Christmas Program

Last night we had our Church Christmas program! It was Camellot! So so cute! And I'm so proud that both my girls were able to participate....


The girls dressed and ready to go by our Christmas Tree...


Lil E was a singer through the entire program! And she actually did sing! For those that know her, know she has stage fright. But she did awesome! She didn't do the motions much, but that is because her arm was hurting.





Lil K was so ready for the preschoolers to get to close our the program, that when they called them, she ran from the back to the stage so fast and was the first one on the stage!




And the last off the stage, even after it was totally over, as she wanted to sing more. She was such the entertainer and sang the loudest!!

I was so excited and proud of the girls!!



Hugs and Blessings,

Revised Healthier Out of this World Meatloaf

I made my favorite meatloaf, and one of the only ways I will eat it. But tonight I made it a leaner and healthier way. And it turned out even better than traditional.

Original Recipe ~

Out of this World Meatloaf!!

2 lbs. lean ground beef
1 box chicken flavored Stove top stuffing
1 small can of tomato sauce
3 T. Worcestershire sauce
2 beaten eggs
1 small minced onion

garlic powder or mince/ pressed garlic clove
Salt and Pepper to taste

In a large mixing bowl, combine all of the ingredients, including the stuffing mix. Mix just until combined. Lay slices of bread on the bottom in the middle of your 9 x 13 pan. One single layer row. (I always do this so that it will absorb any extra grease and also keep the bottom from sticking or burning. Form meat into loaf and place on top of the bread. Bake at 375 degrees for 45 minutes, or until it's cooked through. Add glaze and put back in the oven for about 5 to 10 minutes.

Glaze
Mix some ketchup, brown sugar and Worcestershire sauce together. Find the right combination and sweetness you like, and then brush on top of the meatloaf for the last 5 to 10 minutes.

New REVISED Healthy Version

Out of this World Meatloaf!!

2 lbs. ground turkey
1 box chicken flavored Stove top stuffing
1 small can of tomato sauce
3 T. Worcestershire sauce
1 beaten eggs
onion powder

garlic powder or mince/ pressed garlic clove
Season Salt and Pepper to taste

In a large mixing bowl, combine all of the ingredients, including the stuffing mix. Mix just until combined. Lay slices of bread on the bottom in the middle of your 9 x 13 pan. One single layer row. (I always do this so that it will absorb any extra grease and also keep the bottom from sticking or burning. Form meat into loaf and place on top of the bread. Bake at 375 degrees for 45 minutes, or until it's cooked through. Add glaze and put back in the oven for about 5 to 10 minutes.

Glaze
Mix some ketchup, smuckers sugar free syrup, Worcestershire sauce, and a little squirt of mustard together. Find the right combination and sweetness you like, and then brush on top of the meatloaf for the last 10 minutes.

I can't say enough good about the meatloaf with the turkey. It was so yummy! Everyone loved it too. And you can't beat that is't so much healthier for you. I never thought I would like it better than how I have been making it, but let me say this way took the top!

Hugs and Blessings,

WOW The rest of the month of Gratitude

I'm so very sorry for the lapse in posting... I just haven't been in blog land.. But I wanted to finish my Gratitude post. I did it on my facebook, but didn't get it done here all the time. I had hopes to right longer posts than little blurbs like this. But once I fell behind, I really became overwhelmed and then before I knew the month is ending. I hope you enjoy the rest of what I'm thankful for.

Day 17 ~ I'm thankful for fall! I love all the colors changing and the leaves falling! I love pumpkins and pumpkin patches. I love hay rides and everything fall! I love Thanksgiving and that everyone is full of thanks! And this happy time takes me right up to Christmas time! It's perfect!

Day 18 ~ I'm very thankful for the gift of weight loss surgery. 6 months and 97 lbs gone. I'm very very thankful that I was blessed with the surgery. It has saved my life in many ways. I feel so much better, and didn't realize just how crummy I was feeling. It has improved my migraines so much. And even the Psuedo tumor cerebri is like almost gone!!! It has already done more than I ever imagined.

Day 19 ~ I'm thankful for a special friend that always has the words and messages to deliver to me. Not just messages of encouragement, but a different connection. She is more than a friend, but like a sister! One of the most beautiful people inside and outside. The biggest hearts I have ever seen. She is always helping others, even when she is in great need herself. She has struggled years with many health issues, but manages to still keep going and not giving up. Despite the struggles and hardships she has dealt with. We have a deep connection that many will never understand or get. I couldn't be more thankful to have her in my life! She is a special aunt to my kids, and the most open and loving person. She doesn't trust easily and doesn't consider many to be real friends, and to be one of her real friends even means more.

Day 20 ~ I'm so thankful that I have a husband that helps me. Not only when I am sick or down, but all the time. He is so helpful and i'm thankful, as I see many friends struggle because their hubs do not help.

Day 21 ~ Today we got some much needed rain! And I'm really thankful for it. We are in extreme drought.

Day 22 ~ I'm so thankful that I found my wedding ring after I lost it earlier today. I had been so sad and crying and crying. But after calming down and prayer, it was found! Thank you, God!

Day 23 ~ I'm thankful for my friends. They are very important to me. They are part of my family. Each one holds a very important place in my life. Not only are they blessing me with the usual friendship way, but they make life grander in business too. I really like that I get to work with them in many different areas. I'm very thankful for the lost friendships that have been restored, and some even grew stronger. For those that were brought back to me, after being apart for just going to different ways and paths. I love each and every friend and I'm really thankful for them.

Day 24 ~ I'm so very thankful for the Thanksgiving Holiday, were we are all giving thanks for the many blessings in our lives! Wish it was the normal way of life and last all year long.

Day 25 ~ That we were able to put up our Christmas tree as a family. It was really awesome and full of memories as we went through our ornaments and they carried us back through time, and we were busy making new memories decorating the tree.

Day 26 ~ The last few days (Thanksgiving weekend) have been low key, full of family time, and lots of relaxing. It was perfect! We didn't travel and no one traveled here. We just made our own super special thanksgiving and then spend the weekend doing family things together without stress or hussle and bussle. It was wonderful!

Day 27 ~ I'm thankful that we have the inside Christmas decorations up~ I love to just sit and look and enjoy them! I love the lights, the knick knacks, the nativities, the gingerbread men, the snowmen, the memories that each one holds and that I get to go back to those memories when I sit and look at the goodies.

Day 28 ~ Birthday's. They are each persons special day and full of fun and memories as we celebrate.

Day 29 ~ I'm thankful for God's Word! For God working it out behind the scenes so I don't have to worry. Today in Bible study, I was given scripture that confirmed to me, that even when many don't agree with us, we are doing the right thing.... (many don't agree with growing our family or homeschool).

Day 30 ~ Today I am thankful for Scentsy! It has been a big blessing to our family. The business has been a help in time of need. I'm thankful that I was able to reach my goal this month! And I'm so excited to for my delivery tomorrow of my incentive warmers that I earned this summer! I'm so thankful that Scentsy brought a childhood friend back to me! I'm thankful for the new friends I have made. And I'm thankful to part of a company that really and truly believes in making the world a better place! I'm thankful that Scentsy has me striving to be better! I can't say enough good about Scentsy, the products and what the business has done for me and my family!

Hugs and Blessings,

A lot of Gratitude ~ Day 11 - Day 16

This has been started for a long time.... finishing it up now...

Day 11 ~ I'm very thankful for every person that has served in our country's Military! Without every Veteran and Current Service Man and Woman, we wouldn't be have and be what we are. They protect not only us! They sacrifice so much! For you and Me!

Day 12 ~ I'm thankful for my family!! Everyone of them, good and bad! I'm thankful for the time we had this day together and the memories we made! It was wonderful and much needed!

Day 13 ~ i'm so thankful we got a van this summer. It is much better because we have so much more space. The girls aren't in each others space. It it really wonderful.

Day 14 ~ I'm so thankful that the Christmas movies are playing and we are watching them all the time. Not a surprise as I watch them all year long.

Day 15 ~ I'm so thankful for our Women's Bible Study each Tuesday morning! I enjoy the fellowship and learning together and through each other. And learning by their example and through their experiences. It is such a blessing!

Day 16 ~ I'm thankful for Pinterest! I know it may be silly to some, but it has given me some great inspiration of things to do and create for my family.

Hugs and Blessings,

Day 10 ~

Day 10 ~ Today I'm very thankful for a particular positive family, that are great role models! The Duggar Family. (and I know some don't agree, but this is my view and opinion). I'm thankful for very positive roles model for myself, my family, and most importantly for my kids. The Duggar Family! Michelle Duggar inspires me to do better and work harder, be that patient, that kind, that caring, that faithful, and to have a servant's heart! I admire how they live their life with such high morals, even when the world is busying putting them down. They are a self made family. Very polite children. Great values. All educated with the art of music. They are humble and give back generously, and are all about volunteering. Great work ethics. The kids are raised to be self sufficient and independent. They have a beautiful family. I love how they raise their children the value of courting to get to know one another. That is how it should be. Creates a stronger relationship and one that will last. Not one full of lust! .... So to those that love us and make fun of how "old fashioned and extreme" we are in the way we live and teach our kids, just know I have a successful family of role models that show me it does pay off! And I'm so thankful for this very positive example. And before I hear they are crazy about baby 20, I do not agree! I hear it about us taking a 3rd drug baby and dealing with the system again. But It's what God wants for us. And also, if my mom had given up because of a bad pregnancy and listened to doctors, there wouldn't be a me or either of my 2 sisters that are living! There would only be a sweet angel sister in heaven. So it's their faith in trusting the Lord that really is remarkable to me and so beyond awesome!

To check out other posts, stop on by Garden of Learning....

Hugs and Blessings,

Day 9 ~ Quiet Time Rocks

Tonight I am sharing my day 9 Gratitude. It is really simple, but was a GREAT blessing to me today. I am so thankful for the quiet time I had this morning! I haven't had a lot of real quiet time, in a long time. This morning Lil K went back to bed for a morning nap. Lil E returned to school, and well I folded laundry and watched Grey's! It was perfect! I could pause the tv and it be silent in here. It was just perfect! I am not a me time person, and so this came as a big surprise for me to really enjoy it like I did today, but I did and I'm so thankful for it. It gave me time to refresh and feel better with all that has been going on too. Time to even spend some extra time talking to God! It really made for a great day all the way around....

If you want to check out other posts, check out Garden of Learning.

Hugs and Blessings,

Day 8

I'm so glad to be able to participate in the Gratitude Challenge and not only share my gratitude with all of you, but give my thanskgiving to God! Check out others from today.. Go on over to Garden of Learning...

Today on Day 8, I'm thankful that God gave me my sweet hard to handle girls, because this way I know they are taken care of, and not being hurt. I know this may found strange to many of you. But I'll explain a little... There is great controversy on how to discipline a child, what is right or wrong. What is abuse. What God says or doesn't say...... And I personally believe God is not a mean God and that he is a God of gracious mercy, a loving and forgiving God who wants his kids to live abundantly and in victory! And in my opinion this doesn't come with mean force, but with nurturing loving and special care that is given and taught by the promises of a beautiful life and word of God. I don't take part in this stance by some Christian leaders, that it is ok to "Beat" or use excessive force to teach the child a lesson. I wasn't raised that way, and even though I see many that believe it, I don't. I don't take any part of it. But I hear from these I know and some that I don't know, that if I'd tighten up on the girls they would behave. If I'd "whip that butt" the tantrums would stop. If I would do this or that..... And then I hear stuff like this "OH MY Gosh, I'd kill myself if my kids acted like that." or "I'd BEAT her if she was my child, I'd never let a kid of mine be like this"... And "You are going to have to toughen up and show them who the boss, and put the fear of God in them, or they will be just like their bio mom!" ..... Really? OH MY, that's what people have come to think and believe! I would get outraged at these people for all they would say to us or about us. And be so upset that how could such Christian people think this way. Then the more things have come to light lately about the teachings of some Christian Leaders, it has reminded me that these people don't know any better. They are following what they are taught. And today It just hit me, that I was so thankful that God blessed us with the adoption of our girls! They are perfectly perfect for us. Even with a tantrum and wild side. But today I had a different thankfulness for them, and it I'm so thankful that God gave them to us, so that I have peace and know that the girls are safe and in a place without harm to them! Because what if my sweet girls where with other families and being hurt. I hate for any child to be hurt or abused, but it just clicked today, that is why they are mine! That's why God helped me with my past in the medical field and in day care, so that I would have the knowledge I needed to help and understand that these issues aren't issues the girls can help. In my opinion, I don't think a young child just decides to be bad and ugly! And so again with all this, I am so thankful that I have my girls and know they are safe and not being harmed!!!

What about you?

Hugs and Blessings,

Day5, Day 6, Day 7

I started this yesterday 11/7.... Every time, I wanted to sit down and blog, something else happened. It was a crazy chaotic weekend, full of ups and downs... That's for sure!

So please check out other Gratitude Challenge posts over at Garden of Learning.

Day 5

I'm thankful for the Prayer Warriors in my life! ~ Saturday it was a day of work for me. We had to set up at the Trade Days and sell all the goodies we have been busy making.... But with this day, I was so very sick. I was having lots of bladder/ kidney issues and getting sicker... I had to end up going to the ER. And at the ER they found some other issues of concern, but instead of letting these issues and things not of God bring fear into my life, I found not only peace in knowing that I am healed by Jesus Christ's stripes, that I could find peace with my dear Prayer Warriors! So when they started finding these other issues of concern, I first sent my prayer request out to some great Prayer Warriors, and then I stopped and prayed, and I had peace. I gave it to God, and I think not only did I find peace because I gave it to God, but because I knew I had awesome Prayer Warrior standing with me in prayer, and believing for the good results! And so I'm so very thankful for the Prayer Warrior that in my life! And just an fyi, all will be good. One of the biggest issue was my BP, and even though that ER doc didn't think it was at all from pain, I knew God had not brought me this far to have going down that road... And I'm proud to say it was pain related, and God showed the doc, he has control!

Day 6

I'm so thankful for a Church Home. After being transferred at the end of 2006, we have not truly found a Church Home. We have tried many and went to some and gave it a real shot at staying there, but none were home. It was something we wanted as a family and was really hard being placed in these locations and not having a Church to call home. But that all has recently changed and I'm so very thankful that we now have a beautiful Church Home for our family! It's perfect for us and we are being fed so much!

Day 7

Today I'm thankful my girl is ok! And that God took control and took care of her! WHEW, let me tell ya, Satan is really trying us! and I think it's because we have a Church Home, and are digging deeper and deeper in our walk with God! Last night we had one heck of a scare! My sweet Lil E was injured and we had to take her to the ER with a head injury. Let's just say another kid jumped off a chester drawers and landed on her head. It was bad! Super scary! I put ice on and tried to calm her. But this didn't happen. We prayed over her and continued to comfort and cradle her. Then it was obvious that something wasn't right. I have never saw her cry like this! Never! Then she started kicking her feet and flinging her arms! And I said ok, it's time, carry her to the van and I'll get my purse we are going to the ER. We live in the country and I could drive her to the ER and be there in nearly what it would take and maybe faster, to just get us an ambulance here. With a medical background, I knew what to watch for and what to do to help her in many situations. We had out and she because very sick at her stomach and is dry heaving. (hadn't ate much as she has strep, we found out friday.) Get to the ER and they take us before all these people and even move us in front of a couple of trauma patients and those coming by ambulance. So this pretty much freaks me out. The doc says we need to move fast and go ahead and do a CT Scan. He tells me, I know there are many risks, but I feel it is a must.... Of course I said yes...... Then we go through that and all this is going on... ( I get to test some of those really GREAT prayer warriors with prayer request again. I'm really thankful for them).... Then the dreaded news from the doctor "We see something small and I can't be sure, so we have had to call the Radiologist in. I have decided to wait to call in a NeuroSurgeon until after the Radiologist looks at the ct"... and he leaves me waiting... Just like that, and that's all he will tell me. I try to ask questions, and he says no need to discuss what if's, we need to just wait and see...... I really just pleed the blood of Jesus over her. I start to freak and with the some great prayer warriors praying with us, I tell hubby, God has this! He has control... It will be fine! I know she will be ok............ And as this post started out with, I'm thankful she is ok! After our delay, we have the news.... She is good! That small was just some bruising and she has a concussion, but she is going to be fine! Praise the Lord!!!! Thank you Jesus!!! God delivered and I kept the faith in him, as fear is not of God! And I had to remind myself of these many times, but I told hubby and found peace while waiting on the radiologist, that I knew she would be ok, I just had to keep the faith and believe that! That God would make sure of it, and he did!!! So I can't even begin to tell you just how thankful I am that sweet Lil E is ok!!!

Also, I am so excited to be meeting so many great folks doing this challenge and new friendships forming! I'm thankful for all my new followers. I'm really blessed beyond!

Hugs and Blessings,

Faithful Friday

I"m back for another Faithful Fridays post!!! I just love sharing about the goodness of my Lord!

This week I am sharing something really important to me. Don't speak the negative into your life! Instead stand firm and claim victory, have faith... You the faith of a mustard seed? That's all it takes! And as our Pastor reminds us each week, Fear is the opposite of Faith! So when you are going through a hard time, hand it, and I really mean hand it right on over to God! Let me take care of it, and praise him through it!

Victory Report Online is a local publication giving praise to our Lord. It's really awesome. Check out this story ~ It's on the first page of the November issue! This story is a remarkable story and about a dear friend of mine! In the last 2 years she has given me strength, because to have seen her faith and read it in there, is still something beyond awesome! It's amazing how she never let fear or anything that was not of God hurt her or get her down!!!

I hope you get to read it and it reminds you just how much our faith can get us!

Hugs and Blessings,

Day 4

I'm beyond thankful for my parents! They are the GREATEST! And even though my Momma is now sporting wings in Heaven, she is still a huge part of all my life! I talk to her daily, just like I talk to my Daddy daily! They are the reason I am who I am!!!

Momma and Daddy showed me what real love was! Not only in loving each of us unconditionally, but the way they loved others, our Lord, and each other! Their love for one another was pure and beautiful!!!

They taught us that no matter how good or bad something was, we could always come to them and trust them. They always reminded me we could be anything we wanted to be, as along as we believed! They taught me about God and the many blessings of being faithful! They love my kids like no one else can love them!! They have always been there to help us out and do whatever we needed, but more than that to teach us how to be just like them!! They opened their doors to help others, friends, family, and strangers! They would give you their last dollar or the shirt off their back literally. Momma took a shirt right off and handed it to people that wanted or liked it, many a times! Daddy would do without to help someone else. They served our Lord in a mighty way! Their greatest desire was to know that each of us kids and grandchildren had a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. It was because of my momma, that my greatest desire was to be a mom and a stay at home work at home mom, just like her! I can remember being in high school and standing in the kitchen and telling my Momma, that I didn't care to go to college, I wanted to be a mom at home like her! My dad gave me the racing blood!!! Man did he ever! I miss going racing with my daddy!! Or taking him drinks out to the garage when he was busy busting booty to work on the race car! He showed me the kind of man I wanted to marry! One like him!!! Wow, no wonder so many say to me, that James and I remind them of my parents as husband and wife! What a great honor and compliment!!! They both taught me that hard work is the ONLY way and it pays off! And my dad taught me that there was no difference in biological children, step children, or adopted children! They were all a blessing! And oh how true that is! They taught us that family was important!!! And that family wasn't just blood. They instilled high morals and beliefs in me! And they stood the test of time! They showed me that real love is worth the fight! They didn't always have a perfect marriage or an easy road, but they had real love and stood together to get through it! And so I knew that no matter what, I had to have that kind of love or, it wasn't for me! I knew I wanted a life with my spouse to show my children, just like they did their kids and grandkids!

I am really blessed with outstanding parents!!! And I would not be who I am today without them!!!! Funny thing is, they adopted my sweet James as their own too! As did he them! To me that speaks volumes about the people they are, because he considers them as his real parents!

I LOVE YOU DADDY AND MOMMA!!!!!!

So be sure to go to Garden of Learning, to see other's Gratitude posts....

Hugs and Blessings,