Cummerbunds and Corsages

Good Morning, Sweet Friends!

I have not abandoned my post, but have been researching data on all sorts of topics. There are books to consider for summer reading, some eye-opening nutrition facts, and a host of other subjects that I want to share over the next few months.

Dear friends, how was your Resurrection Sunday? I became very excited on Saturday night. It is so much more difficult to believe the Easter story than it is to believe in the birth at Christmas, isn't it? I mean babies are natural, but bodies being raised from the grave are supernatural! I have to say that I have put all of my hope in this faith, and I'm so happy to know that the grave will not hold me! Amen?!

We were invited to have dinner with a family from church. I drove the mother to church and I have to tell you about this amazing woman. She is blind. I have always been captivated by her charm, elegance, and sweet ways. The thing is, she's so capable! So, we're driving to church, and she puts her face on. She does her make-up. I cannot do that. Her face looked flawless. After church she hosted seventeen of us. No big deal. Everything was beautiful. I love to watch her in action. She teaches me so much!

Our household has been buzzing with activity. The youngest just wrapped up a pet-sitting job and is considering trading in his dirt bike for a laptop. And the oldest is considering prom.

We will be purchasing a purple tie and cummerbund to match the purple dress of an undisclosed certain young lady. As of last night, the couple will be joining several others for a formal evening together. This young lady was Student of the Month, she is extremely hardworking, and if Minnie Mouse could come to life, she would be a perfect representation-very cute!

I had to peek at Dan Carney's contribution to MSNBC, in the business section, where he wrote, Seven Unique Ways To Drive to the Prom. I must admit that my favorite was the vintage British steel, a '59 Silver Cloud Rolls-Royce. I would love to be in the passenger seat, riding next to The Man in that one. Cruising along an English back road with a picnic basket!

I am going to enjoy a DIY pumpkin latte and read aloud with my favorite middle-schooler.

Have an excellent day,

Alis

Reading Aloud

Salutations!

If I close my eyes, and sit very still I can feel the thick, green, plaid fabric of the old sofa underneath me and the warmth of the sun resting on the back of my neck and shoulders as it enters through the window above us.

We each have a reading book in our laps and on our turn we read aloud to the others. The three of us, together, enter a land of three different stories. The youngest has just mastered his first sentence from the Bob Books Set and brother and I shout out with cheers and an explosion of excitement. He confidently advances to the next page and the next, "Dot has a hat." The oldest, an advanced reader by now shares his book about a group of animals, and I finish with a selected Bible story.

We could have read all day. To be honest, some days we did. Math, and spelling just couldn't compete with the intimacy and camaraderie we shared while reading. It is a time I will never forget.

Nowadays, the oldest is away from home and the youngest and I have had to adjust to reading on our own. For a time, we read separately during a designated "free reading" hour. It didn't take long for me to feel like I was on a raft in the water, being pulled away by the current and wanting desperately to grip an outstretched limb to pull me in. To my delight, the youngest felt the same way and said to me, "I liked it better when we started with reading together everyday!"

He has grown into a young man and has surpassed beginning readers series. The high pitched squeals exclaiming, "MOM! I read the whole book!" have been replaced by a deepened and serious voice. However, he hasn't outgrown our mornings of hot beverages, the sun at our backs, and reading aloud. Neither one of us can wait to see how The Navigator ends.

Both boys have become avid readers. One thing I did right as a homeschooling mom was to teach my children to read and to read to them often.

If you are new to homeschooling, might I suggest Bob Books from Scholastic?
They were created by teacher, Bobby Lynn Maslen, and have been used globally. The first books start with the letters M, A, T, S, and add letters gradually. "Mat sat," or "Sam sat."

Let your little ones hear your voice. They will learn reading expression, and tone by mimicking you. What a joy to be imitated as a character from a good book! Don't be afraid to be silly and exaggerated!

Swinging with you,
Alis

The Flare of a Firework

Hello Sweet Friends!


This weekend I had the privilege of attending my oldest son's track event. He ran both the 100 meter and the 200 meter sprint. I was intrigued by watching the way the athletes prepared, personalizing their routines to equal their talents.

Before the race, the sprinters positioned themselves on their blocks. They started on their mark.

The first race was over quickly. The competitors ran with all the force and speed inside them to the finish.

I noticed that during the second race, double the distance, my son rounded the corner, looked up, and took about two foot lengths to run slower than his previous pace. Then he darted off to the end. Just that brief reprieve gave him the energy to complete the course.

That race reminded me of a fireworks display. There are glittery gold blazes of light that shoot up into the air as fast as they can and burn out immediately. And then there are masterfully designed profusions of light that leave the sky illuminated for several seconds.

What a lesson as we enter the work week. The course will be easily concluded, even when more is added, by starting on our mark, by pausing to look up and by taking a few steps slower than before. Just that short rest will give us the energy to complete the tasks before us.

I want to be a person who brightens the room for a few seconds, not someone that fires across the sky and burns out, too quick to really leave any sort of impression.

Best wishes,
Alis

My Little Purple Book, Part 2

He can't wait to present it to me. The little flower on the front, with its' purple center and bright blue petals makes it just too cute to put away.

The front cover has the letters M-O-M written vertically, and horizontally they begin the words, Memories of Mom.

I've never shown him my little purple book, but he has witnessed the answered supplications throughout his young life. He has been protected, provided for and preserved.

And this is some of what it says,

Peanut M&M's with mom.

Mom takes me to the park and buys me a little pumpkin.

My seventh birthday party- pizza and "Inspector Gadget".

First day of school. P.S. Best teacher ever!

Me and mom go to Apple Hill for the day.

I take mom to get her a teacup, she loves it!

Mom helps me pick sunflowers out for grandma.

Thank you for believing in me so much!


My little book means more to me than anything. It takes me back to a time when a little boy fell in love with his mom. It reminds me of the instruction and training he had. Soon, his heart will belong to another. The little book is no more than 2" square, but it's enough room to stow my heart.


Warmly,
Alis

My Little Purple Book, Part 1

Years ago she gave it to me. And when she did, I examined it and pondered over what to use it for. Spiral bound and only twenty pages or so, and measuring 2" square it was not suitable to contain much. The little flower on the front, embellished by gold cord ribbon, made it just too cute to put away. I decided I'd use it to write prayers in for my sons. For several days I considered what to pray for in respect to their futures, their character, and their faith. Once the petitions were written and recorded in my book, I read them in the pediatrician's office, in line at the store, waiting for AWANA to get out...


This is some of what it said,

I pray that sickness and infirmity will have no place or power in their lives.
Ps. 107:20

I pray that foul language would feel like gravel in their mouths.

May weeping be a guest that only stays for a night. Ps. 30:5

May the truth of your Word be firmly established in their hearts so that faith will grow daily and navigate their lives. Help them to trust you at all times.
1 Tim. 1:12

Take away any loneliness or low self-esteem that would cause him to seek out less than God glorifying relationships.

Pain is a part of life in this world- when pain does happen, protect them in the midst of it, so it will be for their betterment and not their destruction.

I have chosen you and not cast you away. Is. 41:9

Let any lying spirit be uprooted in our home, because the Lord detests lying lips. Prov. 12:22

Choose life...

Fast forward seventeen years. Dear readers, I still have my little purple book.
It fits neatly into the pocket of most of my purses. My friend Tanya might like knowing the function that her little book took on.

What a privilege to beseech an Almighty God on behalf of the children he grew inside you. As their mother.


Warmly,
Alis

Morning Glories and Brunch on the Porch

Morning Glories

"May the God of hope fill you

with all joy and peace

in believing,

So that by the power of

the Holy Spirit

you may abound in hope."

Romans 15:13

Welcome Friends!

What a delight to be up early this morning before the wind and the clouds moved in. The man across the street had a tree cut down, and the whirl of the machine and the shredding of bark brought unwelcoming racket to my repose.

The corners on my crocheted table runner kept rising in the wind and the whole episode was rather fleeting-brunch on the porch...

Cake icing is still dripping down the carrot cake in little streams of pearly white and I think I'll put the kettle on for hot water, this my second round, inside.

Homestyle Carrot Cake

3 c. shredded carrots

4 eggs

1 c. nonfat milk

1 c. organic sugar

1/2 c. packed brown sugar

2 c. flour

2 tsp. baking powder

2 tsp. baking soda

2 tsp. cinnamon

1/4 tsp. cloves

1/4 tsp. nutmeg

Preheat oven to 350. Grease and flour a 9x9 baking dish. Combine all ingredients in a large mixing bowl. Mix until combined. Pour batter into pan and bake for 40-45 minutes. The cake will be a dark golden brown.

Icing:

2 oz. low fat cream cheese, at room temp.

2 Tbs. butter, at room temp.

1 c. powdered sugar

1 tsp. vanilla

1 Tbs. nonfat milk

Beat together until smooth. Spoon onto cake (right in the pan!!) while it is still warm.

This recipe is low fat. It is just carrot cake. There are no nuts, nor pineapple, nor raisins included.

The main dish from yesterday, served with roasted asparagus, rustic wheat rolls, and a dish of fresh-hulled strawberries, together with dessert, makes an incredible brunch for your family.

Happy 100th Birthday!

Blessings,

Alis

Recipe courtesy of The Farm Chicks

Morning Glories and Brunch on the Porch

Morning Glories-

"Thou hast

 made summer and winter,

day and night;

each of these revolutions serves our welfare

and is full of thy care and kindness."

The Valley of Vision

Good Morning Friends!

The quail are hastening to their passage, one in front of the other, dashing past the Russian sage in its' royal purple splendor. The Rocky Mountain bluebird is chirping out on a limb, and nobody seems to be talking back. The weeds have decided to march up the front knoll, and the sky is finally blue!

With only two posts left to reach one hundred, it's time to have brunch

outside and celebrate!

The main course will be:

Splendid Spinach-Cheese Bake

1 tbs butter, melted

Cooking spray

2 (6oz.) pkgs. fresh baby spinach

1 1/4c. low fat shredded Cheddar cheese

3/4 c.  low fat shredded Jack cheese

1 1/3 c. all-purpose flour

1 1/2 c. fat-free milk

1 c. egg substitute

1 tsp. salt

1 tsp. baking powder

2 tsp. Dijon mustard

1/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper

1/8 tsp. ground nutmeg

1/8 tsp. ground red pepper

Preheat oven to 350.

Pour butter into a 13x9 baking dish coated with cooking spray, tilt to coat.

Place spinach in bottom of dish evenly, and sprinkle with cheeses.

Combine flour and remaining eight ingredients in a bowl, and stir with a whisk.

Pour milk mixture over cheese.

Bake at 350 for 40 minutes or until lightly browned.

Serve immediately. Serves 12.

Tomorrow we will bake dessert, and prep the strawberries for our side dish.

Will you drop me a line and tell me how we should dress the table? What is your favorite spring centerpiece?

From the porch, and so excited!

Alis

Recipe courtesy of Cooking Light 2008

Another Dear Memory

Salutations Sweet Friends!

I was just recollecting the weekend's activities. We witnessed a whirlwind of meaningful events. Precious readers, sometimes I say to myself, "Dear Memory, please make a pretty scrapbook page of this in my mind." Life is an interrupted series of days isn't it. It is penetrated with joy and trespassed with pain. It is slow and purposeful and intensely speedy. I don't want to forget a single frame, but would rather store them in my head with pretty corners and lovely backgrounds.

So, please remember...

Sitting across from him, devouring Chinese food as "life" past and present, hovers over us, and we smile at each other and speak without talking,

hands rolling out rich, rolled sugar cookies in shapes of dinosaurs,

adapting Aunt Chick's royal icing to smother over cooled cookies and lay the foundation for sprinkles.

An old-fashioned fan used as adornment against blue frosted cupcakes with handmade, paper pin-wheels,

a commendable four-year old, starting a new year... his talented, skillful mother swallowing up memories of her own,

Best friends viewing a quirky, quick-witted little man hosting, "Taste of Home" in an air-conditioned auditorium, sharing a granola bar,

Teaching ten preschoolers to sing a song with hand motions and chasing ten preschoolers away from the street,

Enthralled by man-child inspecting a vehicle, (not a Match Box car) with his father,

grocery shopping with her and letting go of my discriminating low-price eye, for a time so that I could listen, monologue, connect, nurture, plan a menu...

She, behind the wheel, with that determined look on her face, not intimidated by its long bed or wide body, ready to drive a truck...

Blackberries bursting from cobbled top, oozing warm juice against Pyrex.

Chewing tough pork chops in good company...and chewing...

Watching Tangled and braiding strains of laughter,

Little man's impersonations, one-liners, and whimsical clamorings,

Thank you God for a weekend of memories.

What is in your scrapbook?


Warmly,
Alis

The Home, Continued...

A Prayer For Loved Ones

Holy Father, In Thy Mercy

Holy Father, in Thy mercy, hear our anxious prayer;

Keep our loved ones, now far distant, 'neath Thy care.

Jesus, Savior, let Thy presence be their light and guide;

Keep, O keep them, in their weakness, at Thy side.

When in sorrow, when in danger, when in loneliness,

in Thy love look down and comfort their distress.

May the joy of Thy salvation be their strength and stay;

May they love and may they praise Thee day by day.

Holy Spirit, let Thy teaching sanctify their life;

Send Thy grace that they may conquer in the strife.

Father, Son and Holy Spirit, God the One in Three,

Bless them, guide them, save them, keep them near to Thee.

Amen.

Henry Ware

John B. Dykes, 1866

The Home, Continued...

The Home

"The sphere of her divine assignment."

John MacArthur

"I love you five times around the world,

and right straight into God's face!"

words from my youngest

at bedtime

"Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly,

as you teach and admonish one another

in all wisdom,

and as you sing psalms and hymns

and spiritual songs with thankfulness

in your hearts to God."

Col. 3:16

If you are a "house worker"

today

Consider it a privilege to

share stories of faith

with your children.

Dear readers, do not "out-source"

their faith.

Tell me the story of Jesus, Write on my heart every word;

Tell me the story most precious, Sweetest that ever was heard.

Tell how the angels, in chorus, Sang as they welcomed his birth,

"Glory to God in the highest! Peace and good tidings to earth."

Fasting alone in the desert, Tell of the days that are past,

How for our sins He was tempted, Yet was triumphant at last.

Tell of the years of His labor, Tell of the sorrow He bore,

He was despised and afflicted, Homeless, rejected, and poor.

Tell of the cross where they nailed Him, Writhing in anguish and pain;

Tell of the grave where they laid Him, Tell how he liveth again.

Love in that story so tender, Clearer than ever I see:

Stay, let me weep while you whisper, Love paid the ransom for me.



Tell them what He has done.

Pass on your stories of faith

to the next generation.

God Bless You!

The Home, Continued...

The Home

"The sphere of her divine assignment."

John MacArthur

Underwhelmed.

Afraid to admit being parched.

Drained, thirsty...

"Wake Up! Strengthen what remains,

and is about to die...

He who overcomes, will, like them, be

dressed in white.

I will never blot out his name

from the book of life,

but will acknowledge his name

before my Father

and his angels."

If you are a "house worker"

today

Be overwhelmed by this,

"I know that my Redeemer lives, and that in the end,

He will stand upon the earth."

Job 19:25

Don't wait to ask,

"What if I had given everything, instead of

going through the motions..."

(Popular song)

Upset Underwhelmed!

Ruin Normal!

This season demands downright exuberance.

The Home, Continued...

The Home

"The sphere of her divine assignment."

John Mac Arthur

"Her husband is known in the gates

when he sits among the elders of the land."

Proverbs 31:23

If you are a "house worker" today,

Pray for your husband.

"Enable him to walk worthy of his calling and

become the man of God you made him to be.

Continue to remind him of what You've called him to

and don't let him get sidetracked with things that are

unessential to Your purpose.

Strike down discouragement so that

it will not defeat him."

Dearest husband, your place is right

after God in my heart.

Pray for yourselves.

"Make me my husband's helpmate, companion,

champion, friend and support. Help me to create

a peaceful, restful, safe place for him to come home to."

God Bless You!

Prayers from The Power of a Praying Wife.

The Home

The Home

"The sphere of her divine assignment."

John Mac Arthur

"Let all that you do be done in love."
1 Cor. 16:14

If you are a "house worker"
today,

He giveth more grace when the burden grows greater;
He sendeth more strength when the labors increase;
To added affliction He addeth His mercy;
To multiplied trials, His multiplied peace.

When we have exhausted our store of endurance,
When our strength has failed ere the day is half done,
When we reach the end of our hoarded resources,
Our Father's full giving has only begun.

His love has no limit; His grace has no measure;
His power has no boundary known unto men
For out of His infinite riches in Jesus,
He giveth,
and giveth, and giveth again!
Based on James 4:6


God Bless You!

Feeling Right At Home- Home Works! Series

Happy Friday, Ladies!

We have a power-packed weekend teeming with events this week. They include time with special family and close friends- the best kind of events! But first, it's a Home Works! Day. Today we conclude our series dedicated to cutting our grocery bills in half.

Have you started spring cleaning? Pick up this Sunday's paper for over $35.00 in savings from S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc. Also, I'd like to invite you to join their members program called Right at Home. Just log on to RightatHome.com for the details. There are recipes, coupons, decorating ideas, cleaning tips and more!

Don't forget that today is the first of the month, all on-line coupon sites will be restocked today. Try Coupon.com or RedPlum.com to start.

Lastly, have you wondered what to do with the food on sale and haven't found any inspiration? Try Foodista, The Cooking Encyclopedia Everyone Can Edit.  Their website recently released a cookbook containing food bloggers from over twenty countries! 100 great recipes were chosen. If you love to cook, I promise you this cookbook will take you into orbit! My very favorite sites are:

1.) The Runaway Spoon-(I Loooove that name!)

2.) Married2Chocolate-(Check out her No-Bake Frozen S'mores Bars!)

3.) Savour Fare

4.) Eat, Drink, Wash Up

5.) Kitchen Simplicity-(She's Norwegian, love her, need I say more!)

I hope you'll spend time surveying one of the sites and acquire lots of new ideas.

As a final comment, I'd like to share that Safeway has a really great on-line coupon program called, Just For U. By going to their website, and signing up for a savings card, you can load coupons to your card that are not available to the general public. I use this program regularly. It's quick, easy, and convenient, and there's no clipping involved.

This concludes the series. Keep in mind that there are times of plenty and there are times of want, but God always provides what is needed. Friends, I've had seasons when I couldn't use recipes, because I couldn't afford the ingredients for a "dish", and a simple supper, served with a happy heart got us through. Gratitude for what is in front of us, for what God has allowed, and allotted is key.


A long time ago, a friend taught me that "you won't share steak with someone, if you weren't willing to share hot dogs." Don't be afraid to sup soup with a friend, as long as you're together. Food is just for energy- and an ample supply helps us to serve others, doing God's work. It can be a creative outlet for someone who enjoys preparing meals, or it can be a burden. I just don't want us to get too caught up in it, and forget what's important. Amen!?

From the porch, (glorious day!!)
Alis