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A blog about loving Jesus, loving kids, loving others, loving food, loving DIY projects, loving travel and just loving life!
(FYI: I just recently changed my comment form - AND lost tons of comments. Feel free to leave another one.)


Tuesday, September 27, 2011

Whole Wheat Homemade Crackers like Goldfish

Homemade Cheese CrackersI love pinterest.  
If you haven’t joined – it is simply a helper for the homesteader, crafter, or decorator in you to be inspired.
Each week, our family is trying a new recipe.

I saw this recipe and decided to tweak it just a little.
Homemade Whole Wheat Healthy Crackers
Homemade Whole Wheat Healthy Crackers
Adapted from HERETasty Kitchen.
(This is what I did.  I did not use the exact same ingredients.)
  •  Cheddar Cheese, Shredded about 2 cups.
    (Next time I might try Pizza Cheese)
  • 4 Tablespoons Salted Butter
  • 1 cup Whole Wheat Flour
  • 2 Tablespoons Cold Water plus some because the wheat made it very dry.
Basically, add the first 3 ingredients in a food processor until crumbly.  Then add water to moisten into a play dough texture.
Wrap in a ball and set in the refrigerator long enough to give the kids another school lesson.  That would be about 30 minutes.
Roll out dough with a large rolling pin into a thin sheet.
Then cut shapes.  I made high heels and hearts. 
Bake at 350 degrees F for about 10 minutes.
So SIMPLE! So Good!  

Have you made them before?  

I’m liking making my own stuff - that I just take for granted at the store!

Princess Cheese Crackers
Blessings to you!  You are loved!

Monday, September 26, 2011

Hummingbird Migration Video

It has been a really neat Hummingbird Migration Season. They are migrating through our backyard like crazy!

Here is a short video I took last week. Every feeder I see is filled with the little rascals.  It is like little torpedoes zooming by our head every time we go outside.




I've heard that hummingbirds have a great memory.  The same ones will visit the feeders when they migrate back in the Spring.  Plus, they get rid of gnats.  YEAH!


Have they left your house yet?  My kids love to just sit and watch them. I could sit and watch them for hours. 

We do have some that stay throughout the winter.

Blessings to you!  You are loved!

©www.ilovemy5kids.blogspot.com

Tuesday, September 20, 2011

When life doesn't make sense plus a homeschooling nugget.

One day Jesus is coming again

In life, I wonder about so many things.
I read the Bible and I wonder “Why Lord?” “Why is that particular verse in there?”  “It makes no sense to me.”

Then He shows me, as a Father does.  He teaches me.  He is not quick to anger.  He shows me with love and kindness.  He shows me unconditional love!

I look at my children and wonder “Why Lord?”  “Why are they mine?” “I don’t deserve them.”  “It makes no sense to me.”

Then He shows me, as a Father does.  I am to teach them His Way.  I am not to be quick to anger.  I am to show them love and kindness.  They will have unconditional love!

I look at my husband and wonder “Why Lord?”  “He is so good to me.”  “He sacrifices so much for us.”  “It makes no sense.”

Then He shows me, as a Father does.  He represents Me.  He treats you as Christ does the church – without compromise.  He loves. 


I see a problem in real life.  I have no way to fix what is broken.  My heart is literally ripped in two.  There are no words to even convey.

Then He picks up my heart and performs a heart surgery the only way a Healer can - with tenderness and patience.

Even now I cry out let the Spirit and the Bride say “Come!”  I want to see my Jesus – who wouldn’t?  I’ve been in love with Him since before I could read or write. Oh, what a glorious day that shall be to see Him face to face!  I doubt I will though.  I will be the one bawling at His feet – hearing the angels cry Holy, Holy, Holy in the background – then crying some more.  Oh, they will be tears of joy! No mourning, no hormones, no dust, no laundry, only the Lord will be on everyone’s mind. 

He reminds me to be patient.  He hasn’t released me from my call on this earth. His job for me is not complete.  He gives me so much joy – I feel like I could overflow!  He loves me only the way a Savior can – with everything in Him and More!
Be encouraged today!  You are loved by the Creator of the Earth – forget the earth - He made the entire universe!


Here is a youtube video of Louie Giglio of how Big Our Universe really is… 
This is also a great Science Video for Homeschool.  

Did you watch the video?  What did you think?  We serve a big God! He can handle it!

My kids still say the phrase, “If the earth is a golf ball….”

Blessings to you! You are so loved!

Let me say, laminin is not always proven to be a shape of cross.  This is not my point in posting the video.  Here is another resource about Laminin.

Wednesday, September 14, 2011

Have you ever stuck your foot in your mouth, here is a little encouragement!

A Little Encouragement If You Please


Hi.  Lana’s husband David here.
  • Have you ever stuck your foot in your mouth (or wish you had before you spoke)?  
  • Have you ever screwed up so royally that you wanted to crawl in a hole and never come out?  
  • Have you ever hurt someone that you love and wandered if or how they would ever forgive you?  
Me too.

Sometimes when I’m reading the Bible, God gives me some insight as to what it would have been like to be in someone else’s shoes.  

Peter was pretty well known for all of the above mentioned faux pas.  I was reading in Mark 14 when The Lord spoke to me again about His mercy.

The story goes that Jesus told the disciples that one of them would betray Him.  No doubt hearts sank but then I can imagine almost an excitement as 11 of them found out it wasn’t them.  After dinner/communion and a little singing, Jesus begins to explain to them that they will all “be made to stumble”.  Peter then says that there is no way that he will betray Jesus even if all the others did.  

Christ’s next words had to be heavy on Peter.  

“….before the rooster crows twice, you will deny Me three times.”  

Peter held on to his argument that there was no way.  All the others did too, but we know how the story goes.  Peter finishes the third denial as he hears the rooster crow.  He’s crushed.  Not only did he open his mouth in disagreement telling The Lord of all creation that he knew better, then felt the guilt of lying 3 times because he wanted to save his life more than honor Christ, but worst of all, he betrayed his best friend and the giver of life.

Then I realized something awesome.  Jesus knew Peter.  

He invited him to go closer and pray right after telling him that he would deny Him.  

This is the same Peter that preached on the day of Pentecost and 3000 (yes three thousand) people came to know The Lord (Acts 2).  He’s the same one that took a man by the hand who had never walked and healed him by the power of Christ (Acts 3).

We’re no different.  God knows us, HALLELUJAH!!!!!  

He knows what we are going through and the stupid (don’t tell my kids I said that word) things we do, but He still says, “I will never leave or forsake you.  

He’s kind of like a mom - feeding broccoli to her children.  

She knows they won’t like it but it’s good for them and she’ll keep encouraging them to eat it until they do and teach them that man shall not live by cookies alone.

By the way, Luke’s account of this says that Jesus prayed for him and told him to strengthen his brothers when he returns.
 
Praise The Lord.  We have nothing to hide or fear.  He is RICH in mercy.

 

Tuesday, September 13, 2011

5 EASY Recipes I love, lately.

This past month, my hubby and I have gone into “chef” mode.  We’ve been trying “new” recipes like no-body’s business!   Most have been great – others I won’t mention.

They all are pinned on my Easy Recipes Pinterest Board – 
if you haven’t joined Pinterest – I love it!  
It helps me plan my meals, decorate my house,
and gives me so many DIY ideas even with homeschooling.
 
If you need an invite – I’d be glad to give you one!
Here are the yummy recipes!
Greek Salad (I made this last Friday - even my kids liked it!)


Hobo Dinner
 


The BEST chocolate PIE EVER
My hubs made this for me - just because he loves me more than anyone on earth! He left out the unsweetened chocolate and it was still YUM!  
The picture does it no justice!!! 


My hubby is in charge of the cooking on Sunday nights.  
For the past few months, this is what we have had…Homemade Tomato Soup with Awesome Grilled Cheese Sandwiches!  
I mean different cheeses – every time!  This is NOT like canned soup!


This recipe is one that is on my counter!  
I started it a few days ago and I’m curious how it will turn out.  I’ve done “yeast” starters before that I have received from friends but never have I started one myself.  
We will see!  
I might be giving away tons of Amish Friendship Bread Baggies or I might freeze them up for gifts to give away this Holiday Season!


I’m having a Hermie Giveaway!  Be sure to enter! 
All it takes is one comment and you are entered, on the Hermie post!

Also, have I mentioned I’m writing for the Homeschool Post?
If you are new to ilovemy5kids, feel free to read our LOVE story and the story of our 5 kids over there!


Okay, that was a lot of information - but I do have something new in the works!  More details to follow...(ooh, cue the suspense music!)

Blessings to you!  You are loved!

Friday, September 9, 2011

Hermie, a common caterpillar Plus a Giveaway!

Hermie, a Common Caterpillar (Max Lucado's Hermie & Friends)

God loves and God listens!

I love Hermie, a common caterpillar by Max Lucado.

It is about a caterpillar who didn't feel all that special - like the other caterpillars.

But, God wasn't finished with him.

He made him into something so beautiful. Just like God does with us

I know it is a kid's book but sometimes God uses the simple to bring light for us adults.
Seriously, this book brings me to tears thinking that  - God is not done with me yet.  Some days I wonder - When is that day going to arrive?  I'm so ugly on the inside but the Lord gently reminds me - I'm loved by the Creator of the universe and I do please Him.  
When we received these particular books, my daughter grabbed them and read them to her little brother.  It was so precious.  He loved the pictures and she loved reading to him. I just love books that my kids enjoy!


In this video, Max Lucado shares what is new in Hermie and Friends and they now have a special set just for toddlers.



As part of the HERMIE EXTRAVAGANZA,
I get to give a way a a book bundle to readers – 3 Hermie books in total!
This would make a super baby or Christmas gift!


 
 
To enter: (One entry per email address, please.)

Please leave a comment on this post:
A) Telling me how you or your kids relate to Hermie.  
or
B) Tell me how show your kids how they are loved.

I will pick a winner using Random.org on 9/24/2011.

 
©www.ilovemy5kids.blogspot.com

Note: I was sent complimentary copy for review purposes only. This review has not been monetarily compensated. The review was my honest opinion and views and not influenced by the sponsor in any way.

Thursday, September 8, 2011

Our Amish Story

This past summer the hubby and I stopped in a little Amish community in Texas. 
It is just a few hours from our house.
We really didn’t know who we were looking for or what we were looking for.
But, God did.
Our Amish Banana Tree
I have been wanting to write this story since we went but never have made the time.

Let me back up just a bit.
We had dropped off all our kids at my parent’s house and we were going to the island for a week.
So, we were alone with just our dog, Brighton.

On our way home, we had to stop at the Tractor Supply store to buy food for our chickens.
We inquired about an Amish community we knew had moved into the area.
The teenage boy told us – where they were and that they come into the store every Saturday.

I was a little excited.
I knew they made a pie – I’ve been wanting to try.

Shoofly pie.
We never did get to taste that pie.

We drove to empty corn and cotton fields till we thought we were surely lost.
We knew we were close to the Amish because we kept seeing wagon tracks on the Hot Texas back roads.
I made my hubby turn on Country music.
It just seemed like we should, since we were in “high cotton”.

We finally came upon some houses.
But, they didn’t look Amish.
They had antennas on top of the roofs.

We finally saw a Saddle Shop and we chose that one to ask directions.

We parked our car and left the windows open.  Our dog was in the car and we knew we wouldn’t be long.
Plus, we weren’t real worried about someone taking it.
The “high cotton” and all just makes me feel safe.

We walked in the shop and realized it wasn’t air conditioned.
Their was a previous customer who was finishing up his order with a man who wore no shoes.
It smelled like leather.  So good.
A teenage girl was in the corner, making holes in leather for a new saddle.

I would think that this was an Amish shop except there were computers everywhere.
Then I saw young kids running around, again with no shoes.  They also wore plain clothes.

The customer, who looked like a real cowboy, left.
And then the man looked at us.
We weren’t interested in saddles and he probably knew that immediately.

We introduced ourselves and told him we were wondering about the Amish and hoped they would have “shoofly pie.”
He said “You have a sweet tooth, do ya?”
We laughed and answered “yes.”

He then thought for a moment and I thought maybe we had offended him somehow.
Then he said “They are up the road aways.”
Then he paused.
It seemed forever.

Then he spoke “I used to be Amish.”
Then he shared his testimony of how the Lord became real to him.
He had to leave because the Amish faith – because the Lord had other plans for him.

We stayed and were ministered to for over three hours.
We got to go into his home and meet his family.
It was surreal.

Our dog even fell in love with this family.
They also had tons of chickens.
We learned some of their ways.
They probably thought we were aliens – all the questions we asked.
They didn’t mind.

We felt like we were at home.
Our Amish Fig
They gave us a banana tree and a fig tree.
I want to plant them this Fall, when it gets a little cooler.
They will always be special to me.  My Amish Trees!

Isn’t it sweet when God gives you those moments of kindred spirits?
I’m so glad we decided to stop and truly be led of the Holy Spirit down a road of “high cotton.”

Blessings to you!  You are loved!

Wednesday, September 7, 2011

How can I expect to have perfectly-behaved children all the time?

Important lesson in life:  Weeds
I have 5 precious children.  (Plus extras sometimes.)
I love them more than my life.
(Thus, the name of my blog.)

God loves them more.

He is the perfect Father.
Yet, He still has disobedient children.

My point:  How can I expect to have “perfect"-behaved children all the time?

I can’t.
You can’t.
No one can. 
Well, God did have one perfect child. 
Can you imagine being His younger brother? 
Mary:  “James, why can’t you be like more like Jesus?”


However,
I have found something that works for us,
for arguing without listening to the other ones point of view, back-talking, fussing and fighting with siblings.

Other than the “lectures” that we ALWAYS give them,
you know the ones…
A.  Love your brother more than thyself.
B.  Would you like to be treated that way?
C.  How did THAT show the Love of God to him or her?
D.  How can you do better next time?
E.  Have you asked for forgiveness?
etc..etc…etc…

If they still continue,
Then we go to the WEEDS!

Let me just say – my kids have spurts.
They can go a month or two without a squabble.
Then all of a sudden…
BAM! 
(I will say it is most likely when they are out of work to do or they are just looking for mischief.)

Either way – they get to PULL WEEDS!
We live in a place that ALWAYS has WEEDS!

Weeds have certain attributes just like sin…

They come up quickly – just like arguing.
They choke out the roots of the beautiful produce – just like fighting.
They produce more weeds – just like sin.

Every time they pull a weed – I hope it reminds them of sin, even uncovered sin in their life. 
And then I pray they will deal with it. 
Sin that is allowed to breed – eventually will breed more sin – just like a wildfire.
Sometimes, flowers get pulled up with the weeds.
It is okay – it shows them sin has many consequences.

Let me just say – I (the parent) have to do some weeding in my life time to time (I feel like it is daily, most days).
I’m still not a perfect daughter, wife, mother or friend.
I still make many mistakes.
I detest weeds.

So, if you notice weeds in my flower gardens – my kids have been good.
If you noticed it cleaned up – well, my kids have been learning about the consequences of sin.

Blessings to you!  You are loved!

(This Works for Me - thus far.)

Monday, September 5, 2011

Houston, we have a problem! May our friend RIP!

We knew something wasn’t right.
It just didn’t perform like it should.

But, we let it die a slow death.

This is what I saw when I woke up Sunday morning.

Mr. Coffee died.
Mr. Coffee upside down on the breakfast table with a screwdriver in… (well, I rather not say.)

When I was wishing – I was seeing this!

Jack in the Box Coffee
Oh, wait…this was a Sunday morning picture, as well.
My hubby rushed to Jack in the Box to grab me a cup of their java and put it in my Boston Starbucks’ mug.
That seemed wrong to type.
But, it was good.

Until Monday morning and we still have no coffee maker.

We can’t decide what to buy,
A French Press,

A percolator,
A grinder and coffee maker combo,
A Keruig,
or

Mr. Coffee, the Second.

(Images are from Amazon and are affiliate links – if you want to buy them for yourself, I get some pennies.
All monies will go to our Java fund.  Thank you!)

Decisions!  What do you like?

Hope you have a safe and wonderful Labor Day!
I have had five labors
and
not sure why anyone would want to have a whole Labor Day.

Blessings to you!  You are loved!


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