Happy Anniversary!

I thought I'd take this opportunity to honor our youngest daughter, Ashley, and our son-in-love, Casey, on their First Wedding Anniversary! And, of course, what a fun way to share some more pictures!!

The NEW Mr. & Mrs!!

The "Fam"

A Dreamy Wedding...

Still My Baby... ;-)

A Kiss For Luck And We're On Our Way...

Surrounded by Friends and Family as We Celebrate the Beginning of This New Family!

Love & Prayers, From Mom & Dad

Precious In The Sight Of The Lord...

"Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His godly ones." Psalm 116:15

Today Brad and I had the privilege of attending the memorial service for a very dear woman who went home to be with her Lord last week. It was wonderful for us to see this family again and share their joy in Eleanor's life, yet mourn with them in the sorrow of our collective loss.

A woman whose life was well lived, given to hospitality, a keeper at home, full of fun and quick to draw others into their family. I couldn't help but be challenged by her godly character traits as they were recounted, one-by-one. I also couldn't help but be saddened by lost opportunity during more recent years when our lives, both busy in our own circles of commitment, have become less intertwined. Their frequent travels have made it more difficult to stay in touch, but I wish I had tried harder. I have thought of them fondly over the months and years, but often failed to relay those sentiments.

Today was a blessing to reconnect with this special family. It was also a "wake-up" call to me how quickly time goes by, and how quickly we can loose touch. Opportunities lost... have encouraged me, hopefully, toward opportunities taken. Who needs to hear from me? Who has the Lord laid on my heart to contact. Will I heed His gentle nudge? Will I take those precious moments to "stay connected" before the door is closed? Will you?

Photo credits: personal files

Couch Potato Camo

I had to share this one with you... Hubby sent this picture via email with the title: "What to wear when your wife wants you to do something..." Too funny!!!

Frugal Living-Check Out These Blogs...

I've been nosing around the web tonight and wanted to let you know about a few sites I visited that have noteworthy articles on frugal living.

As I've mentioned before, our daughter and son-in-love (Erin & Micah) have a great site called Frugal Living Journal. Erin recently asked me to respond to several questions and share our "story". If you have interest in my response, you can read it on their blog under Diane's Story.

A few "new-to-me" blogs have some interesting posts worth peeking at:

I enjoyed reading several posts from Maryanne at Happy helms. I especially appreciated her post on wives respecting their husbands... it was encouraging and a needed challenge for me. She also has several posts, especially this one on how to save money.

Also, Meredith at Like Merchant Ships has some inspiring posts on how she finds "deals" and general frugal living news.

Another great blog I visited is authored by Rachel at Out of The Overflow. I especially appreciate her spiritual focus and the scripture she uses in her posts. She also has two helpful posts on how to sign up for the savings programs offered at CVS & Walgreens. Search her archives for the CVS post on 1-14-07 and Walgreens Post 1-20=07.

Homemaking Hints

I have recently run across a few tips for the homemaker that I thought were of value to post here. Hope you find something that you can use in your own home!


We use Ronzoni Healthy Harvest Whole Wheat Blend spaghetti pasta almost on a weekly basis. It was rated tops by Consumer Reports Magazine.




I have had success in replacing the oil in certain baked goods recipes with natural applesauce. It really cuts down on your fat intake and adds a nice flavor. I'm surprised it works as well as it has for me... although, I've only ventured out and tried it (with great success) in a few muffin and cake recipes. It's worth experimenting with!!


The March/April issue of Cook's Illustrated magazine reviewed the efficiency of a product called Veggie Wash . This product claims to be more effective in removing wax, soil and chemicals from fruits and vegetables than rinsing with water alone. In summary, the product did a great job, however, for value it was found that white vinegar works almost as well. (at a fraction of the cost) So, another reason to pull out your vinegar bottle! "A spray bottle filled with vinegar works nearly as well at a fraction of the cost."

Watch out when comparison shopping for boxed and canned goods!! Many companies are not only enlarging the size of the container to make you think you are getting more food, but they are actually CUTTING the amount of food per box or can! Check the weights along with the price.

STORE BRANDS- many store brands are at least as good as national brands or many times better! Don't be afraid to check them out. This is the main reason why, as a rule, I don't bother with couponing... unless of course you can get triple off coupons or a buy one-get one free deals.

If someone were to ask me what kitchen tool have I gotten the most use out of over the years, I would have to say our Kitchen Aid Stand mixer. It is still going strong after 24 years of use! We have the smaller, very basic model, but I can make up to 2 loaves of whole grain bread (for larger batches I use our Bosch mixer), cakes, cookies, great whipped cream, and a myriad of other kitchen uses. It's such a standard item in our kitchen that as each of our daughters get married and start their own homemaking... that has been first on their "wish list". (My parents and siblings graciously purchased a Kitchen Aid Mixer for their wedding gifts)

Get In Tune...

I recently read an article about communicating with your spouse on financial responsibilities. It inspired me to look at the broader picture to think about how couples communicate in general. Whether the topic is growing as a couple, raising your children, in-laws, spiritual, job related or financial...are we in tune with our mate?

I'm sure each of us can realize the need to routinely carry out our daily tasks and handle our allotted responsibilities, usually independently of our spouse. But, are we making it a priority to "re-group" at the end of the day? Do we set aside time to share our thoughts, dreams and happenings with each other? Are we staying "in tune" and keeping up with our "key" values? Do we allow time to show preference to each other?

In the midst of our busy lives; earning a living, raising children, ministering to others, dealing with family and spiritual issues, household upkeep and duties and life in general... sometimes we get out of harmony!!

There are so many things I appreciate about my husband! But, sometimes it still surprises me how good he is at "courting" me, even 28 years after we walked the aisle!! I love to receive a mid-day phone call from him at work, "just because he wants to hear my voice". Or, how can a woman resist when her man walks in with a bouquet of fresh flowers... "just because I love you".

Sometimes keeping that connection can be as simple as setting aside time to take a walk, or sitting snuggled up on the couch to read or watch a movie. Showing preference to each other helps to teach our children that we are important to each other as a couple!! Our married daughters have informed us that although they used to get frustrated when we would have "quiet time" just for Mom & Dad to talk, now they understand. They have learned that the key to a good marriage is staying connected as partners and now plan to implement the same "time-out" principles in their own homes. This especially holds true when a family grows to include children.

What ways do you and your husband keep in touch and show preference to each other?

Sing Unto The Lord...

In thinking through some things that I do to help keep my focus on Christ, I wanted to share with you one of the main resources I use throughout each day. Personalized music CDs! Last year I spent quite a bit of time loading some of my favorite songs onto our computer. The source of these songs were either from CDs we had previously purchased or music we had purchased (downloaded) online from http://www.walmart.com./ I have really enjoyed using Wal-Mart to purchase single songs as the cost is only .88 cents per song and you receive a license to burn each song 10 times to a personal CD. Plus, I use a Wal-Mart gift card to purchase the music-so I don't have to use a credit card or bank card. This way I am only paying for each song I want as opposed to purchasing an entire CD, which is often a "mixed bag" approach.

My idea was to make a collection of music that I could listen to that I LOVED each and every song on the CD. Since the CDs I burned were of music we already had purchased and were for personal use only (not reselling), I felt that we were not violating any copyright issues. (Let me know if I am mistaken on this point) Some of the music CDs we own may only have one or two songs on each CD that I REALLY like and I'd prefer not having to hunt around for the ones that speak to me. Likewise, now I don't have to sort through several CDs to find those few favorite songs. With my personal compilation, I can pop these three CDs in our CD player and have over 3 1/2 hours of Worship Music that ministers to my soul.

This has been a wonderful way for me to Worship the Lord, bring conviction when needed, do an "attitude check" or otherwise focus on spiritual things. I can't tell you how much I have enjoyed liking EVERY song that plays! I need to burn a few more CDs at some point as I think I'm beginning to wear these out!!

I have had friends ask my about my "play list" so I will share it here. Obviously these are some of my personal favorites... so your compilations would look different. I lean towards songs with a "beat" that may be too "rowdy" for some. :-) I took great care in which songs I placed on each album and even the order in which I placed the songs. Each CD has a "theme" to it if you will.

Diane's Music CD’s Play List

Worship CD #1 (Focusing on Christ, His Attributes, Who He is and what He has done for us!!)
Grace Like Rain by Todd Agnew
Majesty by Delirious
More Than a Friend by Jeremy Riddle
Blessed Be Your Name by Matt Redman
Amazing Love by Bebo Norman
King of Glory by Third Day
Your Beloved by By The Tree
You Are So Good To Me by Third Day
This Fragile Breath by Todd Agnew
Something About That Name by Sonicflood
Once Again by Matt Redman
Offering by Third Day
Nothing But The Blood by Tree 63
The Heart of Worship by Matt Redman
Warrior by Ark Angel (Kemper Crabb)
Your’re Everywhere by Third Day

Confessional CD #1 (This is a great selection of music to draw my heart towards God when I am under conviction, or needing deliverance)
Child of His Grace by Hyper Static Union
Confession by Frank Hart
Just Like You by Jadon Lavik
It’s Yours by Jadon Lavik
Wait for Your Rain by Todd Agnew
Deliver Me by David Crowder Bank
You Rescue Me by Mike Theriault
Pierced by Audio Adrenaline
Take Me Back by ?
Audience of One by Big Daddy Weave
Show Me Your Glory by Third Day
Ready For You by Kutless
Father by Jadon Lavik
Thank You for Saving Me by Delirious

Facedown (before the Lord) CD #1 (This collection of songs is my "Waiting on Him" type music, often when I am needing direction, or His leading and intervention)
Oh Lead Me by Delirious
Take Me In by Kutless
Facedown by Matt Redman
Promise of a Lifetime by Kutless
Surrender by Lincoln Brewster
Broken by Lincoln Brewster
Praise You In This Storm by Casting Crowns
The Man You Want Me to Be by Phil Joel (or in my case "the woman" :-)
Hope by Smith Band
Teach me your ways by Mike Theriault
If You Want Me To by Ginny Owens
My Hope Is You by Third Day
Only One Thing by Todd Agnew
Words Of Life by Big Daddy Weave
In You by Mercy Me

New Blog Find of The Week

New Blog Find of the Week....

One day last week I spent an afternoon visiting around the blogosphere and following links. When re-visiting Bethanie @ The Desire Of My Heart , I was honored to find she had put up a link to me-thanks Bethanie! (She has posted a thought provoking evaluation on "making fun" of others.)

I wanted to borrow her idea and join the practice of posting links to blogs I come across that others may enjoy exploring as well.

Another blog that gave me food for thought this week was Jennifer's New Goals post @ This is the Day. It's a fun, newsy blog with spiritual reflections, prayer requests, family, homemaking and photos. Good job Jennifer!

Retro Easter

I'm a little behind here, but after my last post about our daughter's adversion to chocolate Easter bunnies, complete with pictures, I thought it'd be fun to post a few "retro" Easter photos of myself. I believe I was about 3 years old in the "basket" pic. and about 5 years old with my stuffed bunny and doll. :-)

The Sad, Sad Tale of The Chocolate Easter Bunny...

I ran across this picture of two chocolate Easter bunnies and had to laugh because of the memories it evokes! Grab some chocolate from your Easter basket and read on...

When our daughters were little, the day before Easter we would fill up their baskets with candy and various offerings. Brad and I would then proceed to creatively hide their baskets.

Like the year I unscrewed the grill to the cold air return vent, placed the basket safely inside and returned the grill to hide the treasure. Come to think of it, that was the same year that Brad lifted the lid of our large upright piano and placed a basket down inside on the harp and strings-securely out of sight. OK, so maybe we did go a little overboard on "creative" hiding places. Then, with great fanfare, we would begin the official "Easter Egg and Basket Hunt". After all baskets and treats had been recovered (obviously, at times, with much parental assistance), the girls would sit down to survey their loot.

This was in the day when the centerpiece of each basket was a large chocolate Easter bunny. One particular year, my husband decided to play upon their sympathies. With each bite of Easter bunny that was taken, he began whining and crying (in Easter bunny fashion) how much it hurt! One child would take a bite of the ear and you would hear "Owwwweeee, there goes my ear", or "Ooooooh...THAT hurts!!". It took about two seconds flat for the girls to decide this personification of the Easter bunny was the last straw. They vowed never again to touch a chocolate Easter bunny. And... sadly, they have kept their promise.

I'm sure this chocolate Easter bunny infraction is one of the many cases against us in their "Personal Injury File". I'm sure it will make interesting fodder during therapy one day.

Just in case you need it... here is proof that our children weren't TOTALLY traumatized in their youth. See.. they have smiles on their faces. Come to think of it though... these pictures were taken BEFORE the unforgivable personification of the Easter bunny drama. Hmmmmm.

Erin, Pre-Bunny Trauma, Easter 1990

Megan, Pre-Bunny Trauma, Easter 1990

Ashley, Pre-Bunny Trauma, Easter 1990

Easter 2007, Post Bunny Trauma

Megan (second born) is seated. Standing L to R is our Son-in-love, Micah, eldest daughter Erin and Josh (Megan's boyfriend)

Please note that the girls did grow up to lead normal, productive lives and, yes indeed, are still smiling. And, contrary to what Ashley's absence in this photo might indicate, our youngest is still alive and well, currently living in Pennsylvania. She and husband, Casey, are preparing to celebrate their first Anniversary of wedded bliss.

Oh yes, let me make something perfectly clear. Some traditions die hard. I found out in no uncertain terms that our middle daughter, at 23 years of age, still enjoys having her own Easter basket. Last year I made the mistake of thinking we could have one large central Easter basket for all to enjoy. No go. She is most content with her VERY OWN, bunny-less Easter basket. Go figure.

Favorite Chicken Soup

It's been awhile since I've posted a recipe... so here is one for our favorite chicken soup...Enjoy!

Favorite Chicken Soup
1 (3-4#) chicken (or you can use chicken breasts)
1 each: stock of celery with leaves, chopped & carrot, chopped
1 onion, quartered, plus 1 T. minced
8 whole peppercorns
Seasoned salt
4 Qts. Water
1 (12oz) pkg wide egg noodles
2 bouillon cubes or chicken broth flavor packets
4 cans cream of chicken soup, undiluted
Parsley flakes, red pepper flakes & pepper to taste
In a very large stock pot (6 qt.) simmer first seven ingredients until chicken falls apart. Remove chicken from pot. Let cool, then skin, bone and tear meat into pieces. Set aside. Strain broth through a sieve pressing as much of liquid from veggies as possible; return broth to pot. Bring to boil. Cook noodles in boiling broth 6 minutes. Add bouillon cubes, stirring to mix well. Stir in undiluted canned soup. Stir gently to dissolve lumps, but try not to break noodles too much. Stir in chicken pieces and add remaining 1 T. minced onion, parsley flakes, red pepper flakes, black pepper and additional salt, as desired. Heat through. Serve with hot buttered corn bread. GREAT!!

Focal Point

"The Lord will always lead you. He will meet the needs of your soul in the dry times and give strength to your body. You will be like a garden that has enough water, like a well of water that never dries up." Isaiah 58:11

Years ago when Brad and I were preparing for the birth of our first child, we attended Lamaze training classes to help educate us on this life-changing event that was about to take place. Three times the Lord blessed us with a precious daughter, each very different, and each very loved! During the challenge of delivering these new lives into the world, I was immensely thankful for those Lamaze classes! One of the most helpful things we learned is that I must have a focal point, something to keep my eye on through the painful birthing process. This focal point allowed me to shut out everything around me and keep my thoughts to the task at hand... giving birth!

This same concept has stayed with me throughout the years in various stages of life. There have been so many times I am caught up in the sometimes painful work of parenting, pruning my character or spiritual growth, and I need reminders to keep my focus on Christ. I need a focal point. At these times I must shut out all other distractions, pain and hindrances and keep focused on the outcome I am praying for. I love Isaiah 58:11.

Do you, like me, ever feel used up, dried up, or fed up? Keep your focus on God, who is eager to meet your needs, to give you strength and to make you a source of refreshment for others.

I purchased this little ceramic watering can years ago as a focal point, a reminder for me. God desires that I become like a well watered garden, an ever lasting supply of water.

Lord, thank you for your faithfulness, even when I take my eyes off of you. May we look to the source of our fruitfulness... and Praise Him!

Scripture source: Isaiah 58:11 (New Life Version)New Life Version (NLV) Copyright © 1969 by Christian Literature International
Photo source: Personal Portfolio

He is Risen, Just as He Said!!!

He is Risen...Just as He Said!!!

**In chemistry, he turned water to wine.
**In biology, he was born without the normal conception.
**In physics, he disproved the law of gravity when he ascended into heaven.
**In economics, he disproved the law of diminishing return by feeding 5,000 men with two fishes and five loaves of bread.
**In medicine, he cured the sick and the blind, without administering a single dose of drugs.
**In history, he is the beginning and the end.
**In government, he said that he shall be called wonderful counselor, prince of peace.
**In religion, he said no one comes to the father except through him.
**Jesus had no servants, yet they called him master; had no degree, yet they called him teacher; had no medicines, yet they called him healer.He had no armies, yet rulers feared him.
**He won no military battles, yet he conquered the world.
**He committed no crime, yet they crucified him.
**He was buried in a tomb, yet he lives today.
**I feel honored to serve such a leader who loves us!
**Join us and let's celebrate Him; He is worthy.
**Remain in God and seek His face always.
Amen

Credits: author unknown-received via email / Photo: personal portfolio-taken during an Easter program at a local church

It's Friday...But Sunday is Coming!!!!

Celebrate with me what Christ did for us on the cross.... But remember... Sunday is coming!!!

Visit this site for a wonderful video clip.

Have a BLESSED GOOD FRIDAY!!

Photo source: istockphoto.com

Death To Bambi...

Ok, maybe that statement is a little harsh... HOWEVER... Let me be PERFECTLY clear on this point! I have given up on my romantic ideas about the sweetness of looking out the windows of our home and spotting a lovely doe happily munching on the grass in our back yard. You see... I have accepted the truth!! What this pastoral sight REALLY means is the moment the sun goes down, this Innocent looking creature will collect 20 of her closest (and hungriest) friends and proceed to happily dine on each and every flower of choice in our yard.
No matter that I have just paid a big chunk of money to purchase happy flowers to grace the exterior of our home. No matter that I have planted, weeded and mulched the beds to give these said flowers a wonderful growing environment. No matter that these beds are right up NEXT to the house AND I leave the porch lights on all night to expose any creature that may have notions of dining on this colorful array. No... these things to not matter to Bambi!!

So, the lovely pictures I posted last week of my newly planted beds look a little different this week. I spoke too soon when I stated that the deer had not discovered our stash of beautiful foliage out front. Maybe they read my post on edible flowers last week?

Humpf.... I will cease to rant and rave any further... but I AM NOT happy about this. So tonight, if these dear creatures choose to dine in our yard... I wonder if they will notice a rather strong garlic smell and taste to each and every bite they steal. A little garlic powder never hurt anyone, did it??

Photo source: deer@ www.istockphoto.com, bambi @ www.google image, plants from personal portfolio

Surprise, Surprise, Surprise!!

Ashley is home for a visit!!!

What a fun time we've had over the past 3 days since our youngest daughter returned home from the north country for a short visit! We are sad that her Dear Hubby was unable to make the trip with her, but very appreciative that he would share her with us for this special week of fun and surprises! Her trip down was somewhat impromptu and involved pulling off a wonderful secret for some very special friends! The cat is out of the bag, so here's the scoop!!

My dear friend, Renee, currently finds herself in the important position of MOB (Mother of the Bride) as her beautiful daughter, Katie, is preparing to be married this June. I, having been in this position twice previously, am really enjoying the process of adding this experience to the list of events Renee and I have weathered...err, I mean... endured... uuuuhhh, I mean enjoyed together during our 24 year friendship! :-) I'm sure all experienced MOBs understand the bittersweet time and wide range of emotions that the marriage of a daughter can evoke! Renee's eldest daughter, Katie (the Bride) and our youngest daughter (Ashley, her life-long friend) are also having the privilege of enjoying this process together. Katie asked Ashley to serve as her Matron of Honor during this happy event. So... here is where the fun surprise comes into play!!

Here are a few highlights... Katie and fiancé, Josh, have returned to Texas for two special events in honor of their upcoming marriage. Brad and I were able to fly Ashley down to Texas so she can spend a week here and share in both events with her dear friend. Katie's Bridal shower was given last Saturday by some wonderful ladies from their church. They had planned a special time of devotion and encouragement for Katie that culminated in presenting her with a beautiful white leather Bible. These kind hostesses allowed Ashley to be the one to walk into the room carrying the white Bible to present to Katie. As you can expect, Katie was in shock when she looked up and realized it was Ashley standing before her with this gift. Now, HOW FUN WAS THAT????!!!!!!

The Unsuspecting Bride-To-Be...

Katie's Happy Realization that her friend and Matron of Honor was indeed attending her Bridal Shower after all!!

Precious Reunion!

As the "official" photographer, I had a renewed appreciation for the auto focus feature on my camera due to the fact that I really couldn't see much through my excitement and tears.

Of course we have all the fun stories to tell; such as Ashley hiding on the floor of our van as we passed their van in route to the shower. (We couldn't have Katie glancing over to see Ashley sitting in the passenger seat beside me now could we???) Also the fact that Ashley had to hide out in the laundry room while she patiently awaited the revelation of her arrival to her dear friend! What FUN times!!

So our families have gotten to spend a lot of extra time together over the past few days and look forward to a few more events coming up over the course of this week.

Renee and I have gone from delivery rooms to dance recitals to high school graduations to bridal rooms and relish the chance to enjoy each of these milestones of life together. Boy could we tell some stories!! Blessed friend...Blessed friendships... I'm thankful for each one the Lord brings my way!

Katie & Ashley
Then (1989)
And
Now (2007)

How To Blow Out Eggs

You may enjoy checking out this cleaver article over at Better Homes and Garden! It may come in handy with Easter just around the corner.

How to Blow Out Eggs
By emptying an egg of its yolky contents, you can automatically expand its crafting possibilities. Find out how!

#1) Wash eggs.

#2) Using a sewing needle, gently prick a small hole into each of the egg's two ends. Poke a hole in the yolk (use a thin skewer if necessary).
#3) Leaning over a bowl, gently blow into the top hole, expelling the yolk and white out the bottom end, into the bowl.
#4) Lay hollow eggs on paper towels to dry.
#5) Paint the shells or decorate as you wish.
For place cards, letter names on the eggs. If desired, stuff little notes, sayings, or wishes written on strips of paper, into the shells.

(Photo & idea credit: www.bgh.com) Original from Country Home Magazine

Have a Blessed Resurrection Celebration This Week

"Look, the Lamb of God,

who takes away the sin of the world!"

John 1:29

I pray that each of us may have a week rich in remembering the gift of

The Christ, The Cross and The Resurrection!

Scripture Source: New American Stand Bible: John 1:29

Photo Source: Personal portfolio (this is a picture of the centerpiece I place on our dining room table during the Easter season)