God's Wisdom

Request and receive God's wisdom. Wisdom from above is pure, peaceable, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and unwavering.
Selfish ambition in you heart is against wisdom from above.
Let a gentle spirit be known to all. Be anxious for nothing - in everything by prayer with thanksgiving bring your request before God and His peace which is above our comprehension will guard your hearts and minds . Think on things that are true, pure, lovely, of good repute and all things worthy of praise.
Ask the Holy Spirit to help you resist wrong thoughts. He is our helper and will always be with us, teach us all things and bring to our remembrance what Jesus has said.
Remember the deeds of the Lord. Remember His wonders of old and meditate on His works. He is the One who works wonders today.
Incline your heart to His testimonies and turn away your eyes from looking at vanity. Ask Him to revive you in His ways, establish His word in you to produce reverence of Him.
James 1:5, 3:17; Philippians 4:5-8; John 3:14-16, 14:16,26; Psalms 77:11-14, 119:36-38

Draw Near to God

New insights from my Bible study "Me, Myself and Lies" by Jennifer Rothschild
Take every thought captive to the obedience of Christ. Satan attacks us with wrong and negative ideas and we should keep our focus on Jesus to stay strong. The weapons for our warfare with the dark one is divinely powerful. Do not conforn to this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind through God's word and prayer. God is at work in us and gives power, love and discipline. He is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.
Jesus said "Come to me all who are weak and heavy laden and I will give you rest."
Go to Him in all things. Praise God and give Him glory because He created all things and because of His will they exist. That includes each one of us. God draws near to all who call on Him in truth.
2 Corinthians 10:5; Romans 12:2; Philippians 2:13; Matthew 11:28-29; Psalm 145:18

Cell Phones

Most of us have heard in the past of problems with radiation in cell phones. I guess we think someone corrects the problem as new phones are designed. One of my favorite sites EWG.org (Enviromental Working Group) has done 10 months of research and have found that there is still a concern over radiation in cell phones. They tested 1000 phones so chances are yours will be listed. You can go to the above mentioned site and to see the research. They list the 10 best and the 10 worst. You can also look up your phone and see how it rates.

Peace In Your Heart

Time really flies. I have just returned from Dallas where I was visiting family. I certainly enjoy going there.
I have been doing a Bible study called "Me, Myself and Lies" by Jennifer Rothschild.
It is an easy study on how to keep our thoughts in check and keep focused in the right direction. In the first week I learned that it doesn't have to be well with your circumstances to be well with your soul. Don't confuse your identity with your struggles. When mistakes and problems come, learn from them but don't dwell on self-blame. We are God's creation and He doesn't make mistakes! You may have experienced in times of turmoil that you will feel a peace in your heart. God will do that for you. "Thy will keep in perfect peace whose mind is on Thee" from Isaiah 26:3 is a daily thought in my mind.
God has wondrous thoughts toward us and His thoughts to me are precious. He has searched me and knows me. He is familiar with all my ways. Before a word is on my tongue, He knows it completely. (isn't that amazing)
Meditate on His wonders, statues, precepts and word. Set your mind on things above and not things of the earth.
He will hear my voice. His consolation will bring delight to my soul.
Let God hear from you. Honor Him in who we are.
Psalm 40:5; Psalm 55:17; Psalm 94:9, 19; Psalm 119; Psalm 139:1-4,17;
Colossians 3:2

Fire Retardants in our Lives

Another problem with chemicals in our environment is PBDE's - polybrominated diphenyl ethers. It is in furniture, electronics, mattresses, pillows, carpet and padding, child car seats, cell phones, lighting and building material. Is that enough? This list is some of the most common.
But,this does not include children's fire retardant pajamas. They are treated with yet a different chemical. If there is little chance that your child will be around a fire it is best not to use these pajamas.
Exposure to small doses of PBDE's during the development stages of the unborn can cause damage to the reproductive system, cause problems with motor skills and learning, memory and hearing problems.
As children are smaller they are absorbing more than adults.
Foam in upholstery items is a big problem. Since 2004 the US made foam is safe because the chemicals are no longer made here and cannot be imported. If you have older products try to replace them but if that isn't possible cover any exposed foam but don't go to the expense to upholster old foam furniture. Use a vacuum with HEPA filter and a home HEPS air cleaner. Be careful when removing carpet and padding. Remove it from the house as quickly as possible and clean all the leftovers off the floor quickly.
When shopping for new items ask about fire retardant qualities. Don't buy ones with brominated fire retardants or natural brominated latex foam. They may contain substitute chemicals that have not been tested properly. Use less flammable fabrics as leather, wool or cotton if possible.
A form of PBDE in electronics is DECA. It is in TVs, cell phones, fax machines, remote controls, printers, copiers, scanners, kitchen appliances, fans, heaters, hair dryers, lamp sockets and on and on.
If children tend to put things in their mouths do not let them play with the cell phones or remotes.
EWG.org is the source of this information and they have a partial list of PBDE free electronics.

Plastic Food Containers and BPA

Most of us have heard lately of concerns over plastics in food and beverage containers. The main concern is BPA - bisphenol-A. This is a toxic chemical used to harden plastics. Research shows that BPA can cause serious and sometimes irreversible damage to our health. Some scientist consider it to be toxic to developing unborn babies.
It is used in Coke products and some executives from Coca Cola were willing to meet with the EWG - Environmental Working Group to discuss the issue. Coca Cola does not have a suitable substitute for BPA but they are willing to keep in touch with the EWG to be informed with developments in this area.
Del Monte on the other hand would not respond to EWG's request to discuss the issue.
For more information on BPA and how to contact Del Monte to show your concern go to
EWG.org

COUNT YOUR BLESSINGS

Due to some experiences of yesterday I am so thankful for my blessings in life.
I have always had good health and so has my family. I have a wonderful family who are sunshine in my life. I have 3 wonderful sons,2 great daughter-in-laws,
5 energetic grandchildren a mother, two brothers and their families. I have a nice home and it is in the United States of American of which I am most thankful. Jesus lives in my heart and that is the best part of all.
Bless the Lord, oh my soul, with all that is within me I bless His holy name. He pardons iniquities, redeems lives from the pit and crowns us with lovingkindness and compassion. Psalms 103:1-4

Picky Eaters

For children to be picky about what they eat is a very common thing. The key is to offer healthy foods and give them some choices. Let them pick and then keep a supply of those things on hand. Of course, a few weeks later they may not like that item anymore so you will need to adjust sometimes.
Always serve one of their favorites at meal time and add nutritious items to go with it. Encourage them to taste every item.
Some children may be snackers and eat a little at a meal and be hungry an hour later. Give them nutritious things at this time rather than candy or chips. Try vegetables with a dip. You can use yogurt instead of sour cream to make a very tasty dip.
Try to encourage your children to eat at set times like 3 main meals and a light snack mid morning and mid afternoon. This habit will be best if there is problem with weight later in life. Having food constantly in front of them causes them to be too focused on food.
Fix things in shapes of letters, numbers, trains and smiley faces. Let them help pick the shape of noodles that you buy. Choose whole grains, fruits, vegetables, dairy and lean protein.
Children learn from their parents habits so eat healthy in front of them.

Blog Scare

I heard this morning on Fox news that a scam artist had taken a boy's picture off of his mom's blog and used it to list him as a child that was for sale. I think they said on Craigs list but not totally sure about that.
What is wrong with people?

Giveaways

Go to womansday.com and sign up for a vacation in places like Costa Rica, Jamaica, St. Martin, New York, Niagara Falls, Lake Las Vegas and more. Also, there are other giveaways besides trips. You can usually enter once each day until the deadline. I think you have to pay your own air fare on the trips but some of the meals may be included. Click on giveaways at the top of the page.

Troubles

We all have some form of troubles even on a daily basis. Some are worse than others. Jesus says in John 16 that we will have trouble. In Jesus there is peace but not as the world gives peace. Peace with Jesus is one that surpasses all comprehension and guards our hearts and minds. Let not your heart be troubled or fearful. The Bible says to be content with weaknesses, insults, distresses, persecutions, difficulties for Christ's sake for when we are weak we are strong. In our times of weakness we turn to God and let His power fill us making us strong. Turn to God in the best of times also and so that He will be filling us constantly with His ways. Jesus said for the weary and heavy-laden to come to Him and He will give them rest.
In God's hand are our life breath and our ways. What a blessing that is!
John 16:33; 14:27; Philippians 4:6-7; 2 Corinthians 12:10; Matthew 11:28; Daniel 5:23

Hand Sanitizer

Dr. Isadore Rosenfeld who is a contributor to Fox News reported on Sunday that we need to watch children when we give them sanitizer to clean their hands. It has a good bit of alcohol and if you have a child that licks his hands he can actually get a bit of intoxication. It is best to use plain soap and water in this case. Keep an eye on the little ones. Dr. Rosenfeld always has wise advice.

"Health Food" Caution

Some foods that are presented as healthy still may not be the best choices.

Yogurt - the flavored and custard style are high in sugar. The best way to eat yogurt is to buy plain and add vanilla extract, stevia (a natural sweetener) and berries.
Granola bars - another form of a cookie. One of the best know brands has 5 types of sugar. Be sure to check the labels.
Wheat bread - "wheat flour" and "unbleached flour" are refined. The really soft bread contains corn syrup and/or hydrogenated oil. Read the labels! I saw a label that says 100% whole wheat with some other grains and more than one sweetener. The label should say 100% WHOLE GRAIN.
Fruit juices - a refined food. The fiber is removed. Without fiber sugar will be quickly absorbed causing a blood sugar rush.
Chocolate milk - has sugar and caffeine but is a better choice than an energy drink after workout or sports. It has the proper ratio of carbs to proteins and the lactose sugars are better absorbed than sugars in energy drinks.
Peanut Butter - a good source of monounsaturated fat for heart health but no need to buy the reduced fat jar because the added sugar keeps the calories at the same level or higher. Check for sodium content (can range from 40 - 250 mg) and sugars. The natural brands have about 1/2 the sugar as the more commercial.

Tips for Mosquitos and other Summer Bugs

1. For mosquitoes try taking a B1 vitamin (thiamine) - 200 milligrams a day for adults and 100 milligrams for children. This was recommended by one US doctor back in 1943 and is still recommended today. Some of the vitamin is excreted through the skin and it is suppose to be enough to repel mosquitoes.
2. If a bug gets in the ear turn your head toward bright light immediately. Bugs are attracted to light and it should come out unless it is stuck in ear wax. In that case you may need medical attention.
3. To remove an embedded tick from your skin, let 2 drops of clear fingernail polish fall onto the tick to cover it completely. Within seconds it will release and back out.
4. If you live near woods or a natural area try sprinkling moth crystals around the edge of your yard. It is suppose to repel ticks and chiggers and it is certainly better than using chemical pesticides.

Strawberry Ice Cream Treat

Very easy and refreshing strawberry ice cream!
1 envelope of Knox unflavored gelatine
3/4 cup of sugar
2 cups of milk
1 - 10oz pkg. of frozen strawberries in heavy syrup, thawed & chopped
2 cups (1 pint) whipping cream, whipped
In medium saucepan combine gelatine, sugar and milk.
Let stand 1 minute. Then stir over low heat until gelatine is
completely dissolved - about 5 minutes.
Remove from heat; stir in strawberries.
Chill; stirring occasionally until mixture mounds slightly when
dropped from spoon.
Fold whipped cream into gelatine mixture. Pour into 9 x 9" baking pan
and freeze until firm. Makes about 1 & 1/2 quarts

Sunscreen Research

We certainly are exposed to a lot of chemicals in our lives. The Environmental Working Group (EWG) tested 1606 sunscreens and 3 of 5 were inadequate protection from the sun and/or contained toxic ingredients.
42% of the tested sunscreens contained oxybenzone which is shown in tests to disrupt the endocrine system and release reactive oxygen species that could contribute to skin cancer.
Only 5% of the sunscreens tested met the EWG guidelines.
The FDA does not hold the manufacturers responsible so it is up to us to educate ourselves.
Go to EWG.org for a list of approved sunscreens.

Yummy Peach Cobbler

In my area peaches will be in abundance this summer. I want to share my favorite peach cobbler.
1/2 cup of butter
1 and 1/2 cups of sugar
1 cup of flour
2 tsp baking powder
3/4 cup milk
6-7 peeled and sliced peaches

Preheat oven to 350 degrees
Melt butter in a 9 x 9 baking dish. Mix 1 cup of sugar with flour, baking powder and milk. Mix well and drop by spoon into baking dish. Arrange peach slices over butter. Sprinkle with remaining sugar. Drizzle 1/2 cup water over peaches.
Bake 50 minutes or until brown.

To Freeze Peaches
Peel and slice peaches. Sprinkle with fruit fresh to keep color fresh. Put in freezer bags. I like to use Reynolds Handi-Vac. It does a good job of getting the air out of the bag. You may not need the fruit fresh if using these bags but I haven't tried freezing without it.

JOY IN THE JOURNEY

Count it all joy when you fall into various trials knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. Ask God for wisdom to guide you through and it will be given to you when you ask in faith without doubting.
Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction and faithful in prayer.
Go to the alter of God who is your exceeding joy and praise His name.
Make His word the joy and rejoicing of your heart.
The joy of Jesus fills you and is abiding.
God will show me the path of life. In His presence is fullness of joy.
Weeping may endure for a night but joy comes in the morning.
James 1:2-6, Romans 12:12, Psalm 43:4, Jeremiah 15:16, John 15:11, Psalm 16:11,
Psalm 30:5

Lemons, oranges and limes look so refreshing. Decorate with them whole or sliced in bowls or platters. Add leaves to accent if you like.
Slice lemons and oranges and put in a pitcher of water to make a delicious, basically calorie free summer drink.
Citrus is a great source of vitamin C which helps the immune system and has antioxidant properties. One fourth a cup per day is very beneficial.
Try growing a citrus plant. Their blooms smell wonderful. For beginners try a Calamondin which is a petite orange fruit. A good selection of a larger tree size citrus would be the Improved Meyer lemon. It will do well for several years in a 5-7gallon container which isn't that large. You will need to move citrus indoors for the winter. The need a half day of direct sunlight to do well. Keep soil moist, use an insecticidal soap mist for mites and use a fertilizer for citrus and your plant should be successful.

Last but not least - a delicious dessert - Lemon Delite

INGREDIENTS: 1-13oz can of evaporated milk, 3 eggs, 2/3 cup of sugar, 9 tablespoons of lemon juice, 1/4 teaspoon of lemon zest, salt and 6 tablespoons of graham crumbs

1. Chill a 13oz can of evaporated milk in a 9 x 9 baking pan until almost frozen at edges.
2. Mix in a bowl 3 egg yolks, 2/3 cup of sugar, 3 tablespoons of lemon juice,
1/4 teaspoon of grated lemon zest and a dash of salt.
3. Put ice cold evaporated milk and 3 egg whites into a cold bowl from the electric mixer. Use cold beaters, whip with electric mixer at high speed until fluffy.
4. Add 6 tablespoons of lemon juice and whip until stiff. Beat in sugar mixture gradually at low speed until well mixed. Pour back into the 9 x 9 pan. Sprinkle top with 6 tablespoons of graham cracker crumbs. Freeze until firm - about 3 hours.

Mother's Day Craft

Cute and easy flower basket for the children to make for someone special on mother's day.
You will need:
paper for the basket, a variety of tissue paper for the flowers and Chenille stems.

Draw a 7 inch circle and at two opposite ends make tabs that are 2.5 inches out from the circle and 1.5 inches wide. Tape the two tabs together to make the basket handle.
Cut from the tissue paper rectangle pieces that are 3 inches by 1 inch. You will need 6 for each flower. Cut the ends to be rounded. Put 6 of the petals together and twist a chenille stem around the center of them. Pull each tissue petal out a little to fluff the flower. Stick the chenille stem into the handle of the basket. You may want to stick them into the bottom also to make them more sturdy.

Lighter Desserts

Desserts are wonderful but they come with so many calories.
Here are a few ideas for cutting back.

1. Don't grease pans with butter or margarine. Use a spritz of cooking spray instead.
2. Omit up to 1/2 of the butter, margarine or oil in cakes, breads, muffins or bar cookies. Use applesauce or fruit-based replacement(as Lighter Bake).
3. Substitute plain or low-fat yogurt or reduced fat sour cream for regular sour cream in cakes and muffins.
4. Use light cream cheese in cheesecakes instead of regular. It will save 6 grams of fat and 60 calories per slice.
5. Use 1/4 cup of no cholesterol egg substitute or 2 egg whites for each egg (up to 2 eggs) in breads, muffins and cakes. Too many egg whites will affect the texture.
6. Instead of the standard size chocolate chips in cookies use 1/2 the amount of mini semisweet chips.
7. Skip the bottom crust of a pie. Pour filling into pie plate and add top crust. This will be cobbler style.
8. Use 1% or skim milk and rather than heavy cream pour in light cream or half and half. (If making whipping cream you will need the regular heavy cream). For evaporated or condensed milk use the low fat or fat free.

HIS ALL FOR ME

How can you thank the One who gave His all - His precious blood - to redeem me from all iniquity.
His love surpasses knowledge. He is the Way, the Truth and the Life. He is the Savior and Light of the world!
Thank Him by living a life that points the way to Him. Keep Christ holy in your hearts always being ready to make a defense to everyone who ask you about the hope that is in you yet with gentleness and reverence.
John 4:42, 8:12, 14:6; Ephesians 3:19; Titus 2:14; 1 Peter 3:15

EASTER BAGS

BE CREATIVE WITH DECORATED BAGS FOR EASTER

Grass: crepe or tissue paper in small strips

Eggs: colored craft or construction paper

Bunny: pom-poms (smaller one for the head)

Eyes: black beads or wiggly eyes

Ears: 1 bump chenille stem cut in 2 appropriate sizes

Ribbon around neck

Decorate to your hearts content!

(can add a tiny pink pom-pom for nose; use blush if you like on the front center on the ears)

ROCKET FUEL IN BABY FORMULA

Another shocking bit of news that has come out this week is that 15 brands of powdered infant formula contain perchlorate - a rocket fuel ingredient. The water in 28 states also contain this chemical so babies in those states get a double dose if formula is mixed with tap water. This is definitely above safe levels if there is such a thing as safe levels in food or liquid.
This report is from the U.S. Center of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
The article I received is from EWG.org They have a "take action" page if you want to go to their website.

Children's Bath Products

Shocking news that I just received from the Environmental Working Group is that several of the top selling children's bath products are contaminated with the cancer-causing chemicals formaldehyde and 1,4 dioxane. This is according to tests from the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics. They are not on the labels because contaminants are exempt from labeling laws.

The Environmental Protection Agency lists formaldehyde as a probable human carcinogen and a more immediate reaction could be rashes in some children. These two chemicals are ban in some countries already.

Some of the products with these two chemicals are Johnson's Baby Shampoo, Sesame Street Bubble Bath, Grins & Giggles Milk & Honey Baby Wash and Huggies Naturally Refreshing Cucumber & Green Tea Baby Wash, Baby Magic Baby Lotion (highest level of Formaldehyde) and America Girl shower products (highest level of 1,4-dioxane.

I suppose it is in adult products too but children are more sensitive. We need to be careful what we use when chemicals are involved and I will do some research for safe products.

Jelly Bean Nest

Quick and easy coconut nest for Easter decorating, eating or just fun for the kids to make. Makes 10-12 nests
Ingredients
green food coloring
1/2 teaspoon milk
1 1/3 cup sweetened shredded coconut
6 oz. white almond bark, chopped
jelly beans
In a small bowl mix 3 drops of food coloring with milk. Toss coconut with coloring until evenly tinted.
Following package directions to melt the almond bark and stir in the coconut mixture. Drop
by tablespoons onto wax paper. Make an indention to shape into nests. Cool completely.
Store in airtight container. Fill with jelly beans when ready to use.

Isn't it wonderful to see the span of generations. This is GiGi with her great-grands from Texas. GiGi has 9 great grandchildren and they all
like going to her house. (One is too young so we don't know if she will like it but I bet she will follow the others.) It will be very special memories as they grow older.
I have vague memories of one great grandmother. Boy, how things have changed. I wonder what changes will take place over the next 50 years that this two young ones will see. My great grandmother didn't have electricity or a telephone. What would we do without cell phones?

Instant Chocolate Cake (almost)

For those craving chocolate - right now!
For a homemade taste this is about as quick as you can get.

Mug Cake
4 tablespoons flour 4 tablespoons sugar
2 tablespoons cocoa 1 egg
3 tablespoons milk
3 tablespoons oil
3 tablespoons chocolate chips (optional)
3 drops vanilla flavoring

Add dry ingredients to mug & mix. Add egg and mix. Pour in the milk and oil and mix well.
Add chocolate chips if using and vanilla flavoring and mix.
Place in microwave and bake for 3 minutes (1000 watts). the cake will rise over the top of the
mug but will fall - that is ok.
Allow cake to cool a couple of minutes, then tip out onto a plate. Dig in!

SPRING HAS SPRUNG

SPRING HAS SPRUNG! What a wonderful time of the year to see all the new growth and colors that have been placed in this world. I am not a big gardener but I always plant some herbs. Oregano and basil always do very well . There are several types so you can try different ones.

Then I buy another something here and one there and before long I have too many things to plant. Begonias always do well and if in pots can be brought indoors and kept through the winter.

Last year I bought a butterfly bush. I left it in the pot so it didn't grow much but it was attracting butterflies. I am going to plant it in the ground this year so it will grow.

They get 5' or so and I hope a lot of butterflies will come.

It didn't require much attention - that is the kind of things I need.

I have seen the tomatoes that grow downward from a hanging pot. I may try that. It looks interesting.

Watch the rabbits. They will nibble on some plants.

Women of Isaiah 3

I have just started back in my Precept Bible study on Isaiah. We are just on chapter 3 but we have already learned so much.

I was humbled when we got into chapter 3 and I saw myself there. Israel is living in great sin again and they have forsaken the Lord, turned their backs on Him and rebelled in speech and action.

Then in chapter 3 verse 16 it turns to the daughters of Zion (Israel). They are proud and walk with their heads held high, wearing headbands, anklets, ornaments, dangling earrings, bracelets, veils, headdresses, sashes, perfume, finger rings, nose
rings, outer tunics, undergarments, cloaks, money purses, and hand mirrors. God is going to afflict their scalps and take away the beauty of these things.

What hit me at my age is worrying so much about wrinkles and grey hair.

But in chapter 1:18 God says to them "Come, let us reason together."
He is willing to help us work on our issues and that is why prayer and reading His word is so important.

I am glad I found these verses because it has opened my eyes about some of the things I do and their importance.

Buy Wisely

Check this out! What a great idea.

Go to newdream.org/walletbuddy.pdf
There you will find a print out for two credit card covers
with a little poem titled:

"Buy Wisely"
"Do I need this & do I need it now? Was it made sustainably?
Were the workers who made it treated well?
Does it have too much packaging? Is it worth the money?"

Credit cards are so common now but a good idea is to carry a
budgeted amount of cash for the day and stop spending when
it is gone.

The Majesty of the Lord

Wonderful insight from Isaiah 2:

Let us walk in the light of the Lord
that He may teach us concerning His ways.
Exalt the Lord and do not
worship the work of thy hand.
Stop regarding man for why should he be esteemed?

Focus on the splendor of the majesty of the Lord.

Island Giveway

It is hard to believe that two weeks of January have passed. I finally put up all the Christmas decorations. Hobby Lobby has 90% off on what they have left and I bought about $1.50 worth to add to an arrangement next year. A very nice local store here has 75% off. They had some lovely wreaths around $25 but I don't really need one. They really are pretty.

It is hard to get going with the gloom of winter. We have had some sunny days but the next few days will be really cold.

Check out womansday.com/giveways for a whole list of good things that you can sign up to win.
The vacations caught my attention and there were several including some specials to DisneyWorld. Trips include Dominican Republic, San Diego, Poconos, and the Turks and Caicos.
Someone has to win!

Savings Tip

Here is a great idea that I heard on a news show today:

Try to go one day a week without spending any money. Let the husband take a lunch to work and the children take lunch to school but don't buy anything on that day.

If that is easy to do try for two days a week without buying anything.
The savings can add up and it may be easier to do than you think.

Activities for the children

Here are some websites to use with the children for education and fun.

kidsdigreed.com helps learn about archaeology and history by a variety of activities about the Reed Farm in Virginia.
funschool.com has a large selection of games and activities
familyplay.com directs you to others sites from games, crafts, toys, etc.
kids.gov has a large selection of links to sites by subject

Fitness-Nutrition Game

During the Christmas season I came across a game that combines fitness with nutrition - "Healthy Hurdles."
It would be great for home schooling but beneficial for any child 6 yrs. and up.
Players exercise while they try to collect food from each food group and create balanced meals.
It has 50 different exercises and two levels of play for 2-6 players.
$21.95 from LearningResources.com

Grocery Saving Ideas

We are truly a country of waste.
Here are a few simple ideas for saving on food spending. It can add up before you know it.

Try to eat at home as much as possible. If that is a problem start by eating at home one more time a week than you do now.
You can cut the cost of the meal in half or maybe more. Multiply that by 52 weeks and that can be a nice savings.
Try to eat at home more than you eat out.

We also tend to let a lot of food spoil so don't buy more than you will use. Keep your refrigerator up to date and put the things with the shorter shelf life to the front. Plan for the week based on what you need to use in the refrigerator before you go to the store.
Wrap cheeses in foil after it is opened because the plastic causes mold to form quicker.

To revive limp lettuce remove the core, cover the lettuce in a bowl of cold water with the juice of 1/2 lemon and refrigerate for 1 hour. I haven't tried this but it comes from "The Complete Idiot's Guide to 20-Minute Meals."

Don't throw out hardened brown sugar. Just put a slice of apple in with it and seal it in an airtight container until it softens.

Have one vegetarian meal a week or cut back slightly on your serving size of meat and add more vegetables and there will be some saving that way also.

Cut back on the use of individual sized servings as juice cups or fruit cups. It is much more economical to but a larger size and divide it into reusable individual containers at home.

Strawberry Bread

Quick and easy comfort food for a cold winter day.

Strawberry Bread
1 10oz package of frozen strawberries
2 eggs
5/8 cup of cooking oil
1 & 1/2 cups flour
3/4 cup of sugar
1 & 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon soda
1/2 cups of nuts (optional)

Thaw & puree strawberries,
Add eggs and oil.
In separate bowl combine:
flour, sugar, cinnamon, salt, soda, & nuts
Add egg mixture to dry mixture and stir just enough to blend.
Use a 9 x 5 loaf pan; bake 350 degrees for 1 hour

Contentment

The picture of contentment from my former faithful friend.

Happy New Year!

The last six weeks or so have been a very stressful time. It seems that things are pulling from all side and I can barely get the necessities accomplished. I feel so alone.

In 2 Corinthian 12 we are told to be content in all things and that is a constant goal of mine. Sometimes we make choices that we think will made life better and it may make it worse.

I think the mental stress is what is so hard.

Praise God from whom all blessings flow no matter what the circumstance.

Thanks for letting me vent. I plan to have more ideas and hints this week.