tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-46634866882200512322024-03-04T22:20:01.313-08:00Stewardship Not Conveniencemy quest to rethink biblical stewardshipBethChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10736191798621938170noreply@blogger.comBlogger46125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4663486688220051232.post-27578408585518677612010-10-13T06:15:00.000-07:002010-10-13T06:15:32.228-07:00Blogging BreakHey folks! I am currently taking a break from blogging here at Stewardship Not Convenience. You can catch me periodically at <a href="http://www.keeperofthehome.org/">Keeper of the Home</a>. Thanks for your patience!!BethChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10736191798621938170noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4663486688220051232.post-77692267917096019482010-04-26T10:47:00.000-07:002010-04-29T16:15:41.626-07:00Giveaway WinnerThank you all so much for all your giveaway entries and lovely, encouraging comments! I really loved doing the tutorial for you. If you haven't gotten a chance to become a follower of my blog, I'd love it if you'd follow me along on my journey. My posting is sometimes a bit sporadic during the school year because with homeschooling and all our other activities, I get a bit swamped. And now, we've added two new foster children to our family this week, bring our child count up to 6! <div><br /></div><div>Okay, on to the winner of the giveaway! </div><div><br /></div><div>Congratulations to Jennifer @ <a href="http://aheavenlyperspective.blogspot.com/">A Heavenly Perspective</a>. Please contact me shortly so I can get your address!</div><div><br /></div><div>Again, thanks for all who entered the contest!</div><div><br /></div><div>~Beth</div>BethChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10736191798621938170noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4663486688220051232.post-84888184151550182152010-04-21T07:54:00.000-07:002010-04-24T18:40:52.393-07:00Soap Making Giveaway<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq-Z23dIhbeFzlDa5XFtHsgaZIDXb3XyoVhyDIOrEg9hIRK45DTWqGLWbfR0UaTG08dKBvDqHUjk3Hxs0HB5KKzQn_EQA2hk8EFlSlxPFZzEJxFTqFjl_UJzqlnSbh0CMB5xy82We7h2q-/s1600/finishsoap.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq-Z23dIhbeFzlDa5XFtHsgaZIDXb3XyoVhyDIOrEg9hIRK45DTWqGLWbfR0UaTG08dKBvDqHUjk3Hxs0HB5KKzQn_EQA2hk8EFlSlxPFZzEJxFTqFjl_UJzqlnSbh0CMB5xy82We7h2q-/s400/finishsoap.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5462604516227486466" /></a><br /><div><br /></div>If you are wanting to enter my soap giveaway, just leave a comment on this post. Sorry for the confusion!<div><br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:medium;"><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; ">One lucky winner will receive 4 bars of soap (1 pound of soap) from the batch I made <a href="http://www.keeperofthehome.org/2010/04/squeaky-clean-fun-a-soap-making-photo-tutorial.html">my soap making tutorial</a>! This will give you a way to experience the homemade soaps before you actually start making your own. I love the mild, pleasant smell of fresh lye soap, and I hope you do, too!</p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><br /></p><ul><li>To enter, please leave a comment on this page with your name and some way to contact you.</li><li>To get a second entry, please become a follower of my website, and then leave a comment that lets me know you did so.</li></ul><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><br /></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; ">I will leave the giveaway open until Saturday, April 24th. At that point, I will choose the winner with random.org, and I will contact the winner. Good luck!</p></span></div><div><br /></div></div>BethChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10736191798621938170noreply@blogger.com51tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4663486688220051232.post-45084278883545819482010-03-18T10:56:00.001-07:002010-03-18T11:05:59.820-07:00Save on ScrapbookingFor all of you out there that have been thinking about digital scrapbooking, you can now get the scrapbooking program that I use--My Memories Suite--for 10% off. To take advantage of this, just click on the ad in the lefthand column, and use <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#33CC00;">GMC10off</span> as your coupon code. It's already a really good price for digital scrapbooking software, but an extra 10% is a nice perk. When I started with this program, I had to wait for the software to get shipped to me. But now you can just download it and get started today! You can check out their store, too, because they have some pretty cute new designs in the store!<div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><i>Note: I am an affiliate with My Memories Suite, so I do get a small percentage of each sale, but I only promote products that I really believe in, and as you have seen previously on my blog, I really love this scrapbooking software! Actually, I even designed my blog background with MMS!</i></span></div>BethChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10736191798621938170noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4663486688220051232.post-33378041371251917812010-03-10T06:19:00.000-08:002010-03-10T06:22:51.305-08:00Check It Out!I'm so happy to let you know that I am a new guest contributor on one of my favorite blogs--<a href="http://www.keeperofthehome.org">Keeper of the Home</a>. The Keeper of the Home blog was one of the blogs I read a lot when I was first trying out a more natural approach to life. So I feel blessed to get the opportunity to contribute. You can find <a href="http://http//www.keeperofthehome.org/2010/03/cutting-down-on-waste-in-the-kitchen-tossing-the-paper.html">my article </a>there today!BethChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10736191798621938170noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4663486688220051232.post-29837038193261789942010-03-03T06:36:00.000-08:002010-03-03T09:42:48.932-08:00We're Sick Again<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJPoztU9vO0QGS3WrPFc3VHVLJaGwZ3qNdsLTfS3g_1W8MiZ6BONXTcyztx7qFyznF2k2wu7nsYktYdyr5sCZB8C2ijOvFcuVuvI8FOcmf1ox6WotJkOMu-CP9pzOBmax1SUsZIWJLDz1C/s1600-h/elderberry.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJPoztU9vO0QGS3WrPFc3VHVLJaGwZ3qNdsLTfS3g_1W8MiZ6BONXTcyztx7qFyznF2k2wu7nsYktYdyr5sCZB8C2ijOvFcuVuvI8FOcmf1ox6WotJkOMu-CP9pzOBmax1SUsZIWJLDz1C/s400/elderberry.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5444424057814816114" /></a><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJPoztU9vO0QGS3WrPFc3VHVLJaGwZ3qNdsLTfS3g_1W8MiZ6BONXTcyztx7qFyznF2k2wu7nsYktYdyr5sCZB8C2ijOvFcuVuvI8FOcmf1ox6WotJkOMu-CP9pzOBmax1SUsZIWJLDz1C/s1600-h/elderberry.jpg"></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">photo credit </span><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/glisglis/79422888/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">Glisglis</span></a><br /><div><br /></div>When I have spare time, one of my favorite things to read about is natural living. I particularly enjoy learning about natural remedies for illnesses. I find it so fascinating that God has given us so many plants and berries and herbs for our healing. I admit I am a novice when it comes to natural remedies, but there is one remedy that I have tried and am very excited about--black elderberries or<i> sambucus nigra.</i><div><i><br /></i></div><div>I first learned about this wonderful berry last year, just as the "swine" flu was sweeping the nation. Black elderberries--usually sold in syrup form--have a strong antiviral quality to them, which makes them great for fighting off colds and the flu. They also are packed with antioxidants, which are very beneficial in staying healthy. Here are two great resources:</div><div><ul><li><a href="http://www.blackelderberry.info/index.cfm?id=361">Click here</a> for good information about the special properties of the black elderberry.</li><li>Below is a good video on how to make your own elderberry syrup, which is much more cost effective than buying it. I might have to try this next year!</li></ul><div><object width="480" height="295"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/XOYzWyFGkqM&hl=en_US&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/XOYzWyFGkqM&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="295"></embed></object><br /></div><div>Well, to make a long story short, last October, I actually got the swine flu. So, I pulled out the elderberry syrup and took it several times a day. Within just a couple of days, I was all better. I was truly amazed, but at the same time, I wondered if it was the elderberry syrup or if I was just at the end of my sickness. But when my two year old daughter started getting really sick, I gave her the syrup as well, and by the next day, she was already getting better. At that point, I became a believer. I love that the syrup is safe to give to little ones, and it tastes pretty good, too, so my kids are willing to take it.</div><div><br /></div><div>Okay, so you may be asking yourself why I am posting this now, even though cold and flu season is almost over. There are two reasons:</div><div><br /></div><div>First of all, I have a cold now, so eldberry syrup is on my mind. My kids and I have managed to stay very healthy this winter (except for the flu in October.) But we all are sick now. So, as soon as I press "publish" on this article, I'm headed to the store to buy some elderberry syrup!</div><div><br /></div><div>Second, you heard about it in the video, and it is also in the article I linked, but elderberry syrup is a great way to STAY well. With all the antioxidants, flavanoids, and antiviral properties, eldberries are awesome for staying healthy. You can just take a little each day for an antioxidant boost. This would be great to try as a daily supplement if you made your own syrup, since it is far more cost effective.</div><div><br /></div><div><b><i>So, I'm wondering...do you take elderberry syrup daily as a supplement? Have you ever made your own syrup?</i></b></div></div></div>BethChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10736191798621938170noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4663486688220051232.post-24685387810179108532010-02-24T11:53:00.000-08:002010-02-24T12:16:52.001-08:00Prayer and Perspective<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnej5aMCPNikTb3R8iw_A9lS2zrYoNT3NQtgfg7RmU-GqMoX-zARWUhVEAH9hicWoYOsVrMAToS32PkovyAtaxl6uos095Z_nV9eP4FvDpWKJw5VrrpB1Z8fRXTJDAAfY5l755iPU1GouN/s1600-h/photo.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnej5aMCPNikTb3R8iw_A9lS2zrYoNT3NQtgfg7RmU-GqMoX-zARWUhVEAH9hicWoYOsVrMAToS32PkovyAtaxl6uos095Z_nV9eP4FvDpWKJw5VrrpB1Z8fRXTJDAAfY5l755iPU1GouN/s400/photo.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5441906325297082034" /></a><div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">photo credit <a href="http://thepioneerwoman.com/photography/">Ree Drummond</a></span></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnej5aMCPNikTb3R8iw_A9lS2zrYoNT3NQtgfg7RmU-GqMoX-zARWUhVEAH9hicWoYOsVrMAToS32PkovyAtaxl6uos095Z_nV9eP4FvDpWKJw5VrrpB1Z8fRXTJDAAfY5l755iPU1GouN/s1600-h/photo.jpg"></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRBYePNpbOA1pw73dk029VgonncxzkQQw7GfWb41Ci-P3HJElST0UOWK1N8B7VSI5UguG5K37PgTL1nQKvnm1IQi6_8kmfj7M1V-bNyu6SaUt1MVOUDpkkAq_e8l-Pt-83bxsl69-Ew342/s1600-h/photo.jpg"><span><span></span></span><span><span></span></span></a><span><span></span></span><br />This week has been a very difficult week for me. I have found myself, at times, at complete loss as what to do as a parent. Every day is a new challenge when you are a mother, but this week has been especially hard, and I've had some difficult things I've had to face. God has been very faithful to comfort me and to remind me to turn to Him for my strength. And in my crying to the Lord for help, I pulled out one my absolute favorite books to read. It's called The Valley of Vision, and it is a compilation of Puritan prayers. I always love reading through what Puritans have written because it helps me put things in perspective. I think the Puritans had their view of man's relationship to God correct, and whenever I read their prayers, I am humbled. I think too often I start to complain about my circumstances and I start to feel like I am unfit for what God has called me to do. But then God gently reminds me that it is my pride that says that, and it is my pride that demands comfort on this earth.<div><br /></div><div>I wanted to share part of one of the beautiful prayers with you. This has been a huge encouragement to me as I pray for my children and family. I pray it encourages you, as well. And if you can, I highly encourage you go out and buy this book. It is a great read!</div><div><br /></div><div><i>Help me to hate and forsake every false way,</i></div><div><i>to be attentive to my condition and character,</i></div><div><i>to bridle my tongue,</i></div><div><i>to keep my heart with all diligence,</i></div><div><i>to watch and pray against temptation,</i></div><div><i>to mortify sin,</i></div><div><i>to be concerned for the salvation of others.</i></div><div><i>O God, I cannot endure to see the destruction of my kindred.</i></div><div><i>Let those that are united to me in tender ties be precious in thy sight and devoted to thy glory.</i></div><div><i>Sanctify and prosper my domestic devotion, instruction, discipline, example,</i></div><div><i>That my house may be a nursery for heaven,</i></div><div><i>My church the garden of the Lord,</i></div><div><i>Enriched with trees of righteousness of thy planting, for thy glory;</i></div><div><i>Let not those of my family who are amiable, moral, attractive, fall short of heaven at last.</i></div><div><i>Grant that the promising appearances of a tender conscience, soft heart, the alarms and delights of thy Word,</i></div><div><i>be not finally blotted out,</i></div><div><i>but bring forth judgment unto victory in all whom I love.</i></div></div>BethChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10736191798621938170noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4663486688220051232.post-3872842863692616642010-02-22T11:47:00.000-08:002010-02-22T12:24:35.075-08:00Grocery Shopping In Your Own Kitchen<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjibULKTQx7QF4Ik-j7Jyjn0AmTEHpIl6khVWRiaDfAdlclMaipEgElULqXgVok576l-V-gztt2M4qDK8p_M_cSpcS2suhF3IpSGgqTY_ym1yf4ttJES8sTjoBTGT2_QdRkcOTs8HOMLcYi/s1600-h/IMG_1330.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjibULKTQx7QF4Ik-j7Jyjn0AmTEHpIl6khVWRiaDfAdlclMaipEgElULqXgVok576l-V-gztt2M4qDK8p_M_cSpcS2suhF3IpSGgqTY_ym1yf4ttJES8sTjoBTGT2_QdRkcOTs8HOMLcYi/s320/IMG_1330.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5441166355709260354" /></a><br />I'm having one of those weeks right now where I don't feel at all like going grocery shopping. My husband is out of town and it is the first time he's been gone since we adopted our three oldest kids. So, let's just say that their behavior has not been, um, up to par while Daddy is away. Anyway, it's on weeks like this one, or weeks when the budget is a bit tighter than usual that I employ a technique I call "shopping the pantry."<div><br /></div><div>Before I had four kids, I regularly spent time with a wonderful, very wise woman from our church. She has grown kids and really exemplifies the Proverbs 31 woman. She taught me a lot of things, and the idea of "shopping my pantry" was one of them. I was so blown away by such a simple idea, and I wondered why I hadn't thought of it before. So, this post it to pass along what I learned just in case you, like me, have never heard about this before. </div><div><br /></div><div>The idea of shopping your pantry is basically the idea of keeping inventory of everything you have in your pantry--and your freezer and refrigerator. I don't keep a written inventory of any of those things, but I generally have a fairly good mental inventory. But, sometimes things get pushed to the back of the fridge and get forgotten until they start to smell. And then other times, you end up with only 1/4 of a bag of frozen green beans, and 1/2 bag of blueberries, etc. </div><div><br /></div><div>So, on weeks that you want to "shop your pantry," here is what you do:</div><div><br /></div><div>First, go through your freezer, fridge, and pantry and make a detailed inventory of everything you have that is a food item--including condiments, oils, etc. Write down what it is and how much you have of it. This can be a bit time consuming, I admit. I think that's why some people choose to keep a running inventory of everything they have in their kitchen so they can skip that step.</div><div><br /></div><div>After you've made your lists, look and see what recipes you can make with those items. Yes, we've all stared into our fridge and asked ourselves what we can make for dinner. But the idea of shopping your fridge is to figure out how many meals you can get out of the stuff in your freezer, fridge, and pantry. <i> Can you feed your family until the next shopping trip? </i>Now is the time to get the creative juices flowing! As you come up with recipes to make with what you have, cross off the items on your list as you use them. On a separate sheet of paper, write down the meals you have planned and the ingredients needed to prepare them. That way you won't forget what's on the menu.</div><div><br /></div><div>You may find yourself with a lot of random ingredients that leave you wondering if there is anything you could possibly prepare with them. This is where the internet can be quite handy. You can search recipes to get some great ideas. There's also a website that is perfect for a situation like this. It's called <a href="http://www.supercook.com/">Supercook.com</a>, and you enter all the ingredients you have and it will bring up recipes that use those ingredients. So, esentially, it's kind of like a reverse recipe search.</div><div><br /></div><div>After you have made your menu and have chosen your recipes, you may still need to go to the store, but your grocery list will be a lot smaller! So it's perfect for days when you need to keep the budget small, or you don't want to be walking up and down endless aisles at the store with a bunch of little ones in tow. <------ <i>That's me!</i></div><div><br /></div><div>This is such a simple and easy way to save money and cut down wasted and spoiled food. I would guess that a lot of my readers already know about this concept, but I just wanted to share this idea anyway because it has really been such a huge help for me. And it's a great way to be a better steward in the kitchen.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Do you like to shop your pantry? If so, what do you do to stay organized? Do any of my readers keep a running written inventory of their kitchen?</b></div>BethChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10736191798621938170noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4663486688220051232.post-75135615760431925382010-02-18T07:30:00.000-08:002010-02-18T07:59:09.127-08:00The Wonders of Vodka<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK7KrxbtrS8S610IT5t-_Zv6up-G01MIHe4GvIbLm6Dmf7vdgC5u_cPplKoPA7a-6llGE4sBYZsv-x8-UQzkD6-_ndmYKJJnrNNj5LD4PX_7OjEZk45ylg_Jkw8L-3nvrgoymr1ITgppNf/s1600-h/fam_spray_bottle_16oz-5356+(1).jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 288px; height: 288px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK7KrxbtrS8S610IT5t-_Zv6up-G01MIHe4GvIbLm6Dmf7vdgC5u_cPplKoPA7a-6llGE4sBYZsv-x8-UQzkD6-_ndmYKJJnrNNj5LD4PX_7OjEZk45ylg_Jkw8L-3nvrgoymr1ITgppNf/s400/fam_spray_bottle_16oz-5356+(1).jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5439613427469190866" /></a><br /><br />When you think about vodka, what comes to your mind? I can think of several things. But a few months ago, I started thinking about vodka in a whole new way...as a wonderful household cleaner! It turns out that vodka makes a magnificent multipurpose cleaner.<div><br /></div><div>I originally set out to buy vodka to clean my kids' bath toys. They had started to get that scummy build up on them, and I was looking for a good way to get it off and disinfect them. Most people told me to just soak them in a bath of bleach water, but since I don't even allow bleach in my house (that's a different story, though), I knew that wasn't going to work. Not to mention, bleach can leave an unsafe residue, and since a couple of my children are still in the put-everything-in-the-mouth phase of life, I didn't want any harmful residue. </div><div><br /></div><div>Then one day I stumbled upon an article that suggested cleaning kids' toys with vodka. Afterall, it's non-staining, low odor, and the high alcohol level makes it a good disinfectant. Not to mention, it deoderizes well. And, any residue left on the toys would be harmless since ethyl alcohol is consumable by humans. <i> Side note: I've had a lot of people ask me, "Why don't you just use rubbing alcohol to clean the toys?" Yes, rubbing/isopropyl alcohol is much cheaper, however, it not meant to be ingested, and since my kids still put things in their mouths, we're back to the same problem as bleach. Not to mention, the strength of the isopropyl alcohol can make it quite damaging to some surfaces.</i></div><div><br /></div><div>So, I set out to clean my kids' bath toys with vodka. It did a very nice job, too. I had a ton of vodka leftover, so I decided to try cleaning other things with it. I didn't want to walk around the house with a bottle of Smirnoff in my cleaning kit, so I poured it into a new spray bottle. With the vodka, I can clean a lot of things at one time. In the bathroom, for example, I can clean the mirrors (because alcohol evaporates quickly and cuts the grime, it makes a great mirror cleaner!), then I can spray down the sink and faucet. We have corian countertops throughout our house, and this type of surface is notorious for streaking. So the vodka cleans them up without streaking, and does a great job of getting up the dried globs of toothpaste out of my kids' sinks. The faucets are shiny and germ free as well. Then you can wipe down the toilet with vodka, which kills germs and deoderizes as well.</div><div><br /></div><div>I've used the vodka for some little, random jobs as well. We have a lot of windows in our house, and I've found that a little squirt of vodka on the windows does a great job at keeping them finger print free. I have also found that soaking toothbrush heads in the vodka (and then rinsing!) is a good way to keep them clean--especially after sickness in the house. If I get something hard or gooey on the tile floor, I will spray it with the vodka and let it sit, then it will come right up when I mop.</div><div><br /></div><div>The best thing of all is that it is a very cheap way to clean. You don't have to worry about flavor if you're just using it to clean, so the cheapest kind will do. And I got a big bottle back in October, I believe, and I still have some left. A little goes a long way. I have really loved using other natural cleaners and homemade cleaners, but the thing I love about the vodka is that it is very simple--no mixing needed.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Have you ever tried cleaning with vodka? If not, is this something you'd try?</b></div>BethChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10736191798621938170noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4663486688220051232.post-90288421081094743652010-02-17T10:16:00.001-08:002010-02-17T10:31:56.458-08:00Cowboy Casserole<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvaO41Xk7GXvFsl9iTtPep1FrtiZheOGHUK079026SB_LXV8FirtXdobYbPCA0d9e1sfYcBS59isGodqDaQtaFYF70ftTUyKxYB7IlYOwHipWvsNe9Ihldfad83gDuArzUWrZsRG0GOWY7/s1600-h/sweetpotato.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 283px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvaO41Xk7GXvFsl9iTtPep1FrtiZheOGHUK079026SB_LXV8FirtXdobYbPCA0d9e1sfYcBS59isGodqDaQtaFYF70ftTUyKxYB7IlYOwHipWvsNe9Ihldfad83gDuArzUWrZsRG0GOWY7/s400/sweetpotato.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5439281849643651378" /></a><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvaO41Xk7GXvFsl9iTtPep1FrtiZheOGHUK079026SB_LXV8FirtXdobYbPCA0d9e1sfYcBS59isGodqDaQtaFYF70ftTUyKxYB7IlYOwHipWvsNe9Ihldfad83gDuArzUWrZsRG0GOWY7/s1600-h/sweetpotato.jpg"></a><br />I've always loved cooking with my crockpot because it's so quick and easy, and you get to actually sit down and enjoy dinner without wearing yourself out or dirtying every dish in the house! But my 3 qt. crockpot has just not been big enough to feed my family, so most crockpot meals have kind of been put aside lately. But my sweet hubby surprised me with a crockpot for Valentine's Day! (Before anyone gets upset that he didn't give me flowers or candies to celebrate, don't worry....I have always much preferred practical gifts! So I was super excited!) He bought me a big 6 qt. model, so now I have enough room to feed the family and have leftovers. In fact, I was just eating some of last night's leftovers, and I was thinking that I really needed to share the recipe since it was so good and nutritious!<div><br /></div><div>I guess I would call this meal Cowboy Casserole, but it is modified from other recipes I've seen to pack more nutritional punch. Traditional Cowboy Casserole has white potatoes, but I made mine with sweet potatoes instead, and it was super yummy.</div><div><br /></div><div>So, here's my easy, quick recipe for healthy crockpot Cowboy Casserole. This recipe makes about 8 servings.</div><div><br /></div><div>1 lb. ground beef or buffalo (grass fed if available. We like to eat buffalo meat, too)</div><div>3 sweet potatoes, sliced</div><div>1 lb. black beans, cooked (or you could use a can)</div><div>1 lb. pinto beans, cooked (again, you could use canned)</div><div>1 can Rotel</div><div>1 onion, chopped (I actually used powdered onion because my husband and kids don't like onion texture)</div><div>Salt and pepper to taste</div><div><br /></div><div>Brown the ground beef, and salt and pepper. In crockpot, pile the sliced sweet potatoes and chopped onions on the bottom. Pour both kinds of beans (drained!) over the potatoes. Put the meat on top of the beans. Pour the Rotel over the top of everything. Cook on high for about 6 hours, until the potatoes and onions are tender. </div><div><br /></div><div>And as I can personally attest to, this makes very yummy next day leftovers as well! :)</div><div><br /></div><div>I hope you will enjoy this nutritious and very satisfying meal...perfect for a cold winter's dinner!</div></div>BethChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10736191798621938170noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4663486688220051232.post-66028664179009305012010-01-29T19:17:00.000-08:002010-02-06T06:18:48.077-08:00Get Ready For Valentine's Day!!<div>Note: The contest has been closed now, but you are still welcome to download the goody I have for you at the end of this post! :)</div><div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4lCpL6GBMAsG0AjG33NEwC0kOCi_PelwePI3NCfHG0c4L75fKZE1yhXqXb1iDtPPrrRdvkAX2YLqv8sc6-5VQhfPHo1JPMQMOmdX1tcMMsNW4RqMlGN2PF8J4iFlQ1H0rfS-degKYt_uC/s1600-h/Christmas2009-003.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4lCpL6GBMAsG0AjG33NEwC0kOCi_PelwePI3NCfHG0c4L75fKZE1yhXqXb1iDtPPrrRdvkAX2YLqv8sc6-5VQhfPHo1JPMQMOmdX1tcMMsNW4RqMlGN2PF8J4iFlQ1H0rfS-degKYt_uC/s400/Christmas2009-003.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5432373812953233266" /></a><br /><br />Hi there digital scrapbooking friends! Welcome to my blog! If you've arrived here because you are following the My Memories Suite blog train, please remember to look for the "hidden" word in this post (seriously, folks, it's not hard!). And then after you've finished reading here, move on to the next stop. Once you've gathered all the words, please follow the initial instructions and email the words to enter to win a free copy of MMS v. 2.0 and some other goodies! Good luck!<div><br /></div><div>I wanted to share one of my favorite new features in My Memories Suite 2.0--the shape tool. In the first version of MMS, there was a shape tool and you could choose solid colors. But in the new MMS, you can make a plethora of shapes, including frames, circles, stars, and scalloped edges. <i>AND</i>, while you can still do solid colors, the new version allows you to very quickly use your background papers to create the shapes as well. I love it! It's super easy, too. </div><div><br /></div><div>To use this tool, simply go to the background papers tab in the right-hand menu as you normally would. Then select the template paper you would like to use for your shape. All you have to do is press the button in the bottom left corner of the screen that says "Add as shape object." It will bring up all your shape choices. Choose the shape you want and <i>voila</i>! You have the shape on <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CC33CC;">your</span></b> page. </div><div><br /></div><div>One thing that I really appreciate about this tool is that once it has created the shape on <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CC33CC;">your</span></b> page, you can stretch it in one direction and the paper pattern will not get distorted, as it keeps its proportions. To add a shadow to <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CC33CC;">your</span></b> newly created paper shape (you know you want to!), just go to the shape tab in the right-hand menu and choose "shadow."</div><div><br /></div><div>So, creating a paper shape is a super easy way to add a bit of extra flair to your designs. There are so many possibilities, from layering to creating frames. It's really a great addition to the new version. As you see in the scrapbook layout above, and using StoryRock's "Cross My Heart" pack, I have used paper shapes to create frames for my pictures as well as layering to add some texture in the background, and it took no time at all. That's what got me hooked on My Memories Suite to begin with...it's just so easy!</div><div><br /></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF0000;">And now for a giveaway:</span></b></div><div><br /></div><div>To thank you for visiting my blog today and to get you ready for Valentine's Day, I have a special "treat" for you. I've designed a Valentine's themed candy bar wrapper. It'll be the right size for a 1.55 oz. Hershey style candy bar, so print it off and give it to that special someone in your life! (Or you can make yourself some pretty chocolates to eat while you are scrapbooking!) To print the file, simply click on the photo to open the full sized photo. Then save to your computer and use it to print. </div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5IsRJoSlXbVmSUXyQixjh74_g_V2xaNI-tBTjaDmCv_mQZWu0C6Zm6mqHvnAnf7Gujba-Ri7lWa3tWA9RU_qZESQs_QNUx1Gwl1NLdpv_AQj3wvS5HCt_S5kDYPs42MyREo21P1VgDNz0/s1600-h/CandyBarWrapper.png"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5IsRJoSlXbVmSUXyQixjh74_g_V2xaNI-tBTjaDmCv_mQZWu0C6Zm6mqHvnAnf7Gujba-Ri7lWa3tWA9RU_qZESQs_QNUx1Gwl1NLdpv_AQj3wvS5HCt_S5kDYPs42MyREo21P1VgDNz0/s400/CandyBarWrapper.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5432373800187781474" style="cursor: pointer; width: 324px; height: 311px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Like the elements I used for the candy bar wrapper? I used the Simply Joy and Whoo Loves You elements, available at the MMS store. The adorable fonts are from kevinandamanda.com.</div><div><br /></div><div>Now, for your next stop on this blog train, please visit Brooke's blog <a href="http://www.lovingthefreelife.blogspot.com/">here</a>.</div>BethChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10736191798621938170noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4663486688220051232.post-26685434724040300872010-01-08T12:01:00.001-08:002010-01-08T12:10:54.682-08:00What are you going to do with all those Christmas pictures?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyioNTtcXlxsLsRqWhgJ4AOWFgJAYJwbTMz7AaLMw4nP4onVvm80gP1NoJKjSBI0ehZzTxR-ee62_7NSL_OXVZ6IjgZPIpTjewELiU8Izn05dnNjXN26BuAiWYL8zwesqBcyL_tnzRwTt-/s1600-h/Christmas2009-001.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyioNTtcXlxsLsRqWhgJ4AOWFgJAYJwbTMz7AaLMw4nP4onVvm80gP1NoJKjSBI0ehZzTxR-ee62_7NSL_OXVZ6IjgZPIpTjewELiU8Izn05dnNjXN26BuAiWYL8zwesqBcyL_tnzRwTt-/s400/Christmas2009-001.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5424463799641233314" /></a><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyioNTtcXlxsLsRqWhgJ4AOWFgJAYJwbTMz7AaLMw4nP4onVvm80gP1NoJKjSBI0ehZzTxR-ee62_7NSL_OXVZ6IjgZPIpTjewELiU8Izn05dnNjXN26BuAiWYL8zwesqBcyL_tnzRwTt-/s1600-h/Christmas2009-001.jpg"></a>(you can click this photo to see what a layout looks like full size)</div><div><br />If you're like me, you probably took tons of pictures of your family over Christmas break! I love capturing the faces of my kids when they open a gift that I worked long and hard to make. Plus, my kids are a lot more willing to sit still for pictures during Christmas...I don't know why. I think maybe they sense that it's more important during big holidays. Plus, this year, we had a Christmas blizzard, so I got the unexpected pleasure of taking pictures of my kids playing in the huge snow drifts. Needless to say, I have a ton of photos from Christmas. <div><br /></div><div>My (unofficial) New Year's resolution has been to work on being more organized and efficient in every area of life. So I figured, why not apply it to my photos? Instead of letting my photos sit around on the computer (or worse, on the camera!) until I can hardly remember them, I'm going create scrapbook pages for them immediately. I guess this is one of the wonderful things about the world of digital scrapping because it only takes a short time commitment to make a few layouts. (And if you're really low on time or inspiration, you can buy premade layouts and just drag and drop your photos in and be done!) So that's what I want to do this year...scrapbook as I take the pictures. It'll definitely be better than what I did last year--wait til the end of the year to do most of the scrapbooking and then not really finish in time.</div><div><br /></div><div>So, what are you going to do with all those precious photos from your Christmas?</div></div>BethChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10736191798621938170noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4663486688220051232.post-89267605838897674932009-12-09T09:08:00.000-08:002009-12-09T09:12:00.788-08:00GiveawayI don't usually do this, but I want to tell you about a giveaway on another blog I follow. The giveaway is just too good to not pass it along to all of my readers. By entering this giveaway, you'll win a year's membership to a website called List PlanIt, which pretty much has any list you can imagine available for printing and download. What a wonderful way to start off an organized 2010. So head on over to <a href="http://www.keeperofthehome.org/2009/12/get-more-organized-this-holiday-season-listplanit-review-and-giveaway.html">Stephanie's blog</a>, read about the giveaway, and get yourself signed up!BethChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10736191798621938170noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4663486688220051232.post-25930729087790421462009-12-08T09:27:00.001-08:002009-12-08T10:16:33.680-08:00Christmas Traditions<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs_VkuzadOY1QKFWRlDQncurhSQcBnDul8tNMCAt0smitcvWj4qL5raDVdap8QKzA4_oobT6cK_PN_j2oP8ZKPyLM6uq-ZdLZmmFIpoQ1g7Gr2PwzvEWHdJLLYlFVgRNHqQ5xoBmBhH1cI/s1600-h/BabyJesus.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 206px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs_VkuzadOY1QKFWRlDQncurhSQcBnDul8tNMCAt0smitcvWj4qL5raDVdap8QKzA4_oobT6cK_PN_j2oP8ZKPyLM6uq-ZdLZmmFIpoQ1g7Gr2PwzvEWHdJLLYlFVgRNHqQ5xoBmBhH1cI/s320/BabyJesus.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5412930635411557442" /></a><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs_VkuzadOY1QKFWRlDQncurhSQcBnDul8tNMCAt0smitcvWj4qL5raDVdap8QKzA4_oobT6cK_PN_j2oP8ZKPyLM6uq-ZdLZmmFIpoQ1g7Gr2PwzvEWHdJLLYlFVgRNHqQ5xoBmBhH1cI/s1600-h/BabyJesus.jpg"></a><br />Can I just say that I love, love, love this time of year?! Each year when summer ends, I keep thinking that fall is my favorite time of year, but then Christmas rolls around, and I remember that I actually like Christmas more! I just love driving around neighborhoods looking at Christmas lights (and I love how my kids are in awe of light displays!), and I love the smell of Christmas with cinnamon and baked goods. I love being able to see my breath outside, and I love snuggling up with a blanket and a cup of hot chocolate. There's something that is so relaxing and peaceful about this time of year.<div><br /></div><div>You may be reading that previous sentence and be thinking, "Uh, huh...relaxing and peaceful! Have you seen those lines at the mall?! And I still haven't figured out what to buy for Uncle Bob!" Yeah, I understand because I've been there. But over the last few years, my husband and I have decided to take a very intentional approach to not only the Christmas holiday, but the entire season as well. This has restored peace and joy to Christmas time, and I have begun to cherish every little moment.</div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b>What We Do</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div>We do a lot of fun things for Christmas. We see all the huge light displays throughout Oklahoma. We roast marshmallows on the fire. We eat pies. But we also try to add some intentionality to the holiday. As a family, we decided that there were certain traditions that we wanted to add to our Christmas celebration to enhance the holiday. One of these traditions is the Jesse Tree. If you are not familiar with the Jesse tree, <a href="http://www.passionatehomemaking.com/2009/11/our-jesse-tree-a-focused-advent-celebration.html">here's a great post on the subject</a>. Even though we're already on the 8th day of the month, it's not too late to start. You can double up for a few days, and then you'll be caught up. The kids and I do the Jesse tree together for our Bible time during school. We have a live pine tree outside that we hang our ornaments on (ours are just laminated paper.)</div><div><br /></div><div>I have also been teaching the kids about various Christmas symbols (tree, stockings, Santa, mistletoe, etc.) In learning about the history of these symbols, the kids have started thinking about which symbols point us to the Lord at Christmas, and which ones really have no place in our worship of Jesus. As the kids learn about each symbol, we add it to the lapbook we're making. I love that we will be able to pull it out each Christmas, and that it involves the kids in how we worship at Christmas.</div><div><br /></div><div>Our family also enjoys participating in the Advent Conspiracy. The basic premise of this movement is to reject what they call the "hyper-consumerism" that has gripped this country at Christmas. Instead, give yourself to others through your time and effort. Here's a wonderful <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eVqqj1v-ZBU&feature=PlayList&p=4D3DB0521D3C8E1E&index=0&playnext=1">video about their mission</a>.</div><div><br /></div><div>So this year, we are having a completely homemade Christmas. My husband and I have enjoyed thinking through what we wanted to give each person for Christmas, and then I make everything. I takes a lot of time and love, which I think is a much better way of sharing Christ's love than handing someone a gift that they don't really want or need. </div><div><br /></div><div>With the money that we could have spent on Christmas, we are planning to do two things. First of all, we adopt a family in need, and provide them with a Christmas dinner and goodies for each of the family members. Last year, we did this with the kids, and we had only adopted our kids just a few weeks before. They couldn't figure out why we were going grocery shopping for a different family, but you know what? That night that we took all the goodies and food over to that needy family's house was burned into their memory, and they still talk about it all the time. We don't do it for accolades, but rather to show the sacrificial love of Christ to others. When my kids gave that ham to the family last Christmas, they knew that they had given up a toy to buy that. I want my kids to not just talk about helping the hurting, but to be in the trenches along side them. And I think it really helps them battle the "gimme gimme's" that strike children and adults alike at Christmas.</div><div><br /></div><div>Also, with the money we're saving, we're looking into sponsoring an orphan or two this coming year. This past Sunday, our church was visited by World Help, and we were very touched by the fact that so many people in our world do not have clean drinking water or food. So, we are considering sponsoring a child to help them receive schooling, water, and food. </div><div><br /></div><div>So, these things have helped to bring a deeper, more fulfilling meaning to Christmas. We don't have to wait in long lines at the store, or wait to sit on Santa's lap, or any of that. By getting back to Christmas without the consumerism, we have found peace and joy in our celebration again. </div><div><br /></div><div>I'd love to hear from you...what are some fun and meaningful traditions that your family embraces to worship Jesus at Christmas?</div></div>BethChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10736191798621938170noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4663486688220051232.post-35867646930665513462009-11-30T10:10:00.000-08:002009-11-30T10:51:33.176-08:00Adoption: A Gift of Love<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1uq21G4HlyYhRBYxcwgcxeGGfo4iCJBKGmb-JhYyWa94GcJc_9geHLquU7ZgFtaMibJer4-TxdQf7avq87s2HXyr_0LdGG4pbUGHIHgjZBUrmKn3pz9daFtch60siaE22uj4GC2riCePL/s1600/IMG_3693.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1uq21G4HlyYhRBYxcwgcxeGGfo4iCJBKGmb-JhYyWa94GcJc_9geHLquU7ZgFtaMibJer4-TxdQf7avq87s2HXyr_0LdGG4pbUGHIHgjZBUrmKn3pz9daFtch60siaE22uj4GC2riCePL/s320/IMG_3693.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5409970596121291234" /></a><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1uq21G4HlyYhRBYxcwgcxeGGfo4iCJBKGmb-JhYyWa94GcJc_9geHLquU7ZgFtaMibJer4-TxdQf7avq87s2HXyr_0LdGG4pbUGHIHgjZBUrmKn3pz9daFtch60siaE22uj4GC2riCePL/s1600/IMG_3693.JPG"></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">(our family with the judge that finalized all four of our kids' adoptions)</span></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"></span><br />November has been National Adoption Month, and all month long I've been thinking about what I want to post on here about this topic that is very near and dear to my heart. It's the last day of November, so I thought it would be fitting to close out the month with a post on adoption. I have so much in my heart that I want to say, afterall, all four of my kids are adopted. But I will spare you, and just hit on a few of the things I wanted to say. I'm not going to walk everybody through the process of how to adopt. There are many resources on that. The point of this post is to encourage those considering adoption or currently walking through adoption.<div><br /></div><div><b>Our Story</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div>After being married for about a year, my husband and I decided it was time to have kids. But over the next year, we began to discover that have children biologically may not be in God's plans. After visits to the doctor and much prayer, we decided to adopt. I think for a lot of people, adoption is kind of the "last resort." But for us, it was the first thing we considered. I, in particular, have always had a heart that is overwhelmed by the desire to help the hurting of this world. We thought that through adoption, we could minister to a hurting birth mother who had chosen life instead of abortion. And we could also provide a loving home for a child. So, we started the adoption process, and pretty much 9 months to the day after we started the whole application, we held little Isabella in our arms at the hospital. Our lives have forever changed since we brought that beautiful doll into our family.</div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglSsqmnPLeQqYivxRXZWjbRgFR9nzMTYDyelP_DJO0A3sQ7tRM2nzn-hoQ7cZ66L80N5x7kuhpRZv_8eu-qDCAKgtU67mrPcRYS3sMMHihgCkMZpXnux-YPhraSWm7hNKCDY8yhDI9v_y7/s1600/IMG_0006-3.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglSsqmnPLeQqYivxRXZWjbRgFR9nzMTYDyelP_DJO0A3sQ7tRM2nzn-hoQ7cZ66L80N5x7kuhpRZv_8eu-qDCAKgtU67mrPcRYS3sMMHihgCkMZpXnux-YPhraSWm7hNKCDY8yhDI9v_y7/s320/IMG_0006-3.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5409970602389322242" style="cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px; " /></a></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">(our first glimpse of Isabella, just an hour or so after birth)</span></div><div><br /></div><div>When Isabella was about 9 months old, we were challenged at church to not just say that we were pro-life, but to put actions behind it. My husband and I, after much prayer and talking, felt that God was leading us to adopt older kids. Although in the back of my heart I had always wanted to adopt older kids, I had never really thought it would happen. But the Lord called us very strongly to show the world that every kid has worth and value because they are created by God. So, we got our homestudy done, and a week after we sent our application in to the agency, we got our three oldest kids. Our lives have been turned upside down we the addition of the three oldest ones, and while it was more than chaotic at first, we have developed a deep love for the kiddos, and have really enjoyed seeing how God is working in their lives.</div><div><br /></div><div>So, both of our adoptions have been very different. The adoptions were motivated by different things, and the processes were both very different. But I thank God for my kids, and we can't wait to see what God has in store for our very unique family.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>The Process</b></div><div><br /></div><div>Adoption looks different for everybody. Whether you do a private adoption, a DHS adoption, or international. There are loads of paperwork, and it feels like you have to reveal every little part of your life to a stranger in order to have a child placed in your home. If you are considering adoption, I want to encourage you that while it seems discouraging to have to go through such a long and tedious process just to get a child, it is a season that will pass, and soon you will have a beautiful child to raise as your own. It is a sacrifice financially, emotionally, and with time. But it is a model on a small scale of the tremendous love and sacrifice of Christ so we could be adopted as God's children.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>But I can't adopt right now...</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div>Maybe some of you are really longing to be able to adopt, but there is something standing in the way. Maybe you don't have the money to do it right now (although there are financial resources out there if you dig around, afterall, all money is God's!). Maybe it is not a good time for your family. Or maybe you don't meet all the requirements yet (age, years of marriage, etc.). When you really want to add on to your family through adoption, but God seems to have you in a holding pattern, it is hard. I know. I've been there before, and I am there right now. Right now, we'd like to add to our family through adoption, but financially it just doesn't seem to be the right time. We know that if God wants us to adopt, he will have to open the doors financially and give us the green light. But we seem to be on hold right now. So, what are we to do?!</div><div><br /></div><div>Well, for me, my heart is aching to adopt one (or two or five!) of <a href="http://www.reecesrainbow.com/newsite/eelittles.html">these beautiful little ones</a>. I sit at the computer and weep when I see their faces and read their heart wrenching stories. My husband knows how much it hurts me to want so desperately to save these kids and be powerless. So, he wisely suggested that I print off their names and faces, and then spend time praying over each of them each day. So that's what I have started to do. I may not be able to do anything right now except pray, and that is what I must be faithful to do. Maybe you've seen an older child that you wish you could adopt. Pray for them. Pray that God would burden the hearts of people all over this world to give loving homes to these beautiful children. And pray that God will open the doors to use you to adopt as well. That's the best we can do when God has us waiting. </div><div><br /></div><div><b>Helping Others</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div>Perhaps your children are grown and out of the house, and you don't want to adopt more. Or perhaps you have 10 kids already. Let's face it, not everyone is called by God to adopt. And that's fine. But we are all called, as Christians, to take care of orphans--however that looks. For me, it undoubtedly is through adoption. But maybe for you, it is through giving money so others can adopt. Did you know that we were only able to adopt our three newest kids because the day before we got "the call" from the agency, someone sent us an anonymous donation of $4000?! Our adoption was made possible because someone obeyed God's calling of helping orphans by giving us money. Maybe you are supposed to start an orphanage. Or maybe you're supposed to start a ministry at your church. Who knows....it's different for everybody. But we're all supposed to be involved. </div><div><br /></div><div>How will you be involved?</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></div>BethChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10736191798621938170noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4663486688220051232.post-8269855117609670802009-11-10T19:06:00.000-08:002009-11-10T19:13:58.983-08:00Just in Time For Christmas Shopping!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLS_BEvejgly5O4p-IdlT1gZNk3ur7KcaXwNxaWMdWt49OnQCnRTFgw7OFsdPFLl8da9nQhK1GvmeSFGA0-3HU2tpZC970cehuvuwXxw5HwSl96LnZppKPz5Wa3iX_JZm7p-v_3boOZO7w/s1600-h/6-suite-chicks-0021-300x300.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLS_BEvejgly5O4p-IdlT1gZNk3ur7KcaXwNxaWMdWt49OnQCnRTFgw7OFsdPFLl8da9nQhK1GvmeSFGA0-3HU2tpZC970cehuvuwXxw5HwSl96LnZppKPz5Wa3iX_JZm7p-v_3boOZO7w/s320/6-suite-chicks-0021-300x300.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5402679005449082770" /></a><br />Okay, so I know I must sound like a paid spokesman for My Memories Suite (the digital scrapbooking software.) In reality, I'm not paid...I'm just a huge fan and I want to spread the word about it. That's why I joined their Creative Team. I use this blog as a means to get the word out, since I think digital scrapbooking goes well with the theme of my blog. It is good stewardship of time and money...but it is convenient as well!<div><br /></div><div>That said, I want to remind all my readers that you can purchase the software for 25% off if you click on the banner on the right column on this blog. (You'll have to scroll down a little to see it.) By going to their website through that banner, you get the discount. But now, you can get an extra 10% off just in time for Christmas shopping. So, you can save 35% off an already good deal! Who doesn't love that?! Just enter the coupon code <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#33CC00;"><b>HOLIDAY10OFF </b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;">when you check out. The coupon is good through the end of the year.</span></span></div><div><br /></div><div>If you have any questions about the program or purchasing the program, just leave me a comment and I'll get back to you!</div>BethChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10736191798621938170noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4663486688220051232.post-39591515861148342582009-11-09T09:52:00.000-08:002009-11-09T09:54:08.819-08:00Giveaway Winner!Congratulations to Emily (emand2@). She is the winner of custom designed Christmas cards!<div><br /></div><div>Be sure to join us for the next My Memories Suite blog train....coming soon to a blog near you! :)</div>BethChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10736191798621938170noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4663486688220051232.post-1809112646968863622009-11-06T19:51:00.000-08:002009-11-09T09:43:28.562-08:00Happy National Scrapbooking Day!!<div>Note: This giveaway and the blog train is now closed. Please join us for the next train coming soon!</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimiExGE2pDOCPsCtSxrYtRa-9SnzEMH1jP9cqoHvEzlwZLmQSk9UimNeWVvBgiWTCeHLr9qCetI_DhsRkcme6cGJH4WsNzF1qUmCD0L8qON_9O_tLSGvPuBmb78e4JmojBJoGpMiJTNrtt/s1600-h/christmas_tree_06.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 286px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimiExGE2pDOCPsCtSxrYtRa-9SnzEMH1jP9cqoHvEzlwZLmQSk9UimNeWVvBgiWTCeHLr9qCetI_DhsRkcme6cGJH4WsNzF1qUmCD0L8qON_9O_tLSGvPuBmb78e4JmojBJoGpMiJTNrtt/s320/christmas_tree_06.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5401209542671238594" /></a><br />I am such a huge fan of digital scrapbooking. If you read my blog on a regular basis, you probably already know that! Digital scrapping can be quick and easy, very cost effective, and very clean, since you don't have any piles of paper and glue to clean up! It seems only appropriate that there is a holiday dedicated to this wonderful new world of scrapping. So Happy National Scrapbooking Day to you!<div><br /></div><div>You may be wondering at this point what the Christmas tree has to do with all this... Well, to celebrate, I have a fun giveaway for you. If <b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF0000;">YOUR</span></i></b> name is drawn, I will personally design a Christmas card especially for you and your family! I will design a rectangular or square card with pictures that you supply, and I will send my design to you so you can have it printed off and ready in time for the holidays! I will also supply you with a coupon code that will allow you to receive discounted printing services for your cards. So, this year you can send all your friends and family a beautiful card that is uniquely <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0); font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; ">YOUR</span>s!<br /><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF0000;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div><div>Here's how to enter my giveaway. You will get one entry for each of these completed. Please leave a separate comment letting me know what you have done. (example: I became a follower of your blog)</div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i>1. Leave me a comment telling me what is your favorite thing about digital scrapbooking OR if you are not yet a digi scrapper, leave me a comment telling me what you think would be the best thing about digital scrapbooking.</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i>2. Become a follower of my blog.</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i>3. Peruse my blog and let me know what topics (in keeping with the theme of my blog) that you would like to see me cover in the future.</i></div><div><br /></div><div>I will leave comments open all weekend, and I will draw a winner on Monday using random.org. Please make sure you leave me some way of contacting you in your comment, in case you should win! Good luck!</div><div><br /></div><div><i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#33CC00;">And don't forget... If you don't yet own any digital scrapbooking software, you can receive a 20% discount on My Memories Suite by purchasing it through the banner in the right column on this blog. It's a fantastic deal for your money!!</span></b></i></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#33CC00;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3366FF;">Now, head on over to Mary's blog </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3366FF;">by </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><a href="http://thememoryboutique.blogspot.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3366FF;">clicking here</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3366FF;"> to continue on the blog train!</span></span></span></div>BethChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10736191798621938170noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4663486688220051232.post-81408972659073191082009-10-26T11:55:00.000-07:002009-10-26T12:11:04.289-07:00Feelin' ScrappyTwo weeks from now is a big day for our family. On November 7th, it will be a year since our three oldest kids joined our family. What a whirlwind of a year it's been! It's really hard to believe a year has passed. In order to celebrate, I've been working more on the kids' lifebook (which I've talked about on here before) that celebrates their first year in our family. My hope is that I can have it done by the anniversary on the 7th. So, I've been scrapping my little heart out lately! :) I don't think I'll print out the book at this time. One of the nice things about the scrapbooking software that I use is that it can be saved as an interactive scrapbook that can be viewed on the computer or TV. That's what I'm trying to do.<div><br /></div><div>In honor of such a beautiful fall day today, I thought I'd post the layouts that I made for Thanksgiving last year. The pages were made with the Autumn Allure pack by Dana Zarling.</div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzM2hJGTIBD9ZAIa92pWcGGS1sHJ2rVoJevRGY32-zmnV9arRv-U9z94FilhG6BC90Z29Be2ObalLfndKmgIILGveiOOMTJrnL3MV1zIcyhdNsNcRdZjQ4jHltrVEPUYCSq6FsGiQLibtM/s1600-h/My+Album+8-0022.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzM2hJGTIBD9ZAIa92pWcGGS1sHJ2rVoJevRGY32-zmnV9arRv-U9z94FilhG6BC90Z29Be2ObalLfndKmgIILGveiOOMTJrnL3MV1zIcyhdNsNcRdZjQ4jHltrVEPUYCSq6FsGiQLibtM/s400/My+Album+8-0022.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5396987186051273106" style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 400px; " /></a></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzM2hJGTIBD9ZAIa92pWcGGS1sHJ2rVoJevRGY32-zmnV9arRv-U9z94FilhG6BC90Z29Be2ObalLfndKmgIILGveiOOMTJrnL3MV1zIcyhdNsNcRdZjQ4jHltrVEPUYCSq6FsGiQLibtM/s1600-h/My+Album+8-0022.jpg"></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC9myiYgDNQ0Q9mcywUdSt-MmDmKNDA0HKer8fCNI__2KZXydlgfkrJCpi1Qo8qWdn5S5jwpvx8ep60ifyOsFlVS0EL3mlnYm3mb0B8alLZhs3NIoyco7wQHcxgt5VvZrG0x1FCnrq1CQq/s1600-h/My+Album+8-0021.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC9myiYgDNQ0Q9mcywUdSt-MmDmKNDA0HKer8fCNI__2KZXydlgfkrJCpi1Qo8qWdn5S5jwpvx8ep60ifyOsFlVS0EL3mlnYm3mb0B8alLZhs3NIoyco7wQHcxgt5VvZrG0x1FCnrq1CQq/s400/My+Album+8-0021.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5396987182841694482" style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 400px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div>BethChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10736191798621938170noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4663486688220051232.post-79733296069720494822009-10-24T11:28:00.000-07:002009-10-24T11:48:50.496-07:00Recipes<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIFT9iTtMmFHCotacukhEbHym1t5_6YLGx9Hlmgi9pqsDtnLQQUVgT6Szw9ifRBxlwP5Ss7FxkHOLPOAVt36dTeHlLcAY2Ex1oYaia5Hr9eyWnew_m0WtcLz6M54nkf4qgaqbGI-ODQy4Y/s1600-h/challenge.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 286px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIFT9iTtMmFHCotacukhEbHym1t5_6YLGx9Hlmgi9pqsDtnLQQUVgT6Szw9ifRBxlwP5Ss7FxkHOLPOAVt36dTeHlLcAY2Ex1oYaia5Hr9eyWnew_m0WtcLz6M54nkf4qgaqbGI-ODQy4Y/s320/challenge.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5396239384837976162" /></a><br /><div><br /></div><div>So...I've decided that consistent blogging really isn't my thing. :)</div><div>How's everyone doing with the Matthew 25:35 challenge? Next week is our final week, and I'd love to hear what you have learned through this challenge. I know there are a few of you following along with me, and I'd love to hear from you. Also, I've heard from several of you who are actually on food stamps, and I would love to hear about the recipes you use! Let's all share and help each other out! This week, I came across some fantastic, frugal recipes that I want to share with you. </div><div><br /></div><div>The first is for goulash, which might as well be called a "dump-it-all-together" meal. It's super easy to put together, and tastes fabulous. Even my picky little daughter ate it! So here's the recipe:</div><div><br /></div><div><i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">Goulash (this makes 6-8 servings)</span></b></i></div><div><b><i><br /></i></b></div><div><i>Brown 1 lb. ground beef. Add chopped onion and minced garlic (or just use dried). Salt and pepper to taste. </i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i>Fill crockpot with 1 can tomato sauce, 2 cubes beef bouillon (try to get one that doesn't have MSG in it if possible), and 6-8 cups water (depending on how soupy you want it). Stir to dissolve everything.</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i>Add ground beef, 1 cup frozen corn, 1 cup frozen peas (you can add more if you wish), and brown rice or elbow macaroni (however much you want to use.) I personally like the brown rice. See...there's a reason I said that this should be called "dump-it-all-together"! </i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i>Let it all cook until the liquid has been reduced and the rice or pasta is tender. And there you have it...a super easy dinner (and it makes fabulous leftovers, too!)</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div>The other recipe I want to share comes from my friend Emily. I made a big batch of these earlier this week, and they are almost gone. My family loves them and my kids even beg for them for breakfast! They're easy, cheap, and quite nutritious as well. </div><div><br /></div><div><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">Freezer Bean Burritos</span></i></b></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">1 onion, diced (or you could use dried)<br />1 bell pepper, diced (I left this out since my family doesn't really like peppers)<br />1.5 c. quinoa + 3 c. water OR 2 c. Rice + 4 c. water (I used brown rice and made it however the bag says for 2 c. rice)<br />4 cans black beans<br />3 cans pinto beans<br />2 c. frozen corn<br />1 can rotel or diced tomatoes (I used 2 cans of the mild rotel...it added just enough flavor, but not too much that the kids couldn't eat it.)<br />20-30 tortillas (I used the burrito size)<br />4 c. cheese, shredded<br /><br />Cook quinoa or rice. Saute onion and pepper, add corn and let thaw. Mix rice, pepper, onion and corn with beans, rotel and cheese. Put about 1/4 c. mixture in center of tortilla, roll up. Wrap each burrito in saran wrap or foil and put in freezer bag. Freeze and reheat as needed. Microwave 1 burrito 1 1/2 to 2 minutes. Also good to put in baking dish and cover with enchilada sauce and cheese and bake.</span></span></i></span></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><br /></span></span></i></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">These burritos are loaded with fiber (especially if you get a whole grain tortilla, too!) My family finds that one burrito is more than sufficient for a meal because they are very filling.</span></span></i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i>I hope you enjoy these recipes!</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div>BethChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10736191798621938170noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4663486688220051232.post-31559722177981272862009-10-16T14:45:00.000-07:002009-10-16T14:50:58.081-07:00This week's update<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimWrSA_m5uhOTjswX16iRIPaeMz05nRhfJhyUDvPoCMCT5GGLTsxIT91XImqqwA0htHg2Dr3eDhFukXa8vLH3sfRvwHl6PCnDRMJ5ECV8Al2mwoEcwzNML1v8KwK3pN_NbFY8zpD0slOCj/s1600-h/challenge.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 357px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimWrSA_m5uhOTjswX16iRIPaeMz05nRhfJhyUDvPoCMCT5GGLTsxIT91XImqqwA0htHg2Dr3eDhFukXa8vLH3sfRvwHl6PCnDRMJ5ECV8Al2mwoEcwzNML1v8KwK3pN_NbFY8zpD0slOCj/s400/challenge.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5393317355798168450" /></a><br /><div>Sorry to my readers for getting so behind on blogging!! My son is doing fine now after his surgery, but I just got so behind on housework, schooling my kids and everything else that I just haven't had much time to blog this week. I promise I didn't really fall off the face of the earth. :)</div><div><br /></div><div>This week, we have been following our food stamp budget, and we did quite nicely with it. In fact, I still had a lot of pantry staples like beans and rice and flour that I was able to use in meals. I actually didn't have to go to the grocery store until last night. This week has been a little chilly, so we have enjoyed soups and stews this week, as well as baked chicken. </div><div><br /></div><div>If you've joined me on this challenge, I'd love to hear what you've been cooking for your family! And next week, I try to post the menu for the week early on, so you can see what we're eating!</div><div><br /></div><div>~Beth</div>BethChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10736191798621938170noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4663486688220051232.post-62464397837954226742009-10-05T19:29:00.000-07:002009-10-05T19:32:20.678-07:00Off This WeekBlog Friends,<div><br /></div><div>I just wanted to let everyone know that I will be taking this week off from my Matthew 25:35 challenge. My son had surgery today, and we've had to eat out today since we're up at the hospital, and he will require a special diet this week, too. Mainly, though, I just need to focus on him instead of menu planning and grocery shopping and blogging. So, join me back here next week for Week #2 of the challenge!</div><div><br /></div><div>~Beth</div>BethChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10736191798621938170noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4663486688220051232.post-86975866415975788332009-09-27T08:29:00.000-07:002009-09-28T09:47:45.919-07:00Matthew 25:35 Challenge, Menu Plan<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNHKVYoj-M_My5k8VvmliTw8sgn1cxQecKAVOtaozcLoBM3TOmL_08-e9QhpGaIwplzfOgMv-s7eKDC3bO9hC16xbznHZUjl6AKpXYHXwP7HtUp-q7UiyJnPe7KK0C2sDjti52ZajyZ50D/s1600-h/challenge.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 286px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNHKVYoj-M_My5k8VvmliTw8sgn1cxQecKAVOtaozcLoBM3TOmL_08-e9QhpGaIwplzfOgMv-s7eKDC3bO9hC16xbznHZUjl6AKpXYHXwP7HtUp-q7UiyJnPe7KK0C2sDjti52ZajyZ50D/s320/challenge.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5386177553616074978" /></a><br /><div><br /></div>I wanted to post my menu plan for our first week trying to live on a Food Stamp Allotment. Since the challenge was to go the whole month of October on a food stamp budget, I went ahead and started this week, since there are few days of October this week. Before I share my menu plan, I just wanted to say that it's not too late to join me. I know I have talked to several of you readers in person or on facebook. If you decide that you will join our family this month, please leave a comment on this blog so I will know for sure! Thanks!<div><br /></div><div>First of all, I have to say that this has been a real challenge for me already. I have a hard time trying to think of a good variety of recipes that would meet my family's varied dietary needs (my kids cannot have anything with any form of milk in it) as well as palates. I have found the web to be an invaluable resource as I planned this menu. However, I don't think that many people who are truly destitute have access to the internet whenever they wish. That's why I think it would be so wonderful to accumulate a bunch of very frugal, yet nourishing recipes to make into a cookbook of sorts that can be distributed at food banks and church food pantries. That said, if you encounter a great, cheap recipe that you would like to share for my "cookbook" project, please post it in the comments section.</div><div><br /></div><div>And now to the menu:</div><div><br /></div><div>I am going to need to make <a href="http://stewardshipnotconvenience.blogspot.com/2009/08/yummy-bread.html">homemade bread</a> and several quarts of homemade chicken stock (which will also leave me with a lot of shredded, cooked chicken) this weekend.</div><div><br /></div><div>Monday: Carrot, lentil and rice soup with homemade bread (I may end up adding other veggies to the soup as well.)</div><div><br /></div><div>Tuesday: Tuesdays are always rushed around dinner time, so something in the crockpot is always in order. We're going to have goulash.</div><div><br /></div><div>Wednesday: 1/2 sandwiches with a veggie salad</div><div><br /></div><div>Thursday: Chicken and rice casserole (with homemade cream of chicken soup)</div><div><br /></div><div>Friday: Warm red potato salad and sandwiches</div><div><br /></div><div>Saturday: <a href="http://www.passionatehomemaking.com/2008/05/freezer-meals-chicken-enchiladas.html">Chicken and black bean enchiladas</a> (I will be doubling the recipe so we can have a freezer meal for next week after my son has surgery.)</div><div><br /></div><div>Sunday: Veggie omelets and shredded potatoes</div><div><br /></div><div>For breakfasts, we'll be doing things like eggs, oatmeal and fruit.</div><div>For lunches, we'll have simple sandwiches, fruits, veggies and leftovers.</div><div><br /></div><div>So, what is your family going to eat this week? Please remember to sign up if you wish to join me in the challenge, and also remember to post frugal, nourishing recipes--whether or not you will be joining me! Thanks!</div><div><br /></div><div>Edit: I went grocery shopping and I think I did a good job. My goal was to spend only $104 to feed my family of 6 for one week. I ended up being a dollar over, which was my fault since I added one impulse buy to the cart (cider! Seriously, it's not fall unless you've had real apple cider!). I didn't buy anything processed--I stuck to whole foods, and I was able to get some good whole grains like brown rice and stone ground whole wheat flour for my bread. I bought lots of veggies and fruits--both fresh and frozen. And I was able to get 1 lb. of lean ground beef and 2 whole free range chickens, plus several other things. So, overall, it wasn't that bad. I usually try to buy a lot more organic and local things, and I wasn't able to do it on my budget, but I think I came out with a good amount of high quality food. Here's the receipt from my trip to Wal Mart (you should be able to click on it to make it bigger):</div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnJbJ8Ud18sawHtN6RxNfvR9Jk1lsVvjK8PcqDGIo_huXoDZ1WfkYZrgO7I7a7kXPW3RxpiolWafdceZ2eVjlnIxNkn4dVkYGrH09zDRDjH2A4GP0p-M9an-fe_w9dV6-7co6tRazsixkU/s1600-h/receipt.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnJbJ8Ud18sawHtN6RxNfvR9Jk1lsVvjK8PcqDGIo_huXoDZ1WfkYZrgO7I7a7kXPW3RxpiolWafdceZ2eVjlnIxNkn4dVkYGrH09zDRDjH2A4GP0p-M9an-fe_w9dV6-7co6tRazsixkU/s400/receipt.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5386560440148206962" style="cursor: pointer; width: 156px; height: 400px; " /></a></div><div>Okay, so there you have it. Week one's shopping trip was a success. Stay tuned for more throughout the week. And remember, you have a few days left to sign up to take part in this challenge with me. Would you consider joining my family in blessing needy people this month?</div><div><br /></div>BethChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10736191798621938170noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4663486688220051232.post-6509675093173409132009-09-26T07:15:00.000-07:002009-09-26T08:17:23.350-07:00Matthew 25:35 Challenge<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1sxyata0Uh5b_dpmT2Fo7mZMvC-k3Ra_ZoeJJLGlXXOt2ovmGJzLjLJlhId1Uu4mF2_h7JKJnLomFviInAPAF7m9kpzeK5fyWS3nQlDRTuPd3n7KswZO7MSOYORoqcfeX1hVF0OONWcRP/s1600-h/cutoutgirl.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 273px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1sxyata0Uh5b_dpmT2Fo7mZMvC-k3Ra_ZoeJJLGlXXOt2ovmGJzLjLJlhId1Uu4mF2_h7JKJnLomFviInAPAF7m9kpzeK5fyWS3nQlDRTuPd3n7KswZO7MSOYORoqcfeX1hVF0OONWcRP/s400/cutoutgirl.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5385787630727362178" /></a><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1sxyata0Uh5b_dpmT2Fo7mZMvC-k3Ra_ZoeJJLGlXXOt2ovmGJzLjLJlhId1Uu4mF2_h7JKJnLomFviInAPAF7m9kpzeK5fyWS3nQlDRTuPd3n7KswZO7MSOYORoqcfeX1hVF0OONWcRP/s1600-h/cutoutgirl.jpg"></a><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">I have to admit it, I'm a sucker for helping the hurting. When I see a hurt or scared dog, I want to bring it home and feed it. I have even been known to cry when I saw a bird with a broken wing try to get off of a fence, with no success. (Just ask my husband about that incident!) But don't get me wrong...when it comes to helping the hurting </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">people</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> of this world, I am no sucker. Yes, when I see a person hurting for whatever reason, it does pull at my heartstrings. But it is far more than that since people are created in the image of God. It is a calling that I have on my life--a calling to comfort those who are hurting, a calling to feed the poor, a calling to bandage the wounds of the brokenhearted. </span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Guess what?! It's your calling, too, if you are a believer. We are supposed to all take care of the poor, the widows and the orphans. You don't need a special calling on your life to do it. Matthew 25:35 says that when we serve the poor, or take care of those who need help, we are actually serving Jesus with our labors. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> "</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in." So, while I believe that God does call certain people to serving the poor and needy, the widows, and the orphans at a different level (I think my husband and I have this calling on our lives), we don't need a special calling to help others out. As believers, it just comes out of our love for Jesus.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">I was recently reading an article about people who live on food stamps. When I saw the chart that highlighted the allotments per family member, I was shocked. Basically, it comes down to somewhere around $15 per person per week. I had no idea it was that low! Now, I am not saying this to start a political argument about whether we should have welfare or anything like that. What I am saying is that there are some genuinely suffering, hungry people out there. They need help, and they need the love and compassion of Jesus shared with them.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Could your family live on a food stamp allotment? When I saw the </span><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">maximum</span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> allotment for a family of 6 (my family's size), my first thought was "there's no way...my kids have food allergies and we try to eat as little processed food as possible." But I'm always up for a good challenge.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">So, here's my challenge! I am challenging myself and all of you readers to live on a food stamp budget for 1 month. Try to be as creative with your recipes as possible, and try to eat as healthy as possible. You could even blog about your journey. I will be blogging on this site regularly about our journey. And then, at the end of the month, consider donating the extra money from your grocery budget that you didn't use to a local food bank or church food pantry. While you're at it, consider printing up the recipes from the inexpensive but healthy meals you made, and give them to the food bank so they can pass them along to others. I think this would be a wonderful way to be able to empathize with the plight of the poor while still making a difference in others' lives.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">So, would you consider joining me for a month (or longer as you feel led)? Would you join me for the month of October in spending only a food stamp allotment on groceries and then donating the rest of your grocery budget to feed the poor? I know it's a big decision, but if you wish to join me, please leave a comment on this post so I can know who is joining me!</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">I'm excited! To figure out your food stamp allotment for your family size, </span><a href="http://www.fns.usda.gov/fsp/applicant_recipients/fs_Res_Ben_Elig.htm"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">please click here</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">. It will walk you through the instructions on finding how much money you would receive if you were on food stamps. If your income exceeds a certain amount, then you will find that you would actually get a negative number when figuring your allotment. So, our family used a fake income of $36,000 to figure it. So, we will be living in October with a grocery budget of $412. If you have questions about figuring your allotment, you can just leave a comment.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Keep checking back on this blog regularly, as I will post at least weekly on the progress my family is making, and I will also post some recipes.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div></div>BethChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10736191798621938170noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4663486688220051232.post-47873081530028593192009-09-17T12:20:00.000-07:002009-09-17T12:38:44.992-07:00Sam-e Keeps Me Smiling<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIKiHMGJf1o2bAnRoF8b0vD4u88gfeKWr5QkVWD7IRlaSwdTMDQ47Fp5J_vc0lg7IHqOWrS7u7ohDYLqb4orHrHcYnOi_JvxCNTgllANfKOHpZLMvIufhdSAfBUHXLLaEPYEcndbSNIQAs/s1600-h/Nature+Made+SAM-e+complete+400mg.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 198px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIKiHMGJf1o2bAnRoF8b0vD4u88gfeKWr5QkVWD7IRlaSwdTMDQ47Fp5J_vc0lg7IHqOWrS7u7ohDYLqb4orHrHcYnOi_JvxCNTgllANfKOHpZLMvIufhdSAfBUHXLLaEPYEcndbSNIQAs/s320/Nature+Made+SAM-e+complete+400mg.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5382523100485517954" /></a><br /><div>Whenever I discover a product that really makes a true difference in my life, I'm eager to tell everyone about it. My newest "discovery" is a product called Sam-e. I have seen commercials around advertising for a certain brand of Sam-e for a while, and when I saw a video put out by Above Rubies that praised Sam-e, I thought it was time to look into what all the buzz was about.</div><div><br /></div><div>Sam-e is a nickname of sorts for a naturally occurring molecule found in all living things called S-Adenosylmethionine. (It sure is easier to say Sam-e!) This molecule has been shown to be quite useful in helping to ease depression and joint pain. And it appears to be promising in some other areas of treatment as well. Basically, it is supposed to help lift your mood, and it has the added benefit of relieving aches and pains as well as Tylenol or Motrin. Since I'm not a doctor or biochemist, I have a <a href="http://healthlibrary.epnet.com/GetContent.aspx?token=e0498803-7f62-4563-8d47-5fe33da65dd4&chunkiid=21460">link here</a> to read more about Sam-e.</div><div><br /></div><div>I have personally found Sam-e to be very useful in helping me with my mood. I am often very stressed out and worn down due to a variety of things such as children with special emotional needs and a very hectic schedule. I find that often it causes me to have a grumpy mood. I started using Sam-e to see if it would help to regulate my mood better. And I was very surprised to find that it, indeed, did work! My husband noticed my mood was better in the evenings, and he has even taken it a couple of times. </div><div><br /></div><div>I have also taken Sam-e to regulate my mood when I have PMS. I am a complete emotional wreck the week before my cycle, and it really helps me out a lot. It even has the added benefit of pain relief, and it gets rid of my cramps as well. I also have pretty severe joint pain. I have multiple food allergies that went undiagnosed for quite some time, and the doctors think that the inflammation from the allergies is what has torn up my joints. When I am taking Sam-e, I feel so much better. The only thing I don't really like about it is that you have to take it on an empty stomach. I have a hard time remembering to take pills between meals, so it is hard to keep up with sometimes.</div><div><br /></div><div>So, if you are looking for a natural option for pain relief or mood support, Sam-e could be worth it. I have to end with the disclaimer that I am not a physician, and obviously, you'll want to talk to your doctor before using it if you're on other meds or if you have medical conditions.</div><div><br /></div><div>Tell me... have any of you used Sam-e, and if so, did it help you?</div>BethChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10736191798621938170noreply@blogger.com2