What an amazing God we serve!

I have a fun story to tell you about God's goodness!
When we bought our home, there was an older stove left in the house. We just moved it out into the garage and replaced it with our stove. Eventually, I listed it on Craig's List for sale. I wasn't sure if I would get anything out of it. I was able to sell it for $40!
Yesterday, I bought a matching washer and dryer set on Craig's List for $35! It is an older set but in good shape. I paid my father-in-law $5 for gas to pick it up for me in his truck. $40 for the stove - $40 for the washer/dryer!
Oh yes...inside the washer was a small Black and Decker space heater! It works great! Amazing thing is...since the weather has turned chilly...I wanted a space heater for the bathroom, etc. for the girls. God gave me one free!
Isn't God amazing!

Prayer Request

Dear friends and family...

Please say a quick prayer for my Grandma - Veta Holt from Oakwood, Ohio. She is not doing well physically at all. She was taken back to the hospital yesterday after she passed out twice at home. They found out she has kidney failure possibly caused by some of the medications she was on. In the past months, her health and state of mind has declined rapidly. This saddens me greatly as I live over 2,000 miles away and am not able to visit her. I fear the next time I see her will be for her funeral. She is our last living grandparent as well as the closest through our growing up years. Thank you for your prayers for her! I greatly covet them at this time!

Recipe: Caramel Peanut Butter Apple Dip

Caramel Peanut Butter Apple Dip

Ingredients:

• 30 caramels
• 1 to 2 tablespoons water
• 1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons creamy peanut butter
• 1/4 cup finely crushed peanuts, optional
• Sliced apples

Directions:

In a microwave-safe bowl, microwave the caramels and water on high for 1 minute; stir. Microwave 1 minute more or until smooth. Add peanut butter and mix well; microwave for 30 seconds or until smooth. Stir peanuts if desired. Serve warm with apples. Yield: 1 cup.

Life in the Country...

I was talking with my sister today...we were talking about growing up as kids in the country. My two younger sisters and I grew up in the corn fields of Ohio. Now as adults, we all live in cities...Merrillville, IN - Apache Junction, AZ - and Reno, NV. She made the statement that she can adapt to wherever she may be - she enjoys the city and she enjoys the country. She said the difference between city and country life is this...in the country - you learn to enjoy life. There are not as many things to entertain you as there may be available in the city.

You learn to take a walk with your family around the neighborhood...you learn to sit around a campfire in the backyard talking and laughing...you learn to drive slower enjoying the scenery around you...you learn to sit on the front porch with a glass of sweet tea watching the cars go by...you learn to enjoy the sunrise and sunset...you learn to enjoy game night with the family...you learn to love life!

What is something this fall you would like to enjoy about your life?

A Busy Week...

Having a busy week! We had our carpet installed this week so I have been busy setting up the bedrooms...unpacking the rest of our boxes...organizing. I have made lots of headway so I am thankful for that! Just haven't had much time to sit down and relax! LOL! (In fact, I should be starting dinner right now - Fettuccine Alfredo with chicken and broccoli - MMM!) I put a few pictures of the girls room on to show you my progress!
Have a great day!

My new job!

Recently, I have been thinking about doing something on the side to make a little extra cash flow. Yes, I will admit...being a stay-at-home mom...you sometimes think about just going back into the work force - getting a job - and making some money! You just get tired of being poor! LOL! Yet I keep reminding myself that I am doing what is best for my family...rearing my children. But in the back of my mind...I still wanted to do something to make a little cash while staying at home.

God is good and He allowed me to get a job! It is only 2 hrs. a day in the morning. I will be assisting an 11 yr. old girl to get ready for school and get to the school bus each morning. Her name is Nicki and she had a brain tumor when she was younger. The radiation and chemo has mentally and physically affected her and she needs assistance. I will be at her home from 7:15 -9:15am on school days. I will have all holidays and weekends off! I will receive $10 an hour - which will be $20 a day for 2 hours work. ($100 a week! WOW!) I am also welcome to bring my children with me if I need to.

What a blessing from the Lord! He recognizes our desires and fulfills them beyond what we could imagine!

Election Coverage...

10 Predictions No Matter Who Wins the Election:

1. The Bible will still have all the answers.
2. Prayer will still work.
3. The Holy Spirit will still move.
4. God will still inhabit the praises of His people.
5. There will still be God-anointed preaching.
6. There will still be singing of praise to God.
7. God will still pour out blessings upon His people.
8. There will still be room at the Cross.
9. Jesus will still love you.
10. Jesus will still save the lost when they come to Him.

Isn't it great to know who is really in control ?!!

The will of God will never take you where the grace of God will not protect
you.

Happy 1st Birthday!

Happy Birthday Sierra!
Today is our youngest daughter's 1st birthday! How time flies...our last baby girl!
I pray for my daughter today that she will grow up healthy...be saved at an early age...marry the right mate...but most of all - have a personal walk with her Saviour.
A sentimental yet joyful day!
We love you baby girl!

Ladies Ministry Ideas: Monthly Prayer Meeting for Ladies

At our church, we have a meeting once a month called Sister's Keeper.
It is a time where the ladies of our church gather at one of our ladies' homes...and we remember our missionaries. We meet from 6:30 - 8:15pm on a Tuesday evening. Everyone brings a treat of their choice...finger sandwiches, appetizers, desserts, etc. We have a time to enjoy the refreshments. Our pastor's wife...Mrs. Carla Ralstin...leads the meeting. She reads letters from various missionaries that our church supports. We discuss the missionaries' prayer requests. We break into groups or couples and pray for a short time. We then write a note of encouragement to the missionary wife of the month. We take an offering and then are dismissed.
This is a great idea for smaller churches...the ladies of your church will enjoy a wonderful time of Christian fellowship and your missionaries will be uplifted in prayer!
This month's meeting was held at Mrs. Samantha Brown's home. She had a delicious warm apple cider drink that complemented the autumn season! Mrs. Davis brought the dessert of the evening...a delicious homemade bread pudding. Our missionary wife of the month was Holly Williams. She and her husband are missionaries to England.

Recipe: Cheese Tortellini Soup with Cannelloni and Spinach

	Cheese Tortellini Soup with Cannelloni and Spinach
Ingredients:
	2 tablespoons olive oil
	1/2 onion, diced
	4 cloves garlic, minced
	1 tablespoon, fresh thyme, chopped
	1/4 teaspoon dried crushed red pepper
	6 cups chicken broth
	8 ounce package cheese tortellini
	9 ounces fresh spinach leaves (about 5 cups)
	1 (15 ounce) can cannelloni beans, rinsed and drained
	1/2 cup Parmesan cheese

1. Heat oil in large pot over medium high heat; add the onion, garlic, thyme and red pepper flakes, sauté until the onion is softens and the flavors meld together, about 3 minutes.
2. Add the chicken broth, raise the heat to high and bring to a boil. Stir in the tortellini, and cook for 4 minutes.
3. Reduce heat to a simmer and add the spinach and cannelloni beans, continue to simmer until the spinach has wilted, and pasta is tender, about 1 minute.
4. Ladle soup into bowls. Serve with Parmesan cheese on the side.

Pictures of My Bathroom...

On Thursday, I decided to tackle my bathroom! Here are a few before and after pictures to show the results! Soon I will go look for some fall sales for new towels, shower curtain and rugs to complete my new bathroom!

Some Small Fall Blessings...

Ever have a sweet day filled with small blessings from the Lord? Isn't it fun?

Today, my husband did not have to be to work until 2pm. So he volunteered to stay at home with the girls and do home-schooling with Addie while I went out for a few hours. That was my first small blessing!

Every now and then, it is wonderful to get out away from housework and children! :) I went to Wal-Mart first and found two garbage cans on sale for $1.97 each - one for my bathroom and one for my kitchen! My second small blessing! I also found a large Pumpkin Pie candle on sale for $4! Mmm!

I then went to the Goodwill store...you see, I have been looking for a certain style of brown casual shoes recently but they haven't had any. I had just checked on Wednesday...so I wasn't certain after only two days...they might have some there! Yet, the Lord knew and I have a "new" pair of shoes! My third small blessing!

Just this morning, my daughter (since it is snowing today!) mentioned she would like a pair of pink snow pants! She has outgrown her last pair. While I was browsing...the Lord led me to a pretty pair of pink snow pants! In my daughter's size...no less! My fourth small blessing!

My fifth small blessing is that it is snowing today! I have always enjoyed watching it snow...there is something magical about snow! Above is a picture of Mt. Peavine taken from my living room window at a moment when the clouds cleared!

I just praise the Lord for His goodness to His children and for small blessings!

Thanksgiving/Halloween Centerpiece: "Corn and Candles"

Easy Thanksgiving Centerpiece:

"Corn and Candles"

Fall-colored candles pay homage to the harvest when surrounded by dried corn in a plain glass jar. What could be simpler?

For an easy switch-up...swap the real corn for candy corn for an easy Halloween centerpiece!

Happy Decorating!

Recipe: Roasted Pumpkin Seeds

After you carve your pumpkin...be sure to make some delicious roasted pumpkin seeds for a fall-time snack!

Roasted Pumpkin Seeds

Ingredients:

• 2 cups fresh pumpkin seeds
• 3 tablespoons butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

Directions:

Line a 15-in. x 10-in. x 1-in. baking pan with foil and grease the foil. In a small bowl, combine all ingredients; spread into prepared pan. Bake at 250° for 45-50 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Increase heat to 325°. Bake 5 minutes longer or until seeds are dry and lightly browned. Serve warm, or cool before storing in an airtight container. Yield: 2 cups.

Thoughts while out shopping...

I thought I would share with you my most recent shopping adventure! By the time we near the end of my shopping list...this is how my cart looks! I used to look at others with their carts overflowing (when I was a young bride shopping for my husband and I!) and think...Holy cow! LOL! Now I am the one with three kids and a full Wal-Mart cart! :)
How things change!

How blessed I am...
....to live in America.
....to have a husband who works to provide for our family.
....to have three healthy children.
....to have a car to drive to the store.
....to have a home to live in and cook delicious meals for my family.

Thank you Lord!

Pictures of my kitchen...

I wanted to share a few pictures of my kitchen! It is nearly completed! I am so pleased with how it turn out! Right now, I am enjoying cooking dinner in my kitchen - Black Bean Nacho Bake!
Happy cooking in your kitchen!

A Chuck E. Cheese Birthday!

On Monday, we went to Chuck E. Cheese for Autumn's 3rd birthday!
I learned two things in planning for a child's birthday...look for coupons! We got a large supreme pizza, four soft drinks and 35 tokens for a package deal of $19.99! Autumn also received a coupon (via e-mail) for 20 free tokens for her birthday! We also went on a weekday which meant we practically had the restaurant and rides to ourselves!

A fun and delicious birthday for the entire family!

Recipe: Minestrone with Mushrooms and Feta

With fall quickly arriving, make some delicious and hot soup to warm you on a chilly day! We are expecting a cold front to pass through this weekend...bringing our first snow of the season to the mountaintops!

Minestrone with Mushrooms and Feta

Ingredients:

• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 Tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
• 2 cups stemmed shiitake mushrooms, sliced
• 3 14-oz. cans vegetable broth
• 1 15-oz. can cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
• 1/2 cup dried orzo
• 1-1/2 cups quartered cherry tomatoes
• 1/4 cup small fresh oregano leaves
• 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
• Freshly ground pepper
• 1 Tbsp. extra virgin olive oil

Directions:

In a 4-quart Dutch oven cook garlic in hot oil for 15 seconds. Add mushrooms. Cook, stirring frequently, until mushrooms are tender. Stir in vegetable broth and beans; bring to boiling. Add orzo.

Return to boiling; reduce heat. Simmer, covered, 15 minutes or until orzo is tender. Stir in cherry tomatoes, and 3 tablespoons of the oregano; heat through.

Sprinkle with remaining oregano, feta, and pepper. Drizzle with olive oil. Mmm! Enjoy!