Thursday, August 31, 2006

With Labor Day a few days away, I though it would be a good idea to share some yummy recipes! If you try them post about it!


BBQ Burgers

1-1/2 pound ground sirloin
1 medium onion, finely chopped1 bottle of favorite BBQ sauce
2 tsp brown sugar1 Tblsp mustard1 Tblsp grill/steak seasoning
8 hamburger buns
Favorite burger toppings (lettuce, tomato, onion, etc)

Combine all ingredients thoroughly and shape into 8 burgers. Grill or fry to desired doneness



Homestyle Potato Salad

4 large potatoes
3 eggs
1 ¼ cups chopped celery
1 c. mayonnaise
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp pepper
¼ c chopped coriander (optional)

Boil peeled potatoes and eggs together for 30 minutes. Let them cool. Take the shells off of the eggs. Cut the potatoes into cubes and the peeled eggs into small slices. Combine the potatoes and eggs with celery, mayo, salt and pepper, stirring well. Add the coriander, right before serving. Makes 6 servings



Snickerdoodles

1 cup butter (not margarine)
3/4 cup brown sugar
3/4 cup granulated sugar
2 eggs
1 teaspoon pure bourbon vanilla extract
1 3/4 cups flour
2 teaspoons cinnamon
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 cups old fashioned oats
2 teaspoons sugar
1 teaspoon cinnamon


Preheat the oven to 375 degrees and lightly grease cookie sheets. Cream together the butter, brown sugar and 3/4 cup sugar until light and fluffy. In a small bowl beat together the eggs and vanilla, then mix into the butter mixture. In a medium bowl whisk together the flour, two teaspoons cinnamon, baking soda, and salt. Blend the flour mixture into the butter mixture and stir in the oats. Drop by the teaspoonful onto the prepared sheets. In a small bowl mix together the two teaspoons sugar with the teaspoon cinnamon and sprinkle over the cookies. Bake for 7 to 10 minutes. Cool for 2 minutes on the cookie sheets, then remove to wire racks to finish cooling. Store in airtight containers or freeze.


Copyright © Moms of Faith, All Rights Reserved

Source: http://www.momsoffaith.com

Friday, August 25, 2006

PRODUCT REVIEW

Product Name: Zoo Tycoon
Name: Sandra Winn
State: FL
City: Pensacola
Rating: 10+++++
Where to buy: amazon.com, walmart.com

Description: Series of games put out by MicroSoft (tm). The child puts together zoos including the animals' habitat and also has to be responsible for making sure that the animals needs and needs of guests are met.

Review: Our daughter is 8 years old and she has learned so much from this wonderful series of games put out by MicroSoft (tm). The child puts together zoos including the animals' habitat and also has to be responsible for making sure that the animals needs and needs of guests are met. Graphics are awesome especially in Zoo Tycoon 2 where you can get up close and personal.

Not only does the child care for the animals but has to train zoo keepers, hire maintenance workers, add decor, put up stands (and make sure they are a profit and not a loss).

Zoopedia gives an in-depth look at each animal as well as their classifications; genus, species, family, etc. She even takes the time to make sure that the zoo guests are satisfied and if not, she finds out what they want and gets it.

When we went to our local zoo our daughter was naming animals before we even got to the signs telling what they were and on top of that pointed out what was wrong or right with each habitat!

The Zoo Tycoon series is an awesome experience for any child but especially those who love animals. It also brought attention to endangered species, led to our daughter wanting individual books about endangered species, tigers, pandas and more. She has also donated to a couple of places in order to help animals.

Criticism: I have no criticism of these products. In my opinion this series of games is a very well rounded and educational product that not only allows a child to have fun but gives "true" learning. As a home schooling family, that is important.

Wednesday, August 16, 2006

Names of God (a series)

Almighty God

God first revealed this name to Abram, in Genesis 17:1. The original Hebrew name for Almighty God is El Shaday. And it means; almighty, powerful, and impregnable.

Impregnable is the word that excites me! The Webster's dictionary definition is; not able to be captured. Firm.

Our God is AWESOME! We are serving a God that NO FOE can capture, defeat, or overthrow. That little worm satan tried, and God kicked him to the curb! We have a God that can NOT be conquered. Period.

God has given us AUTHORITY over the enemy. The enemy can only defeat us if we let him. James 4:7 says, Be subject to God. Resist the devil, stand firm against him, and he will flee from you. It didn't say he might flee...it said he WILL FLEE! The enemy has no choice, because God's Word says so, and God's Word is the FINAL authority.

God cannot be defeated or outwitted. He is IMPREGNABLE! And He's our Daddy!! WHOO HOO! And through Him, we can overcome ANYTHING that worm throws at us!!

Let's Pray;

Daddy God, THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU! I just love You and am completely and totally in awe of You. I am honored that You love me so much. You are My God. You are God Almighty, El Shaday. Praise, Glory, and Honor be to your Name, FOREVER! In Jesus Mighty Name, Amen.

In His Love and Service,
Lara


Note: All Scripture is taken from the Amplified Bible.

Friday, August 11, 2006

Avoiding The Morning Rush

It’s stressful isn’t it? Having to get all those things ready, trying not to forget anything, not to mention bickering kids, tantrums about what to wear or the sleepy head who doesn’t want to wake up. No, the morning rush isn’t any fun but luckily there are a few things you can do to bring peace back into your family’s morning routine.

Prepare Ahead – Sounds simple enough but did you know you could actually leave just about everything ready for the next day? It might take a few extra minutes out of your evening but you’ll be much faster if you prepare everything once the kids are asleep rather than rushing in the morning.

Lay out the kids clothes for the next day - Include things like hair clips, socks and shoes. And don’t forget to lay out your clothes too.

Leave breakfast ready (or nearly ready) - Depending on what you have for breakfast you can often pre-prepare a lot of it. If you have pancakes make the batter the night before and stick it in the fridge. If you have cereal and toast, leave the cereal out, bowls, spoons and bread. You can even set the table to save time.

Pre-Pack Lunch Boxes - If your kids take a packed lunch to school prepare it the night before. Most things like sandwiches will be fine left in the fridge overnight.

Pack Their School Bags – Look through their bags and make sure there aren’t any last minute dates or events you’ve overlooked. Pack all their books and things in their bags and leave everything by the front door.

Get The Kids Involved – The responsibility of getting the kids to school shouldn’t completely lie on your shoulders. As soon as children are old enough to help out then they should. Even the youngest of kids can help.

Make a Chart – If your kids (like most kids) are forgetful, make a chart for each one which explains in order all the things they need to do in the morning. You can draw pictures for the really young ones and write a description for the older ones. For example, you can have a picture of a toothbrush, then the school clothes, hair brush, etc.

Talk to your kids about the list beforehand and explain it to them. Then stick it up in a prominent place in their rooms and the next time they ask you “mom, what do I do know?” tell them to go look at their list. This is a great way of getting kids a little more involved and to start teaching them responsibility.

By preparing ahead you can’t avoid all of your family’s morning stresses but it will certainly help a lot, and who knows you may even have time for that extra cup of coffee.


Source: http://www.momsoffaith.com

Copyright © Moms of Faith, all rights reserved

Thursday, August 10, 2006

Tips in Choosing the Right Kids Games for Your Developing Child
By: Dave Poon

Kids games play a major role on the development of every child. It is not only a leisure activity but also helps in the growth process of a child. It is important to choose the right kids game for your child. Kids games enhance the emotional, physical and intellectual development of children.

Here are some tips to remember when choosing the perfect kids games for your child.

1. Determine the games that are suited to the age of your child. Kids games that involve physical activities are perfect for toddlers. Children who are at their toddler age love to do physical activities.

2. Identify the interests of your child. When choosing games for your child, make sure that your child would enjoy and have a wonderful time learning. If your child has interests on puzzles, then you may let your child engage in trivia games, word puzzles and jigsaw. Identifying his interests will also help you choose games that will get your child off on the right foot.

3. Educational kids games are also perfect for children who love to discover things and ideas. They will surely learn many things and will develop their intellectual abilities. Educational kids games are also perfect for parents who would like to engage in their children's activities.

4. Make sure that the games that your child engages to are safe. Safety among children is the most important factor to consider. Kids games should help children grow and have fun. They should not cause harm to your child. Make sure that the games would not cause harm to your child even when elders are not around.

5. Also make sure that the games will help your child in developing his social skills. Make sure that the games are interactive. It is also better if parents and other members for the family can join. This will not only help your child develop his social skills but will also serve as a family bonding activity.

6. Observe your child with the games he is playing. Make sure that he is always excited about it. Once you see that he is already bored with the games, and then you may consider introducing a new one for your child.

7. Do not forget to set rules. Games should be played at the right time and the right place. Setting rules would make your child more responsible and disciplined. Do not forget to explain to your child the reason why he has to follow such rules. Make sure that he understands them so that he may follow even when you are not around.

Once you have chosen the perfect games for your child, you may be assured that your child would have a wonderful time and at the same time develop as an emotionally, intellectually and physically fit individual. Find time to join with your his activities to ensure his safety while playing and at the same time spend a quality time together.

Source: http://www.momsoffaith.com

About the Author: Dave Poon is an accomplished writer who specializes in the latest in Home and Parenting. For more information regarding Kids Games please drop by at http://www.childrenspelling.com/

Friday, August 04, 2006

Names of God (a series)

GOD MOST HIGH

Genesis 14:18-22 (feel free to read the whole chapter)

Melchizedek king of Salem [later called Jerusalem] brought out bread and wine for their nourishment; he was the priest of God Most High,

And he blessed him and said, Blessed (favored with blessings, made blissful, joyful) be Abram by God Most High, Possessor and Maker of heaven and earth,

And blessed, praised, and glorified be God Most High, Who has given your foes into your hand! And [Abram] gave him a tenth of all he had taken.


And the king of Sodom said to Abram, Give me the persons and keep the goods for yourself.

But Abram said to the king of Sodom, I have lifted up my hand and sworn to the Lord, God Most High, the Possessor and Maker of heaven and earth.

OK...let's get the technical stuff out of the way! In this text God Most High comes from the following two Hebrew words;

'el (ale) - strength, mighty, power, strong. And, 'ayil (ah'yil) - an oak.

Also, the word Posessor comes from the Hebrew word quanah (kah-naw') - to create, to own, to take care or, surely redeem and possess.

Look at verse 20...Who has given your foes into your hand! He has already won ALL of our battles. He has ALREADY giving us the victory. For Abram it was then and there. For us it was an all in one deal with the sacrifice of Jesus Christ.

God Most High is Mighty and Strong...He has ALL the power...and guess what? He's got your back!! And guess what else? THE BATTLE HAS ALREADY BEEN WON!!! We need to stop focusing on the immediate "issues," and start focusing on the knowledge given to us through God's Word. The knowledge that the victory is ours!

Trust me, I KNOW hard...I KNOW pain...I KNOW trials...and I know life can throw some MAJOR curve balls. However, when I read this...when I really open my eyes to see WHO my Daddy really is, and His Character...I KNOW it will all be OK. I KNOW that God Most High has me covered...even in the darkest of darkness!!

I also remember that ALL things work for the good to those who love the Lord and are called according to HIS purpose. Hold onto that when the enemy comes knocking with trials and struggles!

In closing, we must realize that the ball is in our court. God has made His strength, postition and authority clear. He has shown us who we are in Him. He has outlined the path for each of us in His Word. He has already given us the victory....now, all we have to do is RECEIVE it and WALK IN IT!

Let's Pray,

Daddy God, My God Most High, You are an awesome and wonderful God. Thank You for caring for me. Thank You for giving me victory in every circumstance. Help me to remember this and walk in it. Help me to REALLY receive this Word from You. I love You, Lord. And I want to WALK in the victory that you have given to me. Thank You, my God Most High! In Jesus Mighty Name, Amen.

In His Love and Service,
Lara

Note: All Scripture is taken from the Amplified Bible.