Life

Each step of life is a journey that you choose to walk.

Each moment of life is another line, sentence, paragraph and chapter of the book called your life.

Enjoy all that life has to offer, good friends, good food, good coffee and as always wisdom and a good laugh.

~Jen





29 April 2010

Sleep, It Does A Family Good, How Busy Families Can Overcome Sleep Deprivation by Archibald D. Hart | Christian Book Reviews And Information | NewReleaseTuesday.com

We are focusing on Health & Wellness this week. It is a struggle at times to eat right, get enough sleep, and to exercise, but it is important to find that balance. Even Jesus took time away from the crowds and his disciples to rest and have time alone with Father God. If you are looking for that balance, then may I recommend, Sleep, It Does a Family Good.







Sleep, It Does A Family Good, How Busy Families Can Overcome Sleep Deprivation by Archibald D. Hart | Christian Book Reviews And Information | NewReleaseTuesday.com

~Peace & Blessings~Jen

27 April 2010

Looking for a new appliance...Energy Savers: Rebates for ENERGY STAR Appliances





Looking for a new appliance? I know I am. I need a new fridge, washer and dryer so this is the perfect program for me! Is it for you? There's still over $4 million in rebate money still available so now is the time. Word of advice...pay cash & then register @ www.energysaver.gov and get your rebate! User friendly website with all the information available.

If you'd like to hear the interview with Cyndi Phillips, President of Financail Freedom Enterprises, you can log onto www.financialfreedoment.com.

Energy Savers: Rebates for ENERGY STAR Appliances

~Peace & Blessings~Jen

New Christian Music Releases For April 27, 2010 - NewReleaseTuesday.com

2 new releases. To learn more...follow the link. Happy Tuesday!

New Christian Music Releases For April 27, 2010 - NewReleaseTuesday.com

~Peace & Blessings~Jen

26 April 2010

I'm sorry...

that I have not blogged in almost a week, but this past week has just gone by in a blur and before I knew it...it was the next day. Just to recap...because I'm very tired...here's what happen...well the high point.







Mike went fishing last weekend & came home with fresh caught Mahi & Wahoo!! I'm so glad that he had a chance to get away and go fishing! While he was gone...I got the house put back together...more of that later in the blog.

Relay for Life was Friday...it was great. We as a whole did not raised the as much as we would have like...but you know what...every dollar raised is what is needed. I was able to co-emcee with Mark from the Fox. It was a lot of fun & I really enjoyed myself. I hope to do that again. Mind you it was not all great (the boys were bored and tired & I couldn't take them around), but it was still great...know what I mean











Mike's birthday was Saturday...now that was a lot of fun! Oh yeah...in case I didn't blog about it...my home is now back in order!!!! We have a family room again & it was so much fun having friends over. We got a bounce house for the kids and they really enjoyed that...it was a present for Mike (to keep the kids happy) and we all enjoyed food and friendship!







Sunday was not such a good day...Everyone was tired and Logan was not feeling good at all. I think we overdid his weekend...so we tried to take it easy...we ended up shopping and going out as a family for dinner. Logan really didn't like it at all, but that is what we did.

Want to give quick praise Praise PRAISE...We have been blessed with 2 twin beds that the boys are now sleeping on...the carpet is paid for and installed, we have a nice bookshelf and entertainment center that is in the family room and an entertainment tent that is put up outside (all given) and a practiacally brand new grill (again given)!!! Many many Praises to God for the gifts given and allowing us to get our house in order...and He has continued to help heal relationships in my life...I am so thankful for all the prayers.

OK...I'm wrapping this one up...

~Peace & Blessings~
Jen

21 April 2010

TobyMac Performs

Tonight by Toby Mac Pictures, Images and Photos



Toby Mac performed last week on Fox & Friends. What a great way to witness for Jesus Christ. Click on the link below to watch the video.

TobyMac Performs

~Peace & Blessings~
Jen

16 April 2010

Another week...




and it's now Friday. I am so glad. I was totally stressed yesterday because of all the "stuff" that had to be done. I thought for sure I'd forget something or be late for an appointment or meeting, but Praise God I was not.

Thursday's are always hectic, but yesterday seemed to be compounded...so let's recap. Mike left yesterday for a fishing trip w/ a high school friend. He made it safely there. Not much to be said for his cleaning up before he left...hahaha...that did not really surprise me though. I had a great time at work with Bart. I'm so blessed to have such a great "job" with such a great ministry.

So after the show I had to run over to Paramount (thankfully they are right across the street) and then I had to run to the middle school to drop off some paperwork for my daughter...yes she starts middle school in the fall!!??!! How did that happen? (I know how, I'm just saying).

I did make it to my BNI meeting on time. At first it looked as though it would be poorly attended, but we had a good turn out. I have to admit, I'm a bit upset by the attendance. I don't understand why you would invest in an organization and then not utilize it for all it's benefits...that's just me and I'm just ranting a bit.

So the meeting finished up on time and I made it for my hair appointment (on time) and for that I was grateful. I have to say I absolutely love Farrow's the Salon & Wynn is a great hairdresser...I felt like a million bucks walking out of the salon. I made it to the school in plenty of time for the kids and at that point I was able to relax a bit.

The evening went by very quickly...the kids and I cleaned up the house a bit & I put new bedding on my broken bed & dressed it up...looks real nice!!! We headed out the door for Relay for Life meeting and then went to Papa John's to pick up pizza for dinner. It was WAY Radio Papa John's Pizza night so that was BONUS!! Got home & put in a movie for the kids while I got back to work with phone calls and emails.

Best part of the night...Tina called and we finally had a chance to catch up. Mike called to tell me he made it safely to Justin's, and the kids all have plans to stay with friends tonight...well Logan is staying w/ Nanny, but that is good because he has not done that in quite a while. So I made plans to see my friend Lisa tonight. It's been months since I've seen her so I'm looking forward to that.

So here it is Friday. Bart & I are wrapping up the show and then I am going grocery shopping with mom...I love my Friday's w/ mom. Carpet in on Monday so I still have to get furniture out of Nichole's room, but most of the furniture was moved out last night...yup...yesterday was a crazy busy day. So there you have it...a day in the life of me.

~Peace & Blessings~
Jen

15 April 2010

BOOK OF THE WEEK


ReChurch, Healing Your Way Back to the People of God by Stephen Mansfield | Christian Book Reviews And Information | NewReleaseTuesday.com

ReChurch, Healing Your Way Back to the People of God by Stephen Mansfield | Christian Book Reviews And Information | NewReleaseTuesday.com

~Peace & Blessings~
Jen

14 April 2010

Getting creative w/ your favorite bird...

Chicken that is! Are you tired of frying that old yardbird, or just popping it into the oven? Here's a couple of new ideas to freshen up your chicken dinner...

Chicken Pot Pie

This traditional pot pie makes for a delicious family meal using tender chicken thighs, carrots, potato, fresh corn and leeks. You can put just about any vegetable in there!

This recipe uses frozen pie dough for the topping so there's no fuss with having to make your own pastry either.
Ingredients:

* 350 grams of skinless, boneless chicken thighs
* 1 leek, sliced
* 3 cloves of garlic, crushed
* 1 medium carrot, diced
* 1 medium potato, diced
* 1 cup of fresh or frozen corn kernals
* 1/2 cups of milk
* 2 tsp of freshly chopped parsley
* 1 Tbsp of cornstarch dissolved in 1/2 cup of cold water
* 1 tsp of sea salt
* 1-2 sheets of pie pastry, cut into rounds slightly bigger than ramekins/baking dish
* 1 1/2 Tbsp of olive oil
* 4 medium ramekins

Preparation:

1. Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Set aside.
2. Pre-heat the oven to 350F.
3. Heat the oil in a heavy saucepan over a medium heat. Fry the leeks for 1 minute. Add the garlic and fry for 30 seconds.
4. Add the chicken and fry for 2 minutes. Add the carrot, potatoes and corn and stir-fry for about 2 minutes.
5. Add the salt and milk. Stir well. Reduce heat, cover and simmer for 8 minutes.
6. Now add the dissolved cornstarch and stir well. Continue to simmer for another 5 minutes while the liquid thickens. Taste and add more salt if necessary.
7. Spoon the mixture into small ramekins or a baking dish. Let them sit for about 5 minutes to cool slightly.
8. Place the pastry rounds over the ramekins and press the dough down the sides. Brush the tops with a little milk and then place in the oven. Bake for 20 minutes or until tops are golden.
9. Serve with tomato sauce on the side.


Asian Chicken & Asparagus Stir-Fry

This Thai-inspired chicken and asparagus stir-fry is a recipe I often turn to when I'm looking for a quick and healthy meal.

Tender chicken thighs are sauteed with young asparagus stalks and a mixture of soy sauce, Thai fish sauce, bird chilis and freshly chopped garlic.

Served on a bed of steamed rice, the chicken & asparagus stir-fry is a 10-minute meal that never fails to please.
Ingredients:

* 5 boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
* 1 bunch of fresh asparagus, cut into 2 inch pieces
* 4 cloves of garlic, finely chopped
* 1 small red bird chili, chopped
* 2 Tbsp of soy sauce
* 1 Tbsp of Thai fish sauce
* 2 Tbsp of water
* Cilantro to garnish
* 1 1/2 cups of Basmati or Jasmine rice
* Scant 3 cups of water
* 2 Tbsp of canola oil
* Special Equipment: A wok
* Serves 4

Preparation:

1. Cook the rice in a rice steamer or cook it on the stove by adding it to a medium pot with scant 3 cups of water. Bring to the boil and then reduce heat to low and cover with a lid. Cook for 10 minutes or until it is done. Set aside.
2. Have the chicken, asparagus, sauces, oil and garlic ready by the wok.
3. Heat the oil in the wok over a medium-high heat. Add the garlic and saute for 20 seconds. Turn the heat down slightly so the garlic doesn't burn.
4. Add the chicken and saute for 2 minutes until partially cooked. Remove chicken from wok with a slotted spoon and place on a plate beside you.
5. Add the asparagus to the wok along with 1 Tbsp of soy sauce and the fish sauce and 1 Tbsp of water. Stir fry for 3 minutes.
6. Next, add the chicken and remaining 1 Tbsp of soy sauce. Stir fry for another 2 minutes and then add the chili (chili is optional).
7. Serve on a bed of rice and garnish with cilantro.



~Peace & Blessings~
Jen

12 April 2010

It's only Monday and...

I am already feeling a little anxious. There is a lot going on in the next two weeks & I am forgetting how to breathe. Today I am turning in my tax paperwork. Praise God we are getting a return this year. Now my head is spinning...how do we use the money wisely. There's so much that needs to be taken care of at the house, but what is the #1 & #2 priority? I am just praying and praying asking for guidance. I don't want to "blow" the money. When I think about these things it makes me very anxious.

This week, Mike is going out of town for a couple of days. I'm glad he is able to get away and visit a friend from home while fishing...hope he brings back a good catch. I love fresh fish! I hope this will help Mike as well...he really needs a break.

Now I am focusing on getting the house in order...it looks like we are in the middle of a move with all the furniture getting pulled out of the two rooms that are getting the new carpet - but it'll be worth it once we have the kids back in their proper rooms and then we can begin working on the family room and get it repainted & move the furniture into it.

My biggest struggle...our yard. I really really want a nice yard, but I have no idea where to begin. It has been overtaken by weeds and to be honest...I am terrible with outdoor yard work. I would much rather clean a house than spruce up a yard, but it really needs to be done! I'm hoping to do that this year. (Baby Steps)

I suppose I should not stress on it, but right now I am...because we are also in the midst of CRCT Testing for the kids, and I wonder if Logan is going to pass or not, I'm not sure at this time. Nichole is fine & ready...she'll be graduating to Middle School ~ and that brings a whole new round of anxiety.

OK...so I think I need to go home and just spend time in God's Word and get renewed. Yes...that is what I'm going to do. Have a wonderful day.


~Peace & Blessings~
Jen

09 April 2010

It's Friday...

and the week has just blown by. It's amazing how the days tend to flow together. I remember when I was younger that the days seemed to be disconnected, now they seem to flow together.

Bart & I just wrapped an interview with Ronald McDonald and it sure was great to talk with the world's most famous clown! He really is down to earth and so much fun to talk with. He's going to be throwing the opening day first pitch for our farm league tomorrow so that is real exciting. I am so glad that we were able to work with McDonalds and make that happen! I have to admit, I'm not looking forward to being out at the ballfield at 0730, but a girls gotta do what a girls gotta do.

The kids went back to school on Wednesday & Logan Michael has come home with "red light letters" the past two days. That is very frustrating & I really am not sure how to respond to his behavior issue. I'm trying not to focus on the fact that he is not listening in school, but rather asking why...to this I have no answer. I just hope that we are able to keep a positive outlook on the situation.

OK...so I have to share some amazing events that have happened in the past week. First of all we havee been praying that we would find carpet in our price range for the kids rooms & we have. Both rooms w/ instilation and all for under $700! I'm so excited!!!! The carpet is getting put in on Monday, the 19th. Second thing we needed was to find 2 twin size beds, matress & box springs, for a reasonable price. God is so good, we now have 2 twin size beds that were given to us & they are in great condition! What an awesome blessing. Third thing that has been great, Mike is working as a project manager on a job and that is allowing him to give work to people, like my Dad, who is currently unemplyed. So that is great!

It's really neat to see God in my life. I am very thankful for all of the provisions in my life. Hope that you have a great weekend & enjoy your life & your family.

~Peace & Blessings~
Jen

07 April 2010

Matthew West needs your help

Go to www.wayradio.org and link on the home page to Matthew West's homepage and then check out his video! Do you have a story to share with Matthew? If so, he wants you to and then he may even take your story and make it a song.



~Peace & Blessings~
Jen

06 April 2010

So it's been...

a few days...sorry for that. It's been a wonderful week as my family celebrated Easter. I love Easter, it's my favorite holiday. The celebration of Christ's resurection is the most beautiful moment that should be celebrated!! I was blessed to be a part of a great Easter Day Celebration at Blythe Island Baptist Church. It was so nice to just sing praises all morning to Jesus!

I have to say I'm feeling better...well better than this time last week, but my back is still stiff and tender. I have decided that I am going to begin walking again every day...I have to...I always feel better when I do. I think it will help my back as well.

Kids are great & they go back to school tomorrow. To be honest I am glad! I love having my kids with me, but I don't always keep them motivated...and I hate that I am not able to do as much with them as I'd like. My prayer is that I do better with my kids and for them. It seems like I am always behind when it comes to being with them, but they are older now and they have such diverse interests...maybe I'll take Karate with them!

Well that's the round up!!



~Peace & Blessings~
Jen