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