Last night I brought Pumpkin Ooey Gooey Butter Cake to Bible study. It was very rich and quite yummy! I thought I'd share the recipe with all of you. Enjoy!
Pumpkin Ooey Gooey butter cake
Ingredients
Cake:
1 (18 1/4-ounce) package yellow cake mix
1 egg
8 tablespoons butter, melted
Filling:
1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
1 (15-ounce) can pumpkin
3 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
8 tablespoons butter, melted
1 (16-ounce) box powdered sugar
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon nutmeg
Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
Combine the cake mix, egg, and butter and mix well with an electric mixer. Pat the mixture into the bottom of a lightly greased 13 by 9-inch baking pan.
To make the filling: In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and pumpkin until smooth. Add the eggs, vanilla, and butter, and beat together. Next, add the powdered sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and mix well. Spread pumpkin mixture over cake batter and bake for 40 to 50 minutes. Make sure not to overbake as the center should be a little gooey.
Serve with fresh whipped cream.
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Thursday, October 21, 2010
Quote of the Day
“Spread love everywhere you go: first of all in your own house. Give love to your children, to your wife or husband, to a next door neighbor… Let no one ever come to you without leaving better and happier. Be the living expression of God’s kindness; kindness in your face, kindness in your eyes, kindness in your smile, kindness in your warm greeting.” - Mother Theresa
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Who do you belong to?
He is the first and the last, the beginning and the end. He’s the keeper of creation and the creator of all. He’s the architect of the universe and the manager of all time. He always was, always is, always will be unmoved, unchanged, undefeated and never undone.
He was bruised but brought healing, He was pierced but eased pain, He was persecuted but brought freedom, He was dead and brings life. He is risen to bring power and He reigns to bring peace.
The world can’t understand Him, armies can’t defeat Him, schools can’t explain Him and leaders - they can’t ignore Him. Herrod couldn’t kill Him, Nero couldn’t crush Him, the new age cannot replace Him and Oprah cannot explain Him away.
You remind yourself, that He is light, He is love, He is longevity and He is the Lord. He is goodness and kindness and faithfulness and He is God. He is holy and righteousness and powerful and pure.
His ways are right, His word eternal, His will unchanging and His mind is on us. He’s our Savior, our guide, our peace, our joy, our comfort, our Lord and He rules our lives.
I serve Him because….His bond is love, His yoke is easy, His burden is light and His goal for us is abundant life. I follow Him because He’s the wisdom of the wise, the power of the powerful, the ancient of days, the ruler of rulers, the leader of all leaders. His goal is a relationship with me.
He’ll never leave you, never forsake you, never mislead you, never forget you, never overlook you, and never cancel your appointment in his appointment book.
When you fall He’ll lift you up. When you fail, he’ll forgive you. When you’re weak, He’s strong. When you’re lost, He’s your way. When you’re afraid, He’s your courage.
When you stumble, he will steady you. When you’re hurt He’s gonna heal you. When you’re broken, He will mend you. When you’re blind, He will lead you. When you’re hungry, He will feed you. When you face trials, He’s with you. When I face persecution, He shields me. When I face problems, He will comfort me. When I face loss, He will provide for me. And when we face death, He will carry us all home to meet Him.
He is everything, for everybody, everywhere, every time and in everyway. He is your God. And that sisters, is who you belong to.
-Anointed, Transformed, and Redeemed 2008
He was bruised but brought healing, He was pierced but eased pain, He was persecuted but brought freedom, He was dead and brings life. He is risen to bring power and He reigns to bring peace.
The world can’t understand Him, armies can’t defeat Him, schools can’t explain Him and leaders - they can’t ignore Him. Herrod couldn’t kill Him, Nero couldn’t crush Him, the new age cannot replace Him and Oprah cannot explain Him away.
You remind yourself, that He is light, He is love, He is longevity and He is the Lord. He is goodness and kindness and faithfulness and He is God. He is holy and righteousness and powerful and pure.
His ways are right, His word eternal, His will unchanging and His mind is on us. He’s our Savior, our guide, our peace, our joy, our comfort, our Lord and He rules our lives.
I serve Him because….His bond is love, His yoke is easy, His burden is light and His goal for us is abundant life. I follow Him because He’s the wisdom of the wise, the power of the powerful, the ancient of days, the ruler of rulers, the leader of all leaders. His goal is a relationship with me.
He’ll never leave you, never forsake you, never mislead you, never forget you, never overlook you, and never cancel your appointment in his appointment book.
When you fall He’ll lift you up. When you fail, he’ll forgive you. When you’re weak, He’s strong. When you’re lost, He’s your way. When you’re afraid, He’s your courage.
When you stumble, he will steady you. When you’re hurt He’s gonna heal you. When you’re broken, He will mend you. When you’re blind, He will lead you. When you’re hungry, He will feed you. When you face trials, He’s with you. When I face persecution, He shields me. When I face problems, He will comfort me. When I face loss, He will provide for me. And when we face death, He will carry us all home to meet Him.
He is everything, for everybody, everywhere, every time and in everyway. He is your God. And that sisters, is who you belong to.
-Anointed, Transformed, and Redeemed 2008
Thursday, October 14, 2010
October Playdate
Wow! I have been terrible at keeping up this blog. In my defense, I also have been insanely busy but who isn't, right? I'm going to try to be better at posting. We'll see. :)
The October playdate will be next Friday, October 22 at 9:30 am at the zoo, again. I couldn't come up with a creative place to go and I thought we should try to sneak in one more outdoor playdate before the weather turns on us. The zoo is always fun and should be free for most of us. If you do not have a zoo pass, let me know. I can bring two guests on my zoo pass.
We'll meet in the main entrance building. Hope you all can come!
The October playdate will be next Friday, October 22 at 9:30 am at the zoo, again. I couldn't come up with a creative place to go and I thought we should try to sneak in one more outdoor playdate before the weather turns on us. The zoo is always fun and should be free for most of us. If you do not have a zoo pass, let me know. I can bring two guests on my zoo pass.
We'll meet in the main entrance building. Hope you all can come!
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
September Playdate
We had so much fun last month at our playdate at the pool. There were 5 mommies and 10 kiddos. It was a great day in the sun!
Our September playdate will be on Friday, September 24 at 9:30 am at Frame Park in Waukesha again. We can go for a walk along the beautiful riverwalk and then the kids can play on the playground. Let's meet in the parking lot next to the Schuetze building (behind Whiterock elementary school). Hope to see you there!
Let me know if you plan on coming so I can watch for you that morning.
Our September playdate will be on Friday, September 24 at 9:30 am at Frame Park in Waukesha again. We can go for a walk along the beautiful riverwalk and then the kids can play on the playground. Let's meet in the parking lot next to the Schuetze building (behind Whiterock elementary school). Hope to see you there!
Let me know if you plan on coming so I can watch for you that morning.
Thursday, August 19, 2010
Happy Underwear Week!
Ok, so maybe we're the only ones celebrating this little known holiday. And boy, are we celebrating!!
Warning: The following contains potty talk but I'm sure as a mom you know how important and exciting this is. And if you don't yet, you will. :)
We decided last week that Monday would be "no more diapers" day for my 3 year old son. We talked about it for days before to prepare him (and probably more importantly to prepare myself.) Monday morning we headed to the store to buy underwear with superheroes and Woody and Buzz on them (for moral support) and pull-ups for night time. Then we went to the grocery store to buy donuts. Finally, we took it all with us along with a potty seat to my mom's house (more moral support.) We ate our donuts, put on our first pair of underwear, and sent the boy outside to play with his sisters. I set the timer for 10 minutes so I could call him back in to try going potty. I thought at the beginning I should have him try often with short intervals between. Well, after 7 minutes he came in with wet underwear. We continued this frustrating pattern for most of the afternoon. He would come in wet just minutes before the timer went off - no matter how long I set it for. Our breakthrough came when I had him stand at the big potty. He went!!! And he thought he was pretty cool, too (which always helps). We went home and continued our timer routine and forgot about the little potty seat. He was starting to get the hang of it. We put a pull-up on him before bed and stressed the importance of not letting the little picture on the front disappear by staying dry.
The next morning as soon as I heard those little bare feet hit the ground, I went running and yelling "go to the potty! Go to the potty!". Poor kid, I'm surprised he didn't wet his pants on the spot. But amazingly, only half of the picture was faded and he went on the potty like a pro!
The first night I ended up washing about a dozen pair of underwear, the 2nd night it was down to about 4, and yesterday was 2! And he woke up the last 2 mornings with his picture completely intact. He is doing so amazingly well and I am so proud of him. After every time he goes, I say "Great job, buddy!!" (all excitedly) and he replies "Thank you, mama!" (with definite pride in his voice - the good kind :)
I had to share this rite of passage with you all and thank all of you who said a prayer for us. It definitely worked.
Warning: The following contains potty talk but I'm sure as a mom you know how important and exciting this is. And if you don't yet, you will. :)
We decided last week that Monday would be "no more diapers" day for my 3 year old son. We talked about it for days before to prepare him (and probably more importantly to prepare myself.) Monday morning we headed to the store to buy underwear with superheroes and Woody and Buzz on them (for moral support) and pull-ups for night time. Then we went to the grocery store to buy donuts. Finally, we took it all with us along with a potty seat to my mom's house (more moral support.) We ate our donuts, put on our first pair of underwear, and sent the boy outside to play with his sisters. I set the timer for 10 minutes so I could call him back in to try going potty. I thought at the beginning I should have him try often with short intervals between. Well, after 7 minutes he came in with wet underwear. We continued this frustrating pattern for most of the afternoon. He would come in wet just minutes before the timer went off - no matter how long I set it for. Our breakthrough came when I had him stand at the big potty. He went!!! And he thought he was pretty cool, too (which always helps). We went home and continued our timer routine and forgot about the little potty seat. He was starting to get the hang of it. We put a pull-up on him before bed and stressed the importance of not letting the little picture on the front disappear by staying dry.
The next morning as soon as I heard those little bare feet hit the ground, I went running and yelling "go to the potty! Go to the potty!". Poor kid, I'm surprised he didn't wet his pants on the spot. But amazingly, only half of the picture was faded and he went on the potty like a pro!
The first night I ended up washing about a dozen pair of underwear, the 2nd night it was down to about 4, and yesterday was 2! And he woke up the last 2 mornings with his picture completely intact. He is doing so amazingly well and I am so proud of him. After every time he goes, I say "Great job, buddy!!" (all excitedly) and he replies "Thank you, mama!" (with definite pride in his voice - the good kind :)
I had to share this rite of passage with you all and thank all of you who said a prayer for us. It definitely worked.
Saturday, July 24, 2010
August Playdate
Hello, are you still there? This summer is going fast . . . My kiddos are keeping me very busy and trying to drive me crazy. :)
Our July playdate was a hot day in the park. There were 4 moms and 9 kids!! It was a fun time.
Our August playdate will be on August 20th at 10:00 am at my parents pool!! The pool is above ground and has a slight dip in the center. They have a few life jackets and baby boats but please feel free to bring your own if you have them. Also, bring a lunch along and we can picnic in the backyard. Let me know if you have questions. I will email my parents address and directions to their house when I find out whose coming. This should be a lot of fun as long as the weather cooperates!
Hope you can come!
Our July playdate was a hot day in the park. There were 4 moms and 9 kids!! It was a fun time.
Our August playdate will be on August 20th at 10:00 am at my parents pool!! The pool is above ground and has a slight dip in the center. They have a few life jackets and baby boats but please feel free to bring your own if you have them. Also, bring a lunch along and we can picnic in the backyard. Let me know if you have questions. I will email my parents address and directions to their house when I find out whose coming. This should be a lot of fun as long as the weather cooperates!
Hope you can come!
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
July Playdate
Our July playdate will be on Friday, July 16 at 10:00 am at Grandview Park in Waukesha. The park is on Grandview Blvd just after Summit Ave. I checked it out today and it seems very little kid friendly. You probably want to park on one of the side streets on either side of the park (Easy St or Pine St - I think).
Let's hope for nice weather! See you there!
Let's hope for nice weather! See you there!
Sunday, June 27, 2010
Gifts From God
Children are a gift from God! They are tiny packages filled with tremendous potential, given to bring great blessing - as well as a challenge here and there! God gives them to us, not to be possessed or controlled, but to be loved and nurtured.
Each little bundle is created with the greatest care in the mother's womb, woven carefully in God's own image. No two children are exactly alike. Each child has a distinct and unique personality with strengths and weaknesses, gifts and abilities, desires and dreams to be nutured and molded with love, discipline, and instruction. God has a perfect plan for each child's life - a future with purpose and hope.
Just as proper nutrition is needed for children to develop strong and healthy bodies, the pure milk of God's Word is vital to nourish the heart and character of every child. And God uses a parent's love not only to teach and instruct but also to wrap a child's heart with the warmth of comfort, protection, and blessing.
"Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation, now that you have tasted that the Lord is good." 1 Peter 2:2-3 NIV
-Karla Dornacher from "Love In Every Room"
Each little bundle is created with the greatest care in the mother's womb, woven carefully in God's own image. No two children are exactly alike. Each child has a distinct and unique personality with strengths and weaknesses, gifts and abilities, desires and dreams to be nutured and molded with love, discipline, and instruction. God has a perfect plan for each child's life - a future with purpose and hope.
Just as proper nutrition is needed for children to develop strong and healthy bodies, the pure milk of God's Word is vital to nourish the heart and character of every child. And God uses a parent's love not only to teach and instruct but also to wrap a child's heart with the warmth of comfort, protection, and blessing.
"Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation, now that you have tasted that the Lord is good." 1 Peter 2:2-3 NIV
-Karla Dornacher from "Love In Every Room"
Thursday, June 24, 2010
Looking Down the Road
An excerpt from Lisa Whelchel's book "Creative Correction" :
When our children are young, it's easy to become myopic, or shortsighted, in our vision. We zoom around, putting out the fires in front of us, always keeping a fire extinguisher handy, but never taking the time to think about installing a water-sprinkler system for the future. It's important, however, that we stop every so often in the midst of firefighting to look down the road. Are we still guiding our children in the right direction?
You know what happens if you stare at your feet while walking. You begin to lose your balance and don't even realize you've veered off course until it's too late. We need to pause in our journey and take a good, long, loving look at our little ones. We need to take the time to assess their strengths and weaknesses and evaluate what those same character traits will look like down the road in a teenager and, eventually, in an adult.
Sneaking a cookie from the jar when Mom isn't looking is easily punishable with a slap on the hand. Sneaking a pair of earrings from the local mall may also be handled by a slap on the wrist - with handcuffs. Cheating at a board game may result in being sent back to "Start." Cheating on a test in high school will also send you home - possibly in expulsion. Getting angry and hitting a parent would warrant a time-out. Getting angry and hitting a teacher could warrant another form of "time-out" - behind bars.
Don't misunderstand. I'm not saying that if little Susie steals a cookie, she's going to end up in jail someday. What I am saying is this: Ignoring moral issues when the implications are toddler- size can reap perilous, teenager- size repercussions. We can't avoid our children's peccadilloes forever - but when would you rather deal with these moral and character issues? When your child is five years old or 15?
When our children are young, it's easy to become myopic, or shortsighted, in our vision. We zoom around, putting out the fires in front of us, always keeping a fire extinguisher handy, but never taking the time to think about installing a water-sprinkler system for the future. It's important, however, that we stop every so often in the midst of firefighting to look down the road. Are we still guiding our children in the right direction?
You know what happens if you stare at your feet while walking. You begin to lose your balance and don't even realize you've veered off course until it's too late. We need to pause in our journey and take a good, long, loving look at our little ones. We need to take the time to assess their strengths and weaknesses and evaluate what those same character traits will look like down the road in a teenager and, eventually, in an adult.
Sneaking a cookie from the jar when Mom isn't looking is easily punishable with a slap on the hand. Sneaking a pair of earrings from the local mall may also be handled by a slap on the wrist - with handcuffs. Cheating at a board game may result in being sent back to "Start." Cheating on a test in high school will also send you home - possibly in expulsion. Getting angry and hitting a parent would warrant a time-out. Getting angry and hitting a teacher could warrant another form of "time-out" - behind bars.
Don't misunderstand. I'm not saying that if little Susie steals a cookie, she's going to end up in jail someday. What I am saying is this: Ignoring moral issues when the implications are toddler- size can reap perilous, teenager- size repercussions. We can't avoid our children's peccadilloes forever - but when would you rather deal with these moral and character issues? When your child is five years old or 15?
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Zoo Playdate Reminder
Just a reminder - this Friday is our playdate at the zoo! Please, please, please let me know if you are coming. It is very hard to plan these playdates without knowing who is planning on coming.
Hope to see you there!
Hope to see you there!
Thursday, June 10, 2010
Summer Vacation
Hello, Summer! -- (A Last Day of School Poem)
by
Gregory K.
Goodbye, classroom!
Goodbye, Teach!
You can find me at the beach...
Or in the park or at the pool
Or any place that isn’t school.
Goodbye, quizzes!
Bye, reports!
Hello days packed full of sports
And days when I’m just lazybones
While eating melty ice cream cones.
Goodbye, homework --
Lunchroom, too.
There’s so, so much I wanna do.
I know the school year flew on past…
But please, please summer -- last and last.
Summer Vacation
by Jamie (in honor of Mommies everywhere)
Hello, children
Darlings each.
Let's all head out for the beach
Or to the park or to the pool
Or anyplace that's really cool.
Hello, fighting
Hello, stress
Why is this house such a mess?
I cannot think with all this noise.
Girls, please separate from the boys.
Goodbye, Sanity
And freedom, too.
I can't think of new activities to do.
I know the school year flew by fast
So please, PLEASE summer - don't last and last!!
by
Gregory K.
Goodbye, classroom!
Goodbye, Teach!
You can find me at the beach...
Or in the park or at the pool
Or any place that isn’t school.
Goodbye, quizzes!
Bye, reports!
Hello days packed full of sports
And days when I’m just lazybones
While eating melty ice cream cones.
Goodbye, homework --
Lunchroom, too.
There’s so, so much I wanna do.
I know the school year flew on past…
But please, please summer -- last and last.
Summer Vacation
by Jamie (in honor of Mommies everywhere)
Hello, children
Darlings each.
Let's all head out for the beach
Or to the park or to the pool
Or anyplace that's really cool.
Hello, fighting
Hello, stress
Why is this house such a mess?
I cannot think with all this noise.
Girls, please separate from the boys.
Goodbye, Sanity
And freedom, too.
I can't think of new activities to do.
I know the school year flew by fast
So please, PLEASE summer - don't last and last!!
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
Thursday, June 3, 2010
A Letter of Blessing
Steve Lynn is a business executive in Nashville. At each milestone in his children's lives, he writes them a letter of blessing such as the one below. It's a precious tradition, and the letters will certainly be treasures for his children to keep forever.
A letter of blessing for Laura Whitney Lynn as she begins middle school:
My dear Whitney,
Our chosen little baby, tomorrow is another major passage as you become a beautiful, unique young lady. Your Mother and I are grateful for you. We are proud of your external and internal beauty, your bright exploring mind, mothering instincts, loving heart, and creativity.
Through Christ our Lord, I bless you and pray God's blessings upon this step and throughout your life journey. I pray for self-discipline, focus, and commitment to excellence; for balance and enjoyment of the journey; for lots of good friends; and for a focus on relationships rather than things. I encourage you to understand that true freedom comes only from a call to personal responsibilty to our fellow man and to our creator.
You have already experienced some of life's hurts. I praise you for how you have overcome them, and I continue to pray daily that you will be surrounded by God's protective angels. You are God's child given to Mom and me for a time until, in a few short years, you are fully ready to be a responsible adult. We are so thankful that you and God chose us. May our Lord bless and keep you.
Love, Dad
-Cheri Fuller from "The Fragrance of Kindness"
A great book to read that deals with this same topic is called "The Blessing" by Gary Smalley and John Trent, PhD. This book can help you if you have missed out on the blessing from your parents and shows how to give the blessing to your children and others in your life.
A letter of blessing for Laura Whitney Lynn as she begins middle school:
My dear Whitney,
Our chosen little baby, tomorrow is another major passage as you become a beautiful, unique young lady. Your Mother and I are grateful for you. We are proud of your external and internal beauty, your bright exploring mind, mothering instincts, loving heart, and creativity.
Through Christ our Lord, I bless you and pray God's blessings upon this step and throughout your life journey. I pray for self-discipline, focus, and commitment to excellence; for balance and enjoyment of the journey; for lots of good friends; and for a focus on relationships rather than things. I encourage you to understand that true freedom comes only from a call to personal responsibilty to our fellow man and to our creator.
You have already experienced some of life's hurts. I praise you for how you have overcome them, and I continue to pray daily that you will be surrounded by God's protective angels. You are God's child given to Mom and me for a time until, in a few short years, you are fully ready to be a responsible adult. We are so thankful that you and God chose us. May our Lord bless and keep you.
Love, Dad
-Cheri Fuller from "The Fragrance of Kindness"
A great book to read that deals with this same topic is called "The Blessing" by Gary Smalley and John Trent, PhD. This book can help you if you have missed out on the blessing from your parents and shows how to give the blessing to your children and others in your life.
Monday, May 31, 2010
Mom discovers real meaning of Memorial Day by Kim Dailey
I was driving past the American Legion a couple days ago when I heard my youngest daughter's voice pipe in from the back seat.
"Why are all those flags there, Mommy?"
I looked out the driver-side window and saw folks planting American flags near the parking lot entrance.
"It's almost Memorial Day," I replied.
"What's Memmm-oril Day?" she asked.
"Mem-or-ial Day is a day we remember people who have passed away. We also get to enjoy a break from school and work," I answered.
I co-teach in my school's history department, and I was excited to be embarking on a history lesson with my daughter. I spoke on remembering soldiers and family members and friends. Barbecues with family, sleeping in, and shopping the sales were also part of our discussion. I could hardly wait to get home and research the topic online for further dialogue.
I googled "Memorial Day History" and the website www.usmemorialday.org came up at the top of the list. I began to read about "Decoration Day," the original day of remembrance. The account spoke of the first official recognition of Memorial Day by John Logan in 1868. At that time, flowers were placed on the graves of Union and Confederate soldiers in Arlington National Cemetery.
It described poems and songs tied to the event and the sale of poppies by the Veterans of Foreign Wars. My mind slipped back to my youth as I remembered my parents purchasing these little red flowers and twisting their wire stems onto our car's rear-view mirror.
Reading further on the website, I was stopped in my tracks.
"Traditional observance of Memorial day has diminished over the years. Many Americans nowadays have forgotten the meaning and traditions of Memorial Day. At many cemeteries, the graves of the fallen are increasingly ignored, neglected ... Some people think the day is for honoring any and all dead, and not just those fallen in service to our country."
I was one of those people. I read on.
"Many feel that when Congress made the day into a three-day weekend with the National Holiday Act of 1971, it made it all the easier for people to be distracted from the spirit and meaning of the day ... No doubt, this has contributed greatly to the general public's nonchalant observance of Memorial Day."
The words 'shopping" and "barbecue" reverberated in my head, and I began to feel guilt well up in my core. I looked back to the top of the article and read the first line from the website aloud to my daughter.
"Memorial Day, originally called Decoration Day, is a day of remembrance for those who have died in our nation's service."
Let us never take for granted our service people who fought to secure our freedoms. Let us never forget that while we are sleeping in or shopping or barbecuing, there are still service men and women facing uncertainty and risking their very lives so that we may continue to enjoy these endeavors. This Memorial Day, as we take note of the red, white, and blue, let us never forget to remember those who sacrificed their lives in the service of our country.
Kim Dailey, of Columbia, is a wife, mother of five and special education teacher who relies on her faith and sense of humor to survive in this crazy world. In her free time she soaks it in, sorts it out and writes about life.
"Why are all those flags there, Mommy?"
I looked out the driver-side window and saw folks planting American flags near the parking lot entrance.
"It's almost Memorial Day," I replied.
"What's Memmm-oril Day?" she asked.
"Mem-or-ial Day is a day we remember people who have passed away. We also get to enjoy a break from school and work," I answered.
I co-teach in my school's history department, and I was excited to be embarking on a history lesson with my daughter. I spoke on remembering soldiers and family members and friends. Barbecues with family, sleeping in, and shopping the sales were also part of our discussion. I could hardly wait to get home and research the topic online for further dialogue.
I googled "Memorial Day History" and the website www.usmemorialday.org came up at the top of the list. I began to read about "Decoration Day," the original day of remembrance. The account spoke of the first official recognition of Memorial Day by John Logan in 1868. At that time, flowers were placed on the graves of Union and Confederate soldiers in Arlington National Cemetery.
It described poems and songs tied to the event and the sale of poppies by the Veterans of Foreign Wars. My mind slipped back to my youth as I remembered my parents purchasing these little red flowers and twisting their wire stems onto our car's rear-view mirror.
Reading further on the website, I was stopped in my tracks.
"Traditional observance of Memorial day has diminished over the years. Many Americans nowadays have forgotten the meaning and traditions of Memorial Day. At many cemeteries, the graves of the fallen are increasingly ignored, neglected ... Some people think the day is for honoring any and all dead, and not just those fallen in service to our country."
I was one of those people. I read on.
"Many feel that when Congress made the day into a three-day weekend with the National Holiday Act of 1971, it made it all the easier for people to be distracted from the spirit and meaning of the day ... No doubt, this has contributed greatly to the general public's nonchalant observance of Memorial Day."
The words 'shopping" and "barbecue" reverberated in my head, and I began to feel guilt well up in my core. I looked back to the top of the article and read the first line from the website aloud to my daughter.
"Memorial Day, originally called Decoration Day, is a day of remembrance for those who have died in our nation's service."
Let us never take for granted our service people who fought to secure our freedoms. Let us never forget that while we are sleeping in or shopping or barbecuing, there are still service men and women facing uncertainty and risking their very lives so that we may continue to enjoy these endeavors. This Memorial Day, as we take note of the red, white, and blue, let us never forget to remember those who sacrificed their lives in the service of our country.
Kim Dailey, of Columbia, is a wife, mother of five and special education teacher who relies on her faith and sense of humor to survive in this crazy world. In her free time she soaks it in, sorts it out and writes about life.
Sunday, May 30, 2010
Who likes parades?!?
WAUKESHA
Memorial Day events will begin at 9 a.m. Monday in front of the Lee Sherman Dreyfus State Office Building . There, chaplains will deliver Memorial Day prayers. There also will be a massing of colors, casting flowers on the water and a rifle salute. The parade will start at 9:15 a.m. on Baxter Street and will proceed to Buckley Street . Then, it will turn left onto West Main Street and then right onto Main Street . The parade will proceed to Maple Avenue and end at Cutler Park . Further ceremonies will continue in Cutler Park at 11 a.m.
OCONOMOWOC
Memorial Day observances will start at 10 a.m. Monday at City Beach with a traditional Memorial Day service. This year’s featured speaker is Maj. Ben Wagner, Gulf Company weapons commander. Wagner served two tours in Iraq and was awarded a Bronze Star. The parade will begin at the band shell and proceed east on Wisconsin Avenue to Oakwood Avenue , where it will stop for a brief ceremony. Then, the parade will continue to LaBelle Cemetery , where floral, military and musical tributes will honor veterans who have passed since last Memorial Day.
ELM GROVE
This year’s Memorial Day parade grand marshall is John Malan, who earned a Purple Heart during his service in Vietnam . The parade begins at 10:30 a.m. Monday at the Village Grounds. The parade will conclude at the Sendik’s parking lot. The Elm Grove Business Association will sponsor food, drinks and music there.
SUSSEX
The parade will begin at 1 p.m. Monday at Highway 74 and Waukesha Avenue . The parade will proceed west on Main Street to the VFW Post. After the parade, the VFW will present a service recognizing and honoring men and women in the armed forces.
NEW BERLIN
New Berlin VFW Post 5716 will host this year’s Memorial Day celebration. The ceremony will begin 11 a.m. Monday at the Veterans Memorial located in the southwest corner of Highland Memorial Park Cemetery 14875 W. Greenfield Ave.
PEWAUKEE
The village will host a weekend Veterans Festival continuing through Monday. Throughout the weekend, there will be rides, raffles and live music. On Memorial Day, the American Legion will host a parade that begins at the schools and ends at St. Mary’s Cemetery. There will be five stops at memorials along the way to honor veterans. The parade begins at 9:30 a.m.
Memorial Day events will begin at 9 a.m. Monday in front of the Lee Sherman Dreyfus State Office Building . There, chaplains will deliver Memorial Day prayers. There also will be a massing of colors, casting flowers on the water and a rifle salute. The parade will start at 9:15 a.m. on Baxter Street and will proceed to Buckley Street . Then, it will turn left onto West Main Street and then right onto Main Street . The parade will proceed to Maple Avenue and end at Cutler Park . Further ceremonies will continue in Cutler Park at 11 a.m.
OCONOMOWOC
Memorial Day observances will start at 10 a.m. Monday at City Beach with a traditional Memorial Day service. This year’s featured speaker is Maj. Ben Wagner, Gulf Company weapons commander. Wagner served two tours in Iraq and was awarded a Bronze Star. The parade will begin at the band shell and proceed east on Wisconsin Avenue to Oakwood Avenue , where it will stop for a brief ceremony. Then, the parade will continue to LaBelle Cemetery , where floral, military and musical tributes will honor veterans who have passed since last Memorial Day.
ELM GROVE
This year’s Memorial Day parade grand marshall is John Malan, who earned a Purple Heart during his service in Vietnam . The parade begins at 10:30 a.m. Monday at the Village Grounds. The parade will conclude at the Sendik’s parking lot. The Elm Grove Business Association will sponsor food, drinks and music there.
SUSSEX
The parade will begin at 1 p.m. Monday at Highway 74 and Waukesha Avenue . The parade will proceed west on Main Street to the VFW Post. After the parade, the VFW will present a service recognizing and honoring men and women in the armed forces.
NEW BERLIN
New Berlin VFW Post 5716 will host this year’s Memorial Day celebration. The ceremony will begin 11 a.m. Monday at the Veterans Memorial located in the southwest corner of Highland Memorial Park Cemetery 14875 W. Greenfield Ave.
PEWAUKEE
The village will host a weekend Veterans Festival continuing through Monday. Throughout the weekend, there will be rides, raffles and live music. On Memorial Day, the American Legion will host a parade that begins at the schools and ends at St. Mary’s Cemetery. There will be five stops at memorials along the way to honor veterans. The parade begins at 9:30 a.m.
Saturday, May 29, 2010
June Playdate
Yesterday was a beautiful day for a walk. Three mommies and four adorable kids made for a fun time along the riverwalk.
Our June playdate will be on Friday, June 18 at the ZOO. Due to the fact that many of us have zoo passes and some of us can bring guests on our passes, this should be a free event. Yay! However, this will also take a little bit of coordinating to pull off. Please let me know as soon as possible if you are able to join us and whether or not you have a zoo pass.
We will meet at 9:30 am in the Peck Welcome Center. This should be a fun time!
Our June playdate will be on Friday, June 18 at the ZOO. Due to the fact that many of us have zoo passes and some of us can bring guests on our passes, this should be a free event. Yay! However, this will also take a little bit of coordinating to pull off. Please let me know as soon as possible if you are able to join us and whether or not you have a zoo pass.
We will meet at 9:30 am in the Peck Welcome Center. This should be a fun time!
Thursday, May 27, 2010
You've gotta love Anita Renfroe. . .
Here are a couple videos of Anita, a Christian comedian. She is hilarious and really understands Mommies!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vLjWDKu0jfM&feature=youtube_gdata
And in case you've never seen this:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A0ZpuA8_YYk&feature=youtube_gdata
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vLjWDKu0jfM&feature=youtube_gdata
And in case you've never seen this:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A0ZpuA8_YYk&feature=youtube_gdata
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Butterfinger Cake
Here is the recipe I made last night for Bible study. It's tasty but very sweet. . . :)
Yellow cake mix
1 can sweetened condensed milk
1 jar caramel topping
3-4 Butterfinger candy bars
Cool Whip
Bake the cake mix according to the package. While hot - poke holes all over it. Mix together the sweet milk and caramel and pour over cake. Crush up the butterfingers and spread on top. Allow to cool and refrigerate. Once completely cool - top with cool whip.
Enjoy!
Yellow cake mix
1 can sweetened condensed milk
1 jar caramel topping
3-4 Butterfinger candy bars
Cool Whip
Bake the cake mix according to the package. While hot - poke holes all over it. Mix together the sweet milk and caramel and pour over cake. Crush up the butterfingers and spread on top. Allow to cool and refrigerate. Once completely cool - top with cool whip.
Enjoy!
Monday, May 24, 2010
Playdate Reminder
This Friday, May 28 is our playdate at Frame Park at 9:30 am. Let's meet in the parking lot next to the Schuetze building (behind Whiterock elementary school). The weather looks beautiful for a walk and some playing in the park! Hope to see you there!
Thursday, May 20, 2010
A Change of Heart
At a time when she was busy with her flock of little ones, aged three, two, and six months, Connie began to realize that she and her husband, Stan, were not parenting the same way. He had a different temperament and gifts, and a distinctly different parenting style. But Connie was a professional; she had years of experience with children as a Child Life Specialist in hospitals. She'd taken many courses on child development. In fact, she had a master's degree in the field. She was sure HER WAY was the right way and only way to handle their children. If only her husband would change and do things HER WAY.
One day in frustration, she sat down on her bed and began to pray about the conflicts they were having. "God, when are You going to show Stan that I'm doing this right, and he should come on board and do it my way?" she asked.
As clearly, yet quietly as she'd heard anything from God, He whispered, "If both of you were exactly the same, one of you wouldn't be necessary!" She knew she didn't want to be the parent who wasn't needed, nor did she want Stan to be expendable.
With those few words from God's heart, a dramatic change took place in Connie's attitude. She began to value her husband's parenting style instead of critcizing it. She began to appreciate his gifts and unique way of relating to their kids, to celebrate their differences instead of being irritated by them. As a result, they had more unity and harmony as parents and a happy peace descended on their home.
-Cheri Fuller from "Quiet Whispers from God's Heart for Women"
One day in frustration, she sat down on her bed and began to pray about the conflicts they were having. "God, when are You going to show Stan that I'm doing this right, and he should come on board and do it my way?" she asked.
As clearly, yet quietly as she'd heard anything from God, He whispered, "If both of you were exactly the same, one of you wouldn't be necessary!" She knew she didn't want to be the parent who wasn't needed, nor did she want Stan to be expendable.
With those few words from God's heart, a dramatic change took place in Connie's attitude. She began to value her husband's parenting style instead of critcizing it. She began to appreciate his gifts and unique way of relating to their kids, to celebrate their differences instead of being irritated by them. As a result, they had more unity and harmony as parents and a happy peace descended on their home.
-Cheri Fuller from "Quiet Whispers from God's Heart for Women"
Monday, May 17, 2010
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
I need help!
As i'm sure most of you know, I love to read! The problem is I haven't found a good book to read in awhile. So, can you help me out by suggesting some good reads? I try to stick to Christian fiction. What book have you read that you loved, loved, loved? Hopefully I haven't already read it. . . ;)
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Recipe for a Rainy Day
Here is a recipe I found for "Fun Dough". This looks like a fun rainy day project to me.
1 1/4 cups Original Bisquick® mix
1/4 cup salt
1 teaspoon cream of tartar
1 cup water
1 teaspoon food color
Stir Bisquick, salt and cream of tartar in 4-cup microwavable measuring cup until mixed; set aside. Mix water and food color in liquid measuring cup.
Stir a small amount of colored water at a time into dry mixture until all water is added. Microwave uncovered on High 1 minute. Scrape mixture from side of cup and stir.
Microwave uncovered 2 to 3 minutes longer, stirring every minute, until mixture almost forms a ball. Let dough stand uncovered about 3 minutes.
Remove dough from measuring cup, using spoon. Knead dough in your hands or on the counter about 1 minute or until smooth. (If dough is sticky, add 1 to 2 tablespoons Bisquick.) Cool about 15 minutes. Use dough to make shapes and designs. Store in tightly covered container in refrigerator.
1 1/4 cups Original Bisquick® mix
1/4 cup salt
1 teaspoon cream of tartar
1 cup water
1 teaspoon food color
Stir Bisquick, salt and cream of tartar in 4-cup microwavable measuring cup until mixed; set aside. Mix water and food color in liquid measuring cup.
Stir a small amount of colored water at a time into dry mixture until all water is added. Microwave uncovered on High 1 minute. Scrape mixture from side of cup and stir.
Microwave uncovered 2 to 3 minutes longer, stirring every minute, until mixture almost forms a ball. Let dough stand uncovered about 3 minutes.
Remove dough from measuring cup, using spoon. Knead dough in your hands or on the counter about 1 minute or until smooth. (If dough is sticky, add 1 to 2 tablespoons Bisquick.) Cool about 15 minutes. Use dough to make shapes and designs. Store in tightly covered container in refrigerator.
Sunday, May 9, 2010
Happy Mother's Day!
I hope all of you Mommies have a wonderful Mother's Day! We have been blessed with beautiful children but our children have been blessed with loving Mommies!
Enjoy your day, kiss your kiddos, and hold them tight! We may have the hardest job in the world with the least amount of pay, but the benefits are priceless!
Enjoy your day, kiss your kiddos, and hold them tight! We may have the hardest job in the world with the least amount of pay, but the benefits are priceless!
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