New Beginnings

The kids have been in bed since 12:15. We had a wonderful evening playing board games, eating finger foods, baking cookies and just enjoying each others company. Mark said a new word this evening. I asked him if he wanted to make cookies and he ran to the oven and said "Good Good Good". He learns quickly. 

It's now 1:30 and I have a second wind. Maybe with the kids ringing in the new year they may sleep a little later in the morning. Some how I highly doubt that, but I can dream. 

I sit here, wide awake thinking of what this new year will bring. I want it to be a fresh start for us as a family. Not that I'm not proud of our past accomplishments, but I'm looking forward to the steps we are taking in a new direction. I don't believe in resolutions, but I do in new beginnings.

In the year of 2009, my husband and I will lead our family on a closer walk with the Lord. We will keep our home prosperous, full of warmth, comfort, and secure for our children. Build stronger bonds with each child individually all the while focusing on family unity. 

I will keep constant in my role as my husbands wife. I will follow his lead and be his support. I will hold fast to feminine ways. 

For 2009, my goals are to transition our home into a greener, more frugal, and natural sanctuary. With this I will cut our processed food purchases even more.  Starting my own organic vegetable garden and teaching myself the process of canning. 

This year I will also let go of old friendships that are no longer healthy or support my faith, values, and transitions, but will continue to encourage them and pray for their well being. I will build stronger more fruitful relationships with those that hold constant to loyalty, responsibility, truthfulness, and humor. 

Also in 2009, I want to stop being such an adult. I'm going to jump in the leaves, remember the taste of honeysuckle, climb a tree, run bare foot in the grass, make a mud pie, and I will remember that the world will not explode if the dishes wait 10 minutes, if the kids eat peanut butter for breakfast, and that spilt milk does not burn a hole in counters or floors. I will remember to breath...remember to laugh...remember to love harder, and know that my family will love me all the more for it. 

Menu Monday

I'm a little late on this. Been a long day of errands. Would have probably only taken me no more than an hour or so on a normal day but with the kids out for Christmas break, I had a little more to tow. Not that we didn't make it fun. Or I should say as fun as we could. My errands weren't so interesting. First the day started with me feeding the kids and quickly heading out. I made sure to take all my medication before, but I forgot to feed myself. On the way to the Post office to get my refund from a stamp machine thief, I got the shakes, cold legs and fuzzy head...insulin injections and no breakfast or lunch doesn't really sit well on the body. You would think after YEARS and YEARS this would be embedded in my brain. With no glucose tabs or candy, I made a B-line for Burger King. Not the most healthy choice or the fastest, but it got the job done. Anyway, the rest of the day was about the same...I ventured into Walmart of all places to pick up prescriptions and few groceries. I really think I've lost my mind to even go near that place this week. By the time we arrived home this afternoon I was in NO mood to cook. Thank gosh I was smart enough to throw a sirloin roast in the crock pot this morning. So the house smelled wonderful and dinner was done when I walked through the door. Gotta love crock pots. 

Monday- Sirloin roast, egg noodles with Au ju gravy, and peas

Tuesday- Vegetable beef stew and grilled cheese

Wednesday- Annual Christmas Eve party

• Ham
• Smoked Turkey
• Green Bean Casserole
• Baked Mac & cheese
• 7 layer salad
• Potato Salad
• Chocolate pie
• Pecan pie
• Pumpkin pie
• Chocolate peanut butter balls
• Truffles
• Various Cookies/Candies
• Sausage balls
• Artichoke and spinach dip
• Stuffed mushrooms
• Mini Brie pizzas
• Spiced Pecans
• Various items brought by friends
• The wine will flow
  

Thursday- Breakfast Morning Casserole, then Christmas lunch with the in-laws

Friday- C.O.R.N (Clean out refrig night)

Saturday- Leftovers again

Sunday- Take out (My pick this week...most likely Mexican)

Brown Sugar Brick

Did you know that brown sugar can be registered as a deadly weapon? It can, especially if you don't transfer it to a tightly sealed container and just throw the bag into your refrigerator. I learned that the hard way after buying a new bag during the Thanksgiving holidays and in a rush of cooking got lazy. So during my day of Baking Bliss I found, kitchen laziness just means more work later. The old Kendra would have just chucked the bag into the trash and jumped into the grocery getter (a.k.a mini van~stop laughing) to purchase a new bag. BTW, that bag too would have ended in the refrig uncovered. Oh the Horror of it all. But in my new found frugality, I knew I had to save it. So how do you save a brown sugar brick, you say? Well, maybe you know the answer....but I didn't. Usually I'm not the brightest crayon in the box, but I did know that the moisture had evaporated from the sugar. I needed to somehow replenish that moisture. But how? AHHH HAAA, I had it. The microwave. I didn't want it to melt however, so I sawed the brick in half. Yes, I said SAW....no I didn't actually use a saw, but I swear it would have been easier. So in the microwave the brick went...along with water in a separate cup. I started with a minute...hoping the vapor would moisten the sugar. It was extremely depleted of any H2O, that I had to go to three...Finally it worked! It became soft and crumbly once more. I love when I have these moments of brilliance :) Oh hush, I know its a secret that's probably been around since the dawn of microwaves...but at least I learned a few lessons, #1, there is a use for the microwave besides popcorn and heating cold coffee, #2 when somethings says store in a tightly sealed container, there is a reason why. 

If I were Santa Claus...

You know I have trouble sleeping. I'm one of those people that sleeps like the dead and a freight train can come crashing through my room and I wouldn't even bother to turn over. Its just getting to sleep that's my trouble. My mind keeps wondering and playing back my day, old memories, or I lay biting my nails over one worry or another. Last night it happened to be the topic of Christmas that had me tossing and turning. I've lately turned a new leaf. Set new proprieties. One is to focus on the memories we create as a family and not the material items we gather. To not stress over being one of the "haves" instead of the "have nots". To bring more frugality into my life and home. With that new mindset, we decided last year to scale back at Christmas time. The amount of money we spent just on our families gifts alone was more that most peoples mortgages. Add the cost of friends, extended family, teachers, etc...it had left the term "ridiculous" behind and had ventured into idiocy.

Old habits do die hard though. I sat there cozy in my bed, wanting, and NEEDING to sleep. I worried, "is it enough?", "who did we forget", and of course I am a natural giver. I admit its a bit selfish in a backwards way, but the best gift I can receive is watching excitement when people open the "perfect" gift(s) I painstakingly searched high and low for. But in lou of above mentioned life changes, the pressure to find everyone that perfect present...is off. Yet, the mind wonders.

If I were Santa Claus and could pick any gift or wish out of my sack, I'd give.....

• ...to my parents and those alike---affordable health care, paired with free prescriptions. May you have freedom from aches and pains.

• ...to my husband---a raise, better hours, and get out of jail (doghouse) free cards.

• ...to my friends---time to read a good book and have a long soak, ALONE.

• ...to my daughter---fulfillment of all your hopes and dreams, freedom from want or need, and of course full scholarship to the college of your choice :)

• ...to my sons---see list above and of course may you find someone as wonderful as your mother to wed and that I'll like her :)

• ...Holly (my super fab pooch)---a pair of pumps made purely of peanut butter and bacon

• ...to my loopies---google ground breaking hits, breathtaking photographs, one of a kind cakes, closer walks with God, sold gold knitting needles, skyrocketing sales, and the knowledge that they're making a difference in this world.

• ...For those that steal newspapers---a job delivering the Sunday paper without pay

• ...for all the homeless and mistreated dogs and cats---caring owners who will love and cherish them, and who recognize the responsibility of spaying and neutering.

• ...For Oprah---never mind..she can buy whatever she wants

• ...OPEC---a long wait in a line to purchase something they need yet cannot afford

I'm sure tonight will be another one of those nights. I'm sure to add to my list.

So many ways to help

With the unsteady economy this year, times are tough for everyone. As a family we try to focus on our blessings, not stressing over trying to afford the latest game system, blue ray, or other gadgets. There is so much to be thankful for and simple ways you are truly blessed. If you have food and shelter, you are blessed. If you are employed, you are blessed. If you are up on your mortgage, you are blessed. If you can pay your bills on time, you are blessed. If you look around and find yourself surrounded by the love and support of family and friends, you are blessed.

Look around.... I bet you can find SOMETHING to be grateful for, even in difficult times. And as we count our blessings, there is no better way to show our gratitude than giving or helping others. I challenge each of you to do something for someone else. As you pass the Salvation Army kettles, throw in your pocket change. Or clean your closets and take a bag of clothes to one of their stores. They're a great organization that does a lot of good in the community. All the food banks (like Second Harvest or Helping Ministries) and homeless shelters desperately need canned and dry goods. Even if it's just a couple of cans, it will be greatly appreciated. The Salvation Army and malls (among others) have angel trees where you can pick a child's name and give them a Merry Christmas!

Another idea is "Santa For Seniors". There are many seniors in nursing homes and hospitals that are forgotten during the holidays. All they ask for are basic necessities like lotion, word puzzles, throws, slippers, toiletries and large print books. Nothing extravagant. Also, don't forget your veteran. Find a local VAMC (veterans medical hospital) near you. Another suggestion, every time you go to the store, buy a toy for the Toys For Tots bin! It could be a simple $1 item. Also as an animal lover, I'm a big supporter of the Humane Society. If you can't give a pet a home, you can still donate bagged or canned food, towels, and treats!

It's my goal to do as many of these things as possible, and I hope you join me.

For those that really do find it hard to see yourself as blessed or one of the less fortunate. Give a smile, hug or warm greeting and remember to include others in your prayers. That itself is a wonderful gift.