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10/1/03 CHILDBIRTH, OUR GRANDSON, BREAKFASTS, STRESS TEST

#1 · October 1, 2003, 6:30 pm

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Posted by: jhbreneman <jhbreneman@...>



HEART TO HEART NEWSLETTER
ENCOURAGEMENT TO WOMEN
Compiled especially for YOU with LOVE by Lois Breneman

10/1/03 CHILDBIRTH, OUR GRANDSON, BREAKFASTS, STRESS TEST

~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^

CONTENTS:

CHILDBIRTH FROM THE PERSPECTIVE OF A SECOND GRADER

OUT OF THE MOUTHS OF BABES

EAT YOUR VEGGIES!   PICTURES OF OUR GRANDSON, JUSTIN DANIEL!

I CORINTHIANS 13 FOR MOMS

MAKE-AHEAD BREAKFASTS

BACK-TO-SCHOOL BREAKFAST IN A GLASS

FUN NIGHT WITH OUR FOUR BOYS

THINGS OVERHEARD ON NOAH'S ARK

HEALTH WATCH ... LIFE STRESS TEST

CHRISTIAN WAYS TO REDUCE STRESS

MISCELLANEOUS TIDBITS

TAKING A CENTIPEDE TO CHURCH

GOD, OUR ALMIGHTY PARENT

CHILDBIRTH FROM THE PERSPECTIVE OF A SECOND GRADER

Author Unknown ~ Contributed by Sarah McKinney of Virginia

(How would you like to be this teacher?)

I've been teaching now for about fifteen years. I have two kids myself, but the best birth story I know is the one I saw in my own second-grade classroom a few years back. When I was a kid, I loved show-and-tell. So I always have a few sessions with my students. It helps them get over shyness and experience a little public speaking. And it gives me a break and some guaranteed entertainment. Usually, show-and-tell is pretty tame. Kids bring in pet turtles, model airplanes, pictures of fish they catch, stuff like that. And I never, ever place any boundaries or limitations on them. If they want to lug it to school and talk about it, they're welcome.



Well, one day this little girl, Erica, a very bright, very outgoing kid, takes her turn and waddles up to the front of the class with a pillow stuffed under her sweater. She holds up a snapshot of an infant. "This is Luke, my baby brother, and I'm going to tell you about his birthday. First, Mom and Dad made him as a symbol of their love, and then Dad put a seed in my Mom's stomach, and Luke grew in there. He ate for nine months through an umbrella cord." She's standing there with her hands on the pillow, and I'm trying not to laugh and wishing I had my camcorder with me. The kids are watching her in amazement.

"Then, about two Saturdays ago, my Mom starts saying and going, 'Oh, oh, oh!'" Erica puts a hand behind her back and groans. "She walked around the house for, like an hour, 'Oh, oh, oh!'" Now the kid's doing this hysterical duck walk, holding her back and groaning. "My Dad called the middle wife. She delivers babies, but she doesn't have a sign on the car like the Domino's man." "They got my Mom to lie down in bed like this." Erica lies down with her back against the wall. "And then, pop! My Mom had this bag of water she kept in there in case he got thirsty, and it just blew up and spilled all over the bed, like psshhheew!" This kid has her legs spread and with her little hands are

miming water flowing away. It was too much! "Then the middle wife starts saying 'push, push, and breathe, breathe.'" "They started counting, but never even got past ten." "Then, all of a sudden, out comes my brother. He was covered in yucky stuff they all said was from Mom's play-center, so there must be a lot of stuff inside there."



Then Erica stood up, took a big theatrical bow and returned to her seat. I'm sure I applauded the loudest. Ever since then, if it's show-and-tell day, I bring my camcorder, just in case another Erica comes along!

OUT OF THE MOUTHS OF BABES

By Pat Whitney of Virginia (Please send your own cute kids quotes for Heart to Heart!)

Years ago, I went to pick up our son, William, from preschool one afternoon and as we walked to the car, I asked him what he learned about today. He said "Oh! we learned about Solatarsus!"

"Solatarsus?" I asked. He looked at me kinda funny. "You know, Solatarsus!", he said. I was still puzzled. Knowing he liked dinosaurs, I asked if solatarsuses were big dinosaurs or little dinosaurs. Obviously frustrated with me he said, "Solatarsus!!! You know! He was the first missionary!" "OH!" I said, "SAUL of TARSUS!" (I should have known better!)

EAT YOUR VEGGIES!   PICTURES OF OUR GRANDSON, JUSTIN DANIEL!

My daughter gave me permission to let all of you ladies go to the web site below to see her 6 month old baby our first grandchild. You will see why this is entitled, "Eat Your Veggies!" which is perfect with his mommy being a Registered Dietitian (Stay-At-Home-Mom for now).

http://mystudio.kiddiekandids.com/home.asp

Insert the User Name: justinclark and the Password: sweetbaby

Click under My Studio on the Kiddie Kandids website.  Look at the great pictures of other precious babies under "Gallery" and "Borders" to get some great photography ideas!



I CORINTHIANS 13 FOR MOMS

Author Unknown ~ Contributed by Annamarie Kresge of Virginia

I can read bedtime stories till the cow jumps over the moon and sing, "Ten Little Monkeys" until I want to call the doctor, but if I don't have love, I'm as annoying as a ringing phone.

I can chase a naked toddler through the house while cooking dinner and listening to voice mail. I can fix the best cookies and Kool-Aid in the neighborhood, and I can tell a sick child's temperature with one touch of my finger, but if I don't have love, I am nothing.



Love is patient while watching and praying by the front window when it's 30 minutes past curfew.



Love is kind when my teen says, "I hate you!"

            I

It does not envy the neighbors' swimming pool or their brand-new mini van, but trusts the Lord to provide every need.



Love does not brag when other parents share their disappointments and insecurities, and love rejoices when other families succeed.



It doesn't boast, even when I've multitasked all day long and my husband can't do more than one thing at a time.



Love is not rude when my spouse innocently asks, "What have you done today?"



It does not immediately seek after glory when we see talent in our children, but encourages them to get training and make wise choices.



It is not easily angered, even when my 15-year-old acts like the world revolves around her.



It does not delight in evil (is not self-righteous) when I remind my 17-year-old that he's going 83 in a 55-mph zone, but rejoices in the truth.



Love does not give up hope. It always protects our children's self-esteem and spirit, even while doling out discipline. It always trusts God to protect our children when we cannot.



It always perseveres, through blue nail polish, burps and other bodily functions, rolled eyes and crossed arms, messy rooms and sleepovers. Love never fails. But where there are memories of thousands of diaper changes and painful labor(s), they will fade away. Where there is talking

back, it will (eventually) cease. (Please, Lord?)



Where there is a teenager who thinks she knows everything, there will one day be an adult who knows you did your best.



For we know we fail our children, and we pray they don't end up in therapy, but when we get to heaven, our imperfect parenting will disappear. (Thank you, God!)



When we were children, we needed a parent to love and protect us. Now that we're parents ourselves, we have a heavenly Father who adores, shelters us and holds us when we need to cry.



And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.

MAKE-AHEAD BREAKFASTS

Old Fashioned Oatmeal or Whole Grain ~ Using a glass-lined Thermos bottle, put ½ cup uncooked old fashioned rolled oats in the Thermos. Pour a little more than 1 cup boiling water over the oats. Add a little salt, stir and seal it tightly. In the morning you will have cooked creamy oatmeal! Add dried fruit to the Thermos the night before. Actually the cooking time is only about 2 hours, but it will still be hot in the morning. It will take all night to cook whole grain berries, such as wheat, oats or spelt, but this cooking process pops open the kernels and is a healthy breakfast. ~ Lois

Laura M. Blackmon of Texas is a mother of two active little boys. She gives other breakfast ideas:

I have a nice way to get my husband off in the morning. I use one weekend morning a month to make 'breakfast' for my husband to grab on the way out. I make a double batch of pancakes, freezing half of them in pairs with a pat of butter between and a little syrup on top, and freezing the other half, wrapped around a sausage link. I also take a bulk package of large tortillas, 2 dozen eggs, a Wal-Mart brand bulk size of shredded montereycolby cheese, and bulk size salsa. I make and freeze individual breakfast tacos. This gives my hubby plenty of selection through the month to grab on his way out. His breakfast has a chance to thaw just slightly on the way to work and he pops his breakfast in the microwave once he gets there (minus the foil of course)! When I find a sale, I buy and make extra to freeze breakfast items so they last longer!

BACK-TO-SCHOOL BREAKFAST IN A GLASS

Copyright 2003 Leanne Ely, CNC

Used with permission. All rights reserved.

<a href="http://savingdinner.com/">http://savingdinner.com/</a>

One of my very favorite and easiest ways to do breakfast for the troops in the morning before school is making a quick and healthy breakfast in a blender. The way I do smoothies, they truly are Breakfast in a Glass highly nutritious and a treat for the kids. Here's how I do it:

First, everything goes in a blender -- that's the easy part. You need to determine how many you are making, too (that's going to depend on the size and the power of your blender. Better to go smaller and do it in batches, if necessary).

You'll need the following ingredients:

Something sweet. Don't toss your bananas when they pass their prime. Freeze them, just as they are. (You could go to the trouble of peeling and sticking them in a freezer bag, but why bother? Or do bother if you would rather just peel them, your call) After they freeze, the peels will turn black. When you're ready to use them, peel them with a paring knife and place one-half banana per serving in the blender. The frozen banana also acts as the "ice" for the smoothie without watering it down. Important step!

Something for flavor: a teaspoon of frozen orange juice concentrate per serving works well. You can also use frozen strawberries or raspberries whatever appeals to you. A little vanilla extract is a nice finishing touch. My favorite smoothie is a banana orange raspberry smoothie with a splash of vanilla in it ... yum!

Liquid. You can use regular milk, soy milk, fruit juice, or even yogurt mixed with some water.

Protein. I use a scoop of protein powder per serving (if your grocery store doesn't have this, check a health food store). Look for high protein, low carbs, and no aspartame or artificial sweeteners (don't float the protein on the top -- add it first).

It's time to start your engines and turn on the blender! You should have a delicious smoothie emerging shortly. Pair the smoothie with a whole-grain muffin, and you'll have one great breakfast. Pour it into a plastic cup and put the muffin on a napkin and you're set for carpool!

____________________________

--Leanne Ely is a certified nutritionist and author of several books including the popular, 'Healthy Foods: An Irreverent Guide to Healthy Eating and Feeding Your Family Well.' If dinner is a hassle at your house, you need Leanne's Menu-Mailer. Go to <a href="http://savingdinner.com/">http://savingdinner.com/</a> and pick

up your free menu! Watch for her new book, 'Saving Dinner: The Menus, Recipes and Shopping Lists to Bring the Family Back to the Table' (Ballantine) September, 2003.

FUN NIGHT WITH OUR FOUR BOYS

This reader's comment is in response to an article about Father-Daughter Dates by Dianna Sanchez, as posted in Deborah Taylor-Houghs newsletter, Bright-Kids. Deborah is the author of 'A Simple Choice.'   http://hometown.aol.com/dsimple/

I enjoyed the article on father/daughter dates. A few years ago my husband and I decided we would have a 'Fun Night' with our four boys. Either my husband or myself will go out with one boy, to an activity of his choosing (with a price limit). We spend individual time with them, everybody gets a turn, and try to forget any troubles they might be getting into. We also tell them how much we enjoy hanging out with them, even if we had to run all over the park, or follow their every step through playground equipment, or sit through a movie made for 5-year-olds. They come to know they are important to us, and they remember us playing with them. But the biggest benefit for me, was my oldest son would start talking to me when we got into the van. So, my advice is, when you have to drive to your one-on-one activity, turn off the radio and LISTEN TO YOUR CHILD. We now have a two-year-old daughter, and I can hardly wait until she's old enough to participate in Fun Nights. And I think it's a great idea to use the time to train them how to behave when they get to dating age, and just have them show they do know all the stuff we taught them about manners that they don't bother to show us at home (speaking as a mom of boys). --Lorena R.

THINGS OVERHEARD ON NOAH'S ARK

Contributed by Barb Campbell, Mississippi

10. "Did anyone think about bringing a couple of umbrellas?"

9. "Hey, there are more than two flies in here!"

8. "Wasn't someone supposed to put two shovels on board?"

7. "OK, who's the wise-guy who brought the mosquitoes on board?"

6. "Help! I need some Pepto for the elephants, Quick!"

5. "Don't Make Me Pull This Ark Over And Come Back There!"

4. "No Ham, you cannot eat the Pig!"

3. "And whatever you do, DO NOT pull this plug out."

2. "Nice Doggie!"

And the number one thing heard on Noahs Ark 1. "Are We There Yet?"

HEALTH WATCH ... LIFE STRESS TEST

By Dr. Tim Lowenstein, Conscious Living Foundation, P.O. Box 9, Drain, OR 97435

As seen on http://www.newhopenow.org/selfhelp/life_stress.html

In the past 12 months, which of the following major life events have taken place in you life.

1. Make a check mark next to each event that you have experienced this year.

2. When you're done, add up the points for each event.

3. Check your score at the bottom.

_____ Death of Spouse - 100

_____ Divorce - 73

_____ Marital Separation - 65

_____ Jail Term 63

_____ Death of close family member - 63

_____ Personal injury or illness - 53

_____ Marriage - 50

_____ Fired from work - 47

_____ Marital reconciliation - 45

_____ Retirement 45

_____ Change in family member's health - 44

_____ Pregnancy - 40

_____ Sex difficulties - 39

_____ Addition to family - 39

_____ Business readjustment - 39

_____ Change in financial status - 38

_____ Death of close friend - 37

_____ Change to a different line of work - 36

_____ Change in number of marital arguments - 35

_____ Mortgage or loan over $10,000 - 31

_____ Foreclosure of mortgage or loan - 30

_____ Change in work responsibilities - 29

_____ Trouble with in-laws - 29

_____ Outstanding personal achievement - 28

_____ Spouse begins or stops work - 26

_____ Starting or finishing school - 26

_____ Change in living conditions - 25

_____ Revision of personal habits - 24

_____ Trouble with boss - 23

_____ Change in work hours, conditions - 20

_____ Change in residence - 20

_____ Change in schools - 20

_____ Change in recreational habits - 19

_____ Change in church activities - 19

_____ Change in social activities - 18

_____ Mortgage or loan under $10,000 - 17

_____ Change in sleeping habits - 16

_____ Change in number of family gatherings - 15

_____ Change in eating habits - 15

_____ Vacation - 13

_____ Christmas season - 12

_____ Minor violations of the law - 11

______ Your Total Score

LIFE STRESS SCORES

0-149 Low susceptibility to stress-related illness

150-299 Medium susceptibility to stress-related illness. Learn and practice relaxation and stress management skills and a healthy well life style.

300 and over High susceptibility to stress-related illness. Daily practice of relaxation skills is very important for your wellness. Take care of it now before a serious illness erupts or an affliction becomes worse.

This scale shows the kind of life pressure that you are facing. Depending on your coping skills or the lack there of, this scale can predict the likelihood of you falling victim to a stress related illness. The illness could be mild (like frequent tension headaches, acid indigestion, loss of sleep) or very serious illness (like ulcers, cancer, migraines and the like.)

CHRISTIAN WAYS TO REDUCE STRESS

Author Unknown ~ contributed by Annamarie Kresge, Virginia

1. Pray.
2. Go to bed on time.
3. Get up on time so you can start the day unrushed.
4. Say "no" to projects that won't fit into your time schedule, or that will compromise your mental health.
5. Delegate tasks to capable others.
6. Simplify and unclutter your life.
7. Less is more. (Although one is often not enough, two are often too many.)
8. Allow extra time to do things and to get to places.
9. Pace yourself. Spread out big changes and difficult projects over time; don't lump the hard things all together.
10. Take one day at a time.
11. Separate worries from concerns. If a situation is a concern, find out what God would have you to do and let go of the anxiety. If you can't do anything about a situation, forget it.
12. Live within your budget; don't use credit cards for ordinary purchases.
13. Have backups - an extra car key in your wallet, an extra house key buried in the garden, extra stamps, etc.,
14. K.M.S. (Keep Mouth Shut). This single piece of advice can prevent an enormous amount of trouble.
15. Do something for "The Kid in You" every day.
16. Carry a Bible with you to read while waiting in line.
17. Get enough exercise.
18. Eat right.
19. Get organized so everything has its place.
20. Listen to a tape while driving that can help improve your quality of life.
21. Write thoughts and inspirations down.
22. Every day, find time to be alone.
23. Having problems? Talk to God on the spot. Try to nip small problems in the bud. Don't wait until it's time to go to bed to try and pray.
24. Make friends with Godly people.
25. Keep a folder of favorite scriptures on hand.
26. Remember that the shortest bridge between despair and hope is often a good "Thank you, Jesus!"
27. Laugh!
28. Laugh some more!
29. Take your work seriously, but yourself not at all.
30. Develop a forgiving attitude (most people are doing the best they can).
31. Be kind to unkind people (they probably need it the most).
32. Sit on your ego.
33. Talk less; listen more.
34. Slow down.
35. Remind yourself that you are not the general manager of the universe.
36. Every night before bed, think of one thing you're grateful for that you've never been grateful for before.

MISCELLANEOUS TIDBITS

Last Flight Out ~ According to the October, 2003 issue of Decision Magazine, Last Flight Out will be coming soon to theaters in select cities and on TV, as well as in Christian bookstores.

Brief Description of the Story: She was called to the jungle. Now, hes called to action.

Churches and Ministries: For more information, e-mail [email protected] or call 1-800-733-4997.

Home Entertainment Orders: www.shop.wwp.org or 1-800-501-4557.

Focus on the Family ~ Go to www.family.org for a wide range of fantastic resources on many topics that effect your family and loved ones. Find out when you can hear Focus on the Family in your area. We are very privileged to have it air at least five times a day in our area. Its my favorite radio broadcast! Last months focus was on Children and this month Marriage is the focus. Dont miss it! You can also hear the broadcasts on the Internet. My husband and I were privileged to hear Dr. Dobsons son, Ryan, speak at last months local Crisis Pregnancy Center Dessert. Ryans mother, Shirley, as well as Jan Dravechy, the wife of Dave Dravechy, surprised us by also being in the audience, on their way to speak at a nearby womens conference.

www.citizenlink.org ~ Citizenlink is available on the Focus on the Family web site. Be informed on issues that effect you and your family by signing up for a daily e-mail from them. Even if you are not able to read and act on everything, it will help to keep your head out of the sand, regarding important issues that will effect you, whether or not you get involved.

United Way ~ You might want to get a complete list of all the organizations that your local United Way supports, before giving a contribution. In our area, Planned Parenthood is on the list, and although there is a lot of pressure at my husbands office to give your fair share, he chooses to give to our local Crisis Pregnancy Center and other organizations.   In many areas United Way has removed the Boy Scouts from their list, because of the moral stand that the Boy Scouts has taken.

Girl Scouts ~ Christian parents may want to check out some alternative organization for their daughters, because of their stand on some issues. Pioneer Girls and Awana are two suggestions.

TAKING A CENTIPEDE TO CHURCH

Your kids will enjoy this one! Author Unknown ~ Contributed by Bernie Teague of Missouri

A single guy decides life would be more fun if he had a pet. So he went to the pet store and told the owner that he wanted to buy an unusual pet. After some discussion, he finally bought a centipede, (100-legged bug), which came in a little white box to use for his house. He took the box back home, found a good location for the box, and decided he would start off by taking his new pet to church with him. So he asked the centipede in the box, "Would you like to go to church with me today, we will have a good time." But there was no answer from his new pet. This bothered him a bit, but he waited a few minutes and then asked him again, "How about going to church with me and receive blessings." But again, there was no answer from his new friend and pet. So he waited a few minutes more, thinking about the situation. He decided to ask him one more time; this time putting his face up against the centipede's house and shouting, "Hey, in there! Would you like to go to church with me and learn about the Lord! You are going to love this! A little voice came out of the box... "I heard you the first time! I'm putting on my shoes."

GOD, OUR ALMIGHTY PARENT

From Streams in the Desert, a Daily Devotional, by Mrs. Charles E. Cowman, Barbour Publishing

Our Almighty Parent delights to conduct the tender nestlings of His care to the very edge of the precipice, and even to thrust them off into the steeps of air, that they may learn their possession of unrealized power of flight, to be forever a luxury; and if, in the attempt, they be exposed to unwonted peril, He is prepared to swoop beneath them, and to bear them upward on His mighty pinions. When God brings any of His children into a position of unparalleled difficulty, they may always count upon Him to deliver them. ~ From the Song of Victory



When God puts a burden upon you, He puts His own arm underneath.

As mentioned in the last newsletter, Heart to Heart is now being sent out twice a month, rather than each week, with possibly one or two extras, as time allows. For the extra editions, I may compile stories or "a blast from the past" using newsletters from as far back as 1999.

God bless each of you ladies and your families!

Love from your Heart to Heart friend, Lois

Friends may subscribe to "Heart to Heart" by e-mailing [email protected] and sending their first and last name, city, state and name of the person who referred them to this newsletter. If at any time you stop receiving this newsletter, please let me know, so I can correct it. To unsubscribe, please reply with a brief message. Thank you!

Posted by: jhbreneman <jhbreneman@...>

HEART TO HEART NEWSLETTER
ENCOURAGEMENT TO WOMEN
Compiled especially for YOU with LOVE by Lois Breneman

10/1/03 CHILDBIRTH, OUR GRANDSON, BREAKFASTS, STRESS TEST

~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^

CONTENTS:

CHILDBIRTH FROM THE PERSPECTIVE OF A SECOND GRADER

OUT OF THE MOUTHS OF BABES

EAT YOUR VEGGIES! PICTURES OF OUR GRANDSON, JUSTIN DANIEL!

I CORINTHIANS 13 FOR MOMS

MAKE-AHEAD BREAKFASTS

BACK-TO-SCHOOL BREAKFAST IN A GLASS

FUN NIGHT WITH OUR FOUR BOYS

THINGS OVERHEARD ON NOAH'S ARK

HEALTH WATCH ... LIFE STRESS TEST

CHRISTIAN WAYS TO REDUCE STRESS

MISCELLANEOUS TIDBITS

TAKING A CENTIPEDE TO CHURCH

GOD, OUR ALMIGHTY PARENT

CHILDBIRTH FROM THE PERSPECTIVE OF A SECOND GRADER

Author Unknown ~ Contributed by Sarah McKinney of Virginia

(How would you like to be this teacher?)

I've been teaching now for about fifteen years. I have two kids myself, but the best birth story I know is the one I saw in my own second-grade classroom a few years back. When I was a kid, I loved show-and-tell. So I always have a few sessions with my students. It helps them get over shyness and experience a little public speaking. And it gives me a break and some guaranteed entertainment. Usually, show-and-tell is pretty tame. Kids bring in pet turtles, model airplanes, pictures of fish they catch, stuff like that. And I never, ever place any boundaries or limitations on them. If they want to lug it to school and talk about it, they're welcome.

Well, one day this little girl, Erica, a very bright, very outgoing kid, takes her turn and waddles up to the front of the class with a pillow stuffed under her sweater. She holds up a snapshot of an infant. "This is Luke, my baby brother, and I'm going to tell you about his birthday. First, Mom and Dad made him as a symbol of their love, and then Dad put a seed in my Mom's stomach, and Luke grew in there. He ate for nine months through an umbrella cord." She's standing there with her hands on the pillow, and I'm trying not to laugh and wishing I had my camcorder with me. The kids are watching her in amazement.

"Then, about two Saturdays ago, my Mom starts saying and going, 'Oh, oh, oh!'" Erica puts a hand behind her back and groans. "She walked around the house for, like an hour, 'Oh, oh, oh!'" Now the kid's doing this hysterical duck walk, holding her back and groaning. "My Dad called the middle wife. She delivers babies, but she doesn't have a sign on the car like the Domino's man." "They got my Mom to lie down in bed like this." Erica lies down with her back against the wall. "And then, pop! My Mom had this bag of water she kept in there in case he got thirsty, and it just blew up and spilled all over the bed, like psshhheew!" This kid has her legs spread and with her little hands are

miming water flowing away. It was too much! "Then the middle wife starts saying 'push, push, and breathe, breathe.'" "They started counting, but never even got past ten." "Then, all of a sudden, out comes my brother. He was covered in yucky stuff they all said was from Mom's play-center, so there must be a lot of stuff inside there."

Then Erica stood up, took a big theatrical bow and returned to her seat. I'm sure I applauded the loudest. Ever since then, if it's show-and-tell day, I bring my camcorder, just in case another Erica comes along!

OUT OF THE MOUTHS OF BABES

By Pat Whitney of Virginia (Please send your own cute kids quotes for Heart to Heart!)

Years ago, I went to pick up our son, William, from preschool one afternoon and as we walked to the car, I asked him what he learned about today. He said "Oh! we learned about Solatarsus!"

"Solatarsus?" I asked. He looked at me kinda funny. "You know, Solatarsus!", he said. I was still puzzled. Knowing he liked dinosaurs, I asked if solatarsuses were big dinosaurs or little dinosaurs. Obviously frustrated with me he said, "Solatarsus!!! You know! He was the first missionary!" "OH!" I said, "SAUL of TARSUS!" (I should have known better!)

EAT YOUR VEGGIES! PICTURES OF OUR GRANDSON, JUSTIN DANIEL!

My daughter gave me permission to let all of you ladies go to the web site below to see her 6 month old baby our first grandchild. You will see why this is entitled, "Eat Your Veggies!" which is perfect with his mommy being a Registered Dietitian (Stay-At-Home-Mom for now).

http://mystudio.kiddiekandids.com/home.asp

Insert the User Name: justinclark and the Password: sweetbaby

Click under My Studio on the Kiddie Kandids website. Look at the great pictures of other precious babies under "Gallery" and "Borders" to get some great photography ideas!

I CORINTHIANS 13 FOR MOMS

Author Unknown ~ Contributed by Annamarie Kresge of Virginia

I can read bedtime stories till the cow jumps over the moon and sing, "Ten Little Monkeys" until I want to call the doctor, but if I don't have love, I'm as annoying as a ringing phone.

I can chase a naked toddler through the house while cooking dinner and listening to voice mail. I can fix the best cookies and Kool-Aid in the neighborhood, and I can tell a sick child's temperature with one touch of my finger, but if I don't have love, I am nothing.

Love is patient while watching and praying by the front window when it's 30 minutes past curfew.

Love is kind when my teen says, "I hate you!"

It does not envy the neighbors' swimming pool or their brand-new mini van, but trusts the Lord to provide every need.

Love does not brag when other parents share their disappointments and insecurities, and love rejoices when other families succeed.

It doesn't boast, even when I've multitasked all day long and my husband can't do more than one thing at a time.

Love is not rude when my spouse innocently asks, "What have you done today?"

It does not immediately seek after glory when we see talent in our children, but encourages them to get training and make wise choices.

It is not easily angered, even when my 15-year-old acts like the world revolves around her.

It does not delight in evil (is not self-righteous) when I remind my 17-year-old that he's going 83 in a 55-mph zone, but rejoices in the truth.

Love does not give up hope. It always protects our children's self-esteem and spirit, even while doling out discipline. It always trusts God to protect our children when we cannot.

It always perseveres, through blue nail polish, burps and other bodily functions, rolled eyes and crossed arms, messy rooms and sleepovers. Love never fails. But where there are memories of thousands of diaper changes and painful labor(s), they will fade away. Where there is talking

back, it will (eventually) cease. (Please, Lord?)

Where there is a teenager who thinks she knows everything, there will one day be an adult who knows you did your best.

For we know we fail our children, and we pray they don't end up in therapy, but when we get to heaven, our imperfect parenting will disappear. (Thank you, God!)

When we were children, we needed a parent to love and protect us. Now that we're parents ourselves, we have a heavenly Father who adores, shelters us and holds us when we need to cry.

And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.

MAKE-AHEAD BREAKFASTS

Old Fashioned Oatmeal or Whole Grain ~ Using a glass-lined Thermos bottle, put ½ cup uncooked old fashioned rolled oats in the Thermos. Pour a little more than 1 cup boiling water over the oats. Add a little salt, stir and seal it tightly. In the morning you will have cooked creamy oatmeal! Add dried fruit to the Thermos the night before. Actually the cooking time is only about 2 hours, but it will still be hot in the morning. It will take all night to cook whole grain berries, such as wheat, oats or spelt, but this cooking process pops open the kernels and is a healthy breakfast. ~ Lois

Laura M. Blackmon of Texas is a mother of two active little boys. She gives other breakfast ideas:

I have a nice way to get my husband off in the morning. I use one weekend morning a month to make 'breakfast' for my husband to grab on the way out. I make a double batch of pancakes, freezing half of them in pairs with a pat of butter between and a little syrup on top, and freezing the other half, wrapped around a sausage link. I also take a bulk package of large tortillas, 2 dozen eggs, a Wal-Mart brand bulk size of shredded montereycolby cheese, and bulk size salsa. I make and freeze individual breakfast tacos. This gives my hubby plenty of selection through the month to grab on his way out. His breakfast has a chance to thaw just slightly on the way to work and he pops his breakfast in the microwave once he gets there (minus the foil of course)! When I find a sale, I buy and make extra to freeze breakfast items so they last longer!

BACK-TO-SCHOOL BREAKFAST IN A GLASS

<a href="http://savingdinner.com/">http://savingdinner.com/</a>

One of my very favorite and easiest ways to do breakfast for the troops in the morning before school is making a quick and healthy breakfast in a blender. The way I do smoothies, they truly are Breakfast in a Glass highly nutritious and a treat for the kids. Here's how I do it:

First, everything goes in a blender -- that's the easy part. You need to determine how many you are making, too (that's going to depend on the size and the power of your blender. Better to go smaller and do it in batches, if necessary).

You'll need the following ingredients:

Something sweet. Don't toss your bananas when they pass their prime. Freeze them, just as they are. (You could go to the trouble of peeling and sticking them in a freezer bag, but why bother? Or do bother if you would rather just peel them, your call) After they freeze, the peels will turn black. When you're ready to use them, peel them with a paring knife and place one-half banana per serving in the blender. The frozen banana also acts as the "ice" for the smoothie without watering it down. Important step!

Something for flavor: a teaspoon of frozen orange juice concentrate per serving works well. You can also use frozen strawberries or raspberries whatever appeals to you. A little vanilla extract is a nice finishing touch. My favorite smoothie is a banana orange raspberry smoothie with a splash of vanilla in it ... yum!

Liquid. You can use regular milk, soy milk, fruit juice, or even yogurt mixed with some water.

Protein. I use a scoop of protein powder per serving (if your grocery store doesn't have this, check a health food store). Look for high protein, low carbs, and no aspartame or artificial sweeteners (don't float the protein on the top -- add it first).

It's time to start your engines and turn on the blender! You should have a delicious smoothie emerging shortly. Pair the smoothie with a whole-grain muffin, and you'll have one great breakfast. Pour it into a plastic cup and put the muffin on a napkin and you're set for carpool!

____________________________

--Leanne Ely is a certified nutritionist and author of several books including the popular, 'Healthy Foods: An Irreverent Guide to Healthy Eating and Feeding Your Family Well.' If dinner is a hassle at your house, you need Leanne's Menu-Mailer. Go to <a href="http://savingdinner.com/">http://savingdinner.com/</a> and pick

up your free menu! Watch for her new book, 'Saving Dinner: The Menus, Recipes and Shopping Lists to Bring the Family Back to the Table' (Ballantine) September, 2003.

FUN NIGHT WITH OUR FOUR BOYS

This reader's comment is in response to an article about Father-Daughter Dates by Dianna Sanchez, as posted in Deborah Taylor-Houghs newsletter, Bright-Kids. Deborah is the author of 'A Simple Choice.' http://hometown.aol.com/dsimple/

I enjoyed the article on father/daughter dates. A few years ago my husband and I decided we would have a 'Fun Night' with our four boys. Either my husband or myself will go out with one boy, to an activity of his choosing (with a price limit). We spend individual time with them, everybody gets a turn, and try to forget any troubles they might be getting into. We also tell them how much we enjoy hanging out with them, even if we had to run all over the park, or follow their every step through playground equipment, or sit through a movie made for 5-year-olds. They come to know they are important to us, and they remember us playing with them. But the biggest benefit for me, was my oldest son would start talking to me when we got into the van. So, my advice is, when you have to drive to your one-on-one activity, turn off the radio and LISTEN TO YOUR CHILD. We now have a two-year-old daughter, and I can hardly wait until she's old enough to participate in Fun Nights. And I think it's a great idea to use the time to train them how to behave when they get to dating age, and just have them show they do know all the stuff we taught them about manners that they don't bother to show us at home (speaking as a mom of boys). --Lorena R.

THINGS OVERHEARD ON NOAH'S ARK

Contributed by Barb Campbell, Mississippi

10. "Did anyone think about bringing a couple of umbrellas?"

9. "Hey, there are more than two flies in here!"

8. "Wasn't someone supposed to put two shovels on board?"

7. "OK, who's the wise-guy who brought the mosquitoes on board?"

6. "Help! I need some Pepto for the elephants, Quick!"

5. "Don't Make Me Pull This Ark Over And Come Back There!"

4. "No Ham, you cannot eat the Pig!"

3. "And whatever you do, DO NOT pull this plug out."

2. "Nice Doggie!"

And the number one thing heard on Noahs Ark 1. "Are We There Yet?"

HEALTH WATCH ... LIFE STRESS TEST

By Dr. Tim Lowenstein, Conscious Living Foundation, P.O. Box 9, Drain, OR 97435

As seen on http://www.newhopenow.org/selfhelp/life_stress.html

In the past 12 months, which of the following major life events have taken place in you life.

1. Make a check mark next to each event that you have experienced this year.

2. When you're done, add up the points for each event.

3. Check your score at the bottom.

_____ Death of Spouse - 100

_____ Divorce - 73

_____ Marital Separation - 65

_____ Jail Term 63

_____ Death of close family member - 63

_____ Personal injury or illness - 53

_____ Marriage - 50

_____ Fired from work - 47

_____ Marital reconciliation - 45

_____ Retirement 45

_____ Change in family member's health - 44

_____ Pregnancy - 40

_____ Sex difficulties - 39

_____ Addition to family - 39

_____ Business readjustment - 39

_____ Change in financial status - 38

_____ Death of close friend - 37

_____ Change to a different line of work - 36

_____ Change in number of marital arguments - 35

_____ Mortgage or loan over $10,000 - 31

_____ Foreclosure of mortgage or loan - 30

_____ Change in work responsibilities - 29

_____ Trouble with in-laws - 29

_____ Outstanding personal achievement - 28

_____ Spouse begins or stops work - 26

_____ Starting or finishing school - 26

_____ Change in living conditions - 25

_____ Revision of personal habits - 24

_____ Trouble with boss - 23

_____ Change in work hours, conditions - 20

_____ Change in residence - 20

_____ Change in schools - 20

_____ Change in recreational habits - 19

_____ Change in church activities - 19

_____ Change in social activities - 18

_____ Mortgage or loan under $10,000 - 17

_____ Change in sleeping habits - 16

_____ Change in number of family gatherings - 15

_____ Change in eating habits - 15

_____ Vacation - 13

_____ Christmas season - 12

_____ Minor violations of the law - 11

______ Your Total Score

LIFE STRESS SCORES

0-149 Low susceptibility to stress-related illness

150-299 Medium susceptibility to stress-related illness. Learn and practice relaxation and stress management skills and a healthy well life style.

300 and over High susceptibility to stress-related illness. Daily practice of relaxation skills is very important for your wellness. Take care of it now before a serious illness erupts or an affliction becomes worse.

This scale shows the kind of life pressure that you are facing. Depending on your coping skills or the lack there of, this scale can predict the likelihood of you falling victim to a stress related illness. The illness could be mild (like frequent tension headaches, acid indigestion, loss of sleep) or very serious illness (like ulcers, cancer, migraines and the like.)

CHRISTIAN WAYS TO REDUCE STRESS

Author Unknown ~ contributed by Annamarie Kresge, Virginia

1. Pray.
2. Go to bed on time.
3. Get up on time so you can start the day unrushed.
4. Say "no" to projects that won't fit into your time schedule, or that will compromise your mental health.
5. Delegate tasks to capable others.
6. Simplify and unclutter your life.
7. Less is more. (Although one is often not enough, two are often too many.)
8. Allow extra time to do things and to get to places.
9. Pace yourself. Spread out big changes and difficult projects over time; don't lump the hard things all together.
10. Take one day at a time.
11. Separate worries from concerns. If a situation is a concern, find out what God would have you to do and let go of the anxiety. If you can't do anything about a situation, forget it.
12. Live within your budget; don't use credit cards for ordinary purchases.
13. Have backups - an extra car key in your wallet, an extra house key buried in the garden, extra stamps, etc.,
14. K.M.S. (Keep Mouth Shut). This single piece of advice can prevent an enormous amount of trouble.
15. Do something for "The Kid in You" every day.
16. Carry a Bible with you to read while waiting in line.
17. Get enough exercise.
18. Eat right.
19. Get organized so everything has its place.
20. Listen to a tape while driving that can help improve your quality of life.
21. Write thoughts and inspirations down.
22. Every day, find time to be alone.
23. Having problems? Talk to God on the spot. Try to nip small problems in the bud. Don't wait until it's time to go to bed to try and pray.
24. Make friends with Godly people.
25. Keep a folder of favorite scriptures on hand.
26. Remember that the shortest bridge between despair and hope is often a good "Thank you, Jesus!"
27. Laugh!
28. Laugh some more!
29. Take your work seriously, but yourself not at all.
30. Develop a forgiving attitude (most people are doing the best they can).
31. Be kind to unkind people (they probably need it the most).
32. Sit on your ego.
33. Talk less; listen more.
34. Slow down.
35. Remind yourself that you are not the general manager of the universe.
36. Every night before bed, think of one thing you're grateful for that you've never been grateful for before.

MISCELLANEOUS TIDBITS

Last Flight Out ~ According to the October, 2003 issue of Decision Magazine, Last Flight Out will be coming soon to theaters in select cities and on TV, as well as in Christian bookstores.

Brief Description of the Story: She was called to the jungle. Now, hes called to action.

Churches and Ministries: For more information, e-mail [email protected] or call 1-800-733-4997.

Home Entertainment Orders: http://www.shop.wwp.org or 1-800-501-4557.

Focus on the Family ~ Go to http://www.family.org for a wide range of fantastic resources on many topics that effect your family and loved ones. Find out when you can hear Focus on the Family in your area. We are very privileged to have it air at least five times a day in our area. Its my favorite radio broadcast! Last months focus was on Children and this month Marriage is the focus. Dont miss it! You can also hear the broadcasts on the Internet. My husband and I were privileged to hear Dr. Dobsons son, Ryan, speak at last months local Crisis Pregnancy Center Dessert. Ryans mother, Shirley, as well as Jan Dravechy, the wife of Dave Dravechy, surprised us by also being in the audience, on their way to speak at a nearby womens conference.

http://www.citizenlink.org ~ Citizenlink is available on the Focus on the Family web site. Be informed on issues that effect you and your family by signing up for a daily e-mail from them. Even if you are not able to read and act on everything, it will help to keep your head out of the sand, regarding important issues that will effect you, whether or not you get involved.

United Way ~ You might want to get a complete list of all the organizations that your local United Way supports, before giving a contribution. In our area, Planned Parenthood is on the list, and although there is a lot of pressure at my husbands office to give your fair share, he chooses to give to our local Crisis Pregnancy Center and other organizations. In many areas United Way has removed the Boy Scouts from their list, because of the moral stand that the Boy Scouts has taken.

Girl Scouts ~ Christian parents may want to check out some alternative organization for their daughters, because of their stand on some issues. Pioneer Girls and Awana are two suggestions.

TAKING A CENTIPEDE TO CHURCH

Your kids will enjoy this one! Author Unknown ~ Contributed by Bernie Teague of Missouri

A single guy decides life would be more fun if he had a pet. So he went to the pet store and told the owner that he wanted to buy an unusual pet. After some discussion, he finally bought a centipede, (100-legged bug), which came in a little white box to use for his house. He took the box back home, found a good location for the box, and decided he would start off by taking his new pet to church with him. So he asked the centipede in the box, "Would you like to go to church with me today, we will have a good time." But there was no answer from his new pet. This bothered him a bit, but he waited a few minutes and then asked him again, "How about going to church with me and receive blessings." But again, there was no answer from his new friend and pet. So he waited a few minutes more, thinking about the situation. He decided to ask him one more time; this time putting his face up against the centipede's house and shouting, "Hey, in there! Would you like to go to church with me and learn about the Lord! You are going to love this! A little voice came out of the box... "I heard you the first time! I'm putting on my shoes."

GOD, OUR ALMIGHTY PARENT

From Streams in the Desert, a Daily Devotional, by Mrs. Charles E. Cowman, Barbour Publishing

Our Almighty Parent delights to conduct the tender nestlings of His care to the very edge of the precipice, and even to thrust them off into the steeps of air, that they may learn their possession of unrealized power of flight, to be forever a luxury; and if, in the attempt, they be exposed to unwonted peril, He is prepared to swoop beneath them, and to bear them upward on His mighty pinions. When God brings any of His children into a position of unparalleled difficulty, they may always count upon Him to deliver them. ~ From the Song of Victory

When God puts a burden upon you, He puts His own arm underneath.

As mentioned in the last newsletter, Heart to Heart is now being sent out twice a month, rather than each week, with possibly one or two extras, as time allows. For the extra editions, I may compile stories or "a blast from the past" using newsletters from as far back as 1999.

God bless each of you ladies and your families!

Love from your Heart to Heart friend, Lois

Friends may subscribe to "Heart to Heart" by e-mailing [email protected] and sending their first and last name, city, state and name of the person who referred them to this newsletter. If at any time you stop receiving this newsletter, please let me know, so I can correct it. To unsubscribe, please reply with a brief message. Thank you!