Friday, May 19

Following?

I looked back in my devotional and came across this:

A close friend asked Gandhi, "If you admire Christ so much, why don't you become a Christian?"

It is said that he replied, "when I meet a Christian who is a follower of Christ, I may consider it."

Does that not stop you in your tracks?

What Drives Me Wild #165



Here is something that drives. me. Absolutely. wild!

My hubby is connected at the ear with his cell phone. (This isn't actually what gets me riled). Normally he is not the kind of guy who would be a cell user, but our business demands it. So when it starts ringing and he's just sat down for a meal, I hold my tongue. When we've just sat down for the evening to unwind and it starts "brrrrrrringing" like it does, I wait it out. But what gets me agitated, what sets my blood pressure racing..... the callers know no time boundaries. The poor man has to sleep you know!

This morning at 6:42 a.m. his phone started "brrrrrringing". This was no wrong number. This was someone who's familiar with hubby's normal schedule. No, this was no emergency. This was something that no doubt could have waited.

I'm glad those phones can be switched "off". I'm glad hubby leaves it at home when he drives school bus. But most of all, I'm glad that I can resist the temptation to answer his phone at 6:42 a.m.! I'd probably use my grumpy voice.

And with that...
This now concludes my Friday morning rant.
Blog on.... and have a great weekend!

Thursday, May 18

Whatever Floats Your Boat


Want some advice? Take an early morning paddle if you ever get the chance! It totally sets the tone for the day. This was my Mother's Day gift to myself. I was on the water by 6:15, and off before most of the clan was even up for the day. Very peaceful, yet invigorating. Who'd like to join me? Posted by Picasa

Friday, May 12

Recipe of the Month - May

Holy Cow! I almost forgot to post this. Mid May already!

This is a quick, easy, hearty meal. Enjoy it with a salad or slaw, and warm bread.



Chicken King Casserole
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6 large chicken breasts
4 oz. bowtie pasta
1 can cream of broccoli soup
1 can creamy chicken mushroom soup
4 oz. mushroom stems & pieces, drained
1/2 C. milk
16 oz. light sour cream
1-1/2 C. chopped broccoli
1 sleeve saltine crackers, crushed
3 T. butter, melted
1/4 t. dried parsley
1/4 t. garlic powder
1/4 t. salt
1/4 t. celery seed

Boil chicken until cooked through, cut up & place in large mixing bowl, set aside. Cook pasta according to package directions, drain & rinse. In a medium bowl, whisk together soups, mushrooms, milk, and sour cream. Fold in broccoli. Combine crackers & butter well. Spread 3/4 of cracker mixture over the bottom of a 13X9 baking dish. Layer chicken, pasta, and spices. Pour soup mixture over pasta layer, sprinkle with reserved cracker mixture. Bake @ 350 for 30-40 minutes until thoroughly heated.

Yum......

Thursday, May 11

You might be from Wisconsin.....

In light of today's CRAZY May weather, I thought I'd share this...

If you have worn shorts and a parka at the same time, you might be from Wisconsin.

or

If you switch from "heat" to "a/c" and back again, in the same day, you might be from Wisconsin.

And yes, I have to own up. This weather is totally my fault. I spent a shameful amount of money at Klinger's Greenhouse yesterday, on flowers & veggie plants. Thus the frigid air. It happens EVERY year : (

Keep warm!

Friday, May 5

Catch up

One month ago, today, the kids and I went to a fun activity in RL. The evening consisted of a pasta dinner, 3 different craft stations where the kids got to make instruments, and then a concert given by a man who sang traditional kid songs and played acoustic guitar. The best part of the night was watching how well-behaved our kids were. I was amazed (appalled) at how some parents allowed their kids to behave! So much disrespect for their parents, so much meanness, so out of control. I came away feeling like we must be doing something right. Choosing to discipline when needed, choosing not to be passive, and choosing to pay attention! The payoff is HUGE! We enjoyed a fun, stress-free night. What a blessing!
Here are a few pics of the kids at the event:


Bud making a tamborine.



Working together to make maracas.




The sisters dancing to their own music.




Mudge in her chariot.
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The girls in their Easter best. Bud was changed out of his before I could snap a shot.




Easter afternoon at a park in Prairie Farm. We forged new trails in the woods, checked out the dam on the lake, and played on the teeter-totter. Mudge & I vs. Bus & Sis.

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Bud turned 9(?!?!?!?) on the 24th and we spent a fun evening in Chippewa Falls at a motel with a small waterpark. We had a great time, and believe me when I tell you that the car ride home was silent! They were all asleep before we hit the freeway.