Leftover Dessert

2009-01-10T12:47:00.001-06:00

blah. I am not keeping up with my blog. But I do come on here and peek at all of yours! It's still fun to see what's happening with alll my friends. If you want to see me, I've been best at keeping up on facebook. if you need my address to find me there, let me know. :) It's been grand!

2008-12-10T15:55:00.002-06:00

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas!
(Sorry the tree is blurry!)

This is the wreath I tried out making this year. :)
Different but fun!
(I might try adding holly and juniper when I get a chance)

Professional Photos

2008-10-10T21:41:00.005-05:00

Wonderful friends of ours have started their own photography business. They asked to photograph our family before we moved to get things started. :) They do such a good job. Here's a preview of Christmas cards coming! Visit their website HERE!

Habanero Sauce

2008-10-08T10:25:00.018-05:00

The making of habanero sauce. Brandt had a blast making this.

That's lemon juice, water and vinegar.

10 Habaneros

onion, garlic and carrot with a little bit of oil.

Don't forget your gloves!

Mmm, now that's tasty!

Making stuff with Tomatoes

2008-10-06T11:36:00.008-05:00

I had 2 boxes of tomatoes given to me. What a blessing! I was able to make a batch of Salsa and a batch of spaghetti sauce :) It was a busy long day, but very fun and satisfying :)

Heating up the salsa (on the left) and cooking down the tomato juice (on the right)

Saute-ing the veggies (X 2, I didn't have a large enough skillet)

11 Quarts of Spaghetti Sauce (and a bowl full too)

There were actually 4 quarts of Salsa, it's just that good. goes fast :)

Settling down again!

2008-09-24T14:39:00.002-05:00

We moved to Wisconsin last week, and through the whole ordeal, I've abandoned the computer. So here I am again! I hope to keep up on this here blog, so my friends don't loose hope in me! haha.
We moved in on Thursday, and I'm mostly unpacked. It's hard getting used to having different spaces for things. This is quite a bit different style of house then we just moved from.
Sunday I got to put away some applesauce and apple pie filling. And tomorrow I'm planning on making salsa, and possibly spaghetti sauce. It's so nice being able to put away food! I missed it, and everybody here is being so generous with their garden yields!
Brandt hit the ground running here. He's now a youth minister, and on Saturday there was an untimely death of a sophomore student, so Brandt's been at the school quite a bit counseling.
Tonight is the kickoff for the Wednesday nights for the year, I can tell more about it when I know what's happening. All I know, is I volunteered to help with dinner, so I'll be there at 4! :)
All for now! See you guys soon!

Simple Wedding Flowers (Finally)

2008-08-01T00:01:00.013-05:00

Bride is hugging Flowergirl #1. She just saw her bouquet for the first time here.

I used an interesting method for their bouquets. I used oasis handles, and put the daisies in to the oasis, and saved the stems, and wired the stems around the handle and covered the wire with a ribbon wrap, as if the daisies were clumped together and wrapped with a ribbon. The bouquets lasted many many hours this way, in the hot July weather! It was neat!

Behind the singer is the Bouquet Becky made. It's turned so you can't see the artistic-ness of it unfortunately.

This was several hours after the wedding, and the bouquet still looks fresh! Phew!

I got sore knees pinning this table garland, but it was worth it. They loved it. I was quite pleased, even though I had to used artificial ivy.

The cake table and a simple tossing bouquet. (the cake and cupcakes were made by Becky, and the catering company really loved it, and asked to feature her work in their brochures!)

Thanks for looking! :) I had fun, and a lot of help!

Happy Independence Day!

2008-07-04T23:06:00.000-05:00

IN CONGRESS, July 4, 1776.
The unanimous Declaration of the thirteen united States of America,
When in the Course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another, and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.
We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.--That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, --That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness. Prudence, indeed, will dictate that Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shewn, that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable, than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed. But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security.--Such has been the patient sufferance of these Colonies; and such is now the necessity which constrains them to alter their former Systems of Government. The history of the present King of Great Britain is a history of repeated injuries and usurpations, all having in direct object the establishment of an absolute Tyranny over these States. To prove this, let Facts be submitted to a candid world.
He has refused his Assent to Laws, the most wholesome and necessary for the public good.
He has forbidden his Governors to pass Laws of immediate and pressing importance, unless suspended in their operation till his Assent should be obtained; and when so suspended, he has utterly neglected to attend to them.
He has refused to pass other Laws for the accommodation of large districts of people, unless those people would relinquish the right of Representation in the Legislature, a right inestimable to them and formidable to tyrants only.
He has called together legislative bodies at places unusual, uncomfortable, and distant from the depository of their public Records, for the sole purpose of fatiguing them into compliance with his measures.
He has dissolved Representative Houses repeatedly, for opposing with manly firmness his invasions on the rights of the people.
He has refused for a long time, after such dissolutions, to cause others to be elected; whereby the Legislative powers, incapable of Annihilation, have returned to the People at large for their exercise; the State remaining in the mean time exposed to all the dangers of invasion from without, and convulsions within.
He has endeavoured to prevent the population of these States; for that purpose obstructing the Laws for Naturalization of Foreigners; refusing to pass others to encourage their migrations hither, and raising the conditions of new Appropriations of Lands.
He has obstructed the Administration of Justice, by refusing his Assent to Laws for establishing Judiciary powers.
He has made Judges dependent on his Will alone, for the tenure of their offices, and the amount and payment of their salaries.
He has erected a multitude of New Offices, and sent hither swarms of Officers to harrass our people, and eat out their substance.
He has kept among us, in times of peace, Standing Armies without the Consent of our legislatures.
He has affected to render the Military independent of and superior to the Civil power.
He has combined with others to subject us to a jurisdiction foreign to our constitution, and unacknowledged by our laws; giving his Assent to their Acts of pretended Legislation:
For Quartering large bodies of armed troops among us:
For protecting them, by a mock Trial, from punishment for any Murders which they should commit on the Inhabitants of these States:
For cutting off our Trade with all parts of the world:
For imposing Taxes on us without our Consent:
For depriving us in many cases, of the benefits of Trial by Jury:
For transporting us beyond Seas to be tried for pretended offences
For abolishing the free System of English Laws in a neighbouring Province, establishing therein an Arbitrary government, and enlarging its Boundaries so as to render it at once an example and fit instrument for introducing the same absolute rule into these Colonies:
For taking away our Charters, abolishing our most valuable Laws, and altering fundamentally the Forms of our Governments:
For suspending our own Legislatures, and declaring themselves invested with power to legislate for us in all cases whatsoever.
He has abdicated Government here, by declaring us out of his Protection and waging War against us.
He has plundered our seas, ravaged our Coasts, burnt our towns, and destroyed the lives of our people.
He is at this time transporting large Armies of foreign Mercenaries to compleat the works of death, desolation and tyranny, already begun with circumstances of Cruelty & perfidy scarcely paralleled in the most barbarous ages, and totally unworthy the Head of a civilized nation.
He has constrained our fellow Citizens taken Captive on the high Seas to bear Arms against their Country, to become the executioners of their friends and Brethren, or to fall themselves by their Hands.
He has excited domestic insurrections amongst us, and has endeavoured to bring on the inhabitants of our frontiers, the merciless Indian Savages, whose known rule of warfare, is an undistinguished destruction of all ages, sexes and conditions.
In every stage of these Oppressions We have Petitioned for Redress in the most humble terms: Our repeated Petitions have been answered only by repeated injury. A Prince whose character is thus marked by every act which may define a Tyrant, is unfit to be the ruler of a free people.
Nor have We been wanting in attentions to our Brittish brethren. We have warned them from time to time of attempts by their legislature to extend an unwarrantable jurisdiction over us. We have reminded them of the circumstances of our emigration and settlement here. We have appealed to their native justice and magnanimity, and we have conjured them by the ties of our common kindred to disavow these usurpations, which, would inevitably interrupt our connections and correspondence. They too have been deaf to the voice of justice and of consanguinity. We must, therefore, acquiesce in the necessity, which denounces our Separation, and hold them, as we hold the rest of mankind, Enemies in War, in Peace Friends.
We, therefore, the Representatives of the united States of America, in General Congress, Assembled, appealing to the Supreme Judge of the world for the rectitude of our intentions, do, in the Name, and by Authority of the good People of these Colonies, solemnly publish and declare, That these United Colonies are, and of Right ought to be Free and Independent States; that they are Absolved from all Allegiance to the British Crown, and that all political connection between them and the State of Great Britain, is and ought to be totally dissolved; and that as Free and Independent States, they have full Power to levy War, conclude Peace, contract Alliances, establish Commerce, and to do all other Acts and Things which Independent States may of right do. And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor.

Tag from Carrie

2008-06-23T22:23:00.002-05:00

A Attached or Single: married for 7 years
B Best Friend: Brandt
C Cake or Pie: Depends on what kinds I s'pose. Prolly pie :)
D Day of Choice: A day with my family
E Essential Item: pony tail holder
F Flavor of Icecream: Ben and Jerry's Chubby Hubby or Blue Bunnies Peanut Butter Panic
G Gummy Bears or Worms: no thanks
H Hometown: Bemidji, MN
I Indulgence: Coke
J January or July: July-it's just nicer in MN
K Kids: 2 beautiful children! The envy of many parents ;)
L Last movie I saw at a theater: kung fu panda at the referral of many friends
M Musician: Chopin
N Number of Siblings: 1 older sister, 1 younger brother and 1 younger sister
O Oranges or Apples: oo, depends on the day, they are both yummie
P Phobias or Fears: tornado
Q Quote: Dad! We're not your friends! We're your baby girl and son. But I'm not REALLY a baby, and Benaiah's not a yellow sun! - Tatiana
R Reason to Smile:Every good gift and every perfect gift comes from above. I love my gifts, especially my family
S Season: Fall-nothing like the smell of fall! :)
T Tag: You!
U Unknown fact: I was told when I was around 14 that I'd make a great preachers wife. Who'd a thunk then that I would really become one!?! :)
V Vegetarian or oppressor of Animals: I like veggies with my meat :)
W Worst habit: Well, I can't really tell what my worst habit is! I have to many :)
X Xray or Ultrasound: Really, you don't need them too often. I've had more than my share of both. I think I'll be done now.
Y Your favorite food: I really like good ol' cheap beef stroganoff over noodles. Mmm
Z Zodiac sign: Gemini. Aren't you glad there aren't really two of me!

Picture time

2008-05-22T18:23:00.002-05:00

Ug! I had to go get my drivers license renewed before Saturday. I'm getting old! When I was issued that drivers license so long ago, I thought wow, that's a really long time from now! I'm afraid to see what my new picture will look like! I kinda liked the old young one ;)

What a beautiful day today! I'm gonna go make shish ka bobs (how ever in the world that is spelled) and grill some corn. I'm also going to plant some blueberry bushes, and some snapdragons, asters, and throw some flower seeds in the back of my flower garden. I should also get some food in my bird feeders. They have gotten so good at emptying that thing, it's gone in a day!

Ah, summer is so nice, I'm glad it finally came for a visit! :)

Friends

2008-05-17T12:03:00.002-05:00

Last night we were on our way home from a day out and about, and Tatiana found out that it is Brandt's birthday today. She got SO excited! She wanted to know who all was coming for Daddy's birthday, and what presents he was getting, and what kind of cake he was getting. Brandt said nobody is coming over, he's spending the day with momma, Tatiana and Benaiah.

Tatiana said, "We aren't your friends!"
Daddy said, "Well then who are you?"
Tati said, " Well, Momma's. . . your Momma Momma and you're her Daddy. I'm your babygirl, but I'm not a baby. And Benaiah is your son, but not a yellow sun." :)

I thought that was so cute! :) Hehehe

Happy Birthday Brandt! :)

A new thing. . .

2008-05-13T11:01:00.002-05:00

Well, we bought our first set of Thomas stuff. The kids LOVE it! Little People was not the thing for these kiddos. Apparently Thomas is their thing. :) So, officially the request for birthdays and holidays will be Thomas gifts. ;) We highly recommend them!

Do you want free money too!?

2008-05-06T15:40:00.002-05:00

This is great! Email me if you have any questions! My site didn't get hacked! I'm really doing this! My sister and my mom did it first, so now by me signing up, they got $10, now I'll get $10 when you sign up! Thanks! Plus, you'll get $25 for signing up! It's not a joke! You transfer the funds to your bank account, and wha-la! You have $25 more then before you started, and more if people sign up! Only until May 15th though. Until I blog again-Have a great day! :)

Quality Time

2008-05-06T11:26:00.002-05:00

I have slowed down the blogs to spend time with my family. :) I suppose you could say I've been having an affair with my laptop :o Well, I looked, and it's been over a week since I last blogged, so here's a little something. Doorposts is a great ministry encouraging godly families, and I find a lot of their tools helpful. Here's a little link for ideas for your family. :)
http://www.doorposts.net/free_resources/building_relationships.pdf

Have fun with your families!

Let's Pray for them-daily!

2008-04-29T18:23:00.000-05:00

“She does him good . . .” (Proverbs 31:12a)

Bless your husband by praying for him! The Apostle Paul instructed all Christians to pray for one another (Ephesians 6:18). This includes wives’ responsibility and privilege to pray for their husbands. Earnest prayer for your husband is good for him, for you and the spiritual health of your home (Proverbs 31:11-12).

Satan desires to destroy your husband, especially his character and his leadership in your relationship. Trust God through prayer as you daily surrender your husband and marriage to the Lord’s wise, loving care.

Day 1
Pray that your husband will grow spiritually and consider his accountability before the Lord. Pray that he will guard his heart by developing spiritual disciplines—Bible reading and study, prayer, meditation, scripture memorization, etc. (2 Peter 3:18; Prov. 4:23)

Day 2
Pray that your husband’s relationship with God and His Word will bear fruit in his life. Pray that he will be a man of wisdom and understanding, fearing the Lord. (Prov. 3:7, 9:10; Ps. 112:1)

Day 3
Pray that your husband will be humble and quick to agree with God about his sin. Pray that his heart will be tender toward the voice of the Lord. (Ps. 51:2-4; Micah 6:8)

Day 4
Pray that your husband will grow in leadership skills in your relationship—protecting and providing for you. Pray that he will lead you wisely and love you sacrificially, so that God will be glorified in your marriage. (Eph. 5:25-29; Col. 3:19)

Day 5
Pray that your husband will be faithful to his wedding vows. Pray that he will have a desire to cultivate your relationship as a sign of his loyalty and commitment to you, and as a picture of Christ’s love for the Church. (Prov. 20:6; Gen. 2:24)

Day 6
Pray that your husband will love righteousness and hate wickedness, especially the evils of the culture. Pray that he will recognize and avoid wickedness in his own life, and if necessary, take a clear, strong stand against evil. (Prov. 27:12; John 17:15; 1 Cor. 10:12-13)

Day 7
Pray that your husband will safeguard his heart against inappropriate relationships with the opposite sex. Pray that his heart will be pure and undivided in his commitment to you. (Prov. 6:23-24, 26; Rom. 13:14)

Day 8
Pray that your husband will work hard to provide for your family, to the best of his ability. Pray that the character qualities necessary for a successful career and ministry will be a growing part of his character—persistence, decisiveness, strength, an analytical mind, organizational skills, positive relationships with people, determination, etc. (Rom. 12:11; 1 Cor. 15:58)

Day 9
Pray that your husband handle finances wisely, will have discernment concerning budgeting and investments, and will be a good steward of his money in regard to giving to the Lord’s work. Pray that money will not become a source of discord in your family. (Prov. 23:4-5; Rom. 12:13; Heb. 13:5)

Day 10
Pray that your husband will cultivate strong integrity, and not compromise his convictions. Pray that his testimony will be genuine, that he will be honest in his business dealings, and will never do anything that he needs to hide from others. (Prov. 20:7; 1 Tim. 1:5, 3:7; Eph. 6:10-12)

Day 11
Pray that your husband will have a humble, teachable spirit and a servant’s heart before the Lord. Pray that he will listen to God and desire to do His will. (Prov. 15:33; Eph. 6:6)

Day 12
Pray that your husband will yield his sexual drive to the Lord and practice self control. Pray that your sexual intimacy together will be fresh, positive, and a reflection of selfless love. (Prov. 5:15, 18; 1 Cor. 7:3; Song of Solomon 7:10)

Day 13
Pray that your husband use practical skills to build your family and make wise decisions for your welfare. Pray that he will serve unselfishly. (Gal. 5:13; Phil. 2:3-4)

Day 14
Pray that your husband will speak words that build you and your family, and reflect a heart of love. Pray that he will not use filthy language. (Prov. 18:21; Eph. 4:29)

Day 15
Pray that your husband will choose his friends wisely. Pray that God will bring him men who will encourage his accountability before God, and will not lead him into sin. (Prov. 13:20; Prov. 27:17)

Day 16
Pray that your husband will choose healthy, God-honoring activities. Pray that he will not live in bondage to any questionable habits or hobbies, but that he will experience freedom in holiness as he yields to the Spirit’s control. (1 Cor. 6:12, 10:31; 2 Tim. 2:4)

Day 17
Pray that your husband will enjoy his manliness as he patterns his life after Christ and strong men in the faith. Pray for his physical, emotional, mental, social and spiritual strength. (Eph. 3:16; 1 Peter 2:21; 1 Cor. 10:11)

Day 18
Pray that your husband will have an eternal perspective—living in light of eternity. Pray that he will reject materialism and temporal values and put God first in his life. (Matt. 6:33; Deut. 6:5; Eph. 5:16; Ps. 90:12)

Day 19
Pray that your husband will be patient and a man of peace. Pray that he will not give in to anger, but will allow the Holy Spirit to control his responses. (Rom. 14:19; Ps. 34:14)

Day 20
Pray that your husband will yield his mind and thoughts to the Lord. Pray that he will not entertain immoral or impure thoughts, and that he will resist the temptation to indulge in pornography. (Prov. 27:12; 2 Cor. 10:5)

Day 21
Pray that your husband will learn how to relax in the Lord and, in his greatest times of stress, find joy and peace in his relationship with God. Pray that he will submit his schedule to the Lord. (Neh. 8:10; Prov. 17:22; Ps. 16:11)

Day 22
Pray that your husband will practice forgiveness in your relationship and with others. Pray that he will recognize any roots of bitterness, and yield any resentment and unforgiving attitudes to the Lord. (Eph. 4:32; Heb. 12:15)

Day 23
Pray that your husband will be a good father—disciplining his children wisely and loving them unconditionally. If he is not a father, pray that he will find a young man to mentor in the things of the Lord. (Eph. 6:4; Col. 3:21; 2 Tim. 2:1-2)

Day 24
Pray that your husband will have a balanced life—that he will balance work and play. Pray that he will fear God, but also gain favor with people he knows at work and church. (Luke 2:52; Prov. 13:15)

Day 25
Pray that your husband will be courageous in his stand against evil and injustice, and that he will stand for the truth. Pray that he will protect you and your family from Satan’s attacks. (Ps. 31:24; Eph. 6:13; Ps. 27:14)

Day 26
Pray that your husband will discover and live his God-given purpose. Pray that he will offer all his dreams to the Lord, and pursue only those goals that will bring God glory and count for eternity. (Jer. 29:11; 1 Cor. 10:31)

Day 27
Pray that your husband will understand the importance of taking care of his body—the temple of the Holy Spirit—for the glory of God. Pray that he will practice self-control by making wise food choices, and get sufficient exercise to stay healthy. (Rom. 12:1-2; 1 Cor. 6:19-20, 9:27)

Day 28
Pray that your husband will be a man of prayer. Pray that he will seek and pursue God in purposeful quiet times. (1 Thess. 5:17; Luke 22:46; James 5:16)

Day 29
Pray that your husband will surrender his time and talents to the Lord. Pray that his spiritual gifts will be manifest in his career, at church, and in your home. (Eph. 5:15-16; 1 Cor. 12:4, 7)

Day 30
Pray that your husband will serve God and others with pure motives. Pray that he will obey the Lord from his heart, and glorify Him in everything. (1 Cor. 10:13; John 7:17-18; Col. 3:23-24)

Day 31
Pray that your husband will recognize the lies of the Enemy in his life. Pray that his attitudes and actions will be guided by the truth as he brings his thoughts into captivity to the Word of God. (John 8:44; 2 Cor. 10:4-5)

Diapers

2008-04-25T23:01:00.002-05:00

We were eating lunch this afternoon, and my son had a certain smell to him. I asked him, "Benny, do you have a dirty diaper?"
"No Momma, YOU have a dirty diaper!!!" said Benny.
To which Tatiana replied, "No, Benny! Momma doesn't wear diapers yet!"

hahahahahhahaha!

I'm still alive! :)

2008-04-19T07:30:00.001-05:00

It seems I have disappeared off the face of the Earth if you only read my blog, but things have been super busy! Brandt and I just spent the weekend at the Minnesota Association of Christian Home Educators (MACHE) convention. It was great, and so far (hehe, tati's 4) we're doing a great job! :)

More later!

Church Website

2008-04-10T09:03:00.001-05:00

Friends,

Tamarack Church of Christ now has a Web Site. Please check it out and let us know what you think. We hope to add pictures soon, so bookmark this page.

Copy and past: http://sites.advancedministry.com/tamarackchurch

Thanks for your prayer and support.

In Christ,
Brandt Johnson
Minister
Tamarack Church of Christ
218-768-2965

The Unprofitable Servant

2008-04-09T21:53:00.004-05:00

Ok, it's a week late, but my character study I volunteered for has no particular name. :D Jesus gave the disciples a story in answer to their request for Christ to give them more faith. You can read about it in Luke, chapter 17, verses 5-10. It really struck home to me. I HAVE been just doing what is requested of me, if even all of that. My point of view for doing these things has been wrong. I wasn't really doing them for my praise, but I surely wasn't doing them to be pleasing to my Lord. I need to change my motivation for doing "Christlike" things.
So my character study was "Me" and "you" :)
Thank you all for your input, be it written or called in. :) It's great to have supporting friends.

God Does!!

2008-04-08T20:41:00.003-05:00

Today Tatiana was helping me try some new Pampered Chef recipes. She is such a great helper and encourager. Tati LOVES Pampered Chef items, and loves helping me use each product. She'll ask me, "Is this a Pampered Chef tool, mom?" So later she found a Twix-it clip, and went to put it away for me. I said "Tati! Who makes Twix-it clips?" She grinned real big and said "God does!!!"

hahaha! I love it!

I'm not COLD!

2008-04-07T20:32:00.001-05:00

My poor sweet tired boy. We were on our way home after lunch out and about, and he fell asleep before I could catch him to keep him awake. I turned to Brandt and said "He's out cold!" and proceeded to try to wake him up. After quite a few "Benaiah!"s and help from Brandt, he lifted his head and said/mumbled "I am NOT cold!!" hahahahaha, it was so cute! And his eyes kept rolling, and his head was wobbling. :) I love my children!

Invisible

2008-04-05T23:21:00.000-05:00

I'm Invisible

It all began to make sense, the blank stares, the
lack of response, the way one of the kids will walk
into the room while I'm on the phone and ask to be
taken to the store. Inside I'm thinking, 'Can't you
see I'm on the phone?' Obviously not; no one can see
if I'm on the phone, or cooking, or sweeping the
floor, or even standing on my head in the corner,
because no one can see me at all. I'm invisible.

The invisible Mom.

Some days I am only a pair of hands, nothing more:
Can you fix this? Can you tie this? Can you open this?

Some days I'm not a pair of hands; I'm not even a
human being. I'm a clock to ask, 'What time is it?'

I' m a satellite guide to answer, 'What number is
the Disney Channel?'

I'm a car to order, 'Right around 5:30, please.'

I was certain that these were the hands that once
held books and the eyes that studied history and the
mind that graduated summa cum laude - but now they had
disappeared into the peanut butter, never to be
seen again. She's going, she's going, and she's
gone!

One night, a group of us were having dinner,
celebrating the return of a friend from England.
Janice had just gotten back from a fabulous trip, and
she was going on and on about the hotel she stayed
in. I was sitting there, looking around at the
others all put together so well. It was hard not to
compare and feel sorry for myself as I looked down at
my out-of-style dress; it was the only thing I could
find that was clean. My unwashed hair was pulled
up in a hair clip and I was afraid I could d actually
smell peanut butter in it. I was feeling pretty
pathetic, when Janice turned to me with a beautifully
wrapped package, and said, 'I brought you this.' It
was a book on the great cathedrals of Europe. I wasn't
exactly sure why she'd given it to me
until I read her inscription: 'To Charlotte, with
admiration for the greatness of what you are building
when no one sees.'

In the days ahead I would read - no, devour the
book. And I would discover what would become for me,
four life-changing truths, after which I could pattern
my work: No one can say who built the great
cathedrals - we have no record of their names.
These builders gave their whole lives for a work they
would never see finished. They made great sacrifices
and expected no credit. The passion of their building
was fueled by their faith that the eyes of God saw
everything.

A legendary story in the book told of a rich man
who came to visit the cathedral while it was being
built, and he saw a workman carving a tiny bird on the
inside of a beam. He was puzzled and asked the man,
'Why are you spending so much time carving that
bird into a beam that will be covered by the roof? No
one will ever see it.' And the workman replied,
'Because God sees.'

I closed the book, feeling the missing piece fall
into place. It was almost as if I heard God whispering
to me, 'I see you, Charlotte. I see the sacrifices you
make every day, even when no one around you does. No
act of kindness you've done, no sequin you've sewn on,
no cupcake you've baked, is too small for me to notice
and smile over.

Â“You are building a great cathedral, but you can't
see right now what it will become.' At times, my
invisibility feels like an affliction. But it is not a
disease that is erasing my life. It is the cure
for the disease of my own self-centeredness. It is the
antidote to my strong, stubborn pride. I keep the
right perspective when I see myself as a great
builder. As one of the people who show up at a job
that they will never see finished, to work on
something that their name will never be on.

The writer of the book went so far as to say that
no cathedrals could ever be built in our lifetime
because there are so few people willing to sacrifice
to that degree.

When I really think about it, I don't want my son
to tell the friend he's bringing home from college for
Thanksgiving, 'My Mom gets up at 4 in the morning and
bakes homemade pies, and then she hand bastes
a turkey for three hours and presses all the linens
for the table.' That would mean I'd built a shrine or
a monument to myself. I just want him to want to come
home. And then, if there is anything more to say to
his friend, to add, 'You're gonna love it there.'

As mothers, we are building great cathedrals. We
cannot be seen if we're doing it right. And one day,
it is very possible that the world will marvel, not
only at what we have built, but at the beauty that
has been added to the world by the sacrifices of
invisible women.

Hair by Dad

2008-03-27T11:29:00.004-05:00

Benny Front

Benny side

Tati front

Tati Side
HooRay for Dad! ;)

Character Study

2008-03-26T21:08:00.002-05:00

I volunteered for next Wednesday night's character study. I get to choose one person in the Bible, and study them, and lead the study next week. I just feel a bit lost. I can't say that I have a favorite character. Who is your favorite character? Any suggestions!? After it's done, I'll let you all know how it turned out. I'll give you a few highlights.

Praise God!

2008-03-25T17:02:00.001-05:00

Wow, thing after thing after thing has just been proving to Brandt and I that God really cares for us! He's so obvious in His love for us!

busy days

2008-03-22T08:32:00.002-05:00

We have had a very busy last few days. Alex and Levi have joined us for daily living, and honestly, doubling my kid count that fast is something the non-talented me finds a little stressful. I will resume a proper blog after deliver of the boys to their momma, and after I unpack my Pampered Chef box scheduled for delivery today :) Have a super Easter weekend! He is Risen!!! Praise God!

The Simple Complexity of Easter

2008-03-18T22:13:00.002-05:00

There is a neat 3 minute or so video I would love to share with you all! We are playing it at church Sunday for Easter. I tried to upload it so you could view it here, but after 5 hours and two tries, it just was a garbled mess, so I'll give you a link to one you can look at online. Maybe you would like to purchase it for showing at your church!

The Simple Complexity of Easter

Hope you have a blessed week remembering how Christ conquered death so we could be with God! :)

Snow and Frost

2008-03-17T13:52:00.004-05:00

It is amazing! Spring never ceases to surprise me. One day, we can have blizzard like qualities, wind, snow, cold. . . you get the picture. Then the next day can be 45 degrees, sunny, everything melting like crazy, and then the next day it's just miserably cold again! Today is a cold day again. Our muck boots are getting put back so we can use the winter boots again. :) Oooh Spring! You can be so mean!

I'm a Consultant now :)

2008-03-13T16:05:00.003-05:00

Ok, I've signed up. I will be selling Pampered Chef products now! If you want me to come show you and some friends all our fun products, and make something tasty for you, I would love to come! If you're too far for me to come, I can send you a catalog show packet, and you can glean orders from friends, family and associates, and still earn free and discounted products.

It really was inevitable that I sign up. I already have a good portion of their products, and really am convinced they are wonderful! Shoot me an email if you will be kind enough to help me start my new career. :) You won't be disappointed. :) jenny4wen at yahoo dot com

Thanks guys! :)

The power of static!

2008-03-11T20:53:00.003-05:00

It is TRULY amazing what a little bit of static can do to ones hairdo :)

This was accomplished with the aid of a little tykes slide in the house. After a walk in the afternoon warmth, inside was just too boring.

That tempting, elusive spring. . .

2008-03-10T14:59:00.002-05:00

My hibiscus plant has started blooming. I think I have forgotten to mention to it that we are living in Minnesota, and there is still a foot of snow on the ground. It likes my southern window. When I moved it this winter to make room for our Christmas tree, the hibiscus just about croaked on me. I moved it back to it's window, and now it's blooming. What a temperamental creature. I thought I would share it's double blossom beauty with you. Have a great day! (And no fear, Spring really is coming. . .)

It's a puzzle!

2008-03-09T21:46:00.003-05:00

Wow! I have not put together a puzzle in years! I visited a friend, and she had been working on a large, challenging puzzle, and it peaked my interest. So Brandt and I bought one. It's a Thomas Kinkade 1000 piece puzzle. We finished it in one day :) . I feel so smart.

Making Blinis

2008-03-05T09:32:00.018-06:00

Blinis

Blinis are a type of pancake from Russia. My dad grew up Russian orthodox, and learned to make these growing up. Usually they were made for special days, like around Easter. They look very similar to a crepe, but don't taste the same at all. I'll give you the recipe, and pictures to go by, but beware, it takes lots of practice to get the proper consistency of the batter, and the timing down on the cooking.

Blinis
1 Cup Flour
6 eggs 1 tsp salt
1/4 cup sugar
At this point, batter will be about the consistency of a cake batter. It needs to be loosened with water to make consistency.

That's the easy part! :)

The Batter needs to be very thin, but not TOO thin. . . (Maybe comparable to egg nog, or a little heavier than heavy whipping cream-before it's whipped :D ) It is better to be too thick then too
thin.

We use a 9 inch cast iron skillet. It works wonderfully for making blinis. You want to make sure it's not going to stick at all, oil it up, and turn the heat as high as it will go. Let it sit that way for just a little while, you need a hot skillet. Also, keep some oil in a bowl close by to re-oil skillet between blinis.

We use a 1/3 cup measuring cup to pour the batter, but only fill it to about 1/4 cup. As you pour it on to the very hot skillet, shake the skillet to help disperse the batter evenly. This is a very quick process. This is also where you will be able to tell if the batter is too thick. The Blini should be about the thickness of a crepe. If it is too thick, just add a little more water (not too much). If you get the batter just right, then you can get them even thinner. The thinner, the better.

Cook the blini for 45 to 60 seconds. That is not a science it may take longer if your skillet is not hot enough and less after the first few blinis. You can pick up the edge of it and see if it is golden brown evenly on the cooked side.

Flip carefully and cook for about the same amount of time. Check for burning by lifting edge. We use a silicon spatula. It gets under the edge very nicely.

The second side will look more blistered then evenly browned.

Your blini is ready to remove, butter, and roll.

Top with Maple Syrup.

Other suggestions:
*Roll with fruit and top with whipped cream or powdered sugar.
*Add sausage or bacon and serve with Apple Jelly.
*Try out any new way of serving for your own taste.

Mmmmm. . .. Feel free to make your reservation, and we'll show you how it's done!
*This blog was not possible without the valuable insight of the chef shown in the pictures. I actually have never made a blini. :) I have eaten my fair share over the years though.

HooRay! I'm Exhausted!

2008-02-28T20:47:00.001-06:00

Today, I shampooed my living room carpet. It's such a nice fluffy, clean carpet. Maybe only for a week or two before it looks normal again. Just a very nice feeling! I'm so lame!

Blessings

2008-02-27T08:43:00.004-06:00

Last night we were blessed to be invited to some dear friends of ours for dinner. They are so sweet and giving. They made a chocolate pie just for Tati, because they knew she would love it. The man of the house has been working on a painting for the past few months, with us in mind, and gave it to us last night. It is so beautiful! It's has an Alaskan theme. Very blessed. We can sit around and chat for hours. Friends are such blessings. :)

New Quiz of the Day

2008-02-26T14:44:00.002-06:00

For fun, a bible quiz of the day has been added to the side of my blog. Hope this encourages us all to learn daily! :) Have a blessed day!

My Singing Benny

2008-02-22T15:42:00.005-06:00

I have such a cute little man! He does this so often. His favorite songs are "I'll fly away" "Do you know the muffin man" and "I may never march in the infantry". . . you'll here renditions of "Old McDonald" that only a 2 year-old can think up. The alphabet song goes on and on in a circular sing-song way, forever and ever, and his big sister decides she has to interrupt to let him know there are more parts to the song than what he keeps singing.

2008-02-21T13:35:00.002-06:00

I have a very sweet girl with a tender heart. Somehow she began pondering her life as she gets older, and determined she will be married to her friend Alex. I asked her what she would do if, when they get older, Alex marries a different girl. She thought for a minute, and said, well, I guess I'll marry somebody else. She's so excited to become a wife and mother. I told her she could pray, and ask God to prepare her a good husband. After that, I had forgot about it, and after Brandt put them to bed, he came snickering into the bedroom. He told me that Tati did her normal prayer, "Dear Father in Heaven, thank you for the day, thank you for the fun we had, thank you for a good night's sleep for all of us, and (she giggled) thank you for a husband, in Jesus name, amen." :)

Leftover Dessert

2008-02-19T22:10:00.000-06:00

I have decided to join the world of blogging. I fear I will disappoint my friends and family, for writing is not my forte. I figured since I spy on everyone else's life, they may as well have the right to spy on my life. :)

I chose the title "Leftover Dessert" because by the time I come to blog, the sweet things will have already happened, so you can have some sweetness too, but it'll be leftover :) Cheesy, I know, but I like cheese.

Hopefully I will figure out all the neat ways to personalize my blog page for everyone. I've noticed how cute a lot of your's are. The drive to learn something new is so fun.

~Jennifer