tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-51645558931156579032024-03-12T18:29:07.727-05:00Musings of the Monroe FamilyPsalm 127:1
Unless the LORD builds the house, its builders labor in vain.
This is a place for me to share my journey of faith and life as a stay-at-home mom. My prayer is to inspire and encourage others and record those precious moments of my son's childhood.Tracey M.http://www.blogger.com/profile/12360223480056267669noreply@blogger.comBlogger375125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5164555893115657903.post-39849628946533954432021-04-22T16:02:00.008-05:002021-04-22T21:54:22.556-05:00Reflection on my Baptism Anniversary of 20 years "It is for Freedom that Christ has Set Us Free"<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-IbbYsdPdijQ/YIG_U9JYJ7I/AAAAAAAA__s/HctOc5HahpccL8aX3J46sF3L0L-GaLGUwCLcBGAsYHQ/image.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="887" data-original-width="1920" height="185" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-IbbYsdPdijQ/YIG_U9JYJ7I/AAAAAAAA__s/HctOc5HahpccL8aX3J46sF3L0L-GaLGUwCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h185/image.png" width="400" /></a></div><br />I'm back on the blog after a five-year hiatus....for something amazing to reflect on. This 20th Baptiversary, my anniversary of being baptized when I was 30yrs old. <p></p><p>One of my college buddies recorded it and put it on DVD. What a blessing to watch it last night as a family. Some parts made me laugh, and some parts brought some tears.</p><p>Over the years there were many times I've felt the need to edit my story of coming to Christ, of stepping out to follow Jesus. You see, my awakening was tied to something in our culture not many talk freely about. We can talk about the death of a loved one, we can talk about divorce or other very personal things, but when was the last time you felt comfortable hearing someone talk about their abortion story? Yet I am one of the "1-in-4" women who did have an abortion. There's no pretty way to dress that up. Yet the beauty of it is how my story is now one of Redemption by the One who set me free.</p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-rzTDwU7NP-8/YIHeZDONv3I/AAAAAAABABg/Bwr2B3oBUI0kMJZBc93U5JJxMRVV5eYkgCLcBGAsYHQ/image.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="888" data-original-width="1920" height="148" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-rzTDwU7NP-8/YIHeZDONv3I/AAAAAAABABg/Bwr2B3oBUI0kMJZBc93U5JJxMRVV5eYkgCLcBGAsYHQ/image.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me with Book Manager Lori </td></tr></tbody></table><br />It was on a Sunday back in 1994 when I was selling books door-to-door in Massachusetts that I was invited to hear a theologian sharing the beauty and the agony of the cross. On this day, I saw all my doubts about Jesus being "the Way" being shaken up, and then removed, as I saw the truth so clearly....but I was left with a huge roadblock. My sin of abortion was right there before me, my guilt, my shame and feeling that the gates of Heaven were closed to me! I was in agony. </p><p>That day, when my dear spiritual mother Lynette shared, I saw I was stuck in the "Old Covenant" of the Commandments --"Thou Shalt Not Kill" and she helped me to see clearly the New Covenant of Jesus, the Lamb of God, in shedding HIS blood, all would be forgiven if I reached out to Him which I did in a personal confession inviting Him in. That day my faith went from one where I knew about and tried to follow a religion to one of relationship, of Lordship, Jesus as the Center, where the old me was forever changed.</p><p>Then in 2000 I settled back in Madison and heard a Christian radio station sharing about the Whole Heart healing ministry for abortion. There I met my dear friends Cassie and Mary who led the Forgiven and Set Free bible study. I found this little excerpt from my Dec. 2000 journal today and it made me smile:</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6A2zppCqwz8/YIHZavXxUGI/AAAAAAABAA4/OIasKduTVgwaEP2BugWQBO89VUYs4ZDawCLcBGAsYHQ/image.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="133" data-original-width="1576" height="54" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6A2zppCqwz8/YIHZavXxUGI/AAAAAAABAA4/OIasKduTVgwaEP2BugWQBO89VUYs4ZDawCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h54/image.png" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><i><span style="font-family: georgia;">"I am learning the Bible so much Lord. I am doing studies w/Cassie that has me knowing where Samuel is (near Kings for example) and that Romans is before Corinthians and Galatians is after that. That 1John is before Revelation. I am bringing HIS WORD into my life. Lord it is making me so strong in you!!"</span></i> <p></p><p>John 3:1-5 sums up this call to a new level of belief as Jesus talks to the Pharisee Nicodemus about being born again.</p><p>https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+3%3A1-5&version=ESV</p><p>Feeling the tremendous weight of my "roadblock" being removed by the cleansing of His forgiveness and later finding a small church on State Street in Madison that became my "Sunrise Family" where I began to grow and love God's word is where the call came to my heart to be baptized -- to solidify this "New Tracey" and be freed up to shine my light, His light, so that I could free up others to find Him and do the same.
Some day it'll be great to share the Next Chapter, with some postpartum breakdowns that signaled the need for revisiting my abortion wound, and to again find great healing and restoration in the process. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, Arial; font-size: 16px; text-align: start;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">It is for freedom that Christ has set us free.</span></span><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, Arial; font-size: 16px; text-align: start;"> Stand firm,</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, Arial; font-size: 16px; text-align: start;"> then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.</span></span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, Arial; font-size: 16px; text-align: start;">Galatians 5:1</span></span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, Arial; font-size: 16px; text-align: start;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-AK0PsGokMnU/YIHh7lOuRKI/AAAAAAABACE/FGjGfLyVJuQ6L1qIGqfeE4FIeU4TIkilACLcBGAsYHQ/image.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="888" data-original-width="1920" height="148" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-AK0PsGokMnU/YIHh7lOuRKI/AAAAAAABACE/FGjGfLyVJuQ6L1qIGqfeE4FIeU4TIkilACLcBGAsYHQ/image.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /></span></span></b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ovdKfkyw7YM/YIHiHf2yXCI/AAAAAAABACI/xhzagef5d_YgS9x13_jI3PZO5W96TZWygCLcBGAsYHQ/image.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="888" data-original-width="1920" height="148" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ovdKfkyw7YM/YIHiHf2yXCI/AAAAAAABACI/xhzagef5d_YgS9x13_jI3PZO5W96TZWygCLcBGAsYHQ/image.png" width="320" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, Arial; font-size: 16px; text-align: start;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><br /></span></span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, Arial; font-size: 16px; text-align: start;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">♥♥Bless your heart for reading my story, and may it encourage and move you in your own journey of faith, for God is so good!!♥♥</span></span></b></div><br /><p></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Tracey M.http://www.blogger.com/profile/12360223480056267669noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5164555893115657903.post-28794306367850830042016-04-13T14:01:00.000-05:002016-04-13T14:02:06.461-05:00Lessons From Our Heavenly Father ... "Stay", a Review<br />
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I have been participating in the <a href="http://tyndaleblognetwork.com/" target="_blank">Tyndale Blog Network</a> and received this book in exchange for an honest review.<br />
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I got to read this wonderful book called, Stay: Lessons My Dog Taught Me About Life, Loss and Grace. This was a heartwarming story that was so much more than a story of a man and his dog. From chapter to chapter, Dave Burchett weaves a story of our loving heavenly Father and the lessons the Lord showed him through the experiences with his loving and loyal dog.<br />
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In this book, Dave gives an intimate look at the hardships of his own life and the way the Lord uses this sweet dog Hannah to minister to them. An amazing relationship unfolded between his wife, their dog Hannah, and himself as his wife went through and overcame her cancer.<br />
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It takes a somber turn when they learn of Hannah's own cancer diagnosis and seeing her resilience and joy just in being with her master, Dave, even as she became sicker and weaker. Her energy and contentment in the small things, even while she was sick, touched her owner's heart and in his journaling he realized how God was using Hannah to teach him about life.<br />
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The story continues to unfold as another dog, a successor to Hannah, comes into their life and the lessons keep coming. I enjoyed how the author begins each chapter with a journal entry and continues each chapter sharing biblical lessons and observations that warm and instruct the heart.<br />
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Thank you, Tyndale, for the enjoyment of reading such a wonderful and tender book.Tracey M.http://www.blogger.com/profile/12360223480056267669noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5164555893115657903.post-83606407500719461962015-09-06T20:30:00.000-05:002015-09-07T20:31:22.968-05:00Sharing My Heart, on Being Born Again (Part 2)<br />
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<span style="line-height: 21.466667175293px;">My post on Facebook yesterday may have been quite out of the blue, yet my "near-death scare" experience truly opened not just my eyes, but my mouth in a whole new way. What I posted yesterday I'm calling a sort of "</span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/traceyellen99/posts/10153791598209245" style="line-height: 21.466667175293px;" target="_blank">Facebook Manifesto</a><span style="line-height: 21.466667175293px;">" as I posted it there first and want to share it on my blog as well.</span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 21.466667175293px;">Now, for the final part of the Manifesto I would like to share.</span></div>
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In the mornings lately, I've been taking these lovely walks near the quarry behind my house. In my pretty urban area, it's a wonderful respite filled with butterflies, River Birch growing wild, and all kinds of prairie flowers and grasses and foot prints of the critters who freely run back and forth in this wild area. As I walked there today, I was struck when I turned on my AM radio to a podcast just starting titled "Do I Really Need to Be Born Again".</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Picture Credit: Epignosis Ministries</td></tr>
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I think that word has been hijacked by society to mean something it was never meant to. In fact, the "author" of that phrase was Jesus himself (see John Chapter 3) when He was talking to Nicodemus (one of the Pharisees) and since many Pharisees opposed Jesus, Nicodemus had to come to him in the cover of night. As I read this, I see it was Nicodemus' statement "We all know that God sent you to teach us (etc.) ...." that led to Jesus to say "unless you are born again, you cannot see the Kingdom of God." (from NIV)</div>
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I like how someone put it "Your Choice is Your Eternity"</div>
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For those that would like to listen, here's a link to the message:<a href="http://www.oneplace.com/ministries/telling-the-truth/player/do-i-really-need-to-be-born-again-484532.html?displayFutureEpisode=True" rel="nofollow" style="color: #3b5998; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">http://www.oneplace.com/…/do-i-really-need-to-be-born-again…</a></div>
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Just wanted to share a part 2 of yesterday's post that helps explain what I mean when I referred to being born again. In 2000, when I was baptized as an adult, that for me was my outward expression of the inward change that was happening in me as I was being born again.</div>
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I know this message in the link is a bit long, so I love this paraphrase about being born again from the <a class="profileLink" data-hovercard="/ajax/hovercard/page.php?id=56492394773" href="https://www.facebook.com/tellingthetruth" style="color: #3b5998; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none;">Telling the Truth</a> podcast post:</div>
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"....in actual fact, the emphasis is not on what you do, the emphasis is on what the Father does. He begets you! To be born again, then, is primarily an action of someone outside yourself, and it is someone who is above. You are begotten from above. So the idea of being born again is basically this: There needs to be an action from God above reaching down into my life that will dramatically change me inside."</div>
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That really explains what I feel happened in my heart way back then, and what I continue to walk out today through "fear and trembling" since NONE of us are perfected on this side of Eternity.</div>
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<i><b><span style="color: purple;">May the Lord bless whomever is led to read this :)</span></b></i></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Thank you for visiting!</span></i></b></div>
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<i class="_4-k1 img sp_UkKp2mjPS47 sx_85b6ea" style="background-image: url(https://static.xx.fbcdn.net/rsrc.php/v2/yp/r/aeO1ik7i7-T.png); background-position: 0px -3927px; background-repeat: no-repeat; background-size: auto; display: inline-block; height: 16px; vertical-align: -3px; width: 16px;"><u style="left: -999999px; position: absolute;">💜</u></i> <i class="_4-k1 img sp_UkKp2mjPS47 sx_85b6ea" style="background-image: url(https://static.xx.fbcdn.net/rsrc.php/v2/yp/r/aeO1ik7i7-T.png); background-position: 0px -3927px; background-repeat: no-repeat; background-size: auto; display: inline-block; height: 16px; vertical-align: -3px; width: 16px;"><u style="left: -999999px; position: absolute;">💜</u></i> Tracey <i class="_4-k1 img sp_UkKp2mjPS47 sx_85b6ea" style="background-image: url(https://static.xx.fbcdn.net/rsrc.php/v2/yp/r/aeO1ik7i7-T.png); background-position: 0px -3927px; background-repeat: no-repeat; background-size: auto; display: inline-block; height: 16px; vertical-align: -3px; width: 16px;"><u style="left: -999999px; position: absolute;">💜</u></i> <i class="_4-k1 img sp_UkKp2mjPS47 sx_85b6ea" style="background-image: url(https://static.xx.fbcdn.net/rsrc.php/v2/yp/r/aeO1ik7i7-T.png); background-position: 0px -3927px; background-repeat: no-repeat; background-size: auto; display: inline-block; height: 16px; vertical-align: -3px; width: 16px;"><u style="left: -999999px; position: absolute;">💜</u></i></div>
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Tracey M.http://www.blogger.com/profile/12360223480056267669noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5164555893115657903.post-2158849573650644282015-09-05T19:42:00.000-05:002015-09-07T19:45:30.238-05:00When Your Life Changes in An Instant (Part 1)<br />
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<b><i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Grab your coffee or tea, it's time I'd like to share something with ya'll.</span></i></b></div>
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I know I haven't written on this blog in a while, but there have been some things stirring in my heart that I really wanted to share. I hope you are blessed, encouraged, and impacted through what I post.</div>
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Wow, this video! Powerful, powerful, powerful .... In my heart I thought I would trade his words "When I Became A Man" with "When I Became Born Again" .... <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yUcwhwdHEuk&list=TLlYxk0jrq2AYwNTA5MjAxNQ" target="_blank">When I Became A Man (Or as I dub it "When We Become Born Again"</a></div>
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Even as a woman this video resonates so much with my heart; that he (Clayton Jennings) shares this call for us to walk away from the old way of living; to walk away from how "most of the world" lives, and make a decision to Live All Out for Christ. That decision could be the first time we are really stepping out, or if we're already following, that could be a call to dive deeper into relationship with the One who loves us with an everlasting love, the only One who can truly shape us into who He has designed and created us to be. The One who sent his only son to die on a cross, so that, as we receive him as Lord and shed our past, we let him knit us together in the forgiveness of our sins, and we can truly walk out the plan He has for us as a New Creation, one day, one step, one breath at a time.</div>
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In the past few weeks something happened while I was away from home, on vacation, that turned my world upside down; a near-drowning-panic experience, and although my sister and brother-in-law "rescued" me, and got me quickly to the sandbar and away from the riptide currents, my life was changed in that instant. I'm standing firmly now in <u>WHOSE I am</u>. I had been baptized as an adult in the year 2000 after I had<i> begun reading my Bible book by book</i> for the first time and was seeing a heart change I never felt before. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo Credit From Amazon.com</td></tr>
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I love the acronym<b> BIBLE "Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth"</b>, and from 1995 to now, I've been in my own way walking out the journey of faith. Yet after that day in the water when I saw in an instant my life could slip so quickly from me, things have not been the same. I took all my gadgets and technology; my facebook - my laptop- my kindle - my nook, ALL OF IT I've surrendered to the Lordship of Christ. Funny language to use maybe, but instead of using Facebook and technology as a form of "a public diary" as I had been, I am going to use this technology the way the Lord leads me. I don't quite know what that will look like, some might still stay the same like posting some family pictures, but I am taking baby steps as I figure that part out.</div>
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<span style="color: purple;"><b>LIFE IS SO SHORT. We only go around once.</b></span><span style="color: #141823;"> I want my life to be USED UP in Christ, for His plans, for His purposes, like my life verse/wedding theme from Jeremiah 29 (11-14a) 11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. 12 Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. 13 You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. 14 I will be found by you,” declares the Lord, “and will bring you back from captivity.</span></div>
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To those following me here and on My Facebook Page (click<a href="https://www.facebook.com/MusingsoftheMonroeFamily" target="_blank"> HERE</a>) ... Feel free to stay with me ... feel free to unfriend/unfollow me .... yet I'll be taking the next several months for a season of personal reflection, journaling, deep soul searching, time in fellowship and the Word, time in worship and praise, and out of that will be periodically using technology in chronicling this walk, this part of the journey My Lord is leading me on. I know for sure one thing won't change; I'm still Tracey. I'll still fall, I'll still screw up, I'll still have times I lose my temper, yet I'll no longer be satisfied just staying there and saying "that's okay". Because I want to be changed from the INSIDE OUT. I'm so thankful He calls me His Beloved. That I'm a Daughter of the King. And I'm so thankful that I have the courage today to share this here in my little corner of the Facebook/ social media world.</div>
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Love, hugs, and much blessings go out to each one who reads this, as we each walk out our own journey in this world, and may we find The Peace that passes All Understanding to guard our hearts and minds in Him.</div>
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<i><b>Thank you for visiting!!</b></i></div>
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<i class="_4-k1 img sp_UkKp2mjPS47 sx_85b6ea" style="background-image: url(https://static.xx.fbcdn.net/rsrc.php/v2/yp/r/aeO1ik7i7-T.png); background-position: 0px -3927px; background-repeat: no-repeat; background-size: auto; display: inline-block; height: 16px; vertical-align: -3px; width: 16px;"><u style="left: -999999px; position: absolute; text-align: center;">💜</u></i> <i class="_4-k1 img sp_UkKp2mjPS47 sx_85b6ea" style="background-image: url(https://static.xx.fbcdn.net/rsrc.php/v2/yp/r/aeO1ik7i7-T.png); background-position: 0px -3927px; background-repeat: no-repeat; background-size: auto; display: inline-block; height: 16px; vertical-align: -3px; width: 16px;"><u style="left: -999999px; position: absolute;">💜</u></i> Tracey <i class="_4-k1 img sp_UkKp2mjPS47 sx_85b6ea" style="background-image: url(https://static.xx.fbcdn.net/rsrc.php/v2/yp/r/aeO1ik7i7-T.png); background-position: 0px -3927px; background-repeat: no-repeat; background-size: auto; display: inline-block; height: 16px; vertical-align: -3px; width: 16px;"><u style="left: -999999px; position: absolute;">💜</u></i> <i class="_4-k1 img sp_UkKp2mjPS47 sx_85b6ea" style="background-image: url(https://static.xx.fbcdn.net/rsrc.php/v2/yp/r/aeO1ik7i7-T.png); background-position: 0px -3927px; background-repeat: no-repeat; background-size: auto; display: inline-block; height: 16px; vertical-align: -3px; width: 16px;"><u style="left: -999999px; position: absolute;">💜</u></i></div>
Tracey M.http://www.blogger.com/profile/12360223480056267669noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5164555893115657903.post-43830534544050415302014-09-23T00:20:00.002-05:002015-09-07T20:35:12.848-05:00An Audience of One<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dozzkkj0_wc/VCEA7yIfxTI/AAAAAAAASwo/xpWBHifMhVo/s1600/landscape.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dozzkkj0_wc/VCEA7yIfxTI/AAAAAAAASwo/xpWBHifMhVo/s1600/landscape.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Picture Credit: <a href="http://topwalls.net/countryside-landscape-swing-sunflower-church/">topwalls.net</a></span></div>
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I can't remember exactly the first chain letter I received, but I do remember that I diligently made my multiple copies of it and sent it out to the required number of people. It had some rather harsh wording in it to warn you what would happen if you broke the chain. Does anyone else remember those old chain letters? The ones that promised for writing them out you would receive some sort of blessing or good luck or some other hokey thing? This was in the age well before computers and email, in the 70's and 80's, but now chain letters have morphed to emails that we should forward and also various Facebook posts where you'll be tagged and asked to continue . I've been pretty good about avoiding most of them, but then one came around about Thankfulness. I was tagged by someone today and there was something about this one that I didn't let it pass by. I think the Lord wanted to do something in my heart, for it ended up being quite a blessing to write it. </div>
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Here is what I shared on Facebook:</div>
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Thank you<span style="font-size: 14.4444446563721px; line-height: 21.466667175293px;"> </span><a class="profileLink" data-hovercard="/ajax/hovercard/user.php?id=746746042" href="https://www.facebook.com/pwmarch" saprocessedanchor="true" style="color: #3b5998; cursor: pointer; font-size: 14.4444446563721px; line-height: 21.466667175293px; text-decoration: none;">Patty March</a><span style="font-size: 14.4444446563721px; line-height: 21.466667175293px;"> </span><span style="font-size: 14.4444446563721px; line-height: 21.466667175293px;">for inviting me to share what I'm thankful for. Since I'm not much for chain letters and such, I'm changing it around to just posting one Thankful post and sharing what comes to my mind. Anyone who wishes to share something they are thankful for is welcome to comment below!</span></div>
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**I am so thankful for finding Jesus. After stumbling around in the darkness for years especially after my mom died, He reached out and never let go even through the darkness of an 1<span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline;">8-month severe postpartum depression. This song speaks it so well for me. <a forcediv="true" forceinline="true" href="http://youtu.be/2fG4b0kYTFI?list=PLO55dviQ9dcCKb7ESkv1-1MP7HtZ-c6lT" original_target="http://youtu.be/2fg4b0kytfi%3flist%3dplo55dviq9dcckb7eskv1-1mp7htz-c6lt&h=paqh9a11i&enc=azm3donur6n_-dal6d8_3vq4jyjadu4igqg018w7kly522le_hpkygtw15my-9o7y9s-fokj21rd3g4xi4alkjrfjsvxau2faw65afrhei8epw6ju-gdsjwjxftpv_jpweb6roixkdl9cb3acx-ve-vk&s=1" rel="nofollow" saprocessedanchor="true" style="color: #3b5998; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">This Journey is My Own (Sara Groves</a>)</span></div>
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**Thankful for the blessing of family. For my mother, and what comes to mind is how she taught me to live with an open heart and willingness to love; my father, who taught me how to work with passion, discipline, and with the determination to never give up; for my sisters who taught me what it was to share life together, to laugh and cry together, to forgive and care for one another.</div>
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**And finally, so thankful for my two-becoming-one marriage which has been the best challenge the Lord has presented me yet; learning how to put to death the "kingdom of self" and live for the kingdom of God through a loving, for-giving, and grace-filled relationship with Christ at the center, and which also brought forth the greatest blessing of lives, our sweet son Julian. And it is his little sweet soul which is teaching me the joy of being a mother; the day-by-day moments of ordinary-ness turned extraordinary in seeing life through his eyes, and cultivating the soil of his heart that he blossom into the young man God has created him to be.</div>
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I hope you have been blessed in reading this, and although you certainly don't have to worry about leaving a comment, you might just find yourself blessed if you do ;)</div>
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<i><b>Thank you for visiting!</b></i></div>
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Tracey M.http://www.blogger.com/profile/12360223480056267669noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5164555893115657903.post-3742029749787140912014-08-12T14:14:00.001-05:002015-09-08T22:35:14.729-05:00Speaking From the Heart ... Suicide is the S Word<br />
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I am sure a lot will be said in the public realm about the passing of Robin Williams. Some will be compassionate, and some not. I speak as one who knows that dark hour, who has personally walked thorugh that "dark night of the soul" and yet somehow for me the "<a href="http://www.cnn.com/2012/08/22/living/going-public-with-depression/" target="_blank">glass did break</a>" and I was restored and returned and am here today to speak out.<br />
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It was after the death of my mother who succumbed to breast cancer that I went on a spiritual pilgrimage of sorts, and the Lord found me and captured my heart. I truly do not know if I would still be here had I not found Jesus. I know that having faith is no assurance you will make it through the depths of despair. Yet I will never forget the night that I was so despondent that my husband had to hide all the pills and knives in our home. I crawled out of bed that night and crept downstairs. I opened the phone book and found the <a href="http://www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org/" target="_blank">Suicide Prevention hotline</a> (<a href="http://www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org/" target="_blank">LINK HERE</a>) As I was talking to the agent, there was an odd click and I thought I was disconnected. Instead, I found myself talking to the head nurse at Meriter Hospital Psych Ward, the ward I had just been discharged from several weeks prior. She was confused and asked who I was and why I was calling. I explained I had been calling Suicide Prevention but was somehow disconnected and patched through to them. She actually remembered me which as you read below may not be surprising. I was the "psychotic depressed postpartum woman" who ended up in her Psych Ward for two inpatient stays over a period of three weeks just after my son was born. <span style="font-family: inherit;">She said to me "TRACEY, YOU DO NOT WANT TO COME BACK HERE! You will be OK. You will make it through it. Just go back to sleep and get some rest, you are going to get better." It was true, I did NOT want to go back there. Being hospitalized in the psych ward was a scary thing in a scary place. It was not comforting to be there. So I hung up the phone, woke up my husband, and you know what he did? He opened his Bible and all I remember from my haze of non-sleep that night is that he read, and read, and read those words over me nonstop for hours until the morning and the painful desire to END IT ALL finally left. That was truly my darkest night. I still had over 9 months to go before the depression fully lifted. But I was shaken to the core by how God's hand reached out through that darkness (and literally through the phone lines), how not only was He holding me moment by moment through it--even when it didn't feel like He was there--but He lifted me out of it by His grace.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">For those who have not personally endured mental illness, I am so thankful. So thankful that you have not had to endure the personal and crippling pain, and the pain of the stigma that you carry for the inw<span style="font-family: inherit;">ard challenges that are u<span style="font-family: inherit;">pon you and at times consume your l<span style="font-family: inherit;">ife. </span></span></span>Yet for any who wonder how someone could ever think of doing something "so selfish", I want to share<span style="font-family: inherit;"> a video, <span style="font-family: inherit;">a video that is painful to watch, as you hear the parents of a sol<span style="font-family: inherit;">dier sharing his <span style="font-family: inherit;">final note. <span style="font-family: inherit;">In sharing this video, I hope we are shaken to the core to<span style="font-family: inherit;"> reach out to <span style="font-family: inherit;">those around us in our own corner of the world, to speak H<span style="font-family: inherit;">ope, Love, and Truth<span style="font-family: inherit;"> to these people <span style="font-family: inherit;">walking through their darkest nights; this man's s<span style="font-family: inherit;">tory is tragic and <span style="font-family: inherit;">so hard to <span style="font-family: inherit;">bear</span>. Yet in watching it, we are hon<span style="font-family: inherit;">oring his life, <span style="font-family: inherit;">honoring <span style="font-family: inherit;">his pain, and allowing the Lord to open our eyes to the numbing pain so many people in this world <span style="font-family: inherit;">are walking through. Like the<span style="font-family: inherit;"> verse from 1Corinthians 2<span style="font-family: inherit;">:11a<span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">"For who knows a person's thoughts except their own spirit within them? .... Here is the video:</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span> </span><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6BiNq677QQQ">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6BiNq677QQQ</a><br />
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In my life, I now see that Jesus truly is the Way, the Truth, and the Life, and it is only when we cling to Him, truly cling to Him with all we've got, that we can ever hope to find the true peace that passes all understanding (Phillipians 4:7)<br />
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Below I will share what I posted on Facebook, in the hopes that by not being silent, others can come to know the Lord's healing, that the way we approach mental illness will be transformed, and those suffering will be restored to a sense of purpose and hope.<br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">From my Facebook status:</span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.31999969482422px;">In light of the tragic news we heard today of Robin Williams' passing, I wrote a comment on my sister's Facebook post that gave me courage to speak out and share some of my own story.</span><br />
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There was an incredible article recently in USA today that powerfully delves into this epidemic (link below). Having been there myself, this resonates in a way I can't easily put into words. The figure I'm reading is that 1 in 4 adults are currently struggling with mental illness and 1 in 5 children. That is staggering. Having been a patient more than once in "the system" myself, I can attest to how broken it is -- one example was the Director of Inpatient Psychiatry somehow thought it would make me feel better during my postpartum hospitalization to know "they were poring over all the latest medical articles and research" so they could best treat me as they had little experience dealing with postpartum psychosis. Really???? What a wake up call. This was in 2008.</div>
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As my illness dragged on for 18 months and I fell into utter despair, I truly began to feel that my husband, my family would be better off without me. It was not until I felt this complete and utter despair that I could truly understand how it felt to want to end your life. And now I will never forget it.</div>
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In one part of the article linked below they quote Rick Warren, the well known author/pastor who lost his son to his depression. They said "Warren compares the stigma of mental illness to that of AIDS and HIV. In both cases, people are blamed for bringing suffering upon themselves."</div>
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What is on my heart more than anything else, is that we need a system that brings hope, dignity, and restoration to those who are suffering. It is my prayer that this tragedy would resonate in every community and household that what "we" are doing as a society to bring restoration and hope for those affected, is in dire need of overhaul.</div>
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<a href="http://www.usatoday.com/longform/news/nation/2014/06/25/stigma-of-mental-illness/9875351/" rel="nofollow" style="color: #3b5998; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">http://www.usatoday.com/longform/news/nation/2014/06/25/stigma-of-mental-illness/9875351/</a><br />
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<i>Thank you so much for reading! This is a subject that is dear to my heart. I have such a clear memory of the many things I endured as I walked through the depression, and now have a true understanding of my husband who has lived with cyclical depression all of his adult life. Somehow I think in all this there is a book in me, and I hope to write it. Maybe this will be the first chapter. But my heart is so thankful for the love and support of those who ministered to us through our journey. I have a new understanding of the true power of prayer. We will never know on this side of heaven how the Lord hears and answers prayers, but me being here today is truly an answer to prayer. May the Lord Bless all who see this page. Amen.</i><br />
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<i>I want to leave you with a song that has blessed my heart. A song of hope that has for me a feel of an anthem. May you be blessed. <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ga3DmPRPAQQ" target="_blank">Oceans by Hillsong United</a></i></div>
Tracey M.http://www.blogger.com/profile/12360223480056267669noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5164555893115657903.post-57831726895180819832014-05-11T15:47:00.001-05:002014-05-11T15:59:26.046-05:00When Your Heart Aches for Your Mom on Mother's Day<br />
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>(From my sister:) The hole in our hearts is always there, you just cant replicate the love from your mom...especially ours! It never gets easier. I just have to tell you, btw, I am so impressed by what an incredible mother you are! Mom is beaming w/pride! </i></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>How great your joy at your reunion in the Kingdom of Heaven...</i></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>Dear dear Tracey...i met you so long go on this life's journey and remember so well your pain....I am thankful I could be there for you that summer in Springfield, MA of 1994....you are who you are because of your precious mother...she lives on in your heart and your children..</i></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>May Mary Ellen rest in the peace of Christ, dear sister.</i></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">My heart goes out today especially to those who find this day heartwrenching too, for whatever the reason. This article from</span><a href="http://lysaterkeurst.com/2014/04/mothers-day-for-the-motherless-mother/" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> Lisa-Jo Baker "Mother's Day for the Motherless Mother</span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">" was a little gift of blessing for me last evening. I just sat and let the tears and longing flow, for all the milestones missed, and bittersweet memories, and the Lord met me there.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i><b>As always, </b></i></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i><b>Thank you for Visiting!</b></i></span></div>
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<b>Picture of our family with friend Hans at Perrot State Park </b><br />
<b>(LaCrosse WI)</b></div>
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So I never intended to take a hiatus from my blog ... it just sort of "happened". Now it's hard to believe it's been almost a YEAR since I've posted anything!! Since I created a Facebook page for the blog, it seems I've migrated over there where I post now on a regular basis. I'd love it if you'd join me there <a href="https://www.facebook.com/MusingsoftheMonroeFamily" target="_blank">Musings of the Monroe Family on Facebook</a>.<br />
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As I ponder over this past year, there are so many good and wonderful things that have been happening. We are so blessed. My son is thriving in our homeschool kindergarten program and I've been fortunate to find a Christ-centered homeschool co-op to land at. It is a teaching co-op so once a week my son goes for classes like Art, Music, Science and Gym. The connections I am making with other homeschooling moms are so wonderful.<br />
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I have also picked up some work in the past year. I found a job at our local YMCA providing child care for parents using the gym. It's a workplace where I can actually bring my son along and not have to pay for a babysitter so mom can earn a little money.<br />
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<b>Picture mommy drew for J when our car "died"</b></div>
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Working at the Y was going along fine until we had to put our Toyota Camry to rest when the engine went kaput. I drew the picture above for my son since he was really down about it. This is the car he's been in since he was little and he dubbed it the "Elvis Car". I realized we were listening to a lot of 50's music when at 2 years old he started to recognize Elvis! He'd say "Play Elvis again mommy!" Then he just started calling the car the Elvis Car. I loved it. So as of last November, we now are in debt with our "new to us" used Honda Accord which inspired me to get back into the field of Medical Transcription since minimum wage doesn't cut it anymore. I've actually started my own business called "Monroe Support Services". I was hired to do transcription as an independent contractor for a place called ExamWorks. With only working 3 hours a day, I can still homeschool J and we have the flexibility with our schedule since I can work whatever hours are best for me. I am so thankful for this job and it's exciting to get back into something I enjoy doing.<br />
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Well, this is a little "hello" post to let you all know we are doing well, just a lot busier, and not as much time to blog. I'm not sure when I'll be back, but you will find me posting regularly on Facebook with fun and interesting things that I find along the way.<br />
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Blessings to you!<br />
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<b><i>Thanks for visiting :)</i></b><br />
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<br />Tracey M.http://www.blogger.com/profile/12360223480056267669noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5164555893115657903.post-63158638603025992432013-05-31T13:33:00.000-05:002013-05-31T13:57:55.674-05:00Apricot Pepper Jelly; My First Homemade Batch<br />
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<b>From this (with a few other ingredients):</b></div>
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<b> To This: </b></div>
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**None of the links in this post are affiliate links. Just my own links to things I thought would be helpful**<br />
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I had always stayed away from pepper jelly of any kind thinking it sounded like a horrible combination and would be too hot. Then in Door County, WI, where they have tons of samples I tried my first batch and was hooked! I found them delightful! They had a really nice sweetness to them with a little kick of spice. My sister introduced me to Apricot Pepper Jelly and that has quickly become my favorite. She gave me a couple jars with my Christmas gift last December since she knew I liked it so much. The problem is, the jelly doesn't last long. I love to eat it on toast and the jar goes quickly. My grocery store only carries a mint pepper jelly which doesn't appeal to me, so I started scouring Amazon and the internet. Unfortunately, pepper jelly is expensive! The Apricot Jelly my sister buys (I filled her 13.2 oz jar above) would cost me $9.95 on Amazon and $7.99 for shipping! Even after checking eBay, it would cost me over $10/jar just to get some pepper jelly.<br />
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So, I started researching whether I could just make my own. I am so glad I did. I've never canned anything before, so I thought jam or jelly would be out of the question. I found some recipes that make a relatively small batch (about 4-5 jars). That would mean I could store it in the fridge and I'm sure they'd be gone within a month or two.<br />
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<u>These are the recipes I saved for trying out</u>:<br />
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<a href="http://cookeatshare.com/recipes/apricot-pepper-jelly-69098" target="_blank">Apricot Pepper Jelly</a> from Cook, Eat Share<br />
<a href="http://www.cdkitchen.com/recipes/recs/1240/Apricot-Jalapeno-Jelly77563.shtml" target="_blank">Apricot Jalapeno Jelly</a> from CD Kitchen <br />
<a href="http://www.cooks.com/rec/view/0,1823,157162-235203,00.html" target="_blank">Hot N Sweet Pepper Jelly</a> from Cooks.com<br />
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I ended up making the one from Cook, Eat, Share and it turned out wonderful! It includes minimal ingredients; just jalapeno peppers, red and/or green peppers, dried apricots, cider vinegar, pectin and sugar. It's amazing to me that you cook all these things together and come up with jars of yummy jelly!<br />
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I remember reading the jars needed to be sterilized, so I did that step even though I'm keeping mine refrigerated. I found a website that said you could put the jars and lids in the oven and bake at 225 degrees for 10 minutes to sterilize them. I did that since I don't have any canning tools.<br />
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After this experience of successfully making jelly, I'm now inspired to look into canning and preserving! I've always wanted to learn how to can and preserve, but I thought it would be too much for me. My mom often made homemade jam and my dad to this day still cans his tomatoes and Coho salmon that he catches during his fishing season, so it's part of my heritage that I'd like to carry on. I found a great website too that has several resources. It's called <a href="http://pickyourown.org/" target="_blank">Pick Your Own</a> and I found a wonderful tutorial for <a href="http://www.pickyourown.org/jam.htm" target="_blank">making jam</a>. I spent a lot of time on that post since she includes a lot of wonderful links for canning supplies, books on preserving and FAQ about jam making.<br />
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I have several books I've put on hold at the library and will hopefully come back to blog more about it. My hope is to purchase a canning kit to get started. Here are the books I'll be skimming through:<br />
*<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Ball-Blue-Book-Guide-Preserving/dp/0972753702/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1370024792&sr=8-1&keywords=blue+ball+book+of+preserving" target="_blank">Ball Blue Book of Preserving</a><br />
*<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Beginners-Guide-Preserving-Food-Home/dp/1603421459/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1370024822&sr=1-1&keywords=the+beginner%27s+guide+to+preserving+food+at+home" target="_blank">The Beginner's Guide to Preserving Food at Home</a><br />
*<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Homemade-Living-Canning-Preserving-Chutneys/dp/1600594913/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1370025046&sr=1-1&keywords=canning+and+preserving+ashley" target="_blank">Canning & Preserving; All You Need to Make Jams, Jellies, Pickles, Chutneys and More</a><br />
*<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Ball-Complete-Book-Home-Preserving/dp/0778801314/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1370024907&sr=1-1&keywords=complete+book+of+home+preserving" target="_blank">Ball Complete Book of Home Preserving</a><br />
*<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Food-Jars-Preserving-Batches-Year-Round/dp/0762441437/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1370024940&sr=1-1&keywords=food+in+jars" target="_blank">Food in Jars </a><br />
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Do you can or preserve your food? What websites or books are your favorites?<br />
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<b>As always,</b><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i><b>Thanks for visiting!</b></i></span><br />
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<br />Tracey M.http://www.blogger.com/profile/12360223480056267669noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5164555893115657903.post-72418868783399182022013-05-23T22:49:00.000-05:002013-05-24T13:58:12.124-05:00Original Recipe: Cheesy Tuna Casserole<br />
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We like variety in our home, and adding something fish-related to the menu helps us rotate our meals while getting some heart-healthy Omega-3's in our diet. Tuna casserole is a regular for us, yet I'm always looking for new ways to spice it up. In the past several months, I've moved away from using cream-based soups (because they are often full of sodium and preservatives) after learning how to make a <a href="http://allrecipes.com/howto/making-roux/" target="_blank">roux</a> (a butter-flour mixture)! Today I experimented with a couple new add-ins (Velveeta and extra spices). This turned out really tasty. The blend of Lawry's Garlic Salt, Paprika and Curry Powder worked well together. I'll be keeping this recipe for sure!<br />
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Let me know if you try it ;)<br />
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What is your <u>favorite go-to Tuna Casserole recipe</u>?<br />
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<div class="yiv4893298378ingredients" id="yui_3_7_2_1_1369418775428_8804">
<h4 class="yiv4893298378ingredients" id="yui_3_7_2_1_1369418775428_9051">
<i><span style="font-size: large;">Ingredients</span></i></h4>
<ul class="yiv4893298378ingredients" id="yui_3_7_2_1_1369418775428_8803">
<li class="yiv4893298378ingredient" id="yui_3_7_2_1_1369418775428_9050">4 Tablespoons of butter</li>
<li class="yiv4893298378ingredient" id="yui_3_7_2_1_1369418775428_9050">2 Tablespoons flour</li>
<li class="yiv4893298378ingredient" id="yui_3_7_2_1_1369418775428_9050"> 1-1/2 cups milk</li>
<li class="yiv4893298378ingredient">1 T minced garlic</li>
<li class="yiv4893298378ingredient" id="yui_3_7_2_1_1369418775428_8802">4 oz Velveeta</li>
<li class="yiv4893298378ingredient" id="yui_3_7_2_1_1369418775428_8802">1/2 cup shredded cheddar </li>
<li class="yiv4893298378ingredient" id="yui_3_7_2_1_1369418775428_9047">1 bag frozen peas (cooked)</li>
<li class="yiv4893298378ingredient" id="yui_3_7_2_1_1369418775428_9055">1 large can tuna (drained)</li>
<li class="yiv4893298378ingredient" id="yui_3_7_2_1_1369418775428_9056">1/2 lb box macaroni noodles (cooked)</li>
<li class="yiv4893298378ingredient" id="yui_3_7_2_1_1369418775428_9058">Pepper (to taste)</li>
<li class="yiv4893298378ingredient" id="yui_3_7_2_1_1369418775428_9058">Few dashes of Lawry's Garlic Salt </li>
<li class="yiv4893298378ingredient" id="yui_3_7_2_1_1369418775428_9058">Dash or two of Paprika</li>
<li class="yiv4893298378ingredient" id="yui_3_7_2_1_1369418775428_9058">1/4 tsp Curry Powder </li>
</ul>
<div class="yiv4893298378instructions" id="yui_3_7_2_1_1369418775428_9067">
<h4 class="yiv4893298378instructions">
<span style="font-size: large;"><i> </i></span></h4>
<h4 class="yiv4893298378instructions">
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>Instructions</i></span></h4>
<ul>
<li>Cook macaroni noodles according to package directions.</li>
<li id="yui_3_7_2_1_1369418775428_9080">In a nice deep pan, melt the butter.</li>
<li id="yui_3_7_2_1_1369418775428_9078">Once the butter is melted, add the flour and stir for 1 minute keeping the heat on medium low.</li>
<li id="yui_3_7_2_1_1369418775428_9078">Slowly add milk a bit at a time while stirring with a whisk.</li>
<li id="yui_3_7_2_1_1369418775428_9078">Continue stirring until all milk is added, then wait until mixture starts to thicken and comes to a low boil (over medium heat). Make sure it's not too high, or it will burn.</li>
<li id="yui_3_7_2_1_1369418775428_9078">Add Velveeta and minced garlic; stir until melted in.</li>
<li id="yui_3_7_2_1_1369418775428_9078">Add Shredded Cheddar and stir until melted in.</li>
<li id="yui_3_7_2_1_1369418775428_9078">Add the various spices and stir until combined.</li>
<li id="yui_3_7_2_1_1369418775428_9078">Once the noodles are done, add the tuna (flaked with a fork) and cooked peas. </li>
<li id="yui_3_7_2_1_1369418775428_9072">Pour the melted cheese mixture over the noodles.</li>
<li id="yui_3_7_2_1_1369418775428_9072">You can either eat it as is (which we did) or bake uncovered on 325 for 15 minutes or so. </li>
</ul>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>Enjoy!! </i></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>As always,</i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>Thanks for visiting!</i></b></span></div>
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Tracey M.http://www.blogger.com/profile/12360223480056267669noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5164555893115657903.post-75538338655548318002013-05-09T18:57:00.000-05:002013-05-09T18:59:13.723-05:00Trying Out New Products for Free (Lysol Touch of Foam)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<img alt="" src="https://img.bzzagent.com/image/lysolFoam.jpg?Type=activity&Activity=6892916909&Campaign=5870103448&Uid=1386334&token=4902485470474bd8f5c03b357855d1df" title=" " /></div>
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As a (mostly) stay-at-home mom, I'm always looking for new ways to save and earn money but most of all I love to get things for free :) . In addition to doing online surveys for a little money on the side, I've joined up with a few companies seeking people to review their products. One company is called <a href="https://www.bzzagent.com/" target="_blank">BzzAgent</a>. My first review was for <a href="http://musingsofthemonroefamily.blogspot.com/2013/03/im-now-bzzagent-garnier-fructis-miracle.html" target="_blank">Garnier Fructis Miracle Oil</a>. I had fun trying it out. So when we were selected for our second campaign, I was happy to again try something new. This time the Bzz Campaign was for <a href="http://www.lysol.com/cleaning-products/hand-soap/touch-of-foam" target="_blank">Lysol Touch of Foam Hand Soap</a>.<br />
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I received the product a few weeks ago, so we've had plenty of time to try it out. I have to say, it's become our favorite soap in the house. The packaging itself was really appealing, since my favorite color is purple. It also has a wonderful fragrance, Creamy Vanilla Orchid. It is a nice floral fragrance, but at times the fragrance was a little too intense for me. I really like the pump style that dispenses a nice amount of the foamy soap in your hands. The lather is pretty thick too. It ended up leaving my hands feeling nice and soft.<br />
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My 4-yr-old son also enjoyed trying this out with me. The soap was great for his little hands. The pump was very easy to press down and the lather was so full that he always had enough soap for washing. He told me to write the company with these words: "Thank you for the soap. We like it. Hope you enjoy the pictures."<br />
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Overall, I give this a 4 out of 5 stars. We really liked it and would purchase it for our family.<br />
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As always,<br />
<i><b><span style="font-size: large;">Thank you for visiting!</span></b></i> Tracey M.http://www.blogger.com/profile/12360223480056267669noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5164555893115657903.post-9516615603976200622013-05-03T17:44:00.002-05:002013-05-03T17:52:48.672-05:00Tribute to Bob and Bettye, dear friends in Christ<br />
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My heart was impacted in a huge way this past week. A dear woman who is a cherished friend of mine lost her husband on April 27th after a long illness period. They were married for 57 years and raised four beautiful children and have lots of wonderful grandchildren. After the memorial service today, I sat at my computer to write about it and the Lord gave me a sweet tribute to share. I posted it on our church's Facebook and community pages and I'd like to share it here on my blog as well. I hope you are blessed by it.<br />
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<span id="goog_44005047">+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++</span><br />
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<span class="yiv5017628508userContent" id="yui_3_7_2_1_1367619695502_2580">I attended the Memorial Service today for Bob
Barnes here at Blackhawk Church and am still aglow from how much my
heart was touched and encouraged in the celebration of his life. I am
moved in a way that's hard to put to words but I am comp<span class="yiv5017628508text_exposed_show" id="yui_3_7_2_1_1367619695502_2579">elled to share. <br /> <br />
When I joined Bettye Barne's bible study in 2006, I had no idea how
much impact she and her husband Bob would have on my life and the life
of my family, especially in ministering to me during a very traumatic
postpartum depression time. It's not often that I've met a couple with
such love and devotion for Jesus, in living for Him and sharing their
faith with those around them. <br /> <br /> I stopped by Bettye's home
yesterday to offer my sympathies. I knew it was the day of her bible
study, but I thought it would be cancelled and that the cars must be of
her extended family. I was touched to find out she was still holding her
bible study and looked truly radiant as she recounted to me all that
happened in this week of preparation after Bob's passing. It was not
until this morning, when I was getting ready for Bob's funeral, that
something hit me in such a powerful way. After 57 years of marriage to
Bob, I expected to see Bettye deep in grief. What blew me away was that
instead of being lost in grief, she was singing God's praises. That Bob
is no longer suffering and in pain, for her incredible family who have
stayed all week making all the arrangements and taking care of every
little detail including legalities ... she shared how she had seen the
Lord's hand at work again and again within the minutiae of plans,
arrangements and legal things. She told me this had truly been a
glorious week. Wow.<br /> <br /> As I was thinking about all this, being
blown away by her faith in the midst of her loss, the song "I Will Rise"
by Chris Tomlin came on the radio; a song I've listened to and sung
many times - but today I really heard the words for the first time. It
makes me look forward to the day when I too, will be called home, into
the wonderful arms of my Savior.<br /> <br /> "And I will rise when He calls my name<br /> No more sorrow, no more pain <br /> I will rise on eagle's wings <br /> Before my God fall on my knees And rise, I will rise"<br /> <br />
Thank you for reading this. I hope you enjoy the video and the picture above
of Bob and Bettye when they came to my son's dedication/2nd Birthday
celebration.<br /> <br /> Thank you Lord for the B's!<br /> <br /> <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zf7t3P9ISrE" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zf7t3P9ISrE</a></span></span><br />
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<span class="yiv5017628508userContent" id="yui_3_7_2_1_1367619695502_2580"><span class="yiv5017628508text_exposed_show" id="yui_3_7_2_1_1367619695502_2579">++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++</span></span><br />
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<span class="yiv5017628508userContent" id="yui_3_7_2_1_1367619695502_2580"><span class="yiv5017628508text_exposed_show" id="yui_3_7_2_1_1367619695502_2579">As always, </span></span><br />
<span class="yiv5017628508userContent" id="yui_3_7_2_1_1367619695502_2580"><span class="yiv5017628508text_exposed_show" id="yui_3_7_2_1_1367619695502_2579"><span style="font-size: large;"><i><b>Thanks for visiting!</b></i></span> </span></span>Tracey M.http://www.blogger.com/profile/12360223480056267669noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5164555893115657903.post-52412523071350633282013-03-28T20:07:00.001-05:002013-03-28T20:16:42.596-05:00I'm Now a BzzAgent ... Garnier Fructis Miracle Dry Oil<br />
<i style="color: #666666; font-family: arial, 'Trebuchet MS'; font-size: 12px; line-height: 20px;"><img alt="" data-pinit="registered" src="https://img.bzzagent.com/image/tripleNutritionOil.jpg?Type=activity&Activity=0606756736&Campaign=2222899272&Uid=1386334&token=b21f086c0945984fc85b7bdfbcdada4c" /></i><br />
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I don't remember where I found out about <a href="https://www.bzzagent.com/" target="_blank">BzzAgent</a>, but I heard that you could try out products for free as long as you were willing to use social media to review them. So I applied, did a whole bunch of surveys, waited, got denied, then finally was selected for my first campaign, Garnier Fructis Miracle Dry Oil.<br />
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I had fun with this! Even though it was horrible on my hair, I did end up liking it as a lotion. Here is an overview of how Garnier describes it:<br />
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<ul class="bullet" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: arial, verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px; list-style: none; margin: 0px 20px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<li style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(https://www.bzzagent.com/images/v5/honeyBullet.png); background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; list-style-type: none; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 17px; vertical-align: baseline;">Combines three weightless oils – olive, avocado and shea – to transform dry hair and skin</li>
<li style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(https://www.bzzagent.com/images/v5/honeyBullet.png); background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; list-style-type: none; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 17px; vertical-align: baseline;">Made for everyday use on your hair, body and face</li>
<li style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(https://www.bzzagent.com/images/v5/honeyBullet.png); background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; list-style-type: none; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 17px; vertical-align: baseline;">Instantly absorbs in a touch with no oily residue</li>
<li style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(https://www.bzzagent.com/images/v5/honeyBullet.png); background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; list-style-type: none; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 17px; vertical-align: baseline;">Can be used on damp or dry hair</li>
<li style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(https://www.bzzagent.com/images/v5/honeyBullet.png); background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; list-style-type: none; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 17px; vertical-align: baseline;">Available for suggested price of $5.99</li>
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I received my kit with a free bottle of the oil along with over a dozen coupons I could pass out to friends. The thing I liked most about the oil was the smell. It was a bit fruity and kind of exotic. I have a funny story about the day I tried it on my hair. I sprayed it on while my hair was wet and then we left for church. Don't ask me why I did that. I guess I really didn't think it would leave my hair greasy, but unfortunately it did. I came home and looked in the mirror and started laughing. I looked like one of the greasers straight from Happy Days. I had to rinse it out of my hair and rewash it. It was that bad.<br />
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I decided I'd only try it as lotion after that, and I really liked it. It left my skin really soft and shiny. My skin is usually not very dry, but winter is really hard on it and it gets all dry and flaky. The oil really moisturized my skin and took away the dryness. It felt a little greasy putting it on and because of that I think I'll stick with my regular lotion for the long term. But this was really fun to try. I enjoyed getting this new product to try for free and I look forward to my next campaign.<br />
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As always,<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i><b>Thanks for visiting!</b></i></span><br />
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<br />Tracey M.http://www.blogger.com/profile/12360223480056267669noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5164555893115657903.post-52791182166198481342013-03-02T16:02:00.001-06:002013-03-02T16:17:39.994-06:00Memories of My Mom<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4dreZ46OD4o/UTJzuyIKupI/AAAAAAAAPn8/CegWXn9izoU/s1600/mom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-pinit="registered" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4dreZ46OD4o/UTJzuyIKupI/AAAAAAAAPn8/CegWXn9izoU/s1600/mom.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TGnmpuIxB6Q/UTJzuz1q85I/AAAAAAAAPoA/nIXgJX7sPyw/s1600/mom2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-pinit="registered" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TGnmpuIxB6Q/UTJzuz1q85I/AAAAAAAAPoA/nIXgJX7sPyw/s1600/mom2.jpg" /></a></div>
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I don't think I've written here much about my mom ... and how I lost her to breast cancer just before my senior year in college. Although that was one of the hardest things I've had to endure, it is actually what brought me to knowing the Lord. As my mom grew weaker from cancer, her faith in Jesus grew only stronger. I was blown away by her faith, but after she died the seed was planted in my heart that I wanted that kind of faith.<br />
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Last month on February 17th, it would have been my mom's 70th birthday. It is hard to believe sometimes that she has been gone for over 20 years ... in fact, 22 years this June 28th. As her birthday passed, one of my sisters shared an email with many questions like "If she were still alive what would mom be doing now?", "What would she look like?" and sharing how proud she would be of her four daughters and in love with all her grandchildren. It leaves me wondering and feeling such a void.<br />
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Over the past few weeks, she's entered my mind a lot. Then suddenly all these pictures of her just started floating in my head so I had to write them down. All the many ways I remember her ...<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZyEQWTvTD_w/UTJx7rjRfoI/AAAAAAAAPn0/PFLcEB2pc6E/s1600/heart.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-pinit="registered" height="306" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZyEQWTvTD_w/UTJx7rjRfoI/AAAAAAAAPn0/PFLcEB2pc6E/s320/heart.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<li>Playing the piano in our living room filling the house with music</li>
<li>Singing while she played the piano, often in preparation for leading worship for her role as director of music at our church</li>
<li>Plucking keys on the piano as she wrote her own music note by note</li>
<li>Making coffee in her glass coffee pot on the stove and watching the clear water turning brown, then her adding cool whip to it once it was done </li>
<li>Hustling and bustling about the kitchen cooking with one of her lovely aprons on</li>
<li>Brushing my hair when I was little and making pigtails or braids for me, something she loved to do</li>
<li>Putting her four daughters in matching dresses for holidays when we were little</li>
<li>Watching her playing the organ at church while her whole body swayed with the music</li>
<li>Loving having her hair brushed for minutes on end</li>
<li>Watching birds come to the feeder out the big picture window while she quizzed me on bird names</li>
<li>Watching her put on her makeup in the morning</li>
<li>Getting one of her warm, squeezy hugs</li>
<li>Calling me a green thumb and encouraging me in growing plants (something I still enjoy to this day)</li>
<li>Encouraging me to own a parakeet which I trained to talk, furthering my love of nature and animals</li>
<li>Speaking words of life to me when I was at a low point with pressures to fit in at school</li>
<li>Always holding my hand when we went somewhere together (and not enjoying it once I was a teenager)</li>
<li>Reading to my four sisters and I every night while we were growing up (and a favorite was going through the whole Box Car children series)</li>
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And a favorite memory ...I remember a time my mom walked me to the school bus across the field behind our house. This must have been for kindergarten since my little sister tagged along and she was not yet in school. It was snowing so badly that the bus never actually came so we all built a giant snowman together before finally going home and enjoying a snow day.</div>
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I'll write more posts of my mom, but it's been so nice spending time thinking of her and these sweet memories I will always cherish.</div>
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As always,</div>
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<i><b><span style="font-size: large;">Thanks for visiting!</span></b></i></div>
Tracey M.http://www.blogger.com/profile/12360223480056267669noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5164555893115657903.post-53623999511606452292013-02-14T18:25:00.005-06:002013-02-14T18:45:08.593-06:00Happy Valentine's Day!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9I_efy5gQWc/UR1_WWypUpI/AAAAAAAAPmE/9j4y6Xb-dfU/s1600/003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-pinit="registered" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9I_efy5gQWc/UR1_WWypUpI/AAAAAAAAPmE/9j4y6Xb-dfU/s320/003.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-q9xQo5Nn_GA/UR2FBrN7zkI/AAAAAAAAPmU/fYhA5YrzHDc/s1600/005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-pinit="registered" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-q9xQo5Nn_GA/UR2FBrN7zkI/AAAAAAAAPmU/fYhA5YrzHDc/s320/005.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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In keeping with my son's favorite theme, I'm sharing with you the Valentine's card I made for him. It was hard to keep this a surprise! He kept wanting to know what I was doing ... I told him mommy was working on a surprise project!<br />
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<b><i>Hope you are enjoying a sweet Valentine's Day!</i></b></div>
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As always,<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Thanks for visiting!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>Tracey M.http://www.blogger.com/profile/12360223480056267669noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5164555893115657903.post-64277160216901749262013-01-24T23:00:00.000-06:002013-01-25T00:34:13.334-06:00Happy Blogoversary To Me!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7puED0_DP4k/UQIgO6RfvYI/AAAAAAAAPkg/kmIBXIO-32I/s1600/2010+2_26.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-pinit="registered" height="212" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7puED0_DP4k/UQIgO6RfvYI/AAAAAAAAPkg/kmIBXIO-32I/s320/2010+2_26.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I can't believe today is my 3-year blogging anniversary! I am amazed at all the Lord has brought me through from the time I started this journey until now. This blog began as a sort of therapy as I emerged from what was an 18-month journey from the depths of postpartum depression, anxiety, and (at the beginning) psychosis which included two hospitalizations. I truly have so much for which to be thankful!<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MTWmjbAy9wg/UQIgJFJCPmI/AAAAAAAAPkY/YcJAe-QjO2s/s1600/Fav+Baby+Pic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-pinit="registered" height="279" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MTWmjbAy9wg/UQIgJFJCPmI/AAAAAAAAPkY/YcJAe-QjO2s/s320/Fav+Baby+Pic.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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This blog was my therapy on my journey to being a healthy mom for this little guy. I never even knew what a blog was until after reaching out and joining a MOPS group one of the moms sent me a link to hers, <a href="http://brkostman.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Neener Girl and Family</a>. Thank you Renee! My blog started out as a daily journal to chronicle my victories, and it evolved from there.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tHQyqz9mBO4/UQIhQSWUgCI/AAAAAAAAPk4/5aWy0KqzRTQ/s1600/007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-pinit="registered" height="212" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tHQyqz9mBO4/UQIhQSWUgCI/AAAAAAAAPk4/5aWy0KqzRTQ/s320/007.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Here I am in the beginning of my 18-mo. postpartum "sickness" journey;</div>
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I can remember distinctly the depths of despair I was feeling with the overwhelming</div>
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thought that there was no way I could capably raise this child.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Sx0XaxDtUuc/UQIhSONR12I/AAAAAAAAPlE/ulEVNVao4kE/s1600/dec+14+2009+003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-pinit="registered" height="212" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Sx0XaxDtUuc/UQIhSONR12I/AAAAAAAAPlE/ulEVNVao4kE/s320/dec+14+2009+003.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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And in this picture, finally emerging from it victoriously, and experiencing some of the first true joys of motherhood as I took my then 20-mo-old on his first sledding excursion.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--MXIGL95FQo/UQIhqUa5uhI/AAAAAAAAPlM/6ybAWl8qqhU/s1600/18-006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-pinit="registered" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--MXIGL95FQo/UQIhqUa5uhI/AAAAAAAAPlM/6ybAWl8qqhU/s320/18-006.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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And here is the now 4-1/2-yr-old face of this sweet little boy </div>
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that is the greatest gift the Lord has ever bestowed upon me.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FYhVLaWBkPw/UQIhrtHWuvI/AAAAAAAAPlU/VaK5IUdsytU/s1600/01-029.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-pinit="registered" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FYhVLaWBkPw/UQIhrtHWuvI/AAAAAAAAPlU/VaK5IUdsytU/s320/01-029.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Boo at the Zoo 2012 with my little SuperHero</div>
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I am so thankful for all of you who stop here. You have blessed me in more ways than you know!<br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><i>As always,</i></span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><i>Thank you for visiting!</i></span></b><br />
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<br />Tracey M.http://www.blogger.com/profile/12360223480056267669noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5164555893115657903.post-52475887022277161652013-01-15T20:41:00.000-06:002013-01-15T20:41:14.402-06:00Cheesy Chicken & Kale Casserole<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-V9toQk4jDFE/UPYOkQkLP1I/AAAAAAAAPj8/dNglFW6xZj8/s1600/001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-V9toQk4jDFE/UPYOkQkLP1I/AAAAAAAAPj8/dNglFW6xZj8/s320/001.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--CVOwKx_MUM/UPYOgiqvALI/AAAAAAAAPjs/0SThiM0hi8s/s1600/002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--CVOwKx_MUM/UPYOgiqvALI/AAAAAAAAPjs/0SThiM0hi8s/s320/002.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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We have a new recipe that will be added into our rotation ... this delicious chicken casserole with kale, rice and mushrooms. I found it on the blog <a href="http://www.peasandcrayons.com/2011/12/cheesy-rice-kale-and-mushroom-casserole.html" target="_blank">Peas and Crayons</a> while I was searching for yummy kale recipes. A few of my modifications were the addition of chicken, using a coconut oil/olive oil/butter blend when she used butter alone and not using red pepper flakes.<br />
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Over the past several months, one of my favorite snacks has been <a href="http://lauriesnotions.blogspot.com/2012/03/my-new-food-kale.html" target="_blank">Kale Chips</a>. I love to eat them warm and fresh from the oven. They are SO good. Since I've enjoyed them so much, I decided to try kale in other dishes like omelets and now this casserole. I think I'm ready to replace my spinach dishes with kale since it is so tasty sauteed and mixed in.<br />
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Let me know if you try it!<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gorpPp34DbY/UPYOgsFWZoI/AAAAAAAAPjw/U_R6r-ulUpY/s1600/004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gorpPp34DbY/UPYOgsFWZoI/AAAAAAAAPjw/U_R6r-ulUpY/s320/004.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Ingredients:</b></span><br />
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<li>1.5 cups dry rice (I used a mixture of Jasmati and long grain) cooked</li>
<li>3 to 4 good-sized chicken breasts quartered and dredged in flour</li>
<li>1/2 to 1 cup chicken broth</li>
<li>Good-sized bunch of Kale, torn up into little pieces</li>
<li>Container of fresh sliced mushrooms</li>
<li>2-3 T of butter/olive oil/coconut oil mixture</li>
<li>1/2 cup cottage cheese</li>
<li>1 T garlic powder</li>
<li>1/4 to 1/2 cup Shredded cheddar</li>
<li>1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese</li>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Instructions:</span></b><br />
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<li>Cook rice until done.</li>
<li>Saute kale and mushrooms in the butter/olive oil/coconut oil mixture. Season with salt and pepper.</li>
<li>Brown the dredged chicken on both sides. Once browned, add chicken broth and simmer on medium high heat for about 20 minutes.</li>
<li>Once chicken is done, mix in the rice, kale/mushroom mixture along with the cottage cheese, garlic powder and half the Parmesan cheese. </li>
<li>Transfer mixture to a 9x13 baking dish. Sprinkle shredded cheddar and the rest of the Parmesan cheese on top.</li>
<li>Bake at 350 for 25 minutes. Turn on broiler and broil for 5 minutes until top is browned. Be careful top doesn't burn!</li>
<li>Enjoy!</li>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>Thanks for visiting!</i></b></span></div>
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<br />Tracey M.http://www.blogger.com/profile/12360223480056267669noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5164555893115657903.post-40132649044946506252013-01-09T13:57:00.001-06:002013-01-09T13:58:53.389-06:00More To Come .... Soon!<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3yC9HdsqRK8/UO3LGqsi-VI/AAAAAAAAPjI/FzJXbhlP8BA/s1600/042.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3yC9HdsqRK8/UO3LGqsi-VI/AAAAAAAAPjI/FzJXbhlP8BA/s320/042.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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I've returned from my extended family time over Christmas and getting a new post prepared ... </div>
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I'm taking some time to reflect on my vision and goals for the New Year and hope to post about it soon.</div>
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Blessings to you!</div>
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<b><i><span style="font-size: large;">Thanks for visiting!</span></i></b>Tracey M.http://www.blogger.com/profile/12360223480056267669noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5164555893115657903.post-51888652409394322922012-12-24T09:19:00.000-06:002012-12-24T09:19:00.429-06:00Merry Christmas To You!<br />
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<i><b>Our Christmas Card Collage of 2012</b></i></div>
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;"><i><b style="background-color: white;">Wishing you a blessed and safe Christmas ... </b></i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;"><i><b style="background-color: white;">may you be warm and well fed (as my hubby likes to say).</b></i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"><i><b style="background-color: white;">I'll be taking a little blogging break while I spend time down in the Chicago area visiting extended family for the holidays.</b></i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;"><i><b style="background-color: white;">May the Lord Bless You and Keep You!!</b></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span>Tracey M.http://www.blogger.com/profile/12360223480056267669noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5164555893115657903.post-66358344562682677182012-12-23T13:25:00.000-06:002012-12-23T13:29:07.309-06:00Saying Goodbye to "An Old Friend"<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b>Our Sweet </b><b>Buca </b><b>Kitty </b></div>
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For the past almost 18 years, this beautiful gray kitty has been such a sweet part of my life. In fact, I often would call him "my little shadow". Buca loved to follow me around wherever I would go. From the first night I took him home and he slept curled up in the crook of my neck, he made his way into my heart.<br />
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As the years went by, I would always say a little prayer of thanks to the Lord for such a wonderful cat and prayed that when it was his time to pass, it would be peaceful. This cat was truly the sweetest and most mellow cat I have ever known. He didn't have a mean bone in his body. He was always such a gentleman and loved cuddling and craved affection.<br />
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The day came almost 6 months ago after he'd become so skinny, that the vet diagnosed him with an inoperable mouth cancer and I knew we had little time left. Amazingly, he endured these last months true to his nature. No matter how much pain he was in, he would still follow me around everywhere, always seek affection, always jump into your lap for some cuddles and maintained his sleeping spot tucked in bed with me. We knew how fortunate we'd been to spend so many years with this sweet companion pet.<br />
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This picture below was taken on our last day with him. He would often sit on the back of my chair as I worked on the computer and would drape a paw over my shoulder. On this day, he actually crawled right down onto my chest and I just cradled him in my arms. We also spent some family time all of us sitting on the bed cuddling him and talking with our son about what was happening.<br />
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When it was obvious our cat was suffering greatly, we told our son that our vet was going to help him go to heaven. This really seemed to help him accept that our pet would soon be gone. That day, we said our goodbyes and a friend watched my son while I went on to the vet. They swaddled him up in warm blankets and placed him in my arms and I was overwhelmed by how peacefully little Buca left this world. My prayers had been answered and my heart, although so heavy, was at peace knowing he no longer suffered.</div>
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As we bury him today and have a time of reflection on his little life, I'm so thankful how the Lord has enriched our lives with these animals we love.</div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Thanks for visiting!</span></b></div>
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Tracey M.http://www.blogger.com/profile/12360223480056267669noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5164555893115657903.post-88639605600822424252012-12-14T21:14:00.003-06:002012-12-14T21:24:28.731-06:00Kiddos and Their "Sticky Situations"<br />
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I'm so excited!! I've been selected through <a href="http://www.momcentralconsulting.com/" target="_blank">Moms Central Consulting</a> to participate in a Wet Ones Blog Blast!! In the past year, I've been expanding my blog a bit and doing some new and different things to network and branch out. Last May, I found Moms Central and submitted my blog. I was so happy today to get the news of being selected to blog about a contest being put on by <a href="https://www.facebook.com/momcentral/app_248884015238315" target="_blank">Wet Ones on Facebook</a>.<br />
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Wet Ones is looking for your funniest, most helpful and creative ways you've handled your stickiest situations. Once you <a href="https://www.facebook.com/momcentral/app_248884015238315" target="_blank">submit your entry</a>, your idea might be included in a Wet Ones e-Book while the grand prize winner will receive an iPad Mini. Three runners up will win tickets to Six Flags. I had fun going through my son's baby and early toddler pictures to find one of his cutest messy faces. Putting together my entry reminded me how I had the heaviest diaper bag of any mom I knew (and was teased for it). Yet I was always prepared, no matter how bad the mess or how icky-sticky-gooey it got. I always had a mini-tub of Wet Ones on hand.<br />
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If you're interested, simply log on to Facebook and <a href="https://www.facebook.com/momcentral/app_248884015238315" target="_blank">enter the Wet Ones Sticky Situations Contest</a>. A picture isn't required, but fun to add. The contest ends on December 28th, 2012 at 9:59 (EST) so you still have time!<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>Prizes include:</i></b></span><br />
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<b><span style="background-color: white; color: purple; font-size: large;"><span style="text-align: start;">A</span><span style="text-align: start;"> brand new iPad Mini</span></span></b></div>
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white;"><b>Three (3) sets of prize packs w/tickets for 4 to Six Flags</b></span></span></div>
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<b style="font-size: x-large;">Best of luck to you!!</b></div>
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<i style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><b>Thanks for visiting!</b></span></i><br />
<i style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></i><i id="yui_3_7_2_1_1355498346618_35234" style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">I participated in this campaign on behalf of <a href="http://www.momcentralconsulting.com/" target="_blank">Mom Central Consulting</a> for Wet Ones. I received a promotional item to thank me for participating.</span></i>Tracey M.http://www.blogger.com/profile/12360223480056267669noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5164555893115657903.post-39404600848115944432012-12-13T20:00:00.002-06:002012-12-13T20:22:16.004-06:00Hash Brown Tuna Casserole Creation<br />
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There are a few dishes that I'm always on the lookout to improve ... and one of those in our home is Tuna Casserole. About a year ago when I started making a roux for the sauce, that was a huge improvement. Then recently I came across the idea to put hash browns on top! We love potatoes in this home, so I couldn't wait to try it. I think I've finally created what will be our go-to tuna casserole recipe. I found the recipe with the hash browns at the <a href="http://pencilkitchen.blogspot.com/2011/11/tuna-casserole-topped-with-crispy-hash.html" target="_blank">Pencil Kitchen</a>. My recipe below is actually a combination of several recipes I've tried and liked over the years that I've now combined into one. Hope you enjoy it if you try it.<br />
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<li>4 T butter</li>
<li>2 to 4 T flour</li>
<li>1-1/2 cups milk</li>
<li>2 cups cottage cheese</li>
<li>1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese</li>
<li>1/4 cup Parmesan cheese</li>
<li>1 t garlic powder</li>
<li>1 large can flaked Tuna</li>
<li>1/4 to 1/2 cup bread crumbs</li>
<li>1/2 t Worcestershire sauce</li>
<li>few stalks of celery</li>
<li>1/2 onion</li>
<li>1/2 T minced garlic</li>
<li>peas</li>
<li>egg noodles</li>
<li>hash browns, preferably thawed but I used frozen</li>
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<li>Melt the butter in a large pot and whisk in the flour. Stir for almost a minute before adding milk. </li>
<li>Slowly add the milk stirring thoroughly over medium high heat and cook until bubbling. Be careful to stir frequently so it doesn't burn or scorch. </li>
<li>Add cottage cheese, cheddar, Parmesan and stir until completely melted.</li>
<li>Add garlic powder, salt/pepper to taste, bread crumbs, Worcestershire.</li>
<li>Using a fork, add tuna to mixture along with cooked peas.</li>
<li>In a separate saucepan, cook onion, celery and garlic in a little butter until tender and add to mixture.</li>
<li>Cook the egg noodles until done and add to tuna mixture.</li>
<li>Place in either a large casserole dish or dutch oven. (I used a dutch oven.) </li>
<li>Place enough hash browns on top to cover and then sprinkle some shredded cheddar.</li>
<li>Bake at 375 degrees for 30 to 45 minutes until nicely browned. You may even need to turn on your broiler for the last 5 minutes to get them browned on top, which I did.</li>
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Enjoy!!</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>Thanks for visiting!</i></b></span></div>
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<br />Tracey M.http://www.blogger.com/profile/12360223480056267669noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5164555893115657903.post-57315418576744300272012-12-07T21:26:00.004-06:002012-12-07T21:27:10.707-06:00MOTMF has a new Facebook Page!<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Musings of the Monroe Family (MOTMF) </span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">has a new Facebook page! </span></b></div>
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I have really enjoyed writing these past few years on my blog ... and now that I'm coming upon my 3-year anniversary in January, I thought I'd make things more official :)</div>
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I now have a Facebook page where I'll be sharing some content on a (hopefully) regular basis. You are welcome to <a href="https://www.facebook.com/MusingsoftheMonroeFamily" target="_blank">visit the page</a> and "Like" it if you want.</div>
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MOTMF is also on Twitter. I'm tweeting <a href="https://twitter.com/MusingsMonroes" target="_blank">@MusingsMonroes</a>.</div>
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I'd love it if you follow me there!!</div>
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<b><i><span style="font-size: large;">Thanks for visiting!</span></i></b></div>
Tracey M.http://www.blogger.com/profile/12360223480056267669noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5164555893115657903.post-89344082960826356412012-12-01T22:18:00.000-06:002012-12-02T22:21:43.998-06:00Creating an Advent Tradition<br />
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<b>One of our Nativity sets</b></div>
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Growing up, we always had a chocolate Advent calendar and my four sisters and I took turns opening the little window and eating the chocolate. We didn't have any specific traditions for Advent that I can remember, and once our son was two we wanted to create some meaningful traditions of our own. For the first couple years after my son was born, we had the chocolate calendar and a few random activities but nothing very organized. This year I finally have something I created that we can follow each day. I gained my inspiration from Intentional Homeschool's <a href="http://intentionalbygrace.com/2011/12/06/advent-calendar-for-broke-people-who-line-dry-their-clothes/" target="_blank">2011 </a>and <a href="http://intentionalhomeschool.com/intentional-homeschool-christmas-2012-advent-activities/" target="_blank">2012</a> Advent posts. We truly desire to celebrate the birth of Jesus with a spirit of giving and have that be the most important thing our son takes into his heart during this season. We really enjoy spending family time together and we're looking forward to this.<br />
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<b>Our new Avian Advent Calendar (and my son's very busy school desk)</b></div>
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My sister sent us a surprise Advent gift today ... a lovely <a href="http://store.metmuseum.org/advent-calendars/avian-holiday-pop-up-advent-calendar/invt/80014171/" target="_blank">Avian Advent calendar</a> (from the Metropolitan Museum of Art). Each day of Advent there is a little door to open with a bird inside that you hang on the little tree. We'll be doing this daily along with letting my son open a chocolate Advent calendar like we had growing up. He always gets so excited about that.<br />
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I created a list of activities we'll do each day. Then I went searching for a list of Bible verses we can reflect on and discuss. I love this printable I found of <a href="http://happyhomefairy.com/2010/11/30/bible-verse-advent-cards-free-printables/" target="_blank">Advent Bible verse cards</a> which have the verses we'll use each day.<br />
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<b><u>Our Advent Activities:</u></b><br />
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<li>Color a picture for the garbage man (the man who smiles and waves to my son every week while we watch him through the window)</li>
<li>Listen to Christmas music and sing carols at home</li>
<li>Have eggnog and make <a href="http://naptimecrafting.blogspot.com/2009/11/nutter-butter-cookie-creations.html" target="_blank">Reindeer cookies</a></li>
<li>Go to <a href="http://fantasyinlights.com/" target="_blank">Festival of Lights</a> and drive around the neighborhood looking at the wonderful Christmas lights</li>
<li>Watch Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer</li>
<li>Make hot chocolate and stir with candy canes</li>
<li>Visit "Grandma Betty" (lady we adopted at a nearby care center); bring homemade Christmas card</li>
<li>Read story of the real St. Nicholas <a href="http://www.cptryon.org/prayer/child/nick.html" target="_blank">here </a>or <a href="http://www.amazon.com/The-Legend-St-Nicholas-Christmas/dp/0310713277" target="_blank">here</a></li>
<li>Create a food pantry box of food to donate</li>
<li>Go outside with telescope and binoculars to marvel at the stars</li>
<li>Make homemade suet treats for the birds</li>
<li>Read <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Crippled-Lamb-Max-Lucado/dp/1400318076/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1354420282&sr=1-1&keywords=the+crippled+lamb" target="_blank">The Crippled Lamb</a> by Max Lucado</li>
<li>Make our own Christmas snowflakes</li>
<li>Create a donation box of goods to donate and bring to Goodwill</li>
<li>Make and decorate Christmas cookies</li>
<li>Deliver Christmas cookie plates to neighbors</li>
<li><a href="http://fabulesslyfrugal.com/2011/12/frugal-christmas-craft-idea.html" target="_blank">Footprint Reindeer Craft</a> (another link <a href="http://www.mommasfunworld.blogspot.co.uk/2012/11/canvas-christmas-keepsake-footprint.html" target="_blank">here</a>)</li>
<li>Make homemade Christmas cards to give to our family at Christmas</li>
<li>Go Christmas caroling </li>
<li>Read story of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Very-First-Christmas-Sticker-Stories/dp/0448428679/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1354420324&sr=1-1&keywords=the+first+christmas+nativity+stickers" target="_blank">The Very First Christmas</a> with Nativity Stickers</li>
<li>Watch <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LmSvoyIit7I" target="_blank">Nester the Long-Eared Christmas Donkey</a> (one of my childhood favorites)</li>
<li>Make <a href="http://www.stacymakescents.com/eggnog-ice-cream-5-uses-for-leftover-eggnog" target="_blank">Eggnog Ice Cream</a> from Stacy Makes Cents</li>
<li>Read <a href="http://www.amazon.com/My-Birthday-Jesus-Holly-Davis/dp/031021968X/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1354420780&sr=1-1&keywords=my+birthday+jesus+birthday" target="_blank">My Birthday, Jesus' Birthday</a> by Holly Davis</li>
<li>Make birthday cake for Jesus' Birthday</li>
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Two weeks before Christmas, we'll start listening to Karyn Henley's <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Christmas-Night-Before-I-Dream/dp/0842354352" target="_blank">Christmas Night (Before I Dream)</a> CD bible stories and songs at bedtime. There are 13 of them, so we'll start on Dec. 12th and finish on Christmas Eve.<br />
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I'm really looking forward to creating some neat family memories and a tradition to treasure. What Advent traditions do you have in your family? I'd love to hear about them.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>Thanks for visiting!</i></b></span></div>
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Tracey M.http://www.blogger.com/profile/12360223480056267669noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5164555893115657903.post-21380076607970123112012-11-22T12:01:00.000-06:002012-11-23T13:27:39.456-06:00Thanksgiving Blessings<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OGuuOUybzhQ/UK2yeTWTttI/AAAAAAAAPT4/mbKDch5pUoM/s1600/085.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OGuuOUybzhQ/UK2yeTWTttI/AAAAAAAAPT4/mbKDch5pUoM/s320/085.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><b>Picture taken at my sister's house Nov. 2011</b></i></span></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-size: large;">I have so much to be thankful for ...</span></i></b></div>
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a wonderful family</div>
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loving and kind friends</div>
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a cozy home</div>
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an abundance of food</div>
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good health</div>
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reliable transportation</div>
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being home with my son</div>
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a husband who is the spiritual leader of our home</div>
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a sweet, rambunctious, engaging little boy</div>
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a dynamic and growing relationship with My Savior</div>
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...and this is just to name a few of the many blessings the Lord continues to pour out on me.</div>
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So thankful I get to share my life with others here in this space.</div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Blessings to you on this Thanksgiving holiday!</span></b></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #454545; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large; text-align: start;">Come, let us sing to the Lord! Let us shout joyfully to the Rock of our salvation. Let us come to Him with thanksgiving. (Psalm 95:1-2)</span></div>
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<i>Thanks for your visit! </i></div>
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Tracey M.http://www.blogger.com/profile/12360223480056267669noreply@blogger.com5