Each day God works in our lives. Whether we know it or not. Each day we choose to move closer to Him or move away from Him. Which will you choose today?
But if serving the LORD seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your forefathers served beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD." Joshua 24:15
Today I choose to serve the Lord. I choose to praise and worship Him and to love Him. I pray that you will do the same.
I have been reading a blog that I would like to share with you. I think you will love it too. The blog is called
A Holy Experience I encourage you to read the blog and also read the story of the author.
Blessings to All ~S~ The Quilted YaYa
Sunday, May 29, 2011
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
Cook Off = Family Fun!
Just when I think that we have the most dull, boring family in the world... Something happens.
We had several fresh veggies in the fridge that needed to be used up. So I suggested that we have a stir fry. The search was on for the best recipe. Kelly was checking online, Ronald had a cookbook and I had one. Ronald found his recipe and Kelly found hers. I couldn't find one that looked really good or sounded like what I was hungry for so I chose to sit this little competition out.
I went to the store and gathered the required extra ingredients and brought them home.
Around 5:30 p.m. or 5:45 the games began. Skillets were moving round the stove. My part was to cook the rice and chop the veggies. They were heating oil and stirring little pieces of beef and veggies all over the place. They were also taunting each other with "Mine's gonna be better than yours!" and fanning the scent of the dinner towards each other. Life's little things are usually the most fun. : ) The kitchen soon had some pretty mouth watering aromas drifting out of it.
We never did decide who's was the best. But I did like one over the other a little better. Only because I like spicy food. They were both very good and we all had fun, laughter, and bonding time. Our poor neighbors even got pulled into it when Kelly took a couple of sample bowls over for them to try. No one was going to get on the bad side of either cook. O.o
So here are the recipes: Ronald's choice
Cashew Pork and Vegetable Stir Fry ( from Better Homes and Garden cook book)
1 lb. lean boneless pork (we substituted beef)
1/4 cup orange juice
2 T bottled hoisin sauce
1/2 tsp. ground ginger
1/8 tsp. crushed red pepper (optional)
2 cups fresh pea pod (we used fresh broccoli)
1 T. cooking oil
3 med. carrots bias sliced
1/4 cup sliced green onion
2 cups hot cooked rice
1/2 cup cashews or peanuts
1.If desired, partially freeze meat for easier slicing. Thinly slice porl across the grain into bite-size strips. For sauce, stir together orange juice, hoisin sauce, ginger and red pepper if desired. set aside.
2. If using fresh pea posds, remove strings and tips (if using broccoli like we did cut just the tops off into small pieces) set aside. Poour oil into a wok or large skillet. Preheat over med. high heat. Stir in carrot. Cook and stir for 2 minutes. Add pea pods (broccoli) and green onion. Cook and stir for 2 - 3 min. until vegetables are crisp-tender. Remove veggies from skillet.
3. Add half of the pork to hot skillet/wok. Cook and stir for 2 - 3 minutes or until no pink remains; remove from skillet/wok. Repeat with remaining pork. Return all meat and veggies to skillet. Stir sauce; add to wok. Cook and stir until heated through. Stir in rice until coated. Top with nuts.
Kelly's choice from Allrecipes
Give them a try, better yet have a competition like we did. Bonding in the kitchen with the family is always a good thing. Enjoy!
Blessings to All ~S~ The Quilted YaYa
We had several fresh veggies in the fridge that needed to be used up. So I suggested that we have a stir fry. The search was on for the best recipe. Kelly was checking online, Ronald had a cookbook and I had one. Ronald found his recipe and Kelly found hers. I couldn't find one that looked really good or sounded like what I was hungry for so I chose to sit this little competition out.
I went to the store and gathered the required extra ingredients and brought them home.
Around 5:30 p.m. or 5:45 the games began. Skillets were moving round the stove. My part was to cook the rice and chop the veggies. They were heating oil and stirring little pieces of beef and veggies all over the place. They were also taunting each other with "Mine's gonna be better than yours!" and fanning the scent of the dinner towards each other. Life's little things are usually the most fun. : ) The kitchen soon had some pretty mouth watering aromas drifting out of it.
We never did decide who's was the best. But I did like one over the other a little better. Only because I like spicy food. They were both very good and we all had fun, laughter, and bonding time. Our poor neighbors even got pulled into it when Kelly took a couple of sample bowls over for them to try. No one was going to get on the bad side of either cook. O.o
So here are the recipes: Ronald's choice
Cashew Pork and Vegetable Stir Fry ( from Better Homes and Garden cook book)
1 lb. lean boneless pork (we substituted beef)
1/4 cup orange juice
2 T bottled hoisin sauce
1/2 tsp. ground ginger
1/8 tsp. crushed red pepper (optional)
2 cups fresh pea pod (we used fresh broccoli)
1 T. cooking oil
3 med. carrots bias sliced
1/4 cup sliced green onion
2 cups hot cooked rice
1/2 cup cashews or peanuts
1.If desired, partially freeze meat for easier slicing. Thinly slice porl across the grain into bite-size strips. For sauce, stir together orange juice, hoisin sauce, ginger and red pepper if desired. set aside.
2. If using fresh pea posds, remove strings and tips (if using broccoli like we did cut just the tops off into small pieces) set aside. Poour oil into a wok or large skillet. Preheat over med. high heat. Stir in carrot. Cook and stir for 2 minutes. Add pea pods (broccoli) and green onion. Cook and stir for 2 - 3 min. until vegetables are crisp-tender. Remove veggies from skillet.
3. Add half of the pork to hot skillet/wok. Cook and stir for 2 - 3 minutes or until no pink remains; remove from skillet/wok. Repeat with remaining pork. Return all meat and veggies to skillet. Stir sauce; add to wok. Cook and stir until heated through. Stir in rice until coated. Top with nuts.
Kelly's choice from Allrecipes
Beef and Broccoli
4 Servings, Prep Time: , Cook Time: 25 Minutes
Description
Steak strips are stir-fried with broccoli and simmered in a tangy tomato sauce. Served over rice, this tasty dish is sure to please your dinnertime crowd.
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless beef sirloin steak or beef top round steak
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 (10.75 ounce) can Campbell's(R) Condensed Tomato Soup (Regular or 25% Less Sodium)
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon vinegar
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper
- 3 cups fresh or frozen broccoli flowerets
- 4 cups hot cooked rice
Directions
- Slice beef into very thin strips.
- Heat oil in skillet. Add beef and stir-fry until browned and juices evaporate.
- Add soup, soy, vinegar, garlic powder and pepper. Heat to a boil. Add broccoli and cook until tender-crisp. Serve over rice.
Give them a try, better yet have a competition like we did. Bonding in the kitchen with the family is always a good thing. Enjoy!
Blessings to All ~S~ The Quilted YaYa
Monday, May 23, 2011
New Hairstyle
She should be nice and cool for the summer months!
Well, I just had to share.
Blessings to All ~ S~ The Quilted YaYa
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
Growing Up...
Kelly has had extra time on her hands this last couple of weeks. The Tuesday after Mother's Day, she was let go from her job. I won't go into the reasons why, but I will say that I know God is in control and that He works for the good of all who love Him and call on His name. There has actually been much less tension around our home the last couple of weeks. *sigh of relief*
She has used this time to get back into scripture. *My heart is doing somersaults!* She has put in applications, attended a style workshop to keep up with her cosmetology education, and spent time with her sisters. She did what they call editorial work, on her sisters' hair this week. Kind of 30's and 40's looks. Then they went outside and took some pictures.
I was amazed at how much my little girls had grown up. I know that you've heard people say that they need to lock their daughters up in the house and sit with a shotgun. Well, I think that I understand that phrase more than ever now. Thought that I'd share a few of the pictures with you. : )
Blessings to all ~S~ The Quilted YaYa
She has used this time to get back into scripture. *My heart is doing somersaults!* She has put in applications, attended a style workshop to keep up with her cosmetology education, and spent time with her sisters. She did what they call editorial work, on her sisters' hair this week. Kind of 30's and 40's looks. Then they went outside and took some pictures.
I was amazed at how much my little girls had grown up. I know that you've heard people say that they need to lock their daughters up in the house and sit with a shotgun. Well, I think that I understand that phrase more than ever now. Thought that I'd share a few of the pictures with you. : )
Blessings to all ~S~ The Quilted YaYa
Monday, May 16, 2011
It's Done!
WooWhooo! The Monkey Quilt is done. I will turn it over to it's new owner today!
There always seems to be a certain amount of stress that comes with making a quilt for someone else. Especially if it's one that they requested and are paying for. I love making quilts, so much so that I wish I could make it my living to share the beauty of taking scraps of fabric and turning them into something that is warm, comforting and filled with love. The stress is ok though. I work pretty good under a little stress. Too much and I tend to shut down. But when one is working on a quilt you can't be stressed for too long. There is just something so relaxing about putting the pieces together and seeing how they take shape. In my little quilting corner I can work and create and pray and draw close to Jesus. One of the verses from scripture that has been with me the last several months is: Make it your goal to live a quiet life, minding your own business and working with your hands, just as we instructed you before. 1 Thess. 4:11
Each quilt that I create is a part of me. Much like my own child, some of the quilts go to my children and some go to dear friends. Parting with them is much like watching a child take steps out the door. I pray over each quilt and hope that the recipient loves it as much as I do.
So here are a couple of pictures of the finished product.
Blessings to all ~ S ~ The Quilted YaYa
There always seems to be a certain amount of stress that comes with making a quilt for someone else. Especially if it's one that they requested and are paying for. I love making quilts, so much so that I wish I could make it my living to share the beauty of taking scraps of fabric and turning them into something that is warm, comforting and filled with love. The stress is ok though. I work pretty good under a little stress. Too much and I tend to shut down. But when one is working on a quilt you can't be stressed for too long. There is just something so relaxing about putting the pieces together and seeing how they take shape. In my little quilting corner I can work and create and pray and draw close to Jesus. One of the verses from scripture that has been with me the last several months is: Make it your goal to live a quiet life, minding your own business and working with your hands, just as we instructed you before. 1 Thess. 4:11
Each quilt that I create is a part of me. Much like my own child, some of the quilts go to my children and some go to dear friends. Parting with them is much like watching a child take steps out the door. I pray over each quilt and hope that the recipient loves it as much as I do.
So here are a couple of pictures of the finished product.
Blessings to all ~ S ~ The Quilted YaYa
Friday, May 6, 2011
Gatlinburg
This past week, we went on a vacation. It was the first one we've had in about three years.
We went to Gatlinburg. So much fun. I absolutely love the mountains. There is something so very peaceful about being in those mountains that just draw you back in time and slow everything down. You can go and stay busy if you want to. There is so much to do there. We did a lot of things, including putt putt golf, Dixie Stampede, the Ripley's Aquarium, and horseback riding. We also shopped and went swimming, and went to an art gallery. The only thing that we wanted to do but didn't get a chance to was, go antique shopping. But that's OK, we still had a great time. I really didn't want to leave. At least not after one week. Two weeks would have been great.
Horseback riding in the Great Smokey Mountain Park is really fun. I was very glad that we didn't see any bears, but we did see some wild turkey while we were riding. There is something so peaceful about sitting on the back of this big horse and riding through the woods and next to streams that are rushing along. Of course it made me realize just how old and out of shape that I am. ^.^
While we were there, Jessica and I were both offered jobs. I was offered one at an art gallery and one leading horses on a trail ride. Jessica was offered a job at the Dixie Stampede in the stables.
Of course we also just spent time sitting on the balcony of our room and looking out at the mountains. Words just can not do justice to what fills my heart when I sit there reading my Bible and looking at the splendor of what God created.
So, we are home now and I am glad. We have all of our stuff around us and fun memories were made while we were there. Life will be back to the old grind beginning next week. I don't think that I want to wait three years before we go back again. Also there are many other places that I'd love to visit.
Que Sera Sera, God is awesome and we had a blast on our vacation. I am at peace in the mountains but even there the bills, and the busyness of life will eventually catch up to you again. So God has me here and that is a good thing. He will take care of us and teach us to not get too busy.
Praying that God will be with you and give you a peace that passes all understanding.
Blessings to all ~ S ~ The Quilted YaYa
We went to Gatlinburg. So much fun. I absolutely love the mountains. There is something so very peaceful about being in those mountains that just draw you back in time and slow everything down. You can go and stay busy if you want to. There is so much to do there. We did a lot of things, including putt putt golf, Dixie Stampede, the Ripley's Aquarium, and horseback riding. We also shopped and went swimming, and went to an art gallery. The only thing that we wanted to do but didn't get a chance to was, go antique shopping. But that's OK, we still had a great time. I really didn't want to leave. At least not after one week. Two weeks would have been great.
Horseback riding in the Great Smokey Mountain Park is really fun. I was very glad that we didn't see any bears, but we did see some wild turkey while we were riding. There is something so peaceful about sitting on the back of this big horse and riding through the woods and next to streams that are rushing along. Of course it made me realize just how old and out of shape that I am. ^.^
While we were there, Jessica and I were both offered jobs. I was offered one at an art gallery and one leading horses on a trail ride. Jessica was offered a job at the Dixie Stampede in the stables.
Of course we also just spent time sitting on the balcony of our room and looking out at the mountains. Words just can not do justice to what fills my heart when I sit there reading my Bible and looking at the splendor of what God created.
So, we are home now and I am glad. We have all of our stuff around us and fun memories were made while we were there. Life will be back to the old grind beginning next week. I don't think that I want to wait three years before we go back again. Also there are many other places that I'd love to visit.
Que Sera Sera, God is awesome and we had a blast on our vacation. I am at peace in the mountains but even there the bills, and the busyness of life will eventually catch up to you again. So God has me here and that is a good thing. He will take care of us and teach us to not get too busy.
Praying that God will be with you and give you a peace that passes all understanding.
Blessings to all ~ S ~ The Quilted YaYa
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