I Won!?!

It is the nature of humans, I guess. 

There is that desire to win.

I am on a number of money saving email lists

and often enter to win free prizes.

The pool must be huge, and the wins are few and far between.

I did win a wallet once, but it never came :(

For the past month, I have been researching for a new exercise program.

I love what I do now which includes 

aerobics, strength training, circuit training,

kick boxing, pilates, walking ...

I love variety.

One new plan was one I had never heard of ... T-Tapp.

The reviews looked outstanding.

I was thrilled that the exercises were billed as helping to balance hormones.

I was thrilled that the basic program only took 15 minutes - 

- so I could keep doing the other exercises that I loved.

The plan is bodyweight only so it can go ANYWHERE!

While I researched, I found an entry form to win a T-Tapp DVD.

While I was away for the holidays, I received a confirmation email that I had won.

I won a DVD and then 50% off another DVD if I so chose.

I ordered my DVDs yesterday and look forward to starting in the New Year.

I'll report back in February and let you know how it goes!

Back in Place

I am not usually this early,

but the Christmas decorations are coming down today.

It is cleaning day,

just the living room and kitchen are left.

I am branching out in the recipe world again.

I am fairly confident in the gf - cf realms,

but we are entertaining a family with yet another diet need.

So ...

I am trying a "just like" potato recipe to go with a ham.

I haven't tried it yet, but sometimes you just have to risk it.

Twice Baked Mashed Cauliflower

1 large head cauliflower florets, cut off stem

3 c chicken broth

1 tbsp butter

1 c shredded cheddar

1 clove minced garlic

1/2 -3/4 c sour cream

salt and pepper

Boil cauliflower in broth - 10-15 min.

Drain cauliflower well.

Process in food processor  1/2 c sour cream, 3/4 c cheese, and garlic.

If not creamy enough, add remaining 1/4 c sour cream.

Add salt and pepper to taste.

Use butter if desired.

Place mix in baking dish.

Top with remaining cheese.

Bake 350* for 20 minutes.

I also found a new cookie recipe ... pumpkin cream pies!

We'll see how it goes.

Weekly Meal Plan:
Monday: Spicy Cod with Veggies and Cilantro Rice
Tuesday: Ham
Wednesday: Lunch with Friends: Taco Salad
Thursday: Split Pea Soup
Friday: Chili Chicken

Friday Forum: Resolutions

Psalm 119:133 

Order my steps in thy word: 

and let not any iniquity have dominion over me.

We are looking at a new year ... 2014 is right around the corner.

With a new year comes reflections on the past

and plans and hopes for the future ...

at least it does for me.

I am still contemplating directions that need to be changed

and disciplines that need to be kept or reinforced.

I will share these next Wednesday - January 1, 2014.

The above verse will be covered in our next Wednesday service - I think.

It jumped out at me as the perfect New Year's Resolution.

Direction based on God's Word

and freedom from the bondage and control of sin.

Have you ever made resolutions?

***

Do you plan to make any this year?

***

What are your thoughts about resolutions?

Safety

It is not to be taken lightly.

Today I am thankful for safety as we traveled this past week.

Clear sailing from NC to NY and back again.

Safety for family members who drove to see us.

God is good to us ... far better than we deserve.

Even a child ...

Proverbs 20:11 

Even a child is known by his doings, 

whether his work be pure, and whether it be right.

On this day when we celebrate our Savior's birth,

we remember Him as the perfect example.

I am sure that He was known as a helpful, respectful, intelligent child.

His actions showed His character.

Do you think of this verse as you watch the children around you?

Some children are known as foolish, because of their actions.

Some are known as lazy, because of their actions.

Some are known as intelligent, because of their speech and actions.

Some are known as diligent, because of their behavior.

Have you ever heard or said,

"Well, that is just the way a child is ..."

"Well, boys will be boys ..."

"Well, it is just childishness and he will outgrow it ..."

"Even a child is known by his doing, ..."

Can you imagine Mary making excuses for the growing Jesus.

Was there recklessness, laziness, foolishness?

Yes, children will play,

but may I encourage you to train character early.

Merry Christmas

A Savior is born.

We rejoice!

Carols with Meaning

Last week, I shared hubby's favorite carol.

This week, one of mine.

Again, I think it tells the whole story from birth to death to return.

Thou didst leave Thy throne and Thy kingly crown,

When Thou camest to earth for me;

But in Bethlehem’s home was there found no room

For Thy holy nativity.

Refrain

O come to my heart, Lord Jesus,

There is room in my heart for Thee.

Heaven’s arches rang when the angels sang,

Proclaiming Thy royal degree;

But of lowly birth didst Thou come to earth,

And in great humility.

Refrain

The foxes found rest, and the birds their nest

In the shade of the forest tree;

But Thy couch was the sod, O Thou Son of God,

In the deserts of Galilee.

Refrain

Thou camest, O Lord, with the living Word,

That should set Thy people free;

But with mocking scorn and with crown of thorn,

They bore Thee to Calvary.

Refrain

When the heav’ns shall ring, and her choirs shall sing,

At Thy coming to victory,

Let Thy voice call me home, saying “Yet there is room,

There is room at My side for thee.”

My heart shall rejoice, Lord Jesus,

When Thou comest and callest for me.

Sweet Bread

My friend and I found a pumpkin on the side of the road on Visitation one Saturday.
It appears that someone was done with their fall decorations and had just thrown it across the street.
I couldn't let a pumpkin go to waste.
It provided 6 cans of pumpkin.
And so ... I make pumpkin bread.
Some to give ...
some for meals and snacks ...
maybe some for the freezer.
This is not the most healthy recipe ... but it is the BEST!
This bread also smells tremendous while baking.


"Delicious Pumpkin Bread"

5 eggs
1 1/4 c vegetable oil
1 can pumpkin (15 oz)
2 c flour
2 c sugar
2 pkg (3 oz each) cook and serve vanilla pudding mix
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp salt

Beat eggs.
Add oil and pumpkin.  Beat until smooth.
Combine remaining ingredients; gradually beat into pumpkin mixture.
Pour in greased loaf pans.
For 5 - 5 x 2 1/2 x 2 pans - cook 325 for 50-55 min.
For 2 - 8 x 4 x 2 pans - bake 75-80 min.
Cool in pans 10 min. before removing to wire racks to cool completely.

This Week's Menu Plan:

Monday - BBQ Pork

Tuesday - Out to Chipotle Mexican Restaurant

Wednesday - Cold Cut Sandwiches

Thursday - Ham and Corn Fritatta

Friday - Mexican Pork Chops

In the Hustle and Bustle

Just another reminder - there is more than cookies, lights, and presents ...

...it is the night of the dear Savior's birth!

Friday Forum: Christmas with Focus

Do you get heartburn over the covetousness that Christmas seems to breed?

What is the answer?

As a couple,

I think that it is easier to have a proper focus on Christ.
But even as adults it is easy to lose the focus.
The ads, the gifts, the sales ...

For us,

we have often opened our home to others on Christmas day.

We can take the morning to study our Bibles.

We typically like to share one gift that we choose for each other.

Do you have a plan to ward off the covetousness?