Week End Dinner Party

This is Son number one and his Family behaving themselves

Nice Picture

Number one Son serving turkey.

Ummm Ummm Good! or so they said.

Number One Son's inlaw's misbehaving! They are a happy bunch!

And of course there was GAMES.

The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived

Jesus Christ.

I always look forward to our Watchtower magazine, during the month of December, because it always has a beautiful article about Jesus to share with our friends, family and neighbors. This year I was not disappointed, and have had many opportunities to express my faith in Jesus to others. There were several outstanding thoughts I wanted to share with those I love.

Hebrews 12:2 urges us to "look intently" at Jesus.
1Peter 2:21 explains, "Christ suffered for you, leaving you a model for you to follow his steps closely."

How can we follow Jesus footsteps?
Let's examine his example:

Jesus was balanced. -Jesus had no where to lay his head. (Matt 8:20) Yet, he did not practice or advocate an austere lifestyle. He was not antisocial or an ascetic. He attended banquets. (Luke 5:29; John 2:1-11). At the same time, Jesus made clear what was most important to him. (John 4:34)
Have you analyzed your life to see how you can balance your material and spiritual pursuits?

Jesus was understanding and discerning. -Although Jesus never committed an error, he never expected perfection of others, or assumed an air of superiority; nor did he act with a lack of understanding. (Luke 7:37-50)
Are you known for being quick to commend and slow to condemn?

Jesus was impartial and respectful. -Though Jesus had a special affection for his cousin, the disciple John, Jesus never showed any partiality toward him, or favor him over the other disciples. (John13:32; Mark 10:35-40) Jesus was always respectful to others, and did not share in the common prejudices of his day. For example, women were commonly treated as inferior to men. Yet, Jesus accorded women due dignity. He first openly declared himself to be the Messiah to a woman, and women were the first to be witnesses of his resurrection. (John 4:7-26; Matt 28:9, 10)
Are you fair-minded in your dealings with people of a different race, gender, language, or nationality?

Jesus was a true freind. -He did not reject his friends just because they made mistakes, even the same mistakes repeatedly. he proved himself their friend by concentrating on their good qualities rather than imputing bad motives to them. Jesus loved his friends. (Mark 9:33-35; Luke 22:24-27; John 13:1; 15:13)
Do you remain a freind even when others irritate or offend you?

Jesus was more than just a model to follow. Notice his words at John 14:6 -"I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me."

Besides making known the truth about God, thus opening up the way to draw close to Him, Jesus provided the means for faithful ones to gain life. (John 3:16; Matt 20:28) What must each of us individually do to benefit from that provision? John 17:3 states, "This means everlasting life, their taking in knowledge of you, the only true God, and the one whom you sent forth, Jesus Christ."

Never allow the preoccupations and anxieties of life to rob you of the opportunity to consider and follow closely the example of the greatest man of ever lived -Jesus Christ.

"Cupboard Soup"

"Cupboard soup" is what I call soup made with whatever I have on hand.

There are no rules, no receipe just start adding things you find in your freezer, pantry, refrig in to a pot.

I usually start this way:
Add olive oil to your pot, about a 2-3 Tbs. then add, chopped celery, onion, carrots, saute these vegetables until, soft and you can smell their aroma in your kitchen. This is the basis for a real good soup.

Now what can you find to add? Do you have canned chicken or beef broth? Add that! If not add water, with a chicken or beef boullion cube. Add potatoe, cubed. I had some frozen greens (broccoli, spinach, green beans). Canned kidney beans, canned stewed tomatoes and a small hand full of rice, about a 1/4 cup. Fresh parsley I found in my refrig and it wasn't dead yet. Add plenty, at least 2 Tbs of Italian seasoning! (or some other herbs you may have that you like. my favorites are: Thyme, basil, oregano) Don't forget the salt and pepper! In a few moments when the rice is soft, you have Soup!

Go crazy! Experiment! It's FUN! And it will be GOOD!

I Should Have Been An Architech- Tiny Houses

Now that my kids are all grown I could be content with a little space.



http://www.tumbleweedhouses.com/

These are so cute! While I think these may be a little small for Dennis and I, they are still fun to look at and see what some people are happy with.

We will find out just how much space I need to live in, as the months progress. Our new bathroom is moving right along! When it is done, we will begin in earnest to start preparing our little apartment for moving in come Spring.

More Snowflakes!

Can't get enough of these gems!

David -Endures Injustice for Righteousness Sake

King Saul has been occupied protecting the nation of Israel from the Philistines, when he returns home, he receives a report that David is now residing at En-gedi. Saul proceeded to renew his pursuit of David.

At En-gedi, Saul entered a cave to ease nature. David, who had been hiding there in the back of the cave, crept up and cut off the skirt of Saul's garment but spared his life, saying that it was unthinkable on his part to harm the king, "for he is the anointed of Jehovah" David then assures King Saul that no harm will come to Saul or his family by his hand. David remains faithful to Jehovah's arrangement, even though Saul is treating him unjustly. Saul, realizing David could have killed him, returns to his home. (1 Sam 24:1-22)


















Not long after this, David hears of Samuel's death. David must have been extremely sad to loose this friend and advisor. David still in exile took up dwelling in the Wilderness of Paran. He and his men extended kindness to Nabal, a wealthy stock raiser whose work was in Carmel, to the south of Hebron. Having spent many months protecting the flocks of this wealthy man, David and his men were ready to share in the rejoicing at the time of shearing the sheep. This time much like the farmers harvest time, is marked with being generous to all who contributed to the work involved throughout the year. Only Nabal was an ingrate, he rebuffed David, refusing to recognize the contribution David and his men made in behalf of his household. David's anger flared at the injustice of this indifference and was about to take action! Quick thinking on the part of Nabal's wife Abigail stayed David's hand from exterminating all the males of Nabal's household. David was corrected, appreciating Abigail's sensibleness in this heated situation. Nabal, who would not be corrected or peaceable was stricken by Jehovah and died. When David heard of Nabal's death, he married the widow, so now, in addition to Ahinoam from Jezreel, David had yet another wife, Abigail of Carmel. (1Sam. 25:1-44; 27:3)

For the second time David took refuge in the Wilderness of Ziph, and again the hunt was on. David likened Saul and his 3,000 men to those searching "for a flea, just as one chases a partridge upon the mountains." One night David and Abishai crept into the sleeping camp of Saul and made off with Saul's spear and water jug. Abishai wanted to kill Saul, but David spared Saul's life the second time, saying that, from Jehovah's viewpoint it was unthinkable for him to thrust out his hand against God's anointed one. (1Sam 26:1-25) What really does David mean that it is unthinkable to harm the anointed one of Jehovah? After all, David is also anointed to be King of Israel and Saul is unrighteously pursuing David, to put him to death! David had deep respect for the Invisible Heavenly King who Saul was supposed to represent. David recognized that God was the one who chose and appointed his anointed ones and that it was God who would judge them. To raise one's hand to do harm to Jehovah's anointed ones, or any whom he appoints would bring Jehovah's displeasure. David had confidence that Jehovah would take care of this injustice in due time, therefore, David did not seek revenge. This was the last time David saw his adversary.




David settled at Ziklag in Philistine territory, out of Saul's reach. A number of mighty men deserted Saul's forces and joined the exiles at Ziklag, enabling David to raid towns of Israel's enemies on the south thus securing Judah's boundaries and strengthening his future position as king. (1Sam 27:1-12; 1Ch 12:1-7, 19-22) In the meantime, the Philistines fight with Saul's forces on Mount Gilboa, Saul and three of his sons, including Jonathan died.
(1Sam 31:1-7)

While David is protecting the southern borders the Amalekites robbed and burned out Ziklag, carrying off all the women and children. Immediately, David's forces pursued, overtook the marauders, and recovered their wives and children and all the goods. (1Sam 30:1-31). Three days later, an Amalekite brought the diadem and bracelet of Saul, deceitfully boasting that he had put the wounded king to death and hoping to receive a reward. Even though he lied in the matter David ordered him killed for claiming to have "put the anointed of Jehovah to death." (2Sam 1:1-16; 1Sam 31:4,5). David wrote a dirge in honor of Saul and Jonathan, whom he did love. You can read his mourning words at: 2 Samuel 1:19-27.

After many adjustments and distresses within the nation of Israel, with Jehovah's blessing David finally is made King. During this period of time, Michal, Saul's daughter is returned to him (2Sam 2:1-5:25) David's enthusiasm for pure worship is manifested by his desire to bring the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem, and build a temple for the center of pure worship. While David was not given the privilege of building this temple, he did support the project by collecting fine materials for the building of it. (2 Sam 6:1-23) Yes, David's kingdom was blessed by Jehovah, who promised that his kingdom would last to time indefinite. David for his part always expressed his gratitude to Jehovah in his words and his deeds. (2Sam 7:1-29).

Beauty of Snowflakes

Can you believe the variety and beauty of the snowflake? Not one of them are the same! Yet we witness order and design, all snowflakes have six sides. It is incredible!
The more scientists study snowflakes, the more they appreciate this comment from the "New York Times" (Jan 6, 1987):

"Snowflakes obey mathematical laws of surprising subtlety."

A snowflake may be composed of a hundred delicate ice crystals in a variety of beautiful designs. The book Atmosphere says: "The endless variety of snowflakes is legendary, and although scientists insist that no law of nature forbids their duplication, two identical flakes have never been found".

Recall God's question: "Have you entered into the storehouses of the snow?"

Many think of clouds as the storehouses of snow. Can you imagine going to these storehouses to inventory snowflakes, examining each one's uniqueness? How did they actually come to be?

Millions of water molecules, which can be arranged in many different ways, may form a single ice crystal, and it takes from one to more than a hundred of these ice crystals to make one snowflake. In addition, the air around a flake shapes its growth. And moisture, temperature, and barometric pressure sculpture snow. And wind molds its shape too. All these factors vary from moment to moment. Falling snow may pass through air masses of varying temperature. The wind may blow it through any number of temperature and humidity ranges in its downward journey. And since no two flakes are likely to follow the same path to earth, each one should indeed be unique.

Yes, we will need more than 80 or 90 years to learn about the intimate details of God's earthly creation.

Soup's On! - High Energy Chicken Soup.

1 chicken, rinsed
1 large onion, thinly sliced
3 stalks celery, sliced
3 carrots, sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced
4 sprigs fresh parsley
2 dried bay leaves
2 tsp thyme leaves
1 tsp coriander seed
1/2 tsp black peppercorns
1/2 tsp whole allspice
1 tsp cumin seed
2-3 dried small hot red chilies
2 sprigs fresh mint
1 can (15oz) garbanzo beans
1 lb. zucchini, cubed
3 large Roma tomatoes, diced
Salt

Place chicken in a 6-8 quart pan. Add onion, celery, carrots, garlic, and parsley. In a cheese cloth bag put bay leaves, coriander seed, black peppercorns, allspice, cumin, chilies. (Personally, I never use a cheese cloth bag, but make sure no one eats the whole allspice, or bay leaves) Add two quarts of water. (I fill pot until the chicken is well covered) Cover, and bring to boiling over high heat; reduce heat and simmer gently until chicken is no longer pink at bone in thigh, about 1 hour. Remove pan from heat; lift out chicken and set on a plate.

Discard parsley. If making ahead, let broth cool uncovered, then cover and chill until cold or up to 1 day. Skim or lift chilled fat from broth and discard. (I never do this step)

When chicken is cool, pull meat from bones. Discard bones and any skin. (I always do this step). Tear meat into bite-sized pieces. Cover Soup and bring to a boil on high heat. Add mint, garbanzos, zucchini, and tomatoes. Simmer, covered, until zucchini is tender when pierced, about 10 minutes. Discard Mint sprigs. Add chicken into soup and heat through, 2 or 3 min. Don't forget to add the salt! To taste 1 tbl. more if needed.
Makes: 16 cups, 7 or 8 servings.

This is soooo goood on a cold rainy (or snowy) day. I love all the herbs and spices floating around in my soup! but remember, the whole all-spice and bay leave should not be eaten. (I am a little heavy handed when it comes to seasonings, I usually add more than this recipe calls for.)

I hope you will try this, you will love it! Dennis and I had this soup for about 3 meals. We put it over rice on the third night, it was delish!

Having fun!

Please go down to post entitled "Yesterday's treat" to start.

Some other rides!

Indiana Jones ride was Great! We wanted to go on that ride again!
And of course we made it to the "pirates of the caribbean" and not only did I see that pirate "Barbosa" I had a glimpse of "Capt Jack Sparrow" Yes, I do like pirates, it seems.

And we finished the night off with "Thunder Mountain" I must have screamed on those roller coasters all day and into the evening. What a wonderful way to get rid of pent up frustrations! That is if you have any thing like that!

The FINALE, Sleeping Beauty Castle in the winter time:

Happy! Happy! Everyone!

Disneyland Adventure!

We visited many other amusements and rides! One of my very favorites is the "Toy Story Ride"
It is sooo fun! It is like an arcade! This ride is fun for young and old. It is a must! I could have stayed here all day. My ending score was over 49,000 points!


We passed by the resturant called Ariel's Grotto. A very speical hostess works here.
It is nice to go for a speical dinner, but we were ready for lunch.

So , off we headed for the Disney Park, where we had reservations at:

The Carnation Cafe~
Recommended by a special adviser.
I had a Turkey sandwich and baked potato soup!
Then... we ordered a Famous Giant Ice Cream Sundae!
It took all four of us to eat it!

Then we headed off to New Orleans square. This is the atmosphere of the "Blue Bayou" resturant, beautiful and romantic. I looked for but did not see Captain Jack Sparrow in the square. But..... later ...

Yesterday's Treat!

Kyria (Dalton's sweetheart took me to Disneyland, along with her sister and mother.

WE HAD A BLAST!

I had forgotton how young I was!

Kyria, who works there gave us a grand tour!
First we went to California Adventure. (I had never been before)
We went on a ride called "Soaring over California"
The scenery was breathtaking. It feels like you are flying right over some the the most beautiful spots in California. You can actually smell the orange blossoms! See the ocean waves and mountain paths. Even the desert floor. I would go on this ride again and again!

THEN:

I was made to go on the tower of terror! The Hotel was scary we were invited to wait in the library, it had cobwebs! The attendants spoke in accents and never smiled, before we knew it, we had entered the Twilight Zone. Yes, THE Twilight Zone!!!!! We entered the elevator and put on our seat belts, the doors closed and the elevator dropped fast a LONG way down! Then threw us up again And the doors flew open and we could see over the whole amusement park! It was Terrifiying!!!!!! As the ride ended and I was still breathing I wondered where will we go next?

A Giant roller coaster! Screaming California!


As you sit in the seat, putting on your seat belt, taking a big breath, the conductor asks,

"Are you ready to Scream?"
I didn't realize I would be screaming on the way up! It took off like a rocket!
After many loops, and upside down and heights and thrills we finally came to a stop.
This ride tooo I survived.

Cozy Happy Family

I just had to comment on this picture! Don't you love the chicken? I counted six kids, I bet the wife is pregnant with the seventh! It looks like it rained during the night, not to worry they kept each other warm, and the kids slept through the thunder and lightning. The sun's up but they are still sleeping, do you think they had a rough night? It's nice that the cat and dog are at peace.

My parents had an open door policy. That's not to say they didn't have private times. But they were available to us day or night. And if we were afraid at night we were allowed to climb in bed with them! Sure made me feel secure! Nothing was more comforting than lying in their bed with my face deep in my dad's pillow!

We raised our kids with the same open door, at every hour. I wonder if they noticed?

What are we doing?

Dil, Dale and Sheena

Visiting with Trisha's parents and sisters.

Dale and Art (Trisha's dad) tormenting Dennis.

Trish and Tonia

Bryan and Tonia

Making Tamales

Me, Josie (Trisha's mom) and Trudy (Trisha's sister)

Don't worry Krista, this is just practice. Think January for tamale day.
Maybe, Gram and Gramps will come too!

Look what Little Flower can do! Sit up like a big girl.

The fruit of our labor.

Desy, helped too!

I should have been an Architect-

Shire meets Missle silo Castle

These are cute little homes.
Not dark, dirty, wet holes, but warm, dry cozy holes with a pantry full of yummy foods!

I like this bottom home! Earth sheltered homes are easy to keep warm or cool with very little if any fuel for heaters or A/C. Make sure though you have a good architect to keep it dry.


This is a library in Kansas. Very interesting how many underground buildings there are!

I don't think I could live in the missle castle below. I NEED windows! but many find this home concept to their liking. This is an abandoned missle site, converted to a mansion with a the amenities a person would want. Of course the price is high.

Mexican Meatball Soup

Albondigas

This is how I make Albondigas, as taught to me by a young Italian, Mexican, southern belle:

1 -1 1/2 lbs of lean ground beef
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp ground cumin
1/2 tsp ground black pepper
2-3 cloves garlic, chopped fine
1/2 onion, chopped fine
1Tbsp mexican oregano
1/2 bunch of fresh cilantro, chopped fine
1/2 cup of uncooked rice

Mix all of the above in a bowl (with your hands). Form into little meat balls. set aside.

1 onion, chopped
2 stalks of celery
2-3 medium size potatoes
1 cup chopped carrots
3 cloves garlic, chopped
1-2 Tbls Olive Oil

Saute all above ingredients in a dutch oven, or large soup pot. when you onions are soft and you can smell the flavors then add:

2 cans beef broth
hot water
1 Tbls mexican Oregano
fresh green beans, cut up, about 2 handfuls
Now add the meat balls!

Bring to a boil. Then simmer for 20-30 minutes.
Add:
1 Can El Pato (mexican tomatoe sauce, yellow label) This is very important!
2 medium zuccini, cut up
2 medium yellow squash, cut up

When squash is tender serve in bowls with at least two wedges of lime, squeeze juice into bowl, and chopped fresh cilantro in each serving. ENJOY! This probably will serve 6-8 leftovers are real good!

Gratitude

Gratitude to the Most High Sovereign over all the earth.

1 Thessalonians 5:18 states: "No matter what happens, always be thankful, for this is God's will for you who belong to Christ Jesus" -New Living Translation

With that scripture in mind I would like to share with you the words from one of our song books. Song 212 entitled:

"We Thank You, Jehovah"

We thank you, Jehovah, each day and each night,
That you shed upon us your precious light.
We thank you that we have the priv'lege of pray'r,
That we can approach you with ev'ry care.

We thank you, Jehovah, for your faithful Son,
Who o'er death and Hades the vict'ry won.
We thank you for guidance in doing your will,
For thus you do help us our vows fulfill.

We thank you, Jehovah, for our brotherhood,
Where we find companions both true and good.
We thank you for giving us your active force,
Your spirit, which helps us to hold our course.

We thank you, our God, for the honor to preach
About your great name and the truth to teach.
We thank you that soon all earth's woes will be past,
While your Kingdom blessings forever last.

Tagged- by Gramps

8 Favorite Things:

TV SHOWS:
1 CASH CAB
2 Iron Chef -both American and Japanese
3 Seinfeld
4 The Closer
5 Jepardy
6 Jon Steward
7 David Letterman
8 Worst week -new, makes me laugh

Books I Recommend:
1 Holy Bible
2 To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
3 Bambi, A Life In the Woods by Felix Salten (not the Disney version)
4 The Ivy Tree by Mary Stewart
5 The Twelve Dancing Princesses by The Brothers Grimm
6 Runaway Jury by John Grisham
7 Last of the Mochicans by James Ferimore Cooper
8 Thy Kingdom Come published by Watchtower Bible and Tract Society
9 Any Book with Hobbits in them! by J.R.R. Tolkien

Favorite Resturants:
1 The Beach House -In Cardiff right on the beach -Seafood of course
2 Roadhouse -steakhouse
3 Johnny Carino's -Italian
4 Olive Garden -Italian (love the atmosphere)
5 Rubio's -Fish Tacos
6 Point Loma Seafood Market- Seafood cheap and fresh
7 Joe's Crab Shack
8 Crivello Fine Italian- for a good time!
9 Bruno's -Italian

Things I love about Fall:
1 Unpacking my winter wardrobe.
2 Soups! All kinds!
3 Apples! Apples! Apples!
4 Pumpkin Pie
5 Fall Leaves- red, Yellow and orange
6 Mountain Air blowing down
7 Soups!
8 Did I mention Soups? And planning a Tamale Day.

Things to Look Forward to:
1 Going to the Zoo with Dallas and Zane
2 Talking to Family members about what they are interested in.
3 Paradise restored on earth
4 Making glass beads with Dion
5 Walk along the beach with Dale and Sheena
6 Working in the Ministry with Daniel and Pam
7 Living near Dalton and Kyria
8 Making a homemade meal with Dillion, Trisha, Desmen and Dakota
9 Laughing with Lily and Koen

Things on My Wish List:
1 Beach Vacation with my sisters and their families, Mom and Dad and any cousins who come!
2 A month long trip to Navajo Land
3 An underground home with windows along front and sky lights in back
(Think, Montezuma's castle meets the Shire)
4 A large healthy Vegetable and Herb Garden
5 No BAD bugs in my Vegetable garden
6 Time to enjoy and learn about all of God's Creation
7 Torch set up for making glass beads in my garage
8 Thicker Hair

Things that happened Yesterday:
1 I woke UP!!!!
2 Checked the Blogs while drinking my morning coffee
3 Went to Barnes and Nobles with Dennis
4 Went to Lowe's with Dennis
5 Went grocery shopping with Dennis
6 Made dinner with Dion (pre marinated chicken and pork, with steamed cabbage, carrots , potatoes and onions. and a scoop of pinto beans)
7 Watched a Football Game with Dennis while napping
8 Watched the movie "Failure to Launch"