It might be me.....

I am so excited right now... our local radio station Spirit 105.3 is doing this 40 day health and fitness challenge. I am one of the 8 qualifiers. Starting Jan 2nd people can go out online and vote for me to be one of the 4 finalists in this challenge.

Here is the link: http://www.spirit1053.com/familyfun.php?articleID=490

What's in it for me besides losing weight- getting healthy and growing with God- well here it is:
1) Each of the 4 contestants will be sporting a new pair of New Balance 1010 cross-trainers (retail $110). These premier multi-purpose cross-trainers offer supportive and cushioning from runs on the pavements to the most grueling indoor workouts.

2) Each of the 4 contestants will have access twice a week to Olympus Spa each week allowing them to focus on their health and body relaxation after their tough workouts. This includes herbal hydrotherapy pools, earth energy rooms, steam, sauna and more for a whole day.

3) Each of the 4 contestants will recieve one meal per week throughout the competition to Taco Time. Grand prize of $100 gift certificate to Taco Time for overall winner.

4) 40 Day Extreme Makeover by God. Millennium Chiropractic will be giving all four participants: Body by God, The Owners Manual for Maximized Living book by Dr. Ben Lerner. 6 week Registration in Body By God Workshops to be held at Puyallup Four Square Church.

5) AIM Fitness - Annual Membership for Final 3 Contestants, Lifetime Membership for overall winner

I turn 40 in March and at this moment i am very unhealthy and obese. (such a yucky word) but it's the truth. So if I am chosen to be one of the final 4 i get to blog about the challenge, do the workouts with a trainer, keep a food journal... and the best thing is I can encourage others including my family.

I'll post more info when they have the profiles online and voting begins.

but right now .... It might be me!!!!

Do you know Someone?

a Blog that I follow and a facebook friend is doing an amazing thing this holiday season. Read about it here: http://elisemarieliptackphotography.blogspot.com/

Elise is going to bless someone this year- someone who really deserves and needs a reminder of their family and be reminded of the JOY. Someone who has struggled- someone who might be forgotten... Do you know someone?

Please go visit Elise's blog and read about how to enter someone who really will be blessed!!

Happy Holidays

HP TouchSmart Giveaway over at MckMama

http://mckgiveaways.blogspot.com/2009/12/hp-touchsmart-giveaway.html

From MckMama's site - here is how to enter over on her site:

One of you is going to be able to win your very own HP TouchSmart 600!!!!!!

Yuppers, BlogHer and HP have teamed up to allow MckMama to give one away to one of you!!!! click here to read the other reviewers.

You have five chances to win!

For more information, see the official site here.

And here is how it goes, if you'd like to try to win your very own, brand spanking new HP TouchSmart.

1. You may leave a comment on this post to get one entry.

2. You can Tweet or Facebook about this contest, linking to my blog, and then leave another comment here saying "I Tweeted!" or "I Facebooked!" for a second entry, leaving the link to the Tweet or Facebook update.

3. You'll get a third entry if you blog about this contest, link to my blog, and leave yet another comment saying "I blogged about it," leaving the blog link.

This giveaway is open to US Residents, aged 18 and older. The contest runs from today, December 9, 2009 until Christmas Eve. Winners will be announced then after having been selected via random draw and will notified by e-mail. Once I announce the winner, you will have 48 hours to get back to me, otherwise a new winner will be selected.Please see the official rules here: Official rules

The Language of Love & Respect Book Review

This book is a retitled paperback release of Cracking the Communication Code.

Dr. Eggerichs explains that men speak the language of respect, and women speak the language of love. He also presents an easy to use approach for how husbands and wives can learn to speak each other's languages. He talks about the three cycles of marriage: The Energizing Cycle, The Crazy Cycle and The Rewarded Cycle, and gives strategies to prevent getting stuck in "The Crazy Cycle." It can be quite repetitive, but the lessons inside are invaluable to a strong marriage.

"The Language of Love and Respect" is a very good book. Dr. Eggerichs is easy to read and the applications he suggests seem realistic, and his writing style is peppered with wit and relevant anecdotes. The book is written like a good reference manual, where someone could pick it up, select a principle to briefly read, and understand it in a few short paragraphs because following each of the typical introductory paragraphs, Dr. Eggerichs includes several stories to further explain the presented concepts to his readers.

Eggerichs also explains the chairs/couple concept to explain this difference and what males and females must do in order to communicate with each other better. These concepts, as well as the TUFTS concept are presented in a clear, understandable way that makes them easy to internalize and use in real life.
I recommend the book but just take your time and try not to go through it quickly.

A Different Christmas Poem

Someone forwarded this email to me and I just had to share.

The embers glowed softly, and in their dim light,

I gazed round the room and I cherished the sight.

My wife was asleep, her head on my chest,

My daughter beside me, angelic in rest.

Outside the snow fell, a blanket of white,

Transforming the yard to a winter delight.

The sparkling lights in the tree I believe,

Completed the magic that was Christmas Eve.

My eyelids were heavy, my breathing was deep,

Secure and surrounded by love I would sleep.

In perfect contentment, or so it would seem,

So I slumbered, perhaps I started to dream.

The sound wasn't loud, and it wasn't too near,

But I opened my eyes when it tickled my ear.

Perhaps just a cough, I didn't quite know,

Then thesure sound of footsteps outside in the snow.

My soul gave a tremble,

I struggled to hear,

And I crept to the door just to see who was near.

Standing out in the cold and the dark of the night,

A lone figure stood, his face weary and tight.

A soldier, I puzzled, some twenty years old,

Perhaps a Marine, huddled here in the cold.

Alone in the dark, he looked up and smiled,

Standing watch over me, and my wife and my child.

"What are you doing?" I asked without fear,"Come in this moment, it's freezing out here!

Put down your pack, brush the snow from your sleeve,

You should be at home on a cold Christmas Eve!"

For barely a moment I saw his eyes shift,

Away from the cold and the snow blown in drifts…

To the window that danced with a warm fire's light

Then he sighed and he said, "Its really all right, I'm out here by choice.

I'm here every night."It's my duty to stand at the front of the line,

That separates you from the darkest of times.

No one had to ask or beg or implore me,

I'm proud to stand here like my fathers before me.

My Gramps died at ' Pearl on a day in December,"

Then he sighed, "That's a Christmas 'Gram always remembers."

My dad stood his watch in the jungles of ' Nam ',

And now it is my turn and so, here I am.

I've not seen my own son in more than a while,

But my wife sends me pictures, he's sure got her smile.”

Then he bent and he carefully pulled from his bag,

The red, white, and blue... an American flag.

“I can live through the cold and the being alone,

Away from my family, my house and my home.

I can stand at my post through the rain and the sleet,

I can sleep in a foxhole with little to eat.

I can carry the weight of killing another,

Or lay down my life with my sister and brother..

Who stand at the front against any and all,

To ensure for all time that this flag will not fall."

"So go back inside," he said, "harbor no fright,

Your family is waiting and I'll be all right."

But isn't there something I can do, at the least,

"Give you money," I asked, "or prepare you a feast?

It seems all too little for all that you've done,

For being away from your wife and your son."

Then his eye welled a tear that held no regret,

"Just tell us you love us, and never forget.

To fight for our rights back at home while we're gone,

To stand your own watch, no matter how long.

For when we come home, either standing or dead,

To know you remember we fought and we bled.

Is payment enough, and with that we will trust,

That we mattered to you as you mattered to us."

PLEASE, would you do me the kind favor of sending this to as many people as you can? Christmas will be coming soon and some credit is due to our U.S service men and women for our being able to celebrate these festivities. Let's try in this small way to pay a tiny bit of what we owe. Make people stop and think of our heroes, living and dead, who sacrificed themselves for us.
LCDR Jeff Giles, SC, USN30th Naval Construction RegimentOIC, Logistics Cell OneAl Taqqadum, Iraq

Happy Thanksgiving

I’m Thankful for You
Thanksgiving is the appointed timefor focusing on the good in our lives.In each of our days,we can find small blessings,but too often we overlook them,choosing instead to spend our timepaying attention to problems.We give our energyto those who cause us troubleinstead of those who bring peace.Starting now,let’s be on the lookoutfor the bits of pleasure in each hour,and appreciate the people whobring love and light to everyonewho is blessed to know them.You are one of those people.On Thanksgiving,I’m thankful for you.Happy Thanksgiving!
By Joanna Fuchs

Nicholas Landon Jewelry giveaway

Visit http://nicholaslandonjewelry.blogspot.com/ to enter

we are giving away ONE of our nautical code necklaces to celebrate our new store!
here's how to enter,
1-first entry, leave a comment of a neat way that you celebrate the Thanksgiving season or share a sweet blessing that you have received.

2-second entry, blog about the thanks-give-away…

3-third entry, follow as a treasure...

...thanks-give-away will end at midnight on November 25th...and is open to the world!
...everyone has a place that they treasure in their heart…perhaps the location of a wedding, a proposal, favorite vacation, birth of a child or homeland…now you can wear that treasured place close to your heart in nautical code…so it can remain as special and unique as you remember it…

Book Review- The Noticer

I just finished reading a fantastic book I want to recommend to all of you. Its called The Noticer, by Andy Andrews. Andrews does a fantastic job of interspersing real life advice through this story of an older gentleman named Jones...not Mr. Jones, just Jones. Jones makes his way through Orange Beach, Alabama, showing up unexpectedly when people seem to need him most. His kind words and practical advice fix many problems, including saving marriages, getting homeless young guys moving toward a positive future, and helping a dying man to make peace with his life. It was a great book, a fast and easy read...but with very good advice about dealing with people. Jones reminds us that our circumstances are a matter of perspective...we be down and out, or we can see the challenges we are facing as the valley we walk through before we climb the next mountain.

The Noticer: Sometimes, all a person needs is a little perspective by Andy Andrews soon to be published by Thomas Nelson is a quick read that packs a powerful punch. I had not heard of or read anything else by Andy Andrews, but it will not be long before I read more of his books.

Packed within the pages that tell the stories of these characters are some thought provoking one-liners. Andrews uses the characters to reveal these one-line truths about life and the perspective we should all have. A few quotes that were most memorable to me included: * Worry... fear... is just a misuse of the creative imagination that has been placed in each of us. * Remember, whatever you focus on increases. * Many of life's treasures remain hidden from us simply because we never search for them.

Once you pick it up you won't be putting it down. - go get it today!

Wordless Wednesday

How God used Craigslist

Since Aaron has outgrown alot of his stuff we have been selling things on Craigslist.
Julia's old toddler bed has been sitting in our garage for over a year and Marco decided hey we should post that to- so he snapped some shots and i posted it. Within minutes I had 2 people emailing me about it. I told the person who emailed 2nd that someone emailed right before her and I would let her know if he took it.

Well I felt that I really needed to let her have the bed. so I waited for 45 minutes and when the person didn't respond I emailed her and we set up a time for her to get it Sunday.

Sunday her and her family (husband and kids)show up... She said her daughter just started climbing out of her crib and she said it was strange she really felt God leading her to go look at Craigslist so she did and there was my post. She said "God is so amazing- this is such a blessing"

Now ok- we hadn't talked about God- she didn't know I was a Christian and walking.

Next I felt this overwhelming reminder of - "oh I have sheets and a comforter for that bed also"
The bed is a disney princess bed and the sheets/comforter Disney Princess. She said we have to pay you for them- I said No - No you don't - it's just another blessing.

That just made my day- how God orchestrated all that and how we were able to bless a family during this economy and he just showed them how much he loves them.

God uses all things for Good.

Fall is Here

There is a certain excitment in the air when you know fall has arrived.
Things start changing, colors POP, there is a shift in how we act.
I have noticed people start pulling things in closer to home, preparing to hibernate for the winter months. Nothing like spring and summer where windows come flying open and everything is set free. Just make sure everything is back by Sept...... for FALL!

Can't wait to visit the pumpkin patches- harvest festivals.

What is a favorite fall memory- is it the smells, the flavors, your favorite coffee comes out, the kids in school, pumpkins, jumping in the leaves, puddle jumping.

HOPE

Hope is a belief in a positive outcome related to events and circumstances in one's life. Hope is the feeling that what is wanted can be had or that events will turn out for the best.[1] Hopefulness is somewhat different from optimism in that hope is an emotional state, whereas optimism is a conclusion reached through a deliberate thought pattern that leads to a positive attitude.
When used in a religious context, hope carries a connotation of being aware of what Christians see as spiritual truth; see Hope (virtue). In Christian theology, hope is one of the three theological virtues (faith, hope, and love[2]), which are spiritual gifts of God. In contrast to the above, it is not a physical emotion but a spiritual grace. Hope is distinct from positive thinking, which refers to a therapeutic or systematic process used in psychology for reversing pessimism. The term false hope refers to a hope based entirely around a fantasy or an extremely unlikely outcome.
In some religious contexts hope changes from being a verb to a noun. For instance, when Christians say they have hope in God they are not saying they hope God will give them good things and make their lives happier but that God is in fact, their hope.

That is what the WIKI says about Hope.

The past week Hope has been a theme that has played over and over again. Either a song, scripture, a show, a devotion.. the word Hope is what remains constant. In the past it has been Faith, Grace, Mercy, trust but not this time. So I wonder what is Hope and what does it look like, Feel and how do we have Hope when we struggle.

I always thought I needed to have Faith in God and my walk with him but I am finding I need to have Hope.

TodaysMama Cricut Giveaway

This is contest entry for those crazy folks at TodaysMama and Cricut. Be sure to check out Cricut's cool new cartridges and the chance at $30,000 in travel for you and your friends at the Great Gypsy Escape site! http://bit.ly/FWcud

Great Escape Meme
1. If you could escape to anywhere in the world where would it be? Greece
2. What song do you play when you are by yourself in the car? Letting Go-
3. If you had a night to yourself, and money was no object, what would you do? shopping spree with my kids- then hair- makeup- spa packages and then a night out at a great restaurant and seeing the city (which we would fly to)
4. What is your guilty pleasure? Turtles (Carmel- chocolate)
5. What is the farthest place you have traveled away from your home? London
6. Last book that you couldn't put down? Fearless
7. When you want to escape into another time, what movie do you watch? Notebook
8. What is your favorite local escape? downtown Woodinville
9. How do you escape on a budget? Camping
10. Best food you've ever had while on vacation. Taco Soup

Book Review of Fearless

I received a copy of Fearless by Max Lucado from Thomas Nelson publishing. My duty as a book review blogger is to read the book earlier then release date and post a review. I love this opportunity and think it is great that they do this.

I was very excited to receive this book. I immediatley started reading it. Wow by page 6 in chapter 1 of "Why are we Afraid" I was crying. Max is an amazing writer and just really knows how to capture you with the words and how to speak to your heart.

This book is truly a must have for everyone right now during these times of unstablity and doubt. With Chapter titles like Fear of Violence and Make Believe Money. I think we all can relate on any level with fear of losing our jobs, houses, lives, relationships etc... Max takes a really close look at that and really pulls back the wool and makes you realize how trapped we are and how we need to leave the darkness and step out into the light and stop living in Fear.
Be Fearless.

I love the passages and reference to Jesus and the bible- this is great for any christian who is doubting God during these times. In the back of the book there is a discussion guide that leads you with some very thought provoking questions and scripture to help you seek

Please go pick up this book- it will be worth your time and money. so step out and stop living in fear

Hummingbird

Lana- one of my friends in Colorado took these pictures Friday/Saturday and posted these on facebook and labeled them all Tammie’s Hummingbird….
She also sent me a message - She knows God uses Hummingbirds to speak to me.

Little did she know this weekend at my house there was a hummingbird that was "hanging" around. It would fly up to my sliding glass door and hover. Like it was starring at me, watching me, waiting for me to notice. 3 times this little hummingbird did this over the 2 days. I love watching them there is just something about the hummingbird that takes my breath away and gives me shivers.

Lana's note:
Just had to write a note to say hi and that you have been on my heart this week end. It started with the hummingbird..."Commit your works to the Lord and your plans will be established." Pro. 16:3 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of darkness....Eph. 6:12Not sure this helps you today, but felt led to send it. Blessings to you my lovely friend. Lana

Devotion I received today :-)

Is My name not called the Son of Glory? I come in this time to call you forth into the fullness of My kingdom, says the Lord. You have walked around the edges of it and you have partaken of it somewhat, but I say unto you today there is a fullness, a full manifestation of the glory and the revelation of My kingdom that must be birthed in your heart. For not only am I the Son of Glory, but I come to bestow that glory upon you; that it may change you; that it's light may adorn you; that it's splendor may captivate you. That that which I bring in this season will cause you to turn your eyes from the world and turn your eyes fully upon Me, says the Lord. For it is written and it is true that I am the author and the finisher of your faith. So come today. Come, I say. Come in your weakness; come in your helplessness; come with whatever it is that is holding you back. For My intention is to anoint you with the Spirit of My Glory that you may rise up and become exactly what My word says you will be, says the Lord God of Glory.

So God- Father- the ever so mysterious wonder- Bring on the GLORY!!

SLAM!!! or so I thought

That is what it feels like right this moment- that a very large- thick heave door has been slammed shut in my face.
Well that was yesterday- I had posted the post below about 12:50pm 08/26/09 and seriously not more then 20 minutes later everything was coming down around me or so I thought.

I received this devotional very early in the morning
Get seriously quiet before Me, says the Lord, for you are approaching a turning point where you need direction and guidance. This will be a break-away moment, a line of demarcation that will separate the past from where you are now and where you are headed. Your past experiences will have very little relevance to what is upcoming, but do not be afraid. This is not a bad thing; it is only a course correction that will produce kingdom destiny in your life. Look forward to all that I have prepared for you.

1 Corinthians 2:9 But as it is written: "Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him."

This came at 1:43pm
Come Monday I have no daycare for Aaron (6 months old) nor can we afford anything. To have him in daycare is about $1000+ a month. Which Julia is $800 a month. We had Julia tested for kindergarten and she passed with flying colors so we registered her and thought WOW this is it if she gets into full day kindy then we can have that $800 to pay for Aaron's daycare needs. Well door today SLAMMED shut- she is still on the waitlist for Full Day and per the school all spots within the full day class have been confirmed and unless someone drops out of full day which they don't see happening she is in 1/2 day- which with Marco and I both working we just can't do 1/2 day kindergarten. 9:30-12 or 12:30-3:30- it doesn't work.

I thought also God was calling me to apply for this new position and really felt everything being confirmed and then today door slammed again in my face.

so now what do i do- Aaron has no daycare come monday- julia doesn't go to kindergarten Tuesday but back to daycare which is just another "heart" issue for me since it isn't the best place for her but we can't afford "better or best"

1:50pm i got this

subject line in a new email is : Words of encouragement are inside

inside the email:
Ever notice how the top headlines in the news are often the most discouraging? It's a good thing that we have other positive things to read like a daily devotion or God's Word. Here's a passage that has encouraged me this week. "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." John 14:27 (NIV)

at 4pm I got this email:

4 Tips for Living a Fearless Life

If there is one thing I've learned in this recession it is that I don't have to live in fear. This is an amazing realization, actually... especially for me. As a general rule, I don't like to admit that I am afraid. I am sure that I am not alone on this. Let's be honest, we live in a fear-based culture right now. "Uncertainty" is the new buzz word for fear. When fear hits you, it can steal your joy and paralyze you. It rears its ugly head in the form of frustration, withdrawal, or outbursts of anger. You can break free from the grip of fear!

Here are four things you can do to position yourself to live a fearless life:

1.Articulate what you are afraid of to someone you trust. Calmly unpack the root cause of your frustration.

2.Start living for today, and stop worrying about tomorrow. "Each day has enough trouble of it's own." (Matthew 6:34 NIV)

3.Remember that it's not about how much you have, but who you have. Reorient your priorities around building meaningful relationships.

4.Put your trust in God. Acknowledge that God is your source, and he is in control. "Cast all your anxiety on him, for he cares about you." (1 Peter 5:7 NIV)

Today early AM I got this

The enemy is fighting for control and will not give up easily, yet he is already defeated. Refuse to allow discouragement to come when you have a minor setback because this is his last ditch effort to keep you in bondage just before you break forth into unbridled liberty, says the Lord. You are above and not beneath; he is beneath and not above you. Be strong and courageously keep pressing through. Victory is assured.

Deuteronomy 28:13 And the LORD will make you the head and not the tail; you shall be above only, and not be beneath, if you heed the commandments of the LORD your God, which I command you today, and are careful to observe them.

So then I went to go read a blog I follow and found even more inspiration check it out

MckMama

What's the lesson here and the story that's being told..... I'm not to sure but I know it's in there.

It's not about me, there is a larger story we are in so get out of the small story.

Stand strong in my Faith

Never Doubt or become disappointed or discouraged.

I will sit and wait and be patient and rest.

Next Steps

Get seriously quiet before Me, says the Lord, for you are approaching a turning point where you need direction and guidance. This will be a break-away moment, a line of demarcation that will separate the past from where you are now and where you are headed. Your past experiences will have very little relevance to what is upcoming, but do not be afraid. This is not a bad thing; it is only a course correction that will produce kingdom destiny in your life. Look forward to all that I have prepared for you.
1 Corinthians 2:9 But as it is written: "Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him."
I am at a Crossroads in my life and I am quite lost on where to place my next step.
My heart hurts, its stirring, it confused, its displaced but still alive and racing faster with every beat.

Have you ever felt like that? Like your whole life was about to be turned up-side down and there was a certain calm and peace about it. That you had enough Faith, Trust and Belief in our Father that he would come through to rescue you if needed. Have you felt that? I believe well I am pretty sure I KNOW that is where I am at. I have Faith, Trust, Belief that he will come through. He knows my heart, my desires, wants and needs. Yet here I set unsettled wondering really what is next?

We Shall See......

Recipes

Taco Soup-
2 chicken breasts, cut up small- you can use any type of meat or no meat
1 onion chopped
1 can Rotelle tomatoes (Mexican tomatoes)
1 can stewed tomatoes (i don't like chunky tomatoes so I used diced instead)
1 can kidney beans
1 can pinto beans
1 can white beans
1 can corn
1 packet ranch dressing
1 packet taco seasoning
sides of sour cream, chips (we like Frito's), and grated cheese

1. Chop the onion and cook with the chicken breast, drain.
2. Add in the rest of the ingredients (the original recipe says to NOT drain the cans but rinsing the beans of the juice they are in helps reduce the "gassy" effects significantly!-so I rinse the 3 cans of beans and then add about a half can or so of water for the right consistency.
3. Add the corn in without draining it...
4. Bring to a boil and reduce to simmer for about 15-20 minutes. If you want to throw it all in crock pot and cook on low while gone for the day it tastes even better. The longer you cook it the more the flavors join together.
Top with the cheese, chips, sour cream! ENJOY!!

Easy Shepherd Pie
1 lb. ground beef
2 cups hot mashed potatoes - use instant or make fresh
4 oz. (1/2 of 8-oz. pkg.) Cream Cheese
1 cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese, divided into 1/2 cups
2 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups frozen mixed vegetables, thawed
1 cup beef gravy

Heat Oven to 375
Brown meat in skillet, drain
MIX potatoes, cream cheese, 1/2 cup Cheddar and garlic until well blended.
COMBINE meat, vegetables and gravy; spoon into 9-inch square baking dish.
COVER with potato mixture and remaining Cheddar. Bake 20 min. or until heated through.


Campbell's Easy Chicken Pot Pie
Prep: 10 min -
Cook: 30 min
1 can Campbell's® Cream of Chicken Soup- you can also use Cream of Mushroom or Celery
1 pkg. (about 9 oz.) frozen mixed vegetables, thawed
1 cup cubed cooked chicken (frozen chicken breast chopped or Rotisserie chicken pulled)
1/2 cup milk
1 egg
1 cup all-purpose baking mix (Bisquick)
PREHEAT oven to 400°F.
Mix soup, vegetables and chicken in 9" pie plate.
MIX milk, egg and baking mix. Pour over chicken mixture.
Bake 30 min. or until golden.
Makes 4 servings
This recipe created by Campbell's.

I have used this as a base for my recipe- instead of the Bisquick I use Puff Pastry sheets which make an awesome top. Instead of 9" pie plate I use smaller dishes to make individual cups of it and just cut the puff pastry sheets into about 4" squares.
You can use any veggies you want- frozen or canned- my kids like peas, carrots, potatoes, Lima beans, green beans.

If you use the puff pastry you won't need the egg and milk or Bisquick.
to freeze- put into individual cups place puff pastry over- cover and freeze- to eat take out, thaw and bake for about 45 minutes.
My girls have used the microwave and toaster oven to cook/reheat these.

Quick Eggplant Parmigiana
plain bread crumbs (recently i have been using panko they make it crispier)
grated Parmesan cheese
dried oregano (if you use Italian bread crumbs no need for this)
all-purpose flour
2 eggs lightly beaten
eggplant - (12 to 15 oz) trimmed, and sliced crosswise into 1/4" slices
1 cup light spaghetti sauce (I use jar spaghetti- any kind- any flavor)
2 oz finely-shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
Coat two 10- by 15-inch rimmed baking sheets with nonstick cooking spray or use wax paper for super easy clean up
Place the bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, and oregano in a shallow dish; mix well.
Place the flour in another shallow dish and place the eggs in a third shallow dish.
Dip the eggplant slices in the flour, then the eggs, then the bread crumb mixture, coating completely with each.
Arrange the eggplant in a single layer on the baking sheets.
Lightly coat the tops of the eggplant with nonstick cooking spray.
Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until golden.
Spoon the spaghetti sauce evenly over the eggplant slices, then sprinkle with the mozzarella cheese.
Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted.
Serve immediately.

ENJOY

I won

http://heckofabunch.blogspot.com/2009/08/resnackit-winner.html

http://www.resnackit.com/

I am so stinkin excited- I can't wait to start using this - I may have to order more. No More baggies in lunches.

and again... I WON-

Visit for another chance to win a beautiful piece of jewelry from www.cinnamonsticks.etsy.com http://priddycreations.blogspot.com/2009/08/we-have-winner.html

Book Review- Rick and Bubba Guide to Marriage

I am not a follower of Rick and Bubba-I had never heard of them before but loved the opportunity to read this book.
I would warn people they need to be open minded when reading this book. Lighten up a little.
I sometimes find myself with books that offer advice being ready to read "the secert" the one thing that will fix my marriage. The one thing I can show my spouse and say "See- this is what I am talking about" This book does offer insight through humor and sarcasm. I think maybe we do lack these things in our marriages and we take things seriously. Maybe that is the secret we need- Lighten up!

It's realistic - definetly recommended reading for any married couple. The chapter titles everyone knows exactly what they are talking about without even having to read-
"Lost keys", "Why is our stuff the first to go", "Love and credit cards".

I love that there is 2 bonuses that come with this book- the cd in the back "the best of rick and bubba" and the last few pages of the book are 2nd book- "the book of blame"

Rick and Bubba offer a way for couples to understand eahc other and also for us to laugh at the way it is.

6 months- wow!

Yes can you believe Aarom Stryker is already 6 months old.
He has been such a blessing in a house full of girls. He is loved on much.
He is just starting to find his voice and makes lots of noises.
Can't wait to see whats in store for us with this little man.

More Free stuff

Visit for another chance to win a beautiful piece of jewelry from Cinnamon Sticks http://priddycreations.blogspot.com/


Visit : Yourmamareviews
Free Stuff Alert
Bumkins is giving away a Waterproof Toddler Apron to one lucky reader.

Also enter at Bumkins
Bumkins is currently having a Back 2 School Blog tour, so check out their post for a chance to win $35 at Bumkins.com. They carry a huge variety of products, from cloth diapers to towels.

the blog also lists several sites to visit for reviews and more free stuff and giveaways.


onceuponablog.org

T Shirt Giveaway and new kids tees

I really like these tees- great verses and great designs. Read below about how you can enter to win one of the kids tees plus an adult tee.

Good Luck.

We are celebrating the launch of our newest line, WildOliveKids! And we want you to help spread the word about our new tees.Beginning today, through Wednesday, August 12th, you will have a chance to enter our giveaway for a prize of two kids tees and one adult tee of your choice. You can receive entries several different ways. The most important thing to remember, however, is to comment on OUR blog under the giveaway post, to let us know what you've done (see list below) and how many entries you should receive. Then be sure to visit the Blog on August 13th, when we announce our giveaway winner!
Blogs:
1 entry - Put one of our new buttons for Wild Olive Kids on your blog. (Codes for these buttons can be found on our Blog )
3 entries - Post to your blog about Wild Olive Kids and link back to our site, http://www.wildolivetees.com/.
5 entries - Do both.
Facebook:
1 entry - Update your status to say something about Wild Olive Kids, post a link, and become a fan, if you're not already: Wild Olive Tees
3 entries - Once the link has been posted, it will be added to your Boxes. Go to your Boxes, click on the pencil icon in the upper right corner and choose "Move to wall tab", which will move it to the left side of your profile's wall.
5 entries - Do both.
Twitter:
1 entry - Tweet about us, linking back to our site, http://www.wildolivetees.com/.
You can earn up to 11 entries for doing all of the above. Just be sure to let us know, and don't forget to give us a link back to your blog or Facebook profile!

Thanks for spreading the word about us and for "gettin' your verse on!"

Blessings,Wild Olive

Come on in, the water is great

Julia playing in the sand at Banks Lake and Moe swimming

Monday August 3rd Fast

Would you join me/us?
The Fast: Monday, August 3rd
Fast: Breakfast or Lunch or Dinner or All Three or maybe if your not ready skip having chocolate or coffee for the day.

Here are 3 great resources on Fasting and how to prepare and some scripture about Fasting.

Linny's Blog on Fasting

http://www.ccci.org/growth/growing-closer-to-god/how-to-fast/index.aspx

http://bible.org/seriespage/appendix-2-fasting-scripture

I fasted for the first time last week on Monday July27th and it was the most amazing expereince. There was such a peace and connection with God.

There is another group of us doing it again this Monday August 3rd.
I will be praying for Stellan , Kate, Marie's and other sick children out there who need healing and whose parents need comfort. Also I will be praying for our govt, the economy and for LIFE .

Will you consider Joining me? Inviting others?

Mid Summer Giveaway from Atlantic BeachLife

http://www.atlanticbeachlife.com/2009/07/my-midsummer-giveaway.html

3 Chances:
Visit Atlantic Beach Life- Comment and follow (only if serious on following)


You can jump over to Nicholas Landon Jewelry and read all about the Cape Cod Pearl and Leather bracelet and check out her other creations while you’re at it. Give her some comment love, and come on back here and tell me so (on this post, remember!) and you’ve got yourself another chance.

Write about the sites on your blog.

Winner announced tomorrow- I know i am late in the game just found out about it.

Beautiful work - I love the jewlery

I'm dreaming of a White Christmas...

Well sorta. I wish we had cooler temperatures outside. Yesterday when driving home from work it was 111 degrees. Yes 3 digits. Thankfully in our house we have 2 small window AC units which kept our house about 85 degrees. But still trying to sleep in that with no real breeze and its just muggy. It's sticky, wet, humid heat so all you want to do is remove your clothing because its soaked- shower and then maybe put clothes back on.

The poor dogs they wanted to go outside and run and play but then would get out there and come right back to the door and sit and pant. Then come in and lay in front of the fan. They would look at us like "you're crazy, i'm not moving and don't think about touching my fan"

Hopefully we will see cooler temps today. I think we are all becoming super creative during this heat wave. I have seen pictures of frozen water bottles in front of a fan. I have heard folks freezing wet towels and hanging in front of a fan. buckets or bowls of ice in front of the fan. Anything to create a cool breeze. Hey when your desperate you get creative right. Antyhing to surivie. But then I think do we know anything about true survival. Folks in other countries deal with things like this every day without electricity, fans, ice and sometimes no water. I know we are uncomfortable and we don't like being hot but at least we have homes to go to, cars to drive, clothes to wear and food to eat. Loving arms to come home to , a rocking chair to sit and hold a healthy baby as he goes to sleep. Some are not as forunate as us. So today for them I will not whine, I will not complain I will simply think of them and pray for them and lift them up to our Father in Heaven and ask him to be with them today. To pour the rain down on them. To give them a breeze of freshness and life.

So today I dream of Christmas- becasue Christ came not becasue it's snowy and cold.

through a child's eyes

Yesterday I started following McKMama's blog ....http://www.mycharmingkids.net/
What an incredible story, such faith and trust in our Father. The picture she posted last night just undid me. I just sat there staring into Stellan's eyes. I saw so much in his little eyes- Our Father- the veil being lifted, the peace, the life, the hope and also I saw the faint weary little boy who needs a big miracle that I know our Mt Moving God can do.
It is hard to describe just what i felt and capture the words to put you into that moment with me. I felt the same way on Saturday when i opened the mail and received an updated picture of the child we sponsor through http://www.compassion.com/default.htm . I was so very excited to see him. He is in India and he is 7 years old. What a treasure to see through his eyes.
We write letters back and forth but there is something about "seeing" him.
Another picture is "Hudson" http://chapmanchannel.typepad.com/marybeth/ who is now at Maria's big house for Hope. The love that pours out of those eyes. It just humbles me and brings me to my knees. I feel helpless and lost. I feel there is so much more I should be and can be doing but what and how. Those eyes look at me and pierce my heart with so much love. Those are the eyes of Christ. Those are the eyes that say no matter what I Forgive you and I love you unconditionally. Just makes me want to hold my family tighter and to worship our Father so much louder.

I challenge you to take a look into those eyes around you and pause for a moment and just let it sink in. What are they saying to you, what are you missing in life and what can you "change".

Cinnamon*Sticks Boutique Giveaway

http://cinnamonsticksboutique.blogspot.com/2009/07/grand-re-opening-giveaway.html

Through a friend's blog I learned of this great blog and shop on Etsy.

Canela makes wonderful pieces of jewelry and is launching a grand re-opening of her shop.

She is also giving a piece away.

Here are the rules from her site.

So to win.....
For one entry head on over to my shop then come back here and leave me a comment letting me know what your favorite item is ...
For an extra entry you can follow my blog those that are already followers will still get the entry..
For three extra entries Blog about this giveaway with a link back here for others to find :O)
So that's 5 chances all together. Just be sure to tell me in your comment if you blogged about it or are following my blog!
The giveaway will run from 7/27/to 8/1 11:59pm PST
The winner will be announced on Sunday August 2nd.

Here is some of her art work:

Monday 27th- Fast

Would you join me/us?
The Fast: Monday, July 27th
Fast: Breakfast or Lunch or Dinner or All Three

For the complete story visit Linny's blog over at a place called simplicty:
http://aplacecalledsimplicity.blogspot.com/2009/07/would-you-help-me-please.html

Waters of your Heart

I posted yesterday about my Husbands wedding ring and how it was lost in the river.
Last tuesday night I was at a meeting with 11 other amazing women and our ? for the nightly discussion was "how do you see your heart?" There were alot of references to water (rivers, creeks- crossing them- laying beside them). In August there are 18 of us going to "Crooked Creek Ranch" in Winter Park CO for a "Captivating" retreat.

I thought it was a bit funny the references to rivers, creeks and we are headed to a creek.

Then this morning God was showing me that this is all tied together. Marco losing his ring in the river- the ladies going to crooked creek to seek a deeper relationship with our Father. What I didn't say yesterday was God gave Hubby a question to take back to the men- "What Passion have you lost and where are you seeking it" The ring was a symbol of something lost and fighting to find it and get it back. God was using it for something bigger. Where did you lose your passion and where are you trying to find it?

I love how he uses things to help us "SEE" and to show us things.

Someone sent this to me and I found it so appropriate.
Read Ps. 23 aloud. Are the waters of your heart still or troubled? Where do you need God to calm the storm?

Psalm 23
A psalm of David.
The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want.
He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters,
he restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, [a] I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.

So trusting him and walking this out- How are the "waters" of my heart and where do I need him to calm the storm? God is GOOD!!!!

Memorial Box Monday- The Ring

This weekend my husband lost his wedding ring in a river. He was on a men's retreat with our church and slipped and the tube he was pushing to shore with some of the gear started to get away. He pushed his hand down in the sand/water to keep from falling and while doing that the sand/water grabbed the ring. So it was either keep his hand where it was in hopes of finding the ring or grab the gear. He grabbed the gear since it was not only him but a large group of men counting on that gear.

A few men spent some time trying to help him find the ring but as of sunday night when he came home- no ring.

I remember when he first found the ring before we got married. He was very proud of his find and extrememly happy. It was Titanium. That meant it wouldn't get scratched and banged up while working on computers all day.

Today's memorial box is for the ring- what it symbolizes, the meaning and the joy it brought. Now I know our God is an amazing God and I have seen many things over the years involving wedding rings and their reappearance so I will be patient and see what he is up to.

In September we will have been married for 3 years. The ring made it almost 3 years.

Early Entrance

We recently had Julia tested for Early Entrance into Kindergarten. She passed- she can go. So now the decision do we enroll her or not. The same day we had her tested my Aunt told us come September she wouldn't be able to watch Aaron anymore. Is this God working things out for us?
Julia full day Kindergarten and no more daycare so we can enroll Aaron in daycare? I don't know but I am not worrying about it- I am walking in faith, trusting and believing that God will work it out and whatever his will - will be.

Wordless Wednesday on a thursday

my hubby-

10 on 10

seattle public library- + stop lite

i did a theme again for this month's 10 on 10.... things we use or instruments/tools in our lives.

Memorial Box~

From a dear sweet blogy friend...... http://aplacecalledsimplicity.blogspot.com/

such a great idea to have Memorial Box Monday. I'll start mine next week.
But first here is an explaination of it (taken from Linn's blog)
In Joshua 4 Almighty God tells the Isrealites to collect stones and set them as a Memorial to remind them of God's power and provision. He then tells the Isrealites to use those stones as a memorial; that everytime they see them to tell their children and their children's children the stories over and over again, continually reminding them of God's faithfulness.
((Joshua 4When the whole nation had finished crossing the Jordan, the LORD said to Joshua, "Choose twelve men from among the people, one from each tribe, and tell them to take up twelve stones from the middle of the Jordan from right where the priests stood and to carry them over with you and put them down at the place where you stay tonight."So Joshua called together the twelve men he had appointed from the Israelites, one from each tribe, and said to them, "Go over before the ark of the LORD your God into the middle of the Jordan. Each of you is to take up a stone on his shoulder, according to the number of the tribes of the Israelites, to serve as a sign among you. In the future, when your children ask you, 'What do these stones mean?' tell them that the flow of the Jordan was cut off before the ark of the covenant of the LORD. When it crossed the Jordan, the waters of the Jordan were cut off. These stones are to be a memorial to the people of Israel forever."So the Israelites did as Joshua commanded them. They took twelve stones from the middle of the Jordan, according to the number of the tribes of the Israelites, as the LORD had told Joshua; and they carried them over with them to their camp, where they put them down. Joshua set up the twelve stones that had been in the middle of the Jordan at the spot where the priests who carried the ark of the covenant had stood. And they are there to this day.......... On the tenth day of the first month the people went up from the Jordan and camped at Gilgal on the eastern border of Jericho. And Joshua set up at Gilgal the twelve stones they had taken out of the Jordan. He said to the Israelites, "In the future when your descendants ask their fathers, 'What do these stones mean?' tell them, 'Israel crossed the Jordan on dry ground.' For the LORD your God dried up the Jordan before you until you had crossed over. The LORD your God did to the Jordan just what he had done to the Red Sea when he dried it up before us until we had crossed over. He did this so that all the peoples of the earth might know that the hand of the LORD is powerful and so that you might always fear the LORD your God."))

Visit her blog to read more about the Memorial Box.

Camping

10 days of camping with a total of 7 people and 2 dogs in 1 trailer.
90 degree weather, mosquitos that attack in swarms but it was fun and amazing family time.

The first stop we made was Wenatchee to visit my great aunt. My grandma's sister. She is in an assisted living home and she has Alzheimer's. What a horrible, terrible Disease. She was always so full of life. She loves all her family so much and would travel anywhere to help anyone. She was always there. The past few years have been hard to see this disease rob her memory, mind, and her life.

She was one who knew who everyone was. We would go to family functions and she knew everyone and how we were all related and days they were born and just about everything about their life. I loved that in her. She was spunky, fiesty and full of it! I say she still is.

We walked in that morning to see her and her face lit up. She called us "Ethel's Gang" that's my grandma. I just hugged her and stroked her back and held her hand. I can only hope she knows how much I love her and what an impact she had on my life. She is so fragile now. She is lost in her mind. She remembers somethings and tells stories. She was telling us about how her husband my Uncle Paul was coming to remodel the house she is living in. Well he had been dead for several years now. But it was nice that she remembers him and his character and that he was a builder.
She sat at the table with a pile of pictures and post cards in front of her just picking them up and holding them and starring at the pictures. I wish she could tell us stories , I wish I had spent more time listening and hearing her before this disease stole her away from us.

We all love her so dearly- She is still with us and she is such a blessing. I am glad that is the way we started our camping trip. So we could remember life is short and you do not know what may happen- have you told those around you the stories, how you feel.... you should before you are robbed the chance.


Happy blogging all my bloggy friends.

13- YIKES

Happy 13 Birthday Tarah....





okay I am late getting this post out as her birthday was last week but here it is. See that is what happens now that I have 2 teenagers in the house- Chaos!.











Tarah is such an animal lover especially DOGS... she knows everything about them and trains our dogs. Our youngest dog she has been teaching him agility. Now she has not had any training she is just a natural. It's becasue she has such a soft heart and is so loving. Everything feels safe with her and trusts her.

You are a special daughter who means so much to me. The day you were born, there wasn't a lovelier sight to see. I am glad God gave you to me. Your love and devotion has been my reason, to get through many tough times, and through many seasons. As you have grown up, your beauty shines through, with a wonderful smile that shows the real you. You have a heart that is made of gold and I know it will stay that way, as you grow old. You make me proud that you are who you are. The bond that we have will keep us close, and no matter where you are, you won't seem far. The closeness we have will never depart, cause there is so much love that connects you to my heart. I am glad my daughter, that you are mine, because having you in my life makes my sun shine. Copyright by Judith Pleasant 2003

Happy Birthday Tarah- Love your mom

Ten on Ten

Through a friends blog I found this blog http://tenontenphotojournal.blogspot.com/ . this month I thought I would give it a try. 10 photos throughout the day on the 10th day of the month. a photo every hour or so just to document life. I chose to do shapes as this months challenge was a theme. well here are my 10 (late posting I know)

smoke alarm - square/rectangle and circle

baby wipe container- oval and rectangle

glass balls from my wind chime -circles

circle and diamonds

japanese glass float -circle

a view throught my ottoman -rectangles/squares

front door- rectangle

bell shaped flowers- but do you see the circle inside them



chandler- circles


daisy -circle