Black Friday

Are you going shopping? I long to say no way, but before I know it, I will need something silly--milk, or bread--and out I will go. But no Christmas shopping for me, today, unless it is the in-my-pajamas internet version.

My mom has a hard time with Christmas shopping now that her children are grown and married. We buy what we need and, oftentimes want, unregulated by parental authority and pre-planning (I don't know how many times I have told Abigail that Christmas is coming and she doesn't need anymore toys right now).

My mother-in-law has requested that she receive nothing this year. We may make a donation in their names somewhere, while not nothing, she doesn't have to find a place for anything or wear something she isn't fond of.

Do you find Christmas shopping difficult? How are you handling it this year? Now that the full swing of things is on, how do you intend to stay sane?

(Is this a good time to remind you that December 9th is our next MOPS meeting and we will be having an auction then.)

Happy Thanksgiving
( I know a turkey is traditional, but God made this and isn't He who we're thanking?)

Stuffing

Bread and Celery Stuffing
PREP TIME
20 Min
COOK TIME
40 Min

1 (1 pound) loaf sliced bread
3/4 cup butter
1 onion, chopped
4 stalks celery, chopped
2 teaspoons poultry seasoning
salt and pepper to taste
1 cup chicken broth

DIRECTIONS
Let bread slices air dry for 1 to 2 hours, then cut into cubes.
In a deep pan, melt butter over medium heat. Cook onion and celery until soft. Season with poultry seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir in bread cubes until evenly coated. Moisten with chicken broth; mix well.
Chill, and use as a stuffing for turkey, or bake in a buttered casserole dish at 350 degrees F for 30 to 40 minutes.

Food for thought! & right in time for the Holidays.

"Let your dishes help tell your story"


When Rob & I married, I was told that I just had to register for China! I wasn't given a real reason, just that it was a "must" for brides to do. Not really expecting to actually acquire the beautiful, very expensive, a la carte pieced dinnerware that I picked with that little black scanner gun, I did. Much to my surprise, we did receive china, all of it! Apparently, it does fall under the "must have" inventory for more than I expected.
Well for many years, my beautiful china sat perfectly placed in a wondrous crafted china cabinet, where it was on display for all & ready for that "just right," "special" occasion. Just as it should be, right?!
After the birth of our first son, Ethan, and approaching the weekend of his first Birthday & Thanksgiving, we were given the honors of having our first traditional family Holiday meal in our first home. I was thrilled! I thought to myself, this is it! This is the "just right, so very special" moment that I have been waiting for! The china comes out today!
My husband was nervous for me...he knew the reserve I had placed on my china. The table was just about set....one more plate to go. Me, the new mother that I was, thought, why not let Ethan help....he has been so patient. "Ethan, would you like to help mommy with the last plate?!" His eyes beamed with joy..."Yes!" they said.."of course I want to help!" Ethan placed his tiny fingers upon the plate with mine and as we ever so gently attempt to place the plate on the table, Ethan could not resist his brute toddler force and newly found strength...the plate goes tumbling, crashing the the floor!
I Scream!... ETHAN!
Are you hurt?... Don't Move!
I pick Ethan up and squeeze him so tightly. All the while, turning around to see a smiling husband in the doorway. He smiles because he knows what has just happened. In the midst, I didn't even realize that it was one of my good "china" plates that laid in broken glass upon the floor.
It was motherhood that freed me from my "china" days. Don't get me wrong, I still love my China...I never replaced that plate. That year someone gave Ethan a "Baby's 1st Christmas" Collectors Plate, and that entered my China Collection to replace the one we broke together, to remind me of that day. And there are other imperfections that have happened since, and they too have stories attached to them.
So this Holiday, remember the good China is for the "just right" occasions, they happen more than you think though! And the good China is for "special" guests, but look around though, you have special guests everyday! Who is more special than yourself & your family?! Don't be afraid this Holiday to free those "special" dishes or "good" china because with each chip, comes a wonderful story of your life!

Happy Holidays!
~ Julia Joseph

Grateful

The week of Thanksgiving. Is every one feeling grateful or stressed out? Me,

We're on vacation.
At my parents.
In West Virginia (not far but it is home.)
The men are hunting.
My sister, Mom and I are together.
Doing something unnecessary, but relaxing.

Other than wishing for a more powerful shower, what don't I have to be thankful for? (Oh yeah and I get two turkey dinners this week--score!)

THANK YOU! (My Surgery)

Thank You

I want to take a moment to thank everyone for their thoughts and prayers over the past months. I don't think that my words will ever do enough or reach far enough. It is amazing to think of how many individuals prayed for me and I may not ever know them, their name even. I can just thank them through our wonderful Lord and ask that they may be blessed as I am. I pray that for each of you as well, a blessing. Thank You!

As for my surgery, it went as well as it could possibly go! I went into surgery praying that God would hold my hand to ease my nerves and take my pain, and that he steady the surgeons hands so that what should be would be by His plan. Due to being in such pain for so long prior to surgery, the large amounts of pain medications I was on made for some difficulties for initial recovery. I awoke from surgery in a pain that is indescribable, a pain that opened my heart and still brings tears to my eyes as I think about it. To know that that pain can be felt, to know that there are some that feel greater pain, to know that some are not temporary...that battle may be just beginning. I know now that the Lord has given me a gift. A gift of understanding. Something that I will never forget. The surgery was a wonderful, blessed, success! The surgery took much longer than expected, but it was successfully done through a laproscopic & vaginal hysterectomy. I was able to keep my ovaries to help ward off menopause for a while!! I lost a good amount of blood, but a decision was made that with an existing infection already to battle, aiding me in producing the blood myself would be much safer than a transfusion. And my bladder damage was minimal. I am completely blessed! You see, for every possibility to come out with the best of results....well, that is a result. A result of everyone of you. Every person that took the time to lift my name in prayer. That is why, I can not even begin to create the words to say thank you that would fit my gratitude!
As for my home recovery, I am doing well. With the exception of a cold that caused some problems with coughing, sneezing, and low energy; I am coming along nicely. I was able to find very helpful and wonderful family members and friends to aid in my recover process! From taking on the amazing task of caring for our crazy little ones, bringing a delicious meal, cleaning up our home, to helping me recover in my mountain retreat. We could not have done anything without these loved ones. They know who they are, and I love you. Thank You.

I look forward to seeing everyone very soon!

May the Lord bless each of you!

~Julia

Peanut Butter Cookies

Peanut Butter Cookies
recipe yield 1 dozen
submitted by: Neely Bender

1 cup peanut butter
1 cup white sugar
1 egg
1/2 tsp. vanilla

DIRECTIONS
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (180 degrees C).
Combine ingredients and drop by teaspoonfuls on cookie sheet. Bake for 8 minutes. Let cool.
These are sooooo good and sooooo easy!

Issues

Abigail is turning three. She was a two-year old delight, most of the time. But the last month or so hints at looming meltdowns, control issues, and other power-grabbing tactics. Add to that the baby coming in a few months and I am not holding my breath on the potential for a good year three.

In an effort to arm myself to the teeth, and to win the most recent battle, I appeal to your collective wisdom.

We have completed the potty training, I think. Days without soiled underwear are promising. I just should have waited till now. No more relenting under pressure from grandmothers, now I have friends!

Alright, that was just a distracted side note. We are having serious bedtime issues!

We follow a bedtime routine--watch a video, wash and brush, pjs, discuss what we are thankful for, read a Bible story, pray, sing two songs (one per parent), bed. This used to work.

Then she started crawling out of her bed to play. We set the timer. When it goes off, she must stay in her bed. This worked for a couple of weeks. Twice she fell asleep on the floor before the timer went off.

Now she cries. Well, it is more like howling. Chris calls it the birthing of a cow. For a really long time. Like hours. Until we go to bed. Do you know how hard it is to watch Amazing Grace when your child is bellowing as if being stuck with sharp sticks. We are well into our second week of this.

• We have prayed and told the monsters to leave.
• We have brought fresh water.
• We have taken her to the bathroom multiple times.
• We have sat on her bed with her.
• We have tried to reason.
  
• We have threatened turning out all the lights. (I actually did this and she ran screaming from the room.)
• Last night we threatened a spanking. She kept crying, but at a more ignorable pitch and volume. She fell asleep in her closet. No, we didn't put her there.

Tonight is coming quickly. I hope you all are reading and you have insight. Help, please!

What People Do

I have a nasty tendency to critique things, especially people I love. It is easy for me to pick out what isn't done completely or to my standards or how their idiosyncrasies annoy me.Yet, when it comes right down to it, those closest to me really are wonderful people who bring me a great deal of joy. So today's task. . .be thankful, without qualification, for the people we share a home with.

Chris puts the dishes away and fills the dishwasher.
He doesn't make comment about when the dishes come out dirty because I won't rinse them.

Abigail is self-entertaining for a large part of the day.
She is a pleasant shopping buddy.

Chris can make Abigail quit crying because she can't come to our bed when I am about to lose my mind.
Abigail fell asleep this morning after coming to our bed and slept till 8:30.

When Chris fixes things, they are always done to the book.
Abigail can't be thankful for just one thing.
She doesn't have to think very hard at all to make her lists.

Chris thinks I'm a good cook.
He doesn't make me cook every night of the week.

Chicken Stuffed Shells

Chicken Stuffed Shells

PREP TIME
30 Min
COOK TIME
45 Min
READY IN
1 Hr 15 Min

1 (12 ounce) package jumbo pasta shells
4 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves - cubed
1 onion, chopped
1 egg
1 cup dry bread crumbs
1 teaspoon italian seasoning
salt and pepper to taste
8 ounces shredded mozzarella cheese
8 ounces shredded Cheddar cheese
1 (29 ounce) can tomato sauce



DIRECTIONS
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook for 8 to 10 minutes or until al dente; drain. Separate shells and let stand, so they are not touching, on waxed paper or foil.
In large skillet over medium heat, combine chicken, onion, egg and bread crumbs. Cook until chicken is no longer pink. Season with italian seasoning, salt and pepper. Stir in three-quarters of the shredded mozzarella and cheddar; cook until cheeses melt.
Fill shells with chicken mixture, using a tablespoon, and place in a 9 x 13 baking dish. Cover the shells with the tomato sauce and top with the reserved cheese. Cover with foil and bake 45 minutes, or until lightly browned and bubbly.

Great Night At Mops!

I am so excited about the number of moms we had tonite! It was just what I needed! I have had a long few days. Over the weekend, I had an accident that resulted in a sprained ankle, busted knee, and a sore body. Monday I stayed in the recliner and ate all day. This morning, I wondered if I was really up to going to Mops. I would have to wear an uncomfortable air cast, do my hair, and stop feeling sorry for myself. That was alot of work for me. So I decided to go anyway...

I pulled up and was the first one there. As I parked I saw Jen. We had a quick update of our lives and got to work. As we prepared for tonite, I realized how important it is that I be there. I needed to participate in the night that we prepare for all month. We email, meet, bounce ideas, etc. Alot of work. But most importantly, I realized that the friendships I have through the MOPS are the most important next to my family. As more moms entered, I felt the love that I have come to know with this group. I fit in! I am comfortable in my own skin with everyone.

Mops for me is more then a meeting once a month. It is friendships and support that I need to be a successful wife and mom. To see all us moms celebrating our moments and sharing is so encouraging and has helped change my long few days into a great enjoyable night.

See you next month!

Blessed

It is Monday. If you are anything like me a week of tasks, chores, and a to-do list loom before you. It darkens my whole day. I resent the hours till the fun of the weekend come. It is time to name my blessings, to lift the cloud of to-dos and find the little joys hidden in the chores we are beginning for yet another week of 2008.

Oreo Cookies--
because they were on sale
because they are yummy
because FruitLoops are not adequate nutrition for a pregnant woman
because they create the best crummy lipstick smiles on little ones

Toddler Beds--
are the perfect size for jumping off of
add adventure to ballerina twirls
make waltzing across a room more fun
create weariness that welcomes naps

Salt--
makes play dough
which means making plans,
needing rolling pins,
and cookie cutters

Naps--
create room for mom to be
give quiet space for reading, or writing
make banking bearable
settle wombs and awaken growing babies

Are you ever hit with Monday's mondayness? What do you to to shake the discontent? Where do you find your blessings?

Creamy Chicken Bake

Creamy Chicken Bake
SUBMITTED BY: Neely Bender

PREP TIME
10 Min
COOK TIME
30 Min
READY IN
40 Min

1 1/2 pounds skinless, boneless chicken breasts
1 (10.75 ounce) can Campbell's® Condensed Cream of Broccoli Soup
1/3 cup milk
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1 (4.5 ounce) jar sliced mushrooms, drained
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup dry bread crumbs
2 tablespoons butter

DIRECTIONS
Place the chicken in a 13x9x2-inch shallow baking dish. Mix the soup, milk, garlic powder and mushrooms in a medium bowl and pour over the chicken.
Mix the cheese and bread crumbs with the butter in a small bowl and sprinkle over the soup mixture.
Bake at 400 degrees F for 30 minutes or until chicken is cooked through. Place the chicken on a serving plate. Stir the sauce and serve with the chicken.
Tip: Serve with egg noodles or white rice and steamed broccoli

Comments, please!!!

I hope everyone is enjoying the recipes I have posted. Please give me feedback on what you think. If you have tried the recipes or have ways to change it whether it be for the better or just different, let us know. Any questions on what to make? Ask. I'll get back to you as soon as I can. If you're looking for a new dish with certain ingredients, I'll try to help. Let's get active on our wonderful blog page that Sarah has so kindly made for us.

Coffee

Did you get your free Starbucks tall coffee today?

I did!

If you voted, you can!

So tell me are you. . .

• Watching the exit polls and wringing you hands?
• Planning a bash to watch the results come in tonight?
• Waiting to read the paper tomorrow?

Me? I'm waiting till tomorrow. And praying. It is hard though to pray less for my pick and more for God's will. Perhaps because the former requires only my understanding while the later requires faith that He is sovereign and He is always good.

I can't believe a month has gone by without an other post post expressing gratitude for the lives given us to live. I had visions of a date every 3rd, for every day a 3 appeared a space for thanksgiving. Perhaps then this month.

I am so easily annoyed by my family. Yes, it had to come out; I had to admit it: I do not always want to be the wife and mother of this little family. I have tried many different things to curb my annoyance and many different things have failed. And so on days when I am clenching my teeth and ordering my life with my shoulders pulled to my ears, I have found that taking a few minutes to wonder at my life, to bask in the in the people and joys given me, I find thankfulness even in the struggles. And everything starts to loosen.

I invite you today to take time, pause, and give voice to that which gives you joy. (And I would love it if you would share via the comment box.)

On my list today--

a beautiful sister married to a man worthy of her honor
a brother-in-law in love with my sister
little girls searching for dance partners
being close enough to my family to share the set-up and tear-down
being in the car with just my family-myself, husband, daughter
catching up and sleeping warm when he is able to join us
stuff and nothing: those words spoken softly between lovers while they slow dance