Ahhhhhhhhhh.......

Why does home feel so nice when you aren't feeling well?

I can get through my day just thinking about cuddling up with a movie, hot cocoa, a blanket, and JP.

It sounds like the perfect way to make me feel better when I'm under the weather.

Only time will tell

My Grandpa is not doing well. His doctor's are not saying much. He's beginning to talk about waking in the middle of the night with fear...complaining he is sick and when I ask how, he replies "my mind." It's so sad. I spoke quickly and reminded him that fear is not from God. I so want him to know and accept Christ, to live the time he has, in peace. We talked about taking things a day at a time, that God goes a step ahead of us. "When you are scared," I replied, "Read those scriptures verses we posted on your dresser. I pray they bring you peace and rest at night.
Not more than 10 minutes later, he and I discussed my job situation. I proceeded to honestly tell him I'm not sure what will happen in two weeks when I hand my classroom back to the lead teacher. He could sense the worry (and fear) in my eyes. He said, "remember....no worries. Right?" Although he went on to reassure me further, discussing housing options with him, and sharing his pride in my hard work, that phrase, "no worries, right?" followed me all night. He was right. I had just shared a devotion on taking things one day at a time, and fear not being from God, and here, that's how I have been operating. I'm glad, my Grandpa, who I am trying to lead to Christ, led me back to these reminders, and this truth, with that 3 word phrase, "no worries, right?"

Organizado

Following the last post about my closet, I've decided I need to remain on the topic of organization...therefore, my goal being organization. I'm an "outside" organizer. The kind that is obsessive (at times) about things on the outside being organized. I pick and choose what I will be obsessive about, whether that be an edge being straight or decorative pillows all showing the same angle. But....I'd call myself a "Monica" because if you were to open cabinets, closets, files, folders, or a fridge, you would never guess that I knew the meaning of the word "organized." I need to be true to the term, truly making life easier on both the counter tops AND inside the cabinets. This may be a lifelong goal, more than a resolution. It could require a change in my lifestyle. With all of life's daily surprises popping up, especially as a teacher, it feels that this may be difficult to achieve.

Hang it up

Some day, my closet with resemble this paradise (even if that means using an extra bedroom as the clothing storage haven). Until then, I'll have to organize the space I have.

I spent this Columbus Day discovering the bottom of my closet. I wish I could say that it was merely scratching an itch to clean, but fact is, it was my husband's complaining about the slow creeping of my clothes into the 1/8 of the closet he has left. (that and the several times my closet has literally torn the bolts out of the wall). After 3 hours of sifting and sweating through sweaters, shirts, slacks, and shoes, I managed to organize the mess.
While in the process I had trouble throwing out and sorting those things that I truly do not wear. There are so many things that I have saved, but forgotten why: bridesmaid dresses I will never wear again, purses that I have never used, shirts that I don't remember buying, and old letters from junior high friends.
I'm thinking it's about time to get rid of some of these miscellaneous items, if I can't recall why I still save them. So, my one beautiful sister who threw my bridesmaid dress out, won't mind if I decide to get rid of hers after 5 years, right?

What crazy thing have you found amongst your possessions, that you have been saving but can't remember its significance?

Why Hello There

It's been a while. I've missed you so. I love using this spot to blurb, blowup, talk about a blowout, or share blessings. I've experienced all of the above during my blog sabbatical, but with not wanting to relive some of the not so wonderful moments, I'll just keep it short, sweet, and relative to today.

I'm enjoying fall, the changes both in weather and in my life, and cannot wait to see New Moon! (so random).


This pictures sums up the happenings during the absence from the world of blogging: crazy, inconsistent, exciting, and all worth the while!

More magic

I had to include this one! I just found it and can't wait to try it!

Crock Pot Weight Watchers Recipes - Pork Tenderloin in the Slow Cooker

Weight Watchers points: 4 per serving.

Ingredients:

1.50 pound pork tenderloin
1 ounce envelope dry onion soup mix
1 cup water
3/4 cup red wine
3 tablespoons minced garlic
3 tablespoons soy sauce
freshly ground black pepper to taste

How to prepare the Tenderloin in the Slow Cooker:

Place pork tenderloin in a slow cooker with the contents of the soup packet.

Pour water, wine, and soy sauce over the top, turning the pork to coat.

Carefully spread garlic over the pork, leaving as much on top of the roast during cooking as possible.

Sprinkle with pepper, cover, and cook on low setting for 4 hours.

Serve with cooking liquid on the side.

Crockpot Magic

I have found that with mine and JP's long days and busy work schedules, that a crock pot is my best friend. Here's the latest recipe I tried:

Weight Watchers Glorified Crock Pot Pork Chops
1 medium onion (chopped)
1 1/2 pounds pork chops
1/4 cup water
1 can cream of celery soup
pepper to taste

Put pork chops in bottom of crock pot, onions on top of chops, pour can of celery soup over onions, pour 1/4 cup water over all. Cook for 8 hours on low, or 4 on high. It falls apart. SO GOOD! (and I believe it makes 6 servings and is about 5 points per serving)