tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35261460813104543102024-02-19T19:01:58.061-06:00Builds Her HouseBy wisdom a house is built, and by understanding it is established.
Proverbs 24:3Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger15125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3526146081310454310.post-20128879020154810982012-02-04T17:14:00.003-06:002012-02-04T17:23:10.994-06:00MovingThis is the last post from Builds Her House. I'm not going away (not that I've really been a constant presence on this site) I'm just moving. In an effort to brand all of my on-line endeavors with the same name, I will be doing all of my blogging on my original blog: <a href="http://janellesstudio.blogspot.com">Janelle's Studio</a>. This change goes hand in hand with the upcoming launch of <a href="http://janellesstudio.etsy.com">my etsy shop</a> by the same name. So head over to the Janelle's Studio blog for crafts, cleaning tips, money-saving ideas, the occasional recipe, and maybe even a few updates on what my guys are doing. See you there!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3526146081310454310.post-63232319986319833942011-08-20T19:44:00.011-05:002011-08-20T20:48:17.244-05:00Jonathan's 5th BirthdayToday we celebrated Jonathan's fifth birthday with a party at our house. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPsBlLn6bPY1JGZD8ahKs7Hp6KYKT-Mdf_V6APA-oahk11Js-5UcBWZ7M4jbtUgtXODgvJ1ogkz31IF2j5L1G7pKVuMutwvgQJHSdy8J7hIX1bwtbmNwGCH2qUnjznrCA8ds2Z2opaMKI/s320/Jonathan+5th+birthday+012.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5643118454112921154" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px; " /></span><span class="Apple-style-span">Given the choice between safari animals and ocean animals, he chose an ocean animals theme. So there was a lot of blue everywhere. I told Brian I needed him to paint the kitchen blue this week to fit into the theme, but he wasn't amused. <div>
<br /></div><div>I stole several ideas from one our friends and her <a href="http://littleharrelsonfamily.blogspot.com/2011/06/averys-1st-birthday-party.html">decorations for her daughter's first birthday</a> a few months ago. First I made a "Happy Birthday" banner with letters cut by Mrs. <a href="http://main.cricut.com/shopping/detail-Cricut-Expression-Cricut-Expression-Machine-210-123.aspx">Cricut</a>, as Jonathan calls it. And, as you can see, Shamu was a special guest at the party.</div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEEBJYRMVItFuFvXeIKFlKITl_IdGzoHUEBovr3VYA9Fw9dTLD0_hCB0hQAtOnq-hX4eaHDxt23HC2n8Y2RvS3gKIXwj014sX9WKNYfzh3GLzDakSc_c8IHRoh3AbATMIjeLvGH6tHB88/s320/Jonathan+5th+birthday+010.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5643117128413014738" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px; " /><div>Then, since decorating cakes the traditional way is not really my thing, I made cake toppers of ocean animals - sharks, whales, narwhals, seals & turtles - and "5" signs cut out of paper and glued to toothpicks. </div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix9PzbwC5jnD1u9jBLR9xlb_hS7H-PxkXAcYVfiRvQqvdBP9KZHp9Kp-n2-pJ_EwqbH84GSCxvxafRJAKlBN-6ZqP8Tt-mx9FwDm8hcv6W-bhwl6UZWgRYRelsqqbZ-ddp0o6xqFYjH0Q/s320/Jonathan+5th+birthday+001.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5643117133307233282" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px; " /></span><div>We rounded out the ocean theme with goldfish snacks and a watermelon whale. </div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJLeqjRX9LdQ2HUSnZelurmxcunLVcpx1580browQqDQIagd00D4LSMJCI602knG7kNTx_FrhbTe1BxZ0l0j-0yXAVUXtoRQiHwSz8dZwuDtMvzeSxyaMxBGXlZAq0k2WgtmCv-EyuVkk/s320/Jonathan+5th+birthday+005.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5643117167189715586" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px; " /></span><div>The watermelon was definitely a team effort. Jonathan loved it and I think it was a big hit overall. I really enjoyed putting everything together for his party - it gave me an excuse to exercise my craft muscles! </div><div>
<br /></div><div>The kiddos finished out the party with some time out in the sprinklers in the back yard. It's hard to know who enjoyed the sprinklers more, the kids or the grass!</div></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUuWsCKtBu2xPL1GI8WAqBWJzIQRZQkaGlDnZrsv3J4VAdvAR6vdC_evJ78wOdLwv3F6Ywiwx2UXC7_iIeS_kYVetBOYxww0qJl_rVsF1Ca4mywpwqbDZmhgpoWZbUn_cyEw1B5kEeZ48/s320/Jonathan+5th+birthday+023.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5643118448109109010" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px; " /></span><span class="Apple-style-span"><div> Thanks to everyone who came and helped us celebrate! I know Jonathan had a good time, and we enjoyed hanging out with all of you!</div></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3526146081310454310.post-15384011596726685872010-12-14T20:38:00.005-06:002010-12-14T21:16:33.744-06:00Advent Ornaments, part 2<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>Ok, time for a second installment of Jesse Tree ornaments.</div><div><br /></div><div>Day 5: The ram represents God's provision of a ram after He called Abraham to sacrifice Isaac. It reminds us that Jesus was sacrificed in our place.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjurSh23vAamMi0t6zxKYg9Y2dk7qa2-xHDOkRSHx6Ou21YUtJVsL5OmrC04j5FUq4ibNqACLBT7wuTzsIRHpE_C0k1HaGUJJ6C03l6Nl4j8BhyphenhyphenFV7lGWYdQ2sOakk4BYWSod_m8J-HgN4/s1600/Winter+2010+018.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjurSh23vAamMi0t6zxKYg9Y2dk7qa2-xHDOkRSHx6Ou21YUtJVsL5OmrC04j5FUq4ibNqACLBT7wuTzsIRHpE_C0k1HaGUJJ6C03l6Nl4j8BhyphenhyphenFV7lGWYdQ2sOakk4BYWSod_m8J-HgN4/s320/Winter+2010+018.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5550736598805429906" /></a><br /><div>Day 6: The ladder, from Jacob's dream about the ladder. This reminds us that Jesus is always with us.<br /><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaZ-_l3QulggY-G435gmVhf5wJitqmPN9mDGBa3ugdmcTbmQjYtP-Lx_-3b8Pwo5b058ZvW0CX2TA9YWMtQcYppMXbtmno3pfVz1GYuNzLpemz3BohdqUHQKfS8oV1svO4HwZu-lVuSQE/s1600/Winter+2010+017.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaZ-_l3QulggY-G435gmVhf5wJitqmPN9mDGBa3ugdmcTbmQjYtP-Lx_-3b8Pwo5b058ZvW0CX2TA9YWMtQcYppMXbtmno3pfVz1GYuNzLpemz3BohdqUHQKfS8oV1svO4HwZu-lVuSQE/s320/Winter+2010+017.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5550736595085266450" /></a><br /></div><div>Day 7: Joseph's coat. We modified the scripted devotion slightly; we focused on the parallel between Joseph being thrown into the pit, and then brought out again, as Jesus died as was raised again.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC_ttDl6y4TQeclxeX9-AdC8dubtqOenvp49n2gN0h7GiBdm7_LpUnBPD1-LbF-Gl_1hjg6wlsYEaMX-9BXyjlkADL9geU-XM60cDc7-FMMGbeaP0VHHUXIemCy8uIMt4G0uyivA0qafM/s1600/Winter+2010+020.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC_ttDl6y4TQeclxeX9-AdC8dubtqOenvp49n2gN0h7GiBdm7_LpUnBPD1-LbF-Gl_1hjg6wlsYEaMX-9BXyjlkADL9geU-XM60cDc7-FMMGbeaP0VHHUXIemCy8uIMt4G0uyivA0qafM/s320/Winter+2010+020.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5550736593337979010" /></a><br /></div><div>Day 8: The 10 Commandments represent the Law, both the fact that we cannot follow it perfectly, and the fact that Jesus did.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyil4iNRxTXUvuZHOBfb-_JO-BrEIpblxezxbfxdReb_xa4torJmnmTP0a5qndnXChl21NtbYdH_5_8zHi_AT6f1b95wTE9S46bFFEYM3CXrRSVcfQ8J4IRBQ_1upy-D4wRQw62_g0VRs/s1600/Winter+2010+021.JPG"><img style="text-align: left;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px; " src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyil4iNRxTXUvuZHOBfb-_JO-BrEIpblxezxbfxdReb_xa4torJmnmTP0a5qndnXChl21NtbYdH_5_8zHi_AT6f1b95wTE9S46bFFEYM3CXrRSVcfQ8J4IRBQ_1upy-D4wRQw62_g0VRs/s320/Winter+2010+021.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5550736588265419890" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Day 9: The grapes represent Israel's promised land, and remind us that God is making a home for us.</div><div><br /></div><div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh42sFvNo4JlBvrdXIuZtnGwoZUK-GmrUm3PeCQOxsv_9WHBcLZcAEvK2jJ-Vfnsvx7HDJr8b7oTnE2wxV0PfOeN7mOiLAs7UcMxTErew8EEs8GBvOHdHJ07d8POhClt-8xb7KqW2w8EC0/s320/Winter+2010+016.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5550739945733888178" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px; " /></div><div><br /></div><div>Day 10: The sheaf of wheat represents the story of Ruth and the fact that Jesus is our redeemer.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh25KXBRdUnCdnP5botVZ4L8jqIwDnK-5T4YneHS-bByKSZOqshgjjW8VhVu7gM5LU3Gi-0NlnRem7k61qylP_7M7O75fxySaiQw9RJdHp9aGJ1SfwBr2-1vq9sT_R2XDJ93aDo9kgThtA/s1600/Winter+2010+015.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh25KXBRdUnCdnP5botVZ4L8jqIwDnK-5T4YneHS-bByKSZOqshgjjW8VhVu7gM5LU3Gi-0NlnRem7k61qylP_7M7O75fxySaiQw9RJdHp9aGJ1SfwBr2-1vq9sT_R2XDJ93aDo9kgThtA/s320/Winter+2010+015.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5550736029569125282" /></a><br /></div><div>Day 11: With the slingshot, we talked about David and Goliath, of course, and the fact that God is our strength.</div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7fdkXaoxrJxjoJaVSsjSElXWxUmLLwK1F1lEBXm1iW2qSKxhg7GmqWNkcC6JvUK0BdN_EHkIugd12H6CU_rHam9OmIRFCRUrL0ofQ3-rpLTa5vX6mRQ1sapo6_2HMbRsl3zmHlWm8i2A/s1600/Jesse+Tree+001.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7fdkXaoxrJxjoJaVSsjSElXWxUmLLwK1F1lEBXm1iW2qSKxhg7GmqWNkcC6JvUK0BdN_EHkIugd12H6CU_rHam9OmIRFCRUrL0ofQ3-rpLTa5vX6mRQ1sapo6_2HMbRsl3zmHlWm8i2A/s320/Jesse+Tree+001.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5550736026949803378" /></a><br /></div><div>Day 12: The scroll reminds us of Josiah and his faithfulness and that God's word is to be central in our lives.</div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ-HSKhf1tNbVMwKsgqb2YGZamdzxPuNlljg5PEc9VkkewhwQqq4xj2nEBplnqzgowrzj3na04wAg8wio8gk-AeSnUGfgw0LrPxXq6kim8FQHhuSY7RyCZ56EHmOPkg1fqDZYO_vWjKNM/s1600/Winter+2010+019.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ-HSKhf1tNbVMwKsgqb2YGZamdzxPuNlljg5PEc9VkkewhwQqq4xj2nEBplnqzgowrzj3na04wAg8wio8gk-AeSnUGfgw0LrPxXq6kim8FQHhuSY7RyCZ56EHmOPkg1fqDZYO_vWjKNM/s320/Winter+2010+019.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5550736019607402114" /></a>Day 13: It may be hard to see the small green shoot coming out of the stump, but the shoot from the stump of Jesse describes Christ. The line of Jesse was thought to have died out, but Jesus is the new life from the old.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXfyrVbwqFjLqhzBXSBm9RCmVQxkuSTDPGdeCl5K0eDALq4xdzx_6qcZPabmcvHT9rVQAHlqwgUolGlkFKo56QTAhce5oJooej37-0fUWW7TAnipQyUUqffqcFi0PTLaykmO7vVkSHgDk/s1600/Jesse+Tree+005.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXfyrVbwqFjLqhzBXSBm9RCmVQxkuSTDPGdeCl5K0eDALq4xdzx_6qcZPabmcvHT9rVQAHlqwgUolGlkFKo56QTAhce5oJooej37-0fUWW7TAnipQyUUqffqcFi0PTLaykmO7vVkSHgDk/s320/Jesse+Tree+005.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5550736013874725106" /></a><br /></div></div><div>Whew, that was a lot to post all at once. Tonight I made or finished three more, so we're good through Friday. The only hard part about this project has been staying a couple days ahead of our devotions. I have only 7 left to make, and then we'll have them for years to come. For those of you who are thinking about doing this yourself, I hope my pictures can give you some good ideas for your own ornaments. I'd love to see how others have interpreted and created the ornaments.</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3526146081310454310.post-65429135438578458192010-12-13T22:03:00.003-06:002010-12-13T22:12:37.403-06:00In the Bag<div>This year for Mother's Day, I made a tote bag for Brian's Mom. She is involved in several Bible studies, and has binders and study materials, in addition to her Bible, to take to her lessons. She mentioned about a year ago that she needed another bag to carry all her books in, so I volunteered to make her one. I modified an existing pattern I had for a market bag (it would have been about twice as deep) so that it would be a better fit for her books and binders. We went to Joann's to browse through the fabric and pick out something that she liked. We settled on a pre-quilted fabric, which gives the bag a bit more sturdiness (is that a word?) and also happens to be rather popular right now. The neat thing about this particular fabric was that it had contrasting prints on either side. I was able to use the contrasting fabric for the straps, and the inside of the bag has a more finished appearance.</div><div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixSOXJddeK2V-6fUOfKD-r2G72yepzsuZLPS7bowAR8Te2DgQm-sY9gRYSVuta0nKPDHJG24t_KdScD9slyu2rSjtheWk9U8RhaFD3gZYcW8PHEu_MwpGEGkSlJhaGfdNfaOdTCMj7pfI/s1600/pictures+114.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixSOXJddeK2V-6fUOfKD-r2G72yepzsuZLPS7bowAR8Te2DgQm-sY9gRYSVuta0nKPDHJG24t_KdScD9slyu2rSjtheWk9U8RhaFD3gZYcW8PHEu_MwpGEGkSlJhaGfdNfaOdTCMj7pfI/s320/pictures+114.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5550384080978152546" /></a>I think the funniest part of the whole process was when Brian's parents came out for Thanksgiving. I looked at the bag his mom brought in and had enough time to think "that looks familiar, I wonder why" before I realized that I had made it!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3526146081310454310.post-61551669015452388952010-12-10T21:24:00.008-06:002010-12-10T21:48:21.721-06:00More Table-Scaping<div style="text-align: left;">Ok, another table-related post. My sister and her new husband have set up house with the old table that we grew up with. It's a good, sturdy table, but certainly not the most attractive member of the table species. So my wedding present to them was a table cloth to cover it up. :) It was hard to tell who was more grateful...Carrie or Field.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Black may seem like an odd choice for a table cloth. Their every day dishes are red, with black backs. I didn't want to use a fabric that was going to clash with the red in the dishes, so I decided on a neutral. The border is a black and white floral print to provide some relief from the solid black.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMLk9bkN4krLMywv4-oy0Sm3bFrWo_bAAI43Z1_NPnL1fKevB8UgZxfgBmFyJo0Ucm94F39EgfFiZQv_OVQUczwjI-tT44TL-v8yOcsV3HmOCdBKgmfxXtzB28Y8SKOVEl6xAhMRBm-A4/s1600/pictures+099.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMLk9bkN4krLMywv4-oy0Sm3bFrWo_bAAI43Z1_NPnL1fKevB8UgZxfgBmFyJo0Ucm94F39EgfFiZQv_OVQUczwjI-tT44TL-v8yOcsV3HmOCdBKgmfxXtzB28Y8SKOVEl6xAhMRBm-A4/s320/pictures+099.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5549261973023872162" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div>After I finished the table cloth, I had some extra fabric left over, so I decided to make matching napkins rings. I have some jewelry wire left over from a previous project, so I cut some to the right length, and sewed small strips of fabric around the wire. If they had been a bit longer, they would have been more successful, but I think they're still fun.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSVG02Potpb2b6DSBdHJyftlk3GOG3r5Jgfql841zcsGQebJ5hth3Rkh3zKoXmpfszKSzvHyts8Sc9Kk3RKFYQXfG07HqGVFOuMwfjl-rT4_B5gpX2eTJmdgWIP_vqS0CPhXSDI4wZoqI/s1600/pictures+105.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSVG02Potpb2b6DSBdHJyftlk3GOG3r5Jgfql841zcsGQebJ5hth3Rkh3zKoXmpfszKSzvHyts8Sc9Kk3RKFYQXfG07HqGVFOuMwfjl-rT4_B5gpX2eTJmdgWIP_vqS0CPhXSDI4wZoqI/s320/pictures+105.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5549261964804237682" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div>Before Carrie's wedding, we realized that she had registered for the same fine china that Brian and I have. So I set the table with the china so she could get an idea of what the table would look like. Of course, I never actually sent her the photos, so I don't know that I helped her out much. So, Carrie, these photos are for you. We'll just pretend that you still need them, instead of being able to set your own table.<br /></div><div><br /></div><div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaobpztMzlRl4Dnx09eH8KEQouJidgcrUwPTR4vjbE6Cxb6mM064GgQXmW78Dwv8iQIbkcYGipwJRSGHfu1DI0rq61uAR_Mkb44yLQsoHiWOjWb2v3Dj5_ZD4apy9fJZn9PZcSWdebJ-0/s320/pictures+108.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5549264033715903282" /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3526146081310454310.post-38411657119316748592010-12-09T21:28:00.003-06:002010-12-09T21:45:39.092-06:00Thanksgiving Table<div>This year, we had the privilege of hosting Brian's family for Thanksgiving. Setting the table with the special china made we want to do something special with the rest of the table. We don't have much in the way of traditional table decorations, so I had to get creative. I took advantage of the over-abundance of acorns that have fallen on the driveway in the last few weeks, and Jonathan helped me gather some, until we finally had enough to fill several glass candle holders. Then he, Brian and Papaw scoured the backyard for leaves that had changed colors. </div><div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigX1Gl0xcrLSn4UJo0-1FOPu7km25K-_TZq0yy8vv0JDL-kb-FB5As0f0qDG8DeC0w1YvpLe0GM-dc8dqjP62S4ZcJbbwfjq9H16vzLRnsPpi5Hkizlr6CP_d0KJR28CwjGtcdRGC9Nok/s1600/2010+318.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigX1Gl0xcrLSn4UJo0-1FOPu7km25K-_TZq0yy8vv0JDL-kb-FB5As0f0qDG8DeC0w1YvpLe0GM-dc8dqjP62S4ZcJbbwfjq9H16vzLRnsPpi5Hkizlr6CP_d0KJR28CwjGtcdRGC9Nok/s320/2010+318.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5548891566415654530" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw_OibM5YY2qie98xNNenOaGMv6OUMYYyCbDSxTHPNyLHEavkIBA75WimGcEdmvlKkswPdLF2sYLjG2bEjLzb01-zSwcdmY1SAzSZzY1KbB3GCjRL-kzmoxOMjm08-H_NwtUXhs1P2S58/s1600/2010+321.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw_OibM5YY2qie98xNNenOaGMv6OUMYYyCbDSxTHPNyLHEavkIBA75WimGcEdmvlKkswPdLF2sYLjG2bEjLzb01-zSwcdmY1SAzSZzY1KbB3GCjRL-kzmoxOMjm08-H_NwtUXhs1P2S58/s320/2010+321.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5548891553798880402" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz6PeEWwYkqgAtP46r3bq4mjlBElKHJp4p9bB1ytttP2BLh4taIxLpcRq5rb8Y308aqZMFLlL4U1S3hrwfiIwjPomsOqxJWdlwbXGJpyoIpBgKd6pnNPLUEgSe76hXcYmAJakWcXGjz1Y/s1600/2010+319.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz6PeEWwYkqgAtP46r3bq4mjlBElKHJp4p9bB1ytttP2BLh4taIxLpcRq5rb8Y308aqZMFLlL4U1S3hrwfiIwjPomsOqxJWdlwbXGJpyoIpBgKd6pnNPLUEgSe76hXcYmAJakWcXGjz1Y/s320/2010+319.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5548891552937374018" /></a><br /><div>Pulling the fall color into the house helped me feel a little more at peace with our Texas fall. I miss the fall color of the Appalachians more than anything else about the east (or at least as much as the mountains), so it made my heart happy to see so much color on my table. I got a little piece of autumn right here in Texas.</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3526146081310454310.post-12809457393827119072010-12-08T21:10:00.009-06:002010-12-14T21:19:17.686-06:00Advent Ornaments, part 1<div style="text-align: left;">We've started a new family tradition this year, called a Jesse Tree. I've heard this term used to describe several different things, but in this case, it is a sort of Christmas advent tree. Every night leading up to Christmas, starting December 1, we read a short devotion that talks about or points to Christ. Then we hang an ornament on the tree that corresponds to the devotion and serves as a reminder of what we've learned that night.</div><div><div><br /></div><div>We're using a combination of bought and hand-made ornaments, with most of them being hand-made, of course. This <i>is </i>me we're talking about. I wanted to post pics of the ornaments, in case anyone else wants ideas for the same thing, or is just curious about how I've been spending my evenings this month.</div></div><div><br /></div><div>Day 1 is creation, and we learn that God created the world, and that Jesus was present at and helped with Creation. We were able to find the world image below, which I was glad for, since geography has never been my strong suit. As it was, I just had to get everything facing roughly north and drill a hole for the ribbon. Drilling, thankfully, <i>is</i> one of my strong suits. ;)</div><div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT3t_Ipu75WoPL93h9yfoeu81Szvsa-fLCTT5W1hoez5-fijeiqEwGbE5UkqgR6_DU5_uYEwoBbXVGVvKukoTvyqrdLyFWqCtx-JPpNq9JFlxJFR2eQBOfq_JgRgdAhmEId2aM55DxRfU/s1600/2010+346.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT3t_Ipu75WoPL93h9yfoeu81Szvsa-fLCTT5W1hoez5-fijeiqEwGbE5UkqgR6_DU5_uYEwoBbXVGVvKukoTvyqrdLyFWqCtx-JPpNq9JFlxJFR2eQBOfq_JgRgdAhmEId2aM55DxRfU/s320/2010+346.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5548518019805074338" /></a><br /><div>Day 2: the Fall, brought about by Adam and Eve's first sin, represented by an apple/fruit with a snake. I made this one out of two pieces of felt sewn together, with a green felt snake wrapping around the apple.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFOU_gEz7-DPopCEgGLTt0iB5_Bb9oWITIfC7osIjttpgcdijX0-0Tqw786ymlm19qyItWZWOvZeJ2_mRuvO6faSsgqzoZzj8GLCBuo3XyM7d4-Yycl94i_jOZbFXdiZg1NuIz8tSU5DY/s1600/2010+347.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFOU_gEz7-DPopCEgGLTt0iB5_Bb9oWITIfC7osIjttpgcdijX0-0Tqw786ymlm19qyItWZWOvZeJ2_mRuvO6faSsgqzoZzj8GLCBuo3XyM7d4-Yycl94i_jOZbFXdiZg1NuIz8tSU5DY/s320/2010+347.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5548518013564626114" /></a><br /></div><div>Day 3 covered the story of Noah's ark and the rainbow, and discussed how Jesus saved us. I had a lot of fun making this ornament out of craft foam and a piece of cork wall covering, but somehow the picture has disappeared. I'll try to post a picture later, but Jonathan's asleep and the tree is in his room.</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9yM4vYpDSmxAwHQ-ajRNcevhtRQItaoKmtzFrdV9cTrhflEGATclZx6lh1HuROCKBIJYnvNvvjq5uWu3lH0zGnr2qHGKm2xQWpKtQrj6BoFHYbd2mOr818VaHp7lvpfnb_kQJazzS7JI/s320/Winter+2010+014.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5550743120713851490" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></div><div>Day 4 described the calling of Abram, represented by a tent and camel. I did free-hand sketch the tent, but totally stole the camel profile from Microsoft clip art. I'd still be sitting at the table if I had to draw a camel by hand. Architecture drawing classes did not cover animal figure drawing!</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXlgCgmx9HIjR5odntK2zpPTGbq0MR80vfd8AJLBe1JQsodMSH7odwIgbZp-5EPHVZLgoz3uuqGK1CtAecme1EICeU7XEVBp3VIEF6IjeJzU7tsdcsbfjgsfhw3B5iiERu_SHRYhO5pXM/s1600/2010+348.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXlgCgmx9HIjR5odntK2zpPTGbq0MR80vfd8AJLBe1JQsodMSH7odwIgbZp-5EPHVZLgoz3uuqGK1CtAecme1EICeU7XEVBp3VIEF6IjeJzU7tsdcsbfjgsfhw3B5iiERu_SHRYhO5pXM/s320/2010+348.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5548516861331780786" /></a><br /></div><div>Day 5 told the story of Abraham's (near) sacrifice of Isaac, and how the ram represents Christ's death in our place. This story is represented by a ram, which I made out of craft foam.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX_rqxX-EoUzNIl8jRrUflXGaRZ98NOmW9nceBafcgzDo_AuVumOINdt3bU5yWDa1Xx7d1RbUNj4TNNZ5A76wjjQfTFusoui9vOuZNMobVF0Qn4kY6T57cnSAs8ukGhZ0XNaFlNdL_pBA/s1600/2010+349.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX_rqxX-EoUzNIl8jRrUflXGaRZ98NOmW9nceBafcgzDo_AuVumOINdt3bU5yWDa1Xx7d1RbUNj4TNNZ5A76wjjQfTFusoui9vOuZNMobVF0Qn4kY6T57cnSAs8ukGhZ0XNaFlNdL_pBA/s320/2010+349.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5548516853947292898" /></a></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX_rqxX-EoUzNIl8jRrUflXGaRZ98NOmW9nceBafcgzDo_AuVumOINdt3bU5yWDa1Xx7d1RbUNj4TNNZ5A76wjjQfTFusoui9vOuZNMobVF0Qn4kY6T57cnSAs8ukGhZ0XNaFlNdL_pBA/s1600/2010+349.JPG"></a><div><br /></div><div>We're actually up to day seven now, but I'm not up to date on all my pictures. We didn't get all the ornaments made before the start of the month, so I'm having to make them as we go along, and just try to stay ahead of the schedule. I haven't had many idle nights this month. Of course, it doesn't help that I somehow decided that it would be a good idea to <i>make</i> presents for everyone on my side of the family. I have a few of those finished already, but I'll have to wait until after Christmas to post pictures. Sorry, fam, no advance notice of what you're getting under the tree!</div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3526146081310454310.post-80986567071707886222010-01-09T21:04:00.007-06:002010-01-09T21:33:02.107-06:00Greener CleanersAs I mentioned in the last post, a few months ago I started thinking about the chemicals I was cleaning with around Jonathan, realizing that I didn't feel comfortable using them when he was around. As a result, I switched to a cleaning solution that I mix up at home, described in the previous post. <div><br /></div><div>A few weeks ago, while browsing at Half Price, I ran across a book called "Green This! Greening your Cleaning." It was on clearance for $3, so I bought it. I've been reading/skimming it this weekend, and it's pretty interesting. If I read really closely and buy into everything the author says about the chemicals that surround us, I'll soon find myself unable to leave the house or eat anything I didn't grow myself, so I'm taking everything in with the proverbial grain of salt. But I'm definitely up for cleaning ideas that use less harmful chemicals while saving me money. (Who isn't?!) Since I thought a few of you might be interested, I thought I'd share a few of the cleaning suggestions that she has put in the book: </div><div><br /></div><div>(Disclaimer: I have not tried all of these, so I can't guarantee that they'll be completely successful. They just sound good to me.)</div><div><br /></div><div>Hard Floors: The microfiber cloths (like with the Swiffer dry system) can be washed and dried in your machine, between 5 and 10 times each cloth, according to the author. I tried this last week with one of my (name brand) cloths and it worked. That is definitely good news, given how pricey those are. </div><div><br /></div><div>Bathroom: Instead of toilet bowl cleaner, sprinkle baking soda in the bowl, followed by distilled white vinegar. Scrub with the toilet brush like usual, and flush. I did this today, allowing the solution to sit a few minutes after scrubbing, and my toilets are sparkling clean, without the nasty smell.</div><div><br /></div><div>Pest control - Roaches and ants: She suggests this mixture for getting rid of these pests (wish I'd had this in undergrad!) Combine 1 cup borax + 1/4 cup crushed fresh pepper +1/4 cup crushed bay leaves in a jar, close and shake well. This can be sprinkled in the corners of pantries, drawers, other pesty places, and should get rid of these nasty bugs.</div><div><br /></div><div>Laundry: Add a cup of vinegar to the wash cycle to keep colors bright and as a natural fabric softener. **Do not combine vinegar with any product containing bleach!**</div><div><br /></div><div>Like I said, I haven't tried all of the above solutions, but they seem interesting and I'll probably give them a try. If I try other tips in the book, I'll try to keep you "posted" on their effectiveness and cost. </div><div><br /></div><div>And just in case you're interested, check out <a href="http://www.vinegartips.com/Scripts/">1001 uses for White Distilled Vinegar</a> for additional cleaning tips.</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3526146081310454310.post-27142906441394089122009-09-21T21:32:00.002-05:002009-09-21T21:48:44.439-05:00Cleaning SolutionI got a great recipe from my pastor's wife Rachel. No, this post is not about to solve the recurring "what's for dinner?" question, but it's pretty helpful all the same.<br /><br />When we got Jonathan, I started thinking about all the chemicals I cleaned the house with. Especially the bathroom. And I realized that I wasn't comfortable using any of my usual cleaners around him. So I started looking for cleaning solutions that didn't scare me. Rachel volunteered her cleaning recipe, and I fell in love. Well, maybe not in love, but I sure do like it. I pretty much use it for everything (except dusting and glass) now. Bathrooms, kitchen, floors, even scrubbing the grime off my kitchen cabinets is less of a drag. I still keep toilet bowl cleaner, windex, scrubbing bubbles, for occasional use, but this has become my primary cleaner of choice.<br /><br />I know several people have asked for the recipe, and I can't keep up with who I've passed it out to, so I'm posting it below. Amounts and proportions are kind of estimates, so be warned:<br /><br />3 cups hot water<br />1 oz vinegar<br />2 tsp Borax<br />3-4 drops Tea Tree essential oil (this has anitbacterial properties)<br />3-4 drops essential oil (this is optional, it just makes it smell prettier)<br /><br />Mix it all together in a spray bottle, and you're in business! The essential oils can be a bit pricey in comparison to the other ingredients, but they last close to forever, since you use so little at a time. A couple shopping tips: I could only find the essential oils at the CS HEB, and my spray bottle is from the garden department at Walmart.<br /><br />Anyway, I hope that gets the recipe out to everyone who still wanted it. Now I have this itch to go clean something...Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3526146081310454310.post-30621740890102082562009-08-17T19:54:00.004-05:002009-08-17T21:17:32.531-05:00Clean SweepA few months ago, I was feeling totally overwhelmed by trying to get , much less keep, my house clean. My house felt so dirty, that when I finally had a few minutes in which to clean, I didn't even know where to start, and ended up cleaning nothing. Brilliant, right? Needless to say, my house was only getting dirtier, making the task seem that much more overwhelming.<div><br /></div><div>Finally it ocurred to me to make a weekly cleaning schedule. Keeping in mind our weekly activities, I assigned each room a day to be cleaned. For example, the youth group comes over to our house on Wednesday nights. Instead of scheduling the den for a Tuesday night cleaning, to try and clean it up for them (trust me, they don't notice) I scheduled the den for Wednesday night. With a dozen youth running in and out of our house, a lot of dirt gets tracked into our den. So I sweep and dust that night, after they leave. Of course, most people like to clean <i>before </i>they have people over, so if you regularly have visitors, schedule to clean the rooms they'll see and use on days right before they come over. That way you have less last-minute cleaning to do, and you'll feel less frazzled by the time your company arrives. </div><div><br /></div><div>I wish I could tell you that no dust has sat on any horizontal surface for longer than 6 days since I started this schedule. But I can't. But at least I know that if I get a few minutes tonight after we put the Little Guy to bed, I'll have a clean...(checking schedule)...Master Bath.</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3526146081310454310.post-91499035871544152602009-08-15T16:06:00.002-05:002009-08-15T16:12:23.678-05:00Ooops!I need to apologize to anyone here in Texas who tried to take advantage of the Kraft savings deal that I posted about a few days ago. My hubby went to the grocery store and found that of the grocery stores available to us, Albertson's is the only one partnered with Kraft for this promo. Unfortunately, Texas is one of the five states that isn't participating in this deal. So, if you live in B/CS, accept my apologies for toying with your saving senses.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3526146081310454310.post-2992305752368671032009-08-10T21:22:00.007-05:002009-08-10T21:48:35.010-05:00Build on the Rock<span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:'Charis SIL';"><sup id="en-NIV-23341" class="versenum" value="24" style=" line-height: normal; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: text-top; font-size:0.65em;"><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" font-weight: normal;font-size:16px;">In the last few weeks, two Bible passages jumped out at me because of their emphasis on wisdom and building one's house.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" font-weight: normal;font-size:16px;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" font-weight: normal;font-size:16px;">I'm leading a Bible study with some of the girls in our youth group, and we're going to be studying Proverbs 31:10-31. As I started preparing, I read a commentary that brought into focus the fact that all of the practical wisdom in Proverbs 31 is based on and rooted in the wisdom that comes from seeking the Lord. Without godly wisdom, any practical wisdom is worthless.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" font-weight: normal;font-size:16px;"><br /></span></span></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" font-weight: normal; font-size:16px;"><sup id="en-NIV-17315" class="versenum" value="30" style="font-size: 0.65em; line-height: normal; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: text-top; "><i>30</i></sup><i> Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; </i></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" font-weight: normal; font-style: italic; font-size:16px;"> but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.</span></div></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" font-weight: normal;font-size:16px;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" font-weight: normal;font-size:16px;">Then a couple weeks ago, in our Sunday evening service, our pastor read the Sermon on the Mount. The last thing included in Matthew's account of the Sermon is the parable of the houses built on rock and sand.</span></span></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><i><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size:16px;"><sup id="en-NIV-23341" class="versenum" value="24" style="font-size: 0.65em; line-height: normal; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: text-top; "><i>24</i></sup><i>"Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. </i><sup id="en-NIV-23342" class="versenum" value="25" style="font-size: 0.65em; line-height: normal; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: text-top; "><i>25</i></sup><i>The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. </i><sup id="en-NIV-23343" class="versenum" value="26" style="font-size: 0.65em; line-height: normal; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: text-top; "><i>26</i></sup><i>But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand.</i><sup id="en-NIV-23344" class="versenum" value="27" style="font-size: 0.65em; line-height: normal; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: text-top; "><i>27</i></sup><i>The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash."</i></span></div></i></sup></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'Charis SIL';"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'Charis SIL';">Again, I was reminded that all the building with wordly wisdom will not stand. It is Christ and His Word that our lives and families must be built on.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'Charis SIL';"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'Charis SIL';">I want the Word to be in my heart, on my tongue and even in my house for others to see. I've thought of (or heard of) a few ways to keep the Word more in front of my eyes, and I thought I'd share:</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'Charis SIL';"><br /></span></div><div><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:'Charis SIL';">My mother-in-law used to post notecards with Bible verses in random places throughout the house, that her family would see on a regular basis. For example, my husband tells a story about pulling open the fruit drawer in the fridge to find that Galatians 5:22, describing the fruits of the Spirit, was taped to the inside of the drawer. It didn't take him long to memorize that verse, without even working at it, just from seeing it every day.</span></li></ul><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:'Charis SIL';">Write a verse on a notecard or post-it and tape it to the side of your mirror.</span></li></ul><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:'Charis SIL';">My mom once got a gift of a decorative 4" x 5" frame, with the encouragement to write out a Bible verse, put it in the frame, and then put the frame near the kitchen sink.</span></li></ul><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:'Charis SIL';">Keep a notecard with a Bible verse in your pocket. Every time you reach for your keys, cell phone, etc, pull out the card and read the verse. </span></li></ul><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:'Charis SIL';">Memorize a verse with your family. Brian and I try (emphasis on try) to memorize verses together and quiz each other on one at mealtimes. This keeps us fresh, but also puts the Word in front of Jonathan as well. </span></li></ul><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:'Charis SIL';">Grab a stencil and a brush, and paint a verse as a border along the ceiling line of your wall.</span></li></ul></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'Charis SIL';"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'Charis SIL';">Those are just a few ways I've heard of or used. I'd love to hear some of the ways you've worked on memorizing or displaying the Word in your own home.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'Charis SIL';font-size:85%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:10px;"><b><br /></b></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'Charis SIL';"><br /></span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3526146081310454310.post-71283699471750929422009-08-06T20:02:00.003-05:002009-08-06T20:21:38.645-05:00Grocery Savings OpportunitiesSeveral companies or manufacturers are running great sales and savings events on groceries, so I wanted to pass them along to you!<div><br /></div><div>You can get $25 in free groceries from Kraft, with the combination of a coupon and mail-in rebate. Starting Friday, until the 23rd of this month, if you buy $25 of qualifying Kraft products, you will get a $5 coupon for your next purchase, as well as a $20 rebate form to mail in. There are a few dozen products that qualify, so I'm sure at least a few of them are things you regularly buy, or can stock up on. Go <a href="http://www.kraftfoods.com/SiteCollectionImages/ImageRepository/BTS/ShoppingList.pdf">here </a>for the list or products.</div><div><br /></div><div>Kellogs and Dell are partnered up right now to offer you savings. If you send 10 proofs of purchase (of qualifying products) and your original receipt from the purchase, with the rebate form, to Kellogs you'll get a $10 rebate form and a coupon code good for $70 towards the purchase of select Dell laptops. We're actually thinking about buying a new computer soon, so this might just come in handy for the Franklin Family. To take advantage of this offer, you will have to register on Kellog's website, which is <a href="http://www2.kelloggs.com/FamilyFocus/contentcta.aspx?id=1320">here</a>.</div><div><br /></div><div>Post has a $2 off coupon for their new cereal, Honey Bunches of Oats with Pecans. However, you do need java enabled on your computer to download the coupon. Click <a href="http://www.postcereals.com/honeybunchesofoats/">here</a> for the Post website.</div><div><br /></div><div>I hear that Albertsons is running a buy $30, get $15 back (in coupons) sale. Go <a href="http://www.thebargainjargon.com/2009/08/albertsons-85-811.html">here </a>for more information about that. This sales ends the 11th, so don't wait too long.</div><div><br /></div><div>I got almost all of the above information from a great site called The Bargain Jargon. The author is a stay at home mom who makes that possible by paying very close attention to sales and probably never paying full price for anything. She is amazing in the work she puts into saving money. Check her out <a href="http://www.thebargainjargon.com/">here</a>.</div><div><br /></div><div>That's all for now. It's time to contribute to the "putting the son to bed" campaign.</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3526146081310454310.post-10098564802739856752009-08-01T14:58:00.000-05:002009-08-01T15:07:12.102-05:00Vacuum CleaningWhen was the last time you looked under your vacuum cleaner?<div><br /><div>1 year?</div><div>2 years?</div><div>Longer?</div><div><br /></div><div>Go ahead, take a look. Pretty disgusting, huh?</div><div><br /></div><div>Now imagine what it would look like if it had been 8 years. That's what I found today. I was trying to vacuum a rug, and was having no success. I changed the (very full) bag, thinking that would fix the problem. I still wasn't getting good sucking power, so something prompted me to flip that puppy over and check out the beater bar. </div><div><br /></div><div>Ewww. 8 years worth of dirt, dust, hair and other unmentionables. Twenty minutes later, after attacking the vacuum with a screwdriver, utility knife and needle-nose pliers, the vacuum worked again! Hurrah!</div><div><br /></div><div>So today's house building tip...clean your vacuum!</div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3526146081310454310.post-5985398533977222962009-07-31T22:37:00.000-05:002009-07-31T22:40:24.776-05:00First PostHere is the obligatory first post on my new blog. I had plans of actually posting something substantial for the first post (to avoid the "first post" post) but I spent so much time making the site look like and say what I wanted, that there's no time left for substance. Oh well. Maybe tomorrow. Should I post about meal-planning, decorating tips, or organizing? Wait, who am I asking? No one even knows this blog exists yet. Maybe I should work on that tomorrow too...Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1