For you, my friends

Numbers 6

24 “The LORD bless you and keep you;

25 The LORD make His face shine upon you,
And be gracious to you;

26 The LORD lift up His countenance upon you,
And give you peace.”’


Happy New Year!

May 2006 be filled with the Lord's blessing, grace and peace.

Janet.

The Adorable Mrs. M-mv

I love the way she writes.


It's writing like this that screams 'Janet, you have no business writing a blog'!







I have her outfit pictured perfectly in my mind and I agree with her daughter, she looks adorable!

Merry Christmas

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Don't ask

Janet

Toffee for Christmas

Donna has shared pictures of the gifts she has received from our siblings on her blog. I think she is too humble to share the BEST gift EVER. The one she gives to us each and every year. If she ever even thinks of sending something different there will be trouble! Big Trouble.

I started my love affair with toffee when I was in college. My friend Julie got me hooked on frozen yogurt with heath bar on top! I can't order anything else when I visit our local frozen yogurt shop.


Donna sent us a beautiful box of Almond Toffee from Enstroms. And, yes, I said beautiful. And I mean it.

Obviously it is too late to order this for Christmas, but don't let that stop you. You should be able to think of a reason to order this stuff and soon.

Come, Jesus

Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus
Charles Wesley


Come, Thou long expected Jesus
Born to set Thy people free;
From our fears and sins release us,
Let us find our rest in Thee.
Israel’s Strength and Consolation,
Hope of all the earth Thou art;
Dear Desire of every nation,
Joy of every longing heart.

Born Thy people to deliver,
Born a child and yet a King,
Born to reign in us forever,
Now Thy gracious kingdom bring.
By Thine own eternal Spirit
Rule in all our hearts alone;
By Thine all sufficient merit,
Raise us to Thy glorious throne.


Listen
here

Learn about Charles Wesley
here

Emmanuel. God with us.

Luke 2
Jesus' Birth in Bethlehem

1Now in those days a decree went out from (A)Caesar Augustus, that a census be taken of (B)all [a]the inhabited earth.
2This was the first census taken while [b]Quirinius was governor of (C)Syria.
3And everyone was on his way to register for the census, each to his own city.
4Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the city of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David which is called Bethlehem, because (D)he was of the house and family of David,
5in order to register along with Mary, who was engaged to him, and was with child.
6While they were there, the days were completed for her to give birth.
7And she (E)gave birth to her firstborn son; and she wrapped Him in cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.
8In the same region there were some shepherds staying out in the fields and keeping watch over their flock by night.
9And (F)an angel of the Lord suddenly (G)stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them; and they were terribly frightened.
10But the angel said to them, "(H)Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people;
11for today in the city of David there has been born for you a (I)Savior, who is [c](J)Christ (K)the Lord.
12"(L)This will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger."
13And suddenly there appeared with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, 14"(M)Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace among men [d](N)with whom He is pleased."
15When the angels had gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds began saying to one another, "Let us go straight to Bethlehem then, and see this thing that has happened which the Lord has made known to us."
16So they came in a hurry and found their way to Mary and Joseph, and the baby as He lay in the manger.
17When they had seen this, they made known the statement which had been told them about this Child.
18And all who heard it wondered at the things which were told them by the shepherds.
19But Mary (O)treasured all these things, pondering them in her heart.
20The shepherds went back, (P)glorifying and praising God for all that they had heard and seen, just as had been told them.

Have a very Merry Christmas!

Love,

Janet and children

Santa?!

Nancy (sister) took me and my children out to lunch and then we window shopped around The Biltmore. If you know anything about The Biltmore you'll know why we only 'window shopped'. I'll give you a little hint: 5 children 13 and under, Ralph Lauren, Cartier, Saks Fifth Avenue and Oilily (whatever that is). I had to keep explaining why we were there. "Because it's a beautiful day and this is a beautiful outdoor mall with very special stores", "we're window shopping" "we're taking a little walk" "we're here to see the lovely poinsettias and glorious gardens" and they respond "what, no Costco" "where is Target"? Poor Nancy, she's used to shopping alone in peace and quiet.




We were right in front of Cartier when Lauren ran ahead of us, went around the corner and who did she see? Santa Clause, the real, live Santa strolling right in her direction. She stopped dead in her tracks, stared and turned to me and ran in to my arms. I, of course, was tickled by the excitement and took her to say hello to St. Nick. She was very cute, friendly and happy to shake his hand. He asked her what she wanted for Christmas and she said.....are you ready for this, we live in Arizona afterall, "snow clothes". "Lauren, did you say snow clothes?" I asked "Yes, mommy, I want snow clothes from Santa". Allrighty then. I am so confused, why would this little 3 yo girl want snow clothes for Christmas. Well, Santa better get busy. She also added they should be pink and purple.



We had a nice discussion at Cindy's blog about Santa. We don't do Santa in our house. We think he is a nice historical figure and we share that with the kids but he doesn't come down our chimney and leave gifts for our children. My husband works too hard to give a strange man all the credit ;-) We enjoy traditional stories, movies and little surprise visits. And we do our best to teach our children not to say outloud "Santa is dead"!

Link Happy

Two things were keeping me from linking properly.

1. a space after the first a

and

2. the http part. DUH.


Kim

Donna

Cindy

Amy

Pyromaniac


I love these sites and visit them each day. I would add more of my favorites if time permitted.

MUST. MAKE. DINNER.

I admit, I am a computer illiterate dork.

Janet.

For Katie

Hi Katie!

We enjoy seeing pictures of you on your mommy's blog so I thought I would post this for you. Girl cousins are a wonderful thing, don't you think? Lauren is 3 and Sarah is 7.

They say "Hello and Merry Christmas, Katie"!

We miss you.
Love Auntie Janet

Forgiveness

Edmond was reunited with his siblings after betraying them.

"Here is your brother," he (Aslan) said. "and ---there is no need to talk to him about what is past."

We are to follow the example and command of Christ to forgive others. Matthew 6:14,15, Mark 11:25, 1 Cor. 13:5



"And so, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience; bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you. And beyond all these things, put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity." Col. 3:12-14

A Good Excuse, Girls

I have been busy and out of town. Here's the rundown.

Friday

Symphony with the children
Shopping
Company Christmas dinner
Laundry and cleaning


Saturday

Music at the mall, piano performance
Annual Christmas Party (not at our house)
Laundry and cleaning


Sunday

Pack 7 people, going in 4 different directions
Laundry and cleaning
Fly to Long Beach
Check in to hotel
Drive north to Grace Community Church
Meet up with long time friends, he is the executive pastor at Grace.
Miss meeting Dr. MacArthur because he is in the prayer room. Imagine that. Humph.
Say hello to the security guards.
Headache beginning.
Worship the Lord Jesus through song and the Word. I'll attempt to share the sermon, but I want my husbands help and approval.
Drive further north to D and J's house.
Headache now unbearable and beginning to feel nauseous.
Attempt to eat the dinner graciously provided by our hosts, asked to be excused to the couch so I can close my eyes and try to get over this horrible headache.
Friends join me in the family room and we visit (I listen and sass something back every once in a while)
Drive back to Long Beach and collapse in the bed disappointed and sad that I felt so bad I could not enjoy our visit.


Monday

Tour The Queen Mary, yes we saw ghosts. ;-)
Lunch at Islands, yum
Walk around, shopping and exploring downtown Long Beach
Take a little nap
Dinner at Bubba Gumps, SHRIMP!!
See "Walk the line", great movie and brilliant acting. I love Reese W., isn't she cute?

Tuesday

Dave attends meeting, the real reason we came.
I Christmas shop at local mall.
I actually attend 45 minutes of a meeting
Fly home
Greet precious children waiting for us and tuck everyone into their own beds.
I'm happy and headache free.

Thank you Lord for bringing us back together, safe and sound.

Some of you know I am a late bloomer. I am finally reading, start to finish, "The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe". The movie comes out on the 9th and I didn't want to see it without reading it for myself. Now, what should I do about "Pride and Prejudice"? I'll never be able to finish that book while the movie is still in the theaters. Should I see it anyway?

Have a blessed day!

Wreaths

Years ago we received a lovely gift from a dear couple we barely knew. It was a thank you gift and came in early December. Ever since that day I have used and recommended this company to as many people as I can. Sunrise County Evergreens in Milbridge, Maine http://www.wreath.com/ is a great company. They sell high quality fresh evergreen products AND they are reasonably priced. That's not all! The shipping!!?? It is too good to be true. Most items shipped East of the Mississippi River are shipped for FREE. Items shipped to the West of the Miss. are a whopping $1.00.

My sisters that read this blog will not be surprised to learn that this is what they are getting for Christmas, AGAIN. I have asked them if they mind getting the same ole gift year after year and they all say that I MUST send the wreath, they look forward to the wreath. So girls, I'm ordering the wreaths today. Happy day for you :)

Try this company, you won't be disappointed.

Fall in AZ

I have enjoyed reading about agrarian living at Cindy's blog. She says agrarian living is a state of mind and not just the ownership of land and living off that land. It is all things home. Hospitality and fellowship, tea and coffee, flowers, gardens, trees and a simple life. I have a long way to go to live this life but a little walk around our 'city acre' proved I'm on my way ;-) Frankly, I don't desire to live the BIG agrarian life, I know my limits and I know I can't grow certain vegetables and flowers in 110 degree heat. There are things I can enjoy while living in the Southwest; container gardening, beautiful fruit trees, unique aloe vera plants and yes, someday a small rectangle shaped garden. It is living the simple life in this big city suburb that convicts me most. It is difficult not to get caught up in all the craziness, you know, sports, unnecessary shopping, hair, nails etc. In other words...stay home girl! Enjoy the beauty in your home and the outdoors that God has given you, whether that is a little patio or an acre or two full of trees and horses and gardens. Each year I add a rose to a little area of our yard and hope to create a beautiful rose garden complete with a wood bench and an attractive source of shade! Little by little is how I manage best, it is safe and secure that way. Some people would say I like my box a little too much, that's ok with me. My box and I try with all our might to honor and glorify God daily.

Blog Material

Donna suggested we post an old Christmas picture. And being the obedient younger sister that I am....

Here it is. It is almost impossible to get these children to be still and smile. I love looking back and seeing the changes; J has braces now, H's braces are off, S has her two front teeth, D has grown several inches taller, and L, well what can I say, her cheeks are smaller??

I try to coordinate clothing for the Christmas pictures. Now that we have a few older children we have to try to be cool and not cutesie ;-)

I'll post Christmas 2005 when Donna tells me to....

Back to Life

We braved Target and The Mall today. We only needed a few things so it was fine but boy oh boy was it packed. Hannah noticed the noise level in Target and thought it was funny. We were able to find the four girls something cute to wear for our annual Christmas picture. Note: James will NOT be in pink :) I thoroughly enjoyed myself in Coldwater Creek. I bought myself a little something special for our company Christmas dinner and business trip next weekend. Can you believe my 13 year old is not especially fond of that store? She doesn't like the clothes or the music they play (I didn't even notice) What this really tells me is that I am getting OLD. hee hee.

We went on a hike yesterday at Thunderbird Park. It's a beautiful little mountain only 15 minutes away. The weather was perfect, about 75 degrees and sunny. All seven of us and another family of seven climbed to the top. My husband carried Lauren on his shoulders almost the entire way up but she was able to walk/run down by herself. 3/4 of the way down I asked her if he legs were sore and she said "oh, yes, and my arms too!" She is a joy.

We've had a very nice long weekend and holiday.

I am blessed and I am thankful.
God is so good.

Christian History

I taught 4th grade today at our children's Classical and Christian School. It was such a blessing. I loved every minute of it. I had a small class of very sweet, content, attentive and smart students. (hi Danielle!) While they were working on some homework, I picked up and began to read "The 100 Most Important Events in Christian History". What a gem of a book!

http://www.graceandtruthbooks.com/search/results.asp?S=100+most+important&T=exact

I skimmed some of my favorites; Spurgeon, Moody, Wesley, Luther, and Calvin. These are short, well written stories and very easy to read. I highly recommend this book for the old and young alike. If the link worked, you'll see I also like Grace and Truth Books. They are very nice folks, I've met them a few times at our homeschool convention.

I'll be calling Donna soon to figure out how to link to websites, the real way.

Lauren Paige

Me: Lauren, go potty before you go to bed.

Lauren: I already did go potty.

Me: When hunny? I don't want you to have an accident.

Lauren: In October.

Me: It's November now and I think you'd better go again.


Oh, I love this life :-)


*****

THANK YOU!

Thank you all so much for visiting my blog and commenting. What would I do without Donna! :)

I feel very blessed to have met (some for real) so many wonderful ladies.

Soup For You!

Italian White Bean Soup with Sausage & Spinach


12 oz. Italian sausage, sliced 1/2 inch thick
1/4 C. water
1 medium onion, chopped
1 tsp. minced garlic
1 T. olive oil
2 15 oz. cans white kidney (cannelloni) beans, rinsed and drained
2 14 oz. cans reduced sodium chicken broth
1 14 1/2 oz. can diced tomatoes with basil, oregano & garlic, undrained
4 cups coarsely chopped kale or spinach
Ground pepper

Combine sliced sausage and water in a large skillet. Bring to boil; reduce heat. Simmer, covered about 10 minutes or until sausage is no longer pink. Uncover and cook about 5 minutes more or until sausage is browned, stirring frequently. Remove sausage and set aside.

Meanwhile, cook onion and garlic over medium heat in a large saucepan about 5 minutes or until onion is tender. Stir in beans, broth and undrained tomatoes. Cover and bring to boil, reduce heat. Simmer covered for 5 minutes.

Stir in cooked sausage and spinach. Simmer, uncovered about 3 minutes more or until spinach is tender. Season to taste with pepper.

Serves 5


I doubled this recipe. It is delicious and very easy to make. It is a very hearty soup. All you need is a nice baguette and your meal is complete.

Bon Appetit!

For Donna

Donna told me to post something. So here it is. My first post. I won't be posting very often. It took my two daughters (13 &10) and me (39) way to long to figure this much out. I have a delicious soup recipe I thought I'd share...maybe that will be my next post.

Would anyone like to guess why I named my blog "Just Janet"?