Don't make me angry....... ...... ..... .... ... .. .
12.31.2008
12.30.2008
Tree-hugging Tuesday
Whilst those who personally know me understand I am not really a true to the bone tree-hugger, I do feel responsible to help the environment and do so in certain ways. A new blog entry idea came to mind when I felt tired of letting everyone know my chore list...:-) Here is the new title (if you couldn't already tell) for Tuesdays: Tree-hugging Tuesday.
Today I give you the tip of recycling. I started recycling this year and find it quite fulfilling. I invested in some rubbermaid stacking containers (but really all you need is some cardboard boxes). I read up on what could be recycled at the local center. The information I found stated you should not overwhelm yourself with trying to recycle too many things at first. Start with 2 or 3 different items you want to recycle. Then add to it as you see fit. I go to the center about once every two weeks or so.
As of now, I recycle paper, glass, tin, aluminum, plastic jugs and bottles, plastic bags and cardboard. I had a frustrating moment one day after I pulled out of the recycling center, I got a flat in my AWD vehicle. I pulled over to put a donut on the car and a nice man from the natural gas company pulled over and helped me finish. I took the car to a tire shop and they showed me a giant razor blade that was stuck in my tire. I was disappointed. Since I had AWD and the tires on the car were discontinued, I had to buy four new tires for the car. It doesn't keep me from going to the center, I just look carefully where I am driving now.

Many of you from the "lower 48" probably are forced to recycle through some program or recieve incentives. We Alaskans are just starting a program for recycling. Our program doesn't give out incentives. Actually, if you choose to curbside recycle, you have to pay for the service. :-(
12.24.2008
Wordfull Wednesday :0) Can't Help Myself 12-24-08
ST LUKE
CHAPTER 2
Angelic ministrants herald the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem—He is circumcised, and Simeon and Anna prophesy of his mission—At twelve years he is about his Father’s business.
1 And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed.
2 (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)
3 And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.
4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)
5 To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.
6 And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.
7 And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.
8 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.
9 And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.
10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,
14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.
15 And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.
16 And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.
17 And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.
18 And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.
19 But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.
20 And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.
21 And when eight days were accomplished for the circumcising of the child, his name was called JESUS, which was so named of the angel before he was conceived in the womb.
22 And when the days of her purification according to the law of Moses were accomplished, they brought him to Jerusalem, to present him to the Lord;
23 (As it is written in the law of the Lord, Every male that openeth the womb shall be called holy to the Lord;)
24 And to offer a sacrifice according to that which is said in the law of the Lord, A pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons.
25 And, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon; and the same man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Ghost was upon him.
26 And it was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Lord’s Christ.
27 And he came by the Spirit into the temple: and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him after the custom of the law,
28 Then took he him up in his arms, and blessed God, and said,
29 Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word:
30 For mine eyes have seen thy salvation,
31 Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people;
32 A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel.
33 And Joseph and his mother marvelled at those things which were spoken of him.
34 And Simeon blessed them, and said unto Mary his mother, Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel; and for a sign which shall be spoken against;
35 (Yea, a sword shall pierce through thy own soul also,) that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.
36 And there was one Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Aser: she was of a great age, and had lived with an husband seven years from her virginity;
37 And she was a widow of about fourscore and four years, which departed not from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day.
38 And she coming in that instant gave thanks likewise unto the Lord, and spake of him to all them that looked for redemption in Jerusalem.
39 And when they had performed all things according to the law of the Lord, they returned into Galilee, to their own city Nazareth.
40 And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom: and the grace of God was upon him.
41 Now his parents went to Jerusalem every year at the feast of the passover.
42 And when he was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem after the custom of the feast.
43 And when they had fulfilled the days, as they returned, the child Jesus tarried behind in Jerusalem; and Joseph and his mother knew not of it.
44 But they, supposing him to have been in the company, went a day’s journey; and they sought him among their kinsfolk and acquaintance.
45 And when they found him not, they turned back again to Jerusalem, seeking him.
46 And it came to pass, that after three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors, both hearing them, and asking them questions.
47 And all that heard him were astonished at his understanding and answers.
48 And when they saw him, they were amazed: and his mother said unto him, Son, why hast thou thus dealt with us? behold, thy father and I have sought thee sorrowing.
49 And he said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my Father’s business?
50 And they understood not the saying which he spake unto them.
51 And he went down with them, and came to Nazareth, and was subject unto them: but his mother kept all these sayings in her heart.
52 And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man.
12.21.2008
Menu Planning Monday 12-21-08
Monday: Soup-er Easy Black Bean and Corn Soup, Pita Chips, Grapes, Lemon Water
Tuesday: Chinese stir fry, brown rice, grapes and bananas, milk
Wednesday: Sausage and Cabbage Saute with Tart Apples, garlic toast, juice
Thursday: Ham, Scalloped Potatoes, Broccoli Salad, Cranberry Apple Jell-o Salad, Chocolate Brownie Trifle
Friday: Ham dinner leftovers
Saturday:
Sunday:
12.17.2008
12.12.2008
Thursday Three
1 - Apparently employees are hard to come by and people with the worst customer service skills are now promoted to manager. What they really manage I am not sure.
2 - The years in high school I studied wrestling positions turned out to be fabulous while handling a tantruming toddler during diaper changes.

12.10.2008
12.08.2008
Monday Menu Planning 12-08-08
Monday: Pork chops, potatoes, gravy, green beans, salad, fruit tray
Tuesday: Taco bar, beans, corn, juice
Wednesday: Chicken (green) salad, rolls, pea soup
Thursday: Cowboy casserole, rolls, grape and apple kabobs, milk
Friday: Mac N' Cheese with mini dogs, broccoli/cauliflower mix, juice slushy
Saturday: Polenta and Vegetable casserole, milk, strawberry jell-o
Sunday: Harvey Ham Sandwiches, green beans, sparkling apple cider
12.07.2008
Sunday Sampler 12-07-08
Singing hymns of praise. Nothing helps me feel closer to God quicker than a beautiful hymn of praise. No noisy background music, no drums, no flashing lights nor shouting. I love the sweet feeling that makes my heart swell when I am humbled by the words I sing with those around me. At times, I am caught deep into my soul and, uncontrollably, I begin to tear up. I believe as it is said in the preface of our church hymn books:
Some of the greatest sermons are preached by the singing of hymns. Hymns move us to repentance and good works, build testimony and faith, comfort the weary, console the mourning, and inspire us to endure to the end.
For me, the hymns have been especially helpful during times of grief or distress. I've turned to them for comfort when those I hold dear to me have passed away, when I am troubled with contention, when I feel lonely, and when I want to cheer up my children. I feel an overwhelming sense of the Lord putting his arms around me and telling me I can get through this.
12.05.2008
Family Friday 12-05-08
12.04.2008
Thursday Three 12-04-08
My Grandma's painting of a lake in Alaska: yet to be matted :-(

My Aunt and Uncle's bird clock they made us for our wedding present:

Artwork from Oladesign at Etsy:
12.03.2008
Wordless Wednesday 12-03-08
Time to adorn the tree!
Christmas Trees - to find out more about the history of the Christmas tree click here!12.02.2008
Tornado Tuesday 12-02-08
Calling all tacklers - calling aaalll tacklers....
This is Andrea speaking. I am now ready to roll my sleeves down, take some time to enjoy the season, and spend more time with my family.
Tackling it Tuesday will now be Tornado Tuesday because that is what I am going to be this next month - a big tornado of things to do, places to go and people to see! I am very excited for this Christmas to be here. Mainly because it will be a break for my wonderful, sweet, handsome, loving, kind and intellegent husband from school and work to spend some time with us! Yeah! Hopefully I can keep up with the home keeping basics and concentrate more on serving others in need as well as serving my family a big piece of Charity Pie! Grab your forks and napkins because this years Charity Pie will be scrumptious.
12.01.2008
Menu Planning Monday 12-01-08
Monday: Spaghetti with meatballs, garlic toast, green beans, fruit smoothies
Tuesday: Chicken Casserole, brown rice, applesauce
Wednesday: Baked Potato Bar, broccoli, jell-o
Thursday: Chicken nuggets, green beans and corn, fruit kabobs
Friday: BLT sandwiches, vegetable chips, grapes
Saturday: Pork Chops and Gravy, baked fries, peas, juice
Sunday: Chicken Noodle Soup with dumplings, dinner salad









