July 15 instead of the 17th. WOOT!

ALSO, there is a new movie trailer.......

BEHOLD!

TODAY IS A BIG DAY

So, if you have followed this blog for awhile, or you know me, then you know about my 3rd son. He has a condition called microtia-atresia.....in lay-terms "little ear with no ear canal."

He was born that way. I have posted a few times about it here.

Anyway, at some point between the age of 5-8 he will undergo the process to reconstruct his ear. I'm excited for him.....I'm terrified.

Today, my hubby takes him for a "check-up" of sorts to see if he is finally big enough to undergo the harvest of rib cartilage. He might not be. He is pretty small. We won't be surprised if we are told to wait another year. Part of me wants to wait. Part of me wants to get going.

I have reasons for both.

On the one hand, I don't want him starting kindergarten looking different. Oh sure, it's really easy to say that looks don't matter....it's really easy to say that if your child doesn't have a different look. Kids are cruel....even in kindergarten.

On the other hand, I do not want him to have to go through those surgeries...period. If I could do any of this for him, I would in a second. As it stands, the only thing I can do is pray, cry and love on him when he's scared or hurting.

SO....please pray for us for as long as this may take. It could be a matter of months before we are done.....or years. Whatever the time frame, I can assure you it is going to seem like a long time.

TEMPT MY TUMMY TUESDAY

Hey, y'all!

This blog carnival, Tempt My Tummy Tuesday, is hosted by Lisa and her sister Lana. They have a lot of people link up and share tips, recipes and product reviews...anything kitchen related. It is a lot of fun. Hope y'all will join us.

I'm putting up one of my current faves....and an EASY summertime favorite.

STRAWBERRY SHORTCAKE

Now before you turn away, I need you to know this is HOMEMADE Strawberry shortcake.

It is not one of those tiny, yellow cakes with a dent in the top.

I do NOT use Cool Whip.

The strawberries are fresh and free from the packaged red "goo" that is sold in the produce section.

So please read on. This is not hard AT ALL. Each step, in and of itself, doesn't take long, but you do have to plan ahead a bit.

First, you need.......

THE CAKE

Shortcake is basically a sweetened biscuit with eggs. It is not overly sweet...not as sweet as a regular cake...and a bit dense. You can drop the batter to make individual cakes or bake in a round pan like I do.

ingredients:

2 cups all purpose flour

1/2 cup sugar

1 tablespoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup butter

3/4 cup milk

2 eggs, slightly beaten

Heat oven to 375. Grease and flour an 8 or 9 inch round cake pan. In large bowl, combine flour, sugar, powder and salt. Using pastry blender or fork, cut in butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add milk and eggs. Stir just until dry ingredients are moistened. Spoon into flour. Bake at 375 for 25-30 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool 10 minutes; invert onto serving platter

While that is going, you may turn your attention to....

THE STRAWBERRIES

Wash some strawberries. Above, I have about 10-12 berries. The stems are removed. After washing, I sliced them. You can also quarter if you want the berries chunkier. Add about 1/2 cup or so of sugar and stir to coat. Leave them on your counter for about 1 hour or so, stirring every 15 minutes, more or less. The sugar draws out moisture, much as salt does, and will naturally glaze the fruit. It is not as thick as the gloppy goop you can get in the store, but it is a lot better.

OK...the cake is baked and the strawberries have a nice juice....time to assemble.

Uh-oh....forgot the cream.

WHIPPING CREAM

Yes, my friend. The real deal. Cool Whip should NOT be considered for several reasons...the least of which is....yuck. You are making HOMEMADE STRAWBERRY SHORTCAKE! Don't ruin it with something like Cool Whip.

Get a carton of whipping cream or heavy cream (they are the same, despite the label.)

Pour some into a bowl. (Unlike egg whites, you don't have to worry about oil residue on the bowl. If it is hot outside, I suggest you chill the bowl (glass is best) and beaters, else you will be standing there a long time...otherwise, it should take you about 2 minutes, tops.)

When you sweeten whipped cream, I suggest you use powdered sugar so your cream won't have a grainy texture. For this, though, you really need to NOT sweeten it.*

*Note...I didn't say, "You DON'T need to sweeten it."

I said, "You really NEED TO NOT sweeten it."

The berries are sweet. The cake is slightly sweet. Sweetened whipped cream is too much.

I know, I know....not everyone likes real cream...you probably don't like real butter either, but you need to get over that.....real is best. :)

OK....NOW it's time to assemble.....

I cut the cake into pie-shaped pieces. I then split the piece horizontally. (A yummy secret is to take some extra juice and let it soak into the bottom piece of cake.) Top with a few berries and small dollop of whipped cream. Top with the top half of cake, more berries and more whipped cream. This would be pretty garnished with a fresh, sliced berry (still together at the top stem) or a sprig of mint.

If you are like me, you could do without all this and just put your face into the bowl of cream....but I digress.

I sure hope you enjoy this!

COOL VIDEO FROM MY CHURCH

BE BLESSED

MAKING A HAPPY HOME MONDAY

*SIGH*

Why do I keep doing this?

I'm talking about the Making a Happy Home Monday. I get a lot of hits on my blog...so somebody likes it. Thanks!

But on the Making a Happy Home Monday, I do get discouraged because nobody seems to enjoy it.

I take that back. I do know why I continue. I have been told by a certain friend that she will read and sometimes, it is an encouragement in the middle of life with her 4 kids*. I was happy to be able to share a hug with her. SO, for this one friend....I continue. What she told me is the exact reason I'm doing this. That being said....I will put up Mr. Linky for awhile longer. Link up if you want. Either way, I hope you enjoy.

*I have many friends with 4 kids. I'm not TALKING about you...I'm talking about HER!

SO here we go for Making a Happy Home Monday.

What is it? It is a blog carnival...well, barely that, it is almost a monologue, in which I attempt to inspire and encourage women to take on a task, big or small, to improve an area of their homes.

When there is something that is dirty or messy, ugly, or just not functional, it is very hard to be happy. Often times, I might not even like the results...however, just attempting to make it better is a big lift to me.

For this installment, I'm going to focus on my dining room. We (remember, "we" in my house really means my Hunka Burnin' Love).....so, WE hung curtains.

I know that doesn't seem like a big thing, but for me, it is. Back in the first half of our marriage, we moved a LOT (something I plan to blog about someday). It seemed like right when I would get something set just right, we would move....I finally gave up. I stopped hanging things like pictures and curtains.

Now don't misunderstand. I haven't been in this house for 5 1/2 years without curtains in my dining room. But, when we peeled wallpaper and painted in there, we got rid of the curtains.....I have been without since November. We finally found exactly what we like and hubby put them up for me.

They match PERFECTLY!!!

What do you think?

RESURRECTION SUNDAY

**originally posted in 2007**

We color eggs. We hide, then hunt, the eggs. We eat chocolate bunnies (ears first, of course.) We buy new clothes.

We bake cookies and enjoy all bunny, egg, and chick treats. And most importantly, we remember the true meaning of the day.

This Sunday is the most important Sunday to my family.

My children are just starting to learn what this season means. We talk about it every year (and even throughout the year.) What is so hard is getting them to really KNOW and UNDERSTAND and BELIEVE that all the things Jesus did for the world He did for me, for my children, for YOU!

As I grow, I am hit with this reality more and more. I grew up believing, but it's only in my older years that I'm understanding the sacrifice; the things that Jesus went through for YOU!

Isaiah refers to stripes on His back.....39 stripes, to be exact. These stripes were for healing. Healing is just one of the many things that I am secure in...all because Jesus died on the cross for me and YOU!

Please remember the true "REASON FOR THE SEASON!"

Spiritual truth #1 - No one is good. All are sinners

For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God -Romans 3:23

Spiritual Truth #2 - The payment for sin is death. If you sin, you have been sentenced to the death penalty, and an eternity away from God.

For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. -Romans 6:23

Spiritual truth #3 - Jesus paid the death penalty for us.

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. -John 3:16-17

Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. -John 14:6

I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. -John 10:10

Spiritual truth #4 - To accept the free gift of salvation, you must accept Jesus as your Lord and saviour.

Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. -2 Corinthians5:17

That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. -Romans 10:9-11

The above scripture says you need to do three things:

Confess the Lord Jesus with your mouth

Believe in your heart

Don't be ashamed

If you want to be saved and born again, and you are ready to become a new creature in Christ, then pray the following prayer. You can do this right now...right where you are. God will hear you:

Dear Lord, Thank You so much for sending Your Son to pay for my sins, by dying in my place. I accept Jesus as Lord and Savior, and I believe that Jesus died and rose from the dead. Thank You for Your free gift of salvation, I gladly accept it. Amen~

If you did this, please let me know in the comment section. I will pray for you.

God bless you as you prepare for Resurrection Sunday.

TEMPT MY TUMMY TUESDAY

Hey, y'all. Sorry I'm late. It has been a busy, busy week. (It was busy last week, too...didn't get to post at all.)

Anyway, I'm here to put up something for Tempt My Tummy Tuesday. It's a blog carnival hosted by Lisa and her sister Lana. It is a lot of fun. You can really learn a lot in recipes, kitchen tips and product reviews. I hope you will join us.

One of my favorite products is cream cheese....whip that stuff up with a bit of sugar and I can just put my face in it....but I digress.

For my recipe for Tempt My Tummy Tuesday I am going to post:

Cream Cheese Squares (I have also heard this called "Neiman Marcus Cake")

ingredients:

1 stick melted butter

1 egg, beaten

1 box yellow cake mix

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1 (8 oz) block cream cheese

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2 eggs, beaten

1 cup brown sugar

1 cup powdered sugar

1 tsp. vanilla

Combine melted butter, 1 egg and cake mix. Spread mixture in buttered 9 x 13 inch pan.

Combine remaining ingredients, beat until smooth. Pour over cake mixture. Bake at 325 for 45 minutes or until golden.

Sprinkle with extra powdered sugar.

Then SLAP YO MOMMA!!!

STELLAN

Hey, y'all. This precious baby's name is Stellan. I found out about him through my friend here. I'm going to cut and paste her post.

"Maybe some of you remember me talking about this Sweet Baby last summer...when doctor's told his Sweet Mama that he wouldn't live to be born.

Well, there was a humongous prayer movement and he was MIRACULOUSLY healed of his life threatening heart issues. He was born healthy and has stayed that way until just a few days ago.

What started as an ER visit for some alarming respiratory symptoms ended with an dangerously high heart rate and an ambulance ride to a more specialized hospital.

Look at his tired face. This baby needs another miracle. His Mama needs another miracle. Please lift him up in prayer and tell all of your friends and family to do the same.

You can visit his Mama's blog by clicking on the button over there <--------. Leave her a comment to let her know you are thinking of her. She doesn't have time to reply to all of them...but she reads every, single one. "

The only thing I need to change is the arrow...I have Stellan's button over here ------>.

James 5:16 says: Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.

So I'm asking that anyone who believes in the power of prayer, to please say a prayer for:

Stellan - that he experience a supernatural touch from God. Jehovah-Rophe: The Lord Who Heals

Stellan's family - as they face uncertainty and difficult decisions. Jehovah-Shalom: The Lord Our Peace

their finances - I don't really need to say anymore. Jehovah-Jireh: The Lord Will Provides

Pass the word. Please put this button on your blog. Say a prayer. Copy this post if you want.

MAKING A HAPPY HOME MONDAY

Hello, y'all. It is time for another "Making a Happy Home Monday." This is a blog carnival that I started a few months back, in most part to keep me accountable to my own job.

By posting pictures and doing this every week, I hope to encourage and inspire others to do the same....or something similar. You see, if your home is in chaos (or C.H.A.O.S.), then I just don't see how you can be happy. I know I can't. BUT, it is hard to make myself do stuff sometimes. So, I have decided to focus on one thing at a time. I might only do 1 thing per week...I might do 1 thing per day, but the point is, I'm doing SOMETHING. I try to make certain areas prettier, neater, or more functional.

That being said, I would love for you to join me in this. Post some before and after pictures if you can. Describe things you are doing. Give me some ideas of areas I have forgotten about. Just sign up on Mr. Linky. Then, in your own blog, please refer back to here.

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For this week, I chose to continue the last MHHM I did.....bathroom cabinets. Only this time, they are mine.

This is really embarrassing....

There are several new razors in there (that you can't see.) Floss and flossers, vitamins, meds, curling irons, hair dryer, lotions, nail stuff....all sorts of crap that I NEED, but need better access to. SO, after about 20 minutes, here you go:

FUN FACT FRIDAY

I know y'all realy missed this last week. LOL! Since we were so busy getting ready for district, I didn't have a chance to put anything up. I'm sorry if you were disappointed. =) I'll post about district later.

The tip of a bullwhip moves so fast that it breaks the sound barrier. The crack of the whip is actually a tiny sonic boom.

MANATEE

I love these little guys.....well, not little. Big...REALLY big.

I never really knew what they were until we lived in Florida. You did know we lived in Florida, right? I'm Texan, born and bred, but Florida is the ONLY other state that I would move to. But, I digress

I guess if I saw a picture of them, I would know what they were, but I never had experience with them. I mean, why would I....growing up in west Texas and all? I haven't thought about manatee in a long time...until this morning. I was flipping through the TV and I stopped on "Sunrise Earth." What a genius thing, actually! They showed manatee. They are so beautiful.

My Florida experiences were a lot of fun (some scary...but that is a whole "nother" post for a whole "nother" day.) The animals were the coolest. I used to go to a park on a river during my lunch time. Every now and then, you could see dolphins playing, you would hear splashes in the water, see really TALL birds walking along or even see a space shuttle shooting into space.

While in Florida, we lived between 2 rivers. From my front door, crossing the river, crossing the barrier island and hitting the sand of the beach took all of 10 minutes. What a dream! It was on one of those journeys when I saw a LOT of folk gathered at one of the little coves, between what is called, "The Fingers." I pulled over because I'm nosy....heh....no other reason.

Come to find out, the manatee were migrating down and like to come into the fresh water. Right in that area was some sort of plant (not the vegetarian kind, but industrial) that heated the water and drew the manatee to the area. I was fascinated and talked and talked to one nice lady who was giving me the "411" on these creatures. I soon found out that she was a reporter for the local paper....yep, I was in the paper. Cool, huh?

Well, my hubby and I often went to the same location to see these guys. And often, during my lunch hour, I could see them in the river as they came up for air and would sun a bit.

Before we moved back west, my hubby and I drove down to Key West. We decided to enjoy a toast at sunset...standing thigh deep in the water. It wasn't long before one of us was almost knocked off our feet by one of these guys. They love people. We patted them as they swam around us. It was fascinating. I remember almost crying at the thought of this giant ocean mammal being so close....so gentle.

Yep, if we leave Texas, I must go to Florida.....