Tuesday, June 30, 2009

Dear Lord,

Dear Lord,

I thank you for this day. I thank You for my being able to see and to hear this morning. I'm blessed because You are a forgiving God and an understanding God. You have done so much for me and You keep on blessing me. Forgive me this day for everything I have done, said or thought that was not pleasing to you. I ask now for Your forgiveness.

Please keep me safe from all danger and harm. Help me to start this day with a new attitude and plenty of gratitude. Let me make the best of each and every day to clear my mind so tha t I can hear from You.

Please broaden my mind that I can accept all things.

Let me not whine and whimper over things I have no control over. Let me continue to see sin through God's eyes and acknowledge it as evil. And when I sin, let me repent, and confess with my mouth my wrongdoing, and receive the forgiveness of God.

And when this world closes in on me, let me remember Jesus' example -- to slip away and find a quiet place to pray. It's the best response when I'm pushed beyond my limits. I know that when I can't pray, You listen to my heart. Continue to use me to do Your will..

Continue to bless me that I may be a blessing to others. Keep me strong that I may help the weak. Keep me uplifted that I may have words of encouragement for others. I pray for those who are lost and can't find their way. I pray for those who are misjudged and misunderstood. I pray for those who don't know You intimately. I pray for those who will delete this without sharing it with others. I pray for those who don't believe. But I thank you that I believe.

I believe that God changes people and God changes things. I pray for all my sisters and brothers. For each and every family member in their households. I pray for peace, love and joy in their homes that they are out of debt and all their needs are met.

I pray that every eye that reads this knows there is no problem, circumstance, or situation greater than God. Every battle is in Your hands for You to fight. I pray that these words be received into the hearts of every eye that sees them and every mouth that confesses them willingly..

This is my prayer.

In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Saturday, June 27, 2009

Free Polishing Cloths



I don't know about you but a FREE set of these is great. So I'm heading to this site to fill out the info to get my set.
There will be no commitment and no charge to receive these. Valid in the United States and limit 1 per household.

Friday, June 26, 2009

FREE TimeOut Magazine for KIDS



http://www.silvercrossamerica.com/timeoutkids.php

Not sure how long this will last.

Get a FREE Tide Sample

Tide Total Care is giving away a free sample of Tide. Go get yours now.

If you use coupons-GO here...

I love this site, you can pick out the coupons you use on a regular basis and pay a small handling fee for them plus postage. But the fee is very small compared to the savings you get when you use them at the store when you use them right. So you recoup what you've spent and then some when you use the coupons. If you use them when there is a sale and you can use them at a store that also doubles the coupon. That is the only time I buy groceries. When they are on sale and I have a coupon. Plus I go in the middle of the week and on Saturdays when they are low on the sale items and I am more likely to get rain checks, that way I can use my coupons at my leisure. Plus I look for items that are marked down and close to their date. If I know I will use them by their date I buy it and use my coupons. I have then really saved a bundle especially if the store doubles the coupons.
When you go and use this site let them know Christina Covert sent you. My email address is christinacovert@yahoo.com. They'll ask for t
hat too. It's for their referral program.
But do at least go check this site out. It's worth a look see.
God Bless,
Christina




























































Wednesday, June 24, 2009

A little something to put things in perspective...

After a forest fire in Yellowstone National Park , forest rangers began their trek up a mountain to assess the inferno's damage. One ranger found a bird literally petrified in ashes, perched statuesquely on the ground at the base of a tree. Somewhat sickened by the eerie sight, he knocked over the bird with a stick.
When he gently struck it, three tiny chicks scurried from under their dead mother's wings. The loving mother, keenly aware of impending disaster, had carried her offspring to the base of the tree and had gathered them under her wings, instinctively knowing that the toxic smoke would rise. She could have flown to safety but had refused to abandon her babies. Then the blaze had arrived and the heat had scorched her small body, the mother had remained steadfast ...because she had been willing to die, so those under the cover of her wings would live.

'He will cover you with His feathers, And under His wings you will find refuge.' (Psalm 91:4)

Being loved this much should make a difference in your life. Remember the One who loves you, and then be different because of it.
My instructions were to send this to people that I wanted God to bless and I picked you. Please pass this on to people you want to be blessed.
Time waits for no one. Treasure every moment you have. You will treasure it even more when you can share it with someone special.

To realize the value of a friend...lose one.

Monday, June 22, 2009

Times when we are taught not to argue....

I belong to many different places on the computer and Facebook is one of them. Tonight a young lady had put a picture of an angel on there and said that she needed a real one of these to guard over her. Well I replied that if she accepted the Lord as your only savior then you do have one of these for REAL.

She later replied "ya i have trouble thinking about God it just dosent make any sense 2 me...I was in the religion 4 years n years n just seeing the kind of people that hide in the back of God just descuste me...abuser theif....or quitting drinking or doinf drugs n blabla!Its the perfect crime hiding behind God!I beleive in my self n everything i got is because of me n all the meals i eat is because i provide 4 them n i buy it :) N electronicone will do,heheh,I dont want 2 offence any1 Peace N LuvxxxoxN believe in your self n no one else!"

A reply like this would normally want to make one want to reply right back to her. But it will take the Lord to knock on her heart in his own way to let this young lady know the truth. As she is set in her own way right now and is not willing to listen to man.
It is so sad how many will go through life in this manor of thinking. Not realizing that they have gotten nothing in this life without the Lord giving it to them. Not realizing that the Lord put you in the path for your job that provides the money for your bills you make and to pay for the food you eat. Or to pay for the shelter he has provided for you. Without the Lord you would have NOTHING.

Many will go through life without ever realizing the joy of what it means to have accepted the Lord Jesus as their savior and will have missed out on one of life's most important honors. Because in all reality we don't deserve this honor the Lord has bestowed before us. He had to find a way to save us. We were such a sinful people he had to send down his only begotten son to die for us.
Can you imagine sending your child somewhere to die for people??? And in such a terrible manor??
Would you send your child to another world willingly to be tortured for other people, by other people??
I don't know if I could....
God Bless,
Christina

Jupiter Jack

I was reading my newspaper today like I do everyday and I came across this ad for this thing you click into your cell phone. Well I found the website to search it out more. Since it is getting illegal to drive and talk on your cell phone anymore-which many people can't do anyways. This might be a good idea.
Of course it is from good ole Billy Mays, he has come up with so many ideas for everyday things we use. But this one maybe a good one.
I can say I do have a bluetooth for my phone that my son gave me but it is uncomfortable to wear. It doesn't stay on my ear and it hurts my ear on the inside. It is too big for the inside of my ear. Even though it has the 3 size thingy's that you can choose from so they fit right. Well guess what-- that still doesn't help me any. My ear is smaller than the smallest size they give you.
Well I just thought I would share with you what I came across when reading my paper today.

I haven't gotten to the coupons yet. That's actually the only true reason I get my paper. I am a coupon junky. The Lord has shown me how to use the coupons to combine them with the sale items and get our groceries with a great savings. For the two of us I rarely spend over $70 a month. And that's being able to put meat away in the freezer each month also.
Enough of that, that's another story.
God Bless,
Christina

Sunday, June 21, 2009

Lord up in Heaven

I thank you today for being the best father I could ever have had. You have shown me right from wrong and taught me the lessons I needed to know. You keep me safe from harm. You are there when I need you. I know I have not always done the right things and you have always forgiven me when I ask. I thank you for that. Without you I would not be the person I am today--I THANK YOU FOR THAT--
I thank you for being my father. I love you. Amen.

Honor

Ephesians 6:1-3 (King James Version)

Ephesians 6

1Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right.

2Honour thy father and mother; which is the first commandment with promise;

3That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth.

1 Peter 2:17 (King James Version)

17Honour all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honour the king.


Friday, June 19, 2009

Food that are Potentially Dangerous to Dogs

You have got to check this site out: http://savewillie.homestead.com/recipes.html
not only for the food dangers but for all the other things they have on here. They have doggie recipes, doggie treats, dog food recipes galore.

Oh just go see for your self.

Couch Blanket I made.


I can't remember if I posted the pic of the couch blanket I made a while back or not. So I am going to put it on today. Sorry for it being so small but I had taken it with my camera on my phone.
What do you think of the couch?? I ask because I recovered it a few years back. It was the old plaid, wool fabric and I got tired of setting on it and it being itchy feeling. Not bad for not knowing what I was getting myself into. This is a 3/4 size fold out we got at the Salvation Army store for $12. The mattress is in great shape and sleeps very comfortably.

Paula Dean's Gooey Butter Cake

I am hearing that this is a very good cake and it has variations to it. I myself have not tried it YET. I say that because I haven't been to the store yet today....... hint, hint Larry... Do you hear me honey....???? I love you honey....


Paula Dean's Gooey Butter Cake

1 (18.25-ounce) box yellow cake mix
1 egg
1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, melted

--Filling
1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
2 eggs
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 (16-ounce) box confectioners' sugar
1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, melted

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Lightly grease a 13x9x2-inch baking pan. In the bowl of an electric mixer, combine cake mix, egg, and butter and mix well. Pat into the bottom of prepared pan and set aside. Still using an electric mixer, beat cream cheese until smooth; add eggs and vanilla. Dump in confectioners' sugar and beat well. Reduce speed of mixer and slowly pour in butter. Mix well.

Pour filling onto cake mixture and spread evenly. Bake for 40 to 50 minutes. Don't be afraid to make a judgment call on the cooking time, because oven temperatures can vary. You want the center to be a little gooey, so don't bake it past that point!

Remove from oven and allow to cool completely. Cut into squares.

Pumpkin Gooey: For this variation you can use either a yellow or spice cake mix. Follow the original recipe, adding a 15-ounce can of pumpkin pie filling and an extra egg to the cream cheese filling. Bake as usual, remove from oven, and allow to cool. Cut into squares and top each square with a pecan half. Serve with a dollop of whipped cream.

Double Chocolate: use a devil's food or chocolate fudge cake mix, and add 4 Tbs cocoa powder to the topping. Can add a cup of chopped nuts to the cream cheese filling, if desired.

Pineapple Gooey: Add a 20-ounce can of drained crushed pineapple and an extra egg to the cream cheese filling. Proceed as directed above.

Lemon Gooey: Use a lemon cake mix in place of the yellow cake. Add the juice (approximately 1/4 cup) and zest of 2 lemons to the cream cheese filling. Proceed: as directed above.

Carrot Cake Gooey: Use a spice cake mix, and add 1 cup chopped nuts and 1 1/2 cup finely grated carrots to the cream cheese filling. Proceed as directed above.

Peanut Butter Gooey: Use a chocolate cake mix. Add 1 cup creamy peanut butter and an extra egg to cream cheese filling. You can sprinkle the top of batter with 1 cup chopped peanuts if you like. Proceed as directed above.

Chocolate Chip Gooey: Use either yellow or chocolate cake mix. Sprinkle 1 cup chocolate chips and 1 cup chopped nuts on top of filling. Proceed as directed above.

Banana Gooey: Use a yellow cake mix. Prepare cream cheese filling as directed, beating in 2 ripe bananas and an extra egg. Proceed as directed above.

Nutty Gooey: Use a yellow cake mix, and add 1 cup chopped nuts to the cake mixture. Proceed as directed above.

Elvis Gooey: Use a yellow cake mix. Prepare cream cheese filling as directed, beating in 1/2 cup peanut butter, a ripe banana and an extra egg. Proceed as directed above.

Chippy Gooey: Stir 1 cup white chocolate chips, peanut butter chocolate chips, butterscotch morsels, Heath Almond Toffee Bits or Heath Milk Chocolate Toffee Bits into filling. Proceed as directed above.

Overhead Storage


A place to find storage is over the doors and windows. A simple shelf laid across two brackets can allow space up to 18 inches deep. You can store seldom-used items in attractive boxes, baskets, tins, bags, etc. I have used Christmas bags and tins plus some ribbon and no one had a clue it was dried beans and various noodles that needed a home. I plan to add a shelf about 16 inches or so below the ceiling along two walls of the family room for storage.
Deborah Z.

TIPS ALWAYS COME IN HANDY..................

Free Sample Of Tide Total Care

Who couldn't use some extra FREE laundry soap???
I know I always can....

Free Sample Of Tide Total Care

Enjoy...........

Made for me by Jo in Crochet_Swaps_Galore



These gorgeous Bed Bears were made for me as a wish I had asked for. Didn't she just do the most BEAUTIFUL job on these. The pictures do not do these lovelies justice. I cannot rave enough about these. They are not for me- but I wish they were. I cannot say who they are for on here. Since someone maybe reading this. All I can say is they will be VERY happy to get them. They are so beautiful I REALLY don't want to give them away.
I want to again THANK Jo for all the time she put into making these. She did such a darling job on these.

If anyone is interested in joining our little group of ladies here at
Crochet_Swaps_Galore do stop on by and see what we are all about. We are a caring bunch of women who love to crochet. We share our everyday lives and we look out for one another.
Tell Sissie when you join that you found us by Christina's blog.
God Bless,
Christina

Thursday, June 18, 2009

Free No Bad Science T-Shirt

http://www.ramnek.com/contact_us.htm


Just fill out everything with an (*) leave everything else blank.

Free redbox movie rental next week 6/22-23

Everyone gets this code:
Your promo code is: rbxthxu6
Valid from: 6/22 to 6/23

Enjoy. Remember you can use this more than once if you use it for different email addresses.
Do remember that your movies have to be back by 9pm though.............

2 Dove Shampoo & Conditioner Samples

Free Sample Of Dove Heat Defense Therapy
Or Intense Damage Therapy Shampoo & Conditioner

**Click On # 3**

http://www.dove.us/#/haircare/free_sample.aspx/

Why do showers for women take so long....

This is the question my husband always asks whenever I take a shower. Especially if we are getting ready to go somewhere. He thinks that because he can take one in under 10 minutes there is no reason I should take much longer. This has been an on going debate in our home for quite some time now.
Well today he finally figured out just WHY it takes me so long to take my shower.
How did he do that you may ask? I will tell you.
But before I do I want you to know I love this man with all my heart and I don't know another that would do such a thing to have figured this out. In my book there is none sweeter than my Larry.

He so many times has to put up with my complaints of my headaches or of late my shoulder not having the movement it should. Well I keep telling him that when he gets older (see he is 10yrs younger than I am) he will some day get to experience all these lovely aches and pains just as I do. Sometimes the good Lord sees fit to let him experience just a small example of my pain and he will back off from telling me all my aches and pains are in my head. Just a bit to let you know how Larry and I get along. But back to my question at hand.
Why do showers for women take longer??
Larry so graciously took it upon himself to shave his legs today up to about his knees mind you, to see just how long it would take. Since I had said that was one reason it took me longer to take a shower. Well he said he figured it took him roughly about 17 min. to do that, being careful not to cut himself and to clean out the razor well because of the hair clogging it. {now-now laughing aside}
I have to commend him for his efforts. But he said he fully understands now why it takes the time it does for a women to take a shower. And that he will NEVER bother me again for taking a longer shower than he thinks I should be taking.
Larry and I share many things. And this is one more I can add to the list. I can not say that Larry does not go up and beyond the call of duty when it says through good times and bad.
When God said you will become as one he was not kidding with Larry and I.


So ladies the next time your man has a problem with you taking a longer shower than he thinks you should take-
DARE him to do the same routine as you do and see if he can do it any faster.............

Wednesday, June 17, 2009

Carrot Cake Jam

This was sent to one of the crochet groups I belong to and was tried and tested by the one who sent it. I thought I would pass it on. It sounded a bit different and maybe even I could make this.
This is what she had to say about it:

Hi.....
I just made up 8 jelly jars of this jam.....It sounded so strange that I just had to try it. Well.......it is delicious!! This is definitely going in my Mistletoe Marketplace this year!
Enjoy!!
hugs,
peg


Carrot Cake Jam

1 1/2 cups finely grated carrots
1 1/2 cups peeled, chopped pears
1 can (14 oz) crushed pineapple, undrained
3 tablespoons bottled lemon juice
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon EACH of ground nutmeg and ground cloves
1 package Bernardin original fruit pectin
6 1/2 cups granulated sugar
2/3 cups chopped toasted pecans (optional)

Combine carrots, pears, pineapple (including the juice), lemon juice and spices in a large, deep stainless steel saucepan. Stirring frequently, bring mixture to a boil; cover and reduce heat. Boil gently 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Measure sugar; set aside.
Whisk pectin into carrot mixture until dissolved. Stirring frequently, bring to a boil over high heat. Add sugar. Stirring constantly, return mixture to a full rolling boil; boil hard 1 minute. Stir in pecans. Remove from heat; skim foam. Ladle into hot jar to within 1/4 inch of top rim. Remove air bubbles, wipe rim. Hot water bath for 10 minutes.
Yield about 6 250 ml (half pint) jars

Recipe Source:
http://kansasa.blogspot.com/2006/09/couple-of-recipes.html
 
PEG’S NOTES:
I used Sure-Jell fruit pectin (1.75 oz. size) …. I couldn’t find the Bernardin brand. The Sure-Jell worked just fine .
It made 8 (½ pint) jelly jars for me.

Tuesday, June 16, 2009

Free Entry to National Parks

Free Entry to National Parks

Free entry to 147 U.S. national parks will be available three weekends this summer: June 20-21, July 18-19 and Aug. 15-16. The National Park Service typically waives entry fees for everyone on National Public Lands Day (the last Saturday in September) and for military service people and veterans on Veterans Day, Nov. 11. But, this is the first time in 20-plus years that the fees being waived for entire weekends for the public. For more information, visit the National Parks Service website.

Find great discounts on products for military servicemembers only in the Military.com Discount Center.

FREE Suze Orman Will & Trust kit

You can get a free Suze Orman Will & Trust kit online version. Just click on the orange "Gift Code" button and then enter the code People First. You'll be given an activation code for your free access to the online version of this kit. The Will & Trust kit online version is normally $13.50, but this special code was announced on Suze's show for everyone to get it for free.


http://www.suzeorman.com/igsbase/igstemplate.cfm?SRC=SP&SRCN=protectionhelp_login&GnavID=95&SnavID=113

Her Addiction

I just started following Goose Hill Farm and I seen this on her Blog and just had to post this link. You have to go see this on her site. You will love it. Larry and I laughed looking at the pics and reading the headlines. She even has music to listen to while you are looking through her blog. Thoughtful of what?
Laura is a dedicated christian, mother, wife and newly mom-in-law. She even home schools, now that takes work. Go check her blog out and enjoy her christian values of everyday life.

Life Lessons

I got this sent to me in an email and I thought it was worth sharing---

Written By Regina Brett, 90 years old, of The Plain Dealer, Cleveland , Ohio

"To celebrate growing older, I once wrote the 45 lessons life taught me. It is the most-requested column I've ever written."

My odometer rolled over to 90 in August, so here is the column once more:

1. Life isn't fair, but it's still good.

2. When in doubt, just take the next small step.

3. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.

4. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends and parents will. Stay in touch
.

5. Pay off your credit cards every month.

6. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.

7. Cry with someone. It's more healing than crying alone.

8. It's OK to get angry with God. He can take it.

9. Save for retirement starting with your first paycheck.

10. When it comes to chocolate,
resistance is futile.

11. Make peace with your past so it won't screw up the present.

12. It's OK to let your children see you cry.

13. Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about.

14. If a relationship has to be a secret,
you shouldn't be in it.

15. Everything can change in the blink of an eye. But don't worry; God never blinks.

16. Take a deep breath. It calms the mind.

17.. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.

18. Whatever doesn't kill you really does make you stronger.

19. It's never too late to have a happy childhood. But the second one is up to you and no one else.

20. When it comes to going after what you love in life, don't take no for an answer.

21. Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, wear the fancy lingerie. Don't save it for a special occasion. Today is special.

22. Over prepare, then go with the flow.

23. Be eccentric now. Don't wait for old age to wear purple.

24. The most important sex organ is the brain.

25. No one is in charge of your happiness but you.

26. Frame every so-called disaster with these words
'In five years, will this matter?'

27. Always choose life.

28. Forgive everyone everything.

29. What other people think of you is none of your business.

30. Time heals almost everything. Give time time.

31. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.

32. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.

33. Believe in miracles.

34. God loves you because of who God is, not because of anything you did or didn't do.

35. Don't audit life. Show up and make the most of it now.

36. Growing old beats the alternative -- dying young.

37. Your children get only one childhood.

38. All that truly matters in the end is that you loved.

39. Get outside every day. Miracles are waiting everywhere.

40. If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else's,we'd grab ours back.

41. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.

42. The best is yet to come.

43. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.

44. Yield.

45. Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift."

Friends: are the family that we choose for ourselves.

Search for Free Attractions in your area

Search our database for Free Attractions and Free Things to Do in all 50 United States and over 1,500 U.S. Cities.
Listings include Free Museums, Free Parks, Free Concerts, Free Parades, Free Festivals, and Free Zoos.

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Monday, June 15, 2009

HOMEMADE HAND CREAM

HOMEMADE HAND CREAM

1 jar of Vitamin E Cream
1 bottle of Baby Lotion
1 jar of Vaseline

All purchased at the Dollar Store.
Mix all together and put in jars.


Now this would be good for gift giving, a baby shower or just to put into a basket with other things to give someone to say Thank You for all you do for me. Or just to add to other relaxing items for the person.
The ideas are endless.

Hand lotion isn't just for women. I had an uncle that worked for GM that came home with rough, dry hands and would rub vaseline on his hands for an hour straight every night. Then after that he would finish them off with baby lotion. He had the softest hands I know for a working man.


Surgery if over----

Yes I made it through... ;-}
It turned out better than I thought. He didn't have to do any cutting, or a scope after all. All he did was "TWIST" (manipulate) as the doctor put it, my arm. Then they filled me with Vicodin before they sent me home. So all I have been doing is sleeping all day. Not bad really but I am not one to NOT be in control of my thoughts and reactions so that is not for me. So I will take Motrin for the pain if I need it. I have a pretty high tolerance for pain so the Motrin should work.
I felt sorry for Larry today, he was trying to be nice and after he brought me home and got me settled on the couch. He went to get my meds. filled and decided to get KFC since it was after 2 and I hadn't eaten all day. By the time he got back I had fallen asleep. The Vicodin put me right out.
I didn't get up until after 5. He is such a sweetheart. He's always there for me whenever I need him.
I was up for about 1/2 hr. and right back to sleep. Didn't get back up til around 9. Still feel groggy but I'm sure that will wear off by morning.
I start phys. therapy tomorrow and continue for 2 weeks. I'm going to do my best so I can regain full motion in my arm. I'm tired of leaning my body to the side when I try to wash my hair because I can't lift my arm up that far to reach the top of my head.

I wanted to say thanks to everyone that wished me well during my surgery and for a quick recovery. Your prayers are much appreciated.
God Bless,
Christina

Sunday, June 14, 2009

Done for the day----

Well I have things I need to get done before I start thinking about tomorrow. TOMORROW is my surgery day. Yes, I really don't want to think about it, although everyone says it is a minor thing. See I have Arthrofibrosis- otherwise known as Frozen Shoulder.
ARTHROFIBROSIS OF THE SHOULDER

Frozen Shoulder
Frozen shoulder, or arthrofibrosis, is the development of a stiff shoulder in the absence of significant trauma. Sometimes trivial trauma will trigger the inflammation in the shoulder; frequently, there is no injury at all. The shoulder becomes stiff and, usually, painful in the early inflammatory stages. Diagnosis depends primarily on the exclusion of other shoulder conditions. The treatment usually consists of gentle range of motion exercises. If no improvement occurs over several months, manipulation or surgical release of tight ligaments may be done. Typically, frozen shoulder is a condition which improves spontaneously, although improvement often takes one to four years.


I have been suffering with this since last August on my left shoulder. My chiropractor has been adjusting me and helping as well as he could but nothing has helped to get my mobility back. So after seeing the specialists, they said I needed surgery to minupulate it back to working order. Otherwise twist it in ways it hasn't been going lately----OUCH----:-(((
Then I am set up for 2 weeks of daily therapy.
This is being done as an outpatient. I am scheduled to be at the hospital at 9:30am with surgery at 11:20am. I don't do good with coming out of surgery so they will need to keep a close eye on me. The last few surgeries I have had I took a long time to get fully awake and acklamated to my surroundings and I threw up repeatedly. No idea why, so they said they would keep a close eye on me this time around. So I get to look forward to going to bed earlier than I usually do so I am not tempted to eat or drink anything after midnight tonight.
I guess it is just my getting older that is making me fearful of the surgery. I use to not fear having surgery but of late it seems to be getting to me. I find myself praying more and more to the Lord to calm my nerves. I know that with him all things will be fine. I have always trusted in him and I do now. It is him that comforts me in troubled times. It is he that will get me through TOMORROW.
So if you don't hear from me in a few days don't fret-- I might not be able to move my arm well enough to type for a few days.
Talk with you soon,
God Bless,
Christina

Printable Coupon Sites

I had a friend ask me for some coupon sites that he could print some coupons from so here goes:

http://print.coupons.com/couponweb/offers.aspx?pid=13903&nid=10&zid=xh20

smartsource.com

cellfire.com

http://printable-coupons.blogspot.com/2006/05/coupon-sites.html

thokalath.com

boxtops4education.com

redplum.com

eatbetteramerica

valpak.com

shortcuts.com


http://www.retailmenot.com/
You can find free printable coupons for more than 20,000 stores here; anything from Amazon to Victoria's Secret. Note: these particular codes are for online stores only.

Boodle.com

couponbug.com

Pillsbury

Betty Crocker


Eat Better America

shortcuts.com

P&G eSaver


Upromise

Hope these get you by for awhile Chuck........

Beauty Brands is offering a coupon

Beauty Brands is offering a coupon for either a FREE full size American Crew Shave Cream ($13.49 value) or Full size OPI Nail Laquer ($9.95 value). Not valid with any other offers expires 6/28/2009.

Thanks Coupon Cravings!


Only good in these areas


Some info on Metabolism

The goal in any weight loss program is to keep your metabolism elevated through any of the factors that you can control. The bottom line is that people with a high metabolic rate burn more calories throughout the day compared to those with a low metabolic rate. And of course, to lose weight, you must burn more calories than you eat, so a high metabolic rate is in your favor!

Metabolism Influences You Can Control

* Low-calorie dieting - A "
quick weight loss diet" will significantly decrease your metabolism in 3 ways:

1. Eating increases metabolism due to the energy required for digestion and absorption of the food. Skipping meals causes a decrease in your metabolic rate until you eat something. Skipping breakfast and lunch and eating a large dinner means missing out on two important chances to increase your metabolism and boost the number of calories you burn.

2. Significantly reducing calories lowers the body's metabolism. Your body treats any reduction in food intake as an impending starvation situation and prepares itself by slowing your metabolism to conserve calories. The more drastically you cut calories, the more your metabolic rate drops.

3. Losing weight through dieting alone without adding exercise depletes your muscle tissue stores. Muscle requires many calories each day to maintain itself. The faster you lose weight through dieting alone, the more muscle tissue you lose. Exercise prevents muscle tissue loss and adds muscle!

* Eating - The calories required to digest, absorb, transport, and metabolize the food that you eat can cause a 10% increase in your caloric expenditure each day. Every time you eat, your body's metabolism gets a temporary boost. So, one way to increase metabolic rate is to eat smaller, more frequent meals and snacks when you are hungry!

* Body Composition - You hear it over and over again, but the more muscle you have and the less fat you have, the more calories you burn each day. Every pound of muscle in your body requires 50 calories a day for maintenance. By contrast, every pound of fat only requires 2
calories per day to maintain. To lose body fat, devote a good portion of your exercise time to strength training. By gaining 10 pounds of muscle, you could burn 500 additional calories each day!

* Exercise - Exercise increases metabolic rate in two ways. The first is the actual number of calories you burn while doing the exercise. For example, a 5-mile run might burn 500 calories during the time you are actually running. A second elevation in metabolic rate occurs even after you have stopped exercising. Your metabolic rate could take as long as 12 or more hours to come back to your normal level after exercise. Higher intensity exercises that use large muscle groups such as your thighs and buttocks will result in a longer elevation in metabolism after you stop exercising.

To sum it all up, the best way to keep your metabolism elevated, and to burn more calories, even at rest, is to :

* Eat frequent small meals or snacks throughout the day when you're hungry
* Add more muscle to your body through strength training
* Burn more calories through aerobic activity

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This is from Women's Health Magazine:

To KO fat -- and keep it off...
Cardio's edge
Calorie for calorie, cardio has a slight advantage. You'll burn 8 to 10 calories a minute hoisting weights, compared with 10 to 12 calories a minute running or cycling, says Wayne Westcott, Ph.D., director of research at the South Shore YMCA in Quincy, Massachusetts.

Strength's edge Lifting weights gives you a metabolic spike for an hour after a workout because your body is trying hard to help your muscles recover. That means you'll fry an additional 25 percent of the calories you just scorched during your strength session, Westcott says. "So if you burned 200 calories lifting weights, it's really closer to 250 overall." And if you lift heavier weights or rest no more than 30 seconds between sets, you can annihilate even more.

And there's more good news when it comes to iron's fat-socking power. "For every 3 pounds of muscle you build, you'll burn an extra 120 calories a day -- just vegging -- because muscle takes more energy to sustain," Westcott says. Over the course of a year, that's about 10 pounds of fat -- without even changing your diet.

Dr. Erika's: The Hormone Friendly Diet



We as women don't realize that when we are having problems losing weight that it might not be the food we are eating. It might be other factors that are hampering our weight loss.
My daughter seen Dr. Erika on Tv last night on the Renegade Dr. show. She was explaining how different things/factors can hamper our weight loss. So I did some searching and found her site.
You will want to take a look at it and look around at some of the things she has to say about different things. You can even sign up for Dr. Erika's FREE Health & Hormones Newsletter if you'd like to get that. I am signing up for that for sure to see what she has to offer before I jump into anything. She explains that the natural foods and herbs are of course much better for you than the pills that the Dr's like to shove onto you so often. This fact I know for sure. They had me up to 13 pills a day for a bit until I decided I was tired of taking that much and now I take only 8 a day.
I'm only 49 and with taking that many pills I was drinking so much water to take them all, that by the time I was done taking them I wasn't hungry.
So that didn't help my weight any because then it thought I was starving it so it started storing the fat. So now my metabolism isn't working at all and no matter what I do I can't get it to start working again.
So I do much searching to find things that will help. I walk the treadmill an hour a day but that doesn't even help. I've done the 5 small meals a day thingy, with no decent results. Oh sure I might lose a few pounds to get me excited but in a few days they are right back on. I have not given up though-I will find a way to lose all this extra weight yet. ;-}

Needing God's protection

Psalm 27:1-3 (King James Version)

Psalm 27

1The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?

2When the wicked, even mine enemies and my foes, came upon me to eat up my flesh, they stumbled and fell.

3Though an host should encamp against me, my heart shall not fear: though war should rise against me, in this will I be confident.

Psalm 91

1He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.

2I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust.

3Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence.

4He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler.

5Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; nor for the arrow that flieth by day;

6Nor for the pestilence that walketh in darkness; nor for the destruction that wasteth at noonday.

7A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand; but it shall not come nigh thee.

8Only with thine eyes shalt thou behold and see the reward of the wicked.

9Because thou hast made the LORD, which is my refuge, even the most High, thy habitation;

10There shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling.

11For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways.

12They shall bear thee up in their hands, lest thou dash thy foot against a stone.

13Thou shalt tread upon the lion and adder: the young lion and the dragon shalt thou trample under feet.

14Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he hath known my name.

15He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honour him.

16With long life will I satisfy him, and shew him my salvation.

Philippians 4:19

19But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

Saturday, June 13, 2009

A Brother's Song

Like any good mother, when Karen found out that another baby was on the way, she did what she could to help her 3-year-old son, Michael, prepare for a new sibling.

They found out that the new baby was going be a girl, and day after day, night after night, Michael sang to his sister in mommy's tummy.

He was building a bond of love with his little sister before he even met her.

The pregnancy progressed normally for Karen, an active member of the Panther Creek United Methodist Church in Morristown , Tennessee
.


In time, the labor pains came. Soon it was every five minutes, every three, every minute. But serious complications arose during delivery and Karen found herself in hours of labor.

Would a C-section be required? Finally, after a long struggle, Michael's little sister was born. But she was in very serious condition..

With a siren howling in the night, the ambulance rushed the infant to the neonatal intensive care unit at St. Mary's Hospital, Knoxville , Tennessee
...
The days inched by. The little girl got worse. The pediatrician had to tell the parents there is very little hope. Be prepared for the worst.

Karen and her husband contacted a local cemetery about a burial plot.

They had fixed up a special room in their house for their new baby but now they found themselves having to plan for a funeral.. Michael, however, kept begging his parents to let him see his sister. I want to sing to her, he kept saying..

Week two in intensive care looked as if a funeral would come before the week was over.

Michael kept nagging about singing to his sister, but kids are nev er allowed in Intensive Care. Karen decided to take Michael whether they liked it or not.

If he didn't see his sister right then, he may never see her alive.
She dressed him in an oversized scrub suit and marched him into ICU. He looked like a walking laundry basket.

The head nurse recognized him as a child and bellowed, 'Get that kid out of here now. No children are allowed.'
The mother rose up strong in Karen, and the usually mild-mannered lady glared steel-eyed right into the head nurse's face, her lips a firm line.
'He is not leaving until he sings to his sister' she stated.

Then Karen towed Michael to his sister's bedside.

He gazed at the tiny infant losing the battle to live.

After a moment, he began to sing.

In the pure-hearted voice of a 3-year-old, Michael sang:

'You are my sunshine, my only sunshine,
you make me happy when skies are gray.'
Instantly the baby girl seemed to respond.
The pulse rate began to calm down and become steady..

'Keep on singing, Michael,' encouraged Karen with tears in her eyes..

'You never know, dear, how much I love you,
please don't take my sunshine away.' As Michael sang to his sister, the baby's ragged, strained breathing became as smooth as a kitten's purr.
'Keep on singing, sweetheart.'

'The other night, dear, as I lay sleeping, I dreamed I held you in my arms' Michael's little sister began to relax as rest, healing rest, seemed to sweep over her.

'Keep on singing, Michael.'
Tears had now conquered the face of the bossy head nurse.
Karen glowed.

'You are my sunshine, my only sunshine.
Please don't take my sunshine away.'

The next day...the very next day
the little girl was well enough to go home.

Woman's Day Magazine called it The Miracle of a Brother's Song.

The medical staff just called it a miracle.

Karen called it a miracle of God's love.

NEVER GIVE UP ON THE PEOPLE YOU LOVE.

LOVE IS SO INCREDIBLY POWERFUL.

Life is good..

Have a Wonderful Day!
In God We Trust!

'The evidence of God's presence far outweighs the proof of His absence.'

How to make the World's Best Blueberry Pie!

Well I needed to find a Blueberry Pie recipe since our neighbors brought us 2 bags of blueberries. Thanks Tess. So I googled and this is what I came up with. It has pictures and all. Looks very simple.
So thought I would share it with everyone.
Happy baking...........
I just hope my pie turns out this nice.

Arby's Wednesdays Freebies



Every Wednesday Arby's has something FREE. All summer long. For the rest of this month they have a FREE Regular Sidekicker on the 17th with any Sandwich Purchase.
Then on the 24th they have a FREE Regular Roast Beef with a Soft Drink Purchase.
Plus on top off all of this if you keep your receipt, on the back they have a number to call to take a short survey. Then they will give you a number to write down on the back and take that the next time you go to Arby's and you will get a FREE Roast Beef or Chedder and Cheese Sandwich Free.

No Charge-- Family Tree Templates

If you're starting a family tree and need some templates to get started, this is the place to for you. More than 25 no charge, downloadable family tree templates are available with the top 10 on the first page. If you want to customize the forms it costs $4 but the basics are no charge and there are plenty to choose from.

Friday, June 12, 2009

Make ahead of time *Dirt Cake* recipe.

Dirt Cake

1 (18 oz) package oreo cookies
1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
1 (12 oz) package cool whip, softened
2 (4 serving size) boxes instant vanilla pudding
3 cups milk

For the crust: In your food processor, crush oreos into fine crumbs. Set this aside.

For the filling: Mix together both boxes of instant pudding and the milk until smooth. While pudding is thickening, in a separate large bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth. Now slowly add thickened pudding to cream cheese, blending it until smooth. Fold the cool whip into the pudding mixture. In a 9 x 13-inch glass pan or large see through bowl, place half of the oreo crumbs into the bottom, then spread all of the filling over the cookie crumbs, then top with remaining oreos.

Refrigerate overnight to allow the cookies to soften.
Serve to awaiting family and friends that will oohh and aahh over your simple creation.

Rehoming *fees*

I belong to a group on yahoo http://groups.yahoo.com/group/FreeorCheapPetsinmichigan that lets you list your pets either for sale or rehome them and I just plain got fed up today and had to post my feelings about the *PRICE* people are wanting to charge for rehoming a pet. I call it *SELLING* because of the price they are expecting to get. I just don't see anything that justifies the price they are wanting for their animals to rehome them as they put it.
WELL---- I will let you read what I sent to the group and let you make up your own mind on the thought.

I just have to put my 2cents in here. We have been having this discussion over on craigslist also about the fees people charge for rehoming pets. Why is it that they are trying to get back out of the pet what they put into it? The high price they put on the pet will not make sure it is going to a good home. Just look around you- there are more pets than ever right now being left behind by their owners because of the economy and some are purebreds. So if they will leave them who's to say when a person pays a big price for a dog they won't some day leave them or harm them?
Besides isn't the name of this group *Free N Cheap Pets* I can't see anything over $50 as being cheap. Would you ask your future son or daughter in law to reimburse you for what you put into your child while it was growing up before they married them? Of course not so don't try to recoup your money when you *SELL* the dog........
Which is what you are doing if you are getting money for it.
FOUND FOR REHOMING A PET-----
**Rehoming a beloved pet or selling an unexpected litter can often be a difficult and frustrating process. However, there are steps that you can take to make things easier. First, ask yourself if you're rehoming or selling your animal (there is a difference). "Rehoming" is a term often used for an animal or reptile that has been kept as a household pet. "Selling" is usually referred to an animal or reptile that has been slated for sale since conception and/or birth.**
NO WHERE DOES THIS STATE YOU GET MONEY FOR REHOMING.........

Just because a person doesn't pay a high price for a pet doesn't mean they aren't going to love it forever. I pd. $35 for my purebred Chihuahua and I have had her for 6yrs. I spent over $2000.00 last Nov. for surgeries to keep her alive. That's how much I care for her. And I am on SSI. So I don't have the big bucks. I also got a Bichon for FREE all because they couldn't potty train him. It took me all of a week and he was trained. He has been in our family 3yrs. now. They both will remain with us til they go home to God when he calls for them as he did our other animals.