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Saturday, October 31, 2009

Closed



It is with sadness that I am closing this blog. In order to try to be a good Proverbs 31 women, I must prioritize my life better. Unfortunately that means that a good 'life cleaning' is in order. Some areas of my life are put into the keep box while sadly others must go into the get rid of box. This blog must regretably go into the second box.

Most of the time I have really enjoyed this blog. Other times I have had guilt for not being able to keep it up or for having anything interesting to write about. The Bible tells us that there is a time and a season for everything. Right now my blogging days are out of season.

Thank you, Dear Friends, for taking a little bit of time out of your day for visiting Bear Necessities. Until we are able to meet again, I wish you days full of wonder and happiness and a life full of God's Blessings.

Blessings,
Mama Bear


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Friday, October 30, 2009

Ban Guns?





Click on the picture to read the sign

LOL!! These are my kind of people! We have a sign on our door that says, "An armed American citizen lives here. There is nothing in this house worth dying for".

Fall Back, Spring Ahead



Don't forget to reset your clock back one hour when you go to bed on Saturday evening. Ahhh...a whole extra hour of sleep!


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Thursday, October 29, 2009

Happy birthday dad

70 years ago today my dad was born. Happy Birthday Dad...I love you!

Tuesday, October 27, 2009

Tidy Tuesday

Tidy Tuesday is not so much a tidy this week for me as it is all out war on my home! This last week and weekend were just crazy busy and it seems to be falling down around my ears!

There should be a special place in heaven for Papa Bear as I'm sure he has been biting his tongue over it all.

Today finds me going through each room and doing a pick up, then clean up, then spruce up.

I have a nice venison ham in the crockpot for supper along with apples from our tree in the sink waiting to be washed so that they can be made into a pie. My, won't Papa Bear be happily suprised when he comes home tonight!

Friday, October 23, 2009

Birthday!



Today, my baby turns 18 years old!

Happy Birthday Little Bear, I love you so very much!

Thursday, October 22, 2009

Thankful Thursday

My thankfulness is bitter-sweet today. A young man that I have known since he was just a year old passed away Sunday from H1N1 and complications due to it. Donald had just turned 16.

I'm very thankful that I was able to be a part of his short life.

Tuesday, October 20, 2009

Tidy Tuesday




Cleaning the washing machine

The following is an article I found and thought it would fit in nicely with the Tidy Tuesday theme.

First, run a cycle of hot water along with two cups of vinegar or lemon juice to loosen up soap and grime. Remove the fabric softener receptacle and soak it in hot water and detergent. Clean the bleach dispenser with a spray cleaner and paper towels and Q-tips. Don't forget to clean the top rim of the wash bucket as it is up and under where it can't usually be seen easily and becomes dirty. Run the washer empty on a hot cycle one more time.

While this is going on you check all your hoses for leaks. Over time, the water hoses that came with your washing machine may leak or burst. It's a good preventive maintenance practice to check these hoses from time to time for any sign of wear or weakness. Most manufacturers recommend replacing the hoses every 5 years. Make sure your hoses are not a disaster waiting to occur!

Once you've soaked the fabric softener receptacle, replace it and polish up the outside of your washing machine with vinegar and a cloth towel. Your washing machine now looks better and will run better as well!

Monday, October 19, 2009

Great pilot



This photo was taken by a soldier in Afghanistan of a helo rescue mission.
The pilot is a PA National Guard member who flies EMS choppers in civilian life.

Now how many people on the planet you reckon could set the back-end of a
chopper down on the roof top of a shack, on a steep mountain cliff, probably under
enemy fire, and hold it there while US Soldiers load wounded men in the rear?

If this does not impress you... nothing ever will.

God Bless the men and women in our military!

Saturday, October 17, 2009

H1N1 preventatives

This was sent to me in an email. I have not checked it all out, but I think following these steps are a great thing to do anyway so thought I would share with all of you. Even though it's not listed, I think the eyes would be something to be concerned of too, not just the nose and mouth/throat.

Prevent Swine Flu - Good Advice


Dr. Vinay Goyal is an MBBS,DRM,DNB (Intensivist and Thyroid specialist) having clinical experience of over 20 years. He has worked in institutions like Hinduja Hospital , Bombay Hospital , Saifee Hospital , Tata Memorial etc.. Presently, he is heading our Nuclear Medicine Department and Thyroid clinic at Riddhivinayak Cardiac and Critical Centre, Malad (W).

The following message given by him, I feel makes a lot of sense and is important for all to know

The only portals of entry are the nostrils and mouth/throat. In a global epidemic of this nature, it's almost impossible to avoid coming into contact with H1N1 in spite of all precautions. Contact with H1N1 is not so much of a problem as proliferation is.

While you are still healthy and not showing any symptoms of H1N1 infection, in order to prevent proliferation, aggravation of symptoms and development of secondary infections, some very simple steps, not fully highlighted in most official communications, can be practiced (instead of focusing on how to stock N95 or Tamiflu):

1. Frequent hand-washing (well highlighted in all official communications).

2. "Hands-off-the-face" approach. Resist all temptations to touch any part of face .

3. *Gargle twice a day with warm salt water (use Listerine if you don't trust salt). *H1N1 takes 2-3 days after initial infection in the throat/ nasal cavity to proliferate and show characteristic symptoms. Simple gargling prevents proliferation. In a way, gargling with salt water has the same effect on a healthy individual that Tamiflu has on an infected one. Don't underestimate this simple, inexpensive and powerful preventative method.

4. Similar to 3 above, *clean your nostrils at least once every day with warm salt water. *Not everybody may be good at Jala Neti or Sutra Neti (very good Yoga asanas to clean nasal cavities), but *blowing the nose hard once a day and swabbing both nostrils with cotton buds dipped in warm salt water is very effective in bringing down viral population.*


5. *Boost your natural immunity with foods that are rich in Vitamin C (Amla and other citrus fruits). *If you have to supplement with Vitamin C tablets, make sure that it also has Zinc to boost absorption.

6. *Drink as much of warm liquids (tea, coffee, etc) as you can. *Drinking warm liquids has the same effect as gargling, but in the reverse direction. They wash off proliferating viruses from the throat into the stomach where they cannot survive, proliferate or do any harm.

Friday, October 16, 2009

BBQ Country Style Pork Ribs



Dear friends, you are in for a treat here. I made this recipe on Tuesday and it was such a hit with my guys! I did double it as I was making lots of extra meat to help get me started on my new quest for freezer cooking, but that is for another post at a later time.

1/2 C. cooking oil
3/4 C. chopped onion
3/4 C. ketchup
1/3 C. water
1/3 C. lemon juice
3 T. sugar
2 T. Worcestershire sauce
2 T. French's prepared mustard
1 T. liquid smoke
2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. black pepper

I also added to the doubled recipe a big old glop of horseradish.

Cook onion in oil until soft. Add remaining ingredients. Simmer 15 minutes.

Place rib inlarge baking pan that has a lid. Pour auce over ribs. Cover. Bake in 350* oven for 2 hours or until tender.

This went very well with a baked potato and homemade applesauce.

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Thursday, October 15, 2009

Saddened by news

How sad I feel from watching Good Morning America this morning. I won't go into all the details, but what is so disturbing is that 5 teenage boys, ages 13-15, poured rubbing alcohol on another 15 year old boy and then set him on fire.

What is it that runs through the mind of another to want to inflict such horrific pain on another.

My heart goes out to this boy who is in ICU. To his family who must watch their loved one go though this.

My prayers will also be with the boys who have such evilness in their hearts to be able to do this.

Wednesday, October 14, 2009

Tuesday, October 13, 2009

Tidy Tuesday

This weeks Tidy task is for pet owners. Time to wash all the pet bedding. Clean their laying area good. Weed through the toys and get rid of any that might soon be dangerous (bells or squeekers about falling out). Make sure your suppy of pet grooming supplies are full. If they wear pet clothes, make sure to have them clean and ready to go and that your pet still fits into them.

For your pet, do they need their nails trimmed? Bath? Haircut?


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Monday, October 12, 2009

Monday meal



I don't have a menu made for the whole week...but this is what's for lunch today! MmMmMmmm....this is a google picture, but mine looks just as good. Venison roast that Papa Bear shot, Carrots and green beans from a friends garden, potatoes and onions from the store. I was going to make some bread to go with it, but didn't get it started in time.

Sniff

Sniff

Sniff

Do you smell that? My home is smelling so good right now.


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Sunday, October 11, 2009

My dad and I



I'm so proud of my dad. He just retired as Grand Master of the State of Illinois. He had spent most of his lifetime working towards that position.

Saturday, October 10, 2009

Freemasons

I've just come home from 3 days at Masonic Grand Lodge and I have 'Masonry brain' still going. I just read this article on the Illinois Masons website and thought I would share it with you.

Secret society? Not really
By BETSY DEMITROPOULOUS - editorial@kcchronicle.com
Comments (No comments posted) | Add Comments

Tom Grisham knows the location of the lost treasure.

He took his godson to see "National Treasure" some years back, and his godson asked him whether he knew where the mythical treasure on which the movie centered could be found.

Grisham, a Freemason, had to tell his godson, “Yes, I do, but I can’t tell you.”

Movies such as "National Treasure" and books written by novelist Dan Brown have inspired a renewed interest in Freemasonry and a renewed speculation about any such treasure.

“[They] are good for Masonry and stimulate peoples’ minds,” said Grisham, worshipful master of St. Charles’ Unity Masonic Lodge #48. He has been a lodge member for 28 years.

Brown’s newest novel, "The Lost Symbol," focuses on Freemasonry and is set in Washington, D.C. It’s Brown’s third novel to involve the character of Harvard University symbologist Robert Langdon.

"The Lost Symbol" is being welcomed by Freemasons across the United States. Grisham said he hasn’t read the entire book, but said it’s an improvement compared to Brown’s earlier Masonic-related novels.

According to www.freemasonry.org, Freemasonry is the oldest and largest worldwide fraternity dedicated to the Brotherhood of Man under the Fatherhood of a Supreme Being. Although of a religious nature, Freemasonry is not a religion, the Web site said.

“Masonry doesn’t replace religion," Grisham said. "It supports it."

To be a Freemason, applicants must be men of good character who believe in God – no atheist can become a Mason – and be faithful and devoted to their own religious beliefs. Applicants must be at least 18 years old.

The fraternity of Freemasonry is arranged into Grand Lodges, which preside over their own jurisdictions. These jurisdictions contain subordinate Lodges.

The fraternity also has related appendant bodies. Grisham said there are more than 30 appendant bodies, including the Shriners, DeMolay International and Job’s Daughters.

Every state has its own Grand Lodge, and Illinois’ Grand Lodge is located in Springfield. Grisham’s Unity Lodge is one of about 500 subordinate Lodges in Illinois.

Unity Lodge was formed in 1846 and is the 48th lodge to be established in Illinois and the first to be established in Kane County. The lodge is the second-oldest active lodge in the Chicago area and has about 80 members. Grisham said there are 75,000 Masons statewide.

In its early years, Unity Lodge assisted in the formation of new lodges in Kane County.Naperville’s lodge was established in 1848, Batavia in 1849, Sycamore in 1851, Geneva in 1853, and Elgin in 1852, according to Unity Lodge’s Web site.

The fraternity of Freemasonry is extensively involved in numerous charity and community service activities. Grisham said Masonic philanthropies contribute $2.5 million a day to charities. One of the most well-known philanthropies is the Shriners Hospitals for Children.

Despite the belief of many people, Grisham said Masonry isn’t a secret society, explaining that secret handshakes and secret words are used to “recognize fellow members.”

According to the Grand Lodge of Illinois, any purported Masonic “secrets” were made public several centuries ago in London newspapers and today can be found in the Library of Congress and in other sources.

One famous Freemason, Benjamin Franklin, might have said it best: “The great secret of Freemasonry is that there is no secret at all.”

What are Masonic principles?

• Faith must be the center of our lives.
• All men and women are the children of God.
• No one person has the right to tell another person what he or she must think or believe.
• Each person has the responsibility to be a good citizen, obeying the law.
• It is important to work to make the world a better place for all.
• Honor and integrity are keys to meaningful life.

Tuesday, October 6, 2009

Tidy Tuesday



This weeks Tidy Tuesday is the bed. Not the whole bedroom, just the bed area. It's fall and time to make some changes.

Completely strip bedding and wash ALL of it. This would be a good time to get out your winter bedding ready to go.

Pull bed out and sweep under...yep, time to say goodbye to all those dust bunnie herds that have been living under there. What else is under there? A lost sock, some change, the cat you thought ran off 2 months ago? If you're like me, you use this area for storage. I have under-bed totes that I keep my out of season shoes in. Time to go through those and get rid of any that I don't think I will be wearing.

If your bed goes against a wall, this is a great opportunity to wash down that wall.

Do you have a headboard with shelves...declutter and clean.

Do you have a standing headboard...dust and polish if needed.

Bring in some muscle with you and flip your mattress. Remember to flip both front to back and head to foot.

Once the bed is moved back into place, now you can make it with your winter bedding.

This is one of those jobs that really shouldn't be worked on over the week...you kind of need your bed each night. Plan this tidy for a time when you have a few hours to devote to it.

Now, once your bed area is completed, stand back and admire your work. Happy sleeping!

Sunday, October 4, 2009

The blog continues

I actually came on here today to announce that I would no longer be keeping my blog. I'm at a season in my life where I have no little ones who need a mommy, but I'm finding that even with that gone, I am busier then I have ever been:

Work 10.5-11 hours a day
EMT class twice a week plus all the hours of study time
Scout Master for Boy Scouts
Helping to start a new Worship program at church

Add to this being a wife and keeper of my home and I'm spreading myself pretty thin. (ROFL...if you know what I look like then you know that I'm already spread pretty thin!)

I just don't feel like I am doing justice to this blog with all the days I have been missing. I also feel sometimes that it is work done for nothing and I wonder if anyone reads what I write. But....then I came on today to see that I have 2 more followers.

So, I will continue with my blog. I'm sure there will be missed days. I'm pretty sure there's a good chance there will be other 'feeling overwhelmed' days like this. Please bear with me.

P.S.-----Thanks for letting me whine.

Tuesday, September 29, 2009

Tidy Tuesday



Today's decluttering is going to be on our purse. Or if you are like me, you have several purses going at one time...please tell me I'm not the only one who does that!

I have a fond memory from my childhood days of watching my mom clean out her purse. She would dump the entire contents out on the table and it was almost like Christmas for us kids as we got to help sort through it all. Change (LOTS of change), mints, gum, wrappers, receipts, tissues, pens (LOTS of pens), wallet, lipstick...the list goes on and on. I remember also how much lighter her purse was after one of these cleanings.

So today, empty that purse out on the table. Get the kids involved by letting them work on matching items...even if it's just seperating out the change. Get rid of anythng you don't need to carry....how many pens do you need, how many tubes of lipstick, is $72 in change really needed?

When this is all done, put it on your shoulder and listen carefully as your shoulder lets out a sigh of happiness!

Monday, September 28, 2009

Rapture...Are you ready?

I want to warn you that this is a very powerful and thought provoking video. It is less then a minute but it definately packs a punch!

Marker Dog

I think this mom may want to put the markers on the TOP shelf!

Friday, September 25, 2009

Hot dog soup

I had every intention of posting a picture and recipe for hot dog soup...problem is, it didn't turn out quite so tasty as I thought it would. So....I did a bit more research and decided that I will give it another try someday soon. I mean really, if it has hotdogs in it, how can it NOT be good???

Tuesday, September 22, 2009

Lost Tuesday

I somehow lost Tuesday. I don't know how it happened but Tuesday was misplaced for me most of the day. I blogged about Wednesday earlier, I planned supper around a meeting I have on Wednesday, I even layed a child down for nap who goes home early on Tuesday...because I thought it was Wednesday. I guess thought I should be happy as I just gained a day this week!!!

Wednesday's Word

Give at least two warnings to the person who causes division and then have nothing more to do with him.

Titus 3:10

Sunday, September 20, 2009

How to leave a comment

It has come to my attention that I have friends who read my blog but are unable to leave comments as they don't have a google account. Well, Dear Friends, time to get one! It is very simple to do. At the end of this post you will see where it says "comment". Just click on that. On the bottom right hand side it will have a place to get a google account. Just use your regular email account.

Ok, go ahead and get an account, I'll sit here and have a cup of coffee and wait for you...

slurp slurp





Got it? Great! Now you are able to not only read blogs, but you can comment on them too! Don't forget to sign up on here as a follower too.

Saturday, September 19, 2009

The Shack



I just finished this book and it is absolutely awesome!

It is important to know that it is a book of fiction. It is not always Biblically correct, but it does not claim to be either. None the less, it will make you rethink how you see some aspects of yourself as a Christian. I shed many tears, both good and bad, during this reading. I had to put it down many times to ponder what was said. It caused me to take a hard look at myself and how I treat and judge others.

The basic idea is that a man is unable to deal with the loss of his daughter. He ends up meeting God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit in a way that he was able to accept them. Not the Trinity as you would expect.

I have walked away from this reading with a renewed love for the Lord. For a desire to better myself as a person.

Wednesday, September 16, 2009

Wednesday's Word

Trust in the Lord with all your heart. Never rely on what you think you know. Remember the Lord in everything you do, and He will show you the right way.

Proverbs 3:5-6

Tuesday, September 15, 2009

Tidy Tuesday

Happy Tuesday, dear friends. How did the cleaning schedule go for you last week? I hope you were able to come up with a rough draft to work off of. Don't expect to have it cut in stone right off the bat, it takes time to work up a schedule that really fits. I'm interested in hearing how it is working out for you.

This week is the fridge. Yep...That place where science projects seem to happen all on their own.

What you will need:
garbage can
cleaner (I like my bleach water spray bottle)
cleaning rag, drying towel

Take everything out and decide if it's a keeper or a tosser. If it's not going to be used up, then cut your losses and toss it. After the fridge is empty, pull out the drawers and shelves and wash well. While those are drying you can clean all the gunk that has spilled and has been hiding under the drawers. Wipe the sides and top well. Don't forget to do the door storage area too.

After returning the shelves and drawers, return items. This is a great time to do a bit of organizing. I keep mine in sections:
milk, water and other drinks on top shelf.
Pickles, mayo, butter, cream cheese...the staples, on the left middle shelf.
Leftovers go on right middle shelf.
Eggs and yogurt on left bottom shelf.
One drawer has lunch meat and cheese.
One drawer has fruits.
One drawer has veggies.
Condiments and jelly go in the door.

Now, this is where I have to say, "Hi, my name is Mama Bear and I'm addicted to my label maker". I have gone so far as to label my shelves. Yes, I know it seems a bit odd, but even though *I* know where everything goes, the rest of my family seems to not remember. The leftover shelf is an important one as it cuts down the above mentioned science projects. Also, having a place for each thing cuts down on the 3 open jars of pickles and 2 bottles of ketchup that always seem to happen.

Monday, September 14, 2009

One light bulb at a time

This is an email that was sent to me and I thought it worthy of passing on. Every little step we each do will help keep our country strong.

A physics teacher in high school, once told the students that while one grasshopper on the railroad tracks wouldn't slow a train very much, a billion of them would. With that thought in mind, read the following, obviously written by a good American. Good idea . . . one light bulb at a time . . . .

Check this out. I can verify this because I was in Lowes the other day for some reason and just for the heck of it I was looking at the hose attachments. They were all made in China.The next day I was in Ace Hardware and just for the heck of it I checked the hose attachments there. They were made in USA . Start looking.

In our current economic situation, every little thing we buy or do affects someone else - even their job. So, after reading this email, I think this lady is on the right track. Let's get behind her!

My grandson likes Hershey's candy. I noticed, though, that it is marked made in Mexico now. I do not buy it any more. My favorite toothpaste Colgate is made in Mexico now. I have switched to Crest. You have to read the labels on everything.

This past weekend I was at Kroger. I needed 60 W light bulbs and Bounce dryer sheets. I was in the light bulb aisle, and right next to the GE brand I normally buy was an off brand labeled, "Everyday Value.” I picked up both types of bulbs and compared the stats - they were the same except for the price. The GE bulbs were more money than the Everyday Value brand but the thing that surprised me the most was the fact that GE was made in MEXICO and the Everyday Value brand was made in - get ready for this - the USA in a company in Cleveland, Ohio

So throw out the myth that you cannot find products you use every day that are made right here.

So on to another aisle - Bounce Dryer Sheets . . . yep, you guessed it, Bounce cost more money and is made in Canada . The Everyday Value brand was less money and MADE IN THE USA! I did laundry yesterday and the dryer sheets performed just like the Bounce Free I have been using for years and at almost half the price!

My challenge to you is to start reading the labels when you shop for everyday things and see what you can find that is made in the USA - the job you save may be your own or your neighbors!

If you accept the challenge, pass this on to others in your address book so we can all start buying American, one light bulb at a time! Stop buying from overseas companies!

(We should have awakened a decade ago . . . . .)

Let's get with the program . . . . help our fellow Americans keep their jobs and create more jobs here in the USA .

Wednesday, September 9, 2009

Wednesday's Word

Do not deceive yourselves by just listening to His word; instead, put it into practice.

James 1:22

Tuesday, September 8, 2009

Tidy Tuesday--Schedule

Something different for today instead of just working on a specific area. This week we are going to work on a cleaning schedule. It's all too easy to get side-tracked and before you know it, half the day is gone and the bed isn't even made! A cleaning schedule not only helps to get the daily maintenance done, but to keep the home in semi-order so that it may not get out of control...leaving us feeling overwhelmed and not knowing where to start.

My schedule is broken down into three categories: daily, weekly and monthly.

Daily
make bed
cat litter
clean bathroom
gather and sort laundry
walk through and pick up each room
kitchen
vacuum
sweep
mop
weekday chore

Weekly
Monday: laundry, icebox, water plants
Tuesday: laundryroom, iron
Wednesday: bedding, bedroom, pantry
Thursday: laundry, dust, wipe down upholstery
Friday: office, iron
Saturday: Family projects

Monthly
check/change furnace filter
pull out icebox and stove
pull out washer and dryer
pull out bed

Do I follow this every day? Uummm...noooooo. But it does give me a guide that helps me. My goal IS to get to this every single day!

Monday, September 7, 2009

Menu

It's almost time for me to go to bed and I remembered I hadn't blogged yet!

Monday: I was the only one eating so I just opened a can of soup

Tuesday: Venison burger casserole (Rescue Unit function)

Wednesday: Marinated doves (Community Club meeting)

Thursday: Spaghetti (EMT class)

Friday: Teryaki steaks we didn't have last week

Friday, September 4, 2009

Salsa Dip

Equal parts of salsa and sour cream.

Mix well. Serve cold.

Thursday, September 3, 2009

When you think you're having a bad day, imagine this poor person who came home to this:



Yeah, life is looking pretty good around here now.

Wednesday, September 2, 2009

God's Chisel

This is 8 minutes long, but well worth it. It will change how you look at yourself in the mirror.


Wednesday's Word

"In the same way, on the outside you appear good to everybody, but inside you are full of hypocrisy and sins."

Matthew 23:28

Tuesday, September 1, 2009

Tidy Tuesday



Can you guess from the picture what this weeks challenge is? That's right, this week we are going to hit the bathroom with gusto! I'm not talking about a little wipe down here, I'm talking about nooks and crannies.

Don't be overwhelmed, take it a little at a time. Break it down so that you do a little each day. Listed below are some areas that should be taken care of:

Declutter counter Get rid of of all the do-dads and what-nots that don't belong there and put them away, give them away or throw them away. After the counter is empty, give it a good cleaning..remember to get in the corners and the back splash.

Toilet Use a toilet bowl cleaner ( I like Lyson Cling Gel) and let sit while you are doing something else. After letting cleaner sit, use a cleaning brush or cleaning rag and wipe down entire toilet with cleaner. Remember to get the back of the bowl and the water line.

Medicine cabinet Throw out unused prescriptions and outdated over the counter medications. Wipe down all shelves. Return items in an organized manner. Clean mirror.

Drawers and cabinets Remove all items one drawer/cabinet at a time. Do the throw away/give away of any items that you don't use or haven't used in a while. Don't hold on to it thinking that you will get around to it at some point. Get little boxes or totes to keep like items in. Put all hair spray, gel, mousse, defrizzer..etc. it one box. All make up in one box...you get the idea. Cords to hairdryer/straightener/curling iron can be folded back and forth and place a toilet paper roll over to keep in place. Run toothbrushes through dishwasher. Hair brushes and combs can go through dishwasher or soaked in sink with hot water and dishsoap.

Sink Remove all items. Refill soap dispenser if needed. Spray sink and faucet with tub and tile cleaner. Wipe well and rinse. Shine sink with window cleaner. Replace wiped down items ONLY if they need to be sitting out.

Bathtub Basically same as sink. Keep only items in tub/shower that you need/use. Do you NEED to have 3 kinds of soaps and 2 kinds of shampoos? How can you declutter this area? Wash or replace shower curtain. Wash or replace bathmat.

Rest of room Wash curtains. Dust all corners, even the high ones. Clean vent. Wash all walls. Sweep and mop floor. Pay special attention around the toilet area. Sometimes a good mopping on the hands and knees is best.

Now, stand back and look at your clean and organized bathroom. Be proud of the work you have done.

Monday, August 31, 2009

Menu Monday

Monday: Garlic chicken with veggies over pasta, green salad (showing camper)

Tuesday: Teriyaki steak, Natalie potatoes, stewed tomatoes

Wednesday: HM fresh veggie soup, HM bread (church meeting)

Thursday: Crockpot layered dinner (EMT class)

Friday: Going camping!!!

Friday, August 28, 2009

Honeyed Beets

Oh my goodness, I got out my Betty Crocker cookbook to figure out what to do with the beets that I've grown in my garden and the following recipe is what I found...MmMmMmmmmm these are so good!

5 fresh medium beets (or 2 16 oz cans)
1 medium onion chopped
2 T. butter
2 T. honey
1 T. lemon juice
1/2 tsp. salt
1/8 tsp. cinnamon
1 T. snipped parsley

To prepare fresh beets
Cut all but 2 inches of tops off. Boil enough water to cover beets. Add beats and simmer 50 minutes. run under cold water. Cut off tops and roots and remove skin.

Prepare beets (or open cans). Cut into shoestrings. Cook onion in butter until tender. Add remaining ingredients--stir occsionally until heated. Sprinkle with parsley.

Thursday, August 27, 2009

Fair time

It's County Fair time here in Podunkland. Papa Bear and I joined friends (and their little ones) last night to take in the festivities. These little ones are enrolled in my daycare, but they are also like grandchildren to Papa and I...we just love them to bits. The Fair should always be enjoyed with children. They have a way of making you see the sights, smell the smells, hear the sounds and feel the electricity in the air.
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Wednesday, August 26, 2009

Wednesday's Word



Wednesdays will be a day that I will share scripture with you. Unless otherwise stated, all scripture will be from the Good News Bible, Today's English Version (TEV). This is my favorite Bible to read when I just want to sit and read...very easy to understand.

"If you confess that Jesus is Lord and believe that God raised Him from death, you will be saved". Romans 10:9

Tuesday, August 25, 2009

Declutter challenge

Mel, from Prairie Homemaker, has challenged us to a declutter. If you all don't mind, I'll bring that same challenge to my little blog. Each week we will have a different area to work on.

This week our challenge is to get rid of at least one thing each day. Either throw it away, give it away, freecycle or thrift store it.

Each Tuesday for a while I will be listing the new challenge. Let's all work together and little by little we will declutter our homes.

Monday, August 24, 2009

Menu Monday






Here are before/after shots of the freezer above my fridge. It's all too easy to just open that little door and stuff things in there...even when that's not where they belong. In my cleaning, I found all sorts of things that need to be used up, so that is how we are eating this week.

Before giving my menu, I want you to notice the box in the bottom picture..the one on the top left of the freezer. That is where I will be putting my supper items for the week after I make up my menu. That way everything is right there and ready to be made.

Monday: Venison Steak, baked potato, peas

Tuesday: Venison brats, fried potatoes, sliced tomatoes

Wednesday: Turkey meatloaf, mashed potatoes, greenbeans, HM applesauce

Thursday: Spaghetti and meatballs, lettuce salad, garlic bread

Friday: Going to the fair and making myself sick on fair food!!

Thursday, August 20, 2009

Thankful Thursday



I'm thankful for grapes. Red or green, doesn't matter. I've been in a frozen grape kick for awhile. Everytime they come on sale, I buy about 10 pounds of them so that I can clean them and throw them in the freezer. Come winter I'm sure this little snack addiction of mine will go in a warmer direction, but for now I think I'll just enjoy eating a small bowl of them each night.

Wednesday, August 19, 2009

Real Friends

The Hubs got the internet going again today, so I am back and open for business again! WooHoo!

The time with limited internet has given me time to think about where my life is. Now, I will not put into writing for all the world to see all my thinkings, but I will share with you my thoughts on my friends...or lack there of.

Over the years I found that it became easier to have internet friends then in real life (irl) friends. With internet friends, if they got on my nerves, I just didn't make myself available to them for a few days until I was ready for them again. With irl friends, they are able to bring their drama into my everyday life.

I have made some wonderful 'net friends, ones that I would talk to almost everyday. Most of these friends were made on a Christian website that I am a part of. Over the last six months or so I have put that site on the back burner as I don't have the same amount of time to spend on it as I once had, and due to changes on the site, I don't find as much enjoyment as I once had. I have let my 'net friends dwindle down to three main ones. Of those three, two have gotten busy in their own lives and like myself, aren't spending as much time online. The one that I still speak with regularly only lives about 2.5 hours from here and we have actually gotten together a few times.

This brings me to my irl friends. I have only a few because of the above mentioned drama...I have neither the time or desire to bring someones elses into my life. The problem with having only a few irl friends, is that it leaves me a bit lonely at times. If I want to go for a nice evening walk and my few friends are busy, then I walk by myself.

So, do I put myself out there and go through the weeding process and find new friends? Or do I go on with life the way it is and learn to take evening walks by myself and be happy with it?

Saturday, August 15, 2009

Yes dear friends, if you have been checking in here, I'm sure you've noticed that I've been missing. *Sigh* we are STILL having internet problems at our home so getting on here is not so easy. Still been crazy busy in my life, so getting on here is not so easy.

The Hubs has been on the internet problem so hoping it won't be much longer until that is fixed. School starts next week so that will free up some time during the day for me. The past two weeks I've had 9 children ages 5 and under to take care of.

Soon...honest...soon I will be back on and try to follow some kind of schedule on here (Menu Monday, Wordless Wednesday, Thankful Thursday...).

I want to thank you all for being so patient.

Until next time, May God be with you in all that you do.

Saturday, August 1, 2009

I'm Back!!

I'm finally back...well, kind of. We still don't have internet at home (Thanks Comcast), so I'm still visiting my parents to get online. Thus the reason I have been gone so much. I don't have the time to go into detail about what's been going on, but here is a quick view of July for me:

*week long Boy Scout camp

*Wyanet festival and co-chair of food stand

*Vacation Bible School

*Family in from west coast

*daughter got married

*son went on week long mission trip

And today I spent 8 hours sitting outside with others from my town as we watched the start of the demolition of our high school.

I have yet to get to 'Alice' (see earlier post about organizing, but she is on the top of the 'to-do' list. I start 3 new children in my daycare Monday, have lots to do before then, but also want to watch more of the school demo tomorrow. I'm thinking I'll watch a bit of the school but then will have to get to work. Of course they are working on the back side of the school, not the front side which faces my house so that I could work and watch at the same time.

May be a few days before I am able to get on again, hang in there dear friends, I WILL have internet again and I WILL be organized enough to be able to be on here everyday with little tid bits of nothingness.

Sunday, July 19, 2009

no internet

I may be MIA for a few days. My internet is down at home so I'm having to go to my parents to get online.

I know that I've said that I spend too much time on here...but I didn't realize how much I'm addicted to the 'net. Sigh....not getting my fix whenever I feel the need is not making me a happy girl. Grrrrr.

Papa Bear gets home Wednesday so I'm sure he will be able to fix it...he's my big strong hero.

Saturday, July 18, 2009

Sad day

4 years ago today I became a member of a club that I do not want to be in. I didn't volunteer for it. I didn't ask to be voted in. I was given no choice. 4 years ago today I joined the other parents who have lost a child.

Aaron was just 19 when he drowned. My first born.

I understand that Aaron leaving earth so soon is part of God's plan. I'm not angry about, but I am sad. I rejoice knowing that he is in a far better place, but selfishly I want him to still be here with me. I miss him always, but certain days are just a bit more sad then others. Today would be one of those days.

Je t'aime dear Aaron.

Thursday, July 16, 2009

Reorgannizing

I get on my own nerves sometimes. I become a not very happy homemaker, and I don't like it. Seems life gets so busy (I know, it's of my own making) that being a homemaker is something I just go through because I have to. When this happens, I definately DON'T have the heart of a homemaker, and my home shows it. Sure, the toilets clean, the laundry is done and the floors are swept, but none of the little extra touches are there. No pretty candles burning. Supper is something quick and thrown together. There just isn't a song in my heart and a smile on my face.

Once again, time to get my priorities straight. Seems I have to do this several times a year. Reading my friend Karyns blog today got me in the mood to do this. She is re-vamping her household notebook...something I need to do too. I even went so far as to name mine. Her name is Alice. I picked this name because on the show "Brady Bunch", Alice is the one who kept everything running smooth.

Over the next few days I will be going through Alice to reorganize and update her. Once I'm done, I'll take some pictures so you can all see her...she really is what keeps me running smoothly.

Once she is all done, I plan to follow her daily. This way I'll be back on schedule, which makes me a happy homemaker. I've got 3 new children starting in my daycare in 2 weeks and I would like to be back in the groove before they come.

Wednesday, July 15, 2009

Monday, July 13, 2009

Monday Menu

Today is the time for my menu to share with you friends...but it isn't what you expect. I can tell you that I honestly don't know what I'm feeding my family. I say this knowing that each morning I am going to open the big chest freezer and pull something off the top...and that is going to be the base for our meal.

I have 3 large, 1 medium and 1 small freezer all full to exploding...it's time to start to empty them out. So...for the next few weeks it will be a suprise each and every day.

I guess I can only hope that somewhere in that big freezer lies a hug tub of ice cream that I can somehow figure out how to work into the main course of a meal. :)

Small Town Days

Thursday thru Saturday was the big Wyanet Festival. Now, for those of you friends who do not live in a small town, the concept of small town days may be lost on you. However, when you are raised up in a town of 1100 people, it's quite a big deal.

Thursday night kicks things off with the Little Miss, Little Mister and Queen contest. The Food Stand, rides and beer garden begin also.

Friday brings the Taco stand every other year...woohoo...love those tacos!

Saturday is the big day with the Memorial run in the morning, followed by the parade, and then all the fun at the park:

rides
kiddie tractor pull
kid and adult ice cream eating contest
adult big wheel race (yep, I was in it and came in second!)

Saturday night is the big dance night under the bandstand with big band music.

Of course, the Festival wouldn't be complete without the Fireman's pancake and sausage breakfast at the VFW on Sunday morning.

It's a great time that I look forward to every year. It's when class reunions happen. It's when friends come home to visit. It's big excitement when you live in small town USA.

Wednesday, July 8, 2009

Sesame Street

Oh, to live in such a place. Problems are small and easily fixed. There is always someone around to play with. Oscar is the only cranky person in the whole place.

Tuesday, July 7, 2009

Rash

I will spare you a picture, but I picked up a rash! I know it wasn't on my leg Sunday morning when I lotioned up before church, but it was there later in the day when the itching began. I was in the woods last week but I would have thought if I had walked in something, it would have shown up earlier. Papa Bear and I went out on a 2.5 hour ride on the motorcycle Sunday, but I wasn't in any weeds. Hmmmm....I just don't know when or where I got this.

Did I mention the itch factor here...this is sooo itchy! I've been keeping calmine lotion on it, but it just doesn't seem to be helping. I feel like a kid with the chicken pox!

Well friends, that was my whine for today. Now it's time to pull up my big girl panties and just deal with it!

Monday, July 6, 2009

Boy Scout camp 2009

I'm home from Boy Scout camp and it was a blast!! Have to do a quick little brag on the boys as they were the only Troop (out of about 200 people) to receive a perfect score on their daily inspection!!!

The weather turned out to be just about perfect. No humidity, no real heat and no rain until our camp was all packed up and we were heading to bed on Friday night.

Below are a few pictures from our week:

The boys made an oven out of a cardboard box using tin foil and wire hangers. Brownies were a wonderful treat for us during the week.





Home sweet home for me. The boys laughed at the way I add embelishments to my tent to make it more comfy...like the table, throw rugs, flowers and fence. But...I had a nice comfortable (well, as comfortable as you can be with spiders crawling on you) week.




Welcome to our kitchen and our dining room. We are a 'jambo' troop, which means we cook all our own meals. We were the only jambo troop there this week. All the other troops go up top to the dining hall for their meals...Tsk...that's not real camping! Might as well have the maid come in too!



Here's my guys!! The man on the left is grandpa to two of the boys. He stayed part of the week and then their uncle came down for the remainder of the time. I'm so thankful that even though we are a very small troop right now, there is the support there so that the boys can continue to enjoy things like this camp.




This would be me going up the rope side of the 40' tall climbing tower! After climbing, I actually went down the other side of it on the zip line!! WOW!!! That was so much fun!





Friday, June 26, 2009

Leaving for camp

Well my dear friends, this will be my last post for a week. Sunday morning I will be taking my Boy Scouts on a week long campout. It's an awesome time that I look forward to all year long. When I get back, I'll post pictures so that you can all see the beautiful timber that will be our home while there. Been watching the weather and it looks like this heat is going to break which will give us beautiful mid 80's or so for the days....aahhhhh, I'm getting so excited!!!

Thursday, June 25, 2009

2 days of fun

Well Dear Friends, let me tell you about my fun day yesterday..and the day before that.

The fun started on Tuesday morning when I got to drink this yummy cherry flavored drink. The fun was put on hold for just a little while, but then WHAM! The fun began!! A few hours later I got to drink another yummy cherry flavored drink and the fun just seemed to continue on and on and on.

Skip to Wednesday morning...and I was so hungry I thought my belly button was gonna start eating on my backbone! You see, on Tuesday while I was enjoying the fun of those cherry flavored drinks, I wasn't allowed to eat anything.

So, Papa Bear takes me to the hospital for both an upper and lower GI...oh yeah, I'm so excited! I've had the lower before, but this was a first time for the upper...and oh my goodness that stuff they gave me to gargle with is awful!!! But then the drugs kicked in and I was out.

There is a pain medication that makes me sick but I couldn't remember which one it was...yep, it's the one they gave me. I woke up getting sick..that was a joy. So then I got more meds to counter the pain meds. THEN I cramped so bad I thought my insides were trying to get on the outside! 2 hours later things are fine and Papa Bear is bringing me home. On the way I talked him into stopping to get me a chocolate shake...MmMmMMMmmmm it tasted so good!

At home I went back to bed, only to get up and get rid of that yummy chocolate shake..sigh.

Today though I am back to me again. A little tired and a touch of a tummy ache, but nothing I can't live with. Now all I have to do is wait for test results to come back. I'm thinking I don't want to have that fun again for awhile!

Tuesday, June 23, 2009


Mmmmm...Brother Bear has been doing a lot of fishing since coming home. Of course, this fish fried up in butter is totally healthy!

Monday, June 22, 2009

Poor Kitty


My poor poor kitty had to have surgery on Saturday.
He has a tube inbetween the front and back skin of his ear to drain it.
Darn neighborhood cats beat up on my cat...darn cats. Bait is mainly an indoor kitty, but longs to be outside. He has no front claws so we try to keep him in. But..with having a daycare, my door is opened several times a day, which gives Bait several chances to run for freedom. He snuck out Tuesday and we didn't see him again until Friday afternoon..with a tore up ear, a terrible infection and a fever. Not to mention he had lost weight and I could feel his butt bones.
Our neighbor has a cat that will actually come through the slats on our fenced in yard and beat my cat up in our own yard! Darn cat.
Bait is doing well, eating and drinking. He has to go back in 2 weeks to have the tube removed. Poor poor kitty.


Sunday, June 21, 2009

Another busy week in the old Bear den...I'm beginning to wonder if there will ever be any non-busy weeks around here! Graduation and all that surrounded it is behind us, now on to Boy Scout Camp. My Scouts and I leave for a week long summer camp 1 week from today. We spend a week in the timber at Ingersoll Scout Reservation in London Mills Illinois. This reservation is about 1200 acres...and I think over the years I have hiked every stinking one of them!

It is such a wonderful time every year. The boys go to merit badge class during the day, and we enjoy troop activities the rest of the time. This year our outposts will be tubing the Cedar Dell Creek, Crawdad-which is basically an awesome waterslide...in the mud!, and Paul Bunyon-which is early early morning and we get to throw tomahauks, climb a spar pole, use cross cut saws and all that type of lumberjack stuff. Not to mention with Paul Bunyon we get to eat pancakes that are HUGE!

In preporation for camp though, I will be a busy bee. This week finds me cleaning out the scout trailer that we store all our camping gear in and restocking it. Gathering all my personal gear that has been scattered due to water in the basement. Writing a short sermon for the Sunday night service at camp and a regular sermon to give at church the day after I get back from camp.

Also....I want my home to be in tip-top shape before I leave so that the Hubs will have a nice home to come to at the end of the day. If possible, I'd also like to have meals made up and in the freezer for him.

I'm beginning to think that if I didn't stay so busy all the time, I probably wouldn't know what to do with myself!

Monday, June 15, 2009

Obama Man Video

I heard this on the Bob and Tom show on the radio and had to come home and find it on youtube. It's a spoof from the old "Candy Man" song from Sammy Davis Jr.

Brother Bear has graduated!!

Not really sure what happened here, but my pictures came up in reverse!



Food line at party



Cleaning driveway for party




Glad to be done with school and graduation!





Capt. Jones....his team leader and mentor while at school....Capt Jones doesn't look near as tough here!






WooHoo!!!! I am so very proud of Brother Bear!!

Friday, June 12, 2009

Lip Sync Boy

This video is just too funny! I wonder if his parents will show it on his 18th birthday?

Friday Recipe

Miss Maggies Milk Shake

This is a recipe I got years ago from Miss Maggie when she was the owner of Hillbilly Housewife, a christian frugal site and message board that I spent waaaay too much time on (for those of you who are reading this that were there also, you know what an addiction it was!).

Anyway, this is a milkshake with NO ice cream! And MmMmMmmmmm good!

2 C. ice water
1.5 C dry milk
2/3 C. sugar
1/4 C. unsweetened cocoa
1 tsp. vanilla
1-1.5 trays icecubes
2 T. corn oil (optional but helps)

Place all ingredients into a blender and blend for at least a full 2 minutes.

Add in your favorite flavorings or fruit for your own special concoctions.

Saturday, June 6, 2009

My thinking spot


Running on the outskirts of my little town is the Hennepin Canal. I grew up learning about the canal from my grandpa. I spent summers swimming it its dirty stinky water. Smooching happened by the old shed at Lock 19 as a teenager. I grew up having a great love and respect for the canal. When I was newly married to my oldest son's father, we were so poor we didn't have two nickles to rub together, but we spent many nights fishing the canals muddy waters. Free entertainment. Even took a cob of corn from the nearby field for carp bait. Good times, good memories.

This spot on the canal that is pictured is at the end stairs of Lock 20. It's a peaceful walk to get there. Through the years, if I needed to get away, or to think, or to just 'be', this is where I would go. Just me and the bugs, the fish, the sound of the Lock, and God.

I spent time at my spot today. I've been troubled by a situation and I needed some direction. As I sat having a conversation with God, I told him that I didn't know if this feeling I have to give up this situation was what He wanted me to do, or if it was just Satan being his naughty self and trying to sway me. As I sat there listening to the water and feeling the warm breeze, my eye caught some movement on the water. A snake. I sat there on the steps watching this snake slither through the water. A snake....satan is a snake. My questions were answered.

Friday, June 5, 2009

Friday recipe

Easy Mexican Casserole

1 pound ground beef
2 C. salsa
1 (16 oz) can chili beans, drained
3 C. crushed tortilla chips
2 C. sour cream
1 (2 0z) can sliced black olives, drained
1/2 C. chopped green onions
1/2 C. chopped tomato
2 C. shredded Cheddar cheese

Preheat oven to 350*

Brown ground beef until no longer pink. Drain. Stir in salsa, reduce heat and simmer 20 minutes until liquid is absorbed.

Spray 9x13 pan. Spread crushed chips in bottom.
Spoon mixture over chips.
Spread sour cream over mixture.
Sprinkle with olives, onion and tomato.
Top with cheese.

Bake for 30 minutes.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I varied a couple of things when making this:

I cooked the onion with the beef and I didn't add olives as I didn't have any. I also used just regular old onions.

This was a definate hit with Papa Bear. I will say though, we were not near as impressed with it the next day as heated up leftovers. I guess that means we will have to eat it all the first time!

Thursday, June 4, 2009

Thankful Thursday


I'm so very thankful for a healthy and happy granddaughter! What a blessing she is.

Tuesday, June 2, 2009

Blog block


I'm suffering from a bad case of blog block. It's not for lack of ideas in my head...there seems to always be something going on in there. It just doesn't seem like any of the gobbely-gook going on in there is worth putting into print.
Some random thoughts in my brain today:
*If this rain doesn't stop, my flowers are going to drown.
*Next time I spray paint, I need to wear shoes to keep my feet from being painted.
*I really probably should have washed my hair this morning.
*I wonder if anyone even reads my blog.
*My big brother is happily married and I'm so happy for him
*I hope my little brother is able to be content with life soon.
*When my parents are old, I'm going to be changing their diapers.
*Heehee...when I get old, my son will have to change mine!!! Paybacks!!!
Now you've gotten to have a glimps inside my brain, aren't you glad you stopped by here this morning??

Monday, June 1, 2009


Dr. George Tiller, one of the few doctors in this country to perform late term abortions, was killed while standing in his church yesterday. I do not agree with what he did, but there is no excuse for what was done to him.
The 6th Commandment is 'Do not kill'. It's not a suggestion.

Sunday, May 31, 2009

We are in pre-graduation countdown mode around the Bear Den right now. Less then 2 weeks and Brother Bear will be graduating from Lincoln's Challenge Academy...which means less then 2 weeks until we have his open house here at home.

Papa Bear is working down his Honey-do list, and doing it without even making a fuss.....I'm so blessed with him. While I'm busy deep cleaning each room, he is making sure the outside of the house is also in tip top shape.

Next week we will be starting with the flowers and landscaping. It's a lot of work, but with Sister Bear getting married in July, by getting it done now, we won't have to worry about it then.

Friday, May 29, 2009

Rhubarb pie

This recipe my mother in law gave to me many years ago. I have to say that it is our favorite pie recipe!

4 C. rhubarb cut in 1" pieces
4 eggs
2 C. sugar
3 T. flour
4 T. butter
1/8 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp salt

Pre-heat oven to 450*
Combine all ingredients except rhubarb, mixture will be creamy
Stir in thubarb. Put in single unbaked pie crust.
Bake at 450* for 15 minutes. Reduce to 375* and bake for 30 more minutes until center is set and pie is puffed up.

Let cool before cutting.

Thursday, May 28, 2009

Thankful Thursday


A dogs love is pure love...no hidden agenda. Imagine what the world would be like if we all loved so pure.

Wednesday, May 27, 2009

Internet Challenge

I have challenged myself this week to just one hour a day on the internet (yikes). I find that I have an addiction to this thing and forget to get off of it and get other things done...sigh. It's all too easy to play on here while the kids are playing and when they are napping...the times that I usually devote to housework and bookwork.

So, I am coming on for a bit in the morning and a bit in the evening this week. {{{shake}}} I think I'm already having withdrawls!

While on this challenge, I also have made a daily list for myself above what I normally do in the house during the day. Yesterday I spent 1 1/2 hours and got the ice box clean from top to bottom, inside and out. Today I'll be attacking my bedroom.

So, dear friend, I am signing off for today. I will see you once again tomorrow on my little bit of internet time.

Monday, May 25, 2009


Monday: Gone

Tuesday: Spaghetti, garlic bread, salad

Wednesday: Garlic shrimp stir fry

Thursday: Grilled BBQ chicken, potato salad, sliced tomato

Friday: Elk steak, baked potato, peaches

Saturday, May 23, 2009

Memorial Day Video

I'm asking that you take a few moments out of your day and watch this video. Let us never forget the men and women who put their love of country before self.


Sunday, May 17, 2009

Wedding


Yesterday, we welcomed a new member to the family. My older brother Danny took Angela as his wife. He looked lovingly into her eyes as a tear ran down her cheek. The sun was shining off the lake as the waves rolled into the shore. The breeze blew the beautful skirt that Angela spent months knitting. If the love that shown between the two of them yesterday is any indication of how their life will be, then they will have many years of happiness together.
Welcome Angela to our family.

Friday, May 15, 2009

Friday recipe

I thought I would start a new daily thing, posting a different recipe each Friday. Any that I post are tried and true and yummy. Feel free to try them yourselves!

Pineapple casserole

2 (20 oz) can chunky pineapple
1 C. sugar
6 T. flour
2 C. grated sharp cheese
1/2 C. melted butter
1C. crumbled crackers, cornflakes or potato chips

Drain pineapple and reserve 6 tablespoons juice. Combine flour and sugar to make a paste with juice. Add pinapple, cheese and butter to paste. Pour into 2 quart casserole dish. Sprinkle crumbs over top and bake at 350* for 20-30 minutes.

Thursday, May 14, 2009

Wednesday, May 13, 2009


As promised, here is a picture of myself with Brother Bear in his uniform. Just one more month and he'll graduate! I can't begin to express the pride I have in him at becoming the wonderful young man while at Lincoln's Challenge Academy that I have always known was inside of him.

Tuesday, May 12, 2009

Monday's Menu


Monday: PBJ, chips, pickle (work outside night)
.
Tuesday: Marinated baked chicken breast, white cheese sauce over pasta, asparagus
.
Wednesday: Baked fish, rice, peaches, salad
.
Thursday: Chef salad
.
Friday: Going out for dinner

I forgot

Have you ever gotten busy and forgot to do things? It's just a regular part of my life, something I've come to accept. Lists are my friends, I have lists for all sorts of things just so I don't forget to do something.

Sigh....I forgot my blog, just left it sitting here all by itself, no one to type on it. I had a busy Mother's Day weekend and Monday and it just slipped my mind. Maybe it slipped though one of those holes my mom always asked it I had in my head when I was growing up.

Anyway, here I am with nothing really to talk about today. I'm hoping to get a picture of Little Brother and I up on here soon. He was home on pass so of course Mama Bear had to go camera happy again.

So dear friends, until tomorrow (hopefully), I bid you a wonderful and blessed day.

Wednesday, May 6, 2009

Thankful Thursday



Today is National Day of Prayer.



Monday Menu


I know, it's Wednesday and I'm just now getting my menu out. Honest, we have been eating!
Monday: Leftovers
Tuesday: Elk burgers, fried potatoes and applesauce
Wednesday: Ham steak, scalloped potatoes, asparagus, pears
Thursday: Tilapia, Asian Garlic pasta, brocolli
Friday: Grilled Chicken breast, mushroom sauce over noodles, green beans,