Snow Day..

Well sort of......We didn't have much but enough snow and ice to cancel school and lots of other activities. I think God just knew we all needed a day off! Anyway, SJ wanted to play in it so I dolled her up and sent her out...No, I didn't go with her. Call me a poor mother....but it felt like 17 degrees and I just wasn't up to it. SC still has a runny nose so she got to watch sissy thru the window. By the way, SJ stayed out for a total of 3 minutes. Just enough time for me to get a couple photos. Hope everyone is having a good week.

Belated Congrats...

I'm late in posting my congrats to my hubby. He had a birthday on Thursday. So, for his birthday I had planned to make him one of his favorite meals and just enjoy being at home together. Instead, at his request we loaded up the girls and drove down to my parents for a quick visit. He's like that...just does things that are so unselfish...things that are special to me ....when it's really supposed to be his special day. I'm very grateful for my mate....my best friend...my partner for life. I love you, Cliff....always!

Catching up...

I've been trying to catch up with my blog reading today. I'm glad everyone is starting to post again. It's been lonely here without you guys. Anyway, a friend posted about her new recipe for her crock pot and I thought it might be a good idea for us all to post at least one new/creative/healthy/delicious/quick recipe each week. Between us all, we could have plenty to choose from each week and it would make our families happy with more variety. So, I'll try to start doing that...maybe you guys can too. I really like meals that I can prepare for lunch for my girls. That time of day seems so daunting to me. I'd like to have any of your suggestions as to small easy meals to prepare for them at lunchtime. I'm sure there are others out there who would love the info too.

I'll share one helpful tidbit...I'm not sure how many of you prepare the old fashioned Salmon Croquettes/patties but my mom used to make them at least once per week. Mainly because it was economical and filling besides the fact that fish is really good for you. The only 2 problems I had with it was the SMELL and the BONES! I mean your kitchen would stink forever and pulling out all those little bones...UGH! (my dad always said about the bones..."that's just good calcium"...I said "ick".)
SO, I decided one day to purchase the salmon in the plastic pouch....just like tuna. It has been pulled off the bone and no water added. IT WORKED FABULOUSLY! So, if you like this meal...try the pouch salmon. It doesn't smell nearly as bad and no bones! Add a batch or cornbread and some mac and cheese...YUM!

PJ Party..

Last Friday night our Women's Ministry hosted a Ladies Night Out event...A PJ Party! It was so much fun. We ate candy, nachos, popcorn and watched a movie..."One Night with the King". We had a great time...here are a few photos to show you just how much fun we had!

Easy Recipe...

Ok. While I was mopping floors, Paula Deen was making Peanut Butter Cookies. I couldn't resist so here's the recipe...

1 cup Peanut Butter (Creamy or Crunchy)
1 cup Suger or Splenda (Splenda makes it a diabetic friendly treat!)
1 egg
1 tsp vanilla

That's it! Mix ingredients and drop onto wax paper covered cookie sheet. Bake at 350 for 12 minutes.

I just finished making a batch...it took exactly 3 minutes to prepare...I was finished before my oven was preheated. To top it off, it's diabetic friendly when you use the Splenda...and no FLOUR either!

Make some for your kids/spouse as a treat! Later!

Tuesday, Clean up Day!

Ok, I'm about to get started with my Spring Cleaning...yeah...a little early but you have to do what you can when you can. The girls are at MDO this morning and I'm enjoying the house to myself.
I was reading this morning about the Wedding at Cana and the miracle that took place there and the one after that...yeah the one with the demon possessed man in the synagogue. The writer of the devotion I was using pointed out that the newly selected disciples were off to a "miraculous" start with their new friend. Christ performed several miracles in a short time frame....can you imagine being there and seeing all that took place? Can you imagine these young fishermen who had left their families and the family business to join up with this passer-by promising to make them "fishers of men"? I'm sure if they were alive today they would tell you what a special time it was for them being in the limelight all the time.
Now, back to reality for us. Sometimes we don't get to see miracles take place. Sometimes we just get to experience the love of our Saviour. Sometimes we aren't privileged to be the ones receiving all the attention. Still, God is in control and on the throne. He is still in the small insignificant details of life. He wants us to love Him in the normal everyday ho hum of life. I'm thankful for normal. Many of you know that before this stage of my life, I always wanted to be "doing, going, being...etc". God has shown me that He wants us to live days full of "normal"....novextraordinary events, no fancy issues or problems....just live life for His glory. So........bring on the normal.

WHEW!

Ok, the tree is out. The decorations are away in the attic....and while I was putting those things away I found our gloves, hats and scarves for winter...a little late but oh well! Anyway, it looks really barren in here. SJ made a comment that Christmas was gone...but not for long I told her. The year will go by so fast I'm sure. Let's all make an effort to enjoy each day we're given. Like today, we are enjoying PJ day. Yep! Stay in your pj's until it's time to get ready for church. By the way, the NO NEWS FAST is working! I feel so much better not worrying about things I have no control over. I'm beginning to not miss it all. Hope you all are doing well too. That's all for now. More tomorrow...

Back to Normal...

Well, the hustle and bustle is over and we're getting back to normal around here. The girls had a great Christmas and a wonderful time visiting with their Nai Nai and Yei Yei and the Pace Family Aunts, Uncles and Cousins. You could definitely tell that the Pace side of the family is used to having lots of boys....my girls were completely spoiled! Thanks to Aunt Becky, Aunt Patti and Meme for ALL the DOLLS and girly stuff.

Shaoey really loved the "opening" part of the Christmas tradition.....she opened everyone's presents! Sadie just loved being among the paper....such a funny sight! We spent Christmas here in Hernando and then rang in the New Year in Central MS. We now settle back in to our routine of living and loving life. I have some photos to share and will get those uploaded asap! Shaoey will begin her 2nd semester of ballet next week. She is completely excited and loves to twirl around the house to ANY sort of music. I've noticed I have a creative child and a practical child. SJ loves to draw, sing, dance and anything artistic. SC loves to figure our toys and is very good at problem solving. How funny to already notice the differences in your children and to wonder how God is going to use them for His glory.

I'm excited about what 2009 has in store for our family. I read recently on a church website where the Pastor challenged his congregation to join him in a month long fast. A month without food? No....a month without...THE NEWS! He further explained that many times our attitudes and emotions are manipulated by the Headlines and the ever looming BREAKING NEWS stories. I'm convinced that we are living in the last days. However, we are to be about the kingdom business now more than ever before. I'm taking the challenge. I'm going to fast from the NEWS. I'm going to contemplate on the greatness of my God and the awesome gift I've been given. I'm going to share His love with those I see and let God take care of the NEWS! Do I have any takers on this fast? I'm heading to change the channel now......More later!