Ahhhh my dear friends and readers...today is TASTY TUESDAY!!!! But alas I should have chosen my item of show and tell YESTERDAY and done my photos and blogging update today. Unfortunately, my scrumptious concoctions are still in their respective cooking gadgets and my time for blogging is NOW. So bear with me and cut me some slack and my promised presentation will be posted as soon as possible! You won't be disappointed I promise.
Are you wondering why I changed the name of my blog? Well check out the "about me" on the right and it sort of explains it okay? I'm sort of funny about names but I think this fits my lifestyle a little better.
So in the meantime, I was looking for a cute book for my kids to learn a little about cajun food since they have recently discovered a love for hush puppies, ("lil' doggie things" as Ava calls them) and I stumbled upon this adorable book called "Gator Gumbo-A Spicy Hot Tale" by Candace Fleming. I'm posting a review from Amazon's fabulous website for you to enjoy. Please note that the title of this post is actually a link to the book on Amazon! (Can you tell I LOVE Amazon?)
"Let me tell you about Monsieur Gator.
Monsieur Gator, he lives down in the bayou, oh yes he do.
He lives on the edge of the swamp, uh-huh.
He has big claws, big teeth, and a big appetite, for sure.
But Monsieur Gator, he has a big problem too.
You see, Monsieur Gator, he is getting old.
He is growing gray.
He is moving so-s-o
so-o-o
Sl-o-o-o-w.
Hoo, I tell you that gator moves slower than saw grass grows.
He moves slower than a snail with sore feet.
He moves so slow he cannot catch himself a taste of possum, or a
bit of otter, or a whiff of stripe-tailed skunk.
And - oh ho! - them critters sure know it!"
So starts this wonderful tale; a retelling of the tale of The Little Red Hen when all is said and done. This little story is set along the banks of a Louisiana Bayou and is filled with the most interesting characters.
All the swamp critters know that Monsieur Gator is getting old and cannot catch them any more and they take full advantage of this and spend their day teasing and tormenting the old gator. I must say that they are obnoxious little critters and as the story unfolds you become quite sorry for the old gator and quite putout at the obnoxious little beasties.
The old gator is crafty though. I suspect he has read the adventures of The Little Red Hen and he uses the same ploy that our little feathered friend used, slowly building his pot of gumbo and asking at each phase for help; help that is solidly refused by his lazy little tormentors. That is okay with Old Gator though...he keeps right on working.
Now I will tell you right here that the ending of this little story comes out quite differently than the results of the hen and her bread making; oh my yes! I hate to throw in a spoiler here so I will just say that in the end, Monsieur Gator is well fed and he no longer has a band of twerps making his life miserable.
This is a well written and beautifully illustrated book. It is great fun to read this to a group of little ones and it is especially fun if you can come up with just a bit of a Cajun accent. The kids get quite a kick out of it.
Let me address a couple of the objections voiced concerning this work. First, it seems that at least one reviewer did not like the book because, strictly speaking, it did not follow the absolute correct recipe for making gumbo. That is absolutely correct - it did not. On the other hand, I have read this work to at least fifty or more children over the years and I can assure you that not one of them picked up on this fact. To trash a book due to this seems to me a bit petty. Secondly, some reviewers felt that there were too many new word introduced in this story; too many for the wee crowd. This may be true, but on the other hand, I felt this is one of the strengths of the book...i.e., the introduction of new words. I have never in my rather lengthy life met or seen a kid hurt by learning new words, no matter what their age. Thirdly, it would seem that the rather violent end...i.e. the little critters got ate by the old gator that was tormenting him, is somehow politically incorrect. Good grief folks, in the wild you have predators and you have prey. That is just a fact of life. This is in many ways a cautionary tale and I see no problems in teaching a child how nature (and life I might add) actually works. I have seen quite a number of gators in my lifetime and have yet to find one that was a vegetarian.
Of course this is all quite subjective and in the end, it is the parent or teacher who must make the judgment call as to whether or not their child will respond well to this work...that is what parents and teachers do.
All in all, this is a great read; one of my favorite. I have read it to many children and I always receive calls for rereading. Don Blankenship
The Ozarks
I hope to be posting pictures of our Fourth of July celebration as well my tasty tuesday contribution in the very near future. Stay tuned...Spicy Red Hen
Our mission is to help parents and teachers to prepare our little arrows to approach life with bravery and courage; to love learning and God's Word, and to be given the tools to grow and develop into strong individuals, in body, soul, and spirit.
12.17.2009
12.13.2009
12.04.2009
December!!!
Can't believe it's December already!!! We had a great time at Disneyland this week; it was fast and furious. Doug had to work nearly the entire time which was such a bummer but I am thankful we were able to go at all. A man in our church let us use his timeshare which worked out wonderfully. The kids were stoked and got to ride all their favorite rides and do lots of fun activities like rock climbing and drawing classes at Animation Academy.
Please say a prayer for me this week; I am taking the cbest test on Saturday in hopes of being able to be a substitute teacher while I work on obtaining my teaching credential. I am feeling quite human right now in my frustration and impatience for things to look up for us to move into a house. I am praying for a miracle to happen very soon! I believe it could happen any day and I want to be ready and able to receive it when it comes.
In the meantime, we will enjoy being squooshed together over the holidays and find joy in the small things. Years ago, when we lived in our fifth wheel, I didn't even have a washer or dryer; I would drag my laundry across a field to wash and I would thank the lord that my babies were healthy and that we had a place to live. I kind of thought that trial was quite enough for me but apparently the good Lord sees fit to test me some more and for that I must be grateful. He has a will and purpose!
Love you all...
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
11.22.2009
I love Sunday!
Wow. Did we ever have awesome church today! It was incredible. So many lives were touched and changed. Thank you Lord for letting your Spirit fall fresh on your children!
After church I did a lil sewing...made Elyse the cutest top...will make a matching skirt tomorrow but I'm a little perturbed that my serger is not working. Zig zagging seams and hand trimming is the pits! I've gotten blisters from all the trimming.
I have my eye on a babylock imagine to fill the void. Unfortunately, the void getting one would leave in my pocketbook would be far worse at this point. Thank god I don't use credit cards or I would be very tempted to whip one out. Hubby has a huge wishlist of hunting supplies and I told him he might as well not even think about it without considering my sewing needs. Lol well it is clothing for the children you know, not entirely recreational which I cannot say the same for the hunting hobby.
Mooseburger anyone? ;)
So if anyone knows someone needing to rid themselves of such a glorious gadget like the babylock imagine be sure to let me know!!!!!
Until then I will continue to count my blessings and my blisters.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
After church I did a lil sewing...made Elyse the cutest top...will make a matching skirt tomorrow but I'm a little perturbed that my serger is not working. Zig zagging seams and hand trimming is the pits! I've gotten blisters from all the trimming.
I have my eye on a babylock imagine to fill the void. Unfortunately, the void getting one would leave in my pocketbook would be far worse at this point. Thank god I don't use credit cards or I would be very tempted to whip one out. Hubby has a huge wishlist of hunting supplies and I told him he might as well not even think about it without considering my sewing needs. Lol well it is clothing for the children you know, not entirely recreational which I cannot say the same for the hunting hobby.
Mooseburger anyone? ;)
So if anyone knows someone needing to rid themselves of such a glorious gadget like the babylock imagine be sure to let me know!!!!!
Until then I will continue to count my blessings and my blisters.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
11.21.2009
Thoughts
Tonight I am wishing I had a house again...but still thankful for my blessed life.
Wishing we did not have a kitty who refuses to go outdoors to do his business. I despise kitty litter boxes...no matter how often it's cleaned and filled with new sand it still stinks up our bathroom. My steamy shower evolves into a simulated trip to the dump. Everyone I talk to has a different opinion. Mom says I can't possibly let the cat outdoors for his potty time. Although her cats do that. Someone else said my kids should be cleaning up after the cat which they do but who cleans up after them when they spill the sand all over the bathroom floor? Still another friend said it is traumatic and disturbing to give away a childs pet. Another said if the kids are not fulfilling their tasks to get rid of the cat. I'm confused!!!!!! I have to admit that I'm probably the only one that can make this decision as I am the
one dealing with living in tight quarters with 6 people and 1 bathroom. I am the one responsible for making sure our environment is clean and sanitary and if having a kitty complicates matters beyond my ability to manage then it's my perogative to make sure
the kitty has a good home. Do I feel bad? Yes I do because Ava loves animals so very much. But until we have a decent yard I am convinced (well sort of) that it's my right to eliminate excess burdens.
(sigh) animal lovers from all sides will come crawling out of the woodwork telling me what a hater I am...oh well...
Ok moving right along, someone in our church may have a home available for rent soon and have offered it to us. I'm not sure what to think, say or do as I really do want to move into a home but I was really hoping we could manage to buy our own. I can't bear the thought of plunking out another deposit, first and last to get into a home and then 6 months later find out the home is in foreclosure! I seriously don't want to waste another dime on rent. However, this individual won't require any of that simply move in and pay monthly rent. They are nit planning to let the home go into foreclosure either. But it's a rather small home compared to what we are used to.
We seriously need direction!!! If it's not going to be an option for us to buy within 6 months then I imagine we should consider this rent option.
Can you tell I am reasoning through my blog???
What do you think? Sherah? Holly? Kathy? Yvonne? Beth? Lol
We have lived at the church in a one room apartment for 5 months. I'm not admitting to impatience as this was my idea and I am thankful for the opportunity to get aead financially. I do like to see light at the end of the tunnel on the other hand. So.....
Pray for us that either a blessing takes place to allow us to buy a home quickly, or a confirmation occurs to let us feel good about renting for the 4th time since we've lived here.
I'm so excited for what God is going to do tomorrow in our Sunday service! We are having a special speaker and many backsliders and people "on the fringe" are supposed to be here.
Can't wait!!! :)
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Wishing we did not have a kitty who refuses to go outdoors to do his business. I despise kitty litter boxes...no matter how often it's cleaned and filled with new sand it still stinks up our bathroom. My steamy shower evolves into a simulated trip to the dump. Everyone I talk to has a different opinion. Mom says I can't possibly let the cat outdoors for his potty time. Although her cats do that. Someone else said my kids should be cleaning up after the cat which they do but who cleans up after them when they spill the sand all over the bathroom floor? Still another friend said it is traumatic and disturbing to give away a childs pet. Another said if the kids are not fulfilling their tasks to get rid of the cat. I'm confused!!!!!! I have to admit that I'm probably the only one that can make this decision as I am the
one dealing with living in tight quarters with 6 people and 1 bathroom. I am the one responsible for making sure our environment is clean and sanitary and if having a kitty complicates matters beyond my ability to manage then it's my perogative to make sure
the kitty has a good home. Do I feel bad? Yes I do because Ava loves animals so very much. But until we have a decent yard I am convinced (well sort of) that it's my right to eliminate excess burdens.
(sigh) animal lovers from all sides will come crawling out of the woodwork telling me what a hater I am...oh well...
Ok moving right along, someone in our church may have a home available for rent soon and have offered it to us. I'm not sure what to think, say or do as I really do want to move into a home but I was really hoping we could manage to buy our own. I can't bear the thought of plunking out another deposit, first and last to get into a home and then 6 months later find out the home is in foreclosure! I seriously don't want to waste another dime on rent. However, this individual won't require any of that simply move in and pay monthly rent. They are nit planning to let the home go into foreclosure either. But it's a rather small home compared to what we are used to.
We seriously need direction!!! If it's not going to be an option for us to buy within 6 months then I imagine we should consider this rent option.
Can you tell I am reasoning through my blog???
What do you think? Sherah? Holly? Kathy? Yvonne? Beth? Lol
We have lived at the church in a one room apartment for 5 months. I'm not admitting to impatience as this was my idea and I am thankful for the opportunity to get aead financially. I do like to see light at the end of the tunnel on the other hand. So.....
Pray for us that either a blessing takes place to allow us to buy a home quickly, or a confirmation occurs to let us feel good about renting for the 4th time since we've lived here.
I'm so excited for what God is going to do tomorrow in our Sunday service! We are having a special speaker and many backsliders and people "on the fringe" are supposed to be here.
Can't wait!!! :)
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Feeling so Thankful
Well with Thanksgiving almost here and everyone on facebook posting their daily thankful post I feel a little behind in shouting out how thankful I am for so many blessings in my life. I could never post in just a few words how thankful I am in my heart for all the things God has done for me. He has truly blessed me beyond measure and I am so grateful.
One of the many things I am thankful for in particular tonight, is having taken notice of Gods hand on my life since I was a small child. I had fears and strange thoughts as a little girl but God kept his hand on me and brought me through. Looking back, not only am I thankful for the things He brought me through but I'm thankful for the things he kept me from. Now that I am grown I look around and see the messes people have made of their lives and I can only say "but by the grace of God there go I". I've watched many people make terrible mistakes that reap results they end up having to live with that have detrimental effects on their marriages, children, and existance. It grieves me; yet it causes my heart to fill with thanksgiving at the graciousness of God for sparing me such turmoil. I thank God for incredible leaders and mentors in my life; individuals who were not afraid to tell me when I was headed down the wrong path. People like Rod Fultz, Nathan Morton, Kristi Morton, Elder Morton, Mary Jo Thompson, my parents, and many others who took the time to lead me and guide me down the path of righteousness. As a teen, I could so easily have slipped to a place of misery and disaster, but because of His grace and mercy I stayed pure and escaped the grasp of Satan in my life. Of course I was not perfect, I made mistakes as much as anyone, but I am so thankful that He had mercy and longsuffering for me and picked me up. I'm thankful that the influences in my life helped me to stay pure until I married my husband. The scars and trust issues so many people struggle with today because of their past are not familiar to me.
I only hope and pray I can be such a mentor to a young person today. When I counsel young ladies, my mind goes back to the choices I had, the choices my friends had, the ones I made and the ones they made and where we are now because of them. I hope and pray someone loves my children enough to guide them as I was guided. I can do my best as a parent but they will need outside influences. I pray for this daily.
I'm also thankful for peace in my home. Even though the economy is bad and I lost my job, I have peace knowing my life is in His hands. We may not own our home, we may be living in less than desirable conditions, but God is faithful and He provides our needs.
Lastly, for tonight anyway, it was the 5th anniversary of my last chemo treatment on November 16th...I can't believe how quickly time has gone by...Ava is 5 years old. I prayed I would live to see her go to Kindergarten and by God's grace and mercy I am actually teaching her kindergarten and I am so happy and excited to do so. God has truly answered all my prayers and is faithful, just, merciful, and kind. He never leaves the righteous forsaken nor his seed begging for bread. He's my healer, my provider, my Saviour, my deliverer, my strong tower, my rock, my comforter, and the author and finisher of my faith. My hope is in Him, my trust is in Him and He holds my life in the palm of His hand. I could never thank Him enough for His unending love and concern for me. Delight thyself in the Lord and He shall give you the desires of your heart!!!
Oh one more thing, I'm also very thankful for my iRobot roomba vacuum. I don't know what I'd do without it and I can't wait till I get a scoomba too.
Love to all!
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
One of the many things I am thankful for in particular tonight, is having taken notice of Gods hand on my life since I was a small child. I had fears and strange thoughts as a little girl but God kept his hand on me and brought me through. Looking back, not only am I thankful for the things He brought me through but I'm thankful for the things he kept me from. Now that I am grown I look around and see the messes people have made of their lives and I can only say "but by the grace of God there go I". I've watched many people make terrible mistakes that reap results they end up having to live with that have detrimental effects on their marriages, children, and existance. It grieves me; yet it causes my heart to fill with thanksgiving at the graciousness of God for sparing me such turmoil. I thank God for incredible leaders and mentors in my life; individuals who were not afraid to tell me when I was headed down the wrong path. People like Rod Fultz, Nathan Morton, Kristi Morton, Elder Morton, Mary Jo Thompson, my parents, and many others who took the time to lead me and guide me down the path of righteousness. As a teen, I could so easily have slipped to a place of misery and disaster, but because of His grace and mercy I stayed pure and escaped the grasp of Satan in my life. Of course I was not perfect, I made mistakes as much as anyone, but I am so thankful that He had mercy and longsuffering for me and picked me up. I'm thankful that the influences in my life helped me to stay pure until I married my husband. The scars and trust issues so many people struggle with today because of their past are not familiar to me.
I only hope and pray I can be such a mentor to a young person today. When I counsel young ladies, my mind goes back to the choices I had, the choices my friends had, the ones I made and the ones they made and where we are now because of them. I hope and pray someone loves my children enough to guide them as I was guided. I can do my best as a parent but they will need outside influences. I pray for this daily.
I'm also thankful for peace in my home. Even though the economy is bad and I lost my job, I have peace knowing my life is in His hands. We may not own our home, we may be living in less than desirable conditions, but God is faithful and He provides our needs.
Lastly, for tonight anyway, it was the 5th anniversary of my last chemo treatment on November 16th...I can't believe how quickly time has gone by...Ava is 5 years old. I prayed I would live to see her go to Kindergarten and by God's grace and mercy I am actually teaching her kindergarten and I am so happy and excited to do so. God has truly answered all my prayers and is faithful, just, merciful, and kind. He never leaves the righteous forsaken nor his seed begging for bread. He's my healer, my provider, my Saviour, my deliverer, my strong tower, my rock, my comforter, and the author and finisher of my faith. My hope is in Him, my trust is in Him and He holds my life in the palm of His hand. I could never thank Him enough for His unending love and concern for me. Delight thyself in the Lord and He shall give you the desires of your heart!!!
Oh one more thing, I'm also very thankful for my iRobot roomba vacuum. I don't know what I'd do without it and I can't wait till I get a scoomba too.
Love to all!
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
11.19.2009
Hi Yvonne!!!
This post is for Yvonne my one and only faithful reader lol...
Hey girl I guess you made it back home safe and sound! It was awesome to see you guys at WCC! Your boys are so grown I can hardly believe it.
Well we will have to work on planning a trip to see you guys one of these days...it'd be a blast.
Love u!!! :)))
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
8.20.2009
8.19.2009
Gotta love eBay!!!!
Wooooeeee I just sold some leftover curricula from last year and made $200+! I'm happy bout that...now I can buy some fabric for fall/winter outfits for the kids. Also thinking about investing in a resale kit from old fashioned candle co...LOVE those candles and love their company, great family owned business.
Hub is in Indiana preaching a revival, Chandler got to go along since the pastor there has a son his age. We sure miss our daddy and bubba! Life is sorta plainish with them gone.
They will be back next Wednesday after which I have a quick run up to sactown for school business and then after church on Sunday we will be heading down south to Disneyland! Kids are superstoked about that.
-- Post From My iPhone
Hub is in Indiana preaching a revival, Chandler got to go along since the pastor there has a son his age. We sure miss our daddy and bubba! Life is sorta plainish with them gone.
They will be back next Wednesday after which I have a quick run up to sactown for school business and then after church on Sunday we will be heading down south to Disneyland! Kids are superstoked about that.
-- Post From My iPhone
8.17.2009
Eating out
Wow, eating out everyday is "eating us alive"! It is very expensive as well as difficult to eat healthy.
I will be so thankful when our kitchen at the church is completely finished so I can broil salmon, bake chicken and make fresh salads again.
Right now we are sitting at Corsaros Family Pizza sharing a small pizza and a mini order of cheesey breadsticks.
This morning for breakfast, we went to a small Mexican grocery store where I told the kids to find something nutritional to begin the day with. They chose bananas, yogurt, green tea/vitamin water/milk/apple juice. Only one child had a complete meltdown due to the absence of white donuts in our cart. I stood my ground and after about 15 minutes of sniffling "he" consented to having a yogurt with his milk.
Looks like a nutrition study unit will be first on the to do list school-wise.
-- Post From My iPhone
I will be so thankful when our kitchen at the church is completely finished so I can broil salmon, bake chicken and make fresh salads again.
Right now we are sitting at Corsaros Family Pizza sharing a small pizza and a mini order of cheesey breadsticks.
This morning for breakfast, we went to a small Mexican grocery store where I told the kids to find something nutritional to begin the day with. They chose bananas, yogurt, green tea/vitamin water/milk/apple juice. Only one child had a complete meltdown due to the absence of white donuts in our cart. I stood my ground and after about 15 minutes of sniffling "he" consented to having a yogurt with his milk.
Looks like a nutrition study unit will be first on the to do list school-wise.
-- Post From My iPhone
8.14.2009
Still insomniatic
Ava is lying diagonally across my bed. Hubby is snoring softly. Leaky faucet is dripping incesantly-trying to imagine it's gentle rain is not working. Dog is barking outside my window. (it's not mine or it would be 22 material) white noise machine isn't masking any of this. Long day tomorrow. What to do? I've prayed, I've surfed ebay, (nuff said) I've surfed etsy, (nuff said) I've updated my blog at least 8 times. I still refuse to go to facebook. Why? Nothing spiritual or deep. Totally personal...I like my friends there don't get me wrong but having to read their status updates so frequently is just simply annoying. Some people are hilarious and cool then others just...idk just bug the fire outta me. So. I just figured it wasn't worth the time I was wasting. So I'll waste my time here in blogland where if someone wants to read me they can. If not they can politely stay away. Nice. And I can do the same. Nicer.
Btw the dog's barking seems to have escalated into an unconteollable panic frenzy. Must be way too many cats meandering about. I need a lunestra pill or something. I'm never drinking coffee again. I really like it but this stinks.
Got a Jillian Michaels 30 day shred DVD. Haven't started yet. Need to. Next week.
The drippy faucet is making me crazy. More than the rumbling in the corner.(snoring)
I need ear plugs!!! Why oh why did I not buy some today?
Ok enough rambling...I'm hungry now. That's what happens when I can't sleep. I get hungry. I will not dig into the double stuffed oreos in the cupboard. Nor the fritoes. Nor the chex mix. There are some oranges and nectarines but I won't touch those either. I will let my stomach growl away. Maybe it will start competing with the snoring hubby. Or the barking mutt. Argh. I am thoroughly irritated.
-- Post From My iPhone
The insomniac
Per usual, I can't sleep, drank a venti iced soy latte today...
Have Sunday school curriculum themes swirling through my foggy brain...trying to tie them in with our home school lesson plans. Medieval History is the plan, thinking a big castle backdrop with little lords, ladies, knights and damsels. Renaissance costumes aplenty...a trip to Medieval Times as well.
In additionto that I have fall photo shoot ideas brewing...sewing projects, crafts etc. (sigh)
I so wish I was like my hub and began the snoring before my head hit the pillow.
Also, I finished all my homework for the week today. Big accomplishment. New class-Survey of the Exceptional Child. Love it. Disabled children are so special.
Additionally, I painted the church kitchen. It looks incredible. One wall is cornelian red (kilz) the other 3 are golden margarita (also kilz) love love LOVE the colors. I'm totally pleased. Doing the cabinets black. Flooring will be black and white lino. Stainless steel accents. Sweet.
-- Post From My iPhone
8.13.2009
Hot cheetohs
Nothing soothes the burn of a hot cheetoh but a........nother hot cheetoh
-- Post From My iPhone
-- Post From My iPhone
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