Traditions

I don't remember if I have already written about this or not??? I have so many things swirling around in my head......I am always thinking..I'll write about that.....then I can't remember if I actually wrote or just thought about it???? Nuts..... I know :)

Think back to your childhood.....think quick about 10 of the best gifts that you received as a kid. Most of us could probably do that if given some time....but not quickly.......usually only a few actually stand out. But if asked to quickly name the things that you associate with Christmas....that is easy....for me it would be something like this......Grandma's house, cousins, driving looking at Christmas lights, hilarious party we always attended with cheap gag gifts, baking and decorating cookies, Christmas Pageant we put on at the Smith's house, lots of food, Candle light service at church, Reading the Christmas story on Christmas Eve from a very large family Bible, caroling, helping a needy family. (now that I am older I know that WE were needy but my parents were so generous they took on more)

My point....your kids will not remember most of the gifts that you buy for them but they will remember and cherish the traditions! Make memories with your kids, show them a generous spirit, establish traditions and don't let them forget the awesomeness of the fact that Jesus came to save the world!!!!

Perfect hamburgers

I love homemade hamburgers but I do not like getting the meat under my nails and around my ring. Then my hands are really greasy and if you have to make a whole bunch it takes a while?? Until I came up with this little trick!! You will need wax paper a spoon and 2 salad plates. Put a piece of wax paper down on the plate and spoon a scoop of meat onto the paper.
Next put another piece of wax paper down and then the second plate and push down until the desired thickness.
Look a perfect patty and no goop under my nails!!!
I stack them like this.....you can even freeze them like this in a plastic bag if you have extra.

Then to the grill.....just a tip on grilling hamburger meat......leave them on the first side until the juice...aka the blood...yes I know that makes some of you squeamish.....just keep your eye on the prize baby!! Where was I...Oh yes...the juice....when it comes to the top like the burger at the bottom of the above picture....then it is ready to flip. After flipping...do not press....but look for the juice to run clear. then you will have the perfect burger! I used the Aldi ground sirloin....a little salt and pepper and then YUMMY Goodness!!!!!

Office wallpaper?

Yes, this is my sweeties office....really it is just a glorified closet......it's a walk in closet sized room minus the shelving. Eric loves "post-it" sticky notes. We writes scripture and quotes that speak to him and puts them on his wall. Crazy as it sounds...he knows where they are on his wall???? It is a huge topic of conversation for anyone who comes over?? I would love to hear people as they leave....is it " Wow that was neat" or is it "Wow , he is a little off" Well I think it is great! I love it more that words can express that my man loves Gods word so much and wants to apply it to his life!!!

The desires of our hearts!!!

You do know that the Lord does give us the desires of our hearts...according to His purpose....we forget that last part sometimes!!!! I think that means that as we grow closer to Him....our desires begin to reflect a sincere desire to serve Him!

Anyway...I have told you that Marshall is a great swimmer......with seemingly great potential. He really wants to swim year round.....very expensive...especially when you are in ministry living completely by faith.....no steady paycheck! We were told last night that Marshall would get a 50% scholarship!!!!!!! WOOOHOOO!!! Marshall will still have to come up with $90 a month...that's a lot of raking and mowing!!!! but it is doable. God is so good! Marsh has been praying for this and now he will get to trust the Lord for work to get the other $90.00 a month...that will be exciting for him and grow his faith!!

Let you kids know what it is like to trust the Lord for something!

New camera

Lindsey asked for money for her 16th birthday and combined it with her own babysitting money and bought a really nice camera. She loves to take pictures and she has a really good eye for the unusual shots. Above is Emily being very patient while Lindsey takes pictures in the bathroom...I love the last picture. I hope Lindsey can work on this talent and use it in someway since she loves it so much.

What is your "go to" food

Do you have a "go to" food? You know that one thing that always sounds good. Mine is something that is so abnormal...grits..yep you read it right. I just finished a bowl of warm creamy grits. I eat 1 packet of instant grits about 5 times a week. Crazy??

Here I am.

How was your Thanksgiving? Ours was very nice. We usually have a blow out with many, many families at my mama's but this year but this year because of mama's surgery we had a lovely dinner at Eric's parents house.

Mom had colon cancer 4 years ago and she just had to have her 3rd hernia repair 2 days before Thanksgiving. She had been told 3 days in the hospital.......ended up being 9???? She was open for 7 hours???? They had to completely rebuild her abdominal wall. Someone had to be with her 24/7 while she was in the hospital, so my sisters and I rotated with daddy. When daddy and one of mys sisters had to return to work then Katherine and I rotated. She is home and tonight will be the 2nd night that she and my dad are alone. What an ordeal for her! I hope that this is the last of all surgeries!!!That is the reason I haven't been here! Schooling, ministry and mama kept me way too busy.