My REAL family

There is a truism that says you get to choose your friends, but you don’t get to choose your relatives. This is heard by many of us for the first time while being admonished by our parents about the kids we chose to hang around with.

Later in life, it is used to assure others that the behavior of a crazy uncle or cousin who lives in someone’s attic is not hereditary and has no bearing on our own disposition – present or future.
I have many family members (cousins, aunts, uncles, in-laws) that love me and I love them. I am proud to be their relative. Some I haven't seen in many years, but I continue to love them and cherish the times we have been able to spend together.Then there are those family members with whom, no matter what you do, will never be your family.

I have friends, some of you reading this, that are my family. Some of you, like Bob Jones, have stepped in many times to be my brother, when I needed one so desperately. And my friend Terry Kelly, my kindred spirit, the sister I never had. And my late cousin, Dave Long who loved me unconditionally and understood me - how I miss you tonight. And my beautiful college roommate, Jana Torgrimson, who has loved me through all the challenges that life has brought my way.

And so many more of you who have loved me and been a true friend and have been there for me when it counted.
Thank you to those of you who are my REAL family - to those of you who love me unconditionally.

Just because. Because we are family in our hearts.

The real facts about cookie calories!

If you eat a Christmas cookie fresh out of the oven, it has no calories because everyone knows that the first cookie is the test and thus calorie free.

If you drink a diet soda after eating your second cookie, it also has no calories because the diet soda cancels out the cookie calories.

If a friend comes over while you're making your Christmas cookies and needs to sample, you must sample with your friend. Because your friend's first cookie is calorie free, rule #1 is yours also. It would be rude to let your friend sample alone and, being the friend that you are, that makes your cookie calorie free, as well.

Any cookie calories consumed while walking around will fall to your feet and eventually fall off as you move. This is due to gravity and the density of the caloric mass.

Any calories consumed during the frosting of The Christmas cookies will be used up because it takes many calories to lick excess frosting from a knife without cutting your tongue.

Cookies colored red or green have very few calories. Red ones have three and green ones have five - one calorie for each letter. (Make more red ones!)

Cookies eaten while watching "Miracle on 34th Street" have NO calories because they are part of the entertainment package and not part of one's personal fuel.

As always, cookie 'pieces' contain no calories because the process of breaking causes calorie leakage.

Any cookies consumed from someone else's plate have no calories since the calories rightfully belong to the other person and will cling to their plate. (We all know how calories like to CLING!)

Any cookies consumed while feeling stressed have no calories because cookies used for medicinal purposes NEVER have calories. (It's a rule!)

Jenn's Journal - Third Annual Cookie Recipe Contest

Ok - never mind that I haven't posted a blog since January. This has become one of my rituals for Christmas - participating in the Jenn's Journal Virtual Cookie Exchange Recipe Swap Contest.....or whatever it's called!

Yes, I know I am going to have to advertise for anyone to even know this blog is here. Drop it! LOL I will do what I have to do.

For my entry this year, I have chosen something that was a fond memory from my childhood. I can remember my mother making these - especially at Easter time. And that little morsel of sweetness and coconut, crumbled in your mouth, every bite delicate and tender.

What is it? POTATO CANDY. Stay with me. It's very versatile and you can do a lot of different things with it.

Here is the basic recipe:

1/2 cup of cooked hot mashed potatoes
2 tsp of butter, softened
4-5 cups of confectioner's sugar (icing sugar)
dash of salt
2-3 cups of coconut
1 tsp. vanilla

With a mixer, combine the hot mashed potatoes, salt, vanilla and the butter. Slowly add 1 cup at a time, the confectioner's sugar until a stiff batter is formed. Mix in by hand the coconut. Roll into balls or form into logs. Dip in melted chocolate, if desired. Cool and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

***Note - add peppermint extract for a "Christmas" candy.

There are also variations that have you leave out the coconut, and rolled the "fondant" into a rectagular shape, spread with peanut butter, roll up and cut into slices for Potato Pinwheels.

You can also omit the coconut, roll the mixture into balls, tint the coconut with food coloring (red or green for Christmas) and make coconut balls.

You can even find Potato Fudge recipes and truly, the fudge is so good!

I hope some of you will try this recipe and have fun with it.

For links to more delicious recipes: http://www.jennsjournal.net/

Jet Puffed Toys?

The marshmallow is a confection, that is a mixture of sugar, corn syrup, water, gelatin, dextrose, flavorings - all whipped to a spongy consistency.

This definition does not say anything about a marshmallow being a cat toy.

However at our house, right now - a dried up mini-marshmallow is the toy of choice among the cats living with us. They are quite animated - jumping, pouncing, running, patting, swatting......

Engineers work countless hours to design cat toys full of catnip - all kinds of creative things. The walls at the Pet supply store are stocked full of them. Most costing $5.00 or more each!

However, our two cats, who have a box full of various cat toys, prefer only a dried up marshmallow, the milk ring off the gallon jug, a cardboard box lid and an occasional mousie.

Dried up marshmallows...........who would have thought........

Resolutions

From Father Balash - St. Joseph Church Mantua, OH

NEW YEAR'S DAY 2008

Numbers 6.22-27///Galatians 4.4-7///Luke 2.16-21

It is a tradition at this time of year for a lot of people to make resolutions for the New Year…some of the resolutions we make are easily attainable, while others are a bit more difficult to fulfill….when I thought about what I might say on this the first mass of the New Year I thought I might suggest some resolutions as well for all of us as we continue to live our lives and as we continue to strive to become better members of the Body of Christ.

I came up with 10 suggested resolutions….believe it or not…..that might be practical for you, for your families, for all of us to perhaps work towards accomplishing in this New Year.

Resolution #1 --- Cut each other some slack this New Year[how about] making a point to remember that not one of us is perfect….each of us are going to make mistakes; everyone of us is going to have a bad day now and then…yet what a difference our homes might be…if we didn't always pounce on one another when things happen in a way that they are not suppose to….->in other words we might sometimes forget to give phone messages…or put an empty milk carton back in the refrigerator, or mistakenly break a window or a promise…..and this doesn't mean it's alright to do these things, or that there do not need to be consequences…..but what it does mean is that when these things happen….the response needs to be appropriate….and when some one is having a bad day that we recognize that and give them some space….in other words….cut them some slack.

Resolution #2 --- Be polite to one another. Words like "please" and "thank you" need to reenter our vocabulary these days and become habits once again…habits of the head and habits of the heart. Manners however are more than just words…having good manners also means not hogging the bathroom and using all the hot water…not whining about the dinner menu or maliciously teasing others for now reason at all.

Resolution #3 ---takes number 2 one step further…in addition to being polite to one another…resolution 3 is having a generous heart….which means breaking away from our tunnel vision and making the extra effort to see that others are taken care of…like letting someone else control the remote…or clearing the dinner table even on the night when its not your turn.

Resolution #4…perhaps the most important one….EAT TOGETHER THIS YEAR…plain and simple…shut off the television, the computer, the ipods, the gameboys and visit with one another during dinner….how do we expect to be close to one another and care about one another if we don't talk and listen to one another.

Resolution #5 - Underschedule….make this year of 2008 the 12 months without year-round sports for the kids…activities at school and extra assignments at work….at some point this year, for at least a few months…say "no" for a change. Let kids be kids this year…instead of little adults on ridiculously tight schedules and how about if we adults….be a little bit more like the way we were when we were kids…. "forget" the cell phone and pager now and then….do you realize that all of us have lived life much longer without those things than with them…and we survived just fine for all those years.

Resolution #6 --- laugh with one another, and not at one another….nothing more needs to be said about this.

Resolution #7 --- Spend Less….how about we spend less on things and more on people. Spend less on toys and electronic gadgets for children and adults….spend less than you make….--if your family is like most families…your homes are packed with stuff…we live in a society that screams to us "buy, buy, buy….because the more you buy the happier you will be….which simply isn't true. Unfortunately we live in world where we measure people's success by the "things" they possess…but as we all know…that can too quickly and easily lead to being possessed by those things.

Resolution #8…[I call it] the "if you" resolution>if you make a mess…clean it up; if you break it…then fix it, if you take it out, put it back.

Resolution #9 --- Avoid relying on assumptions, guesses, notions or theories…i.o.w. do not assume that the other person knows what you are thinking or feeling….say the words "I am sorry, I love you"….same them often and say them out loud.

Resolution #10….Pray and pray often…in fact pray daily. Pray for each other and with each other….come to Church every Sunday…make it a year without missing Mass even once…ask the [Lord] to bless and protect your family over the next 12 months…pray for each other…and pray for our parish and Church…be actively involved and live the call we have all received.

10 resolutions for us to consider to make life a bit more better…to make our life as Christians and members of the Body of Christ more meaningful and more like Christ. May 2008 be the best for you and for your family…May this new year be filled with God's blessings and peace and may all of us bring that peace and good will to one another…not only now but throughout the coming 12 months…..Happy New Year to you!

We are blessed.

Perhaps one of my resolutions should be to blog more often! Some of my blogger friends post almost daily - putting my feeble efforts to shame!

But today I have been once again reminded of the many blessings of my life. It began when I started sorting out clothes and doing laundry. I went through some of my stuff and decided to put some of it in the "giveaway" pile.

I had donated in December to the Homeless Vets in Cleveland - an organization that takes care of our dear veterans who find themselves without a warm home and a place to get a shower - get some clean clothes and a hot meal. These are then provided for them. I crocheted scarves and hats for this organization for Christmas - it just breaks my heart to think of these men and women who have sacrificed so much for our freedom and now they are out in this terrible cold......it brings tears to my eyes.

Meanwhile, I had begun to participate in the KentRavenna Freecycle group on Yahoo. I had picked up a few things from different people - and decided to see if anyone wanted my stuff.

I listed some clothes - some nightgowns - some shoes - a clock radio. Items I didn't wear anymore - hadn't worn in years.....

And my goodness - the response. I could have given away everything 5 times over. And the stories that people emailed me - just broke my heart. The need is so great.

From people who need clothes - to people who need food. That is why my husband and I try to help out with the Angel Food ministry at our church http://www.angelfoodministries.com/.

Despite all the many things we think we need - Cliff and I continue to realize how much "excess" we have compared to most people in our area.

Plain and simple. We are so blessed. Tremendously blessed.

And so we continue to clean out closets - asking ourselves if we really need all these clothes - all this stuff - and do what little we can to ease another's suffering.....and perhaps in some small way we minister Christ to these people whose lives we touch briefly.

It's funny how God can take those little seeds we plant and find the fertile ground and bring someone full circle into his grace and presence.

May you realize how tremedously blessed you are this day - and I pray you will seek ways to meet the needs around that you can. Perhaps this should be a resolution we all can consider.

Jenn's Journal - Second Annual Virtual Cookie Exchange

For more recipes in the Second Annual Virtual cookie exchange, please find the links at: http://www.jennsjournal.net/

Moravian Sugar Cookies submitted by Shelley Craine

"This is a very old recipe. The Moravians were the first missionaries into what is now known as the Tuscarawas Valley of Ohio. Their story is told every summer at "Trumpet in the Land" - an outdoor drama in New Philadelphia, OH. http://www.trumpetintheland.com/ This is a very thin rolled cookie and is wonderful with a hot cup of tea on a cold winter's night."

Yield: 5 dozen

INGREDIENTS
4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
1 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup butter
1/2 cup shortening
1 1/2 cups dark molasses
1/2 teaspoon distilled white vinegar
DIRECTIONS
Mix together flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, cloves and ginger.
In a separate bowl, cream together the brown sugar, butter and shortening. Add to the flour mixture and mix well. Add molasses and vinegar. Mix well.
Cover and chill dough overnight.
Roll out a small amount of dough to 1/8 (or less) inch thick. Cut into desired shapes.
Bake at 350 degrees F (180 degrees C) for 10 minutes or until light brown.

How Can I Keep from Singing?

Here is a song for you today. I hope your heart and life reflect the peace and joy this song does!
We sang this yesterday at the Catholic church and I have been humming it ever since!

HOW CAN I KEEP FROM SINGING?
Text: Robert Lowry 1826-1899

My life flows on in endless song, above earth's lamentation.
I hear the clear, though faroff hymn, that hails a new creation.

Through all the tumult and the strife, I hear that music ringing.
It finds an echo in my soul. How can I keep from singing?

No storm can shake my inmost calm while to that Rock I'm clinging.
Since love is Lord of heaven and earth, how can I keep from singing?


What though my joys and comforts die? I know my Savior liveth.
What though the darkness gather round? Songs in the night he giveth.

The peace of Christ makes fresh my heart, a fountain ever springing!
All things are mine since I am his! How can I keep from singing?

No storm can shake my inmost calm while to that Rock I'm clinging.
Since love is Lord of heaven and earth, how can I keep from singing?

LOOKS LIKE WE MADE IT LORI..........

Today, Cliff and I were honored to be among the invited guests to the wedding of my dear friend Lori and her (now) husband Kim. They were married in a very traditional, heavily decorated, ornate Catholic church that makes you feel like you are "in church" just by being there. It is an awesome feeling - you can sense God there.

Lori and I met in a group that helps you learn to live after a broken relationship. There were 6 of us that finished in that group - we became bonded through our broken hearts.

I was the first to marry. And today Lori married the love of her life.

She was a beautiful, smiling, beaming, elegant bride. He was the adoring groom. And God met them at the altar and sealed their spoken vows.

Lori - after all the tears we shed - after all the "why did this happen to me?" - after all the questions that never were answered - after all the dates that didn't work out - after all the years of waiting..............LOOKS LIKE WE MADE IT GIRL.

And now Lori and Kim begin their "happily ever after."

God Bless you Lori and Kim - may your joys be many and your sorrows few.

Congratulations and Best Wishes!

Where I am from.......

I've been working on my genealogy and it prompted my memory as to this post from a previous blog around June 2006.......... Where are you from?


WHERE I'M FROM
Shelley Kay Littlefield-Craine

I am from the era of black and white televisions, automatic washers & dryers, Captain Penney and Mr. Green Jeans, Chatty Cathy, Barbie & Ken, the scent of Firestone rubber on my Dad's uniform, the first man on the moon, Communism, the Cold War, Donny Osmond, David Cassidy, Saturday night Fever, Vietnam and air-conditioning (!).

I am from Ohio and Georgia, feeling a part of both and a part of neither, from a brick house in Ohio and one in Georgia with big white columns, proud to be an Ohio Buckeye, a Georgia Bulldog, a Dover Tornado, spending summers dipping my toes into the cool waters of the creek that flowed into the Tuscarawas River as minnows tickled my ankles and sneaking down to the Flint River in Georgia to watch the copperheads swim, spending the Ohio winters building snowmen and the Georgia winters counting the rain drops as we played on the red carpet in the family room.

I'm from my childhood memories of riding bikes and interpreting cloud formations with my brother Scott - a Shetland Sheepdog at our side, sledding down the hill at Greensburg, skinned knees, kitty cats with kittens, rollerskating on Friday nights, Cruncher Parker, and Dover football games with Mexican exchange student, Alejandro.

I am from the Ohio Buckeye tree, the tall proud Midwestern corn fields and the Georgia Pecan tree and the tall proud peanut and cotton fields.

I am from the Littlefields of Georgia and the Longs of Michigan, stubborn and quick to laugh, long-lived and long-suffering, loving and God-fearing, hardworking and hospitable, survivors of whatever life brought along - Grandpa Otto Long and Grandmother Hazel Long, Grandpa Tom Littlefield and Grandmother Helen Mayberry.

I am from the hands of farmers, construction workers, salesmen, law enforcement, homemakers, avon ladies and dental assistants with a strong work ethic and a "do what it takes" attitude.

I am from vacations in the mountains of Tennessee looking for the Indian child "Falling Rock" (I'm still looking!); the vacation to Colorado, Pikes Peak and the cold mountain streams, Uncle Ike's cabin in the Mountains; and hot, sunburned skin at Panama City, Venice Beach and Virginia Beach. Visiting Aunt Lois and Uncle Eman and those late afternoon everyday rains and the tried and true childhood advice of my mother that proper ladies are never "hot"- they're warm, they're never "good" - they're nice, and above all be sweet !

I am from a world of music that began in my young spirit and was expressed on a old Upright piano and progressed to playing for recitals in college to weddings, funerals and church services today.

I am from the Church of the Nazarene - pulled away too young, part Baptist, part Methodist, part Lutheran, part Catholic, but always Nazarene in my heart and always a child of God.

I am from the third generation born at St. Thomas Hospital in Akron, Ohio of British, Hungarian, German and Irish stock, Lawson's Ice cream and Snickerdoodles, Christmas Marzipan cookies and the Gumdrop tree, weekends at my Aunt Evelyn's with my cousin Tammy & Rollie, Easter Sunday Egg hunts at Uncle Walt's and Aunt Hazel's and Sunday nights at Uncle Russ and Aunt Pat's house (after church) eating barbeque ham sandwiches and potato chips with my cousins Tim and Sue at the kitchen table.

I am part of a heritage of natural born teachers from my Grandpa Littlefield teaching me through the stories of our family, my Dad teaching me through stories of his life experience, to my own teaching journey of as a High School teacher and now a College Instructor.

I'm from the fragments of the generations gone before - success and failure; marriage, divorce and re-marriage; fried squash and breaded pork chops, swiss steak and mashed potatoes with gravy, games of Aggravation and Dodge ball, picnics at Tall Timbers and holiday gatherings, the scent of Magnolias, the pride of our heritage, and a strong, deep and abiding faith in God.

CATS ARE AMAZING CREATURES!

Everyone who has a dog thinks that dogs are smarter than cats.

Don't get me wrong - I love dogs and dogs love me. BUT......

I think Cats are pretty amazing and smart little creatures.

EXAMPLE:

This past Wednesday night (early Thursday morning) Cliff got up out of bed around 3 AM (I'm guessing at the time) and was wandering around the house in a confused state due to a low blood sugar.

Our youngest cat Bootsy Marie - jumped up on the bed - stood on me and wailed and wailed until I woke up from a very sound sleep to the noise of her wailing.

I said to Bootsy, "What are you doing in here?" Because we always shut the cats out of our bedroom at night. Then I looked over to Cliff's side of the bed and realized that he was not in bed. Then I heard a loud crash. Cliff was slamming all the doors in the house closed.

If it hadn't been for Bootsy wailing and waking me up....I would not have known Cliff was in trouble.

Yep, she's definitely her "daddy's buddy" and one amazing and smart little cat. She knew something was wrong and took the only action she knew and that was to alert me!

We love you Bootsy!

Feline Nursing Staff

This past Monday we began to notice symptoms of illness in our cats. Betsy was coughing - so hard - that it made me hurt. Then I noticed she was struggling to breathe. Then Bootsy started sneezing many times in a row and was so hoarse she could not meow.

I slept in our guest bedroom with both cats on Monday night because I was so worried about them.

By Tuesday morning - they were both breathing easier, but I knew I had to get them to the Vet.

So Tuesday evening after work, we loaded them both in their pet taxis - got about 2 blocks from home and one of them took a big "dump" in their pet taxis. Thankfully I came prepared and sprayed air freshner in the car and Cliff rolled down the back windows and I made it to the Vet's office without gagging and worse!

By the time we got them both into the Vet's office - the other one had taken a "dump" in the pet taxi - so we were now "fully loaded" with cats and well - you know.............

The Vet examined them one at a time and the Assistant cleaned them up for us and even cleaned one of the cages out for us.

Both cats had respiratory infections (no news there!) and Betsy's lungs were involved as well.

Now Cliff and I get the "privilege" of chasing them down twice a day - flipping them upside down to immobilize them (he holds them in a vice grip) and I get to squirt antibiotic medicine down their throats - all while trying not to get bit or scratched. Mind you - I did not have to work today and got up at 5:30 AM to go through this fun!

Tonight we are still trying to chase down Betsy for her evening dose. We still have two bottles of medicine to give them.....with one completed.

Trust me - I like cats - but this Feline Nursing duty is no longer fun!

a prayer

I thought this prayer was really nice - a calm way to settle yourself before going into work each day - and so I share it with you.

Blessings to you and me - as we face yet another new week ahead.


PRAYER BEFORE STARTING WORK

My Heavenly Father, as I enter this workplace,I bring Your Presence with me,I speak Your Peace, Your Grace, Your Mercy,And Your Perfect Order into this office.

I acknowledge Your Power over all that will be spoken, thought, decided and done within these walls.Lord, I thank You for the gifts You have blessed me with.I commit to using them responsibly in Your Honor.

Give me a fresh supply of strength to do my job.Anoint my projects, ideas and energy so that even my smallest accomplishment may bring You Glory.

Lord, when I am confused, guide me.

When I am weary, energize me.

When I am burned out, infuse me with the light of the Holy Spirit.

May the work that I do and the way I do it bring faith, joy and a smile to all whom I come in contact with today.

And oh Lord, when I leave this place, give me traveling mercy.

Bless my family and home to be in order as I left it.

Lord, I thank You for everything You've done, everything You're doing and everything You're going to do.

In the precious and holy Name of Jesus I pray, with much love and thanksgiving.

Amen.

Recipe swap

Jenn over at http://jennsjournal.clubmom.com/ announced a recipe swap at http://noperiodbaby.blogspot.com/. So I'm jumping in with a couple of my favorites.

Enjoy! Check out the blogs above for other mouth-watering recipes!


Crockpot Stuffed Green Peppers
INGREDIENTS:
4 large green or red bell peppers
1 pound lean ground beef, raw
1/4 cup finely chopped onion
1/2 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 cup of cooked brown rice, cooled
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 large can of tomato sauce or spaghetti sauce

PREPARATION:
Cut a slice off the top of each pepper. Cut out core; remove seeds and white membrane.
In a separate bowl, combine all the other ingredients except for the tomato sauce. Stuff the mixture into peppers. Stand peppers up in slow cooker. Pour the tomato sauce over top – add ½ cup of water and cook on low all day (8 hours).

We like our stuffed peppers with mashed potatoes!



***What I like about this recipe is that you can do everything ahead of time and freeze the peppers. When you are ready to cook them – pull them out of the freezer – put them in the crock pot and cover with tomato sauce and go about your day. I usually double this recipe and put the prepared peppers in Ziplok bags and then dinner isn’t such a hassle. It’s also a nice company recipe as well.

It’s an easy recipe with “never fail” results.


Shelley’s Crockpot Swiss Steak

INGREDIENTS:
2 lbs of round steak, cut into serving size portions
1 can of tomato sauce
1/4 cup finely chopped onion
1/4 cup finely chopped carrot
1/4 cup finely chopped celery
2 garlic cloves, minced
1/4 tsp each of salt, pepper and sugar

PREPARATION:
Spray the crockpot with non-stick cooking spray
Place the meat in the bottom of the crockpot, top with seasonings and vegetables.
Pour the tomato sauce over top. Cook on low all day (8 hours).

Serve with cooked noodles, rice or mashed potatoes! (whatever you prefer)
This makes a nice dish for company as well!

THE NUMBER 47

March 27, 2007 - became my day of celebrating #47!

And for some odd reason, I googled "47" and found that there is a group called "The 47 Society."

Here's the link: www.47.net/47society/

According to this website, I am now the "phenomenon known as 47."

Wow! And I thought it was just a birthday.

(Check out the 47 FAQs)

SPRING AHEAD....

For those of you who long to know more about one of my pet peeves.......here's the link.

http://webexhibits.org/daylightsaving/index.html

Thanks to this link - I know that I can now blame all this on Ben Franklin.

I.HATE.THE.TIME.CHANGE.

Period. Leave it one way or the other. (But who is listening to my little bit of whining???)

(And don't forget to change the batteries in your smoke detectors.)

NUTTIN'

I've been working my butt off the last month or so. And I've truly nothing new or interesting to tell you. The snow is melting. Warmer temps are on the way. We turn our clocks ahead - GRRRRR. I.HATE.THE.TIME.CHANGE. Going out for shrimp tonight. Gotta do my taxes. Other than that - it's just the daily grind!

What's new in your neck of the woods?

Weather or not...............

Well for those of you wondering - yes, it indeed did snow here in our little neck of the woods. About 12 inches in the parts that aren't drifted. About 18 inches of hard crusty stuff at the bottom of the driveway. I've been hacking at it all morning - still not down the driveway and to work yet. *sigh*

Winter has officially reared it's not so ugly head here in Ohio - the snow is beautiful. It's the driving in it that has us all worn out. Took 1-1/2 hours to get home from work yesterday. (3 times as long as usual).

Now since I'm sorta stuck in the house for a bit, I guess my two choices are: clean, vacuum, dust inside..... or go back outside and shovel some more.

I wish I had a "none of the above" choice. haha

Have a great Valentine's Day!

Match the Cats

Winter time is here. It's a balmy -5 degrees F here in Ravenna Twp.
Perhaps "cabin fever" has struck at your place and your searching for something to do besides watch one more re-run on Nick at Night

I have the answer! My friend Helen sent me this wonderful game. And best of all - this works great for those of you with allergies to cats!

http://www.monkeespage.com/matchthecats.html

It only took me 63 tries to match all the cats.

Double dog dare you to do better than me!

Go you Chicken Fat - Gooooooooooooooo!

How many of you remember the old "Chicken Fat" recording from your days in P.E. at school? For some reason - I started thinking of this song - and low and behold for those of you trying to exercise and lose weight as part of your New Year's resolutions..........I have the answer for you.
Not only do you get to sing and exercise at the same time - you get to sing and exercise to a "retro-tune."

This song and exercise experience were part of my Junior High and High School P.E. classes yearly. Mrs. Scharein at Dover used to play this at least twice a year and we dutifully marched in place and were forced to sing as we exercised. Maybe this is why I have an exercising phobia today?!? (Sounds good anyway!)

In case you wondered (and I know you did) - this song/exercise program was developed in 1962 when President John F. Kennedy formed the President's Council On Youth Fitness and "Go You Chickenfat, Go!" was born.

"Give that chickenfat, back to the chicken and, don't be chicken again."
"No, don't be chicken again!"

Now please don't confuse this song with the Chicken song done at weddings. You get to do sit-ups and push-ups and jumping jacks and do the bicycle and arm circles and touch your toes all to the tune of Robert Preston singing!

Here's the link for the song........... http://www.daveross.com/songs/robertpreston.mp3

Even if you don't want to exercise - this is worth listening to at least once. Because the tune will NEVER leave your head and you will be washing dishes, or sitting in church and all of sudden like a burst of inspiration from the Holy Spirit - you will begin to sing "Go You Chickenfat Go!"

Confidential to Jenn - this is for you honey. To get you back on the wagon! hehe http://jennsjournal.clubmom.com/

NOW EVERYONE GET EXERCISING!

"And don't be chicken again!"


P.S. Oh no, the cats are lurking in the basement. Will update if anything is brought upstairs....oh yuck!

How to catch a mouse without using a mouse trap

For the past few weeks the cats have been lurking in the basement. Cliff went down to investigate the source of the "entertainment" and found nothing rodent. So we waited.

Last evening, I was talking to my Mom on the phone when I noticed the cats playing with a mousie. We had just purchased a couple of new fur covered mousies for them and I thought they were cute playing with their new mousie. HOWEVER, when I realized what they were playing with - A REAL LIVE DEAD MOUSE - I called for Cliff who immediately jumped off the computer and came to see what was going on.

The cats were having a ball. Bootsy would "pat, pat, pat" the dead mousie and then Betsy would take her turn, "pat, pat, pat."

In the meantime, I'm jumping around saying "Oooo - it's a dead mouse, Oooo - Bootsy don't play with it, Oooo - Oh gross, Oooo - it's on my new carpeting, Oooo - hurry Cliff get it...." Meanwhile, Cliff nonchalantly goes to the kitchen - gets a paper towel - picks it up and states "it's a weird looking dead mouse" and escorts it to the garage for it's rather unceremonious garbage can funeral.

My Mom said we should have had a mousie funeral, embalmed it and formed it's little mouth into a smile and had a service. Ummmm, NO!

We hope that is the last of the Big Hunt in the Basement for 2007!!!

New Year's Eve

Happy New Year (almost) to all my friends and family! I hope that 2007 brings you joy and happiness, good health and great wealth!

We are spending a rip-roaring New Year's Eve here in our home - eating popsicles. Woo Hoo!

I am feeling much better (thank you for all the kind emails) - but still not 100%. Quietness is still a good thing!

Nonetheless, we have much to be thankful for heading into 2007 - a roof over our heads, 2 adorable cats who think we are perfect and wonderful "parents," jobs, food in the house, 2 cars that run, great neighbors, wonderful family, and terrific friends.

Truly - we have nothing to complain about! So even though our "wealth" may not be the kind you count at the bank - we are truly wealthy and blessed!

And if you are reading this - we count you among those many blessings in our lives.

Happy New Year and God Bless You!

Cliff and Shelley

New ways to celebrate the holiday season!

Tonsillitis is an inflammation of the tonsils in the mouth and will often, but not necessarily, cause a sore throat and fever. Symptoms may include pain in the tonsil area and inability to swallow and/or painful swallowing.

What fun!

I just find new and different ways to celebrate the holiday season each year.

Last year it was pneumonia.

Happy New Year everybody!

First Annual Virtual Cookie exchange entry

This is a cookie that has been a family favorite for years.

My mom has made it ever since I can remember for Christmas.

This is THE cookie for Christmas in our family.

I hope you enjoy it!

And please have a Merry Christmas too!

Shelley

For more recipes in the First Annual Virtual cookie exchange, please find the links at: http://jennsjournal.clubmom.com/.

Magic Cookie Bars
This is THE EAGLE BRAND® best-loved classic - a favorite of kids and adults alike!

EAGLE BRAND® is the magic ingredient in this easy cookie bar recipe.
Servings: Makes 2 to 3 dozen bars

Serving Size: not available

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Ingredients
1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
1/2 cup (1 stick) butter or margarine, melted
1 (14-ounce) can EAGLE BRAND® Sweetened Condensed Milk (NOT evaporated milk)
2 cups (12 ounces) semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 1/3 cups flaked coconut
1 cup chopped nuts
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350°F (325°F for glass dish). In small bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs and butter; mix well. Press crumb mixture firmly on bottom of 13X9-inch baking pan.
Pour EAGLE BRAND® evenly over crumb mixture. Layer evenly with remaining ingredients; press down firmly with fork.
Bake 25 minutes or until lightly browned. Cool. Cut into bars or diamonds.

Store leftovers covered at room temperature.

Jenn's Virtual cookie exchange

A blog that I follow quite often is :http://jennsjournal.clubmom.com/jennsjournal/. Jenn has proposed a cookie exchange - via the internet. This truly eliminates all calories - unless you make the cookie recipes you receive.

I'm participating! If you want to participate - or get some new recipes........check back on December 11th to Jenn's blog for links to great webblogs all over the interenet.

COOKIES! Now, that's a good thing!

Security

In my life experiences, I've found that people search for security in a number of ways. Perhaps they place their security in money, in another person's affection, in their social standing, in the posssessions they have acquired, in their friendships, in their job, or in the gated community neighborhood where they live.

From my personal experience, I've found there is only one place in which to trust for true security. This song sums up what I've learned.

My hope is built on nothing less

Than Jesus’ blood and righteousness.

I dare not trust the sweetest frame,

But wholly trust in Jesus’ Name.

When darkness seems to hide His face,

I rest on His unchanging grace.

In every high and stormy gale,

My anchor holds within the veil.

His oath, His covenant, His blood,

Support me in the whelming flood.

When all around my soul gives way,

He then is all my Hope and Stay.

On Christ the solid Rock I stand,

All other ground is sinking sand;

All other ground is sinking sand.

Lyrics by Edward Mote, published 1836.

Thanksgiving thoughts.....

Since our last Thanksgiving, it's been a year of very high ups, and very low downs. But through it all, God's grace has been sufficient and our every need has been met. And we learned that we never walk alone!

I received some troubling news yesterday which I am not ready to share openly, but while pondering this latest challenge....I read this on a website found it to be exactly what I needed to remember. Perhaps if you are going through some troubling times also, this will be an encouragement to you.

A missionary by the name of Hubert Mitchell was on the island of Sumatra with just one family member. Far away from the rest of his family, he was also far away from family and loved ones, trying to reach this island for Jesus Christ. But he had seen no response. Finally, the one family member he had with him died. The Sumatrans looked at Hubert Mitchell and thought, "We'll just watch him and see how he deals with this horrible tragedy in his life." And as Hubert Mitchell stood at the grave and lowered his loved one into the ground, he sang these words:

When we have exhausted our store of endurance,
When our strength has failed e'er the day is half done,
When we reach the end of our hoarded resources,
Our Father's full giving has only begun.

His love has no limit, His faith has no measure,
His power has no boundaries known unto men,
For out of his infinite riches in Jesus,
He giveth, and giveth, and giveth again.

I pray that this story and song will be an encouragement to you today as it has been for me. And that even when we think we have reached the end, there is more grace, more love, more power available from God's storehouse.
_______________________________________________________________

And lastly, my college friend Bob Jones sent this to me and I thought it was funny and worth passing onto you......so here's our Thanksgiving wish for you!

MAY YOUR STUFFING BE TASTY,
MAY YOUR TURKEY BE PLUMP!

MAY YOUR POTATOES 'N GRAVY HAVE NARY A LUMP.

MAY YOUR YAMS BE DELICIOUS,

MAY YOUR PIES TAKE THE PRIZE,

MAY YOUR THANKSGIVING DINNER STAY OFF OF YOUR THIGHS.

Happy Thanksgiving and we pray that God will meet your needs today!

Do you know about Angel Food?

Cliff and I have the privilege to participate today in our church's first Angel Food Ministry distribution. This ministry has really captured the Cliff's heart. His heart literally breaks when he hears of people going hungry!

For $25.00 a family of four can be fed for one week! And the AMOUNT of food you receive for the amount you pay is absolutely amazing!

Here's the link to the Angel Food website to check for a distribution center in your area:

http://www.angelfoodministries.com/hosts.asp

The website says that a half million people were fed today as a result of this ministry and to think that Cliff and I were two volunteers helping to make this a reality is very humbling. Personally we met 2 semi's this morning along with about 40 other people and we loaded up 1100+ units which were distributed by 11 AM this morning.

Many homes tonight are enjoying a good meal because of the efforts and vision of those involved.

Please check it out. Consider joining in - it only takes one Saturday a month. Perhaps your church would be interested in becoming a distribution site? Its very easy to become involved.

If you have any questions, please email me - Cliff has connected people via the internet to distribution sites all over the country.

The word of Jesus: 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.' Matthew 25:40 (New International Version)

Great ideas!

I received this in an email - wouldn't the world be a better place if we all approached each other with these ideas in mind?

To have a friend, you must be a friend, starting with yourself.

The greatest hunger a person has is to be needed. Help create that feeling in others.

The greatest virtue is kindness. You can't love everyone, but you can be kind to everyone.

Don't try to impress others. Let them have the fun of impressing you.

Be enthusiastic. Nothing of consequence was ever achieved without enthusiasm.

Be positive. Positive people attract others, while negative people repel.

You have greater impact on others by the way you listen than by the way you talk.

Gossip cheapens the one who gossips more than the one gossiped about.

Call a person by his or her name and use it often in conversation.

Communicate cheerfulness. Differences are bound to occur and can be resolved if conflict is managed in a polite manner.

If you are given to making fun of someone, be sure it is of yourself.

Be genuinely interested in others. Get them to talk about themselves.

A smile doesn't cost anything and pays big dividends. It makes you and everyone else feel better.

Be the first to say: "Hello! Good to see you.

Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. The golden rule is where it all begins and ends.

Our right, our responsibility

Today is Election Day. I stood in line for almost an hour to vote. Standing there with neighbors, and other residents of the Township....all patiently waiting in the dark and cold and drizzle to exercise our Constitutional right to have a voice in Government. I actually felt a sense of awe at the amount of people who showed up to vote. The line was still clear out the door into the parking lot when I left at 6:45 PM.

What an awesome privilege. My voice, my vote, my opinion mattered.

And so we shivered and waited and grew tired of standing. But it mattered.

I voted today.

TRUST

Trust.

Defined as....
Assured resting of the mind on the integrity, veracity, justice, friendship, or other sound principle, of another person; confidence; reliance; authenticity.

Something earned, not deserved. But when broken, it's often impossible to repair.

We question whether we trust our politicians, our doctors, our ministers, our co-workers and sometimes our spouses. In fact, can we truly trust anyone at all?

I found out tonight that a former co-worker that I thought I knew wasn't really at all who I thought they really were. Lying, under the table dealings, deceit, betrayal, infidelity..... I was left to wonder if I ever really knew that person at all?!

Then I remembered the words of my mother...."Be sure your sins will find you out." This person's misdeeds certainly have been the talk of the town!

Tomorrow we grapple with whom to vote for. In Ohio, we are still reeling from the recent Coingate scandals in our Republican led State Government. But can we really trust the Democrats?

Trust.

Jesus Christ the same.

Yesterday. Today. and Tomorrow.

The only place I can put my complete trust and never be let down.