Been thinking....

I've been doing some thinking lately (no snide remarks, Stuart).

Wanna know why I don't like posting about politics? Because I know that I probably have friends who are voting for the person I'm not voting for.

Please understand that I'm not implying that you can't support Obama and be a Christian. I believe there are many Christians who will be rallying behind Obama. I'm also not saying that someone must support X candidate if they are a Christian.

While I have conflicting ideas about what we should do in Iraq, how to reform education, the process of health care, and the deal-io about social security, I'm really conservative because of one issue and one issue alone. Abortion.

I am pro-life. I can not, and will not, vote for anyone who is pro-choice. I whole-heartedly believe that life begins at conception and that God designed each life long before it was even made. Therefore, I can't vote for someone who values the mother's choice over the life of a child.

I understand that there are reasons why other people support opposing parties but those reasons are certainly nothing to be divisive about or bring discord to friendships. I value relationships over the issues so I will always choose my friends over candidates.

Photo shoot of LUKE

I'm working on finding just the right picture of Luke to give to my friend, Carolyn, so she can begin her drawing. Looks like I've narrowed my choices. Got a favorite in this bunch you think I should go with?

Self-forgetful

I don't have many words to explain this post of a post. If I did, I might use too many personal pronouns and appear vain, just like I'm doing now. Anyway, Abraham's post was the reminder that I needed....and need every second of my life.

If you haven't bookmarked his blog, 22 Words, or subscribed to it in your RSS feed, you should.

Twisting Scripture

Ok, friends....I'm just getting started now. (Only kidding.)

Obama said these words in the closing of his acceptance speech Thursday night:

"At this moment, in this election, we must pledge once more to march into the future. Let us keep that promise, that American promise, and in the words of scripture hold firmly, without wavering, to the hope that we confess."

I use the ESV version of the Bible. It translates Hebrews 10:23: "Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful."

What hope is Obama referring to? The hope that he'll get elected? The hope that a democrat will be in the White House again? Clearly twisting scripture to fit into his charismatic language. Get a new speech writer.

I'd rather read this sermon by John Piper on the same passage, if I do say so myself. I'm loving this blog thing.

My favorite scrapbook blog & a new friend

Ok, I'm sure my readers are aware that I love, love, love to scrapbook pictures of my family and anything and EVERYTHING we do.

*ahem*.....Yes, Chrissy, I still remember your advice given to me in my hospital room right after Andrew was born: "You don't have to take a picture of EVERYTHING, Jawan". Believe it or not, that advice rings in my head every time I ask myself, "Should I get my camera for this? No, he's just trimming his toenails for the first time...that's no big deal. Oh my gosh, there's blood everywhere! Why didn't I grab my camera? Dang it, Chrissy!".

Anyway.....


I met someone famous this past Friday night! Don't blush, AJ. How did I not know that a famous person lived in my very city and that I have probably bumped into her at the grocery store, Wal-Mart, or in ChickFilA? How famous, you ask? Well, her layout designs have been drooled over since she started scrapping at age three...just kidding. Seriously, this lady has had her work published in some MAJOR scrapbooking magazines. I just read her resume and I am in awe. I didn't get alot of one on one time with AJ last night since she was being bombarded with autograph requests and consultations (just kidding) but I enjoyed our short conversations across the table from time to time. When I saw AJ walk toward my table and was told "who she was", I joked with her that I was going to make a cubicle around myself so she couldn't see my elementary layouts. She smiled and giggled humbly. AJ had nothing but praise to give to all those who hovered over her with their layout results. She's the one that designs the layout template for the monthly scrap challenges for our local scrapbook shoppe so it makes me feel better to enter the challenge knowing the "master" isn't eligible. HA!

I say all of this because I wanted to show you some of AJ's work. I've added her blog as a link on the right hand side of my blog but you can quickly click here to see some of her recent stuff. AJ has recently been experimenting with digital scrapbooking but most of her blog contains scans of her handmade layouts (refer to her archives). You can also click on My Resume to read all of her scrapbooking publications and accomplishments.

My family tree

I stole this idea from Becky. I've been pondering about what words I'd include in mine and simply decided on my mom's side of my family tree. You can make your own here.


If you click here, you can view screenshots of other people's Wordles. I found it sad and humorous that an Obama fan had to omit the word "I" from Obama's acceptance speech so that it wouldn't dominate their Wordle. What happened to the word "we" and "our" when speaking to the voters? Now you know who I'm NOT voting for.

Said I'd never go there....

Gosh, I've already started this post twice and deleted it both times for fear of being judged or misread. Why is it that talking about politics is such a touchy subject? My two deleted drafts were much more in depth than this one but I decided against them. I was at a late night scrapbooking crop tonight and someone began expressing their opinion and love for one of the candidates. Internally, I cringed and wondered if the others around me where also hoping that the conversation wouldn't turn violent hostile.

See, here's where I really want to express my own opinion about the candidates and issues but I just don't think my readers really care to know or want to read and see more of what's already splattered all over their television. I guess I just don't want this blog to turn into a political arena because it's not what I intended it for (maybe I should follow the lead of a friend of mine and create a second blog just for political talk - on second thought, NO).

See, this is where I want to insert a link to a favorite blog of mine regarding the presidential candidates. But I shall not.

Spending time together

Riding on the ATV together is a highlight of Abigail's time outside with her older brothers. Luke likes being her driver and showing her how to have some fun.

Walgreens coupon, AGAIN!

You can't get enough Walgreens! Here's another coupon!
It's good only on Friday, August 29, and Saturday, August 30.

Havin' fun...

Girls just wanna have fun-un....
o, girls just wanna have fun!
That's all they really want......

(then mumble the rest of the lyrics 'cause I could never fully
understand the rest that came out of Cyndi Lauper's mouth).

She loves wearing her brothers' socks.
Check out that nasty sock lint!

Cereal box puzzle

In this house, we go through cereal like it's going out of style. I saw this easy craft on one of the many blogs I read (can't remember which one) and knew it would capture Luke's attention during breakfast. After emptying a box/bag, I cut the box front to resemble a puzzle and told Luke to work his magic.

Funny faces & secret garden

Boys will be boys. What a trio.


Abigail loved the garden....wait, that isn't a garden. Those are weeds - but aren't they pretty?

Redbox code tonight

This code expires tonight so there's still time to run to your nearest Redbox machine and get a movie! Return it by 9pm tomorrow night and it's free!

DB96TH

For you, Chad

I found the perfect t-shirt for you, Chad. Wear it with pride. Click here to get yours free.

Wordless Wednesday

Machine train

2 down, 1 to go

Luke has mastered the potty. I am kind of surprised since he's just two years old. Today, I was in the kitchen washing some dishes and I hear Luke yell, "Mom, come here! Look what I did!". He had pooped in the potty all by himself! He usually wants me to be with him but I think he enjoys his "privacy".

Andrew = check
Luke = check
Abigail = starting tomorrow (just kidding)

Ok, that's enough of that.....

John Piper: Abortion is about God

Justin Taylor posted this video on his blog today. It was so powerful that I felt I needed to post it on my blog, too. It lasts a little over eight minutes. I would encourage you to watch the full video.

Free ChickFilA on Sept 1

To receive one free three-count order of Chick-n-Strips while supplies last, eligible participants should visit participating Chick-fil-A locations from 10:30 AM until close on Monday, Sept. 1, 2008 wearing at least one visible article of clothing that contains any football team logo or collegiate logo and mention this promotion!

For my local readers, I know that all four of our locations are participating. I'll be the one in the University of Georgia (ranked #1, baby!) get-up....standing right next to my husband in his Georgia Tech shirt. It will be a fight to the front counter, Honey!

Thanks to Denise at The "Cents"ible Sawyer for this head's-up.

Luke

I love this little man. The picture is a bit blurry but I love it.
Should I really ever expect him to be still?

The Pipers celebrate

Molly and Abraham Piper just celebrated the birth of their son, Morrow. Although grieving the death of their daughter/granddaughter, Abraham's father, John, comments on the birth of his ninth grandchild and the reason for his name.

Make a joyful noise

For the first time in a VERY long time, a few of the children sang some songs this morning in the worship service. No one got stage fright but they were kind of quiet. It was a sweet time and the congregation loved it. Glory to God!

Art cans

Remember those formula cans? Here are three finished projects from some of my third grade art students.

New lens

It was Sunday afternoon, 5:00. I'm snoozing on the couch with my middle child. My cell phone rings. I see that it's my sweet friend, Holly. I answer it.


Me: "Hello?" (with a raspy voice)

Holly: "Oh, did I wake you up? I'm sorry."

Me: "That's ok. I need to get up and start getting ready for church tonight. What's up?"

Holly: "Well, I wanted to see if I could come over real quick and bring you something."

Me: "No way, is it a lens?!?!?!?"
(btw, there were no definite plans for a lens....only hope on my part of getting a different one in the future. Holly and I talk photography with each other all the time, among other things.)

Holly: "Let's just say you're really gonna like this surprise."

Me: "I'm wide awake! Come on over now!"

Four minutes later she pulls into my driveway with my surprise (really...only four minutes....believe me, I watched the clock. She only lives a half mile down the road from me).

A 50 mm lens! A gift to me from her!

Thank you, Holly!

Tamborine craft

After bathtime, the boys got busy making a tamborine from a paper plate and dried navy beans. Mom helped "just a little". You can click on the collage to make it larger.

Can't stand to lose

BEDTIME: After reading a book and saying a prayer, I typically race Andrew from the floor to the bed, teasing about being the "rotten egg". I have always let him win. Tonight, whether it be because I was ready for bedtime to find closure or because I wanted to teach him that he can't always be the winner, I beat him to the bed. Let's just say he didn't like losing. He begged to race again. Letting him do this would not have been a wise choice. It made him more angry to hear me gently tell him "no". He continued to cry and I continued to ignore his plea. After many songs, kisses, and hugs, I exited his room.

My heart is just as greedy. My heart is just as self-righteous. I want my way all the time. Do I take "no" as an answer with a satisfied heart? Do I beg and manipulate to make things work the way I wish them to be? I certainly try.

Sin is ugly.
I hate my flesh.

But I love the gospel. The gospel is beautiful and it exposes my nastiness. I thank God for that.

Lord, help me to love your ways more than my own. Help me to love your law. Most of all, help me to love Jesus so that I yearn to follow Him.

Link to SCC 3-part broadcast

If you want to listen to the series "God of All Comfort" (by Focus on the Family) with Steven Curtis Chapman, click here. This will be the same link for Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, so you can refer back to this post if needed. Once at the main page, click on the link located in the black box next to Dr. Dobson's head (that was funny to type) where it reads, "Listen to Daily Broadcast".

HT: Jim Houser at House Mix

Press Release from FOF

Jim Houser has posted the following press release this week on his blog.

FOCUS ON THE FAMILY’S DR. JAMES DOBSON AIRS “THE GOD OF ALL COMFORT,” A SPECIAL SERIES FEATURING STEVEN CURTIS CHAPMAN AUG. 25-27

Aug. 22, 2008…Nashville, TN…For three days next week, Aug. 25-27 Focus On The Family’s Dr. James Dobson will air a special series aptly titled “The God Of All Comfort,” featuring Steven Curtis Chapman on Dobson’s daily broadcast. In the moving and compelling interview, Chapman shares some of the journey God has taken the family on since the loss of his five-year-old daughter Maria Sue.

Focus On The Family is based in Colorado Springs, CO and has a daily syndicated radio show heard on 2,000 outlets nationwide and on focusonthefamily.com. The broadcast also airs a 90 second commentary on 300 general market stations throughout the U.S. The show deals with contemporary issues that affect the modern American family, from a Christian perspective. Click here to check the radio times and broadcast listings of “The God Of All Comfort.”

The schedule for the series is as follows:
August 25- "The God of All Comfort-I"
August 26-"The God of All Comfort-II"
August 27-"The God of All Comfort-III"

In addition, today, Aug. 22, Dobson, who has been a friend of Chapman’s for years, will be re-airing an interview from 2001 with the multi-platinum selling artist where Chapman shares his heart for adoption and the adoption ministry he and his wife Mary Beth founded, Shaohannah’s Hope.

Chapman is also receiving extensive airtime with new single “Yours (new verse)”which has just released to Christian radio with an additional verse that acknowledges the tragic loss and faithfulness to the Chapman family through this difficult time. It is off to a fast start with 33 adds in its debut week and 19 adds this week. This early traction of airplay makes “Yours (new verse)” the track with the most increased spins and the highest debut on the R&R AC Monitored and Indicator charts at No. 25. The song is available digitally at major DSP’s with proceeds after expenses benefitting Maria’s Miracle Fund at Shaohannah’s Hope.
(“Yours (new verse)” is available for purchase via digital service providers including iTunes ®, Amazon, Rhapsody, Napster, etc, with 100% of Chapman’s royalties from the sales of this single being donated to Shaohannah’s Hope. Producer Matt Bronlewee and co-writer on “Yours” Jonas Myrin have also joined the effort with 100% of their royalties from the single going to Shaohannah’s Hope, and additionally monies received by Sparrow records from the sales of this single, after deduction of expenses and royalties, will be donated to Shaohannah’s Hope. Shaohannah’s Hope is a 501C(3) organization whose goal is to help families reduce the financial barrier of adoption, and as of July 2008 has provided grants to over 1700 families wishing to adopt orphans in the United States and around the world. For more details on Maria’s Miracle Fund and Shaohannah’s Hope, please visit www.showhope.org.)

For more information on Focus On The Family and Steven Curtis Chapman please visit www.focusonthefamily.com and www.stevencurtischapman.com.

Free Sears Wishbook

Click here for a free copy of the current Sears Wishbook. Get that Sharpie ready! It's time to circle.

Thanks to "Deal"icious Mom for the information for this offer.

Interactive medal count

This is pretty cool. I like keeping up with the medal count. Call me boring.

Cans everywhere

I have a hard time throwing items away that I can tell would make a great craft project. I stopped nursing Abigail when she turned seven months old and then began giving her formula. Of course, I saved ALL The cans. They are the perfect size for a pencil caddy on a desk, brush holder, toy soldiers container....and the list goes on. I'm teaching preschool and elementary art at our church school this year and found this to be a great opportunity to get them out of my house as well as allow the students to make something with them. While I was rinsing them out, Abigail played music on some of the cans by banging them on the floor. She had fun trying to put the tops on them, too.

What an obituary!

My husband forwarded this obituary notice to me today. Oh my....that's all I have to say.

Cascade & Magic Eraser samples

Click here to get a free sample of Cascade dish detergent and a Magic Eraser. Scroll down to the bottom of the page and click on "free sample".

Rushing winter?

I think Luke and Abigail are tired of the summer heat. They're ready for autumn to arrive!

Walgreens $5 off $20 coupon

Here's another coupon to Walgreens for $5 off a $20 purchase, good only Friday (8/22) and Saturday (8/23). Again, click here to print the coupon. You can use it as many times as you'd like, once per purchase.

Steven Curtis Chapman interview with FOF

Jim Houser just posted this on his site about the interview between SCC and J. Dobson.

Easy mac-n-cheese

Ok, I don't do a whole lot of cookin' from scratch (Holly, you are encouraging me, though), but I found this super duper easy recipe for some mac-n-cheese that I just had to try. I've always been in love with this noodlely (is that word? Well, it is for my blog) side dish and have always admired anyone who made their own. Actually, I kind of like the Kraft-in-a-box but it doesn't compare to this. I can't take the credit, though. I'm not sure which blog I got this recipe from but I sure am glad "she" posted it. I will definitely make this dish again. It was divine.

Recipes with only 3-4 ingredients are right up my alley, so.....here's the deal-io:

The amount of ingredients depends on the size of your baking dish. These amounts are assuming you use a 2 quart casserole dish.

Ingredients:
2 cups elbow macaroni
1 lb Cheddar cheese grated (using the pre shredded doesn’t taste the same, the melting texture is different)
½ cup milk

Topping:
1/2 c. parmesean cheese
2 tbsp. butter (softened)
1 c. breadcrumbs
Mix these together.

1. Boil the macaroni and drain.
2. Place a small amount of cheese in the bottom of the casserole dish, layer half of the macaroni and then half of the remaining cheese and repeat.
3. Your top layer of cheese should cover all macaroni pieces.
4. Pour the milk around the entire top of the dish.
5. Spread the topping mixture to cover the top of the dish.
6. Place in a preheated 350 degree oven for approximately 30-35 minutes.

You should see no trace of the milk on the bottom and the top should be golden brown and crusty (you will fight to the death over the crusty top layer!).

Egg carton dinner

I thank Tera and Becky for giving me the warning about the egg carton and bacteria it could carry. It never crossed my mind so thank you for letting me (and my readers) know.



Abigail feeds herself well during mealtimes. She can grab anything within reach and put it away in her mouth. I like to try new and fun things so I took an egg carton and decided to use it much like the muffin tin I tried the other day. We had breakfast for dinner this night so I loaded each egg cup/section with scrambled eggs, small pieces of bacon, biscuit bites with jelly, cheerios, and small pieces of cheese. She loved it! The smaller sections allowed her to grab her food easier and there wasn't a bad mess to clean up afterwards.

Who do you love more?

It might sound harsh at first but it's so true. I feel the same toward Mitch and he is forever telling me the exact same thing. Our kids have never asked this question but, if they had, we would respond with the same answer. My heart is full of love for many people but my love is greatest for my husband.

I appreciate Challies for sharing his story.

Just for Melissa M.

This one is for you, Melissa M.. I thought you'd L-O-V-E it.

Nothing like the Breakfast Club re-invented.

Ugh.

Wordless Wednesday

It's H-O-T!

Dear Uncle Stuart,

Dear Uncle Stuart,
Mommy told me you left a voicemail on her phone telling her how boring her blog was yesterday because she didn't post anything new. Well, look at me! Are you happy now?

Oh yeah, you better come through with your promise to drive down to my house and play with me and my brothers. Yes, Mommy said you could bring your girlfriend but you better pay me more attention than her. Pretend I'm the only female in your life when you're here, ok?

I went to the post office today with Mommy and we mailed you a package full of candy, old pictures, and a McDonald's coupon. You owe me, dude.

Don't forget that I love you.

Say "uncle",
Abigail

Crafty blog

I found a new blog and have fallen in love.

Free Crayola Dry Erase markers

Click here to receive a free pack of Crayola Dry Erase markers. I plan on donating these to my son's school.

Troll cracks me up!

Mitch, Luke, and I were sitting on the couch yesterday (Andrew was at his grandparent's house and Abigail was napping) watching Olympic basketball when this commercial came on for the Lenovo Thinkpad computer. I'm sure it was one of those "you had to be there" moments but we giggled like crazy at the little troll man. Luke found our laughter amusing so I immediately went to YouTube to find the commercial so we could replay it anytime. Luke has been randomly shouting out, "Hoo-Ha, Hoo-Ha" all day. Enjoy???

Celebrating a cousin's birthday

Today is our cousin, E's, seventh birthday! We celebrated with all our family last night over at Aunt Val & Uncle Tyler's house. The food was yummy but we enjoyed the conversation a whole lot more. During the last hour together, all five grandchildren jumped in a swing and then moved on to play in the street where they rode bikes and scooters. We old folks sat around and wished we had "that much energy".

Thanks to FB/CIO Leslie

Leslie,

Thanks for commenting and offering these great coupon deals through Facebook. I'm sorry if I took offense to your original comment. I realize that you were only sending it as a caution to myself and others using the CIO offers. I was so excited about my savings that I just had to spread the word, which I hope, in turn, brought many new Facebook customers to the CIO application.

I'm not sure how the application will work in the future or if I'll ever see great savings again like I did before (the coupons are now listed for only $.50 off and seem to come and go). I look foward, however, to using them again if I can! Thanks for reading my blog!

No longer feeling spanked,
Jawan

"BIG BROTHER" is watching

Why do I feel like I'm in trouble?? I followed all the directions and have, in no way, taken advantage of anything. The comment below was left on my recent FB post about my exciting trip to Walmart. I appreciate the coupon agency's high standard but I feel like I'm being spanked. Gosh, nevermind...it's just my "coupon righteousness" I'm venting through.

Thanks for the excitement about the new Check It Out application and all the coupons. Check it Out is dedicated to providing relevant and engaging offers. This is a new application that we launched on Facebook and these coupons are real and were intended to draw attention to the launch of this new application.

All our coupons have quantity limits and are intended to be printed via our Check It Out application on Facebook only, not through copies or .pdf versions. We hope that you will respect this way of using the application and these deals so everyone can continue to benefit from the savings. We are aware that our Facebook link has been posted on many coupon sharing forums and internet sites and hope that you come back and look for more deals in the future. Contact us if you have more questions. Thank you again for your help.

Brothers

Brothers...they fight, scream, kiss, argue, play, help, snatch, hit, hug, share, bite, laugh, and they love.



I love watching my boys play together. I love it when they enjoy one another's company. Tonight, Luke got hit by a swing (yes, he was walking too close to it...imagine that). From a distance, as Luke was crying and holding his chin in pain, I watched Andrew stop what he was doing and gently direct Luke toward me, telling him along that path that "it was gonna be alright". *sniff sniff*

I love these kiddos.