Garlic Chicken Soup

This has worked well for me and my husband when we are fighting an illness. I call it my fire breathing soup. That's how it feels when I am eating it. But it really loosens up the mucus to help you breathe again. Might want to have some tissues nearby while you are eating this. I rarely use all the ingredients in my soup because I don't have mint or parsley on hand. But I make sure to use the red onion (I think it has more immune fighting benefits), fresh garlic, lemon juice, ginger, and cayenne pepper.


Great for colds, congestion, and flu!!

Recipe and information given to me by Dr. Jose Allas in Lubbock, TX

Dr. Ziment's Recipe for Garlic Chicken Soup (modified)

2 cans low sodium chicken broth (or 3 1/2 cups homemade broth)
1 head of Garlic (about 15 cloves, peeled and crushed)
1 medium Red onion, quartered
1/2 to 1tsp Cayenne pepper
1 1/2 tsp minced parsley and cilantro
1 tsp minced basil and mint leaves
1/2 tsp grated ginger
1 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
salt to taste

"It is important to crush the garlic - this action activates an enzyme allinase which then works on the active ingredient allicin. Use fresh garlic and crush it yourself. Wait 5 to 10 minutes before frying; this allows the allinase to work on the allicin. Crushed garlic is effective gainst bacteria, viruses and fungi.

Put all ingredients except lemon juice in a saucepan and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 30 minutes. Add lemon juice and salt to taste. You may inhale the therapeutic fumes. Take 1 to 2 cupfuls everyday until you are well. "

Quick Tip: Sautee your crushed garlic and onion in oil. Then add a can of chicken soup and your spices.

Endurance

Lord, please give me more endurance! In so many areas of life, I know what I ought to do but often get so weary when results don't come quickly. Yet I know I must keep going. I need endurance. How do I get endurance? By persevering in what I am doing. The more I stick with something, the easier it becomes for me to continue in it. Of course it really helps to have friends and family cheering me on as I persevere. I am needing endurance in my quest to have alone time with God daily, in guiding and supporting and cultivating my children to grow up full of love and grace and in the image of God, in patience with myself when I fall short of my own expectations, in compassion towards others who may not have the same opinions as I have. Those are just a few that I am working on. Could you pray for me in these areas, that God would give me the endurance I need to keep up what I am doing? Is there any area I can pray for you to have endurance?

Blessed and honored

I am blessed to be the mother, caretaker, cultivator of three children of the King on high! I am honored to work in the kingdom in this way. After all, children are so very precious to God. It is humbling to think that I have been granted the privilege of caring for such treasures! May God fill in the gaps that I miss in teaching my children how to live.

Wrong or Right?

I read blogs. I mean daily. I love hearing the stories and insights of other people. Well, most of the insights. Some get me really riled up but that causes me to think out what I believe which is good. But then that gets me to thinking too much sometimes. You see, when I get on a topic that someone seems to disagree with, I tend to go into must... figure.... out ... the... right....stance... or... life....might... come...to ....an....end line of thinking. Don't get me wrong (there I go again with the wrong and right thing), I like how I want to do the right thing and seek to find truth. But many times it gets me so stirred up I can't think about anything else until I can search out what I think makes sense. I examine the arguments, research, talk about it with Jeff or someone else. Sometimes that helps. Many times it just stirs up more unrest for me. I want an answer. No, I want the correct answer. I DON'T WANT TO BE WRONG!!!!! If I am wrong I want to know so I can change. Then I hear God's sweet voice to me saying "My child, I love you. You don't have to be right on everything. I have provided grace and mercy to you in a never ending supply. Give that same grace to others who have a different point of view. Be humble daughter. And others will give you grace as well." Lord, make me humble and give me wisdom to trust in you!

Laundry Article

Here is the link for the laundry article I wrote about: http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2009/05/28/How-to-End-Laundry-Chaos.aspx

Laundry

Just read a post about 20 steps to make laundry day easier. I was confused as to how you could come up with 20 ways to make it easier. That seemed like a lot. And laundry doesn't seem that difficult to me. I read it and they seemed practical. But I still don't understand why articles like this don't mention to just wash all your clothes on cold water. We do about two loads of laundry per day. I just get the clothes out of the hamper and put them in the washer. Add soap and turn it on a super load with cold water for a normal cycle for all clothes. Then if I have enough towels to wash that day, they get washed on a super load with hot water as an extra heavy load but still the normal cycle. Hope I don't offend anyone by suggesting it's ok to wash all clothes on cold. It is so much simpler for me to do a couple loads a day without all the sorting. I guess the fact that I don't iron may help too. Is there a good reason to separate your darks and lights and wash them at different temps? I have been doing it all on cold for so long I've forgotten.

Imagination Improved

Okay. My boys do have imagination. And lots of it! Last night they were making chalk roads with barriers in the way for their remote control cars. They had to get around the barriers to get their "driver's license" they said. Well, that was what the oldest said. He also said that he could make mistakes while driving now because he had his license. I guess we have some teaching to do on that one! Maybe that is the same concept many drivers out there have today.

The boys have also spent a lot of time making videos this week, making up stories together with their toys, and making race tracks that go all over their room for their cars. The greatest thing is they were mostly doing these things together. All three of them in the same room with minimal fighting. Thank you God for blessing my kids with imagination! May I remember these times when the constant imitation comes again.

No Imagination

I am wondering... Is it still called imagination if you are only imitating what you have seen and heard? It seems that my kids are constantly discussing or quoting or imitating something they have seen or read. I'm trying to sort out my thinking here but I don't want this to be me complaining. Anyway, I would really like for my kids to talk about more real life things. But even when they talk about real life things it is usually about which toys their friends have or what that friend has seen on some show. I think maybe I am expecting them to think more like adults. I am really confused. Sometimes I just want to chuck the TV, all videos, and all computer games so they will go play and make something up on their own instead of the constant imitating. Maybe I am not spending enough time watching their games. Maybe they aren't doing as much imitation as it seems. Just every time they are around me. Maybe I need to give them more real life things to build upon. But how do I do that? Any ideas?

Mother's Day

Well, today was the day. Mother's Day. I am so blessed to be one! Sometimes I am so overwhelmed with these blessing God has given me. The task seems to much for this one lady. In truth, it is too much. It is only by God's strength and guidance that I can care for and nurture my 3 young sons. Thank you for choosing me to be their mom, dear Father!

Here is a short synopsis of my day. My two oldest sons upon hearing from their dad that we didn't have enough money to take mom out for lunch decided they wanted to give the money they had to take us all out for lunch. So, they along with gift card Jeff received for a video he helped put together took us all to Red Lobster.

I said short didin't I. I was starting to get long. Back to short. Maybe I'll elaborate later.

Early morning Happy Mother's Day wishes from all my boys!

A reading of Proverbs 13 by my oldest son at breakfast! Followed by prayers of thanksgiving for me being their mom. (How humbling!)

Worshipping God with all five of us crowded on one end of the pew even though the whole pew was available!

Receiving a beautiful yellow long stemmed rose in Bible class as I was honored along with all the other moms!

Lunch at Red Lobster paid for in part by my oldest two sons!

Finding a lost dog, trying to figure out how to find it's owners, keeping it in the backyard, walking around the neighborhood trying to see if anyone recognized it or if he seemed to know where he was going. (Not my favorite part of the day but at least he is a nice tame dog. He seems healthy. No biting, no barking, and not much jumping. And NO! we are not keeping him!!!!)

Having yummy homemade jamocha ice cream together made by dad!

Watching a special mother's day puppet show put together and performed by my oldest!

Cuddling on the couch while watching a movie! All five of us on one couch for much of it!

Talking to my mom (Please pray for her knee. It keeps giving out on her and she doesn't know why.)

Spending a bit of time visiting with my neighbor who brought over some dog food for the dog! (Thanks T!)

Being invited to be someone's friend on facebook who I wasn't sure liked me!

Sitting on the swing outside with the fam!

Enjoying a smoothie and a mini game of connect four which I won!

Wow! I sure am blessed! Glad I went back to keeping it short!

My Toys!!

Charlie runs in the room a little out of breath, opens the front door, and says "Can someone unlock the door for me?" I'm thinking maybe someone has come to the front door and he is concerned I won't here them knocking. So, I look out the door. No one is there so I unlock it and he runs outside saying, "There it is! My monster trucks! I left them outside!" He was so excited to rescue his trucks! So pleased to have them back. He valued them greatly, for this morning at least. These small toys were of utmost importance. Not losing them was critical.

I began wondering, "How many things are like that for me?" What do I value? How many times do I see an opportunity to sit and cuddle with my loved ones as a most valued treasure to be seized and rescued? What about rescuing or seizing integrity, gentle words, kindness, patience, honor? When I have left these treasures out in the cold, will I run to them and bring them back inside or will I shun them and replace them with cheap imitations that will bring frustration to my house? What do you need to rescue and bring back inside your house?

Doing Whatever I Want 2

Well, I spent 3 hours or so at Walmart this morning. I know, not your ideal place to shop when you have the day to yourself. But for me it was good. I tried on and found some nice looking clothes that were on mostly all under 10.00 each. I got to stop and look at whatever I wanted to look at. I bought myself some lip stain (I've never tried it before!), lip liner, and mineral foundation without having to look around to see which boy was getting into what or who was poking who and singing some song to annoy the others. I even got sunglasses and some earrings! Woo Hoo! I feel like a woman again! Well, at least I feel like I got to buy some girlie things! Got a couple of nightgowns too! So, even though I wish so much time hadn't passed while I was there, I enjoyed myself and keep repeating I can do whatever I want!

I spent a little bit of time at Mardel's looking around and getting a couple of things. Then got me a burger and shake at Sonic. When I arrived home there was a phone message from Jeff saying to call him as soon as I was able. I called to learn that Charlie had cut his finger on their hike bad enough to need stitches. The doctor said he nearly cut the tendon in his pinky finger. Charlie is fine now and Jeff is headed back to the campground to get the other two boys. I don't know if they will come on home now or what. I want him to do what is best but I was looking forward to several more hours.

Funny thing, I have the mixed feeling of wanting them back here and yet wanting more time to myself. So, I'll do my best to enjoy the time I have left without worrying about Charlie. I know he is fine and God is taking care of him. So, what next? I'll keep you posted after I enjoy the rest of my day. Enjoy yours!


I am trying to enjoy whatever time I have left but it is hard knowing Charlie is hurt.

Doing Whatever I Want

Woo Hoo! I can do whatever I want today! With some hesitation I have opted out of the cub scout camping trip. They will be back tonight but I have the whole day to spend as I please. Wow! How long has that been? What will I do? I have plans but I can change them any time I please. I look forward to spending my day whatever way I want but I know I wouldn't want it this way everyday.

2 days

Well, it's been two days. Two days as the complete caretaker for my three wonderful boys! And I am exhausted. I can only imagine how my grandparents must feel after 4 days.

We took the day off from school yesterday to get the house back in order and began school this morning. It wasn't so bad looking back over the school time. It was the in between parts that created opportunity for stress and frustration. We worked through it. And I am in a good state of mind now.

I'd like to share some of what I was feeling this afternoon because I'm sure there are many mom's out there who have felt this way. I prayed this to God this afternoon after being upset over how one child was just being plain mean to the other with no care for how the other felt.

It has only been two days back with my children. I feel out of control and like nothing I say makes any difference in their behavior. They have been mean to each other and disobedient. They have jumped on my back and hurt me. They have griped and complained. I am so much more tired than I was even when I stayed up late while away from them. I find myself wishing I didn't have them around all the time. And that makes me feel horribly guilty. I missed them so much. Yet, today I just feel like I want to escape. Lord, help me. I want to be a good mother. And I feel Satan surrounding me with lies that I am not a good mother. That my children think I am unreasonable. That I am expecting too much of them and that is only making them feel guilty. Help me to sort out what you are saying and what lies Satan is throwing my way. I have to go back to your scripture to discern which is which. Whatever is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, praiseworthy. peace loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial, sincere. Those things are from God. Whatever is full of envy, selfish ambition, lies comes from Satan. So, I am not a bad mother. I love my children. I seek to do what is best for them in every way. It is true that I am impatient with myself and that translates over to my children. I get upset when they keep making the same mistakes over and over again. I think it is true that I am in danger of heaping an abudance of guilt on them. I need to go back to being a coach for them. Pointing out problem areas and encouraging them to do better instead of overtalking and telling them how much it bothers me. It is ok to tell them when something hurts my feelings but I don't need to tell them every single time the problem occurs. So, I am not in a horrible pit of despair. That is a lie from Satan. Thank you God for pointing that out. When I feel that agonizing, mind stopping, how will life ever get better feeling, I can know it is not from God. It is not lovely or full of mercy. I need only to look to you God. You will work in my mind to pull me out of my hole and back into your loving arms. I feel you telling me that is what I am to do for my kids as well. I must stop taking things personally. My kids make their own choices. I don't make them do mean things to each other. I don't make them disobey. Please give me wisdom to know what to do to help them stop repeating bad and dishonoring behaviors. I feel lost when they keep repeating the same behaviors over and over again. I run out of steam at constantly dealing with the same things. Please bless me with endurance and perseverance. I am a good mother. I love my kids. And you love me. If I make some mistakes, you are there to catch me. I want to be that for my kids too. Show me a better way than how I have been acting towards them. Thank you.

I hestitate to share this because it exposes me for who I am. But I know we all fall short from time to time. And please know that I absolutely love my kids. And even though I had moments and still will have moments of not wanting to be around them all the time, I am so blessed and grateful that I do get to spend most of my time with them every day. I would be so sad if this journey were not mine to experience! So bring on the adventure, I'm resting in God's sweet love and empowered with his Holy Spirit!

4 Nights

I am amazed that I just spent 4 nights and 3 1/2 days away from all 3 of my children. It was only supposed to be 2 nights and 2 days but rain, hail, and 6 inches of snow got in the way of our plans. Thankfully my grandparents were able to continue caring for them while we stayed longer in Tulsa. The boys had a blast with their great grandparents! And we had a lot of fun too.

Sometimes I feel really guilty when I am away from my boys. (Like I am supposed to be with them every minute of their lives until they leave home.) But this trip I didn't feel that way. I knew they were having a great time with their great grandparents like I used to when I stayed with them on my spring breaks as a kid. It was very quiet in the car after we dropped them off. But we slowly adjusted and enjoyed being together just the two of us. Even though it wasn't really just the two of us because we stayed with friends and were surrounded by people all day. But it still gave us a chance to reconnect with each other. It gave us a chance to talk without interruption in the car, to gaze into each others eyes from across the room, to hold hands and be around each other off and on all day for 4 days, and just be a couple.


We went to a workshop in Tulsa where J worked at a booth for Sunset International Bible Institute meeting potential students and talking to them about online bible studies. He also took pictures of all our alumni who were speaking at the workshop. It was so great to see the many people who share in our love for the Lord. So many who are seeking to teach others of the love of Christ in our country and many others as well.

Now that I am back to my job as house manager and teacher and mom, I am feeling pretty tired. The boys have a bit of work to do on remembering how we act when we are at home. And I am in need of lots of patience as I do my best to be firm and gentle and enjoy my children who I missed so much. I really did miss them. Though I did not miss the picking at each other and being told no. I have realized that although I liked to tell people what to do when I was a kid and maybe even a young adult, I really enjoyed 4 days of having to tell no one but myself what to do. I am so grateful that God has blessed me with three wonderful boys to teach and love and grow with! I will stop thinking of it as telling them what to do and instead think of myself as their coach.

So, I wish I could think of something more profound to say or share insights from my trip. But for tonight all I can think of is a bit of time with my husband and some sweet sleep. Good night, dear friends!

What a wonderful day!

What a wonderful day we had today! I made it my purpose today to enjoy each member of my family. I was looking for ways to spend time with them doing what they enjoyed doing.

I got my first chance upon waking as the kids were watching cartoons. I grabbed my water and headed for the couch where A was laying. Then C came in and I shared my blanket with him as he sat next to me and we talked about what we were watching. Then we shared breakfast together and another opportunity came as a request from B to let him dictate a story to me and type it on the computer. I love seeing how his mind works. He said he was thinking of the story last night. I plan to do better with seizing these kinds of opportunities. If I had asked him to do this kind of writing or thinking for a school lesson, it wouldn't have been well received. We wrote together and formatted chapter 1 of the story to look like a regular chapter book.Then he moved on to having his dad teach him how to use the computer to make a cover for his book.

I had a few minutes to myself to get dressed and then it was on to reading to the younger two outside. I can't remember the order of the rest of the day but I know A and C and I played Sorry! and then I played Uno Attack with all the kids. I played Mancala with B. I hardly ever win against him but I did just once with his help. We watched a stop motion video that B made that was so clever and entertaining! And we played croquet with the grandson of our neighbor. And every now and then came hugs and kisses with my sweetie.

I even got some planning for school and menus done. And J got the tile grout in the bathroom sealed and slow cooked (grilled) a brisket all day long. And then he cooked hamburgers because the brisket wasn't done enough for dinner. The brisket and hamburgers both turned out great!

So now I am looking forward to our Sunday. Another restful day to spend together and with our church family. Praise God for his rich blessings on my family and on your families as well.

Ramblings about today

Tonight's dinner was leftover soup. I used frozen turkey left over from Thanksgiving and frozen chicken broth as my base. Then I chopped up broccoli, orange bell peppers, and an onion and tossed it in the oven all together with olive oil, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to roast a while. I also roasted some garlic and some cherry tomatoes. After roasting the veggies I tossed them in with the broth and turkey meat and presto... Turkey and roasted veggie soup. Along with it I served very small portions of leftover mexican torta. Oh, I added a sprikling of cheddar cheese on top of my soup and a little extra salt. I liked it and two of my kids said it was pretty good. But one refused to even touch it. Guess it's gonna be a long day tomorrow because now he gets it for breakfast and probably lunch too. He seems to be heading towards a no breakfast person. Well, we will all have it for lunch then because there is enough for leftovers!!

This afternoon the younger two were pirates. Cushions off the couch and pillows strewn all over the living room. They were jumping from cushion to pillow and not touching the ground. Who knows the adventures they were having!

The kids played in the "snow". Well, they called it snow but it was really just ice all over the ground. But the older two had fun. Charlie went out for a while but it was too cold for much fun for him.

After snow playing, we had sugar cookie tea with Agave Nectar. I was hoping maybe we can change the hot chocolate tradition to a hot tea tradition when we come in from being really cold. But I know I will turn to hot chocolate from time to time. I love it! It is a comfort drink for me. Grandma makes a special mix that really isn't that chocolatey but you know... it just brings up feel good memories.

Hubby just started a fire. I was frustrated with him coming home later (over an hour) than he said he would but I think I will be ok. Just got really disappointed for a while and had some bad attitudes and irritating behaviors to deal with today. Plus our schedule is in a toss up while I am trying to figure out how to make needed adjustments. Honestly, I don't want to sit down and think about it but I feel convicted that is what I must do for everyone's sanity. So.... I will enjoy the fire and whatever else comes with the evening. And I will look over tomorrow's plans a bit better than I did for today.

Well, thanks for listening! Have a great day or evening!

Fourth folder, Fourth picture

A friend of mine tagged me to post the fourth picture from my fourth photo folder on my computer and explain it. I am supposed to tag four people to do the same but I'm not sure I have four other blogger friends other than those she tagged. So, here is the picture. This is one of my senior pictures from 1993 (15 years ago!). Jeff scanned these into the computer in December just for fun! We were not dating at the time of the picture but by the end of our senior year we were dating again and married about 2 years later. We had been off and on dating since 9th grade! What a treasure to know someone and be known by someone through so many seasons of life!