Help....

There is a precious little boy who needs a home...thankfully there is a home who would love this sweet little boy...the thing keeping them apart is the funds needed to complete the adoption. If you, or anyone you know is able to help this sweet boy...I know a few people who would be forever grateful. At this point, my friend needs about $18,000 or so...less than pennies before our Lord. He has already provided a small part of what they need...a craft & bake sale helped, a school drive helped...They are planning a birthday dinner soon...and that will help. Thank you for your consideration...



Thank you!
C~

I Need a Silent Night

Tis the season...the season when we all run ourselves ragged trying to smash three month's worth of activities into one month. The season to be sick, tired, broke and grumpy...to find material ways to bless and honor those we love. Do you feel stressed just thinking about it? How have we let this season get so out of control...where is Christ in our Christmas and how can we get back to a simpler way of celebrating what is for many, a Holy Day...I am not sure that I have the answers...but I think it takes focusing on Christ and being brave or bold enough to say...we're going to do a little something different this year, saying no to the extra activities that push us over the edge...I'm not sure about you, but I think I need a Silent Night...


I've made the same mistake before
Too many malls, too many stores
December traffic, Christmas rush
It breaks me till I push and shove

Children are crying while mothers are trying
To photograph Santa and sleigh
The shopping and buying and standing forever in line
What can I say?

I need a silent night, a holy night
To hear an angel voice through the chaos and the noise
I need a midnight clear, a little peace right here
To end this crazy day with a silent night

December comes then disappears
Faster and faster every year
Did my own mother keep this pace
Or was the world a different place?

Where people stayed home wishing for snow
Watching three channels on their TV
Look at us now rushing around
Trying to buy Christmas peace

I need a silent night, a holy night
To hear an angel voice through the chaos and the noise
I need a midnight clear, a little peace right here
To end this crazy day with a silent night

What was it like back there in Bethlehem
With peace on earth, good will toward men?

Every shepherd's out in the field
Keeping watch over their clock by night
And the glory of the Lord shone around them
And they were so afraid

And the angels said fear not for behold
I bring you good news of a great joy that shall be for all people
For unto you is born this day a Savior, who is Christ the Lord
And his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Prince of Peace

I need a silent night, a holy night
To hear an angel voice through the chaos and the noise
I need a midnight clear, a little peace right here
To end this crazy day with a silent night
To end this crazy day with a silent night

Thanksgiving Blessings...

Today is a special day...as you may know...It is Thanksgiving Day...a day that should be set aside to show our great gratitude to our Wonderful Heavenly Father for all He has done and continues to do for us...but often, today is about food or football or shopping...Let us not forget to have an attitude of gratitude...everyday...there is ALWAYS something to be thankful for.
Love to you and yours,
C~

Buttermilk Biscuits

Where I grew up, biscuits came out of a can or from bisquick...so I never learned a very important lesson...there is an art to making biscuits...and I have been searching high and low for THE PERFECT biscuit recipe...I know you all have your faves...for me the BEST biscuit is high and light and soft...Well, I think I have THE recipe now...
I think the most important factors to a good biscuit are: Don't handle the dough too much and don't add too much flour...So if you did not learn the ART of biscuit making, there is the condensed version of it...
So without more commentary...THE recipe:

Buttermilk Biscuits

1/2 cup cold butter, cut into 1/4 inch slices
2-1/4 cups self rising flour
2-1/2 cups buttermilk

If you do not have self rising flour, for each cup of all purpose flour, add 1-1/2 tsp. baking powder and 1/2 tsp. salt.

Cut butter into flour until crumbly. Cover and chill 10 minutes. Add buttermilk, stirring only until just moistened. Turn out dough onto floured surface and knead 3-4 times, adding additional flour as needed. Press to a 3/4 inch thick rectangle and sprinkle lightly with flour. Fold dough over on itself in 3 sections like you would fold a letter to put into an envelope. Repeat this process 2 more times.
Press to 1/2 inch thick on a floured surface. Cut into 2-1/2 inch circles and place close together on a parchment or silpat lined baking sheet- if they are close together- so they touch- they will rise higher.
Bake at 450 degrees for 13-15 minutes. Remove from oven and brush tops with melted butter.

I hope this is THE recipe for you too!
C~

Cookie Dough Truffles

Okay, So I am not a real big into eating raw cookie dough...to me, it is just really not that good...but I know people...and I know MANY of them really like to eat it...a few in particular that live in my house! So when I saw THIS Recipe over at the Idea Room, I knew I had to try it out...These were SO easy to whip up and leave as a treat for my family after they got home from Bible Study...and to those of you who are concerned about the dangers of eating raw cookie dough...let me put your mind at ease...these do not contain any eggs! So go ahead, eat your cookie dough! Even though I am not a cookie dough lover, these were tasty...only one truffle tasty for me, but that, also has it's blessings! Maybe I should make these moer often!
Let me know what you think...

Oh, and I made the pork stew and served it over the apple mashed potatoes...and I have to tell you...I really hope that photographer or food stylist..or whoever make it look that good wins an award....cause...it wasn't as good as it looked. Still waiting to try some Pumpkin Challah though....and REALLY loving my new biscuit recipe...I'll post that tomorrow.
C~

Dinnertime: Potato Pierogies

I really love making something special from time to time...something you really don't make very often, so when I made mashed potatoes for dinner the other night and their were leftovers...I decided to make Shepherd's Pie...that is ALWAYS a really great way to use up leftovers. After making a really large pan of the Shepherd'e Pie, there were still quite a few mashed potatoes left over...and I KNEW EXACTLY what I was going to make...Pierogies...they are SUPER easy to make...just take a little bit of time, but for every once in a while, it is just the thing to make us smile. The recipe I like is nothing very special...Martha Stewart's recipe, but boy are they yummy. Tonight, we will be having them with a German style chicken...I still need to figure that out...but here is the recipe for the Pierogies...Thanks Martha!

AHHHH...

A REALLY BIG Thank you to Alicia for telling me WHY that photobucket box was on my blog...that was making me SO crazy...AND I was wondering WHY my background wasn't showing up...I just thought that it was because of Bessie (my dinosaur computer), to my friend Lanita, for telling me how to fix it...and my techy guy...for doing it! You guys have really blessed me today!
C~

ARGH....

Ok, So, I have been trying to figure this out, but I cannot...so I am asking all of you with blogs who know much more about all of this than I do for some help...you know that Photobucket box that has been on my page for QUITE SOME TIME NOW????? Well, I would like to know how to get rid of it...I tried right clicking on it, I tried looking for whatever was deleted, but couldn't find it (maybe I should look again)...anyone have any thoughts that I haven't thought of yet? I would be SO appreciative if someone could figure it out for me!
Thanks!
C~

Homemade chalkboard paint

Surfing around reading blogs, I came across this on Amy's blog and I am DEFINITELY going to try it...Chalkboard paint is SO expensive and this looks very economical and easy...and FUN...I LOVE what she did with these cups...I may be trying this SOON!
Love,
C~

Happy, Busy Days

So, I have been a bad blogger, but time just goes by so fast. I thought I would update everyone on what all I have done recently...
Canning- well, not much got done in this category...I will try again next year with our garden, but start MUCH earlier. Our bumper crops...Carrots and GREEN TOMATOES...we are actually going to pick ALL of the tomatoes today and see if we have enough to can anything when they ripen.
Crafting: Well, I haven't done too much here...we already have 2 Christmas Projects done, and three in the works...at some point of being done. Having some trouble with one, need an item for another and we had supplier issues for the third. I will try to post pictures when Christmas is over...I don't know if my family reads this or not, but I'd rather not take chances.
Sewing: While technically a crafting item, I have a few sewing projects I need to work on...Grace and I need to finish 2 skirts, I would like to make aprons for us...I am such a sloppy person in the kitchen... and I still have a quiet book in the works...
Cooking: Menu planning fell by the wayside this month when my hubby said, "I would like __________________ for dinner tonight." So, now I am trying to get back on the plan...I LOVE menu planning, because when I have a plan, dinner is much easier...when I fail to plan...I plan to fail...I found a recipe for Pork and Mushroom stew that was served over apple mashed potatoes that looks SO incredible. I hope to try it soon and report on that. A friend gave me a recipe for gingerbread scones that I hope to try soon. Today, nothing says fall like gingerbread scones...I hope they taste as good as they sound. I am also hoping to try my hand at making buttermilk bisuits again...either I have not made these correctly OR I do not have a good recipe yet, but I LOVE biscuits and am going to try a new recipe soon. I have learned a couple things about biscuit making that I did not know before...I did not know there was an ART to making biscuits. On a similar note, I have told many people that I cannot make banana bread...I think I know what my trouble is and I also think I have confirmed it...GLASS PANS...I use Glass pans to make it in...and I think it bakes better in metal pans. It is ALWAYS either overcooked or undercooked...NO MATTER WHAT I DO...so I am on the lookout for 2 or 3 metal pans at a REALLY GOOD PRICE!
I went to a baby shower at church yesterday...there is NOTHING more beautiful that a pregnant woman...(well, unless it's me...I do not feel beautiful when I am pregnant)...she was blessed with a wonderful devotion, gifts, gift cards and sweet friends. A friend of mine made her this quilt...they are so adorable...she has made these quilts for most of the babies in the church (some of whom are in their mid-twenties now!) and I almost cried when she held it up...these quilts truly are special...a beautiful tradition in our church...
We have had a couple of deaths too in our church family...always sad on our end...one was a founding father almost of our church...a pillar for sure, the other was a new little lamb and so sad. We are trying to come alongside and support these families right now.
Our family has just started attending Bible Study Fellowship...we are studying Isaiah this year. I am so excited that all of us are in this study. I love BSF and I am so happy to be back...when I last went, my oldest was 5...so it's been awhile. I am already learning so much about this book, about myself, about history and about God...and we are only on lesson 2.
Well, I keep hearing some harsh words...time to redirect everyone.
Love you!
C~

Goodbyyye JUUUULYYYYYYY

said in your best Dave Neihaus voice (Mariners announcer)...

So July came in with my mom in the hospital with back surgery...she ended up in the recovery for seven and a half hours because her oxygen saturation levels were too low...and July went out with out friend Timothy in a coma from Cerebral Malaria...and we thought he was not going to make it through it...
Sprinkled throughout July were you usual things...Doctors appointments, meetings, etc...and also a couple of extras...taking a friend in for surgery, three family birthdays and Vacation Bible School...we also had a surprise...we thought DD broke his foot, but it turns out, he has something called Kohler's Disease, which, as I understand it, is when the tissue inside a little bone in your foot dies before that bone hardens and the bone collapses on itself...it will heal just fine, but it will take about a year to do so...
Things to be thankful for...
Well, we are SO thankful for Timothy being with us and gaining his strength, we are thankful for DD's foot not being broken, I am thankful that I am still 29, and I am very thankful that July is OVER!
August has so far brought the flu to our home...three down...hopefully NO MORE to go!
Love,
C~

Striving for Simplicity

A sweet "bloggy" friend, Linny, Posted this great tip on her blog and I thought I would share a tip that has made life more simple at my house...
For the youngest two children here, I make them clothing bags for each day with their entire outfit in it...no shoes, but everything else...so for the Principessa, I fold her clothes and put everything in the bag, one for each day...and as I am doing that, I try to think of what will be happening and plan accordingly...For DD, I just put together the pants and shirts...he doesn't have enough socks and skivvies for the number of bags I have for him. On his bags, I wrote his name...since he can't read (but can recognize his name) and because I was finding empty ziploc bags all over the house and I was never quite sure if they were his or mine...I wrote days of the week on the Principessa's.
So, I am sure you are wondering...how does this Simplify your life? Well, now they are not digging through their drawers to find clothes...which if it were left in the drawers, would be okay with me, but they ended up ALL OVER THE FLOOR and then because they were on the floor and became mixed with dirty, got thrown into the laundry and so I was washing clean clothes several times...which, when you have more than the 2.5 or 1.9 or whatever the average number of children is right now...well, let's just say...I don't need any more laundry.
And now, when I am doing laundry, I have them grab their basket and I refill the bags while I am folding...may not be rocket science, might not work in your home, but in my home, "It's a Good Thing!"
Now, we're working on CLEANER BEDROOMS!
So, how do you Simplify your Life?
C~

Jam Session

Canning Seasaon is just beginning to be upon up and is ushered into our home with freezer jam...Strawberry and Raspberry...our family's favorites...I am thinking of trying mango too as we really love mangoes, but I will not go crazy with that in case we're not that crazy about mango jam...also hoping to do some peach too...
My other canning plans or hopes at this point are for:
Applesuace- I really need to get one of those peeler, slicer jobs though...
Apple Pie Filling
Green Beans
Peaches
Pickles- been a few years since I have done these
Tomatoes in almost all forms....sauce, puree, chunks...
and...I am going to try canning some jalapenos...we will see about that...

So, I would post pictures, but I am not so sure Bessie can...I'll play with that a little later (and by "I" I mean my techy teenager who seems to know all of that stuff by osmosis or something....) but right now, I need to go put away my jam!
What are your canning plans this year?

Blog Stalker?

So, many of you might be thinking I never read your blog...I assure you...I do...I just have this issue...a pet peeve really...I don't like the way the comments are done...how you have to go to a seperate page to leave a comment...the when you are done, press back a few times til you are where you were...makes me nuts!!!! I wish the comments could just be left under the post...like facebook...I can leave you a cheery little message and scroll down right keeping up with what is going on...ahhh...perhaps one day...but not today...Bessie just can't take it...even if it didn't make me nuts on a regular day...
So...anything make you nuts about blogging...either posting or reading...do tell...just don't get me started on those fancy pants blogs where you have to click "read More" to read more...or I might really go over the edge...do something drastic...like tweet to all my twits or write on some walls...only if Bessie doesn't get her bytes in a bundle!!!
C~

Scrabble

Ok...strange request, but I am getting a little frantic in my searc* for Scrabble games...now, I know t*at stores have t*em stacked up all day *ig*, but I am not $15 frantic ....well....yet....but t*e day may come...I am like 50 cents, or $1 frantic and *ope t*at maybe someone can *elp me w*ile t*ey are out and about...garage sale-ing...t*rift store s*opping, etc...because I need 12+ of t*ese puppies...yup...you read t*at rig*t...and w*ile you are at it...you all mig*t want to write the nice folks at Scrabble and let t*em know...that 2 H's in a game...is definitely NOT enoug*...
So, please let me know if you find any and I will make arrangements for taking t*em off your *ands....and t*ank you most profusely from the bottom of my *eart...see need more H's...

(A little confused...put H's in the places of the *...just a little play on letters!)
C~

Poor, Poor Bessie

Well, when I told you all about our dinosaur, I forgot to tell you her name...we are calling her Bessie...well, because it just fit. Back in April, I rode to a women's retreat with a dear friend...it was her first time driving this new little commuter car her husband was going to be using and she was worried about how it would go up the pass...I told her it would be fine as long as the semis weren't passing us...well, the semis WERE passing us...and we had a great laugh over it...and I am not sure what the computer comparison would be for Bessie, but the semis are DEFINITELY passing her!!!! I feel so helpless as I can offer no help as she wheezes and groans with each page or email opening...just think back to dial-up if y'all can remember back that far...maybe we should have called her Granny...but Bessie, sad as it is to watch her work, is most beloved...perhaps we will have to have Flat Stanley adventures with her...well, except for the fact...well...that she is not that flat!!!!
Keep rejoicing with me though...and don't worry as the semis pass us by...the laughter in the car is WORTH it! (well at least Cheri and Grace will get it! ;-)
C~

We have found a dinosaur...in our HOME!?!?!?

Dinosaurs REALLY do exist...not the reptile sort you are all probably thinking of, but the OLD TECHNOLOGY sort that I am typing on right now...and I cannot tell you HOW thankful I am for it...my husband and I have been giggling on and off for the past two days at the funny things that come up regarding this old computer...I was talking to a friend yesterday and telling her about how old it was and he started laughing and saying, "Now Carrie, it's only 10 years old!" So we are greatly enjoying this new endeavor...but after being without a computer for 3 months...I don't care....laugh all you want, I still get to stay connected...
Oh...and if you still happen to have any of those 3" or whatever they were diskette jobbies...well, you know where to send them...Do not grieve though...rejoice with great laughter!

Comments

Just a brief note...I am still without a computer...but I have turned on comment moderation because I have been having some troubles with a few comments...and do not want that to be a stumbling block to any faithful readers...a couple of thoughts on this...if you would like me to post your comment, please make it appropriate and relevant to the post you are commenting on...we do not need to agree, but I will not be posting anything vulgar. Also, I would appreciate posts in English please...makes sense since that IS the language I speak.

Thank you so much!
Love,
C~

Offline...

WEll, many of you know that I had a computer crash last month (Or so...it really FEELS LIKE forever...it is amazing how MANY times I use a computer in an average day...to find a fact, check email, research something, find a recipe, etc, etc, etc)and I have been relatively OFFLINE since then...I hope this does not last long, but in case it is of some duration, please know, I miss you all and hope to have something to share soon!
love,
C~

He's a Geenjus

Isn't it funny how some of your children's names for things just kind of STICK...they are so precious that as a momma, you just wish that they always said it that way...well, such is how Pretty School came into being...one of my children called his preschool work pretty school and now, it stuck...
Well we have been working on DDs pretty school (yes, I know the difference between a ds and a dd...DD is what we call this child on my blog)anyway...I must say, he is a geenjus (DD's way of saying it...when you ask him what that means he will say, "Because I am a smart boy). I know...it is a momma's heart to think this way...and you can let me have jsut a few bragging rights here...DD is such a sweet boy and it is SO MUCH fun to see your child learn...so this past week or so, we have been working on "A" and he gets it...he sees them all over and it has been fun. He also learned about squares and made a cow from sqaures...I am not sure if it will show up or not, but I love his writing....and of course he had A LOT OF FUN putting one chocolate chip into each muffin cup...of course the best part was EATING them, but that is ok with me. He wrote A in cornmeal...read a poem, we read Ping...it is just fun.

TOS REVIEW: Molly's Money Saving Digest, Jan 2010

Another product from TOS to review...and I MUST SAY...I love this one SO much, I am going to look into downloading more issues of it...this was POWER PACKED with so many practical helps that I found myself wanting to know more, read more...
THe first thing covered in this was a surprise...again, I don't know much about this publication, but I want to know more...so anyway...the first part of this was about pies...making your own crust, tips and helps, step my step instructions with pictures and more...as if you were sitting at your Grandmother's elbow. It was VERY interesting...

The next thing I was intrigued by was the Molly Binder that seems to be the wife/mother/homeschool teacher's COMMAND CENTER and a few pages that can be printed to add to the binder, such as budget sheets, calendar page, to do list, FAMILY INVENTORY LIST (I have NEVER HAD ONE OF THESE, but can see the value of it...either in having an organized way of seeing what is needed and in avoiding TOO much in the drawers, which is the problem I have right now!) Very cool...
MY FAVORITE part of this digest came next...the author shared ways that she beautifully displayed Scripture around her home to help her focus and memorize the Word...she gave step my step directions for making an 11 x 17 canvas that I WOULD LOVE to make as a centerpiece for my home...I think I have a spot in mind...now for the right picture!
A menu plan for a week, a children's activity, lessons on having a checking account and tips to organize and prioritize your life finish this digest out, making it such a valuable resource and gets me checking out TOS Website for more...you can download your copies for $4.95 and bundle options make the copies even less expensive. I highly recommend this product.

TOS Review: Help, Lord, I'm Getting Ready to Start Homeschooling My High Schooler

WEll, I've been given an Opportunity to try out to be a member of the TOS Homeschool Crew...Selected members become part of a team that reviews products for the Homeschool community...it is a very sobering responsibility and one that I also find to be an exciting challenge. As a part of this process, I was given an eBook from the TOS line of products...I had great hopes for this book as I have a high school student and two more on the threshold...I remember VERY well my anticipation: What do I HAVE to do? What CAN I do? Can I teach my child Calculus and Physics and all the stuff I flunked in high school or never took myself? Will my children EVER BE ABLE TO BE A FUNCTIONING PART OF SOCIETY? A very rational thought...don't you think...
Anyway, I had very high hopes for this book. It is a 122 page book...a book of stories of people who have walked these steps before us...I found that the stories were encouraging, people wanting to follow the leading of God in their families, but there were TOO many stories...I was hoping for more PRACTICAL advice...what to do, how to do it, things that Mom's and Dad's are looking for where their children are between 6th and 8th grade as High School looms large and all of a sudden...everything COUNTS. If the stories of those who walked before you inspire you to continue the journey...this is THE book for you...but if you are looking for a little more practicality of HOW it all comes together, you will need to find another resource...
One redeeming part of this book, actually came towards the end...a list of books and resources that might be helpful throughout the high school years...some of which I have and find very USEFUL myself.
THis eBook sells for $12.45 on the TOS website

Miniature Memories

Well, the Principessa had her birthday...and her party...the party was a lovely day...we had several friends over to make dollhouse rooms out of shoeboxes...given the fact that there were many children there, and I have not asked permission to post pictures of them on my blog, you will only see pictures of the Principessa...
So dollhouse passion goes back A L O N G way in our home...when I was young, I LOVED miniatures...I'll never forget the year I was away (at camp, I think) and came home to a 3 foot or so dollhouse...I loved that house...as an adult, I have continued to love all things small...hoping my dad still had my dollhouse, I asked about it...somewhere through the course of time, it was no longer there...not sure what happened...so I asked my dad if he would make me another one...and he did...it is very special...and very large...when I have a good place to display it (or when my children are old enough to not cause damage), I will put it out and you can all see it...but I digress...so, over time, I just put this away until...well, I am not sure what I was planning on doing...
SO, last year, I stumbled across a post from a bloggy friend who re-ignited this passion within me for small things again, and I was determined the Principessa was going to have some sort of a dollhouse...well, that did not work out quite the way I had planned...so I settled my heart on making dollhouse rooms from shoeboxes and then I thought we could attach them to a tri-fold display board and eventually form a house...hopefully of more than bedrooms...she doesn't seem to keen on making a kitchen yet...so that is what we did for her party...made dollhouse rooms. We used scrapbooking paper for wallpaper ( I REALLY did TRY TO EXPLAIN that wallpaper is usually subdued and often the same on all the walls...but who am I to mess with creativity?), we made carpet from towels...and throw rugs too...that was actually much cooler than I expected...

a good friend loaned me her copy of "Tiny Treasures" from the American Girl Library...this book is VERY COOL...and shows how to make very miniatures from common objects. I highly recommend this book for daughters interested in making some neat things. Anyway...it really was quite a bit of fun.




Now, since this is my blog and it doesn't run in REAL TIME...I am saving the greatest surprise for last, but this was one of the first things that happened...so, my very good friend (the one mentioned above...), well she found the Principessa a sweet dollhouse...


I was really too stunned to think clearly...it is such a beautiful thing that we can work on together...I can't wait to go to the dollhouse store with the Principessa and oh and ah over all the beautiful little treasures...It is going to be fun...but...there was just this little nagging deep down inside me...I feel like I am often pulling her to the cool things I want to do...but one look at these pictures (taken by my very good friend...I hope you all have one, because they are priceless...)and I KNEW...
this was something we could do TOGETHER...Mother/Daughter Bliss....



Now, just so you do not get the wrong idea here by my over gushing....the Principessa was blessed beyond measure by all of her guests...dear friends who got her just the right thing...and we are working on some extra special thank yous...it might take a while, so please be patient...you are not forgotten at all...special things take time...and in our home, sometimes they take longer because I keep forgetting where I left my brains last...I am really excited about this last surprise though and you all will get them soon....maybe!

How sweet is this?

What a VERY GREAT IDEA....Love how this was re-purposed!

http://designdazzle.blogspot.com/2010/01/tv-entertainment-center-turned-play.html


C~

Cereal...is it for breakfast?

Have you all noticed the subtle switch in the cereal market? Many are now stating that they have whole grains and less sugar. General Mills is one of those who have made the switch, and I really appreciate having a quick and easy AND healthier option. As a member of Blog Spark, I was given VIP coupons, the online coupon link, and the information from General Mills and MyBlogSpark...coupons in hand, I went to the store and chose our cereal...Cheerios, of course...a staple, Cinnamon Toast Crunch, a nice change of pace, Honey Nut Cheerios and Reese's Puffs (I mean you got to live a little...) Now, I know some of you are cringing...how could you feed THAT to your children...what about Oatmeal, it is SO NUTRITIOUS...cereal is full of empty calories, sugar, etc...well, my family (myself included) does not care for oatmeal...and I cannot be cooking eggs, bacon, etc everyday...not exactly the best way to cut fat and all...and cereal is the option that works in our home.
So, have you noticed all the little boxes on the front of the box? It tells you...right on the front...in a clear and easily understandable way how much sugar, etc is in each serving. Now I love THAT...Also, did you know that General Mills Big G cereal contains at least 8 grams of whole grain per serving, and more than 20 General Mills cereals deliver 16 grams or more.
This site has alot of interesting information about cereal and breakfast...I would recommend you take a look at it. I was a little surprised...try them out...and here is a link for a coupon to try them again.
Still concerned about the sugar? Either grab one that is low in sugar or mix a cereal that has more sugar with one that has very low sugar...and add some sliced bananas or strawberries and you have...Breakfast!

Recommended Reading

Stacey McDonald has written an EXCELLENT article on Legalism...

C~

Josh Harris gets a little too close...

A great message....

Financial Giveaway

Go here to read about a great giveaway...
C~

Difficulties

I have been reading on Facebook and in various blogs and in talking with people and hearing what a difficult year 2009 was for so many...while it was for us too, I think that they have forced us to see where our faith truly is...Do we really TRUST God...BELIEVE that He really cares for us and is only good all the time...Can we see God's hand in the difficult times...as I sit here and reflect...as I am formulating my personal goals for 2010...as I think of the darkest days of my walk last year where there were days all the faith I had was that He Is...I think...those struggles make me rely on Him in ways that I don't when all is good...Those struggles chip of portions of my hard heart and get down to the tender flesh...those struggles form me more and more into the image of Christ...and for that, I can be thankful...I can say today that "ALL things work together for good, for those called according to His purpose." I can see some of the good in it...I may not even know the extent of his purpose, but knowing WHO HE IS helps me know there is a purpose.
I will be posting my goals for this year when I have developed them a little more fully, but for now, I just want to encourage you to be of good cheer and also to press on toward the prize and to Fight the good fight...because ALL THINGS work together for good...All....things....
Love,
C~

Ouii, Wii

I hope you all have had a nice holiday season....It has been a busii December to finish all our Christmas gifts, and I hope everyone enjoyed them...I was VERY touched by my SIL's comments about last years gifts...nice to know they were appreciated.
Anyway, one of the MANY Christmas surprises wii were given was TWO Wii's...wii had asked my Dad to get us one as a family gift...wii found a GREAT deal at Wal-Mart...but then Dana's Mom surprised everyone with one...and THAT WAS A SURPRISE...
I have been wanting a Wii because I have heard that they were alot of fun...I mean a video game you move to...can you ask for more, gamers....anyway, I had my first attempt at it last night...I did not want to HUMILIATE myself in front of my teenage boys...so I waited until they were gone and the Principessa taught mii how to bowl, golf and play baseball...wii didn't play long, because those boys came home, but I am looking forward to getting on more often...AND, in case you are wondering, wii are taking the other Wii back and getting Wii fit for mii and another thing for the boys....

Cii~

Happy Y2KX?

Happy New Year Everyone! I hope that you had a nice New Year's Eve celebration...we had some quiet fun in our house and homemade Pork Carnitas for dinner....man my hubby can cook some GOOD FOOD....
So, it has been 10 years since Y2K...can you believe it? Were you part of the chaos? Storing up for a total and complete crash...now, just to clarify, I do not think anything is wrong with being prepared for disaster and storing up food for an emergency, but that was a bit overboard....So now, how did you feel at Midnight when nothing happened, are any of you still eating food that you stored up in case Y2K had done something, did you buy into the hysteria of those around you or were you more optimistic, any other Y2K thoughts or memories for you?

HAPPY NEW YEAR!
C~