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Things You May Not Know

by SideTrackedVickie on October 20, 2009

We thought it would be fun to share some things about ourselves you might not know. Faith, I’ll go first:

1.  I’ve moved a lot in my life. I believe where I live now is the 24th place I’ve lived in 55 years. I don’t like moving and starting over because it’s hard for me to meet new people and make my way through new grocery stores, unfamiliar city streets, and finding a new church home.

2.  I never thought I would homeschool my children, mostly because I’d never heard of it until a few months before we actually did it. Now I can’t imagine not having them home with me.

3.  Being a pastor’s wife came a total surprise to me a few years ago. Although I always knew Jim would become a doctor before we got married, going into full-time ministry was a curve ball. Now I enjoy participating in all areas of his new vocation, it is something I rarely did when he was in medicine full time.

4.  I was quite a jock in high school and college. I think I played every sport that was offered, and loved them all. Basketball was definitely my favorite and playing for Florida State was a highlight in my sports career. Boy, being in shape back then was fun because I played my weight off. Now, it’s such an effort to do any kind of work out.

5.  Camping in an RV is so much more fun than tent camping ever was. You can stay warm when it’s cold, you don’t have to cook outside when it’s raining, and the beds are softer! I wish we had gotten one to enjoy with the three older children before they left home.

Actually, today I’m going to add to the list of things about my mom. She doesn’t like to brag about herself…so I’ll do it for her. :)

6.  My mom is a quilter. Her quilts are beautiful and she can make them by hand and by machine. She did manage to teach me how to quilt a pillowcase when I was growing up but I leave the fancy stuff to her.

7.  She also makes awesome homemade bread. In fact, she’s making six loaves as I type this. She even grinds fresh flour for the ultimate healthy bread. The family favorite is her cinnamon swirl bread but growing up I also really liked her cheese and bacon swirl bread.

8.  My mom is a published author. Although she went into the projects kicking and screaming (ok, maybe not screaming) she has published five awesome books on Christian marriage and sexuality.

9.  My mom is very musical. She can play piano, clarinet, and the guitar plus she sings beautiful harmony. Another interesting musical trait she has is the ability to take any phrase within a conversation and start singing a song that contains coordinating lyrics. When she and my dad are together they do this a lot. It’s cute, impressive, and a little bit cheesy all at the same time.

10.  Hmm, I was trying to decide about whether to make this last one really deep or profound but the only thing that comes to mind is that my mother is afraid of Merry Go-Rounds. Actually, any kind of spinning makes her sick. I just think it’s funny to say she’s afraid of merry go-rounds.:)

There are so many great things about my mom that you may not know, but what’s totally awesome to me is that there are so many things about my mom that even SHE doesn’t know. She’s just a humble and extrememly loving person and I’m so proud to call her my mom!

Faith, you bless my life beyond measure and I’m humbled by your words. And yes, you made me cry.

God certainly knew how much I needed you in my life. However, your turn is coming!

Dear readers, keep on the lookout for a post all about Faith. That will be a good one, too  :)

Originally posted 2009-01-20 16:49:18. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

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How Well Do You Know Your Husband?

by SideTrackedVickie on October 20, 2009

Hi Ladies:

I found this fun quiz about husbands on Facebook today and thought it would be fun to share with you.

Tell you what: I’ll list the questions, then I’ll have Faith and I answer after each one.

It would be fun for those of you who enjoy reading our blog to chime in with your answers as well. Plus, you could use these questions as a great way to start a conversation with your man. If nothing else, you can share your answers with him and see if he agrees with you. :)

Okay….here goes!

Husband Quiz (from Facebook)

1. He’s sitting in front of the TV, what is on the screen?

This Old House or a sporting event

- CSI

2. You’re out to eat; what kind of dressing does he get on his salad?

He always gets ranch with no cheese sprinkles

- Ranch, no croutons

3. What’s one food he doesn’t like?

He can’t stand Parmesan cheese. He says it smells worse than vomit

- BBQ Chips. I just learned that about him this week.

4. You go out to eat and have a drink. What does he order?

Sweet tea

- Water mostly. Sometimes sweet tea.

5. Where did he go to high school?

Englewood High School in Jacksonville, Florida

- Oviedo High School in Oviedo, Florida

6. What size shoe does he wear?

8.5 D

- 12 Wide

7. If he was to collect anything, what would it be?

Books (no surprise on this one)

- Computer parts (Do you need any? Please come take some.)

8. What is his favorite type of sandwich?

Philly Cheese steak

- Boar’s Head Ultimate Sub from Publix

9. What would he eat every day if he could?

Fig Newtons with a glass of milk

- Steak

10. What is his favorite cereal?

Great Grains with raisins, dates, and pecans

- Same favorite cereal :)

11. What would he never wear?

Speedo swim trunks

- White jeans

12. What is his favorite sports team?

Florida State

- Atlanta Braves I guess. It used to be Orlando Magic when he lived in Florida.

13. Who did he vote for?

He’s a republican

- Republicans

14. Who is his best friend?

That’s easy—me :)

- Me, of course

15. What is something you do that he wishes you wouldn’t do?

Not make a decision when he wants me to

- Leave cabinet doors open or leave the toilet lid open. (The LID, not the seat. Why this bothers him I’m not sure.)

16. What is his heritage?

German descent

- He’s half Puerto Rican

17. You bake him a cake for his birthday; what kind of cake?

Poppy seed with no icing

- German Chocolate

18. Did he play sports in high school?

Nope. But he watched me play a bunch of them :)

- He played soccer but that was before high school.

19. What could he spend hours doing?

Reading–and he does!

- Working on computers

20. What is one unique talent he has?

He can fix just about anything. And if he doesn’t know how, he’ll read about how to do it.

- He can fix any piece of technology.

Originally posted 2009-09-28 23:16:34. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

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Don’t Forget Hubby

by SideTrackedVickie on October 20, 2009

Have you ever had days when you forgot you were married? In other words, you got so busy doing “mommy stuff” that you forgot your husband would be coming in? Do you forgot that you’re a wife, too?

Sometimes we can get so involved with the children that we forget that our husband is supposed to be our top priority. Certainly our children require our attention and need to be nurtured, but it’s vital to remember that our husband does, too. Don’t fall into thinking things like, “He is a big boy. He can take care of himself.” Don’t underestimate how much he needs you, too.

As a sidetracked mom, our most important “job” is being a wife to our husband. We need to make him feel special. We need to be thankful for the things he does for us. If you’re like Faith and me, you have much to be thankful for because your husband works so that you can not only stay home, but he also supports you in homeschooling your children.

As many authors will tell you, “A great marriage is the best gift you can give to our children.”

So, let’s talk about a few ways to make your husband feel special. Consider these and focus on the things that strike a special chord with you:

  • Complement your husband, especially in front of your children so your children know how to do this. One day they will grow up to be adults, too.
  • Develop a genuine interest in his work and hobbies.
  • Make your bedroom a peaceful and uncluttered place to be. This speaks volumes to him on how you value your marriage and your time spent together here.
  • When your husband comes home from work, stop what you are doing and greet him with a hug and a kiss. Get your children to do this, too.
  • Go to bed at the same time with him, even if you aren’t really sleepy. You can always read or work on paperwork in bed.
  • Get up with him in the morning. This allows both of you to talk and connect with each other before he goes off to work and before you start your day.
  • Teach your children to respect times when the two of you just want to talk. Call it “Adult Swim” or times to be left alone with Daddy. At our house, we’ve taught our children that, unless you’re bleeding, it can wait.
  • Finally, and definitely not the least, teach your children to respect their dad. Teach them good manners and how to obey their father. If you don’t teach them, who will?

Originally posted 2009-02-05 12:45:24. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

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White Chocolate and Cranberry Cookies

by SideTrackedFaith on October 20, 2009

My mom and I made these totally yummy cookies yesterday as part of some holiday baking. They were a huge hit and they look so pretty! I just had to share the recipe with you all.

The original recipe proportions said it only made 24 servings so my mom and I doubled the recipe and we added some chopped pecans. (Everything is better with some added pecans, you know!) The recipe came from All Recipes.com

White Chocolate and Cranberry Cookies

INGREDIENTS

  • 1/2 cup butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup white sugar
  • 1 egg
  • 1 tablespoon brandy (We used Vanilla instead and didn’t double it)
  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 3/4 cup white chocolate chips
  • 1 cup dried cranberries

DIRECTIONS

  1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Grease cookie sheets.
  2. In a large bowl, cream together the butter, brown sugar, and white sugar until smooth. Beat in the egg and brandy. Combine the flour and baking soda; stir into the sugar mixture. Mix in the white chocolate chips and cranberries. Drop by heaping spoonfuls onto prepared cookie sheets.
  3. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes in the preheated oven. For best results, take them out while they are still doughy. Allow cookies to cool for 1 minute on the cookie sheets before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.

We hope you enjoy them as much as we did. They go great with coffee or hot cocoa. And don’t tell anybody, but I had some for breakfast this morning too. :)

They say that confession is good for the soul, so here goes…….I had some for breakfast, too! :)

Originally posted 2008-12-15 12:27:17. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

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German Beef Stew–Crockpot Style

by SideTrackedVickie on October 20, 2009

Years ago I bought a crockpot that was oval shaped, it sat on top of a griddle base, and came with a recipe book. Although the crockpot is long gone, our family still enjoys this one particular recipe. Maybe your family will, too.

German Beef Stew

1 1/2 lbs. stew meat or beef chuck, but into cubes

2 tbl. flour

1/2 tsp. celery salt

1/4 tsp. garlic powder

1/2 tsp. ground ginger

1/4 tsp. pepper

1, 1 lb. can of diced tomatoes, undrained

2 cups thinly sliced carrots (you can certainly eliminate these if your family doesn’t like them)

1/4 sherry cooking wine

1/4 cup molasses

1/4 cup raisins (optional)

  1. Place beef in crockpot
  2. In a small bowl, combine flour, celery salt, garlic powder, ground ginger, and pepper.
  3. Mix thoroughly, then sprinkle over beef.
  4. In a separate bowl, mix undrained tomatoes with carrots, cooking wine, and molasses.
  5. Pour this liquid mixture over beef and flour mixture.
  6. Cover crockpot and cook for 6 to 8 hours.
  7. If adding raisins, put into beef mixture 30 minutes before serving.
  8. Serve over hot cooked noodles or rice.

Makes 6 to 8 servings.

Originally posted 2008-10-02 15:03:59. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

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