tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30070174584231671742024-03-14T02:20:21.621-04:00Tiny Blessings"Before you were conceived I wanted you; <br>
before you were born I loved you; <br>
before you were here an hour I would have died for you. <br>
This is the miracle of life." -Maureen HawkinsAmyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05586345335424142815noreply@blogger.comBlogger865125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3007017458423167174.post-656056833339847022015-02-16T15:48:00.003-05:002015-02-16T15:48:49.572-05:00Menu Plan, week of 2/16/15<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qe864adiiaQ/VKlRO9xrreI/AAAAAAAAI7Y/9EGFybKuljc/s1600/MPMwinter.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qe864adiiaQ/VKlRO9xrreI/AAAAAAAAI7Y/9EGFybKuljc/s1600/MPMwinter.png" height="102" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
This weekend I officially hit 21 pounds lost... whoo hoo! Of course tonight's dinner of fried pork chops and mashed potatoes won't really help my cause, but that's OK. All good things in moderation!<br />
<br />
There are three new recipes on this week's plan, mostly because today (Monday) is a holiday and I've had time to read some blogs and play on Pinterest today. We had planned to be out all day running errands and such, but, it's negative temperatures and ice covered roads all around us. Staying in our warm home seemed like a much better plan!<br />
<br />
<u>Family Suppers this week:</u><br />
<ul>
<li>MONDAY: fried pork chops, homemade smashed potatoes, green beans</li>
<li>TUESDAY: new recipe: <a href="http://www.budgetbytes.com/2011/07/taco-chicken-bowls/">Crockpot Taco Chicken Bowls</a> (Our local favorite restaurant is Hot Head Burritos, where I always order a chicken burrito bowl. This is my attempt to create something similar at home!)</li>
<li>WEDNESDAY: new recipe: <a href="http://blog.thelovenerds.com/2015/01/hearty-crock-pot-corn-chowder.html">Crockpot Corn and Potato Chowder</a> (no bacon since it's Ash Wednesday), grilled cheese sandwiches</li>
<li>THURSDAY: I'll be working, so DH will feed himself and the kids. </li>
<li>FRIDAY: new recipe: <a href="https://www.blogger.com/new%20recipe:%20Egg%20Beaters%20Southwestern%20Fajita%20Quiche">Egg Beaters Southwestern Fajita Quiche</a> (I'll be leaving out the chicken to make this a meatless Lenten meal.)</li>
</ul>
<br />
Linking up with <a href="http://orgjunkie.com/category/menu-plan-monday">Menu Plan Monday.</a>.. head over there for some great meal ideas!<br />
<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>This post may contain sponsored reviews or affiliate links- see my policy<a href="http://amy-tinyblessings.blogspot.com/1975/12/my-review-policy.html"> here</a>. </i></span><br />
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<div class="blogger-post-footer">*The full post should be appearing in your feed reader... but I'd love it if you'd stop by and leave a comment! :)</div>Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05586345335424142815noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3007017458423167174.post-17789808470487107692015-01-04T11:28:00.001-05:002015-01-04T11:28:53.393-05:00Menu Plan, week of 1/4/15<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qe864adiiaQ/VKlRO9xrreI/AAAAAAAAI7Y/9EGFybKuljc/s1600/MPMwinter.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qe864adiiaQ/VKlRO9xrreI/AAAAAAAAI7Y/9EGFybKuljc/s1600/MPMwinter.png" height="102" width="320" /></a></div>
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I'm excited today... today is the first Sunday in a LONG time that I haven't had to work. My schedule is changing at work, which means that I'll have Sundays off now for the foreseeable future. That makes it SO much easier to get my meal prep and menu plan done for the week ahead!<br />
<br />
89 days ago... yes, exactly, LOL... I decided to change my eating habits. I did the first cycle of the 17 Day Diet to start, and then I switched over to simply being mindful of my eating and logging every bite on MyFitnessPal. I've lost 18lbs so far this way. I wish I had thought to measure inches in the beginning, because I know I've lost more there that isn't really reflected on the scale. Oh well. I'm happy, feeling better, and plan to keep going until I've lost at least 35lbs.<br />
<br />
PREPPING ON SUNDAY: sausage/cheese/English muffin breakfast sandwiches to freeze for the kids' breakfasts; a pan of baked spaghetti; some smoothie packets for my favorite breakfast smoothies. <br />
<br />
<u>Family Suppers this week:</u><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>SUNDAY: <a href="http://www.monimeals.com/lightened-up-treats/protein-waffles/">homemade protein waffles</a>, fresh fruit</li>
<li>MONDAY: modified <a href="http://www.eatcakefordinner.net/2014/02/bobby-deens-baked-spaghetti.html">Bobby Dean's baked spaghetti</a> <i>(I'm going to use 1lb turkey sausage instead of ground beef and freeze half the casserole for another meal)</i>, salad, garlic bread</li>
<li>TUESDAY: <a href="http://www.budgetsavvydiva.com/2012/03/crock-pot-chicken-chili-recipe/">Budget Savy Diva's Crockpot Chicken Chili</a>, corn bread</li>
<li>WEDNESDAY: <a href="http://17ddblog.com/broiled-tilapia-with-parmesan-modified-for-the-17-day-diet/">broiled tilapia with parmesan </a>(new recipe), steamed broccoli, rice</li>
<li>THURSDAY: crockpot roast chicken & vegetables</li>
<li>FRIDAY: leftovers or TBD</li>
</ul>
<br />
<br />
Linking up with <a href="http://orgjunkie.com/category/menu-plan-monday">Menu Plan Monday.</a>.. head over there for some great meal ideas!<br />
<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>This post may contain sponsored reviews or affiliate links- see my policy<a href="http://amy-tinyblessings.blogspot.com/1975/12/my-review-policy.html"> here</a>. </i></span><br />
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<div class="blogger-post-footer">*The full post should be appearing in your feed reader... but I'd love it if you'd stop by and leave a comment! :)</div>Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05586345335424142815noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3007017458423167174.post-70372949418088157992014-11-03T07:00:00.000-05:002014-11-04T08:12:34.651-05:00Menu Plan Monday 11/3<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xUJSi8islEA/UnkDTFtLHUI/AAAAAAAAC2k/vifXfabgynw/s1600/MPM-Fall.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xUJSi8islEA/UnkDTFtLHUI/AAAAAAAAC2k/vifXfabgynw/s320/MPM-Fall.png" height="102" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I've been <a href="http://amy-tinyblessings.blogspot.com/2014/11/healthier-me.html">working hard this past month at changing my eating habits.</a>.. which means that the rest of the family is benefiting, too, since I do all the cooking. It's all good. ;)<br />
<br />
On Sunday morning, we tried these <a href="http://weelicious.com/2010/10/05/cottage-cheese-pancakes/">Cottage Cheese Mini Pancakes by Weelicious</a>. They got rave reviews in my house-- the kids couldn't figure out the mystery ingredient. My daughter (a Type I Diabetic) had a whole plate of pancakes and low sugar syrup for only 42 carbs-- you can't beat that!<br />
<br />
Here's the plan for this week:<br />
<ul>
<li>MONDAY: <a href="http://dashingdish.com/recipe/crockpot-white-bean-chicken-chili/">Dashing Dish's Crockpot White Chicken Chili </a> </li>
<li>TUESDAY: <a href="http://www.budgetbytes.com/2013/06/greek-marinated-chicken/">Greek Marinated Chicken</a>, Broccoli, <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/mock-garlic-mashed-potatoes-recipe.html">George Stella's Mock Garlic Mashed Potatoes</a></li>
<li>WEDNESDAY: <a href="http://recipes.sparkpeople.com/recipe-detail.asp?recipe=1035112">Crockpot Turkey Smoked Sausage, Green Beans, Potatoes</a></li>
<li>THURSDAY: Crockpot Spaghetti Squash and Turkey Meatballs <i>(based on <a href="http://paleopot.com/2013/03/stupid-easy-paleo-spaghetti-squash-meatballs/">this recipe</a>)</i></li>
<li>FRIDAY: Turkey Sausage, Egg, and Broccoli Breakfast Casserole <i>(based on <a href="https://www.kitchenmonki.com/recipe/Paleo_Broccoli_Cheddar_And_Sausage_Breakfast_Casserole">this recipe</a> but using turkey sausage crumbles)</i></li>
</ul>
For more ideas, check out <a href="http://orgjunkie.com/category/menu-plan-monday" target="_blank">Menu Plan Monday</a>!<br />
<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>This post may contain sponsored reviews or affiliate links- see my policy<a href="http://amy-tinyblessings.blogspot.com/1975/12/my-review-policy.html"> here</a>. </i></span><br />
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<div class="blogger-post-footer">*The full post should be appearing in your feed reader... but I'd love it if you'd stop by and leave a comment! :)</div>Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05586345335424142815noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3007017458423167174.post-78078955656927039042014-11-02T10:39:00.002-05:002014-11-02T10:39:26.363-05:00Healthier MeHello, blog land. I haven't blogged much for a while now, and I do miss it. It's ok, though, as I never wanted this blog to become a full-time thing.<br />
<br />
So, recently, I've been working hard on my eating habits. Here's what's working for me:<br />
<ul>
<li>I've successfully given up my daily Mountain Dew habit. It's been a lot easier than I thought, actually. In the past month, I've had three... and I only actually finished the first one of them. The other two, I took a couple of sips, then decided it just didn't taste good so I didn't want to waste the calories on it. I'm amazed at how something I used to drink daily (sometimes more than once a day) now doesn't taste good to me!</li>
<li>I am logging every single bite I eat into MyFitnessPal (free website/app). I've used this in the past, and I know that any time I log my food, I automatically eat better. Right now I'm on my 27th day straight of logging!</li>
<li>I used the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1476756074/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=1476756074&linkCode=as2&tag=tinybles-20&linkId=KDNN6K6CFHLIAUMQ">The 17 Day Diet Breakthrough Edition</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=tinybles-20&l=as2&o=1&a=1476756074" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
to start my weight loss. I followed the program about 90% for the first cycle of 17 days, then decided to transition to just watching what I eat instead of following the next cycle. (I kept my coffee creamer, and I had a few other things that weren't 100% legal on the plan, but I still lost 9lbs in those 17 days!) If I find that I start gaining or just not losing, I will definitely hop back on the 17 day wagon. </li>
<li>I'm learning that many of my new food preferences fall under "clean eating" categories. My tastes are definitely changing, and several of my old go-to snacks just taste... funny. That definitely makes it easier to stay away from some of the bad stuff!</li>
</ul>
I'm working on this week's menu plan, and it will be up tomorrow for Menu Plan Monday. <br />
<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>This post may contain sponsored reviews or affiliate links- see my policy<a href="http://amy-tinyblessings.blogspot.com/1975/12/my-review-policy.html"> here</a>. </i></span><br />
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<div class="blogger-post-footer">*The full post should be appearing in your feed reader... but I'd love it if you'd stop by and leave a comment! :)</div>Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05586345335424142815noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3007017458423167174.post-11596847367178458482014-05-19T06:01:00.000-04:002014-05-19T06:01:00.181-04:00Recent Reads: The Miting<img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=tinybles-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B00IYSMY54" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /><br />
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"The Miting" by Dee Yoder tells the story of Leah, a seventeen year-old Amish girl who has questions about the Amish lifestyle in which she has been raised. She is not seeking the English life, but rather she is reading the Bible (a forbidden act) and developing her own faith.<br />
<br />
"The Miting" is not the typical Amish fiction that I have read in the past... this story involves someone who leaves the faith, enters another church, waivers on that decision, pays the harsh consequences by being shunned in her own home, and then ultimately is forced to make life-changing decisions. It wasn't a flowery picture of the fairy tale Amish life, but a gritty and realistic-feeling story about what it's really like to live with the multitude of rules and restrictions that the Amish must follow. I appreciated that this wasn't a fairytale with a "perfect" ending. I was quickly drawn into this story and found myself considering things that I didn't know before-- like why can't an Amish girl read the Bible for herself? <br />
<br />
All in all, this was an excellent read and I will be looking for future books by Dee Yoder.<br />
<br />
Get your own copy: <b><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 16.892562866210938px;">The Miting by Dee Yoder will be available for FREE </span><span class="aBn" data-term="goog_589369539" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 16.892562866210938px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">May 19</span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 16.892562866210938px;"> and $1.99 </span><span class="aBn" data-term="goog_589369540" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 16.892562866210938px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">May 20-31</span></span></b><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 16.892562866210938px;"><b> on <a href="https://www.blogger.com/%3Ca%20href=%22http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00IYSMY54/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00IYSMY54&linkCode=as2&tag=tinybles-20&linkId=OP7KC4ZUUR6ZWMVZ%22%3EAmazon%20Kindle%3C/a%3E%3Cimg%20src=%22http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=tinybles-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B00IYSMY54%22%20width=%221%22%20height=%221%22%20border=%220%22%20alt=%22%22%20style=%22border:none%20!important;%20margin:0px%20!important;%22%20/%3E">Amazon Kindle</a>!</b> </span><br />
<br />
<i>Disclaimer: I was given a free copy of "The Miting" in exchange for posting my honest review during Kregel Publishing's Blog Tour of the book, May 19-23. I will also post this review on Amazon and Good Reads.</i><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>This post may contain sponsored reviews or affiliate links- see my policy<a href="http://amy-tinyblessings.blogspot.com/1975/12/my-review-policy.html"> here</a>. </i></span><br />
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<div class="blogger-post-footer">*The full post should be appearing in your feed reader... but I'd love it if you'd stop by and leave a comment! :)</div>Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05586345335424142815noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3007017458423167174.post-67707364213605593002014-04-15T16:04:00.003-04:002014-04-15T16:04:30.015-04:00New Sample SiteHave you seen this new sample site?<br />
I just got free samples at <a href="https://www.samplesource.com/">https://www.samplesource.com</a>. After answering a short survey, I was offered free hair products, a toothbrush, and two types of antacid. You can choose to receive any one or all of the samples.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>This post may contain sponsored reviews or affiliate links- see my policy<a href="http://amy-tinyblessings.blogspot.com/1975/12/my-review-policy.html"> here</a>. </i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>I always provide my honest opinion regardless of the source of the product.</i></span></div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">*The full post should be appearing in your feed reader... but I'd love it if you'd stop by and leave a comment! :)</div>Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05586345335424142815noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3007017458423167174.post-26395705432994913162014-04-01T14:28:00.006-04:002014-04-01T14:28:46.084-04:00A good CVS tripDon't you love a good CVS run?<br />
<br />
I hear all the time from people that they don't have time to do coupons. Yes, you do. Just a few minutes at home to organize your list and coupons, and then a few minutes in the store can really save you money on things that you would be buying anyway.<br />
<br />
Yesterday I had a great ten-minute trip to CVS:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>two Crest B toothpaste (raincheck from last week when they ran out)</li>
<ul>
<li>$5.69 each</li>
<li>on sale (raincheck) for $4.99</li>
<li>- $1 printable coupon on one</li>
<li>- $1 newspaper coupon on the other</li>
<li>- $2 coupon machine coupon off an $8 toothpaste purchase</li>
<li>and received $4 back in ECB on each one </li>
<li>= better than free </li>
</ul>
<li>one Dawn dish soap</li>
<ul>
<li>on sale for $.99</li>
<li>- $.25 newspaper coupon</li>
<li>= $.74 total</li>
</ul>
<li>two Cadbury eggs (my very favorite treat)</li>
<ul>
<li>on sale, buy one get one free</li>
<li>=$.99 total for two</li>
</ul>
<li>I had $1 in ECB to use</li>
</ul>
<div>
Grand total= $7.27 paid out of pocket, and I walked out with $8 in ECBs to spend next time. I like to think of it as CVS paying me $.73 cents to take those things home. THAT is my kind of shopping! :)</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>This post may contain sponsored reviews or affiliate links- see my policy<a href="http://amy-tinyblessings.blogspot.com/1975/12/my-review-policy.html"> here</a>. </i></span><br />
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<div class="blogger-post-footer">*The full post should be appearing in your feed reader... but I'd love it if you'd stop by and leave a comment! :)</div>Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05586345335424142815noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3007017458423167174.post-24143533687973751782014-03-10T05:03:00.000-04:002014-03-10T08:05:04.348-04:00Recent Reads: Highway to Hell<script charset="utf-8" type="text/javascript">
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0857212540/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0857212540&linkCode=as2&tag=tinybles-20">Highway to Hell: The Road Where Childhoods Are Stolen</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=tinybles-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0857212540" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> is an aptly named book about the horrors of child prostitution in Brazil. I can't remember the last time I had a nightmare as an adult, but the first night I read this book, I woke up shaking from a horrible dream. (Though my dream was unrelated to this subject, I'm still sure that the book caused the dream.) <br />
<br />
This book is written from the author's perspective as an investigative journalist who finds himself drawn to find out about these girls and try to help them. He goes back to do research on the problem and finds that it is bigger and more widespread than he ever imagined. In the book, he shares both his personal relections and stark facts that he uncovers. The book gives enough details about the girls and their lives so that the reader truly feels compassion for them, but it is also written in a respectful manner, not just focused on the sexual aspects. <br />
<br />
This was a hard book for me to read. I think part of the reason this book touched me so deeply is that I
have a ten year-old daughter of my own, and I can't imagine her living a
life anything like what most of these young girls accept as normal. The lives these girls live- often hopping on a semi truck along a highway and never being seen again- really got to me. Tales of girls as young as nine years old willingly going into prostitution shocked me... they see it as a means to afford a cell phone or pretty clothing. The stories of girls put in this life against their will were not as surprising, but still disturbing. <br />
<br />
<i>Disclosure:</i> I received a free copy of this book from Kregel Publications in return for posting my <u>honest</u> review here on my blog during the book's tour dates of March 10-14. I will also post copies of this review on Amazon and GoodReads. <br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>This post may contain sponsored reviews or affiliate links- see my policy<a href="http://amy-tinyblessings.blogspot.com/1975/12/my-review-policy.html"> here</a>. </i></span><br />
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<div class="blogger-post-footer">*The full post should be appearing in your feed reader... but I'd love it if you'd stop by and leave a comment! :)</div>Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05586345335424142815noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3007017458423167174.post-40818322246637092122014-03-08T17:24:00.000-05:002014-03-08T17:24:35.393-05:00Recent Reads: Glitter and Glue<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/034553283X/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=034553283X&linkCode=as2&tag=tinybles-20" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=034553283X&Format=_SL160_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=tinybles-20" /></a><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/034553283X/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=034553283X&linkCode=as2&tag=tinybles-20">Glitter and Glue: A Memoir</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=tinybles-20&l=as2&o=1&a=034553283X" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
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This was a night light read, a memoir of a daughter who grows up to appreciate her mother. When Kelly Corrigan was a teen, her mom was that mom: the one who isn't necessarily "fun", who makes her do things the right way, who is practical and hard working. Like teens everywhere, Kelly rolls her eyes and can't wait to move out and find adventure in the world. She does.... and that's when her mom's voice in her head starts to really be her guide. It turns out that Mom's rules and ideas weren't so useless after all.<br />
<br />
I happened to catch an interview with the author on a morning talk show when I was about half-way through reading this book. She talks just like she writes.... you get the feeling of a friend sitting around recalling stories. I enjoyed her style of writing and would probably enjoy other books by this author.<br />
<br />
Disclaimer: I was given a free copy of this book through the Amazon Vine program in exchange for posting my honest review on Amazon. I will also share this review on GoodReads and my blog.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>This post may contain sponsored reviews or affiliate links- see my policy<a href="http://amy-tinyblessings.blogspot.com/1975/12/my-review-policy.html"> here</a>. </i></span><br />
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<div class="blogger-post-footer">*The full post should be appearing in your feed reader... but I'd love it if you'd stop by and leave a comment! :)</div>Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05586345335424142815noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3007017458423167174.post-22385359693723275952014-02-18T14:03:00.000-05:002014-02-18T14:09:23.230-05:00Menu Plan 2/18<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xUJSi8islEA/UnkDTFtLHUI/AAAAAAAAC2k/vifXfabgynw/s1600/MPM-Fall.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xUJSi8islEA/UnkDTFtLHUI/AAAAAAAAC2k/vifXfabgynw/s320/MPM-Fall.png" height="102" width="320" /></a></div>
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I didn't have a plan last week, and I could tell-- suppers were thrown together. Most weeks I do a menu plan on the board in our kitchen, and sometimes it even makes it here to the blog. ;)<br />
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The plan for the rest of the week: <br />
<ul>
<li>TUESDAY: beef stroganoff over noodles, steamed broccoli</li>
<li>WEDNESDAY: crockpot roasted chicken, mashed potatoes, green beans <i> I normally just season my chicken with olive oil and seasoned salt, but this week I'm going to try <a href="http://www.budgetsavvydiva.com/2013/02/easy-slow-cooker-chicken-recipe/" target="_blank">Budget Savy Diva's recipe</a> that I found on Pinterest. </i></li>
<li>THURSDAY: BBQ Ribettes on buns, corn, salad (easy microwave meal for DH and the kids since I will be at work) <i> </i></li>
<li>FRIDAY: <i>new recipe: </i><a href="http://2cookinmamas.com/2013/06/28/crockpot-white-chicken-chili/" target="_blank">crockpot white chicken chili </a><i>using leftover chicken</i> </li>
<li>SATURDAY: hamburgers, sweet potato fries, salad</li>
</ul>
For more ideas, check out <a href="http://orgjunkie.com/category/menu-plan-monday" target="_blank">Menu Plan Monday</a>!<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>This post may contain sponsored reviews or affiliate links- see my policy<a href="http://amy-tinyblessings.blogspot.com/1975/12/my-review-policy.html"> here</a>. </i></span><br />
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<div class="blogger-post-footer">*The full post should be appearing in your feed reader... but I'd love it if you'd stop by and leave a comment! :)</div>Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05586345335424142815noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3007017458423167174.post-55761850815933090112014-02-04T05:01:00.000-05:002014-02-04T20:23:04.827-05:00Recent Reads: The Vicar's Wife<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1782640703/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=1782640703&linkCode=as2&tag=tinybles-20" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=1782640703&Format=_SL110_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=tinybles-20" /></a><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1782640703/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=1782640703&linkCode=as2&tag=tinybles-20">The Vicar's Wife</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=tinybles-20&l=as2&o=1&a=1782640703" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
<img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=tinybles-20&l=as2&o=1&a=1782640703" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />by Katharine Swartz<br />
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I received a free review copy of this book from Kregel Publications in return for posting my honest review online during the book's tour dates. I found that this was a nice light read, with no offensive language or graphic adult scenes. </div>
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This is the story of Jane, a modern day wife and mom who finds herself relocated to an old house and quiet town in her husband's native England. Jane misses her demanding career in New York, but she's starting to realize that her career was all she had in New York- she's missed out on a lot with her kids. Adjusting to this new life is hard on Jane, until she finds a tiny scrap of a shopping list, left by a previous tenant, Alice, many decades before. Imagining her life and trying to relate to her sparks Jane's curiosity, and ultimately inspires Jane to take on a new project and reach out to embrace some new relationships.</div>
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The story is told in alternating chapters, first Jane's life, then flashing back to Alice's life many years earlier. The parallels aren't contrived or blatant, as I feared they might be, and the story flows along nicely. I enjoyed the Jane's enthusiasm for uncovering the history of her home and could relate to this myself.</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>This post may contain sponsored reviews or affiliate links- see my policy<a href="http://amy-tinyblessings.blogspot.com/1975/12/my-review-policy.html"> here</a>. </i></span><br />
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<div class="blogger-post-footer">*The full post should be appearing in your feed reader... but I'd love it if you'd stop by and leave a comment! :)</div>Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05586345335424142815noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3007017458423167174.post-54350701095951859672014-01-31T07:01:00.000-05:002014-01-31T07:01:00.082-05:00Recent Reads: Forever Friday<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17262109-forever-friday" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px;"><img alt="Forever Friday: A Novel" border="0" src="https://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1369933659m/17262109.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17262109-forever-friday">Forever Friday: A Novel</a> by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/1089260.Timothy_Lewis">Timothy Lewis</a><br />
My rating: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/837482130">3 of 5 stars</a><br />
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Forever Friday is a romantic story that unfolds through a series of flashbacks. A man selling an estate finds himself captivated by the romance of a couple whose story he begins to piece together after coming across a photo album full of old postcards. The cards contain poems which were written by a man to his wife, every Friday, throughout the course of their marriage. The man finds himself intrigued by their story, and equally captivated by the woman who helps him piece it all together.<br />
<br />
All in all, it was a sweet story, rather predictable but enjoyable. There were a few plot twists that kept it from being too over-the-top "picture perfect", and I appreciated those little detours, but it was still too predictable for my taste. This book is classified as Christian fiction, but it's not particularly focused on faith or God in any way. <br />
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Disclosure: I received a free copy of this book via the Amazon Vine program in return for posting my honest review on Amazon.
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>This post may contain sponsored reviews or affiliate links- see my policy<a href="http://amy-tinyblessings.blogspot.com/1975/12/my-review-policy.html"> here</a>. </i></span><br />
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<div class="blogger-post-footer">*The full post should be appearing in your feed reader... but I'd love it if you'd stop by and leave a comment! :)</div>Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05586345335424142815noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3007017458423167174.post-6767874469089208412013-11-05T09:40:00.003-05:002013-11-05T09:45:32.803-05:00Menu Plan, week of 11/3<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This week is definitely on the "quick and easy" side as we have a full schedule and two sick people in the house. Everything except for the Hawaiian Chicken is tried and true, not to mention simple to prepare. <br />
<ul>
<li>MONDAY: Taco Bell per DH's request :)</li>
<li>TUESDAY: <a href="http://www.food.com/recipe/new-potatoes-green-beans-and-ham-51948" target="_blank">Ham, Green Beans, & Potatoe</a>s in the crockpot</li>
<li>WEDNESDAY: <i>family favorite:</i> <a href="http://Chicken Spaghetti," target="_blank">Chicken Spaghetti</a>, salad, broccoli</li>
<li>THURSDAY:<i> son's request:</i> meatloaf, mashed potatoes, peas (I have a homemade meatloaf in the freezer, so I'll just have to defrost it and bake it.)</li>
<li>FRIDAY: <i>new recipe:</i> <a href="http://crockpotladies.com/recipe-categories/entrees/crockpot-hawaiian-chicken/" target="_blank">Crockpot Hawaiian Chicken</a>, steamed mixed veggies</li>
<li>SATURDAY: homemade pizza</li>
</ul>
For more ideas, check out <a href="http://orgjunkie.com/2013/11/menu-plan-monday-nov-413.html" target="_blank">Menu Plan Monday</a>!<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>This post may contain sponsored reviews or affiliate links- see my policy<a href="http://amy-tinyblessings.blogspot.com/1975/12/my-review-policy.html"> here</a>. </i></span><br />
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<div class="blogger-post-footer">*The full post should be appearing in your feed reader... but I'd love it if you'd stop by and leave a comment! :)</div>Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05586345335424142815noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3007017458423167174.post-92103429667021600382013-11-03T08:09:00.000-05:002013-11-03T08:09:33.327-05:00Recent Reads: The Glory of Heaven <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00CIUJZ92/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00CIUJZ92&linkCode=as2&tag=tinybles-20">Glory of Heaven, The: Inspiring True Stories and Answers to Common Questions</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=tinybles-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B00CIUJZ92" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> by Betty Malz<br />
<br />
I misktakenly believed, when choosing this book to review (courtesy of Chosen Publishing), that it would be a compilation of various people's beliefs and stories of what they think heaven will be like. Instead, the entire book is Mrs. Malz's own beliefs, backed up by anectdotes and scripture quotes.<br />
<br />
Her opinions are stated as facts, such as her notion of exactly what type of vehicles people will use to get around in heaven ("I estimate that they travel at least at the speed of sound and are propelled by the power of God; no motors, no fuel. The vehicles can travel over land, river, or sky.", page 47.) I find these kinds of ideas interesting to imagine, but not based in Scripture.<br />
<br />
Many times I feel that she over-simplified things. In chapter nine she asserts that true believers can determine the way they will pass away, citing several stories of folks who did just that by declaring to someone the day or time they would pass. Having worked in a nursing home for 18+ years, I can tell you, I have seen many true believers who have most certainly not been able to choose the way in which they would spend their final minutes. I found this chapter rather insulting, implying that those with "true" faith have some sort of power that others don't in this area. <br />
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Another time she mentions that she went through a period of depression, which was suddenly cured when she sat down at the piano and played a worship song. While I'm happy that it worked for her, the implication that anyone can cure their own depression in such a simple manner was a bit much for me to swallow. <br />
<br />
All in all, this book simply did not resonate with my personal faith and beliefs. Had I not been obligated to write a review, I would likely have just stopped reading it after the first few chapters. <br />
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Disclosure: I was given a free copy of this book by Chosen Publishing in return for posting my honest review online. <br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>This post may contain sponsored reviews or affiliate links- see my policy<a href="http://amy-tinyblessings.blogspot.com/1975/12/my-review-policy.html"> here</a>. </i></span><br />
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<div class="blogger-post-footer">*The full post should be appearing in your feed reader... but I'd love it if you'd stop by and leave a comment! :)</div>Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05586345335424142815noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3007017458423167174.post-64295744761645077192013-10-06T17:29:00.001-04:002013-10-06T17:29:20.687-04:00Recent Reads: "Totally Catholic"<br />
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<a href="http://www.catholiccompany.com/" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="The Catholic Company" src="http://www.catholiccompany.com/reviewers/reviewerbadge.jpg" /></a>"Totally Catholic: A Catechism for Kids and Their Parents and Teachers" doesn't sound like a very exciting book, does it? I'm sure most of us have never sat down with the adult Catechism and read it cover to cover. <br />
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Luckily, this book is a lot more fun than the adult Catechism. It reminds me a lot of the "dummies" series... it's written in a fun manner with lots of margin notes and fun little infographics. <br />
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Chapters like <i>Why is the Eucharist Wonderful?</i> draw the reader in. Each section begins with a quote from the Catechism, then goes on to explain that reference in detail. <br />
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My ten year-old daughter liked the book. She hasn't read it cover-to-cover, but, she's picked it up a couple of times and sat reading bits and pieces. This is one of those books that will be kept in our family's permanent collection and I'm sure we'll be referring back to it many times in the future. <br />
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<i>Disclosure:</i> <i>This review was written as part of the Catholic book reviewer program
from <a href="http://www.catholiccompany.com/" target="_blank">The Catholic Company</a>. I was given a free copy of the book in return for posting my honest review on my blog and letting you know that you can visit <a href="http://www.catholiccompany.com/" target="_blank">The Catholic Company</a> to find more
information on <a href="http://www.catholiccompany.com/totally-catholic-catechism-guide-kids-their-parents-teachers-p1111920/">Totally Catholic:A Catechism for Kids and Their Parents and Teachers</a> .</i> <br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>This post may contain sponsored reviews or affiliate links- see my policy<a href="http://amy-tinyblessings.blogspot.com/1975/12/my-review-policy.html"> here</a>. </i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>I always provide my honest opinion regardless of the source of the product.</i></span></div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">*The full post should be appearing in your feed reader... but I'd love it if you'd stop by and leave a comment! :)</div>Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05586345335424142815noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3007017458423167174.post-1933176525469493572013-10-06T17:09:00.002-04:002013-10-06T17:11:33.863-04:00Menu Plan Monday 10/7I'm writing this on Sunday afternoon as we sit here listening to the thunderstorm. We were supposed to have outdoor family photos taken today, but no such luck. Hopefully tomorrow it will be sunny enough to get our pictures done!<br />
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There's one repeat here, because last week we got off the plan a bit... unplanned things led to eating out one night, and eating quick sandwiches at home another night. Oh well!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://orgjunkie.com/category/menu-plan-monday" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="80" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jRNW_4DAUKE/T4x9nMwjlwI/AAAAAAAABb4/7hW6-lVjIqU/s200/mpmgreenlist.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<ul style="text-align: justify;">
<li><b>SUNDAY: </b><i> daughter's request</i><i>:</i> <b><a href="http://www.food.com/recipe/easy-chicken-noodle-soup-30604" target="_blank">Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup</a> </b>I love to make soup on Sundays, because then I can take leftover in my lunch during the week. For this soup I'll be using homemade chicken broth and store-bought Amish noodles<b>... </b>yum!<b><br /></b></li>
</ul>
<ul style="text-align: justify;">
<li><b>MONDAY:</b><b> </b><i>kids' favorite:</i><b> Tostadas with all the fixings</b> (lettuce, cheese, fat-free refried beans, taco meat, etc.) I read on someone's menu plan a few weeks ago how they cook hamburger in their crockpot with salsa and taco seasoning to make taco meat, so I'm going to try that. I'm sorry that I don't remember where I read that idea, or I'd give the person credit! <b><br /></b></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><b>TUESDAY: </b> <b>Broccoli-Stuffed Chicken Breasts </b>(purchased from school Market Day fundraiser), <b>steamed mixed veggies (zucchini/ squash/peppers blend) </b></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><b>WEDNESDAY</b>:<b> FFY </b> (Fend for yourself... the kids think this is fun... I call it "using up leftovers"!)<b><br /></b></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><b>THURSDAY: </b><i>son's request: </i><b>meatloaf </b>(I froze two the last time I made <a href="http://www.food.com/recipe/meatloaf-41755" target="_blank">our favorite meatloaf</a>), <b>mashed potatoes, green beans</b></li>
</ul>
<b></b><br />
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<li><b>FRIDAY: </b>eating out :)</li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>This post may contain sponsored reviews or affiliate links- see my policy<a href="http://amy-tinyblessings.blogspot.com/1975/12/my-review-policy.html"> here</a>. </i></span><br />
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<div class="blogger-post-footer">*The full post should be appearing in your feed reader... but I'd love it if you'd stop by and leave a comment! :)</div>Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05586345335424142815noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3007017458423167174.post-82079307855332432022013-10-05T18:56:00.000-04:002013-10-05T20:14:55.301-04:007 Quick Takes 10/4/13<br />
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<a href="http://www.conversiondiary.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/7_quick_takes_sm1.jpg"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-1387" height="195" src="http://www.conversiondiary.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/7_quick_takes_sm1.jpg" title="7_quick_takes_sm" width="290" /></a>
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<a href="http://www.blogger.com/null" name="qt1"></a><b><a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=3007017458423167174#qt1" style="color: black; text-decoration: none;">--- 1 ---</a></b> </div>
It's Friday, and I'm off work. This hasn't happened in.. well... forever. I had some errands to run and a house to clean, but that's about it. I love days when I have nothing on the schedule!<br />
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<a href="http://www.blogger.com/null" name="qt2"></a><b><a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=3007017458423167174#qt2" style="color: black; text-decoration: none;">--- 2 ---</a></b></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vpqZIhevggU/Uk9OOEdjmMI/AAAAAAAACWA/BidLANrbN7A/s1600/hotweathergrumpycat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vpqZIhevggU/Uk9OOEdjmMI/AAAAAAAACWA/BidLANrbN7A/s200/hotweathergrumpycat.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://memegenerator.net/instance/38320685" target="_blank"><i>Source</i>: memegenerator</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I was so hot late this afternoon that I had to turn on the air conditioner. In October. In Ohio.<br />
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In other weather-related ranting: We have outdoor family pictures scheduled for Sunday. I have long sleeved shirts and sweaters picked out for everyone. Not only is it going to be hot, but there will also be intermittent thunderstorms. These may be some interesting photos! ;)<br />
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<a href="http://www.blogger.com/null" name="qt3"></a><b><a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=3007017458423167174#qt3" style="color: black; text-decoration: none;">--- 3 ---</a></b></div>
<i>Prayer requests</i>: for both my husband and myself in our jobs. He has a serious situation going on at work that needs to be resolved. As for me, after 18+ years, circumstances at my job have led me to decide that it's time to find a new job. This has not been an easy decision. I sent out my first resume this week. <br />
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<a href="http://www.blogger.com/null" name="qt4"></a><b><a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=3007017458423167174#qt4" style="color: black; text-decoration: none;">--- 4 ---</a></b></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iEsI8pSYtu0/Uk9HQ68hJAI/AAAAAAAACVw/wO0iUQ-PHJg/s1600/government-shutdown-memes-17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="183" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iEsI8pSYtu0/Uk9HQ68hJAI/AAAAAAAACVw/wO0iUQ-PHJg/s200/government-shutdown-memes-17.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://sneakhype.com/dopeness/random-dopeness/2013/10/funniest-government-shutdown-memes-17-pics.html" target="_blank"><i></i></a><i><a href="http://www.blogger.com/null" target="_blank">source</a></i>: SneakHype</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Did you hear that the government shutdown is preventing military priests from celebrating mass? And that <a href="http://www.catholicvote.org/military-priests-face-arrest-for-celebrating-mass-in-defiance-of-shutdown/" target="_blank">they could actually be arrested for celebrating mass</a> during the shut down? It's ridiculous.<br />
<br />
Between that and the WWII Veterans being locked out, it's like this is all just one big game to the politicians. I live about two minutes from an Air Force base, and I know several people who are currently furloughed. What a mess. Ugh. <br />
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<a href="http://www.blogger.com/null" name="qt5"></a><b><a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=3007017458423167174#qt5" style="color: black; text-decoration: none;">--- 5 ---</a></b></div>
I'm happy with the fall tv line-up. I don't actually obsess about tv shows, but I like to have something decent available to watch at the end of the day when I want to relax. It's about time that sitcoms made a come-back. It seems for about ten years now we have been flooded with every conceivable version of "reality" tv shows, most of which I do not have any interest in watching. Give me a sitcom any day.<br />
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<div style="font-size: 130%; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/null" name="qt6"></a><b><a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=3007017458423167174#qt6" style="color: black; text-decoration: none;">--- 6 ---</a></b></div>
I experimented for supper. We loved <a href="http://hellonewlywedlife.blogspot.com/2013/05/melty-chicken.html" target="_blank">Melty Chicken</a>
when I tried it two weeks ago, so tonight I did the same thing with
pork chops. It was good, but I liked the chicken better. (Pork chops and apples were actually on <a href="http://amy-tinyblessings.blogspot.com/2013/09/menu-week-of-929.html" target="_blank">our menu</a> for a couple of days ago, but some things came up this week
that put us off schedule. Since the pork chops were thawed out and we're out of apples, an experimental dinner was in order! )<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><b><a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=3007017458423167174#qt7" style="color: black; text-decoration: none;">--- 7 ---</a></b></span></div>
#7 is late, as in being written on <i>Saturday</i> evening, nearly 24 hours after I wrote #1. While I was writing this last night, I got distracted with my husband and kids (priorities over the blog, of course) and never got back to finish/post this entry. So while it has not been quick, nor has it been posted on Friday, I'm about to hit "post" anyway. ;) <br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>This post may contain sponsored reviews or affiliate links- see my policy<a href="http://amy-tinyblessings.blogspot.com/1975/12/my-review-policy.html"> here</a>. </i></span><br />
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<div class="blogger-post-footer">*The full post should be appearing in your feed reader... but I'd love it if you'd stop by and leave a comment! :)</div>Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05586345335424142815noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3007017458423167174.post-44662916281452680602013-09-29T11:46:00.000-04:002013-09-29T11:46:07.426-04:00Menu, week of 9/29<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://orgjunkie.com/category/menu-plan-monday" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="128" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jRNW_4DAUKE/T4x9nMwjlwI/AAAAAAAABb4/7hW6-lVjIqU/s320/mpmgreenlist.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<u><b>This week's supper plan: </b></u><br />
<ul style="text-align: justify;">
<li><b>SUNDAY: </b>chili & baked potatoes</li>
</ul>
<b></b><ul style="text-align: justify;">
<li><b>MONDAY: </b> kielbasa, corn on the cob, salad<b><br /></b></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><b>TUESDAY:<i> </i></b><i>new Pinterest recipe: </i> <a href="http://goingjane.blogspot.com/2011/07/in-kitchen-creamy-chicken-noodles.html" target="_blank">Crockpot Chicken & Noodles</a>, green beans<b><br /></b></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><b>WEDNESDAY</b>:<b> </b><b><i> </i></b><i> </i><a href="http://www.food.com/recipe/baked-pork-chops-and-apples-90771" target="_blank">pork chops baked with apples </a>(<i>I add seasoned salt & parsley when browning the chops)</i>, <a href="http://toomanyrecipes.blogspot.com/2012/11/parslied-potatoes.html" target="_blank">my<b> </b>recipe for parslied potatoes</a><b><br /></b></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><b>THURSDAY: </b>broccoli-stuffed chicken breasts <i>(purchased from the kids' school's Market Day program)</i>, steamed mixed veggies, angel hair pasta<b><i><br /></i></b> <b><a href="http://lifeasmom.com/2010/06/freezer-cooking-with-ground-beef-and-turkey.html" target="_blank"> </a></b></li>
</ul>
<ul style="text-align: justify;"><ul>
<ul style="text-align: justify;">
</ul>
</ul>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><b>FRIDAY: <i> </i></b><i>kids' request: </i>family favorite <a href="http://www.food.com/recipe/unbelievable-baked-buffalo-wings-155021" target="_blank">Unbelievable Baked Buffalo Wings</a>, carrots & celery, potato wedges</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><b>SATURDAY: </b> leftovers or homemade pizza<b> </b></li>
</ul>
<ul style="text-align: justify;"><ul>
</ul>
</ul>
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Check out <a href="http://orgjunkie.com/category/menu-plan-monday" target="_blank">Menu Plan Monday</a> for more menu ideas and to share your own!<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>This post may contain sponsored reviews or affiliate links- see my policy<a href="http://amy-tinyblessings.blogspot.com/1975/12/my-review-policy.html"> here</a>. </i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>I always provide my honest opinion regardless of the source of the product.</i></span></div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">*The full post should be appearing in your feed reader... but I'd love it if you'd stop by and leave a comment! :)</div>Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05586345335424142815noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3007017458423167174.post-52087442766808680402013-09-15T19:01:00.000-04:002013-09-15T19:01:00.023-04:00Menu Plan week of 9/15<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b>SOUP OF THE WEEK:</b> I often make a big pot of soup and pack it in my lunch all week when I'm working. Today (Sunday) I'm making my favorite soup-- my own recipe for <a href="http://www.food.com/recipe/amys-potato-soup-crock-pot-or-stove-top-83666" target="_blank">Amy's Potato Soup</a>. <br />
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<b>LAST WEEK'S MENU NOTES: </b> We loved the <a href="http://hellonewlywedlife.blogspot.com/2013/05/melty-chicken.html" target="_blank">Melty Chicken</a>. I'll be putting that recipe into my regular rotation, especially since the ingredients are some I always have on hand. <br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nJoaPSj79cM/Ui-Q9TMc3gI/AAAAAAAAB9E/Ffi8Jp2tylY/s1600/menuplannerframed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="142" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nJoaPSj79cM/Ui-Q9TMc3gI/AAAAAAAAB9E/Ffi8Jp2tylY/s200/menuplannerframed.jpg" width="200" /></a>Also-- <a href="http://amy-tinyblessings.blogspot.com/2013/09/menu-plan-tuesday-91013.html" target="_blank">my new DIY menu board </a>is working really well! One morning I was in a rush to leave for work and forgot to put the pork roast in the crockpot. Normally, nobody but me would remember what was planned that day. That night, though, DH, who was apparently looking forward to the pulled pork, pointed out the menu board-- oops! We made do with fish sticks and macaroni, and we had pulled pork the next day. I guess if I'm going to post the menu, I'll have to get used to being held accountable, too! ;) <br />
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The menu board is also becoming a source of entertainment, as the kids add their editorial comments and drawings to it during the week. I'm so glad I finally put together that simple project!<br />
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<u><b>This week's supper plan: </b></u><br />
<ul style="text-align: justify;">
<li><b>MONDAY: </b>ham & cheese omelets, sliced tomatoes</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><b>TUESDAY: </b> new Pinterest recipe: <a href="http://thriftydecorating-nikkiw.blogspot.com/2012/02/no-peek-chicken.html" target="_blank">"No Peek" Chicken & Rice</a>, steamed broccoli <i>* I've been wanting to try this forever but it has to bake for 2.5 hours, so I had to save it for a day that I'll be home all afternoon!</i><b> </b></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><b>WEDNESDAY</b>:<b> </b>family favorite: <a href="http://www.food.com/recipe/meatloaf-41755" target="_blank">meatloaf</a>, mashed potatoes, green beans<b><br /></b></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><b>THURSDAY: </b><a href="http://toomanyrecipes.blogspot.com/2008/03/my-famous-infamous-chicken-enchiladas.html" target="_blank">my own "World Famous Chicken Enchiladas"</a>, corn, chips and salsa <b><a href="http://lifeasmom.com/2010/06/freezer-cooking-with-ground-beef-and-turkey.html" target="_blank"> </a></b></li>
</ul>
<ul style="text-align: justify;"><ul>
<ul style="text-align: justify;">
</ul>
</ul>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><b>FRIDAY: </b>homemade pizza</li>
</ul>
<b></b><br />
<ul>
<li><b>SATURDAY: </b> leftovers <b> </b></li>
</ul>
<ul style="text-align: justify;"><ul>
</ul>
</ul>
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Check out <a href="http://orgjunkie.com/category/menu-plan-monday" target="_blank">Menu Plan Monday</a> for more menu ideas and to share your own!<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>This post may contain sponsored reviews or affiliate links- see my policy<a href="http://amy-tinyblessings.blogspot.com/1975/12/my-review-policy.html"> here</a>. </i></span><br />
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<div class="blogger-post-footer">*The full post should be appearing in your feed reader... but I'd love it if you'd stop by and leave a comment! :)</div>Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05586345335424142815noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3007017458423167174.post-33416310003930748572013-09-12T06:01:00.000-04:002013-09-12T06:01:00.075-04:00My Reading Challenge- Updated<center>
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<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/challenges/940-2013-reading-challenge" style="font-family: georgia,serif; font-size: 1.1em; font-style: italic; text-decoration: none;">2013 Reading Challenge</a>
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<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/878210-amy">Amy</a> has
read 33 books toward her goal of 50 books.
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<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/user_challenges/567383">33 of 50 (66%)</a>
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Confession time: I've changed my 2013 Reading Challenge goal. I originally set my goal at 100 books, but since it's September and that is clearly unrealistic, I've cut myself some slack and reduced my goal to half that, at just 50 books. <br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>This post may contain sponsored reviews or affiliate links- see my policy<a href="http://amy-tinyblessings.blogspot.com/1975/12/my-review-policy.html"> here</a>. </i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>I always provide my honest opinion regardless of the source of the product.</i></span></div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">*The full post should be appearing in your feed reader... but I'd love it if you'd stop by and leave a comment! :)</div>Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05586345335424142815noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3007017458423167174.post-52668017953886464142013-09-10T17:41:00.000-04:002013-09-10T17:41:25.771-04:00Menu Plan Tuesday 9/10/13<br />
<a href="http://orgjunkie.com/category/menu-plan-monday" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="80" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jRNW_4DAUKE/T4x9nMwjlwI/AAAAAAAABb4/7hW6-lVjIqU/s200/mpmgreenlist.jpg" width="200" /></a>I haven't been blogging my menu plans lately, but I still work out a general idea for the week on Sundays. I recently printed this free printable menu planner that I found on Pinterest (source: <a href="http://ollibird.com/2009/04/20/menu-planner/" target="_blank">Olli Bird </a>) and framed it in a dollar store frame. (I added the "What's for supper?" text before printing.) I hung it on our pantry door with Command Strips. I can use a dry erase marker on it and just erase it to use again the next week. I thought it came out pretty cute! <br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nJoaPSj79cM/Ui-Q9TMc3gI/AAAAAAAAB9A/w0v50kPz7qQ/s1600/menuplannerframed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="228" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nJoaPSj79cM/Ui-Q9TMc3gI/AAAAAAAAB9A/w0v50kPz7qQ/s320/menuplannerframed.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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And now, the plan...<br />
<ul style="text-align: justify;">
<li><b>MONDAY:</b><b> </b>fend for yourself night<b>-- </b>The kids and DH were gone before I got home from work, so everyone just grabbed something quick.<b><br /></b></li>
</ul>
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<li><b>TUESDAY: </b> <b> </b>a new recipe I found on Pinterest: <a href="http://hellonewlywedlife.blogspot.com/2013/05/melty-chicken.html" target="_blank">Melty Chicken</a> with steamed veggies and rice</li>
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<li><b>WEDNESDAY</b>:<b> </b>another new Pinterest recipe: <a href="http://www.myfamilymealplan.com/2009/02/crock-pot-corn-ham-and-potato-scallop.html" target="_blank">Crockpot Corn, Ham, and Potato Scallop</a><b><br /></b></li>
</ul>
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<li><b>THURSDAY: </b>pulled pork sandwiches and homemade baked fries (pork roast in crockpot all day with gingerale, shredded, drained, and cooked for another hour with BBQ sauce)<b><a href="http://lifeasmom.com/2010/06/freezer-cooking-with-ground-beef-and-turkey.html" target="_blank"> </a></b></li>
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<li><b>FRIDAY: </b>leftovers or homemade pizza<b><br /></b></li>
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<b>Check out <a href="http://orgjunkie.com/category/menu-plan-monday" target="_blank">Menu Plan Monday</a> for more menu ideas and to share your own!</b><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>This post may contain sponsored reviews or affiliate links- see my policy<a href="http://amy-tinyblessings.blogspot.com/1975/12/my-review-policy.html"> here</a>. </i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>I always provide my honest opinion regardless of the source of the product.</i></span></div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">*The full post should be appearing in your feed reader... but I'd love it if you'd stop by and leave a comment! :)</div>Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05586345335424142815noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3007017458423167174.post-84657467383511492342013-09-10T13:08:00.000-04:002013-09-10T13:08:33.016-04:00Recent Reads: Death on Lindisfarne<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><span style="color: #999999;">This post contains a sponsored review - see my policy<a href="http://amy-tinyblessings.blogspot.com/1975/12/my-review-policy.html"> <span style="color: #6fa8dc;">here</span></a><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">. </span></span></i></span><br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1782640258/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=1782640258&linkCode=as2&tag=tinybles-20" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=1782640258&Format=_SL160_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=tinybles-20" width="130" /></a><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i> </i></span> <br />
<b><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1782640258/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=1782640258&linkCode=as2&tag=tinybles-20">Death on Lindisfarne (The Aidan Mysteries)</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=tinybles-20&l=as2&o=1&a=1782640258" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
<img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=tinybles-20&l=as2&o=1&a=1782640258" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />by Fay Sampson</b><br />
<br />
This was a hard book for me to get into-- I picked it up and started it 3-4 times before I finally wound up reading the whole thing. There's a lot of details about history of Lindisfarne / Northumbrian spirituality that really did not itnerest me the way that I thought it would. I found myself skimming the long-winded saint stories, looking more for the modern day characters and plot. <br />
<br />
That said, the overall plot of the book was interesting. A mismatched group of characters gathers on the island for a week-long class on Lindisfarne and the saints that lived there. Over the course of a few days, one person gets hurt, and another is found dead on the beach, and a third must outwit someone scary from her past. The plot twists and turns as the proverbial skeletons in everyone's closets come tumbling out. In the end, the bad guys are caught and the door is left wide open for a sequel as two of the characters begin to explore their budding interest in each other. <br />
<br />
All in all it wasn't a bad story, but I would have enjoyed it more if there was less history and more depth on the characters. I'm giving it three out of five stars.<br />
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Disclosure: I was given a free review copy of this book as a part of a Kregel book tour in return for posting my honest review. I will also be posting this review on GoodReads and Amazon.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>This post may contain sponsored reviews or affiliate links- see my policy<a href="http://amy-tinyblessings.blogspot.com/1975/12/my-review-policy.html"> here</a>. </i></span><br />
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<div class="blogger-post-footer">*The full post should be appearing in your feed reader... but I'd love it if you'd stop by and leave a comment! :)</div>Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05586345335424142815noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3007017458423167174.post-41949744599377304222013-08-27T11:56:00.003-04:002013-08-27T11:56:23.658-04:00Pray without Ceasing<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--5F6kCYS818/UhyrKlfICqI/AAAAAAAAB0U/a0qgWkOQjsQ/s1600/PWNJimSutton.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="152" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--5F6kCYS818/UhyrKlfICqI/AAAAAAAAB0U/a0qgWkOQjsQ/s200/PWNJimSutton.gif" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>graphic courtesy of <a href="http://www.gospelgifs.com/menu_pages/free_art_30.htm" target="_blank">GospelGifs</a> </i></td></tr>
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<i><span class="text 1Thess-5-16" id="en-NRSV-29621">Rejoice always, </span></i><i><span class="text 1Thess-5-17" id="en-NRSV-29622">pray without ceasing, </span></i><i><span class="text 1Thess-5-18" id="en-NRSV-29623">give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. </span></i></div>
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<span class="text 1Thess-5-18" id="en-NRSV-29623"><i>-- 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 NRSV </i></span></div>
<br />
<span class="text 1Thess-5-18" id="en-NRSV-29623">This scripture has been on my mind a lot lately.</span><br />
<span class="text 1Thess-5-18" id="en-NRSV-29623"> </span></div>
Lisa Copen of Rest Ministries wrote a great devotional on exactly this same topic recently: <a href="http://restministries.com/2013/08/12/pray/" target="_blank">How do you pray without ceasing if the laundry is waiting?</a> She articulates exactly what many people struggle with-- how can you take the time to pray when you have so many pressing responsibilities?<br />
<br />
When I was a kid, I had a great CCD (catechism) teacher who explained it to us like this: "God doesn't care where or how you pray, just talk to him. Talk to him at school while you're in line for the water fountain, while you're walking to class. " I'm sure she didn't realize it at the time, but those words would be forever burned into my memory. And more importantly, that's what I started doing.<br />
<br />
From the time I was in junior high, I've always just "talked" to God throughout my day. I see someone hurting or I feel stressed about something, and my auto-pilot response is to offer up a quick prayer-- "God be with her. She's really struggling with ______." or for myself, something along the lines of, "Please, God, help me find the right words (or what to do, etc.)."<br />
<b> </b><br />
<br />
There are the bigger issues, of course. I have a long prayer list these days, in addition to the many small daily concerns and struggles that I pray about:<br />
<ul>
<li>for continued healing of my sister, fighting brain cancer</li>
<li>for continued healing and strength of a friend who was in a tragic farm accident </li>
<li>for the marriages of two special couples-- friends who are struggling</li>
<li>for a friend's mom who is in ICU </li>
<li>for a friend who is under a huge amount of stress</li>
<li>for my husband and children</li>
<li>for myself, in regards to my job situation</li>
</ul>
I struggle a little more with the second part-- being thankful in <i>all</i> things. But I also have a lot to be thankful for, from the little everyday blessings to the bigger things in life... and I'm trying to stay focused on those!<br />
<ul></ul>
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</ul>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>This post may contain sponsored reviews or affiliate links- see my policy<a href="http://amy-tinyblessings.blogspot.com/1975/12/my-review-policy.html"> here</a>. </i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>I always provide my honest opinion regardless of the source of the product.</i></span></div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">*The full post should be appearing in your feed reader... but I'd love it if you'd stop by and leave a comment! :)</div>Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05586345335424142815noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3007017458423167174.post-20066158889616251072013-06-09T11:51:00.000-04:002013-06-09T11:51:50.389-04:00Recent Reads: A Dog Walks Into a Nursing Home<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00AFPVNO2/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00AFPVNO2&linkCode=as2&tag=tinybles-20">A Dog Walks Into a Nursing Home: Lessons in the Good Life from an Unlikely Teacher</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=tinybles-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B00AFPVNO2" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
<img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=tinybles-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B00AFPVNO2" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /><br />
by Sue Halpern<br />
My rating: <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/633897579">3 of 5 stars</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00AFPVNO2/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00AFPVNO2&linkCode=as2&tag=tinybles-20" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://ws.assoc-amazon.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B00AFPVNO2&Format=_SL160_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=tinybles-20" /></a>Based on the description of this book, I was expecting lots of stories about a therapy dog working in a nursing home. Since I am the Activity Director in a county nursing home, I was really looking forward to reading this. Instead, the author intersperses dog stories with lots of research & commentary on philosophy, statistics, religion, etc.<br />
<br />
I did enjoy the dog stories. Especially touching was the story of how she had a resident walk her dog in her wheelchair... it really is these little "normal" things that mean the most to residents. I also enjoyed the section that talked about how animals seem to sense approaching death, and specifically how her dog instinctively laid with a dying woman and provided comfort.<br />
<br />
By the end, I was skimming though the research/commentary sections and just reading the dog stories. I wish there had been more of those and less focus on theories, research, and statistics.<br />
<br />
Disclosure: I received a free copy of this book in return for posting my honest review online at Amazon via the Amazon Vine program.<br />
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<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/list/878210-amy">View all my reviews at Good Reads.</a>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>This post may contain sponsored reviews or affiliate links- see my policy<a href="http://amy-tinyblessings.blogspot.com/1975/12/my-review-policy.html"> here</a>. </i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>I always provide my honest opinion regardless of the source of the product.</i></span></div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">*The full post should be appearing in your feed reader... but I'd love it if you'd stop by and leave a comment! :)</div>Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05586345335424142815noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3007017458423167174.post-70761587062344953772013-05-25T10:55:00.000-04:002013-05-25T10:55:32.837-04:00Recent Reads: Wish You Were Here...<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0307716384/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0307716384&linkCode=as2&tag=tinybles-20" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://ws.assoc-amazon.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=0307716384&Format=_SL160_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=tinybles-20" /></a><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0307716384/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0307716384&linkCode=as2&tag=tinybles-20">Wish You Were Here: Travels Through Loss and Hope</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=tinybles-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0307716384" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/11982680-wish-you-were-here" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px;"></a><br />
<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/24686.Amy_Welborn"></a>
My rating: <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/624196743">5 of 5 stars</a><br />
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<img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=tinybles-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0307716384" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
I was familiar with Amy Welborn's writing through various blogs and Catholic sites. I didn't actively go searching for this particular book, but when I stumbled across it at the library, I grabbed it immediately. I was not disappointed... in fact I stayed up late, woke up early, and finished the entire thing in less than 12 hours. I found myself crying along with her at parts. <br />
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This is a beautifully written, very personal story of two journeys: one physical, one spiritual. Readers accompany Amy & three of her children on a trip through Italy just months after her husband's sudden death. Everything she experiences reminds her of her late husband, and she writes both of the beautiful scenery and the internal dialogues she has related to her grief. It is a beautiful journal of a grieving soul... trying to find joy again in her life, constantly reminded of what was lost, but ultimately clinging to faith.<br />
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I was the assistant teacher this past winter in a college course entitled "Aging, Death, and Dying". This is a book I will recommend to future students. It articulates exactly what it's like to feel the suffocating weight of grief even as you try to press forward and make sense out of what to do with the rest of your life.
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>This post may contain sponsored reviews or affiliate links- see my policy<a href="http://amy-tinyblessings.blogspot.com/1975/12/my-review-policy.html"> here</a>. </i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>I always provide my honest opinion regardless of the source of the product.</i></span></div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">*The full post should be appearing in your feed reader... but I'd love it if you'd stop by and leave a comment! :)</div>Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05586345335424142815noreply@blogger.com0