Tuesday, February 20, 2007

Blessings

It's that time of year. The season is changing. The air is fresh and clean. There seems no end to the possibilities before us. February is almost past, and March is fast approaching. Already this year is speeding by!

I have been busy the past few weeks since my parents returned to the mission field. When my dad leaves, I handle anything that comes up on this end of all his business/financial "stuff." Normally, this hardly changes anything for me. Well, not so this time around!!! It's been a learning experience for me to juggle everything that's needed my attention. It's been fun though...fun to stay so busy, fun to be able to help my dad so much!

I've also been helping my hubby by running interference with the mortgage company and the real estate agents! YEP!!! We finally found a house that will work for us. I'm so excited! It's been nearly nine months since we sold our house, and I've been impatiently, patiently waiting for what the Lord would provide.

It still may be some time before we move because Brandon is due a month and a half after the closing date. I'm just not sure I'll be up to all that moving requires at that point! But we still have a comfortable place to live until we're absolutely ready to leave. I'm just so happy that I'll actually have a home to call my own again.

I've been struck lately by how very blessed I am!

The Lord has given me a wonderful husband who cares for me and our children. He provides for us and works so hard to give us what we need and so much more. He loves me so completely and is a wonderful father to our sons!

I have a beautiful little boy who is so precious to me and a constant reminder of God's grace in my life. He's not always easy to deal with, but the love I have for him is indescribable! His little declarations of love--"Mommy, I love you."--are so worth every time of trial and frustration! His hugs and kisses are constant blessings showered upon me.

And I have another baby on the way! This little boy inside of me is growing and moving and changing so much every day. It's amazing to see the changes in my body as Brandon develops. The Lord has so far blessed us with a healthy pregnancy. I've had my share of pregnancy woes, but really, I'm doing very well. I'm so thankful for the doctors that I have to take care of me and the husband I have to help and comfort me when the going gets rough. I've lost count of the back, leg and foot massages he's showered on me to relieve my aches and pains.

The Lord is just so good to me...and I am so undeserving! I find myself getting caught up in all the "what if's" and the "could be's" when I'm surrounded everyday by tokens of my Father's care and provision for me. How I want to learn to be a constantly thankful person! Thankful for all my physical blessings, my family and my home. Thankful for the life that the Lord has given me...physical and spiritual.

Well, blogworld, I have to sign off for now.

By the way, for all of you out there who noticed our lack of a middle name, we have finally settled! :) This new baby boy will be named after his Grandpa Horner. The Lord willing, Brandon Patrick Walker will join our family sometime the first weeks of May.

Thank you all for your friendship and your prayers and your love for my family and for me! Blessings!!!

Friday, February 02, 2007

Hungry, anyone??

Has anyone else been in a cooking/baking mode lately???? I certainly have!

As I've perused the blog world this past week, it seems like everyone out there is posting something about cooking or recipes or something!!! I've copied some amazing sounding recipes from Biblical Womanhood, Dawson's Delights and other blogs! Y'all should check them out!

I have been baking...fresh yeast cinnamon rolls, banana pudding made with homemade vanilla pudding, layered cherry chocolate cake...yum, yum!!

I've also been trying out some new chicken recipes. You see, chicken is about the cheapest meat I can get these days--that means, I have a freezer full of it. Everything from 10 lbs. of leg quarters to packages of chicken legs at $0.69/lb. Needless to say, I need some creative, but inexpensive, already-have-the-ingredients-in-the-house ideas!

This week, we've tried a new and yummy recipe for oven-fried chicken and a recipe for Chicken Tetrazzini that I changed up. It actually all came out really yummy!!!

So, all that to say this...

Here's the Oven-fried Chicken recipe. It's super simple and easy. Best of all, the ingredients are inexpensive; and normally, we all have them laying around the kitchen anyway!!!

OVEN-FRIED CHICKEN
Source: Better Homes and Gardens

Prep: 20 min
Bake:45 min

Ingredients--

1 egg, beaten
3 T. milk

1-1/4 cups crushed cornflakes or finely crushed rich round crackers (I made it with corn flakes.)
1 t. dried thyme, crushed
1/2 t. paprika
1/4 t. salt (honestly, it's chicken! M ore salt was needed, I thought)
1/8 t. pepper

I also added some Garlic powder to this mix because we enjoy that garlicky taste...your choice...add whatever seems good to you!

2 T. butter, melted

2-1/2 to 3 lbs meaty chicken pieces (breast halves, thighs and/or drumsticks)


Directions--

1. In a small bowl, combine egg and milk. For coating, in a shallow dish, combine cornflakes, thyme, paprika, salt, pepper and garlic powder; stir in melted butter. Set aside. Skin chicken. Dip chicken pieces, 1 at a time, into egg mixture; coat with crumb mixture.

2. In a greased 15x10x1 inch baking pan, arrange chicken, bone side down, so the pieces don't touch. Sprinkle the chicken with any remaining crumb mixture so they are generously coated.

3. Bake uncovered in a 375 degree F oven for 45 -55 minutes or until chicken is no longer pink. Do not turn chicken while baking. Makes 6 servings.

4. NOTE: To make your own tenders, simple cut 1-1/2 lbs of boneless, skinless, chicken breast halves lengthwise into 1-in strips.

5. Oven-fried Parmesan Chicken: Prepare as above, except omit thyme and salt and reduce the corn flakes to 1/2 cup. For coating, combine cornflakes, 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 1 t. dried oregano, crushed, the paprika and pepper. Stir in melted butter. Continue as above.

6. Oven fried chicken breast tenders: Prepare as above, except substitute 1-1/2 lbs chicken tenders for meaty chicken pieces. Increase crushed cornflakes to 1-3/4 cups and place tenders in a single layer on baking pan. Do not turn tenders while baking.


I hope that you enjoy this as much as my family did! My husband is a fan of all those home-cooked, Southern style meals! Since I don't have a deep fryer, I've had to learn to pan fry and over fry chicken for him. This is definitely the best recipe for oven fried that I've tried yet! We enjoyed it with home-made mashed potatoes, green beans and steamed carrots.

Happy cooking everyone!

Tuesday, January 30, 2007

About the pictures

We were in San Antonio again this past weekend. We actually planned to be back home by Saturday evening, but we got a phone call letting us know that Erin, Steven's sister flew in for the weekend to surprise him!!! We only found out about an hour and a half before we had planned to leave!!! Anyway, all the pictures below are from her visit.

If I look tired, it's because I was!!!!

I had already had a long morning, with packing and making plans to meet up with my parents to tell them goodbye. By the time the pictures were taken, I had been in the car for most of the day, Ryan hadn't had any sort of good nap and it was really starting to show!!! Before the day was over, we were in the car for several more hours, Ryan still had no decent nap, and my preggy symptoms kicked in with a vengeance, leaving me with swollen feet and legs up to my knees! I was exhausted!

But, everyone else looks good, so just ignore the tired, pregnant lady! :)

And more pictures!





More pictures!!!



Thursday, January 18, 2007

My journey through last year...


Through The Storms


I did not know His love before,
the way I know it now.
I could not see my need for Him,
my pride would not allow.


I had it all, without a care,
the "Self-sufficient" lie.
My path was smooth, my sea was still,
not a cloud was in my sky.


I thought I knew His love for me,
I thought I'd seen His grace,
I thought I did not need to grow,
I thought I'd found my place.


But then the way grew rough and dark,
the storm clouds quickly rolled;
The waves began to rock my ship,
my anchor would not hold.


The ship that I had built myself
was made of foolish pride.
It fell apart and left me bare,
with nowhere else to hide.


I had no strength or faith to face
the trials that lay ahead,
And so I simply prayed to Him
and bowed my weary head.


His loving arms enveloped me,
and then He helped me stand.
He said, "You still must face this storm,
but I will hold your hand."


So through the dark and lonely night
He guided me through pain.
I could not see the light of day
or when the storm might wane.


Yet through the aches and endless tears,
my faith began to grow.
I could not see it at the time,
but my light began to glow.


I saw God's love in brand new light,
His grace and mercy, too.
For only when all self was gone
could Jesus' love shine through.


It was not easy in the storm,
I sometimes wondered, "Why?"
At times I thought, "I can't go on."
I'd hurt, and doubt, and cry.


But Jesus never left my side,
He guided me each day.
Through pain and strife,through fire and flood,
He helped me all the way.


And now I see as never before
how great His love can be.
How in my weakness He is strong,
how Jesus cares for me!


He worked it all out for my good,
although the way was rough.
He only sent what I could bear,
and then He cried, "Enough!"


He raised His hand and said, "Be still!"
He made the storm clouds cease.
He opened up the gates of joy
and flooded me with peace.


I saw His face now clearer still,
I felt His presence strong,
I found anew His faithfulness,
He never did me wrong.


Now I know more storms will come,
but only for my good,
For pain and tears have helped me grow
as naught else ever could.


I still have so much more to learn
as Jesus works in me;
If in the storm I'll love Him more,
that's where I want to be!


~ Unknown Author ~

Monday, January 15, 2007

Realizations

We can say without any doubt that we are definitely having a boy.

I told Steven that I thought the baby was offended that mommy was still holding out some hope for a girl! He showed us nothing but that he was a BOY at this last sonogram-- definitely NOT a shy little boy! :o]

I realized some things the other night when I couldn't sleep (a regular occurence these days, it seems.)

First, my parents are leaving again in about two weeks. Time has flown by since they returned this time around! It's been good to have them home and I'll miss them like always.

Second, my best friend is marrying my cousin in less less than eight weeks. I'm supposed to be a bridesmaid...YIKESSSS!!!!! I have lots to do to get ready. My dress has to be made, shower plans have to be laid, gifts must be bought, etc, etc! Fun times indeed!!!

And last, but not least, the most important and shocking midnight realization--

THIS BABY WILL BE HERE IN LESS THAN 16 WEEKS!!!!!! WOW!!!!!!!!!!!

I hadn't really thought about that until this week. There's so much to do still and so much else going on around me! I was a little overwhelmed for a while, but I know everything will get done that needs to get done.

My parents will be coming home the weekend before I'm supposed to be induced. Pray for them. They'll get back on a Friday morning, drive here to Coleman that day, and try to get enough rest to see them through the birth and all the subsequent excitement and activity that will follow. My mom is committed to helping me those first couple weeks, and she will really need her rest to keep up with Ryan full time while I recover!

So much going on these days!!! It's fun to think about, but I know that I need to kick it into gear if I'm going to be remotely ready to have this baby come into our lives and into our home!

Thursday, January 04, 2007

Welcome, Chad and Heather!

The Helwigs have finally joined the world of bloggers!! I have a link on my sidebar if anyone's interested in checking in on them!

Wednesday, January 03, 2007

Thot I'd share...


Themes of God in the Books of the Bible

Old Testament :

In Genesis , He is the Creator God.

In Exodus, He is the Redeemer.

In Leviticus, He is your sanctification.

In Numbers, He is your guide.

In Deuteronomy, He is your teacher.

In Joshua, He is the mighty conqueror.

In Judges, He gives victory over enemies.

In Ruth, He is your kinsman, your lover, your redeemer.

In I Samuel, he is the root of Jesse;

In 2 Samuel, He is the Son of David.

In 1st and 2nd Kings, He is King of Kings and Lord of Lords.

In 1st and 2nd Chronicles, He is your intercessor and High Priest.

In Ezra, He is your temple, your house of worship.

In Nehemiah, He is your mighty wall, protecting you from your enemies.

In Esther, He stands in the gap to deliver you from your enemies.

In Job, He is the arbitrator who not only understands your struggles, but has the
power to do something about them.

In Psalms, He is your song-and your reason to sing.

In Proverbs, He is your wisdom, helping you make sense of life and live it successfully.

In Ecclesiastes, He is your purpose, delivering you from vanity.

In the Song of Solomon, He is your lover, your Rose of Sharon.

In Isaiah, He is the mighty counsellor, the Prince of peace, the Everlasting father, and more. In short, He's everything you need.

In Jeremiah, He is your balm of Gilead, the soothing salve for your sin-sick soul.

In Lamentations, He is the ever-faithful One upon whom you can depend.

In Ezekiel, He is your wheel in the middle of a wheel-the one who assures that dry, dead bones will come alive again.

In Daniel, He is the ancient of days, everlasting God who never runs out of time.

In Hosea, He is your faithful lover, always beckoning you to come back-even when you have abandoned Him.

In Joel, He is your refuge, keeping you safe in times of trouble.

In Amos, He is the husbandman, the one you can depend on to stay by your side.

In Obadiah, He is Lord of the Kingdom.

In Jonah, He is your salvation, bringing you back within His will.

In Micah, He is Judge of the nation.

In Nahum, He is the jealous God.

In Habakkuk, He is the Holy One.

In Zephaniah, He is the Witness.

In Haggai, He overthrows the enemies.

In Zechariah, He is Lord of Hosts.

In Malachi, He is the messenger God.


New Testament :

In Matthew, He is king of the Jews.

In Mark, He is the servant.

In Luke, He is the Son of Man, feeling what you feel.

In John, He is the Son of God.

In Acts, He is Saviour of the world.

In Romans, He is the righteousness of God.

In I Corinthians, He is the rock that followed Israel.

In II Corinthians, He is the triumphant one, giving victory.

In Galatians, He is your liberty; He sets you free.

In Ephesians, He is head of the Church.

In Philippians, He is your joy.

In Colossians, He is your completeness.

In I Thessalonians, He is your hope.

In II Thessalonians, He is your patience and discipline.

In I Timothy, He is your faith.

In II Timothy, He is your stability.

In Titus, He is the truth.

In Philemon, He is your benefactor.

In Hebrews, He is your perfection.

In James, He is the power behind your faith.

In I Peter, He is your example.

In II Peter, He is your purity.

In I John, He is your life.

In II John, He is your pattern.

In III John, He is your motivation.

In Jude, He is the foundation of your faith.

In Revelation, He is your coming King.

Tuesday, December 19, 2006

Baby Walker update-18 weeks

The doc says that little boy Walker is looking very good--weighs 10 oz. and is 8 in. long!

Both of my doctors believe I should follow the same check-ups as I had with Ryan, and they agree that I should be induced around 37 weeks. So, Lord willing, this little boy will come into the world during the first week of May. My due date is not until May 18th, but with my history, early induction brings us all some peace of mind.

I'll be having sonograms every four weeks until I'm 32 weeks. Then they'll increase to twice a week!!! I suppose the good thing about all that testing is that if there was a mistake today about the baby being a boy, we'll find out sooner rather than later! :)

It's been a long day, so I better run for now. Just wanted to give a little more info to all those interested readers out there!

Oh yeah, we'll get back to everyone about a name...maybe! :)
IT'S A BOY!!!!
Hey everyone!!!

I'm going for my sonogram today, so please pray!!!

Lord willing, we'll come home with a little blue or pink outfit!! HEHE I'm excited!

I'll keep everyone posted on the big news...I promise!

Have a good day, Blogworld!

(Yes, I know--lots of exclamation points--Can you blame me??) :)

Friday, December 15, 2006

Our Christmas Plans

Well, it's that time of year!

Every store is lit up with lights and sounds of Christmas. Everyone is getting into the "spirit" of
the holidays.


While I don't truly view Christmas as a "Christian" holiday, but rather a time to spend with family and friends, I recognize that all over the world, Christians are celebrating Christ's birth during this time. I think it is a good reminder that our Creator humbled himself and became a man. Why? To make a way for men to be reconciled to a holy, righteous God! Any reminder of that sacrifice offered at God's feet on our behalf is a wonderful thing!!!

So, though the world has woefully lost the "true meaning" of this season, I do believe that Christians ought to take some time to relflect when we are surrounded by so many reminders of our Saviour's incarnation.

That's not to say that I don't enjoy the secular side of Christmas! I do enjoy giving gifts and having the holiday meal with all my family around as much as the next person! I even enjoy the holiday movies that are on every channel and the signs of Santa Clause! I love the music, the feelings, the lights, the joy of this season!

We will be enjoying lots of time with all our family this year. We will be giving simple gifts and enjoying the glee on the children's faces as they tear open those brightly wrapped packages!

All of these things go into why I love this time of year and why I think it's an important time to come aside and reflect on all the blessings in our lives. It's a time to see God's hand in each our lives and be thankful for all we've been given and seek to share some of our abundance with others!

Christmas greetings!

MERRY CHRISTMAS
and
HAPPY NEW YEAR'S!

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Wednesday, November 15, 2006

I'm excited!



Only two days now until my precious parents are back home in the states! YAY!!!

It's been a trying few months without them here with us, but the Lord has been gracious and merciful through it all.

I'm looking forward to some personal time with them next week. I'm going to travel down to San Antonio and spend a few days with them before Thanksgiving, when all the family will show up! I'm excited about that too!! It'll be the first Thanksgiving in a few years that we will all be together to share the feast. Fun times I'm sure!

Thursday, November 09, 2006

A Reminder To Pray


I know that this week's elections may have gone by unnoticed to some people, but I wanted to remind those who stop by here from time to time, that this shift of power does affect our lives directly!! It affects the men and women who are fighting in our place and for our freedom!

No matter your political views, we all have a responsibility to support and do all we can for the brave men and women on the various fronts of this war. Remember to pray for them as this is the greatest service we can do for them!

Also, as we were reminded last night at our prayer meeting, we have been given a command
(I Tim 2:1,2) by God to pray for those in leadership over us--to pray for our government, whether conservative or liberal.

So, let's commit to pray for our nation, our leaders--from the President on down to our local leadership--and for our troops, the men and women who risk their lives for our freedoms and our way of life.

The picture is my brother in law (in the middle) and two of the men who fight beside him everyday!

Pictures

Hey everyone! I thought I'd share some pictures from our last trip to San Antonio and Harlingen. My brother in law took most of the pictures. They aren't the greatest pictures of me, but everyone else looks good!!! :)



My nephews and niece with their wonderful Uncle Dave!
(Lft-Rt Perrin, Sarah, David, John Jason)


David and Erin--Steven's brother and sister


The couple behind us is Steven's sister and her fiance.



This one is evidence of what happens when you don't give me enough warning before taking a picture! hehehe



Tuesday, November 07, 2006

A Silly Thot

I don't usually share things like this here, but I thought it was funny, especially with upcoming holidays. Enjoy! :)



THE PREGNANT TURKEY

One year at Thanksgiving, my mom went to my sister's house for the traditional feast. Knowing how gullible my sister is, my mom decided to play a trick.

She told my sister that she needed something from the store. When my sister left, my mom took the turkey out of the oven, removed the stuffing, stuffed a Cornish hen, and inserted it into the turkey,and re-stuffed the turkey. She then placed the bird(s) back in the oven.

When it was time for dinner, my sister pulled the turkey out of the oven and proceeded to remove the stuffing. When her serving spoon hit something, she reached in and pulled out the little bird.

With a look of total shock on her face, my mother exclaimed, "Patricia, you've cooked a pregnant bird!"

At the reality of this horrifying news, my sister started to cry.

It took the family two hours to convince her that turkeys lay eggs!

Yep..................SHE'S BLONDE!