The Prairie Kid is starting to learn to read. He "read" me a book the other day. I only read the book to him once and he recited/read it back to me right away. I am amazed at how quickly they pick things up.
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Monday, September 27, 2010
Fall Kitchen Events
It seems like this time of year I enjoy spending some time in the kitchen. Lately, I have had some good experiences, and bad. I'll share one of each today.
I like to start off with the bad and get it over with.
I was really excited about a new recipe idea. It was on a gals blog that has become quite famous for healthy, family-friendly food ideas. It was for carrot chips. Look at this bowl of carrot chips from her blog...
I thought, "What a great idea! And I have a whole large bag of carrots!"
So, I watched the little video and followed the directions. Not to a "T" but close enough.
The recipe said to cook for 45 minutes on 250. Mine took 2 hours. And they weren't like her pretty bowl of carrot chips. They were, well, here, you look...
I like to start off with the bad and get it over with.
I was really excited about a new recipe idea. It was on a gals blog that has become quite famous for healthy, family-friendly food ideas. It was for carrot chips. Look at this bowl of carrot chips from her blog...
I thought, "What a great idea! And I have a whole large bag of carrots!"So, I watched the little video and followed the directions. Not to a "T" but close enough.
The recipe said to cook for 45 minutes on 250. Mine took 2 hours. And they weren't like her pretty bowl of carrot chips. They were, well, here, you look...
I used and ENTIRE large bag of baby carrots and ended up with this SANDWICH size bag of pathetic carrot chips. Well, Famous Blogging Lady, you've got some special talent for carrot chips. Kudos.Now for the good part. : )
I have been a part of a co-op that I get a big basket of fruits and veggies from every 2 weeks. You never know what you're going to get. And sometimes you get things and think "uh, what am I going to do with that???"
For instance, the HUGE butternut squash that I got last time. I knew my family would not want to eat roasted butternut squash for 2 weeks, or even 1 for that matter. So, I got on trusty Google and looked for recipes. Yep, you can roast the stuff, that's for sure. It wasn't appealing to me so I added the word "soup" to my search.
I found a fairly simple recipe on the Food Network and I actually had all of the ingredients for it. So, I whipped up a batch and YUMMY! Even The Prairie Daddy and The Prairie Kid (who rather wishes squash didn't exist) liked it!
And what did I do with the 2 acorn squash that I got in my last basket? Yep, squash soup! Have it already for the freezer. : ) (I just didn't feel like serving it this week considering it is in the 80's. I think we'll save it for when it gets chilly again).
Here is the link to the recipe in case you're interested:
Friday, September 24, 2010
Psychological Analysis
I have taken note of a certain little boy's consistent desire to sort lately.
We went to the local Labor Day parade on Labor Day (go figure, the Labor Day parade is ON Labor Day!) They had TONS of candy for the kids watching. The best float is local family turns a vehicle into a dinosaur with a long tail. Periodically the dinosaur stops. The tail lifts. And, well, the dinosaur "dumps" a pile of candy. I am assuming the husband thought this up. I would have liked to have seen the wife's face when he shared his idea with her.
Okay, back to evaluation.
We come home with our HOARD of candy. We're home for about 30 minutes. I am busy in the house and not checking out what my son is up to. I am aware that he is at the kitchen counter doing something, well, I assume constructive. He is making "playing" noises so I am not suspicious of him eating all of the candy.
Finally, I check. And he has carefully sorted all of the candy and was playing with it.
Today I turned around to find the following game pieces, again, sorted. They were also, obviously, lined up and he was "measuring" them. I asked him how long they were. He took his time and very matter-of-factly answered "90 and 5 pounds."
So, what do you think? Architect? Engineer? M&M factory assembly line? Let me know what you think this sorting might mean for The Prairie Kid's future. Maybe the badge he is wearing is another piece of this. Hmmmm.
We went to the local Labor Day parade on Labor Day (go figure, the Labor Day parade is ON Labor Day!) They had TONS of candy for the kids watching. The best float is local family turns a vehicle into a dinosaur with a long tail. Periodically the dinosaur stops. The tail lifts. And, well, the dinosaur "dumps" a pile of candy. I am assuming the husband thought this up. I would have liked to have seen the wife's face when he shared his idea with her.
Okay, back to evaluation.
We come home with our HOARD of candy. We're home for about 30 minutes. I am busy in the house and not checking out what my son is up to. I am aware that he is at the kitchen counter doing something, well, I assume constructive. He is making "playing" noises so I am not suspicious of him eating all of the candy.
Finally, I check. And he has carefully sorted all of the candy and was playing with it.
He was obviously proud of his accomplishments, both receiving and then sorting.
Today I turned around to find the following game pieces, again, sorted. They were also, obviously, lined up and he was "measuring" them. I asked him how long they were. He took his time and very matter-of-factly answered "90 and 5 pounds."
So, what do you think? Architect? Engineer? M&M factory assembly line? Let me know what you think this sorting might mean for The Prairie Kid's future. Maybe the badge he is wearing is another piece of this. Hmmmm. "M" is for...
Muffins for Moms!
The Moms were invited to Kindergarten this morning for "m"uffins. "M" was the letter of the week. We also had "m"ilk. It was a fun time to go into school with The Prairie Kid. I think his class and teacher are both wonderful.
Here are the "m"uffins we took...they really were banana bread baked in a muffin tin. Then we used cream cheese frosting to make the "M"s on the top.
The Moms were invited to Kindergarten this morning for "m"uffins. "M" was the letter of the week. We also had "m"ilk. It was a fun time to go into school with The Prairie Kid. I think his class and teacher are both wonderful.
Here are the "m"uffins we took...they really were banana bread baked in a muffin tin. Then we used cream cheese frosting to make the "M"s on the top.
Homework
Who knew that Kindergartners have homework nowadays? We get a folder at the beginning of the week with several assignments. We can work on the assignments throughout the week and they can be turned in on Friday but The Prairie Kid likes doing ALL of them on Monday evening and turns them in on Tuesday. I wish he was that motivated to do chores and pick up after himself. : )
And there, of course, is reading...15 minutes every night. It is still surreal to me that there is an elementary student living in our home.
And there, of course, is reading...15 minutes every night. It is still surreal to me that there is an elementary student living in our home.
Innovative Visor
Sometimes I think it is almost wrong how easy it is to please The Prairie Kid.
Last weekend we went to a thrift store. He found a Nike beanie for winter. He wanted it. I wanted him to have it so that I could get mine back from him that he has claimed is his for the past 2 years. For $1 or $2 the problem was solved. He acted like he'd won the lottery. Even though it was warm and sunny out he wore his "new" hat.
On the ride home he had fallen asleep. I turned to look at him and this is what I found:
Last weekend we went to a thrift store. He found a Nike beanie for winter. He wanted it. I wanted him to have it so that I could get mine back from him that he has claimed is his for the past 2 years. For $1 or $2 the problem was solved. He acted like he'd won the lottery. Even though it was warm and sunny out he wore his "new" hat.
On the ride home he had fallen asleep. I turned to look at him and this is what I found:
I guess we are getting more for our money than I expected. A dollar still can go a long way.
Legacy
I'm not sure what part of the house he was digging in, but The Prairie Kid came in the other day wearing my late grandpa's belt buckle. I was given it when I was in my "cowgirl years" looking for an identity at the end of high school and the beginning of college. My grandpa wasn't a cowboy, he was actually an attorney in southern California. I guess he was wearing a belt buckle because it was either a trend at the time or he had an internal cowboy wanting to come out. : )
Anyways, I thought it was neat that The Prairie Kid was interested in his great grandpa's buckle.
Anyways, I thought it was neat that The Prairie Kid was interested in his great grandpa's buckle.
Grandparent's Soup Lunch
A couple of weeks ago the Kindergartners invited their grandparents for soup lunch at school. Each student was assigned something to bring to pull together the lunch. Our part was easy...spoons.
Grandma and Grandpa both decided to come and have lunch with The Prairie Kid. I was a classroom volunteer for the lunch so I got to be a "fly on the wall" and see the fun event.
I only had my cell phone for pics, so they aren't the best. Here they are eating their soup:
The students had a little song to perform for the grandparents. The Prairie Kid is in the back row with the green t-shirt on.
His teacher is on the left; she is wonderful!
Grandma and Grandpa both decided to come and have lunch with The Prairie Kid. I was a classroom volunteer for the lunch so I got to be a "fly on the wall" and see the fun event.
I only had my cell phone for pics, so they aren't the best. Here they are eating their soup:
The students had a little song to perform for the grandparents. The Prairie Kid is in the back row with the green t-shirt on. 
His teacher is on the left; she is wonderful! Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Right And Left
Ever since my concentrated journey through the tabernacle last week God has been answering prayers right and left. What an awesome, gracious, faithful, loving, lavish God. Here are some that He has been so kind in answering:
- We were praying hard for a full ministry team for our Wednesday night children's program at the church. Last week before the program's 2nd week began God provided the rest of the team and we're now full!
- My teaching certificate was up to expire on September 20th. The couple of months before this date I was starting to wonder how in the world I would get my remaining needed credits to renew. I do not have many teaching workshop opportunities since I am not teaching but I really wanted to keep my certificate. I kept asking God "uh, what do You want me to do?" "Uh, I know You know that my certificate is about to expire, do You have any workshops I should attend?"
Nothing. No answers. His silence made me a little nervous but I know better. I did my human part in looking for options. There was one but it was only going to cover half of my credit needs.
Two weeks before my expiration date I found out that my Beth Moore Bible studies count for CEUs (continuing education units). CEUs were exactly what I needed. I sent in my form to the organization that certifies the CEUs and 10 days before my certificate was going to expire I faxed the CEUs to the Professional Teaching Standards Board. I then filled out my renewal application, wrote them a fat check, and sent everything off with a prayer that God would take care of things.
I called the PTSB to find out how long I'd have to wait regarding my CEUs. She said she didn't know and to keep checking the website for updates. I checked day after day.
Yesterday my certificate was set to expire. I checked in the morning. No update. I checked in the afternoon. There it was! I am re-certified until 2015! And my Bible studies count toward my PTSB credits! I can't hardly believe how this all worked out!
- We firmly believe God told us to send our kiddo to school in another district. In that decision, we also felt that He didn't want me to have to drive 35 miles every day to and from. He provided a friend that we were able to hire to cover the times we needed. Everything has been working out great. Until yesterday. We found out that our driver wouldn't be able to do this anymore at this time. As of today God has already provided a morning driver and a driver for one of the 2 afternoons. I have another person in mind for the 2nd afternoon. I think we're all set again.
- We were praying hard for a full ministry team for our Wednesday night children's program at the church. Last week before the program's 2nd week began God provided the rest of the team and we're now full!
- My teaching certificate was up to expire on September 20th. The couple of months before this date I was starting to wonder how in the world I would get my remaining needed credits to renew. I do not have many teaching workshop opportunities since I am not teaching but I really wanted to keep my certificate. I kept asking God "uh, what do You want me to do?" "Uh, I know You know that my certificate is about to expire, do You have any workshops I should attend?"
Nothing. No answers. His silence made me a little nervous but I know better. I did my human part in looking for options. There was one but it was only going to cover half of my credit needs.
Two weeks before my expiration date I found out that my Beth Moore Bible studies count for CEUs (continuing education units). CEUs were exactly what I needed. I sent in my form to the organization that certifies the CEUs and 10 days before my certificate was going to expire I faxed the CEUs to the Professional Teaching Standards Board. I then filled out my renewal application, wrote them a fat check, and sent everything off with a prayer that God would take care of things.
I called the PTSB to find out how long I'd have to wait regarding my CEUs. She said she didn't know and to keep checking the website for updates. I checked day after day.
Yesterday my certificate was set to expire. I checked in the morning. No update. I checked in the afternoon. There it was! I am re-certified until 2015! And my Bible studies count toward my PTSB credits! I can't hardly believe how this all worked out!
- We firmly believe God told us to send our kiddo to school in another district. In that decision, we also felt that He didn't want me to have to drive 35 miles every day to and from. He provided a friend that we were able to hire to cover the times we needed. Everything has been working out great. Until yesterday. We found out that our driver wouldn't be able to do this anymore at this time. As of today God has already provided a morning driver and a driver for one of the 2 afternoons. I have another person in mind for the 2nd afternoon. I think we're all set again.
"How great is your goodness,
which you have stored up for those who fear you,
which you bestow in the sight of men
on those who take refuge in you. " Psalm 31:19
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
A Walk Through His Dwelling Place
This morning I sat down with the Lord for my quiet time. I felt bad because I didn't even start off with praise but need and desperation.
I recently finished studying the tabernacle and He is using that as a way to walk me through the steps that I need in order to enter the Holy of Holies. The first thing He did was remind me of the altar of sacrifice. He reminded me of the piles of horrific, smelly sin that I have committed. And He reminded me of how He burned those up and took care of them for me through the sacrifice and blood of Jesus. He humbled me and reminded me of who I was and who He is.
At the wash basin He revealed the mud that I have recently walked through. He took me through quite a long list of confessions. I felt overwhelmed and He had me get out the Steps to Freedom In Christ by Anderson. Through that I was able to thoroughly evaluate the areas I had given the devil a foothold.
When I was "mud-free" He invited me into the Holy Place. He took me to the lamp stand and reminded me of the free-flowing Holy Spirit. Always watching; growing me and shining His light to dispel the darkness. If I hadn't of camped at the wash basin until I was clean, the oil (Holy Spirit) in the lamp stand (me) would not be free-flowing. He was now free-flowing again.
At the altar of incense I was ready and God-confident to present my requests. Knowing that He desired to hear them and answer them now that I was cleaned up once again. He answered me clearly and faithfully. He revealed new answers to my petitions as well as how He had already answered some of my requests. I was confident He had heard my prayers and would answer those that had not yet been answered according to His will.
He then invited me into the Holy of Holies. I worshipped. He renewed my spirit and reminded me that my sin will hinder this special relationship that He designed. I felt such relief that He faithfully restored me this morning. The first thing He did for me after that time with Him was show me another answer to a prayer. He reminded me that He wants to bless His people...our disobedience can hinder. My disobedience had hindered.
His Word to me this week is "I am yours, and you are Mine. My banner over you is love."
I recently finished studying the tabernacle and He is using that as a way to walk me through the steps that I need in order to enter the Holy of Holies. The first thing He did was remind me of the altar of sacrifice. He reminded me of the piles of horrific, smelly sin that I have committed. And He reminded me of how He burned those up and took care of them for me through the sacrifice and blood of Jesus. He humbled me and reminded me of who I was and who He is.
At the wash basin He revealed the mud that I have recently walked through. He took me through quite a long list of confessions. I felt overwhelmed and He had me get out the Steps to Freedom In Christ by Anderson. Through that I was able to thoroughly evaluate the areas I had given the devil a foothold.
When I was "mud-free" He invited me into the Holy Place. He took me to the lamp stand and reminded me of the free-flowing Holy Spirit. Always watching; growing me and shining His light to dispel the darkness. If I hadn't of camped at the wash basin until I was clean, the oil (Holy Spirit) in the lamp stand (me) would not be free-flowing. He was now free-flowing again.
At the altar of incense I was ready and God-confident to present my requests. Knowing that He desired to hear them and answer them now that I was cleaned up once again. He answered me clearly and faithfully. He revealed new answers to my petitions as well as how He had already answered some of my requests. I was confident He had heard my prayers and would answer those that had not yet been answered according to His will.
He then invited me into the Holy of Holies. I worshipped. He renewed my spirit and reminded me that my sin will hinder this special relationship that He designed. I felt such relief that He faithfully restored me this morning. The first thing He did for me after that time with Him was show me another answer to a prayer. He reminded me that He wants to bless His people...our disobedience can hinder. My disobedience had hindered.
His Word to me this week is "I am yours, and you are Mine. My banner over you is love."
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
And The Two Shall Become One
It is our 9th wedding anniversary. I am so thankful for my husband. I cannot imagine my life without him.
Our love has changed over the years. I am so thankful that I can say I love him now more than ever. I can't even imagine how much better and better it will get as we let God continue to mold us and form us into who He wants us to be.
Prairie Daddy, thanks for making our marriage a priority. Thanks for being my best friend and loving me right where I am at. I have loved our all of our years together...even the rougher ones! And I look foward to all that we have ahead. You're my knight in shining armor, Cowboy. I love you.
Our love has changed over the years. I am so thankful that I can say I love him now more than ever. I can't even imagine how much better and better it will get as we let God continue to mold us and form us into who He wants us to be.
Prairie Daddy, thanks for making our marriage a priority. Thanks for being my best friend and loving me right where I am at. I have loved our all of our years together...even the rougher ones! And I look foward to all that we have ahead. You're my knight in shining armor, Cowboy. I love you.
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