Sunday, January 31, 2010

Menu Plan Monday, Feb. 1st, 2010




It's FEBRUARY! Holy cow!
As I'm reading over this menu before posting
it I'm realizing that it's the week of the sandwich!
Ha!
BUT... we get tons of YUMMY bread from a friend
who works at a fantastic bakery in Midtown Detroit...
so we make good use of the bread! (Thx, Steve!)


MONDAY
Lunch- Waffles, peaches & yogurt
Dinner- Chicken Tetrazinni (w/peas, carrots)

TUESDAY
Lunch- Strata & baked apples, toast
Dinner- Cheeseburger Soup, crunchy croutons

WEDNESDAY
Lunch- Swedish Meatballs w/homemade noodles
Dinner- Sandwiches, carrots

THURSDAY
Lunch- Tiny sandwiches, green peppers
Dinner- Chili & Mashed Potatoes

FRIDAY
Lunch- Homemade Pizza
Dinner- Soup (from a can!) with Toast

SATURDAY
Lunch- French Fry Salad
Dinner- Sausage & Peppers, Rice

SUNDAY
Lunch- Chuck Roast, Potatoes, Carrots
Dinner- Open faced sandwiches in oven


For more ideas check out this huge listing of menus
at Organize Junkie!

Saturday, January 30, 2010

I'm not getting paid for this...




I'm not getting money for writing this.
Neither did I receive a free copy of this book to review.
The author, Mary Ostyn, recently released a cookbook
and I was trying to find it online within our library
system. (I later bought it) But my library search
turned up this book...

A large family is NOT needed to appreciate this book!

"The Sane Woman's Guide to raising a Large Family!"

Click here to order this great book!

Tears.
Yeah, lotsa tears at the very beginning of the book...
not from the author... from ME!
More tears at the end...
not a misting up...
not a trickle...
a full-blown "Put-down-the-book-get-a-tissue-cuz-you-
can't-see-on-account-of-the-tears" cry!

Reminded me why I love children... especially MINE!
Gave me practical ideas.
Inspired me to do better & to be proud of what I've done.
REALLY, REALLY happy that I read it.

If you want kids, have kids, want to adopt, etc...
she covers it all. As the mother of birth children
and adopted children, she tells of their journey
to adoption and the clear leading of God.
She's a beautiful example of godly motherhood!

I'm so thankful that I read this book!
(just had to blog about it!)

Click here to order this great book!

Friday, January 29, 2010

She had a Birthday!


This week our beautiful, sweet Courtney had a
birthday. She made the Red Velvet Cake...
and we were all grateful... mmmmm.
Also, her younger siblings gave her a mini concert
to celebrate her special day.
Love you, Courtney!












Monday, January 25, 2010

Menu Plan Monday, Jan. 25, 2010




MONDAY
Lunch- Scrambled Eggs, Biscuits
Dinner- Baked Ziti Casserole (that I made ahead of time
with homemade pasta, NOT shaped like Ziti, ha!)

TUESDAY
Lunch- Dortito Casserole, Rice, crunchy veggie plate
Dinner- Chicken Noodle Soup (make extra for Saturday)

WEDNESDAY
Lunch- Eggplant Parm w/spaghetti, salad, bread, Red Velvet Cake
Dinner- Cheese & Crackers, peaches

THURSDAY
Lunch- Grilled Cheese, apples & dip

FRIDAY
Lunch- Chicken & Rice

SATURDAY
Lunch- Chicken Noodle Soup (left from Tuesday)
Dinner- Ham, Crock Pot potatoes, Green Beans

SUNDAY
Lunch- Roast Beef, Potatoes, Carrots
Dinner- Spanish Rice w/ Chicken




The recipes above that have links are from
a new cookbook I just got... and like it.
It's MORE than recipes, it's a manual for
learning how to plan, organize, shop
and feed your family.

For more menu ideas check out www.orgjunkie.com

Friday, January 22, 2010

What are YOU?

Are you a friend who does things for others because
you want them to like you?
(which in turn benefits you... selfishness)

Or are you a friend that does things just because it
blesses & encourages someone?

I've been examining my motives...
aiming to be the friend who truly reflects JESUS...
and He's UNselfishness personified!

What kinda person are you?

Wednesday, January 20, 2010

Lotsa Cars in Detroit!


We've lived here for 5 1/2 years and have never been to the
International Auto Show... held right here in Detroit every year.
Our friends, engineers at FORD, invited us to join them this year.
How sweet they were. Their understanding of the displays
is COMPLETELY different than our "laymen" viewpoint.
But they were kind... as always!

We parked near the baseball stadium & took the PeopleMover
(above ground subway) to the show. Here's our afternoon,
documented in pictures.
(most from my camera, a few from my phone.)










































(my husband & our boys wrestling in a hallway
while we waited for the PeopleMover)

Sunday, January 17, 2010

Menu Plan Monday, Jan. 18, 2010



Using lotsa things already in my pantry & freezer.


MONDAY
Lunch- Eggs, Bacon, Frig Biscuits
Dinner- Crockpot Roast, Potatoes, Carrots

TUESDAY-
Lunch- Spaghetti & Mt. Sauce, Salad
Dinner- Veggie Soup, crusty bread

WEDNESDAY
Lunch- Chicken Enchiladas, Rices
Dinner- Hummus, Pitas, fruit

THURSDAY
Lunch- Salad, Cheesy Bread
Dinner- Dorito Casserole, Rice

FRIDAY
Lunch- Green bean & Chicken casserole
Dinner- Homemade pizza

SATURDAY
Lunch- TBA
Dinner- Cornbread Casserole

SUNDAY
Lunch- Crockpot Chili & Crockpot Mashed Potatoes
Dinner- Frig Biscuits w/lunch meat & cheese, fruit





(There's been lotsa puppet shows @ our house!
Love it. My kids have great humor!)

For more menu ideas check out this HUGE
listing at orgjunkie.com

Thursday, January 14, 2010

Startin' from Scratch


The kids ministry at Real Church Detroit
spans from birth through 5th grade...
all in one SMALL, but sunny room!

It only goes for 30 -45 minutes because
the kids worship with their parents and
then go into the other room during
the sermon.

Our first week went smoothly...
Praise God! But it's a funny, interesting challenge.

Right now, since our location is only temporary,
we're not really naming it, not really giving it
a theme and not purchasing a ton of stuff for it...
in due time. But rest assured, kids are hearing
about JESUS!

But, I'm kinda starting from scratch.
Using stuff we already have at the other Real Church
campus, using stuff I have at home and things that
I can make/create. Trying to be frugal & creative
without looking totally ghetto or completely cheap! :)




So, my crafting supplies,
sewing supplies,
homeschooling supplies,
home office supplies,
and even kitchen stapes & utensils
have all become ministry tools.

But wait...
isn't that how life should be anyway?

EVERYTHING we own,
everything we do,
everything we're obligated to do,
everything we're talented enough to do,
is ALL created to minister to others.

WE are CREATED by the CREATOR.
We're intended to reflect HIM is ALL we do!

How are you using the daily parts of your life
to reflect Him & minister to others?

If you're not thinking this way... start now.

(EXTRA NOTE:
Living like this gives all the bits & pieces
of your life deeper meaning.)






Tuesday, January 12, 2010

Menu Plan Monday, Jan. 12, 2010



Menu plans... posted on Tuesday... Opps!
(Hey, we had a BIG weekend!... see the post before this!)

MONDAY
Lunch- Bacon & Eggs, Toast
Dinner- Chili in crockpot, Mashed Potatoes

TUESDAY
Lunch- Chicken & Veggie-crockpot- over rice
Dinner- Broccoli & Potato soup- crockpot

WEDNESDAY
Lunch- Messy Max's over toast (aka Sloppy Joes)
Dinner- Pot Pies (yes, I purchased them, but they were cheap!)

THURSDAY
Lunch- ABC Sandwiches (Avacado, Bacon & Cheddar)
Dinner- Spaghetti & Meat Sauce (in crockpot)

FRIDAY
Lunch- TBA (probably "Do-Overs")
Dinner- Homemade Pizza

SATURDAY
Lunch- Burritos & Rice
Dinner- Lasagna & Salad

SUNDAY
Lunch- Roast, Noodles, Gr. Beans
Dinner- Loaded Nachos



(I love snow. This was taken yesterday while
our family was out sledding! So fun!)




Sunday, January 10, 2010

Opening Day! Real Church Midtown Detroit

If you prayed for us... then you've shared in this exciting JOY!
Please keep praying for the weeks to come!!!
We were packed, hearts were encouraged and someone gave
their heart to Jesus, too! YIPPEE!!!

Here's a few pics of the great day...








Friday, January 8, 2010

Ministry by the Number





33 years ago a little ventriloquist puppet entered my life.

30 years ago I started babysitting & knew I loved kids.
(even though I was still a kid myself!)

28 years ago I joined my Mom in teaching the Sunday Morning
children's ministry at my childhood church in Greeley, Colorado.

27 years ago that poor little vent puppet (pictured above) died...
he was just all worn out.... literally.

26 years ago I received another wonderful ventriloquist puppet.
(some people get cars for their 16th b-day... I got a dummy!)

23 & 22 yrs. ago I was involved in a college ministry to kids
and then helped start a new kids ministry on another campus
the following year.

20 years ago I married a Pastor, called to reach, teach & disciple,
and I joined him in all those things.

19 years ago I started occasionally filling in for the kids pastors
in our various places of ministry and had a band of wonderful teens
or young adults to help.

14 years ago that (16th b-day present) ventriloquist puppet died...
of lock jaw.... seriously! :)

13 years ago another puppet joined our family... bigger & better than ever.

5 1/2 years ago we moved to Detroit/Hamtramck to plant a

5 years ago a great team of friends & I started the
kids ministry of that new church.

4 years ago I was able to hand over that kids ministry to
capable people and it's grown & still growing!

And...
And...
And....

in 48 hours we will plant another church in Detroit...
this time in Midtown.
And once again I will begin a brand new kids ministry.


Jesus has been faithful all these years.
He never changes!

Here we go again!

(Your prayers are welcome!)








Wednesday, January 6, 2010

Do you recognize it?


Can you tell what this is?...




"Hello, Daddy!"
We want to know you.
And be close to You.
Please show us how.
Make everything in the world right again.
And in our hearts, too.
Do what is best - just like you do in heaven.
And please do it down here, too."

"Please give us everything we need today.
Forgive us for doing wrong, for hurting you.
Forgive us just as we forgive other people when they hurt us.
Rescue Us! We need You.
We don't want to keep running away and hiding from you."

"Keep us safe from our enemies.
You're strong, God.
You can do whatever you want.
You are in charge.
Now and forever and for always!
We think you're great!
Amen!
Yes we do!"

___________


It's beautiful, huh?
Did you figure it out?
(go ahead, leave your comment below!)


It's a quote from THE JESUS STORYBOOK BIBLE!
Max got it for Christmas and we all just LOVE it!
My eyes fill with tears as I read him (or he reads to me)
the familiar stories in a whole new language.

Everyone - all ages- can benefit from this wonderful book...
hey, a twenty-something- guy told me about it and he had a sample
of it on his computer! (Thx, Tom!)

It's prompted me to write some of the scriptures out
in my journal in my own words. Maybe I'll post a few
of those soon. A great way to make the words hit
home & become more personal.

Maybe you should try that today as you read & pray!





(click on the book for a link to purchase this great book)

(Oh... and I'm not getting any kickbacks or freebies for
promoting this book... I just really LOVE it!)


Sunday, January 3, 2010

Menu Plan Monday, Jan. 4, 2010





Hmm, it's FREEZing here and I'm kinda sick of cooking.
This week I'm aiming for OnePot meals or very close
to it. Plus, it's Week of War... which means prayer & fasting
and we'll be having corporate prayer for Midtown Church
Plant OUTSIDE of the Detroit Institute of Art!
(And, many menu items that don't have veggies listed
actually have pureed veggies hidden in them. Shh!)


MONDAY
Dinner- TBA


TUESDAY
Lunch- Chicken Alfredo w/veggies
Dinner- French Fry Salad


WEDNESDAY
Lunch- Jerk Chicken (adapted so it's not too hot)
Dinner- Canned Soup in Bread Bowls


THURSDAY
Lunch- Potato & Broccoli Soup w/Bacon
Dinner- Messy Max's (sloppy joes), (on extra bread bowls), Carrots


FRIDAY
Dinner- Homemade Pizza (always loaded w/veggies, in & on)


SATURDAY
Lunch- Chili & Mashed Potatoes
Dinner- Mac & Cheese (w/veggies hidden inside!)


SUNDAY, Midtown Real Church BEGINS!!!!
Lunch- TBA
Dinner- Loaded Nachos


For more ideas check out www.orgjunkie.com