Piano Recital

The girls had their piano recital last night. It was Emily's second and Kaitlyn's first. They both did very well. I am always so thankful that they have a nice teacher who lets them use their music instead of memorizing it! Kaitlyn played "Aire" and "She'll Be Comin' Round The Mountain" and Emily played "The Chimes" and "Stepping Stones". They didn't seem nervous at all.

It is a little inspiring to hear the kids play different songs. One played "Fur Elise", so I came home and dug out my book and played it as well at "Tocatta". :o) Can't play classical music without playing "Tocatta"! :o)

Think On These Things Thursday

Philippians 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

Psalm 139:1-6

O LORD, thou hast searched me, and known me. Thou knowest my downsitting and mine uprising, thou understandest my thought afar off. Thou compassest my path and my lying down, and art acquainted with all my ways. For there is not a word in my tongue, but, lo, O LORD, thou knowest it altogether. Thou hast beset me behind and before, and laid thine hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high, I cannot attain unto it.

I really don't have a lot to comment on this. I love this passage. Isn't it great to know that God knows us and care about us. He holds us in His hand and guides our lives. It is also a reminder that He knows what we think and do, so we need to be doing what is right!

Our Camping Trip

Duke the lumber jack. He loved to chew on sticks and even broke a few twigs off of bushes to chew on. I told him he was going to be on the Park Rangers Most Wanted list if he didn't behave!

All tuckered out after a weekend camping!

We went to Sibley State Park which is South. We generally try to go South for Memorial Day so it is warmer! This was our first camping trip with NO RAIN!!! It was quite nice to be able to pack up the tent and not worry about unpacking it to let it dry out!

The park was a nice one with bike paths, a swimming beach, hiking trails, and a nice interpretive center. They had fiddlers there on Saturday. It was nice to get the kids "cultured" a bit. They played really old songs. They also had rhythm instruments for the kids. The kids got to play the frog and an egg.

We went to church in Willmar. The pastor was gone and a gentleman that became a pastor at age 62--23 years ago was filling in. He was interesting to listen to. He was a pilot in WWII, Korea, and Vietnam. He was also a pilot for NW Airlines. He is very studied in the Word.

The kids got to go swimming on Saturday and Sunday. We also hiked to the highest point in the area. We went on a couple of bike rides and the kids rode their bikes around the camp ground a lot. We also met several people with dogs. It's kind of funny how having a dog causes you to meet more people. It is really nice having a dog that you can trust with everyone!

We also enjoyed campfires with Smores, of course. We had to use actual sticks since we forgot our metal ones-so we were REALLY roughing it!

Kitchen Tip Tuesday

Making Your Own Creamer

For those of us who are coffee drinkers, there may have been a naughty person who introduced us to coffee creamers. They ARE rather yummy, but expensive and not that great for you! I have started to make my own.
Take whatever milk you typically drink. Then add a sweetener to your taste. (I use Stevia.) Then add extracts, cocoa, whatever you like. I usually make up about 8oz. of creamer at a time. I then add about a teaspoon or so of extracts such as:
Almond

Coconut

Mint

Any Combination of above

I also add cocoa sometimes

Two of my favorite combinations:

Almond and coconut extract and cocoa=Almond Joy

Mint extract and cocoa=Chocolate mint.

For more great Kitchen Tips visit Tammy's Recipes at: http://www.tammysrecipes.com/node/3388

Memorial Day

Thank you to all those who have served in the armed services. Our country would not be what it is today without their sacrifice. I appreciate each and everyone of those who have served and who continue to serve. Thank you so much.

Stuff

We are going camping this weekend. I figure I'm about ready because I can't get any more food in the fridge. :o)

I got a call from the Bill Rice Ranch (actually, the Ranch is great, but can't make phone calls so I should say someone from the Ranch:), they don't have a nurse for the summer, so are asking voluteers to come in for a week or so. I get to go the last week of June/first week of July. It is a family/Junior week. The oldest kids will go and be in Junior week. Zachary is going to get to spend the week with grandma. I am REALLY excited.

It is at times like these that I am even more thankful for a job that allows me to take time off when I ask. :o)

Think on These Things Thursday

Philippians 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

Php 4:11 Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.

1Ti 6:8 And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.Heb 13:5 Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.

Matthew 6:19-34

I hadn't planned to post on contentment this week, but it is kind of a logical continuation of last week and a conversation yesterday got me to thinking about this.

Yesterday I was talking with a lady who is a single mom of two kids with special needs. She works two jobs as a CNA (hard work). In case you think they are both part time, they are not. One is full time, and the other part time. She lives in a small apartment where one the bedrooms is in the dining room. The cars I've known her to own are at least 10 years old. We were talking about flowers which led to her talking about a guy she knows who has big green house on his land. I said that one was attached my "dream house", but never really cared if I got my dream house because stuff doesn't bring happiness. She quickly agreed with me and said, you know I'm happy with what I have. I have what I need and if there is a little money left for something extra, that's nice. This is a lady who by government standards probably lives beneath the "poverty line." However, she is happy. She has decided to bloom where she is planted!

I've really been trying to "bloom where I'm planted" and just be content. Whether it is at work, at home, my physical abilities, talents, etc. She has given me new inspiration.

God has promised to take care of us and to provide our needs. Do you know anyone with more resources to do so? Then why don't we trust Him and His wisdom more?