Generic Cooking Class

This generic Cooking class is not for generic foods, but to replace an authentic Youth Chef Academy that is just too expensive for triplets.   However, it is turning out to be a very special class that is yielding great results already. Not only are they learning actual cooking skills; but they are learning nutrition  at the same time.  Another plus, is they are learning that many things they have not even tried are very delicious as well as healthy.    

Live and learn and the more learning there is, the more real living there is.  Now, I suppose there is a way to overdo that, but not likely, especially now with all the frivolous things there are  to do that are all to readily available. 

The verse that I'm posting tonight is from the NIV version of the Bible. It doesn't have anything to do with my topic, but it is something that we need to learn.  Our God loves!  He loves those who fear him.

"But from everlasting to everlasting the LORD’s love is with those who fear him, and his righteousness with their children’s children— with those who keep his covenant and remember to obey his precepts."  Psalm 103:17-18

Beautiful Day

Today was a beautiful day and after church we thought it would be a great time for a boat ride. I've planned numerous outings on the water for days that turned out to be rainy and cold and have decided last minute is best. We invited a bunch of our friends over for the evening.  So, instead of working on my book or the layout I had planned, I did housework  around here most of the afternoon.  I have skimped on the cleaning to work on books and classes recently.  It is now 11:30 and I am free to do what I want.  But that won't be enough time to finish the layout (s) I had started.  Since I had told you my aim last night, I'll give you a hint, by posting pictures that will make up my pages about the kiddos' cooking class.  And of course, my daughter just posted more  pictures of the triplets and their  class for this past week.

I have another book deadline Tuesday night , a reunion meeting also Tuesday midnight and of course tomorrow is Memorial Day.  

Don't know if I'll finish this project  tomorrow, or not.  But you will know tomorrow night.

Praise God for all those veterans now and in the past who have risked all to serve our country and to preserve our freedom.  Thank you and God bless you all.

Chef Mason

I've told you about our little chef.  Mason has wanted to cook since he could talk, I think.  Recently Chelle was able to find him and the other two triplets  a teacher.  They are learning to cook from a very good cook who is also a nutritionist.  Tomorrow, I hope to show you their first lesson.  Today, Mason is wearing the apron and chef's hat that Chelle made for him.

Good night.  Sleep tight.  God is in control.

Happy to Announce

I'm happy to announce I had no trouble posting my blog tonight. You might notice, I started earlier, just in case.

I'm also happy to announce this new layout. It has taken me some time to actually get around to doing it, then I played it for a while before I was satisfied that it  did justice to the occasion. 

I'm also happy to announce this will be Robin and Mark's new home once they have spent the summer renovating and bringing it up to their standards.  Of course ORU must approve it as well, but there should be no trouble there.  We like it already.

I'm also happy to announce that Sarah Palin is at least one step ahead of those who set out to drown her in criticism.  She is on the offensive, just as she should be.  Sarah has the upper hand here. She is not playing the games of the political world. She is out front hitting hard on the issues. She is offering us, the American people, what we want... a government answerable to the citizenship. Go girl!

Puzzled

Boy am I puzzled tonight! I have no idea why, but for the last  couple of nights I hadn't been able to get into my blog to post.  I worked at it like crazy for about 50 minutes tonight and had almost given up to find an expert in the morning, but tried one more time and it just came up like a breeze.  Who knows?

Anyway, same as last time, I am too tired now to write much of anything.

We girls got together recently to wish farewell to our favorite vacation spots in Florida, the Lily Pond in Watercolor and Snug Harbor on Sanibel Island.  Both are for sale now and we expect they will be scooped up because they are wonderful AND because ORU slept there.

Since it is late and I do need to sleep sometime, just a short quote I got from Founder's Quote Daily a week ago.

"An unlimited power to tax involves, necessarily, a power to destroy; because there is a limit beyond which no institution and no property can bear taxation."  John Marshall, in McCullough v. Maryland, 1918

We must not let that happen here.

No Jay Walking

Had  trouble getting into my blog to make a post tonight.  Spent what seems like an hour trying.  Finally am here, but without time to write.  To read the layout click or double click on it.

Hungry Heron

I need to post a no fishing sign by the fish pond.  I've caught a heron peering down into that water at my little gold fish.  Yes, they are brightly colored, but is there not enough fish in the lake?

I Really Wanted Bamboo...

Well so far, Caleb doesn't have a Panda scooter, trike or anything bamboo to ride.  Guess he'll just have to ride with his dad on his bamboo bicycle until daddy can get him his very own Panda bamboo.

Caleb is a toddler, yet he is well on his way to learning discipline of mind and body.  As wonderful as he is right now, we would not want him to remain a 'baby' forever.  However, it is very easy to give in to these cute little ones and continue to 'baby' them until they become totally unable to care for themselves. We do them a disservice by protecting them at every turn from the lessons in life that are meant to strengthen them. They never grow up, but end up dependent adults, not capable of holding a job or caring for a family.  

John Adams once said it well in his Dissertation on the Canon and Feudal Law in 1756, " It should be your care, therefore, and mine, to elevate the minds of our children and exalt their courage; to excite in them an habitual contempt of meanness, abhorrence of injustice and inhumanity, and an ambition to excel in every capacity, faculty, and virtue.  If we suffer their minds to grovel and creep in infancy, they will grovel all their lives."

Grandchildren Far Away

To read the layout, double click on it.

Children are a product of both genes and environment.  We can not just let them raise themselves because they need an example.  They need to be taught how to live. If we fail in that, we will have horrible consequences. Look around, we can see a lot of those ramifications today.

There are latch key children and those who are herded into groups of kids where they may or may not learn what they need to know to make basic decisions.  They may or may not learn how to manage money. They may or may not develop personalities that can withstand peer pressure, They may or may not learn to compete fairly.  They may cower and be fearful of failure or of bullies.  They may or may not learn to persevere.  I could go on all day...and so could you if you think about all the skills one needs to face this world and succeed or to even survive.

Most of all, they will not likely learn the morals they need to have good relationships and a good, healthy life.  Without example, they are not likely to be able to confront sin and overcome it.

What are we doing for our children as a nation of people?  Are we spending time with our kids or are we carpooling them all over the place day after day, shoving them into group activities with those we don't really know? Are we making sure our children study and learn or are we pouring money into schools and activities and leaving the teaching to others?

You can  not buy a good school, you must build it with moral teachers who really care about the students. And you must  have parents at home who will encourage their children to work hard and behave in school.  Schools these days are just a big mess, in need of revamping...not only their curriculum, but their aims. No amount of money will do that.  It is a moral thing.

Okay, I'm off my bandwagon now, but I could go on and on and on. Perhaps if I spent more time on this, it would be more organized and get the point across better.  But take a look at what is happening to our students yourself and THINK.

In 1788  Noah Webster (the dictionary guy) when talking about educating  youth in America said," The virtues of men are of more consequence to society than their abilities; and for this reason, the heart should be cultivated with more assiduity than the head."

I'm saying they are both important, but their hearts come first and they should be developed at home before going to school to face the world.

A Mother's Day Surprise

It was a wonderful surprise when April called the Saturday morning before Mother's Day and said she was nearly here.  She is a mother herself, but she had driven 6 hours on Mother's Day weekend to be with us.  What a blessing she is!

She brought her big sunny smile, flowers and her hair cutting scissors.  She had us looking really good before long. She is very talented with those amazing scissors.

It is great to get a pleasant surprise now and then, especially these days. because the left is constantly pulling out another surprise for us and they are NEVER pleasant, but often deadly to our security or economy.  Today, our president met with Netanyahu of Israel and may as well have told him that we were no longer in his corner.  Well, I guess this shouldn't be a surprise. I'm sure Israel was not caught off guard.  Our 'leader'  has been making overtures to the Muslims all along.  But his urging them to go back to the pre-  1967 borders is, as Netanyahu said, "Indefensible."

When? Why? Who? What?

When I worked on this early childhood book of myself I came up with lots of questions.  I have no idea whose motorcycle that was or where I was or what I was doing on it, or why I was on it.  All I know is, I didn't ride it.  I WOULD have remembered that, I am sure.  Anyway, I had lots of unanswered questions as I put together that book.  

I was hard up for a layout tonight. I've worked many hours at the computer today and have no layouts to show for the time.

Well, poor Obama has worked so very hard these last couple of years and he has nothing good to show for all his suffering.  

You might want to check this email I received today to see the change he has brought us while president.  You will probably notice that CHANGE is not always good.   As a matter of fact, in the last few years, it has never been good... unless you are from the Middle East.

Evidently the email I put in the post has been censored or something. I've not experienced that before, but it will no go on correctly without chopping part of it off although in my draft it is just fine.  

I found it online.  See it here:

http://jeromecorsi.com/article.php?id=56

Spring Rains and Blooms for Caleb

If Caleb were a little older, he would probably remember this trip for the amount of rain and hale we've had. I have pictures of him peering out our window at the hale and torrents of rain that flooded our drive and made it look like our house was right on the lake. For a boy from Colorado, he is not used to seeing so much rain. Of course at 15 months he'll not keep that with him. He's not even likely to  remember Boettler Park where these pictures were taken or the little girl who took him under her wing at the slides and 

'mothered' him until we left the area and then followed.  This is her with him at the top of the layout.

He is familiar with flowers and when he came upon a few dandelions flowering in the grass, he just had to pick one and take it to his mother, Beth.  (His little mother had been called away.)  

He is back in Colorado now, having met his daddy at the airport for a ride home, after a flight that ended up being much longer because of bad weather there in Denver.  He was good for the most part, but when they went into a holding pattern, the announcement by the pilot boomed over the plane and wakened Caleb, who then began to cry and continued until his feet were on the ground. Not  pleasant for anyone there.   

His daddy's plane was held up by the weather as well and so he was there only 40 minutes before they arrived.  

Meanwhile, back in Ohio, we were watching American Idol. Wow, it is tough to choose a winner this year. James, the one who was cut last week, shouldn't have been. Now this time someone else must go. In my book, all three deserve to win.  I  had a hard time deciding for whom to vote, but after they sang three songs, I went for Lauren Alaina. I love Scotty and know he will make it big, but the girls both outdid him tonight.  Even though the girls are equally good, it was easy for me to choose, because I  don't like the  type of rock that Haley sings and Lauren is just a sweetheart.  I don't think there is any doubt though that all four, these three and James will all be stars.  And if you think that isn't a  great season, consider that Pia, who was cut several weeks ago, already has a recording contract.

Nothing deep, I know.  We just need a day like this once in a while. 

 Sorry, I missed the time.  I'm 5 minutes late, so I technically missed a day at blogging.  Guess I'll have to make it up by posting twice tomorrow.

Caleb's Recital

Caleb's first recital was a rousing success.  His gramma and papa were amazed at his innate skill.
A chip off the old family block, he is.

 I had always wanted his dad to play the piano, but John wasn't interested.  Instead he went  for the saxophone.  We had many glorious years listening to him play...not that he practiced or anything.  I think he was like me, a very good sight reader.

While he was away at college, that sax was stolen and I'll never hear him play it again, but while he and Beth  were in Bulgaria, he took up guitar.

Caleb likes that as well.  It seems he likes anything that makes a sound.  Of course he is just 15 months old, but he really is very deliberate about the notes he plays.  He doesn't pound and since he generally hits just one note at a time, there is nothing discordant.  Sound like a gramma, don't I?  Yes, a very proud gramma.

On a different note, the Republican party is off to a scattering start. Am not sure whom I am backing at this time.  I'm still waiting for that Christian Conservative to come forward. Pray God will nudge his or her heart.  We know it is a hard , thankless job, but soooo necessary to this form of government, especially the way it has been skewed in the last few decades and in the last 2 1/2 discordant years for sure.

When things get horribly messed up, I like to turn to Philippians 4:6-7 to calm myself...

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

PaPa's New Tractor

I'm not sure which one is enjoying himself more and why.  Is it Caleb because  likes anything with a steering wheel, or because he likes his PaPa?  Or is it because Ron loves his tractor and is proud to show it to his little grandson? Or is it Ron just because Caleb is here and he can hold him?  Whatever the answer, I got some good pictures to show our happy day.  These guys are so cute with their Big Boy Toy.

All right, Donald Trump has been toying with us, but in the end, he has decided in  spite of the fact that he is confident he could be the next president, business is his love and he will stick with it. I understand $60 million from NBC to do The Apprentice for another year could have  something to do with it.

Whatever the case, I'm glad.  I think that is where he belongs, hairdo and  all.

Now what in the world do you think happened to Newt Gingerich's mind?  He is spouting some socialist rhetoric.  Does he think he will get liberal votes that way or did he just completely lose it?  He has certainly lost the vote of those of us who want more than a Republican in name only.  A socialist is out of the question, no matter what party name he wears. 

It is for us to continue praying that God will bring forward a moral Christian man or woman who believes in the Constitution the way it was written.

In Natural Light

We have a lot of new pictures around here now of our favorite grand baby at this time.  You know over the years, we've had other favorites, but they are now favorite big kids or teens or adults.  

You would think that Caleb posed for this, but he is a story in motion. He isn't still unless he is sleeping.

Always thinking, always learning, he's ACTIVE. I can see  the entrepreneur spirit coming up in him. 

We can take a lesson from him.  Don't sit and waste time. Press on and continue learning.  And most of all, stay in the light for that is where to find joy.  Avoid total darkness where sin reigns. 

I have to apologize for something I wrote last night.  Mike Huckabee did not use those words. I got that by word of mouth and it is wrong.  What he said is quite a difference from what I reported last night.

Huckabee's decision not to run was not a political or practical one, but rather a "spiritual" one.

And he said he now has "an inexplicable inner peace, a peace that exceeds human understanding. All the factors say go, but my heart says no. And that's the decision I made."

Huckabee Won't Run

Of course I think mine is the cutest grand baby existing.  That is my prerogative, right?
He sure is a good and happy baby. It is hard to believe he is so studious and active at the same time.

He looks a lot like his dad did. Thought this picture of John  a
good one for comparison.

Since Mike Huchabee has announced that God answered his prayer with instructions not to run for president  in 2012,  I certainly will be praying that God does send us a good Christian conservative who will be willing to run in that election.  Without God on our side, we don't have a chance.  The evil of this world has a good grip on us right now.

Spring Flowers

Last night was read only on the blog while it  was not taking new posts.  I see some improvements on the sight tonight.

Although I had comments ready last night, and couldn't make then, tonight I've forgotten them and haven't the time to think.  My grand baby is here and I've spent the day loving him.  My priority is not the blog. Even though I've tried to put it at the top of my list for the day...it doesn't really come first.

Check back tomorrow.

Inspiration

Still pressed for time.  Although I did  take time to watch the superior American Idol stars tonight, I'm here at the last minute uploading a layout made from tulips in my garden. What an inspiration to see the brightly colored blooms against the green of their leaves. Gorgeous!

American Idol has outdone all the seasons with this years line up of the last 4 contestants. It was too hard to decide a winner, but I voted for three of them. I don't care which one of the three  wins, but I also don't mind if Haley gets taken off the show this week, even though her last song was fantastic.  She is not consistent and some of her work is really bad, like her first song was tonight.   Her attitude doesn't fit either.  She is argumentative and defensive as if she thinks she has nothing to learn. The other three are all sweet people as well as extraordinary singers.

I hear that Panetta is the one who finally ordered the raid against Osama bin Laden.  Good for him. I don't know if he did it for the right reason, but at least it has been done...and done well.  

Just Because

Just because I'm really busy, I've not the time it takes to research all that is going on in Washington this week.  I'm just posting this layout of our handsome grandson.

Even I'm not searching for answers right now, others are still at work to bring you the REAL NEWS,  not just the news that is slanted to make you think everything is okay, the economy is getting better, etc. Don't believe it.

Off the top of my head comes Newsmax.com  Try there for some up to the minute happenings.

Caleb's First Haircut

On Caleb's mom's birthday, he went to the hairdresser with her and got his very first haircut. He wasn't too sure about the whole thing, but his caution soon turned to tears. But was quieted wheen daddy held him in his lap and mama fed him Cherrieos.   Gramma's big boy  looks even more handsome now.

When I read the wisdom of our founding fathers I marvel at their good sense.  These men went to school when morals were taught along with facts.  Not much of either seems  to be taught these days. 

It is a shame that we now teach our kids to Just Do It instead of Consider the Consequences.

-Patrick Henry, speech in the Virginia Convention, 1775

"It is natural to man to indulge in the illusions of hope. We are apt to shut our eyes against a painful truth -- and listen to the song of that syren, till she transforms us into beasts. Is this the part of wise men, engaged in a great and arduous struggle for liberty? Are we disposed to be of the number of those, who having eyes, see not, and having ears, hear not, the things which so nearly concern their temporal salvation? For my part, whatever anguish of spirit it might cost, I am willing to know the whole truth; to know the worst, and to provide for it." -


To subscribe to Founder's Quote Daily and The Patriot Post, link to http://patriotpost.us/subscribe/.

Kids in the News

I had a lot of fun putting together this 'magazine' cover with Mason and his long hair.  Doesn't he look like  a big star with those sun glasses?

Don't have anything to say tonight. Actually, I have much too much to say about everything from the fall of Osama bin Laden to the left wing attack on our wonderful Ohio Governor Kasich. Just don't have time to expound  right now.

 Hope you are  keeping up with the news and using your brain our good Lord has given you to decipher all the gobbledy gook the press is throwing at us...knowing from whence it comes is one key to understanding.

Mother's Day Flowers

Happy Mother's Day to  all the moms, especially my daughters.  I was pleasantly surprised by a visit by our daughter, April.  It will be nice to celebrate Mother's Day with her tomorrow.

I'm running late, so just added a page of Ashley, even though I have been working on pages of her brothers, they are not yet finished.

We grandmothers have extra dimension to our special day.   Love you all.

Tulip Time

 

Can't get over the tulips this year.  They are much prettier than I've seen them for years.  It must be all the wonderful snow we had this winter. Of course, the ground is wet because of that snow and lots of rain the last couple of months as well.  The four smaller pictures were taken here at the house, while the larger one is a bed  we see on the way to church.  They fill my heart with joy.

                                                                                                   Joy to the World
                                                                                                   Spring Has Sprung.

Barnyard Buddies

Caleb is my subject again tonight. Thinking about him because he and his mom will be coming to Ohio tomorrow. I can hardly wait to see them.   Looks like Caleb got his goat....just kidding around.  His fingers are sure to taste great, 'cause he is so sweet.

Back in Time

Didn't do a layout today ( too busy studying and trying to learn more about the computer), so I've chosen a layout from my last book. It reminds me that it is just one more month until I have another birthday. The cute little phrase, "birthdays are better than the alternative" doesn't work with me anymore.  Some days, I doubt it.  And when I look around at the shape of things, I know I'd be better off going on ahead to be with the Father.  However, wanting to see me kids and grand kids again and again, makes me rethink that.   

And I'll get to see the youngest one again in just a few days.  Beth is bringing Caleb to Ohio.  Yippee!

Meanwhile, I'll be learning to use Power Point.  At least that is my aim.  And one other activity is scheduled for tomorrow, since it is the only clear day we've had for a while. I need to poison the weeds on our patio, otherwise, it won't be long until we'll be unable to find it.

Soul Surfer

Friday night some of us girls got together for dinner and a movie.  We also checked out Robin's new place.   The movie was inspiring as it was a true story about Bethany Hamilton, a young girl who lost her arm in a shark attack.   Her strength came from our Lord.  It was refreshing to see her maturity and how well she did.

We were really in need of some quiet, just being friends time. And it was wonderful to take a little while out of our busy lives just for some 'friend time'.

Let's put those two thoughts together:  When was the last time you took some quality time away from your busy schedule to have some 'friend time' with our savior? He seeks a relationship with us and that takes regular meetings with him in quiet places.

You might say you can't get away where it is quiet. The key is having a mind that is not cluttered with other thoughts. It is easier in a still place, but if necessary, you can  do it anywhere.  God understands and will help you.

Busy Days

Love these busy days when I don't have time to stop and smell the flowers.  But as  for my granddaughter, at eight, she hasn't yet learned to over work herself.  Let's hope she doesn't have that same drive that keeps me hopping all the time.  Actually,  one couldn't call it 'hopping' when I'm sitting much of the day.  But it is  much more tiring than actual labor. If it wasn't for CURVES, I'd probably not be able to get out of this chair to go to bed.  Glad to have that part of my day to stir my blood a bit.

Osama Bin Laden Confirmed Dead

I'm glad to report that this layout has nothing to do with Osama.  This is our lovely granddaughter, Leah. The picture was taken in St. Augustine, FL in March.

Now that she has her college diploma, she'll be stepping into a new phase of her life soon.  She has been accepted into acting school in New York, her favorite city.  We are confident she will do as well there as she has in the past.  She puts so much into everything she  does.  May God bless her in all she does.

Now for the breaking news: Osama bin laden has been confirmed dead.

You know he wasn't invited to the British wedding this weekend...and neither was our president, nor his wife.  The leaders of Bahrain, Swaziland and Saudi Arabia ( countries that have serious human rights issues) were asked to attend, but for some reason, the Obamas didn't make the list.

I guess Barak has succeeded in making us less important in the eyes of the world.  Of course it could have something  to do with the lack luster 'gifts' he gave the queen when she visited him.  Some people are soooo touchy!