Facing Grace

2009-07-13T11:51:00.002-06:00

My Blogsite is Under Construction!
Thank you for your patience as I re-do my blog!
God is doing some amazing things in my life, and I desire for this blog to place where His light shines brightly, and my life to be a vessel for Him to flow out of!

See you soon!

The Voice of Truth

2009-07-10T06:33:00.002-06:00

I am doing a Bible Study this Summer by Jennifer Rothschild called, Me, Myself and Lies. It is teaching how we too often believe the lies from Satan, who is like a roaring lion seeking out those he can easily devour, over the Truth that Christ speaks. We listen, believe and clothe ourselves with those lies; hanging them in our "thought closets" to wear over and over.....
So with Jennifer's direction and God's loving guidance, I am doing a "Thought Closet" Makover!

This last week in our study books, we were told to combat the following lies, with God's Truth. God's Truth comes from His Word...there is not mistaking it, or wondering if it is true. Because He said it, I can believe it...I can stake my life on it....and I can clothe myself in His Truth!

"God doesn't listen to you!"

Psalms 145:18-19....
"The LORD is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth.
He fulfills the desires of those who fear him; he hears their cry and saves them."

"You have no value or purpose!"

Isaiah 43:1-2....
"Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine."

"Your problem is unfixable!"

Jeremiah 32: 17....
"Ah, Sovereign LORD, you have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and outstretched arm. Nothing is too hard for you."

"You are abandoned!"

Romans 8:31....
"What, then, shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us?"

"You are a loser!"

Romans 8:37....
"In all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us."

"You've blown it, God can't accept you!"

Romans 8:38-39....
"For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord."

"Nobody cares about you!"

2 Corinthians 1:3-4....
"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God."

"You have no willpower!"

2 Timothy 1:7....
"For God did not give us a spirit of weakness, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline."

Chicken Zucchini Casserole

2009-07-08T18:52:00.002-06:00

1 pkg. Stove Top Cornbread Dressing
1/2 c. Butter--melted
4 cups of Zucchini--chopped, peeled, grated (however you want it)
2 cups of Carrots--peeeled and sliced
1/2 c. Onions--chopped
1 Garlic clove--minced
2 cups of Rice---cooked (I like to use intant brown or wild rice)
1 can of Cream of Chicken soup
1 sm. container of plain Yogurt or Sour Cream
2 cups of chicken--cooked
Salt and Pepper to taste
1 c. Cheddar cheese--grated

Mix Cornbread Dressing Crumbs with the melted butter. Spread 3/4 of the crumbs in the bottom of a 9x13 casserole dish and set the remaining crumbs aside. In medium saucepan cook Zucchini and carrots in a small amount of water, until fork tender. Drain and set aside. Saute the onions and garlic until translucent and add to the cooked veggies. Mix the chicken soup, yogurt, chicken, rice and salt and pepper into the bowl of veggies and mix all together. Pour over the crumbs into the casserole dish. Top with the remaining dressing crumbs and cheddar cheese.

Bake uncovered at 350 degrees for 25 minutes. Serve bubbly hot!

I like to serve this with Garlic Bread and maybe a Fresh Tossed Salad. When I am in a hurry to get this made up, and I think ahead enough, I like to use chicken that I have cooked and then frozen. Or even easier would be to buy a deli cooked chicken and take it off the bone.

Celebrating Our Freedoms!

2009-07-06T11:35:00.005-06:00

We spent the Fourth of July weekend, hanging out with some of our family in Donnelly, Idaho. We had such a great weekend together!

We stayed up late, slept in, ate good food, played games, played on Cascade Lake, got eaten alive by mosquitos, doctored our sunburns and then climbed a mountain (in the vehicles) and watched the McCall Fireworks from a very high perch!!

I am so thankful for the blessing of family and for the freedoms we have! God is good!

Kid's Breakfast Table...eating bacon, scrambled eggs and blueberry waffles

The dads and the kids out on a boat ride

Three Happy Taylor Girls! (Brooklyn, Emme and Nikki)

Best Buddies (Brittney and Ash)

" It's COLD!" (Alex and Addison)

Cousins...Brook, Emme, Nikki and Bridgette

It was a perfect day at the Lake!!

Our view from "No Business Lookout"

Our Family...with McCall in the background

Duane, Marc and Terry

Bubby and Britt...hanging out waiting for the fireworks to start

Can you see the fireworks? It was more spectacular than this picture appears!

Happy Birthday America

2009-07-03T09:06:00.003-06:00

We are proud to be American's!!
We are grateful and endebted to those who have given up their lives so that we might be free! We are proud and thankful for those who are currently serving in our military and protecting our freedoms today!

Our family is packing up and leaving for the mountains. We are gathering with family at the cabin. We intend to laugh a lot, watch ball games, catch bugs, play in the creek, go fishing, swim in the lake, roast hotdogs and smores, stay up late playing games....simply enjoying the freedoms we have and the love of family!

God Bless America & Happy 4th of July everyone!!

Potato Salad

2009-06-30T11:47:00.002-06:00

There is nothing that goes with an American Summer Picnic quite like Potato Salad. I grew up thinking that potato salad was yucky...but it was because of the crunchy onions and sweet pickles...both of which make me shiver in horror!I never really thought that I could make Potato Salad without those two ingredients...that is until I tasted this. It originally came from one of my sister in laws, but I have tweaked a couple of things to suit our liking.

Potato Salad

3 Pounds of Red Potatoes-scrub clean and cut into quarters. I like to leave the peels on mine.

Boil the potatoes until fork tender. Drain, cool and mash just until slightly mashed, leaving some chunks.

1 1/2 cups of Mayo

1 Tbsp. Mustard (optional)

1/4 tsp. of onion powder

Dill pickle juice to moisten

Salt and pepper to taste

Mix the above ingredients together and pour over cooled potatoes.

1 cup of chopped, cooked bacon

2 hard boiled eggs, sliced

1/2 cup chopped dill pickles

1 cup grated cheddar cheese

Add these ingredients to the the potato and dressing mix and stir all together. If it seems dry, just add a little more pickle juice. (it doesn't take much)

Sprinkle paprika on top (be careful when taking it to a party/picnic. Some people are allergic to paprika)

Stick a big spoon in it, and serve beside a Hamburger or Fried Chicken (or whatever else is you choose) Enjoy!

Truth the Rubber Ducky

2009-06-24T16:43:00.004-06:00

This is Truth, the Rubber Ducky. I got him today from one of my sisters. He is sitting in my kitchen window sill to remind me that...

"Truth is like a Rubber Ducky. You can push him under, but he will always pop back up to the top!"

The next time someone spreads a lie about you or someone you love, and you want so badly to act out in defense...remember to think of Truth, the Rubber Ducky!

Responding with Purpose

2009-06-23T12:40:00.003-06:00

I was visiting THE LETTERED COTTAGE BLOG this morning, and Layla had posted this yesterday. It is now afternoon, and I have been back to read it four times. It spoke a library's worth of volumes to me today!

Respond with purpose
What upsets you is not what happens.
What upsets you is your response to what happens.Just as easily as you respond in a negative way,
you can easily and naturally respond in a
positive, empowering, uplifting way.The biggest problems are often caused by
what you choose to do about the smallest problems.
Most of those big, painful problems are so unnecessary.Keep reminding yourself that you are in control of you.
You are in control and you can decide
exactly how you wish to feel at any point.Imagine the power of remaining calm and focused
and resourceful when some totally unexpected,
disappointing development interrupts your day.
Truly, you can make the disappointments not disappointing at all.Respond on purpose, with purpose.
Feel the power and the joy as every moment gives you a way to move forward.
Ralph Marston

Something to ponder....

2009-06-15T23:08:00.002-06:00

This is a question that I have been pondering for a few days....

"Where is your mountain, and are you climbing it?"

Personally, I have identified an entire mountain range!! But then realize that there is one standing like Mt. Rainer...high above the rest!

The answer to my question upon further reflection is: "Yes, I am climbing it!"
It has been a booger of a climb too! I have wanted to give up over and over...I have been ready to turn around and throw my pack down more than once. But then I read that He who causes eagles to soar, will renew me with His Strength, and cause me to soar to the top of my mountain (Isaiah 40:31).

The most amazing part of this story, is that I am not alone! My Strength-Renewer travels with me, and encourages me along the way!
And while I am saying, "I think I can, I think I can...." He is saying, "I know you will, I know you will..."

Psalms 3:5...I lie down and sleep (in peace); I wake again (ready to climb my mountain), because the Lord sustains me."

(words in parentheses are mine)

Vacation

2009-06-13T22:31:00.003-06:00

Our vacation is coming to an end...but we are ready to go home. We have had such a great week!!

I will post more pictures and share more about it in a few days...for now, we are going to relax in our hotel room and get ready to drive home tomorrow.

Antiquing in Seattle

2009-06-09T18:12:00.005-06:00

Our family is currently vacationing in the Seattle area, and today my Aunt Kim took us girls to an older town, and we went "antiquing and lunching". (Not sure if lunching is a word, but it sounds good!)
I am always on the lookout for vintage linens that come with fruits and flowers in the red, yellow and green variety. This was in excellent condition!
I came across the one below for Nikki to use while she is serving tea to friends. It is covered with pictures of children. I LOVE IT!

I enjoy adding to my collection of covered refrigerator dishes, and today I found a small yellow one. I am not sure how I will use "her", but she will have a job soon enough!

To go along with the yellow theme, I couldn't pass up the glass piture with sunny lemons dancing around it! Kim spotted this one for me!

I have such a love for things that have been gently used. I try to imagine that somewhere, one day, these linens and glassware belonged to someone that loved them as much as I do now. Perhaps they were wedding gifts, or things longed for, that had to be "saved-up" for...whatever their stories...they are now mine and I love them!

Thank You, Friend!

2009-05-31T09:06:00.002-06:00

Ecclesiastes 4:9-10......

"Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work.

If one falls down, him friend can help her up.

But pity the one who falls and has no one to help him."

God spoke this verse to my heart in the middle of the night. In fact He did it in the form of a dream. I won't bore you with all the details...so relax. But I awoke this morning, with it still very real and very fresh on my heart.

One of the greatest gifts from God to me have been friends. So with this burning on my heart, I want to thank all of you whom I can consider a friend. You ALL bring something unique into my life, that I could not do without! You make a difference in my life! Thank You!

2009-05-28T17:02:00.001-06:00

I have added some new "Link Buttons" to the right of my blog. You can click on them and go to some of my very favorite blogs!

Happy Thursday Everyone!!!

Mt. Washmore

2009-05-26T10:25:00.003-06:00

So, last week, I was showing off my really clean, organized laundry room, with the empty laundry baskets. This is what I get for bragging.......

Upon opening the door of my laundry room this morning, this is what I was met with...Mt. Washmore! I almost cried, then decided it wasn't worth the energy. Instead I tackled it! Once more I will sort, wash, dry, fold, hang, and thank God I don't have to scrub them on a wash board with lye soap and hang them up to dry!

Memorial Day 09

2009-05-25T21:13:00.005-06:00

We spent the day today doing fun things and being with people we love! While Duane and Alex were golfing, we girls spent the morning, having breakfast in Murphy with family. Then this afternoon, we enjoyed a BBQ and swim party with a group of friends, at the Cotner's. The kids and guys wore themselves out in the pool and all the food was yummy!
It was a good day! Now only six more days of school, and then our Summer will be in full swing!

I looked up and saw Marc with his arm around Talisha, and thought, "awwww!"

Nikki catching some rays and waves!

Ashley, Addison and Alex...cousins!

Ash and Addison having fun in the pool!

This evening, we were hanging out in the backyard, watering the garden, and the yard, and Tucker started attacking the sprinklers.

Pretty in Pink

2009-05-23T10:09:00.003-06:00

Duane surprised me yesterday with flowers...hoping that I recover quickly from my dental/tooth/root canal pain. He is such a thoughtful man, and when he shows his love with flowers, he is speaking my language!! Pink Rose=Perfect Happiness!

Daisy=Loyal Love!

Laundry Room

2009-05-20T15:52:00.002-06:00

With Summer coming and the kids living in the Swimming Pool, I realized that I needed to find a place for the beach towels to hang dry. I already had these hooks, so I got busy hanging them in the laundry room. I think this is going to work very well!

I had to include a picture that showed you that at this moment in time, my laundry baskets are empty...it will be like that for a couple of hours, and then everything we wore today will be in there. I am so going to enjoy this moment...ahhhh!

Inspired

2009-05-16T08:11:00.002-06:00

I recently came across a few really amazing ideas, that I want to try to do this Summer. I thought I would share them with my ever-faithful, yet completely and utterly silent blog readers...just because I love you!

I have to make one of these jars!!! Layla over at The Lettered Cottage makes "The Quote Jars" and "The Good Jars" to sell, but I think it would be very easy to make one for myself. (BTW...I love this blog! Her decorating style is fresh and her ideas are amazing!)

Chris at Just A Girl did something really creative with plates, that I think would be fun to incorporate into my decor. I have a facination with word and letters, so this is very appealing to me!

I am just amazed at how Kimba at A Soft Place to Land redid this headboard! You are going to love it too!!

I love just about every idea at Simple Mom. Her recipes, organizational solutions, advice on living the simple life....it is all good!!

And please, just tell me who wouldn't want to have and Outdoor Room to relax in? I know I would!! The Inspired Room has some beautiful ideas for creating such a space outside. I love it!

I just recently found this site, Money Saving Mom, and am loving her ideas for coupon cutting, bargain shopping, and freezer stashes!

Do you need a great idea for planning menus? I am always looking for new menu ideas! Go to Small Notebook for a Simple Home and check it out! She even has a free printable menu and grocery list you can download!

Although the color, orange, would not be my first choice for decorating...I thought this was amazing!! Darby at Fly Through My Window took what I would consider a decorating nightmare and came out with a stunning result!!

You really must go visit this site and see all the color!! Miss Maggie at Daisy Cottage inspires me with color! I love her creativity with flowers, books, garden wares, tea cups....her site makes me feel happy!

Melissa at The Polka Dot Chair has an idea that I can't wait to create! She took clipboards, hung them from a wall above her kids names, and made a space to keep school papers, chore lists and schedules organized! I already know where I am going to do this, and can't wait to get it done!! (While you are there, take a look at the adorable clothes Melissa makes!!)

I love looking at My Sweet Savannah for fun, different ideas for decorating!!

Karla at It's the Little Things That Make a House a Home has been baking a different cookie every week.... for twelve weeks! She is sharing her recipes and they look delicious!
Don't forget to look around her site at all the wonderful things she creates!!

Hope you enjoy all these sites. May you be inspired!

Being a Mom

2009-05-10T22:36:00.005-06:00

I have just spent the day being treated like a queen for Mother's Day, and it was a beautiful day! Now, all the children are tucked in for the night, and I sit here with my thoughts about being a mom.

Dreaming of Motherhood...
Some of my very earliest memories in life, are of wanting to be a mommy. I used to think having my own husband, home, and babies would be a all that I would ever want or need! I dreamed what my husband would be handsome and kind...I dreamed that my house would be yellow with white shutters and it would be full of peace....I dreamed that my six children would all have red hair and I would dress them alike!
How funny our dreams can be, but thinking back to them now, I am so aware that God had a dream for my life, so much bigger than my dreams ever were!
My husband is handsome and his kind ways are as natural as breathing for him. My house is not yellow with white shutters, but peace reigns in this home!! My three children are not red-heads and they would shoot me if I tried to dress them alike...but they are beautiful and loving in so many ways!

The Reality of Motherhood...
It has been the best thing that has ever happened to me and yet at the same time, it has been the hardest thing I have ever done! There are days when being a mom is fulfilling and natural; other days I wonder who took Sheila and replaced her with me...and where did these children come from?!?
But I love being a mom!! I really do! I have loved the moments of babyhood, when they depended on me for life, food and love. I have loved the moments of indescribable adoration that I see in their eyes as they look at me. I have loved hearing them say "Ma-ma" for the first time and the pleasure of knowing they love me even when I mess up! I have loved watching them discover their world from the safety of my lap, and when they venture a few feet away, only to come running back to me. I have loved teaching them about God and how much He adores them. I have loved listening to them explain something new they discovered, or how their day has gone. I have loved the long talks and hugs of comfort when life has been hard.
That is just it...I have loved!

One of my hearts deepest desires is for my children to always know that they are loved...not because of anything they do, but simply because they are mine!
I love being a mom!

Mom and Mother

2009-05-09T16:03:00.004-06:00

One I call "Mom" and one I call "Mother"
They are not the same person, but they do know each other

One gave me life and raised me with love
One gave me love and raised me a husband

One lives in the desert and one in the city
But they both drive Cadillacs, and oh! they are pretty

One has gray hair and one has light brown
But when Macy's has sales, they both head to town

There are differences plenty between these two women
that make them unique in the way they are livin'

But one thing is true, one thing I can shout,

"You are both the best Mothers in the world...there's no doubt!!"

Praising First!

2009-05-07T20:00:00.004-06:00

Lately I have been studying the Old Testament and that long ago practice of sending the singers and musicians into battle before the warriors. What was their duty? To praise God and claim victory before the battle began.

In our day, it is common for the "front line" of offense to be an aerial attack of bombs and missiles. How different from those long ago days when the singers declared the praises of God before the battle!

In Chronicles 20:21-22, King Jehoshaphat made a decision when facing a vast army. He stood and said, "Listen to me, Judah and people of Jerusalem! Have faith in the LORD your God and you will be upheld; having faith and your will be successful." He then appointed men to sing the the LORD, and to praise him as they went out at the head of the army saying:

"Give thanks to the LORD, for his love endures forever!"

As they began to sing and praise, the LORD sent ambushes against the men who were invading Judah and they were defeated!

In Psalms 68, David praises God for victory in a similar situation where it appears the choir led the procession into battle

(vs. 2., 3)
"When the righteous see God in action, they'll laugh, they'll sing, they'll laugh and sing for joy! Sing hymns to God all heaven, sing out...

(vs. 19-20)
"Blessed be the Lord--day after day he carries us along. He's our Savior, our God, oh yes! He's God-for-us, He's God-who-saves-us. Lord GOD knows all!"

Why did the singers go first? Because it was acknowledgment that the battle belonged to the Lord. The very first thing I must realize and claim is that the true power is God's, and I do that through my praise and worship to Him!

There is a battle going on, and I intend to praise my way into it, and through it! God is doing something big, and I am excited for the victory!

Gifts of Spring

2009-04-30T19:51:00.002-06:00

Lifting My Eyes

2009-04-29T07:50:00.002-06:00

Psalms 121: 1-8....I lift up my eyes to the hills—
where does my help come from?

² My help comes from the LORD,
the Maker of heaven and earth.

³ He will not let your foot slip—
he who watches over you will not slumber;

⁴ indeed, he who watches over Israel
will neither slumber nor sleep.

⁵ The LORD watches over you—
the LORD is your shade at your right hand;

⁶ the sun will not harm you by day,
nor the moon by night.

⁷ The LORD will keep you from all harm—
he will watch over your life;

⁸ the LORD will watch over your coming and going
both now and forevermore.

Prayer Board

2009-04-22T07:50:00.003-06:00

My very talented and inspiring sister-in-law, Talisha, recently created a beautiful prayer board (not sure that is what she is calling it, but that is what it is) where she posts the things she is praying about. I loved it and felt inspired to make one of my own, using my Creative Memories Memory Board.

Last night I shared with my family how they can also use it to post the prayer needs they have. We do have so much that we are praying about, but we are anticipating BIG answers from our God...who does exceedingly more that we can imagine!!

I thought I would blog about this, hoping that it encourages some of you to do likewise. It is a great way to have a visual reminder that God is not sleeping!! He is alive and working miracles all around us!

Where we will post our prayer needs:

Where we will post the answers to our prayers and how God is working in our lives:

This little pocket has empty prayer cards and a pen, for everyone in our family to use.

Re-run

2009-04-21T10:26:00.002-06:00

I posted this song on my blog a few months ago, so please forgive me as I re-run it. But this morning, God put this song back on my heart, with a peaceful reminder that every part of my life is an open book for Him....and He is going to walk with me, and sometimes carry me, all the way through it!

Chores Around Our House

2009-04-20T08:35:00.006-06:00

Every year as school nears it end and Summer starts to loom on the horizon, this mom tries to come up with ~~fun~~ ~~creative~~ simple ways to keep our house running smoothly, when everyone would rather be soaking in the sun!
I am finding that all the members of our home seem happier and life flows fairly well, when things stay picked up and clean. Is it always perfect? Hardly!!! We are a normal family with crazy schedules and frequent interruptions. But all the more reason for us to keep things where they belong.

This year is no different. I have tried so many different methods to assign chores, and it is always frustrating for me to find something that works for all the different ages and capabilities of the my children. I think this year will be easier (knock on wood) since the baby of the family is now capable of doing just as much as her older brother and sister. She may need help lugging the vacuum upstairs sometimes, but she can keep up with most everything now.

I saw this idea in a magazine and thought maybe it would be something that would work. It seems to have very little management (on my part) and is simple. At least in my book, it is.

We are going to try a Choose-a-Chore Jar.

There are 18 popsicle sticks with a chore written on each one. Each child will pick six sticks a week, one for each day, except Sunday.

After picking their sticks for the week, they will put them in this bucket, in the space marked with their name.
Then as they do their chore, they will move them to the back spaces.

In addition to these weekly chores, my children have daily chores that are now a habit for them.

If this works...great. If it does not...we can try something different.

Bowtie Pasta with Roasted Red Pepper Sauce

2009-04-16T21:37:00.002-06:00

This is what our family enjoyed for dinner tonight! It was delicious and will stay in our menu!!
You may go here for the recipe.

Celebrating Easter!

2009-04-13T09:00:00.008-06:00

My charming, beautiful girls!

Our children, Alex, Nikki and Ashley

Our family

The Taylor Family BG (before girls)

and then the girls showed up!

Talisha laughing her head off!

The Men

The Brothers...Duane, Brian, Terry and Marc

The Ten Taylor Grands

Grandma Margaret and Alex

Nikki on the hunt!

Duane and Alex

Our beautiful girl, Nikki!

Egg hunt at Grandpa Bob and Grandma Sue's on Saturday

Nikki looking for money!

Sisters!! (Talisha, Jamie, me and Steph)

Passing On My Love For Scrabble!

2009-04-05T17:53:00.004-06:00

I LOVE Scrabble!! Playing Scrabble with friends or family is one of my favorite past-times in life...seriously! The one person that understands this the most, is my man! For 18 years, we have played many games together. The game even got me through 12 weeks of bedrest in '96, when I was trying to keep Alex from arriving too early!
I think I got my love for word games, like Scrabble and Boggle from my Grandpa Aman. He was the best in the west!! He wasn't all that much fun to play with when I was a little girl, because, well, he used foreign languages, and I didn't know any.

Today, Nikki and I have been in bed very sick in bed. As the day has gone on, we are starting to feel much better, and then Nikki asked me this: "Mommy, can you play Scrabble with me?"
I asked her if she knew how, and she said, "well, kinda, but you could teach me."

So we got the board out and played our very first Scrabble game together!!! I hope it is the first of many. We didn't keep score, so that it was a level playing field, and she did very well!! Her biggest word was CHARM...I thought it was a good one!

Sunday!

2009-03-29T23:06:00.005-06:00

I love, love, love Sundays!

I haven't always felt so warm and fuzzy for this particular day of the week, due in part to the stress that seemed to always surround me. I remember growing up, as Sunday being a day of stress, and I carried that into my years as a young wife and mother. For a long time, it was all about getting all of the children dressed into their fanciest attire, getting my hair just right, making sure I had all of our best ducks in a row...and by the time we got in the car, I was a basket case, and our best ducks were not looking so great!

I remember hearing that Sunday was supposed to be a day of rest, and that would cause me to do either one of two things...laugh hysterically at the irony of it all, or weep to think I must be doing something wrong.
But due to growing, independent children, and a change of thinking on what this day of worship and rest was intended to be...Sunday is now my favorite day of the week, and today was no exception!

I look forward all week to gathering in worship with friends, and hearing from God. He uses Pastor Darrell to teach His truths to my heart, weekly! In combined effort we lift our voices to bring glory to the One who deserves our praise, and with faith, we encourage each other to keep our hearts and eyes focused on Jesus!

God has blessed Duane, myself and our children with a wonderful church to attend, and while we are thrilled at how He is working all around us...we know that He is alive and working in churches all over our community and the world!
We are seeing lost people find a new life in Christ! The hopeless are alive with expectation and the redeemed are finding deeper faith in Him! That is exciting!!!

I went into this day needing to be reminded that God is faithful and alive in my world! I am ending this day with a heart full of praise at what He is going to do!!

Welcome Home, Marcus!

2009-03-26T10:01:00.006-06:00

Our family would love to say, "Welcome Home" to our friend, Capt. Marcus Moyer.

He has been on deployment with the US Marines as a pilot, for 7 months, and just got home to North Carolina, yesterday.

Thank you, Marcus for all you have done for our country! We are proud of you and grateful for you.
I can't say enough about his wife, Julie. She sacrificed for us too, and quite beautifully, I must say!!

God has some exciting things in store for you both!! Much love and many blessings!

My Favorite Links!!

2009-03-23T08:06:00.004-06:00

For those of you who wanted these links, here they are! These are links to just a few of my favorite websites. I love all of the ideas and inspiration!! Have a great Spring Break!

Beth Moore's Blog

The Inspired Room

A Soft Place To Land

Nesting Place

The Lettered Cottage

Warm Pie, Happy Home

Sadie Olive

Lola B's Boutique

Lisa Leonard's Jewlery...my favorite!!!

I have many more, but these will give you something to start with!

Priceless!!

2009-03-20T07:38:00.004-06:00

This morning, Duane was here in the kitchen doing some computer work; I was making eggs and toast and Nikki was sitting at the table eating.

Nikki is such a Little Miss Chatty-Kathy in the morning...actually, she is chatty all the time! She started telling Duane and I about how at Grandma Sue's house, her cousin Alyssa, asked her what she was giving up for Lent.
These are her exact words..."Alyssa asked me what I was giving up for 40 days, you know, for Lent. Well I told Alyssa, that there were two things I was NOT going to give up for Lent! I was not going to give up my mommy and daddy! No way, Jose....it ain't gonna happen!!!"

Duane and I are so relieved we will not be given up by our children, for Lent!!! Priceless!!

Learning to Hush

2009-03-09T17:07:00.005-06:00

Life has a way of teaching me lessons. God has a way of teaching me lessons. I recently was with an individual that felt it their place to put everyone else in theirs. This person shared their opinion on everything, and found fault left and right. I came away from that conversation down right angry! I was complaining to interior of my car about how annoying and frustrating it was! Then a quiet Voice said to me, that I too, am so guilty of speaking my mind when I really need to hush! Upon further reflection, this is what God's word has to say....(to me)


He who has understanding spares his words,

     And a man of understanding is of a calm spirit.

                                           Proverbs 17:27
He who guards his mouth preserves his life,
But he who opens wide his lips shall have destruction.

                                           Proverbs 13:3

A fool vents all his feelings,
But a wise man holds them back.

                                            Proverbs 29:11


I read these verses and felt like I needed to go have a zipper
installed on my mouth!
I then thanked God for making me aware of this in my own life!
Oh how I wish it were possible to go
around and pick up again, words that have wounded...but now,
they are feathers
on the wind.

There is something so liberating and peaceful about not having
to share what I think or know about
everything!
If I have ever hurt you with my words, forgive me, and then
please pray that God will continue to teach me
how to hush!

This is what the Sovereign LORD, the Holy One of Israel, says:
"In repentance and rest is your salvation,  in quietness and 
trust is your strength...Isaiah 30:15a

Anticipation!

2009-03-07T11:03:00.002-07:00

I have been having fun with this photo....you can read more about this photo further down in my blog.
Here is two more versions that I did this morning....sepia or black and white? I am planning on getting this picture printed and framed for my kitchen.

Please take a minute and place your vote for: color, black and white or sepia??

Chef-in-Training

2009-03-07T09:59:00.007-07:00

Here at the Taylor's, we have a young chef. He begs to cook with me on a daily basis. I love it, because he is helpful, and it gives he and I a chance to talk and bond over skillets and mixing bowls!
This morning, he announced that he wanted to make pancakes! He set to work, and with some help from mom, he added a touch of vanilla flavoring and some sugar. He wanted "Sweet Flap-jacks".
I have been trying to teach him to experiment with recipes. It has taken me years to learn that adding a touch of flavorings, seasonings, or herbs, can make a "ho-hum dish" come alive with flavor! Except when a certain father-in-law wonders why there is grass (Rosemary) in the spaghetti sauce?

Mr. Flap-Jack!
These were some of the yummiest pancakes I have ever eaten!

(Sorry, to a certain some-woman, about all the syrup floating on the plate. I worried that might make you gag!)

Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives!

2009-03-05T22:00:00.005-07:00

My cousin, Sherri owns a wonderful little restaurant here in Idaho called The Orchard House. The restaurant was recently nominated and chosen to appear on Food Network's, Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives with Guy Fieri.

So, today, Guy Fieri, the show's host showed up at The Orchard House, with his camera crew, to do a taping for a future show. Being such HUGE fans of the show, we just had to go, and since Sherri had invited us to be there, we really had to go! Marc and Talisha joined us (they are fans too!).

We arrived early (to get a good table), and almost immediately, our waitress invited us to go back to the kitchen with her, to watch Guy cook with the Orchard House Chef....it was awesome!

We ordered a latte for Sheila, and soda for the others, and sat back and enjoyed the energy of place!
After cooking in the kitchen, Guy came out and mingled with the customers, and then left! By the way, he was very down to earth and seemed friendly! Lots of energy!

We ordered the famous Finger Steaks (highly recommended) for lunch, and just after our food arrived, the camera crew from the Food Network, came to our table and asked us if they could interview all four of us...on camera...for the show! We nervously said yes, and were promptly interviewed. It will be interesting to see just how much of our interviews show up on TV!

It was a chance of a lifetime, that we had a blast being part of! We are THRILLED for Sherri, Chris and The Orchard House!
Now, all you Idahoans need to go eat there! The prime rib, or any steak for that matter, is to die for! All the food is local and fresh! If you go for lunch, you should have the finger steaks!

A Norman Rockwell Moment......

2009-03-03T08:23:00.004-07:00

I took this picture of Alex and Tucker the other night, while we baked Lemon Bars. After posting it, I had many people comment on how it was one of those "Norman Rockwell moments". A couple days later, a friend of ours, Steve Stanley, emailed me this version of my picture. Isn't it great?!

Anticipation!

2009-03-02T21:56:00.004-07:00

Today, I was driving down the road, having a little ~~talk~~ pity party with myself to God......

"I am so tired of all of this.....why does it seem that just when I think things are ok, they fall apart again?!"

I heard Him gently say, "Sheila, let Me take it for you!"

I kept ~~talking~~ arguing......

"But, I have given it to You, over and over and over and.......!"

He gently spoke again, "You need to let me take it...all of it!

So, in reverent submission (obedience), I gave all of it to the One who says,

"Let Me take it personally for you. It can hurt Me, but it can't hinder Me"

So, tonight, while the ocean roars around me, I am resting in peace, knowing that He who created the ocean, rules the waves!

Psalm 35:3......."Reassure me; let me hear You say, "I'll save you."

Lemon Bars........

2009-02-27T19:15:00.006-07:00

FOR THE CRUST:

1/2 pound unsalted butter at room temp.
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/8 tsp. salt

FOR THE FILLING:

6 extra-large eggs at room temp.
3 cups granulated sugar
2 Tbsp. grated lemon zest (3-4 lemons)
1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
1 cup all-purpose flour

Confectioner's sugar for dusting

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

For the crust, cream butter and sugar in a bowl. Combine the flour and the salt then add to butter until just mixed. Dump the dough onto a well-floured board. and gather into a ball. Flatten the dough with floured hands and press into a 9 x 13 baking dish, building up a 1/2 inch edge on all sides. Chill.

Bake the crust for 15-20 min. until very lightly browned. Let cool on a wire rack. Leave the oven on.

For the filling, whisk together the eggs, sugar, lemon zest, lemon juice, and flour. Pour over the crust and bake for 30-35 min., until the filling is set. Let cool to room temperature.

Cut into triangles or squares, and dust with confectioner's sugar.

Getting ready to bake the crust

Juicing the lemons

Farm-fresh eggs from our very own, "Double T Landscape chickens"!

Anticipation!

Dusted and ready to eat!

Recipe taken from Barefoot Contessa Parties!

This is something that I thought I would add onto the end of this post. I have learned to use what Rachel Ray calls a Trash Bowl while cooking.
It saves me multiple trips back and forth to the trash can, and when I am done, I just dump everything at one time into the garbage!
This is an antique enamel bowl. I found it at a garage sale, and it has been a perfect Trash Bowl!

Things to Praise About!

2009-02-21T22:18:00.002-07:00

* I know that my Redeemer lives for me and having no doubt that He has my life in His hands!

* My guy, who makes me feel very safe and loved!

* The sun has shown brightly for several days and I have been soaking it up as much as possible!

* Really good friends, who minister to my heart!

* God's Word (Proverbs 18:10, Psalms 62:5.....)

* All my needs have been provided for (I do have some "wants"....but those will have to wait)

* The knowledge that God reigns!!

* A personal relationship with my Father God!

* Hugs and love from my children! (Nikki hugged me tonight, and said, "Can you feel me loving you?")

Jesus, I will praise You in this storm!!!!!

When There Are No Words......Proverbs 18:10

2009-02-20T08:07:00.001-07:00

Steeped to Perfection!

2009-02-15T22:05:00.002-07:00

I was reading in my Better Homes and Garden's magazine today about the benefits of drinking tea in solitary.....Tea for One. (March 2009, p. 198)

I am a lover of tea, and all things related to it. That is not news to anyone who knows me at all. A friend recently questioned me on how many different kinds of tea I own? I went to my tea cupboard, and found 34 different varieties/flavors.

James Norwood Pratt, Founder of Tea Society says, "There is literally nothing better you can do for your physical self than drink tea." Norwood-Pratt goes on to say, "It is impossible to name any one substance that confers as many benefits as tea!"

Although, having a cup of tea with one of my children or my girl-friends is enough to make me smile...having a cup of tea in solace, is my favorite. It calms my spirit and makes me realize the pleasure of life in simple form.

My mid-morning ritual of drinking a cup of tea while spending time alone with God, is a part of my day, that I would not want to soon give up! While sipping a hot cup of tea, I find that I am restored...both in body and spirit!

Don't get the wrong impression....I don't sit around my house all day with a flowery cup of tea in one hand and a truffle in the other. No, not at all! But I do try to take a few minutes every day to enjoy this ritual that allows me to pause. I find that if I will pause, and exhale, I am ready for what ever happens next...well most of the time!

"A woman is like a tea bag- you never know how strong she is until she gets in hot water."-Eleanor Roosevelt

A Letter to Myself

2009-02-05T10:42:00.002-07:00

I recently read on another blog that I follow, a letter that the writer wrote to her 20 year old self. I thought it was so funny, and that I should give it a shot.

Dear Sheila,

This is a letter to you...you young 20 year old thing! In 16 years, you are going to be looking back at yourself and reflecting on your life. I know that you have no idea what is ahead, so let me just fill you in.....

1. You are in your second year of marriage! The honeymoon has long passed, and you know really well by now that marriage is hard work! Some days you wonder what you were thinking! Just hang on....marriage takes work, and you may think that you are not up for the job. In time, you will realize that the bond you have with that good-lookin' hunk of a man that you are married to, grows stronger and deeper! My advice to you and your man would be to enjoy these years!

2. In about 2 days, February 8th, 1993, you are going to be finding out that you are pregnant for the first time! Have you been wondering why you are sick to your stomach day and night? Well there is your reason! You are going to get up enough nerve to go into Albertsons and buy your first pregnancy test...and then you will find out that you are going to be a mother! Your baby is going to be a girl, and she is going to change your life in so many ways!

3. Enjoy your sleep-filled nights! Based on the news that you are about to recieve, your sleep will become a precious treasure! For the next 10 years, you are not going to get much sleep!

4. Stop stressing over the price of gas and groceries!! The fact that you can fill your little Ford Escort up for $10. 50, is going to make you cry someday! And paying $80.00 for two weeks worth of food, is astounding! In 16 years, you will pay 65.00-80.00 to fill your Minivan (you will have to drive a family car...you will have three kids!) and your grocery bill will be in the ball park of $300.00 for two weeks!! So, whatever you do now, chill out and be thankful!

5. Keep praying for the five sister-in-laws that you will someday have! I know that weighs heavy on your heart, but it all turns out amazingly!! You will be best friends with them in 16 years! Your teen-aged brother and brother-in-laws, end up choosing adorable, sweet girls to marry!

6. If there is any way that you could find someone to teach you how to handle money, do it! In 16 years, you will be following the Dave Ramsey financial plan, and you will wish that you could have learned it all much earlier! Another thing.....save your money!

7. Get a shirt out of your drawer, and look at the size....see that single S (small)on the tag? You are getting ready to say goodbye to that size for a long, long time! If that makes you weep, get over it! In 16 years, you will be on Weight Watchers, trying to get rid of all the weight you gained during your child-bearing years! It would be so good for you to learn more about healthy living....someday you will be sorry that you ate food to make yourself feel happy!

8. Get in your car and go to Murphy.....stop in for a visit at Grandpa and Grandma Aman's house, and listen to his stories again. If you are lucky, he may even sing you a Cowboy song or two. In a few short years, Poppy is going to get cancer and leave this earth, and in 16 years, you will give anything to spend an afternoon together! He is someone you can learn so much from, don't miss it!

9. Stop trying to impress people!!! This maybe one of the biggest areas you need to work on! People are human, and they do mess up!! You are spending so much wasted energy on trying to get certain people to like you! Please listen to me:

True friends love you for who you truly are, not what you can do for them!

You are surrounded by many people who care about you and want what is best for you. But you also have a few people in your life, who only want to be your friend when it is convienent for them.....don't spend too much time worrying about them! In 16 years, some of them won't give you the time of day! Invest in the lives of people....care for them, and love unconditionally!

10. Let God love you as He has promised He does! You tend to let guilt and shame squeeze the life out of you....instead let His Grace bathe you daily! Sheila, it is your heart that matters to God! He doesn't look at your past and hold it against you, so stop doing that to yourself!
Let go of the things that keep you seperated from His love.....Someday, you will encounter God in an amazing way, and you will wonder why it took so long to see His character and His love for you!

There are many things that I could share with you, Twenty year-old Sheila, but I think that is enough for now. Maybe when you are 36, you will have it all together!! In the meantime, sit back and enjoy this life God has gifted you...make it matter!

Love,
Sheila

What Inspires Me?

2009-01-27T21:57:00.008-07:00

I must admit that this is not my favorite time of the year. I hate, Hate, HAte, HATe, HATE fog, and until this last Sunday, this valley spent two weeks covered by a thick brown-ish blanket of fog, that kept even a little ray of sunshine from being able to break through. I don't like to be cold either, and tonight it is frigid. I enjoy snow, until Christmas, and after that, I don't find much beauty in it.

In fact, nothing has been feeling very beautiful lately...including my life! Oh, don't get me wrong. Before you go diagnosing me with Seasonal Affective Disorder...I have already self diagnosed, and I am pretty sure that I have a mild case of it. I am not so depressed that I can't get out of bed, and I am not eating myself sick, in fact, I am on a healthy lifestyle program, and am losing weight....but I am struggling to be truly inspired!

So, the last couple of days, I have been on a little "Inspire Sheila Journey". It really does not take much to get me excited...I only have to seek that part of myself out, and let "me" loose!

Yesterday morning, I woke up and announced to no one in particular, that I was going out! I grabbed my Bible and Beth Moore Study Book (Jesus, The One and Only), and out the door I went. I could hardly contain my excitement!
After dropping my children off at their respective schools, and stopping in at Weight Watchers to weigh-in, I drove straight (I did not pass go, and I did not collect 200 dollars) to Flying M Coffee Garage, ordered myself a Latte' and found a table in the corner, where the sun was beating in on me.
For the next two hours, I blocked out the world around me, and spent time focusing on what I am studying.
My next stop was a local used bookstore. There are few places in this world that get me more excited than bookstores. I feel like I am transported to new and different places, with every book I hold in my hands. I was on a mission to find used and cheaper copies of the book that I had chosen for my book club. I found two copies and they were marked way down. That made me smile!

I then found myself in a little store that makes my heart start racing, as soon as I open the front door! Bella Rose is the most beautiful store, filled with old furniture pieces that Zella Marie has re-furbished, mixed in with antique rose dishes and fine linens, wire baskets and delicious candles, vintage tins and porcelain lamps....it's mixed aroma of old and new hits me as I walk in, and my heart sighs! (I could so see myself working there) I go in this store often, just to browse and unwind. There is something about touching things that come from long ago, that make me want to live my life purposefully today!
I walked down the way to the Library. Once again, looking for a book that I had on my list.
As I walked out of the Library, I noticed again that the sun was shining brightly! I smiled as I soaked it all in!

The day progressed, and last night, I kicked off my book group again. I started this group about two years ago, and then we paused for awhile, due to busy lives. It was with joy that we are at it again! We met at Living Waters Coffee House, and laughed the night away! Laughter is so good for me!

That is all it took...a day of quiet, sunshine, a large assortment of previously loved books and treasured housewares, fresh air, and loads of laughter...and I am on my way to feeling refreshed and ready to hang on for a couple more months!

Tomorrow, I will share some of the ways I bring beauty into my home and life.....

Photo source: Country Living Images

Cold Outside.Warm Inside

2009-01-24T22:40:00.002-07:00

Recipes!

2009-01-22T18:48:00.006-07:00

For a lack of anything more exciting,..I bring you the pictorial of my recipe organization!
This morning, I decided that today was the day for sorting and organizing my recipes. I am a recipe fanatic! I also love to try new ones. It has been probably 7-8 years since I have sorted and organized (isn't that horrible). It takes me like 10 min. or more to locate a recipe, and sometimes, I never do find it.
In keeping with my determination to simplify, I tackled the job!

Sorting....

and sorting......

my Cookbook and Recipe Cupboard

I have a pile of old Taste of Home magazines that I needed to go through, and I did. I cut out all the ones I wanted and threw the magazines away.

The clean Cookbook and Recipe Cupboard

My neatly sorted recipe box

All I am left with, is a big stack of full-page recipes, that I am going to put in a binder...that will have to happen another day.

Now, anyone can call me looking for a recipe, and I will know right where to find it! Yippee!

God With Us

2009-01-16T07:46:00.003-07:00

This morning, just moments ago, I drove my children to school. As usual, as they get out of the car, I pray that God will spend the day with them. I am also quick to pray that they will spend the day with God!

As Ashley got out of the van, I heard a song come on the radio, that I really like, so I cranked it up. Mercy Me was beginning to sing, "God With Us" and my heart began to praise! (We are studying in our Bible Study about the angel announcing to Joseph, that the baby inside of Mary, was to be called, "Immanu'el". Immanu'el literally means, "The With of God") I was glad that it was dark, because the tears started falling and I just could not resist praising out loud! Had the sun been out, I would have been quite a scene!

Some of the words to the song are...

"Who are we, that You would be mindful of us..."

"We are free in ways that we never should be..."

"Like hinges straining from the weight, my heart no longer can keep from singing..."

"My heart sings a brand new song, my debt is paid, these chains are gone...."

"Such a tiny offering, compared to Calvary, but nevertheless, we lay it at Your feet..."

How tremendous and astounding, that THE GOD of ALL would come as a baby named Immanu'el, so that He could be with us!

He is with us, when we mess things up. He is with us, when our hearts are heavy. He is with us, when we lose people that we love. He is with us, when money is not. He is with us when no one else seems to be....after all, He is the With of God!

My heart is singing a brand new song this morning!

No Small Potatoes for me!

2009-01-09T09:39:00.002-07:00

Here in our home, Fox News is the resource where my husband stays current on what is happening around us. Those who know me well, know that I am, by far, not a news-junkie! Not that I don't care what is happening in my world, but I tend to internalize other people's problems. If there is a family in Florida that is grieving the kidnapping of a child, or a child in Ethiopia that is raising his younger siblings because his parents died of AIDS...I take their pain very seriously, and dream sad dreams about it. I have learned to not watch a lot of news.
During the last days of the election, and with the wars and economy....I have just had to stop watching any kind of news. It was making me a stress case of the worst kind!

So this morning, I was reading my devotional book, Fresh Grounded Faith by Jennifer Rothschild, and she shared this from God's Word....

2 Corinthians 4:16-18 (Msg.)
"So we're not giving up. How could we! Even though on the outside it often looks like things are falling apart on us, on the inside, where God is making new life, not a day goes by without his unfolding grace. These hard times are small potatoes compared to the coming good times, the lavish celebration prepared for us. There's far more here than meets the eye. The things we see now are here today, gone tomorrow. But the things we can't see now will last forever."

When I read that these times are just small potatoes, I thought, "This Idaho Spud knows all about small potatoes!" No seriously, I can hang on to Hope, knowing that the bad times are nothing in comparison to what is coming for all who believe!

So, when I hear that Obama is stressed this morning because his Democratic Congress might not go along with his economic recovery plan....I just picture small potatoes! Or, when I see that some dumb guy stole 173 million from unsuspecting people....small potatoes. Or that the gas prices went up 10 cents this week...small potatoes.....

A Girl and Her Grandma's

2009-01-06T20:21:00.004-07:00

Grandma Sue ("The Brown Grandma")

Grandma Margaret ("Bargot")

As I was going through Christmas pictures tonight, I realized that I had two pictures with Ashley and each of her grandma's, during the holidays.
Ashley was the first grandchild on both sides of the family, and has a special place in the hearts of these two women....she kinda loves them too!

A New Recipe.....

2009-01-06T19:43:00.009-07:00

This is a new recipe that I tried today. I made this for an easy dinner and served it with fruit.

Hashbrown Casserole
6 cups frozen shredded hashbrown potatoes
1 lb. bulk sausage, cooked and drained
1/2 lb. sliced bacon, cooked and crumbled
1 small can of green chili peppers
2 cups (8oz.) shredded cheddar cheese, divided
1/2 cup onion, chopped
1 cup biscuit/baking mix
1/2 tsp. salt
4 eggs
3 cups milk

In a large bown, combine the hashbrowns, sausage, bacon, chili peppers, 1 cup cheese and onion (I sautéed my onions first). Transfer to a 13x9" baking dish.
In another bowl, whisk the biscuit mix, salt, eggs and milk; pour over the top. Sprinkle with remaining cheese. Cover and refrigerate overnight.
Remove from the refrigerator 30 min. before baking. Bake uncovered at 375 degrees for 30-35 min. or until golden brown on top. Let stand for 10 min. before cutting.
Yield: 12 servings

I have another recipe similar to this, but not as yummy. I made it for dinner, but think it would be such a great casserole for a special breakfast or brunch. Enjoy!

Recipe from Country Magazine Dec/Jan 2009

Simplify!

2008-12-29T11:07:00.006-07:00

You may notice that I have posted a picture in the title of my blog with the word, Simplify!
I did that very intentionally.
I am probably not a lot different from most people, who constantly find ourselves striving for life to slow down, and at the very same time, we are seeking for more! More money, more happiness, more clothes, more shoes, more fun......more! Then we find ourselves wondering why we are bogged down with "more" than we know what to do with. I start to feel like everything around me gets cluttered with the "more"!

I have a burning passion in my heart to simplify! I get this way at the beginning of every year...and I will say that this last year, I did some major remodeling on my life and heart, but God is not finished with me. He wants to take out the "more" that I have stuffed into my life, and bring in the things that really matter.

I am not quite ready to move into a remote mountain cabin with just the bare necessities...but I am ready to get rid of what inhibits me from concentrating on what is really important. I want to have the space in my heart for God to work His plans out in me.

One of the biggest parts of simplifying, is learning to have a heart of contentedness or peace. Help me Father!

So all of this being said, I have set a personal goal for the year 2009....I want to concentrate on filling my life with His Word, His Heart and His Plans...only bringing in that which will be a positive addition to my life, in light of God's plan for me. Will I do it perfectly?.....are you kidding! (This is Sheila, and she messes things up...really bad.)
But I will try, I will get up when I fall down, and the Lover of my soul will not leave me to do it by myself!

May God's blessings be your's in 2009!

Merry Christmas from The Taylor's!

2008-12-24T09:40:00.008-07:00

I know that I have no idea how many people read my blog; we want to wish all of you a Merry Christmas!

Duane, Sheila, Ashley, Alex and Nichole

20 Little Things to Treasure at Christmas!

2008-12-21T22:57:00.003-07:00

20. Sitting in my family room, in the dark, with only the lights from my Christmas Village shining.

19. Stirring my coffee with a candy cane.

18. Opening envelopes filled with beautiful cards, family pictures and newsy letters.

17. Driving on a road that looks down on our valley, and seeing Christmas lights near and far.

16. Keeping secrets about Christmas presents.

15. Having the freedom to say "Merry Christmas!"

14. Christmas Carols...especially O Holy Night!

13. Watching as people go out of their way to help complete strangers!

12. Listening to bells ring as coins are dropped into red buckets.

11. Simply loving

10. The beauty of innocence in children, as they gaze at all the wonders of Christmas

9. Having my favorite color (red) splashed all around me...everywhere I look!

8. Hanging up ornaments, and remembering where they came from and the little stories behind each one.

7. The smell of peppermint and vanilla and yeast and cinnamon and.......delicacies from the kitchen!

6. Snuggling up with a quilt and reading a Christmas Story.

5. Anticipating Christmas vacation...and still having to remind myself that sleeping in is ok!

4. Recalling memories of Christmas...some make me laugh, some make tears fall....but all are part of my story!

3. Watching a brand new mother gaze with wonder at her new baby, and imagining what it must have been like for Mary on the cold night!

2. Being with the ones that define "Love" in my life!

Last, but far from least.......

1. Closing my eyes and centering my thoughts on a Baby, that was sent to earth for me...and you....and realizing all over again, as if for the first time, that I didn't deserve the Greatest Gift EVER given.

Tonight, I hold in my heart the gifts of mercy, grace, joy, love, peace......and a renewed determination to share them with everyone I encounter!

Merry Christmas!

2008-12-19T14:22:00.007-07:00

Happy Birthday, Duane!

We love you!
Sheila, Ashley, Alex and Nikki

Broken People

2008-12-08T14:01:00.009-07:00

This morning, I was wrapping up my Christmas decorating. Let me back up a bit, and tell you about my Nativity set....

For Christmas '95, Duane's mother gave us a beautiful Nativity set. The figurines are porcelain, and very breakable!

The next year ('96), Ashley who was three at the time, was so intrigued with all of the breakable pieces. I set it up very low for her to see, and had even allowed her to pick them up and hold them under my supervision, but had told her that if mommy was not in the room, then it was "hands off". She did good at being obedient...most of the time.
One morning, while sitting on my bed, feeding Alex (3 months), I heard a crash! I went in to the Living Room to see what had happened, and there sat Ashley holding Joseph, or should I say, Joseph's remains, and a now head-less shepherd! I asked her what had happened, and she said, "Mommy, I was making the shepherd and Joseph kiss, and they broke!!!" After discussing that a shepherd and the step-father to the Messiah, most likely didn't kiss....I set out to pick up the shards of porcelain and then with super-glue, I mended the men!
I continued to use this Nativity set throughout the following years.

This year as I was unpacking my decorations for this festive holiday, I came across my box labeled "Nativity set". I set it on the floor and thought, "That set is so old...I need a new one!" I even had decided that I wouldn't use it this year.

So, that brings us back to this morning....I was finishing up the family room, and then putting all the empty rubber-maids back into storage, when I came across my Nativity set. I was sitting on the floor and feeling a tad convicted. I rationalized that I didn't have to have figurines of the Nativity setting out, in order to make Christmas about the Christ-child. But something drew me to open the box. When I lifted Joseph out of his packaging, I thought about how broken he was,
and it was as if I heard Christ say, "Sheila, I use broken people all the time!"

I then lifted the Shepherd out and his head fell off, and when Mary was unwrapped I noticed that her head covering was chipping off....they were all broken!

I sat in a heap on the floor of my Living Room and cried! Not because my Nativity Set was falling apart, but because, just like Mary, Joseph and the Shepherd, I too am broken. Sometimes, I imagine that people must look at me, and wonder what God can do with me...I know I wonder that myself? But that doesn't stop Him. He continues to bring me out of my hiding places and put me back together again, to be used to show the world that He will make all things beautiful-no matter what my condition is! He only needs our willingness...and through our brokenness and pain, His Glory is revealed!
This Fall has been one of great pain and trials for my family and at this very moment, I feel so chipped and scratched...I even think that my head might fall off if someone tips me the wrong way.

In all reality, when God made Holy arrangements to bring his Son into the world, He didn't pick perfect people! Joseph was a poor, Jewish carpenter, Mary was a teen-aged bride to be, and when the smelly shepherds showed up on the scene with their even smellier sheep...they caused Joseph and Mary to be very concerned! God used and still uses broken people!

Needless to say, my nativity set is out on display...so I won't forget this lesson!

Deck the Kitchen with Boughs of Holly

2008-12-05T13:45:00.005-07:00

Christmas Has Arrived!

2008-11-30T00:16:00.004-07:00

A Cup of Christmas Tea...nothing better!!

I set my formal dining room with my good dishes. I just love having them out and thought it would be fun to have a pretty table to look at!

The Christmas Tree 2008

I will be decorating more starting on Monday, but at least the tree is up!

Thanksgiving

2008-11-26T23:47:00.007-07:00

Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday! I love everything about it...the comfort food, being with family, playing games, and all, without the pressures and commercialism that Christmas brings!
I love that we stop and take time to reflect on who and what we are thankful for. I love that we share openly how abundantly blessed we truly are!

This year, our holiday is going to look a little different. Instead of spending it at Grandma's around her table, we are going to eat, drink (iced tea) and be merry at a restaurant. A member of our family is in the hospital, and we can't bear to celebrate as usual until they can come home and celebrate with us!
When I stopped and realized that it isn't all about the tradition of the holiday that makes it Thanksgiving, it is the being with those you love that matters the most!
This year as always, I intend to stop and individually tell my loving husband, Duane, "thank you for loving me!" I will gather my three children into my arms and let them know how thankful I am for each of them, and the many blessings they bring into my life. I will spend time loving on my family, and thanking them for their love and support!

I always attempt to compile a list of all the many things that I am thankful for, but this year, I would like to sum it all up with one word......LIFE!

LIFE= breath, health, relationships, joys, sorrows, lessons learned, love to give, blessings received, hope to pass on, freedom to enjoy, Salvation!

I have been redeemed, forgiven and extended the gift of Grace from God! My Father, who delights in me and finds joy in blessing my life...and for that I give Him praise this Thanksgiving!!

God....How Great You Are! You have blessed me beyond anything I could ever ask or imagine!

Tag

2008-11-24T21:07:00.004-07:00

I have been tagged. The way this one works, is that I have to show you the fourth picture in my #4 photo album.

So here it is.......

Pacific Coast~Neskowin, Oregon

I tag Damaris and Jenny!

Welcome Sydney!

2008-11-20T00:48:00.010-07:00

I had the honor this last weekend to attend the labor and birth for our friends/cousins, Chip and Beth.
Knowing that I was in training to become a Doula (Labor and Childbirth Coach), they had asked me to be involved, and their hired Doula was more than willing to do some training in the process!
It was a great learning experience, and I felt so honored to be there as Sydney Marie Kinzler made her Grand Appearance!

Thanks Chip and Beth for allowing me to be a part of this exciting event! I know that your lives are forever changed for the better, and that this much prayed-for and long-awaited baby girl will be loved by two wonderful people!
Oh, and by the way, she is beautiful!

My House.....By Ashley

2008-11-18T09:24:00.007-07:00

Ashley walked into the kitchen the other day, and said, "Mom, have you ever thought about how our house is like a place where other people come when they are having a hard time and need a place to be ok?"

I told her I had always dreamed that my house would be a place where people could feel loved and safe!

She walked away and within 15 minutes brought me this poem that she had written.

My House
By: Ashley Taylor

My house is a place,
where friends and family are always welcome,
and where they can go when they don't feel safe.

My house is a fun place,
where cousins, friends and me,
dance and talk and swim all day!

My house is a big place,
where family joins
and memories are made.

My house is a refuge,
from my family and friends storms,
and they will always have a place to call home when their's
has blown away.

My house is a hotel,
where people come to stay,
and they live in my room, but don't have to pay.

My house is a daycare,
where kids come to play and laugh until
the end of the day!

My house is a memory lane,
although we haven't been here for a long time,
It's a safe, big, fun place where I want to stay.

God is in my house, watching over us-
and though we go through a lot, He will care and protect us
until the end of our days!

The End.

That made this momma very happy!

Just Praising.......

2008-11-14T23:18:00.006-07:00

Our family is walking through some very deep waters at this time. Someone whom we love is fighting the battle of a lifetime, and we feel helpless to do anything at all!

In all of it, there are many unknowns, but this is what we do know:

We know God reigns!
We know that He is bringing light into our darkness!
We know that He lives (thrives) to make intersession for us!
We know that He is our hope!
We know that no matter where we find ourselves, He is there!
We know that when we can't find the strength to stand, He will hold us up!
We know that we can approach His throne with confidence...knowing that He won't disappoint!
We know that He is our Comforter, Healer, Father...He is God!

So, we choose to praise Him for who He is, what He is doing; and with the assurance that there is not one single place that we go, where He will not show up!

Psalms 139: 7-12

Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast. If I say, "Surely the darkness will hide me and the light become night around me," even the darkness will not be dark to you; the night will shine like the day, for darkness is as light to you.....:

Hope Now!

2008-11-13T14:18:00.002-07:00

Hope Now
(Addison Road)

If everything comes down to love
Then just what am I afraid of
When I call out Your name
Something inside awakes in my soul
How quickly I forget I'm Yours

(PRE-CHORUS)
I'm not my own
I've been carried by You
All my life

(CHORUS)
Everything rides on hope now
Everything rides on faith somehow
When the world has broken me down
Your love sets me free

When my life is like a storm
Rising waters all I want is the shore
You say I'll be ok and
Make it through the rain
You are my shelter from the storm
Find More lyrics at www.sweetslyrics.com

(PRE-CHORUS)
I'm not my own
I've been carried by You
All my life

(CHORUS)
Everything rides on hope now
Everything rides on faith somehow
When the world has broken me down
Your love sets me free

(CHORUS 2)
Everything rides on hope now
Everything rides on faith somehow
When the world has broken me down
Your love sets me free
You've become my hearts desire
I will sing Your praises higher
Cause Your love sets me free
Your love sets me free
Your love sets me free

Football Is Over!

2008-11-03T11:07:00.005-07:00

Football is over!!!
This momma is happy....happy that we had the fun times watching Alex play, happy that they won a lot, happy that Alex was having a blast, and then happy that it finally comes to an end!!

We are also kinda sad.....sad that they lost their championship game, sad that there are immature parents who yell rude comments to the refs and get thrown out, sad that 11-12 year old boys have to see the parents acting so poorly, and sad that one of Alex's teammates got hurt and had to be carried off on a stretcher!

But despite all of that, we had a fun night!
Before finding out that Alex couldn't play his last game, I had planned a surprise tailgate party. So, when his Dr. said that he couldn't play football anymore, we decided that the party should go on and it would be good for a disappointed little guy!

I fixed Chili and Cornbread, Hot Chocolate and Cider... and then everyone brought cookies. It was so much fun!
It rained on us, and we got very wet....but we feasted anyway, and then cheered for a great team!!

Alex's teammate, Tad (who made most of their touchdowns this season) was thrown around pretty hard, and has a bad concision...that was a hard way to end the season!
We are proud of the Warriors, and grateful for a good coach and even the referees!

#89 was hurt early on in the game...(Alex is #22)

Our boy watching from the sidelines!

Alex's fans! Thanks everyone for coming!!

Kyra made some awesome football cookies for Alex! Thanks Kyra!

Eating Chili

Alex

Hanging out with cousins, Kyra and Brandon

Grandma Margaret, Aunt Stephanie and girls

Paula and Aunt Lisa

Even Mary Poppins came! No, it is Grandpa Bob

Brittney was bundled up good!

Nikki, Bridgette and Brooklyn

Nikki under her "unberelala"

Kyra, Grandma Sue and Ash

Children's day out!

2008-11-03T10:08:00.006-07:00

No More Football!

2008-10-28T20:58:00.003-06:00

A couple weeks ago, during practice, Alex got hurt.
He came home and Duane iced his knee and we gave him Advil. That was two weeks ago, and it was not getting better, only worse.
On Sunday, he started really complaining and even shed tears (that means it is bad!!), so Duane wanted him to get checked out.
I took him into the doctor this morning. After x-rays, he was diagnosed with a Medial Meniscus Tear.
Dr. Wells said, "No more football!"
He has to go to physical therapy for four weeks, and then we will see how he is doing. We would appreciate your prayers, that this will heal, without surgery!

Autumn Apple Cake & Caramel Sauce

2008-10-23T13:27:00.003-06:00

Cake:

4 cups apples, chopped
2 eggs
2 cups sugar
1/2 cup applesauce
1/2 tsp. salt
2 cups flour
2 tsp. vanilla
2 tsp. baking soda
1 cup pecans (optional)

Mix apples, sugar, and applesauce together. Add eggs. Sift dry ingredients and add to apple mixture. Add vanilla and nuts.
Bake at 350 degrees for 35-40 minutes.

Caramel Sauce:
1 cup sugar
1 can sweetened condensed milk
1 tsp. vanilla
1/2 cup butter
1 egg

Mix together in a saucepan, and cook on medium heat stirring constantly until sugar is dissolved. Be careful not to cook it on high as it scorches easily.
Enjoy!

Becoming a Doula

2008-10-18T00:09:00.004-06:00

Doula.....A non-medical assistant in childbirth. A doula is not the father but is a woman who is experienced in childbirth. The role of the doula is to provide the mother with physical and emotional assistance before, during, or after childbirth. Also known as a birth assistant, birth companion, childbirth assistant, or labor support professional.

I am in the beginning process of becoming just what you read above! I have been doing a lot of research, reading and praying, as I decide if this is where God is leading me! It is all very much in the "new" phase, and I have much to do, to actually become a professional Doula.

In my lifetime, I have attended eight births, and had three of my own! That does not make me a pro, but it does confirm that this is something that I REALLY want to do! I recently attended the birth of a very close friend, and was absolutely certain that I was right were I should be!

There are several doors currently opening for me, and today I found out that I am going to be attending another birth in about 5 weeks...only this time, it will be a training experience for me! I will actually be working along-side a Certified Doula.

If you think about it, just help me pray that it will all work out for God's glory. I want to be a vessel that He can use, no matter what it is I am doing!
I must say that I am excited!

Women of Faith Trip to Portland, Oregon!

2008-10-17T23:16:00.005-06:00

Talisha and Tina

The Creek near the Falls

Dinner at "Salty's on The Columbia"

I woke up early Sunday Morning, to see Talisha watching "Church" in the dark..had to take a picture!!

Going to the Liberty Concert...My Mom, Cher, Talisha, Jolene, Kristi and Tina

Multnomah Falls

This looks like a cover picture for a CD...can't remember the name that Anita gave it! I love them all...I feel rich in friends!!

Cher...my sister!

Kristi....my sister!

Some of us at the WOF Conference
(There was an usher woman, that was not favorable toward me for some reason...I took one picture, like we do every year, and she came rushing towards me, threatening to take my camera away if I took another picture. She watched the section we were in like a hawk for the entire event! She said that picture taking was not allowed, which none of us knew...we truly didn't! I tried to ask her a question about flash cameras, and she thought I was arguing with her....must have been a bad day/week/month/year for her!)

I very carefully snuck one picture of Mandisa for my girls!

Dinner at Salty's

Tina, Anita and I...I love these girls!

Jolene and my Mom.....These were the "Grandma's" of the bunch, but they are darling and oh so young looking! :) I can't imagine my life without these two! One is my mother, the other is my mentor, and they both are my encouragers! Between the two of them, I am loved and prayed for on a daily basis!

I know that compared to other years, I didn't get enough pictures. I can only say that being sick the entire trip, caused me to not engage my brain enough to take a lot of pictures. I was the "driver" while we were in Portland, and that was about all I could focus on!
Although I was under the weather...I had a great time!!!

Women of Faith 2008

2008-10-15T21:31:00.003-06:00

INFINITE GRACE CONFERENCE 2008

"And God is able to make grace abound to you, that always having all sufficiency in everything, you may have an abundance for every good deed."
11 Corinthians 9:8

I have been asked to review the conference speakers and musicians for those who where not able to attend this year, so I thought I would share that with everyone. It was an amazing conference!! Every year I say that, and every year, it gets better!

This years speakers were:

Patsy Clairmont
Marilyn Meberg
Sheila Walsh
Nicole Johnson
Sandi Patty
Steve Arterburn
Louise Duart

The Musical Artists were:

Mandisa
Nicole C. Mullen

Sandy Patty:
Her talk this year was about Layers and it is also the title of her newest book.
We wear the layers of shame and guilt and the mask of Christian Perfection. God wants to peel away those layers, and replace them with blessings.
Sandy says that every day, she chooses to believe God is who He says that He is! She shared how God is teaching her to accept the forgiveness in her life and that he doesn't want her to cover up her pain, but get it out into the light, where He can heal her!
She ended by singing, "My Tribute" as only Sandi Patty can!!!!

Sheila Walsh:
Sheila's book and speech this year where titled, Get Off Your Knees and Pray.
She says, "I've always shied away from this topic, as I really stink at prayer!" But she has come to realize that "every sound we utter, every thank you we say, every tear we cry in God's presence is prayer."
She shared a story about finding resolution with the death of her father (he died when she was 9 years old), just this last year. God spoke to her heart, telling her that He was with her father at his time of death, and He was with her, when it happened!
In Christ's humanity, he showed us where to go, to fall apart. He went to his father! And then he trusted his Father's heart.
She now approaches each new day with a question of God: "Where are You going today? Because I am going with You!"

Nichole Johnson also did three drama's/sketches:
Three Ring Circus...our life is like a circus, and God longs to bring his peace to us!
Losing My Mind....who took my mind? Was is the dog, the kids, my husband.....?
Arsonist....is my tongue responsible for setting fires? James 3:6

The next morning, we were treated to worship from the Women of Faith Worship Team. There is just something about participating in worship and praise along with 12, 000 women! It always makes me think that it will be a little bit like that in Heaven, but oh so much more!!

Patsy Clairmont:
Patsy always makes me roar with laughter!! She is so witty and for an old grandma, has a lot of spunk!
She told the Biblical account of the lady who had an infirmity, and it caused her to hunch over. She believed in Jesus, and he healed her. She spoke on the grace that God gives us so freely. She said, "Grace takes the lid off of the box, so God can pour himself in."
She went on to share a story about her dearest friend who is fighting cancer right now. Patsy asked God to give her something from the Bible that her friend could hang onto...a promise. She said that the promise that God gave her was "Let there be light!" You can watch Patsy tell the story here.

Steve Arterburn from New Life Ministries is the one who started Women of Faith 12 years ago, and he was there to share with us.
He spoke on the topic, "Healing is a Choice."
Grieving is a decision to heal our future. God doesn't want to waste an ounce of our pain! We have to get rid of the things that make us sick and ineffective and choose to receive God's grace! Bold moves produce change!

Marilyn Meberg: Love Me, Never Leave Me
Marilyn spoke on Abandonment, and the fear of it! There is a difference in 'being left' and 'being abandoned'. Left is when someone is going to come back for you, most likely. Abandonment is when you have been left for good.
When you feel like you have been ditched, you feel shame and hide it from others! Abandonment is a branding of the soul. When you have been abandoned, you tend to avoid connection.
She also touched on healthy relationships vs. unhealthy relationships. She shared 1 Corinthians 3:16-17:
You realize, don't you, that you are the temple of God, and God himself is present in you? No one will get by with vandalizing God's temple, you can be sure of that. God's temple is sacred—and you, remember you, are the temple!

A new comer to WOF was Louise Duart.
She was hilarious, sharing her impressions of many famous people. But she also shared with us her testimony about how God showed up in her life!! She spoke on God Winks...those times when God is letting you know that he loves you and that he is there!

Mandisa was there and was she ever there!! She shared her testimony of God's divine direction in her life, and sang her heart out!

Nicole C. Mullen was there as well. I have heard her on the radio, and love her music! But I didn't have a clue how much this girl loves God, and lives her life not only making music but making a difference in the lives of others. She is heading up outreach ministries for kids in Nashville, and has adopted three or four kids as well as the three she has with her husband. She is out to change her world for Jesus!!!!

She sang the following songs (and several more).....
Call on Jesus

Redeemer

One Touch

There is really no way to really portray to you on this blog, exactly how amazing this conference was! I wish that I could load everyone up and let them experience it for themselves! God spoke to me through EVERY single speaker....plus we had a blast being together!

Tomorrow I will blog about the trip with 9 of my friends...and post some pictures!

It's Coming!

2008-10-13T20:15:00.002-06:00

I have much to tell you about our trip to Women of Faith and Portland...it's coming very soon!

Packed and Ready!

2008-10-09T08:18:00.002-06:00

I am almost finished packing for our annual "Women of Faith" weekend!! We are going to have a blast!!

I will take loads of pictures!!

Nikki is getting glasses!!

2008-10-08T09:05:00.002-06:00

Nikki went to see Dr. Dean yesterday, and he said that she is far-sighted and needs to wear glasses. She was excited to think that she will have glasses like Ashley, and even picked out a pair that are similar to Ashley's! Hopefully they will help her see better, and she will want to keep them on!

Psalms 19...

2008-10-06T10:40:00.006-06:00

The heavens declare the glory of God;
the skies proclaim the work of his hands.

Day after day they pour forth speech;
night after night they display knowledge.

There is no speech or language
where their voice is not heard.

Their voice goes out into all the earth,
their words to the ends of the world.
In the heavens he has pitched a tent for the sun,

which is like a bridegroom coming forth from his pavilion,
like a champion rejoicing to run his course.

It rises at one end of the heavens
and makes its circuit to the other;
nothing is hidden from its heat.

The law of the LORD is perfect,
reviving the soul.
The statutes of the LORD are trustworthy,
making wise the simple.

The precepts of the LORD are right,
giving joy to the heart.
The commands of the LORD are radiant,
giving light to the eyes.

The fear of the LORD is pure,
enduring forever.
The ordinances of the LORD are sure
and altogether righteous.

They are more precious than gold,
than much pure gold;
they are sweeter than honey,
than honey from the comb.

By them is your servant warned;
in keeping them there is great reward.

Who can discern his errors?
Forgive my hidden faults.

Keep your servant also from willful sins;
may they not rule over me.
Then will I be blameless,
innocent of great transgression.

May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart
be pleasing in your sight,
O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer.

Birthday Lunch

2008-10-02T11:25:00.003-06:00

My sweet friends surprised me yesterday with a beautiful birthday lunch. It was at one of our favorite little shops...Cafe' de Coco. It is where my book group usually meets, so that is how they got me there. I didn't know that it was going to be a party, so I didn't have my camera.

While we laughed our heads off, we feasted on Turkey Foccacia Sandwiches, Toasted Crab Sandwiches, Grilled Cheese, and Tomato Basil soup, and sipped a variety of yummy beverages, including Iced Market Spice Tea! Fall is a perfect time for it...the spicy sweet flavor is delightful! Some of the gals topped off the event with Cafe' de Coco's famous Lemon Creme Cake!

My friends all blessed me with sweet gifts...

A relaxing Piano CD from Julie, a darling bag full of shower gel, lotions and chocolate from Rose, a coffee card from Paula, tea from my mother, and then Cherylyn, Talisha, Paula, Steph and Damaris all gave me the most darling bracelet. It is a tea cup bracelet that I had been drooling over!! I was so happy!!

Thank you dear friends for blessing my life with the most beautiful friendship and an abundance of love!! I love each one of you!!

2008-10-01T09:06:00.001-06:00

What I have been studying.....

2008-09-30T18:31:00.004-06:00

This morning you could have found me sitting in a local coffee shop, sipping a cup of hot mint tea, and doing homework for my A Woman's Heart...God's Dwelling Place, Bible Study (I know, I know...I have it hard).
I came across the following paragraph in reference to God providing Manna for the famished Israelites, and have spent the remainder of this day chomping on it:

"I finally understand the nature of God's mercy and grace. They are always there, available every day, prior to our need, and in direct proportion to every moment's demand; but we must gather them. That part is completely our responsibility.
What do you think would have happened to the Israelites if they had stayed inside their tents with their stomachs growling? They would have starved to death with the provision right outside their tent! Yet you and I frequently watch Christians do the same thing.
Yes, God's grace is always sufficient, and His arms are always open to give it; but will our arms be open to receive what He so graciously offers?

You and I can survive anything, but we must want to!

The world offers plenty of quail (Egyptian symbolism of abundance) to satisfy our hunger, but we will stuff ourselves without satisfaction. Only God's provision can satisfy a starving soul"

~Beth Moore

I am thinking of times in my life, when I have complained I had it hard! I thought in those dark days, God was absent, and what had me so stumped was that I had read in His Word, he would meet my every need, and he would take care of every detail in my life. So, why was I going through these horrid circumstances?
I have watched good people go through really bad things, and wondered where God was for them?

He is always there, providing just enough Manna for that day...He just expects us to get up and gather His goodness! God will help us through each day, we just have to want Him to!!

Psalms 81:10...

I am the Lord your God,

who brought you up out of Egypt.

Open wide your mouth and I will fill it.

What a promise!!

It's My Birthday!!

2008-09-27T22:52:00.003-06:00

Clean Closets!

2008-09-24T12:09:00.004-06:00

I have this issue in my house! If it can be hidden behind a door, it may get ignored for awhile. It seems to be about making the "outside" look good, and not always worrying about what is on the "inside".
I pray that I never again let that be the case with my heart, but it is the case in my home.

So, I have been working on it by reading a book called, Simplify Your Space. It is helping me learn that less is always more, and that having things where they belong, makes the home function in a way that reduces stress!
Last week I found these great containers at Target, in the "college" section. Everything was 75-80% off, so I got them for 2.00-3.00 each! I didn't care that they were intended for college rooms...they work just like all the others!

Here are the before and after pictures of my master bathroom closet. This closet had become the entire family's catch-all....now it is clean and functions much better! I am getting inspired to do this with all the hidden places!

Before.......After......

It's Coming...and We Are Going!

2008-09-24T09:41:00.003-06:00

In two short weeks, myself and seven of my friends and family members are going to be loading up and heading to Portland for Women of Faith Conference 2008! It's gonna be good!

I'm in a Peach Jam!

2008-09-22T15:19:00.002-06:00

Nichole is 8!

2008-09-21T00:08:00.004-06:00

Today, the youngest member of our family is turning 8!! That is hard for her mommy and daddy to believe!
Nichole is a delightful child! Her laughter and constant smile are gifts from God to our family. She has a gentle heart, that we are seeing is especially tender towards handicapped children. We are excited to see how God uses her gifts for His kingdom. She loves Jesus, and shares that freely!

Nikki, we love you! You are a beautiful little girl! Have lots of fun being 8! Happy Birthday!

School updates!!

2008-09-19T10:40:00.005-06:00

On Tuesday evening, Duane and I, along with Alex, attended his school's open house. We walked around and looked at his classrooms and met all of his teachers. It was fun to see where he spends his days.
It made my heart glad to hear that Alex is making a good impression on his teachers. He is getting the reputation of being one of the most respectful, helpful and attentive kids in 6th grade! I asked Duane if they were really talking about our son!! We pray that he will stay that way!!
His teachers are very happy with his grades and his participation in class.
Most all of his teachers are Christians, and his Principals, Mr. Wiles & Mr. Heideman are both believers. When we spoke with Mr. Wiles, he told us that it is his goal to have the first Christian Public school!!
The teachers and principals meet every Wednesday, off campus, for prayer before school!

Ashley's school is a lot bigger, and we haven't yet had opportunity to meet all of her teachers. She is doing so well with her grades, with Physical Science being the "hardest class ever!" She has made several really good friends, and is into the routine of school! She likes her teachers, with one being really hard to learn from. She will get the hang of it!
She has had two teachers ask her about her faith, admitting that they are believers too! She is also attending Launch Pad every other day, with Christian kids studying the Bible together, at school! The area leader for Launch Pad, Emely, is doing so much to help Ashley settle into the public school experience!

Nikki loves school!!! She has a great teacher, is friends with all the kids in her class, can't wait for lunch, and loves, loves, loves her music class!! She comes home everyday singing Frère Jacques, word for word. Nikki's principals and teachers are Christians as well, letting me know from the beginning that the students are covered in prayer, everyday!!

We are grateful for the way that God is helping our family though this new experience. He isn't absent in these schools, and we are grateful for His faithfulness to show Himself in BIG ways everyday!!

I am adapting to my quiet(er) days...staying busy with errands, housework and canning. I am going to a weekly Bible Study, and am thoroughly enjoying that! My days fill up faster than I thought they would, and then it is time to start my pick-up routine.
God is good!

Can You Say Peaches? Lots of Peaches!!

2008-09-18T13:33:00.002-06:00

Salsa Recipe

2008-09-12T09:51:00.002-06:00

Several of you have asked for my Salsa recipe, so here it is! It actually came from my mom, and I think she got a version of this from a friend, years ago!

30+ Roma tomatoes
2 green peppers

3 med. onions
4 med. jalapeño peppers (leave some seeds in for heat)
4 cloves garlic
1 large bunch of cilantro

I food processor or blender, coarsely grind un-peeled tomatoes. Add peppers onions and garlic until ground together.

Add:
1/2 cup of vinegar
2 tsp. salt
2 tsp. sugar

Simmer mixture over low heat for 25 min. Half-way through the cooking, add:
1/4 tsp. oregano
1/2 tsp. cayenne pepper
1/4 tsp. cumin

Continue the cooking for the full 25 min.

Take off heat and thicken with 2-4 Tbsp. of cornstarch and water.

Pour into jars and hot bath for 20-25 min.

Happy Birthday Katie!!

2008-09-11T09:57:00.002-06:00

Our niece Katie, is having a birthday today!!! We hate that we are so far away from her, and wish we could hug her more often!!

Happy #1 Katie!!
Love, Uncle Duane, Aunt Sheila, Ashley, Alex and Nikki

Canning Day!

2008-09-09T14:10:00.003-06:00

A Boy Turns Twelve!

2008-09-09T07:41:00.004-06:00

Alexander is 12!!
That is the headline in our house today.
Twelve years ago, a little boy made his entrance into this world, and our world hasn't been the same since. Alex is full of love, adventure, spunk, mischief and leaves his imprint on everything around him! I can walk around the house after he leaves for school, and I can tell where he has been and what he has been doing! Part of me gets so frustrated by that, until I realize what a gift he is to Duane and I!!
With Alex in our home, life will never be dull!

Happy Birthday, Alex!!
We love you!!

Autumn is Coming!!

2008-09-04T14:19:00.003-06:00

This morning, I felt the Autumn crisp sneaking up on me!! So, what did I do..... I stuck some real branches off of my Blazing Maple Tree in my Antique Blue Canning Jar, and coupled it with a Bowl of Crunchy Red Apples!

Happy Birthday Ash!

2008-09-03T08:33:00.004-06:00

It is difficult to believe that our firstborn is 15 today!! But she is, and we are proud of what a beautiful girl she has become!
She is a loving, compassionate, thoughtful girl, who loves to have fun! She is committed to a personal relationship with Christ, and is making her life matter!!
Ashley's thoughtfulness for others, is a gift from God to those around her.

We love you, Ash! Enjoy these years!!

2008-09-01T10:27:00.002-06:00

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

Happy Birthday!!

2008-08-28T06:56:00.003-06:00

My sister Kristi, celebrated her birthday yesterday. Kristi is a beautiful person, who warms a room immediately with her presence. Her heart is gentle and kind and she is always willing to help with anything!!
Kristi is married to my brother Matt, and is mother to Garrett and Olivia.
Happy Birthday, Kristi! I love you and am grateful for the blessing that you are to me and our family!

My friend, Deanna is celebrating her birthday today! Deanna and I have been friends since we were very tiny little girls! Deanna brings laughter and joy into most any situation! She is married to Steven and is mommy to Chloe and Owen.
Happy Birthday Dear Friend! I pray that you have a beautiful day and that you know how loved you are!!

Goodbye Marcus!!

2008-08-26T20:50:00.005-06:00

I would like to take a moment to say goodbye to Capt. Marcus Moyer (USMC), as he gets ready to leave tomorrow for a 7 month deployment, overseas!
Marcus will be flying helicopters off of the USS Iwo Jima (the ship you see in the background).

I am not a military wife, and have never had to say goodbye to my husband for months at a time...so I can't begin to imagine what it must be like for Julie. I so admire her courage!!
Julie, I am praying for you to see God as your strength. He will hold you through this! Your friends, and I'm sure your family, are here for you too!

Marcus, I pray that God will protect you and keep you! Thank you for your service to America! Your sacrifice and service are not going unnoticed here in our house!!

"The LORD bless you
and keep you;

the LORD make his face shine upon you
and be gracious to you;

the LORD turn his face toward you
and give you peace."

(Numbers 6:24-26)

Hurry Home!
Love,
The Taylor's

Don't Let Me Miss the Glory!!!!

2008-08-26T07:15:00.002-06:00

School Has Begun!!

2008-08-22T09:24:00.003-06:00

Our three kids all started school this week! WOO HOO!

As I explained earlier, this has been a new adventure for us, but it is proving to be a good one! They are all beginning to adjust to our early morning routine. Nikki stuck her head out the back door this morning, and said, "I didn't know morning smelled SO yummy!!" She then went on to describe the scent of morning....."it smells just like the mountains!"

There have been "out of their comfort zone" adjustments, but they are doing well with them! They are getting their schedules figured out, their locker combinations memorized and learning what is needed for their classes! Nikki just has to remember which cubbie is hers, and where to put her lunch!

God is good, and we are thanking Him for His faithfulness to us and our children! We are all in His watchful care and protection....and on top of that, we are abundantly loved!!

Congratulations to the French's!!

2008-08-20T22:13:00.005-06:00

Today, I had the honor of being a labor/delivery coach for one of my best friends, Julie French. It was such a wonderful experience, and I am so grateful that Robb and Julie asked me to be a part of it!!

I am going to let Julie announce her baby's arrival and all of her details!!

I will say that she is a beautiful baby!! Robb, Julie and the rest of the family are doing great!!

Congratulations, French's!!!

Happy Birthday Uncle Gary!!

2008-08-18T11:53:00.003-06:00

Happy Birthday to our Uncle Gary!

We love you, and hope that you have a great day!
Duane, Sheila, Ashley, Alex and Nikki

From Nikki: "Happy Birthday! I love you!"

Fruit Pizza

2008-08-18T09:18:00.004-06:00

Crust:

1/2 c. butter, softened
1 c. flour
1/4 c. powdered sugar

Mix together. Then with your fingers, spread out on a pizza pan or cookie sheet. Bake at 375 for 8-10 min.

Cream Cheese Spread:

1 c. powdered sugar
1 tsp. vanilla
8 oz. pkg cream cheese

Cream together, and carefully spread over (cooled) crust.

Glaze:

1 c. fruit nectar (I like to use peach, but Strawberry-Banana is also good)
2 Tbsp. cornstarch
1/2 c. sugar
1 tsp. lemon juice

Stir constantly over med. heat, until thick and bubbly. Let cool completely. Spread over cream cheese layer.

Fruit:

Cut/slice whatever fruits you choose to top your pizza, and arrange on top of the glaze layer.
Chill and Serve!

As Summer Winds Down...

2008-08-14T07:48:00.008-06:00

Here are pictures of the days and events that we have been enjoying over the last few weeks...

Nikki, at the CNR

Jennifer, Margaret, Leslie and Bev at the CNR!

Ben and Julie, at the CNR

Duane (cuter than any cowboys there!!)

Bob, Ash and Duane

Margaret, Bob and Ash

Emme and Nikki

Pileup!!!!!!!!!! Poor Alex!

Nikki and Emme
Terry and Ben

Your's truly and her man!

Duane, Brittney, Jeremy, Terry, Marc and Addison

Alex

Aunt Leslie and Bev

Ash and Brittney

Talisha, Marc, and Leslie

Bob and his sister, Lenora

The dessert that I took to dinner!

Duane and Brittney

Cher, Laura and Sheila (Laura is a friend from elementary school!)

The little Taylor girls painting pottery

The big Taylor girls painting pottery

Leslie and Talisha with their masterpieces (Duane told Leslie he thought hers looked like fried eggs on a plate!! She thought it was funny!)

Nikki

Duane untangling one of many lines!

Nikki
Aaron and Talisha with their catches!

My boy, Alex!
My Man, Duane!
My girl, Ash (and Tucker)

My other girl, Nikki (she had just gotten a bee sting on her foot! Poor thing!)

Kenlee, Emme, and Addison with worms!!!! YUK!!!

Marc and Talisha

Aaron and Cher....rub-a-dub-dub!