What I am doing for Lent 2012



Fat Tuesday has come and gone.

I often wonder if people who celebrate it realize

its purpose.

We are now entering the weeks before Easter.

It is supposed to be the 40 weekdays leading up

to Easter Sunday.

I know that Lent is man-made activity, it is not

in the Bible.

I choose to observe it to give me a more intentional

focus.  I am in deep prayer for the week before

Ash Wednesday (which is today).

I ask God to show me where/what he wants me

to put my focus.

If you recall, last year he had me doing intentional

blessings.  It was a difficult but rewarding task.

I also choose to continue my Lenten Focus on weekends.

I do not feel it is genuine if I have weekends off...this isn't

a work week thing.

My spiritual growth has been a work in progress as it was meant to be for Christians.

If we try to do ALL the stuff in one shot, we would FAIL.

The area God has me focusing on this season is.........

MY CURSING (cussing if you are an Okie).

YES!!!  I have a FOUL mouth...ugh.

There I said it!!!!

Now don't get me wrong, I would NEVER say GD....and only if

I were realllllly made did I let loose with an "F" bomb.

Which in my little brain was okay.

Then God pointed me to this verse in the Bible.

LUKE 6:45

⁴⁵ The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For out of the overflow of his heart his mouth speaks.

I tried to quickly skim right on by that verse....

then came

LUKE 6:46

⁴⁶ “Why do you call me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say?

UGH!!!!

How do you argue with that?????

So, here I go.....giving up CURSING.

He doesn't have me JUST giving up cursing....no!  of course not!

I now have 100 one dollar bills.

Every time I let lose with a curse word, the person hearing it

is allowed to ask for $1 for every bad word.

On Easter Sunday, whatever amount I still have left will be given to God.

Why am I doing the money thing?

Because I am either witnessing FOR God or AGAINST God.

Would I rather give the money for God's work or Satan's work?

At the end of Lent, I will figure out how often I let Satan

speak for me.

If I run out of money, I will get another $100 and keep going.

Just know that if you haven't started cursing yet....DON'T START!!!

I want to have that moment when I get startled and the

"S" word doesn't fly out of my mouth.

I CAN DO THIS!!!!

I CAN DO THIS!!!

With God's help, I CAN DO THIS!!!



Our Very First Christmas Ornament

I am having a terrible time with blogger...I had to upload this picture 9 times before it loaded correctly...arrrggghhh.  Needless to say, I can't upload entire stories or series until

I get this problem fixed.

Anyhow, when David and I first started dating, I received this little

mouse in a tennis shoe from David's mother, Bonnie.

It has gone on a Christmas tree every year since.....

Did I tell you I started dating him when I was just 15 years old?

I married him at 19 years old.

I love him more today than I could have ever imagined!!!

The Ultimate Sinnamon Rolls (Includes Cheater Directions)

Are you a cinnamon roll junkie?

Well, I am NOT.

Until I tried this recipe.

One of my friends over at Fabric, Food, and Photos brought

some of these to Sunday School.

When I asked her for the recipe, she said she learned about them from

Ashley Ann of Under the Sycamore blog.

Ashley Ann hosts a wonderful photography workshop and food is

included.

We found out Ashley got the recipe from her sister, Lesley.

HERE IS THE ORIGINAL RECIPE.

CLICK HERE

I have since modified my version of this recipe and cannot tell

a difference.

I use my own ROLL recipe, however there is a cheater version of

using the frozen Rhodes Cinnamon Rolls.

Believe me, I wouldn't hold it against you if you did this version.

I was going to do it also, but our lovely ONLY grocery store

does not carry the Rhodes Cinnamon Rolls.  :(

If your store doesn't have them, but they DO have the Rhodes Bread Loaf,

USE IT.

Roll and press out the loaf to resemble a rectangle.

This is a great workout by the way.

If you have small children, they can learn their shapes!

Did I tell you I flunked shapes 101?

The original recipe called for making a wonderful mixture of

brown sugar and VANILLA ICE CREAM!

This tickled me to death.....at first.

It takes TIME.

I decided to do the CHEATER VERSION.

I wandered the aisles looking for the ice cream topping...

I was beginning to worry that our ONLY grocery store

didn't carry it.

FINALLY my amazing husband wandered over by the PAPER PRODUCTS

and THERE IT WAS in all it's GLORY!!!

Yes, you read that correctly...PAPER PRODUCTS...CARAMEL....

I have no idea what the logic is to that....

I used the ENTIRE jar!!!

You just pour it in the GLASS cake pan...yep, that easy.

SIDE NOTE:  These Sinnamon rolls are better in a glass pan for some reason.

I used my wonderful Pampered Very Seasoned Chef pan, and they

weren't as good.

Next step is to take a WHOLE stick of SOFTENED butter

and slather it on the dough....making sure you get to the edges.

Next:  Sprinkle a GENEROUS amount of cinnamon

and get to the edges...it is okay if you get off the edges too.

Next is BROWN SUGAR....I used light because that

is what I have and wouldn't know if you can tell a difference

with dark brown sugar.  PILE IT ON.

No measuring here.

Starting with the LONG side, begin to roll that baby up....

making a giant tootsie roll.

 Once it is rolled, I either stretch it or scrunch it to make it

go from the 8" on the left of the mat to the 8" on the right side.

I guess that makes is 16" long, right?

You are going to DIVIDE the dough now....

start by cutting it in 1/2.

Be careful not to cut your mat if you are using one.

By the way, this is a Pampered Chef Pastry Mat....LOVE IT!!

I got it FREE when I hosted a party.

Then you cut each 1/2 into 1/2.

Now you have FOUR!

Now each 1/4 needs to cut into 1/3rds.

The cutting distorts them a little, just push them back together

and place them in the pan ON TOP of the cheater caramel.

Say hi to college girl, Sydni.

She loves these and wanted to learn how to make them.

Here they are all ready for their last rising before being baked.

At this point, we lightly sprayed the top with Pam and put

plastic wrap over the top.

I put the plastic wrap tight since I wanted to let them rise OVERNIGHT

in the fridge.

If you don't want them to rise overnight, just place them in a draft free spot

until they double in size.

My secret place is in the MICROWAVE with the stove top light ON...it heats up

the INSIDE of the microwave just right for proofing bread!

Here they are after rising in the fridge overnight.

(TOP VIEW)

(SIDE VIEW)

See how they are almost to the top?

Since I had the GLASS pan in the fridge, I let it set a bit while

the oven warmed up...DO NOT take them right out of the

fridge and pop it in the oven.....It could shatter the pan.

It could shatter your dreams of wonderful Sinnamon Rolls too.

Set oven to 350 degrees.

While they are baking, set out:

1 Oz. of cream cheese and let soften.

1/4 cup of butter and let soften.

Get together:

1 cup of powdered sugar

1/2 tsp. of vanilla

1 1/2 tsp of milk

Once the cream cheese and butter are softened,

mix ALL ingredients....

WHIP IT - WHIP IT GOOD!!!!

When it is whipped, you will have some glorious frosting

while turns them from Cinnamon Rolls, to SINNAMON ROLLS.

Honestly, I think the CARAMEL is what turns them into

SINNAMON ROLLS....see how it bubbles up around them while baking?

It is bubbling into the cracks and crevices....and

baking INTO the rolls.

Here they are baked.

If for some reason, they seem to brown too fast in some areas...

you can cover loosly with foil.

It takes about 30 minutes in my oven.

Since we like ours goooooey....we don't let them brown too too much.

Let them cool a tad before putting the frosting on or it will run all down into

the cracks.....

Just try them....do the cheater version.....

Tell me you don't change the name to SINNAMON ROLLS.

ENJOY!!!!

Then I shot SUPER GIRL!!!

Ornery.

Isn't she just dripping with orneriness....did I spell that right?

Is that even a word?

Meet Livvie.

When I was asked to take Livvie's pictures, I requested

that they step away from the traditional frilly girl

pictures....step FAR away.

I had a picture in my mind and tried my

best to convey it to the family.

I think I did a great job, because just LOOK at that OUTFIT!!!

It is sooooo perfect for her little personality!

We hit the local park on a day that was supposed to be 51 degrees.

It was 51 degrees alright, with a windchill of about 40 degrees.

Livvie had snotcicles.

I had snotcicles.

On a side note:  Parents, if you are at the park with your children, GET OFF YOUR PHONE

AND PAY ATTENTION TO THEM.

There were 4 - 5 kids that must have been lacking in attention because

they tried their darnedest to get IN THE PICTURES.

Their mom or babysitter just stood within 6 ft. and played on her

phone and never said a thing to them.....arrrggggh.

It was a good thing I was almost finished or I might have let my

ugly side make an appearance.

We managed to get some great shots of Livvie.

I must admit that the picture below is one of my all time

favorites....

Looking for Santa....awwwwww.

Thanks to Regina for letting us use her AWESOMESAUCE fireplace!!!

Livvie.....thanks for the great time and great outfit!!!

"Digital" Wreath for Halloween

I am trying to get my "spook" on....

Black wreath, orange hatchet, bloody fingers.

Did it scare you?

I wonder what the UPS man will think?

{EVIL LAUGH}

A Little Photo Booth Fun for the 4th of July!!!!

A family reunion always brings out the freaks, right?

Well, not ALL of them are freaks....

Do You Participate in Lent?

I do believe that Lent is a great time to be more intentional in my spiritual growth.  Each year, I pray about my growth and ask God to lead me to where He wants my focus.  Usually, I am leaning towards "sacrificing" something...such as no soda pop, no chocolate....but this year was different.  This year, God said, "Don't give up, just GIVE."  Hmmmm....give?  So, here is what I did.....I choose to be a blessing to others INTENTIONALLY.  I listened to God's small whisper to guide me.....sometimes I heard it loud and clear, others....I think I might have ignored it.... :(.  I am not going to add pictures to this post because it is certainly LONG enough with NO PICTURES.

Day 1: I took some pictures and blessed 5 families with copies of their pictures. I also made a batch of rolls and took them to GLOW and gave them to the first person who asked about them and in turn, they shared with others.

Day 2 Blessings: We drove through McDonald's drive-thru and paid for the people behind us. I did NOT expect them to drive up beside us and STOP....that threw me off. I just rolled down the window said "I'm passing on the love, know God loves you." They said they knew and thank you. :)

Day3 Blessings: I prayed for each car that passed me while I traveled to OKC. Many people were lifted yesterday. :)

Day 4 Blessings: For our housekeeper at the hotel. When I returned & got in bed, the note was neatly folded and place INSIDE my pillow case..LOL Was that to let me know she got it?

Day 5 Blessing: Because I wasn't sure if the housekeeper spoke english, I got a little more creative and wrote note in spanish. If you can't tell, the $5 is made into a dress..looks vintage doesn't it?

Day 6 Blessing: A little more spanish a little more origami and a little more joy in my life.

Day 7 Blessing: It was rather simple, I resisted an urge to not really scare a woman who walked around the corner while I was crouched on the floor looking at something. If you know me, you know how hard it was for me! So really we were both blessed.

Day 8 Blessing: I blessed 2 girls with the ride of their life touring Bricktown on Segways! Once again, I was blessed as well

Day 9 Blessing: I made a homemade pizza for Carly since she has been such a blessing and watching the house while I was at OKC. (I am back early because David's grandfather, Coy Baker, passed away.) Thank you Carly for blessing others. I love you!!!

Day 10 Blessing: I let 2 people move ahead of me at the check out even though they had full carts and I had 2 items. :)

Day 11 Blessing: I admit, it won't sound like much, but it was a BIG deal for me. I held my tongue when I was ready to jump up and scream at some people. I am not an actor and never claimed to be one. People can tell when I am upset or disagree......I managed to bless someone by not saying anything. The names shall remain anonymous. :)

Day 12 Blessing: I sent ice cream to youth last night!

Day 13 Blessing: I gave a roll of quarters to an unsuspecting person. :) Do you know how easy it is to drop those in someone's purse?

Day 14 Blessing: I put together 2 trash sacks of clothes for the Love Closet on Saturday from 9 - 2 at the First United Methodist Church! If you have extra hangers or paper bags, we could use them also. We will be at the church Fri. night at 6pm to set up

Day 15 Blessing: I drove through Taco Bell's drive thru and paid for the people behind me. This time, I made an escape before they were able to drive up beside me! A blessing for me is hearing that my friends are trying to pass on blessings as well....makes my heart swell

Day 16 Blessing: I shot some pigs. :)  (Before you freak out, it was a photoshoot)

Day 17 Blessing: I took an hour to pray for people who have requested prayers. Please know that each one of you were lifted in my prayers.

Day 18 Blessing: The LOVE CLOSET! We gave away over 200 bags of clothing! Save your clothes, we will have another one before school starts back.

Day 19 Blessing: Wow.....I didn't intentionally do a thing....must do 2 today!!! tsk, tsk......

Day 20 Blessing(s): I bought a gallon of milk for a stranger. I was stopped by a train and for every car that passed, I prayed for each person that God placed on my heart. To that certain person who was brought up more than once, I specifically prayed for your depression to be lifted. ;)

Day 21 Blessing: I chose to allow cars to get in front of me....and then I prayed for each one.

Day 22 Blessing: I made a batch of rolls for a family. In this, I discovered that if I let the rolls rise longer...they are much more fluffy and I like them better. :)

Day 23 Blessing: I bought a few packages of panties and socks to give away at the next LOVE CLOSET in July. We were really shocked at how fast those thing went at the LOVE CLOSET. Every person should get to enjoy the feeling of new under garments.....not hand me down ones. :)

Day 24 Blessing: I bought lunch for some special friends. I also supported a fundraiser. I shall not mention that I also pulled an April Fool's joke on my "nameless" hairdresser.....who knew letting out a blood curdling scream while she is ripping off my eyebrow could get a reaction like that..... :/

Day 25 Blessing: We bought dinner for some new friends. I gave random hugs.

Day 26 Blessing: I used a blessing God gave me to bless a family with some family portraits.....and they turned out half decent even with the wind blowing 500 mph!

Day 27 Blessing: I changed a program I was going to give at a group yesterday by listening to my heart. I encouraged the group to write down their "story" and share it with others. We have a woman in the group who is turning 100! She said she didn't believe anyone would want to hear her story! What is something about your life you would like to make sure is passed on for others to remember?

Day 28 Blessing: I went barefoot all day to encourage people to think about those in the world without shoes. I believe I got at least 5 pairs of shoes to be donated to our LOVE CLOSET!

Day 29 Blessing: I spent some special time with the XS Group yesterday. Although, I do believe they are more of a blessing to me. :) I don't think a time goes by without laughing. Wait until you see the train pictures....bahahahahahah.

Day 30 Blessing: I gave a small sack of soap, shampoo, toothpaste and some change to a person standing on the corner needing help. :(

Day 31 Blessing: I bought 2 more packages of socks for the LOVE CLOSET. I encourage you to do the same please. Socks, underwear and bras were some of the first things to be gone at the LOVE CLOSET. The next closet is July 30th.

Day 32 Blessing: There was a lady at an estate sale who ran out of cash and I paid for her items. :)

Day 33 Blessing(s): We bought lunch for some people. I shot some photos of some girls. I helped with a Sunday School class. I did NOT scare the girls after watching a scary movie...because they made me PROMISE

Day 34 Blessing: I failed....must. work. on. it. today.

Day 35 Blessing: I mailed some random people cards to cheer them up. Making up for Day 34, I took someone's cart back to the little cart parking spot for them at the store.

Day 36 Blessing: I parked at the back of a parking lot and as I walked into the store, I prayed for each person and/or car I passed. I prayed God's abundant blessings and the wisdom to recognize them for each one.

Day 37 Blessing: I judged some FFA Creeds last night at the District Speech Contest. Glad I went....they were having a hard time getting all their judges with the storms. I believe in the future of agriculture.....

Day 38 Blessing: I blessed my Carl with a wonderful romantic night at home.....sigh....The rolls were part of the dinner I planned...Chicken Alfredo....yummo!!!

Day 39 Blessing: I attended a benefit event that supports a medical clinic in Ecuador where American physicians provide care to indigent families... and train local medical residents. I also blessed a woman by paying for her dinner. :)

Day 40 Blessing: I made cinnamon rolls (from a can) for the children's camp fundraiser at church. I also helped Amy while she teaches jr. high sunday school.

Day 41 Blessing: While at Braum's I let a woman go ahead of me. When I got my item, it was rung up wrong.....at least $3 less than what I owed. I corrected the cashier and paid the correct amount. She said, "Wow, that is a first, I've never had someone tell me they owe more than they were charged." she thanked me and thanked me. That broke my heart.....why do people think that is ok to cheat business?

Day 42 Blessing: I gathered stray carts at Wal-Mart and put them in their little parking spot. I know, it is lame.... I shall do better today. :)

Day 43 Blessing: Apparently I didn't take the cart pushing blessing seriously enough. I kid you not, I had to run into Wal-Mart and didn't notice the carts.....til I walked into one! I looked around, and they are all over the place! So, guess what day 43 blessing was? I promise, I will not underestimate the blessings God puts on my heart.....pinky swear!!!

Day 44 Blessing: I went through the drive-thru at McDonald's and paid for the person behind me. One thing has really surprised me each time I've done this....it has been less than $10. I was actually paranoid I was going to have someone who had a $20 order or something....actually only one time did it go over $5. This is one blessing I think I shall continue beyond the Lenten season. :)

Day 45 Blessing: I dropped a $20 bill into a woman's purse as I walked past her....she was busy looking at something on a bottom shelf. (Next time, I will do an origami design) It was just a spontaneous thing....making mental note: carry origami bills in my purse. :)

Day 46 Blessing (Final Day): While grocery shopping, I helped 2 women do their shopping...one was in a wheel chair. I got them a cart, which they didn't have and I gave them one of my shopping bags. I also helped them get to their car.

Final thoughts:  I do believe I was blessed far more than I actually blessed!  This kept me focused through the Lenten season....I felt closer to God this year than any other previous year.  Thanks for letting me share with you!  I hope you had a beautiful Easter!!

God loves you....oh YES He does!!!

    

Happy Birthday My Oldest Daughter - Carly

Yep, hard to believe that 21 years can go by in a blip....

She wasn't due for 6 more weeks...but she just HAD

to come busting into the world early.

Her dad and I were 3 weeks into our

 student teaching.....

We were dirt poor student teachers.

Thanks to our mothers, I was able to

be reassured that she was well taken

care of while I went back to student

teaching only 1 1/2 weeks after having her.

If I didn't, I would have had to repeat the entire

semester!

 She was 6.1 lbs and born at 1:20pm.

She was healthy despite being 6 weeks early.

 Our hearts had never known this kind love...it was amazing.

It still is.

Carly has lived her life just like she entered this world....

keeping everyone around her on their toes

because they never know what is going to be next.

Carly,

Your mom and dad love you more than you will

EVER understand.  We are so proud that you

want independence and are working at

getting it together.  As you turn 21, it comes with

blessings and curses.  Recognize them BOTH!

Keep God at the front and you should have no problems.

Put Him at the back, and you will make your path

rougher.  Don't rush your life, take time to smell

the roses and don't believe all that you see in

other people's lives.....  Some look way better than

they actually are.

You have a beautiful life ahead of you!!!

Enjoy being officially a certified ADULT!!!

WE LOVE YOU!!!

Mom & Dad