5 Question Fri...Saturday (again)

1. Vow renewal ceremonies-yay or nay?    Yay, when they are actually meaningful to the couple.  I think they can be very sweet, especially when an older couple does them to celebrate a special anniversary.- like 50 years or something. I mean, it's not like your vows expire or something, but if that's how a couple wants to celebrate, I'm all for it.  But "nay" to couples who do them for show, like that silly John & Kate one that came right before their marriage blew up-- surely they knew at the time that things were not right between them, so I'm sure the vow renewal was just for the show.  Boo.

2. What sound/s annoy you the most?  I CAN'T STAND the sound of someone getting ready to hack up mucus.  Eeeewww.  Just thinking about it now set off my gag reflex.  
     I've also developed quite a sensitivity to noise in general as I've grown older.  If my kids are being loud with toys and the TV is on and DH is talking on the phone... all of that at once makes me feel like I'm losing my mind.  Seriously, it's almost a panic-like feeling.  Lots of noise makes me feel very tense.   On the other hand, I love to drive with the windows down and the music blasting... so THAT noise doesn't bother me.  It's just when it's lots of different noises at once.  I have no idea when/how that started, but it's definitely getting worse as I get older.

3. If you had to pick, would you have only all boys, or only all girls for kids?  I seriously can't imagine having to choose.  I have one of each, and they are so different.  My DH and I often talk about how naturally different boys and girls are as we watch our kids grow and play.  I used to dream of having three boys and a girl.. for some reason that seemed like the ideal family to me.  God had other plans, and I can't have any more kids, but I am so very blessed by both my daughter and my son.   Really... I couldn't pick.  I'd have to flip a coin.

4. Do you believe in alternative medicine?    Yes, I do.  I know many things outside of traditional medicine help people, and I don't think the idea of popping a pill for every ache or ailment is the best solution.  I firmly believe that faith and spirituality have healing powers, and I believe that things like yoga and relaxation techniques can make a huge difference for some issues.  I've tried various herbs and homeopathic remedies myself, and had limited success... but I usually wind up finding that the traditional meds work better.  However, when it comes to the serious stuff (like DD's diabetes), we stick with traditional medicine.... no messing around.  And one of these days I'm going to wind up punching someone who suggests fungus/ mushrooms/ whatever else as the "magic" cure that I just "have" to put DD on.... argh!

5. Would you take a family member's children and raise them if they needed it?   Absolutely, without a doubt. 

Share your own 5QF answers HERE!

..................................... Have you heard? I've started a new blog, The Sugar Sharks, all about our life with Type I Diabetes. ..................................... This post may contain sponsored reviews or affiliate links.  You can read my policy here. I always provide my honest opinions.

Lightening!

I've always loved to watch lightening.  Storms relax me, especially at night in the summer.  I have never really felt a fear of a thunderstorm.  (Now tornado-strength winds are another story... but I'm talking about lightening and thunder here.)

Photo by bjj

I may feel differently now.  Our house was struck by lightening yesterday.  

We had gone to DD's softball end-of-season pizza party for lunch, and got home around 3pm.  Around 3:45 or so, the rain started.  It wasn't a loud storm or anything- in fact, I think I only heard about four cracks of lightening through the whole storm.  Right around 4pm, I was sitting here at the computer when a VERY loud crack of lightening hit so loud that I literally jumped up out of my seat. 

Our power went out.  We still didn't realize we'd been hit- we figured the whole neighborhood was out.  DH went out on the porch to look around, and noticed the strong smell of smoke.  The rain had already let up by then, so we started checking out the house, but couldn't find anything.  We came back in and were hit with the VERY strong burnt plastic smell.   We checked the entire house, attic and all, but didn't find anything.  The power came back on, and that's when we realized that several things were fried.

We lost a majority of our electronic "toys"-- TVs, cable boxes, video games, phones, garage door opener, etc.   Things that were hit seem to be really random-- one item on a surge protector might be toast, but the other three things are fine.   We were told that this is normal for a lightening strike- that it seems to take random things. 

We don't yet know what will and won't be replaced by insurance, as we spent most of today trying to figure out exactly what was fried and what wasn't.   Thankfully, no people were hurt.  Our air conditioner and major appliances all seem to be working fine.  We're trying to keep that in mind as we deal with the bills and insurance over the next few weeks.  

I don't think I'll ever enjoy watching lightening quite as much again!

..................................... Have you heard? I've started a new blog, The Sugar Sharks, all about our life with Type I Diabetes. .....................................

True North: a great perspective

True North: Choosing God in the Frustrations of Life was one of those books that I loved as soon as I started reading it.  It's all about looking up (north) to God in all things.  It's a positive, upbeat take on life, but it's not one of those cheesy self-help books.  

The book opens with an aptly titled chapter: Life Is Difficult.  That title is followed by scripture: "In this world you will have trouble." John 16:33 NIV.  What that said to me was that life is hard, but that's exactly what the Bible said would happen, so we know God is there.  

The book goes on to illustrate the many ways that we humans are tempted to solve our problems in the flesh, when we really should be turning to God.  Are we "grumbling and grasping", or have we reached a place of "grace and gratitude"?  The authors share personal experiences, leaving the reader to feel that we are on this journey together- we're not being "preached at" by someone who is a better Christian than we are.  

Authors Gary and Lisa Heim are a husband-wife ministry team.  Their book spoke to me, and so I looked for the Heims online.  I was pleased to find their website, True North Ministries.  Their site offers a summary of the book, and also a  free study guide to use while reading True North... .  I found myself wishing that I could attend one of their 525 retreats.

This is a book that I would freely recommend to anyone who could use a little reminder of where we, as Christians, can turn when facing life's problems.

Disclosure: I received a free copy of this book from Kregel Publications in exchange for my honest review. 

This post may contain sponsored reviews or affiliate links.  You can read my policy here. I always provide my honest opinions.

My new Diabetes blog

OK, after much thought, I've finally decided to move most of my diabetes blogging over to a home of its own.   That's not to say that I'll never mention diabetes here, of course, but several times I have chosen not to post something diabetes-related because it didn't really seem to belong here, tucked in between posts about the Bible challenge and my coupon deals. 

Today, The Sugar Sharks blog was born.  I hope you'll visit me there!


This post may contain sponsored reviews or affiliate links.  You can read my policy here. I always provide my honest opinions.

Bible in 90 Days: Week One

So.... finding time to read my assigned Bible readings every day last week was tough. This challenge is definitely proving to be harder than I expected, but I really want to continue.   I'm a still behind on the reading schedule as of this morning, but I think I'll be caught up in another day or two.

I'm hoping as the weeks progress I'll fall into a natural rhythm of a good reading time.    My usual before-bed reading slot isn't working out so well-- by then I'm too tired to really soak in Scripture. I'm working on finding a better time... it's just hard with our constantly-changing schedule.

I did receive the official The Bible in 90 Days that I ordered last week.  (Remember? I wound up getting it for free, and after some debate, decided I'll add in the apocryphal books at the end.)  On one hand, I do like having the "official "Bible to use with this challenge, as each day's readings are marked, so I know where I stand without having to look it up online.  But, then again, I could have just as easily printed out the reading schedule and stuck with my regular NRSV Bible.  So, really, I guess I'm sort of on the fence as to whether this specific edition makes a difference in my reading or not.

I'd love to hear from you if you are doing the challenge or have even considered it!


This post may contain sponsored reviews or affiliate links.  You can read my policy here. I always provide my honest opinions.

Bible in 90 Days: Day 1 & a Decision

Day one of the challenge @ Mom's Toolbox to read the Bible in 90 days.  I read half the assigned reading this morning, and I finished it up this afternoon.  

As a Catholic, I initially had concerns about the official The Bible in 90 Days not having the apocrypha books.  As I had posted a couple of days ago, I was planning to use my Catholic Women's Devotional Bible and/or my The Way Catholic Bible, and just follow the reading schedule.  

Well, it seems that fate (and by fate, I always mean God) had other ideas.   Just this week I received notice that I now have $13.79 in credit in my Amazon account, thanks to the revenue I receive through this blog.   And.... guess what?  The Bible in 90 Days costs $13.59, and I have free shipping thanks to my Amazon Moms Prime account.  So, basically, I can get the exact Bible I need for this challenge absolutely free. :)   I have always believed that things happen for a reason.  I decided that it was meant to be, and I ordered the The Bible in 90 Days last night.   Until it comes in later this week, I'll keep reading my regular Bible.  

So... day one down.   I'd love to hear from you if you are doing this challenge, or if you might be interested in trying it sometime.  


This post may contain sponsored reviews or affiliate links.  You can read my policy here. I always provide my honest opinions.

Menu Plan: week of 7/11

It's a quick and easy menu at my house this week.  I'm still trying to use up enough beef to have room in my freezer for other meats, so this week is still heavy on the red meat.

Last week's Star-Studded Mini Pies were a hit- and easy to make!

• MONDAY: Tacos, enchiladas, burritos.... something Mexican!   I'm home today but we're running a bunch of errands.  If we're home in time for me to mess with making enchilada sauce , I will, if not, we'll just do tacos.
  
• TUESDAY: new recipe: Grilled Asian Flank Steak, rice, steamed veggies 
• WEDNESDAY: kielbasa, macaroni, peas
• THURSDAY: leftovers or sandwiches
• FRIDAY: family party for my mom's birthday- I'm in charge of the goulash & my sisters are bringing the other dishes.  (My way- not really a recipe: a box of bow tie pasta, a jar of sauce, a large can of diced tomatoes, mushrooms, pepperoni, hambuger, and cheese--- all cooked and tossed together.)
• SATURDAY:  It's Pizza Night here every Saturday- we pretty much always have some variety of homemade pizza and tossed salad.  Last week I planned to try this Grilled Pizza recipe, but instead we varied from our tradition and ate DH's requested Subway instead of pizza.  So I'll keep the recipe on for this coming week and hopefully we'll get to it!  :)

Share you own menu @ Menu Plan Monday! 

This post may contain sponsored reviews or affiliate links.  You can read my policy here. I always provide my honest opinions.

Bible Challenge

On Monday I'm starting a challenge that I'm actually a little intimidated by... I've signed up @ Mom's ToolBox to read the entire Bible in 90 days.   I've read much of the Bible, of course, but I've never sat down and made a concentrated effort to read every single word.

I had a concern about the so-called "extra books" in my Catholic Bible, because this program uses a protestant Bible.  I checked out the official ministry site, and found that the program had been hosted by Catholic churches in the past.  So,  it seems like this must be do-able.  I think I'll just add the apocrypha books in when I can- or maybe I'll do them the end.   

The program offers their own edition of the Bible for ease of reading, and it does look like it would make things simpler.  However, purchasing their Bible is not required, and buying anything extra isn't in my budget right now.   I will use my own Bible and follow the reading schedule instead.  I have two Catholic translations of the Bible... a Women's Devotional Catholic Bible  (NRSV), and an easy-to-read one: The Way Catholic Bible.  (We also have a large KJV Family Bible that was a gift... but it doesn't contain the apocrypha books.)   I normally read the different translations at different times, sometimes reading the same passage in both to try and understand what a particular passage is really saying.  I'm not sure which one I'll use for this challenge... I might rotate!

As I said, I'm intimidated by this challenge.  But I found myself drawn to the posts describing the program over and over, so I took that as a sign, took a deep breath, and signed myself up.   If you want to join in, here's the link to the official Bible in 90 Days signup.

I'd love to hear from you if you're taking this challenge!


This post may contain sponsored reviews or affiliate links.  You can read my policy here. I always provide my honest opinions.

Five Question Friday 7/8

1. Do you think cursive writing is overrated? (Schools in Indiana have now voted to take teaching cursive writing out of their curriculum.)   What??  Hadn't heard that about Indiana.  For shame.  I think cursive writing is very important.  Granted, I understand that more people probably communicate by typing than writing, but still... can you imagine taking all your school notes by printing back when we were kids?  Or currently, I do a lot of charting at work... I can't imagine having to print all that-- it would take twice as long!

2. Do you still use a pocket calendar or notepad or do you keep your info on your smart phone?    I use my phone for everything. I am highly dependent on my Google calendar.  I can access it from my phone, my computer at home, and my work computer.  I have a color-coded, overlapping calendars in place for staff scheduling, work meetings, home stuff, etc.   However, at home, we also keep a written family calendar in the kitchen so that everyone here knows what's going on.

3. What 3 things would you save if your house was burning down? (family & pets are already safe)

1. photo albums/ photos from the walls
2. computer- where the rest of our photos live
3. diabetes supplies... mostly out of habit, I guess, but that was one of the first things that popped into my head.  I never leave home without them!
   

4. Country Mouse or City Mouse, err Person?   We live in a suburb of a big city, with farmer's fields bordering our neighborhood.  Ideally, though, I'd love to move out into the middle of nowhere and become a country mouse.

5. If you could pick ANY reality show to go on, which would you pick?  The only reality show I watch is Big Brother, and there's no way ever want to go on there.  So, I don't know.  OH!  Wait!  Yes I do... I would want to be on  Yard Crashers!  I dream of running into that guy at our local home improvement store and letting him come and landscape our big, empty yard. 

Post your own answers and link up @ Five Question Friday!

This post may contain sponsored reviews or affiliate links.  You can read my policy here. I always provide my honest opinions.

Happy 4th of July!

Psalm 33:12 “Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD, 

the people he chose for his inheritance.”

This post may contain sponsored reviews or affiliate links.  You can read my policy here. I always provide my honest opinions.

Menu Plan: week of 7/3

This week's menu is still heavier than usual on the red meat, because we just bought a 1/4 of a cow, and I've got to use up some of this beef so I have room in the freezer to buy other meats.   There are also some repeats on here from last week... plans changed a few nights and we wound up eating quick sandwiches instead of cooking. 

I really hope to find time on Monday in between the parade and dinner to make some of these Star-Studded Mini Pies to send in to the guys at my husband's police department.  I know the guys will enjoy them!

• MONDAY: new recipe: Velveeta-stuffed hamburgers on buns (7pts+), salad (0-3pts+ depending on dressing), deviled eggs, corn on the cob, watermelon, s'mores  *Please note that I am choosing not to calculate the WW points yet.. LOL! I'll figure it out later and walk off those points during the week.
  
• TUESDAY:  family favorite: crockpot beef machacha on tortillas or nachos, with salsa/ tomatoes/ lettuce/ cheese/ peppers, watermelon   *The beef alone comes out to 9pts+ as written for six servings, but we usually get more than six servings by bulking our servings up with veggies.
• WEDNESDAY: leftovers or sandwiches
• THURSDAY: new recipe: Colorado Pork Roast  ,sauted squash, tossed salad  * The roast comes out to 15pts+ as written for four servings- yikes!  Those servings are too big. I plan to make this eight servings at 8pts+ each.
• FRIDAY: new recipe: corn and salsa chicken packets  (8pts+)  *I think I'm going to try grilling these instead of baking them.  I might also add a can of black beans, as one reviewer did. 
• SATURDAY:  It's Pizza Night here every Saturday- we pretty much always have some variety of homemade pizza and tossed salad.  Last week the kids picked out a cheeseburger pizza recipe- they loved it, but DH and I did not.   This week I want to try this Grilled Pizza recipe if the weather cooperates.  I'll use my favorite pizza dough recipe-- I make this in the bread maker nearly every Saturday:

• Amy's Favorite Breadmaker Pizza Crust

  1 1/3 cups water

  2 tablespoons canola oil  (I've used other oils and it comes out fine.)

  4 cups flour

  1 tsp salt

  2 tsp active dry yeast 

  Optional: sometimes I add in some garlic pepper or other spices.

  Run on the "dough" cycle in breadmaker.  Spray pizza pan with olive oil non-stick cooking spray.  Stretch crust out, let sit for five minutes, and stretch again to cover large pizza pan.  Bake at 450 for 8 minutes, top as desired, then bake for approximately 10 more minutes. 

This post may contain sponsored reviews or affiliate links.  You can read my policy here. I always provide my honest opinions.

Sleeping Bag Invitations

Hi, crafters... remember me?  Once upon a time I started this lovely meme... and then my life got crazy, and now I rarely have time to craft anything anymore.  Lucky for us, the always-creative Christine stepped up and has kept the meme going, providing fun challenges and a place to share each and every Sunday at Sunday Scrappin'. I am so happy that she did!  :)

I was recently going through pictures on my computer... side note: sorting those is a huge project that I need to tackle soon.  Anyways, I realized that I do have a few crafty projects that I've never shared, so here I am.

These are the invitations I designed for my daughter's slumber party back in April.  These were simply double-sided card stock, stickers, and text printed within shapes that I created with the PrintShop program on my computer.  I folded the cardstock in half, rounding the corners, and then cut a slit on the folded side to bend down for the top of the sleeping bag.  I made sure the sleeping bags were the right size to fit into a business envelope.  We added the flip flop stickers, heart stickers (on the pj leg), and a small square of felt for the pillow. 

My daughter helped put them together, and she loved them. Her favorite part was the little glow-in-the-dark teddy bear stickers we found to put on the felt pillows.  We loved how they turned out!

 

If you've been doing anything crafty lately, be sure to stop by and link up with Sunday Scrappin'! 

Update 7/12: I'm also linking up to Made by You Monday @ Skip to my Lou .... mostly because I did a lot of online searches when I started this project.  Hopefully these invitations might inspire someone else! 

This post may contain sponsored reviews or affiliate links.  You can read my policy here. I always provide my honest opinions.