family · painting

Painting

jachancellor1 Comment

Why is it that when you want to paint, it doesn’t seem like it is that difficult?  But…then you start…and it takes forever.  Well, for my family, it does, just because we rearrange everything.

So.  We picked out sample colors, going from Tuscan Blue, to bright Sun Yellow. 

We choose a color called Moon Tide.  Really Moon Tide?  I thought the moon was pretty much black and white with some gray mixed in…but it is a green.  Vibrant.

It really isn’t this bright…but in the pictures it seems more lime in color.
I found this in the garage!  I love finding things.  
 
This pretty much says it all. I love it.
Come by sometime.
Now to decorate for Christmas.  How many days are left? Oh, right – 6!  UGH!
beginnings · encourage · friends · Prayer

Common Ground

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I am truly amazed at God’s blessings. 

I was approached several months ago by a new Mom and her infant to help a colicky child and a transition into motherhood.  

I prayed to have God show me what I was to be for them, and wow, has He shown me.

Common ground is uncommon in generations.  Bring an infant in, and it changes the scales.  Balanced.  Being reserved, and not being critical is crucial.  I can honestly say that I do not have it with my own children, my beautiful teenagers, but I do when God reminds me of my purpose.  Listen.  Amazing what ground can be covered when I do that.

The simple act of taking an infant from it’s mother’s arms and give loving care while the parents have dinner, can be a hard two hours for you and the child, but blissful for the parents.  And, really – it wasn’t that difficult.  And, then there is a bond that is created between you, the parents, and child. 

How often do we get answers to prayers so quickly, and not even realize it?  I am amazed at God’s love, and how wide it spreads, just by doing what He asks. 

Kind words, hugs, smiles, all of these are so simple, yet spread so very far.  You will never know how you affect someone by any of these things. 

Simple. Comforting.

Remaining on common ground with God —well, now that is a different story. But, I am trying. 

Be an encourager, smile at someone today!

Uncategorized

Moods

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Have you ever just got into a funk (a down mood) and really never feel that you can get out?

I feel that way.  Nothing is really wrong, just don’t feel well.  And, it isn’t just in body, but in emotions as well. It is really difficult to explain.  I don’t think there really is an answer to it either.  Which really bothers me.  I want to “will” it to be better.  Me to be better. 

My body feels better than it used to, although sometimes it doesn’t sound that way.  Fatigue is really getting me, and sometimes I feel that I can’t get enough sleep.

Last night was extremely difficult to get to sleep.  Too many things rushing through my mind, and no way of stopping any of them.

http://thefunniesetc.wordpress.com/2008/03/23/a-womans-mind-explained-in-one-easy-diagram/

This link shows, what I believe to be true… a constant going of the mind. At least my mind.  =)

Friends are wonderful, they take away thoughts at the moment and let you concentrate on just being there for them.  Family is better, but can also add to the mind wandering.

Out of sink.  Truly.
Prayers are welcome.

birthdays · family · kids

Stephen’s 13th Birthday

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We celebrated Stephens 13th Birthday on Wednesday, December 2nd.  It was a school day, and work day, so not much celebrating.

But we did have cake.

chocolate cake.
 And 13 candles, and maybe a wish or two.

We did have a small party for him at the bowling alley with two of his friends, Nico and Alex on Friday. I think they had fun.  We did.  

It is hard to believe that my youngest is 13.  I know that we all have to go through this…but I am feeling really old.

We have two great kids.  And, now both are teenagers.  It’s not as bad as everyone talks about. 

Recipes · Shepherd's Pie

Shepherd’s Pie

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Meat and Potatoes.

Really, comfort food.

Ground beef 2 pounds
2 medium onions chopped

3 cloves of garlic chopped
2 carrots chopped

1 small can tomato paste
1 cup ketchup
1 beef bullion

1/2 cup hot water
black pepper
Worcestershire sauce – to taste (I use 1 tablespoon)

1 large can of green beans

Mashed potatoes

Sharp Cheddar Cheese

Brown the hamburger, onions, garlic and carrots. Drain.

Mix together the ketchup, paste, beef bullion and water. Add the sauce to the beef mixture.  Season with black pepper (to taste).  Pour into a 9 x 13 pan.

Top with the green beans.

Top the green beans with the mashed potatoes (okay, I have to confessed. I used Ore-Ida Steam and Mash – these were great – two packages of the russett potatoes).

Make sure that the edges are sealed with the potatoes (adds to the yum factor).  Sprinkle some sharp cheddar.  Bake at 350 degrees for about 45 minutes or until golden brown on top and bubbly.

Serve immediately.

Yummy – really.

Serve with a salad or nothing at all.
Gardening · Tomatoes

Tomatoes, Part Two

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Yes, it is November, and NOW I have tomato blossoms.

YES!
And, some of these.
I will keep you posted.
ha.
Uncategorized

Fall

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I love fall, but not in Florida. The trees don’t turn. Weather really never gets cool, and if it does, it doesn’t stay that way.

But, I bring a little of in. Gourds. They show the colors of fall.

My bowl of Fall.

Breast Cancer · Gerber Daises · Pink

October Breast Cancer Awareness

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Friends.

1 in 8 will get breast cancer. I believe we already had ours…many of ours actually.

Beth, Gretchen, Dana, Sandie. That’s four – we are done.

Shana is a consultant for Longaberger. She participated in a Horizon of Hope (breast cancer) awareness fund raiser.

Gerber Daises were Beth’s favorite flower. Pink. Mine too.

They raised $1,300 for a cure. This will become an annual event. I liked being with friends on this one.

Remember to do your exams, and get a mammogram!

artichoke · crab · dips · Recipes

Artichoke & Crab Dip

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This dip is one of my favorites. Sometimes it is just artichoke dip, sometimes it is artichoke and crab dip. Same basic recipe.


So…
1 can plain artichokes (in water) rough chop
1 can crab meat -drain
1 cup mayonnaise
1 cup Parmesan cheese (reserve 1/2 cup)
Squirt of lemon juice
dash of pepper

Drain and chop the artichokes. Squirt the lemon juice on the artichokes. Add mayo, cheese, pepper and blend. Add drained crab and 1/2 cup of the Parmesan cheese gently. Pour into a grease casserole dish. Sprinkle the rest of the cheese on top and bake at 350 degrees for 30-40 minutes or until golden brown and bubbly.

I served this with Stacey’s Bagel Chips, which were perfect. Yummy.

cooking · pictures

Foodie Photos

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My last post – Baked Ziti – I posted a picture of the food on a plate. I normally take about 10 different photos of food (on the plate, on the counter, in the pot), but they have never turned out like this one.

As I have mentioned before, I love reading Ree Drummond’s “The Pioneer Woman” blog. She has an awesome Nikon, and takes some of the best shots. I don’t. But, she also gives some basic blogging advice on pictures. Use natural light (I did – kitchen window), get close the food, use a tripod or elbows to stabilize the camera.

This is one that I tried…

As you can see, the angle is wrong, light is darker, and it just doesn’t look as good. I actually think I moved.

But this one…

…it just worked, and I had to brag about it. Now if I can only do that again! ha.

Happy cooking.