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HEART TO HEART NEWSLETTER
ENCOURAGEMENT TO WOMEN
Compiled especially for you with love by Lois Breneman 

 

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3/23/07 EASTER, TIPS, NURSE MIDWIFE, PANCAKES, STORIES, BAGS, BIRTHDAY

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IN THIS ISSUE: 

EASTER NEWSLETTERS ~ 2 EXTRA EDITIONS COMING SOON

WHEN YOU CHANGE YOUR E-MAIL ADDRESS

HOW TO VERIFY FORWARDS TO SEE IF THEY ARE REALLY TRUE

MISCELLANEOUS TIDBITS

KITCHEN TIPS

ASK A NURSE MIDWIFE ~ A BRAND NEW COLUMN FOR YOU!

THE"MIDDLE WIFE"

DEVOTIONAL - A PERSONAL STORY BY DEBBIE KLINECT

FUN BUT SIMPLE CREATIVE TOYS YOU AND YOUR KIDS CAN MAKE
FIGHTING AT-HOME FRUSTRATIONS
MAKING PANCAKES

BLENDER BATTER WAFFLES AND PANCAKES - FREE WHOLE FOODS COOKING LESSONS

MOM'S CHICKEN ITALIANO

STORIES WITH A SPIRITUAL LESSON

        A LOT CAN HAPPEN IN A YEAR
        JUST ENOUGH FOR EACH DAY

        "THIS IS GOOD!"
        HAPPINESS IS A DECISION

A HOME BASED BUSINESS ~ USING SEWING TALENT TO MAKE LINED BAGS

CONGRATULATIONS TO NEW PARENTS AND GRANDPARENTS!

A THOUGHTFUL QUOTE FROM A GRANDMA

JUSTIN, HIS FRIEND, AND A BIRTHDAY PARTY

 

 

EASTER NEWSLETTERS ~ 2 EXTRA EDITIONS COMING SOON ... Ladies, in the next few days you will receive two extra editions containing lots of Easter material, most which has already been sent in previous years - with a few new additions.

 

WHEN YOU CHANGE YOUR E-MAIL ADDRESS ... Please send me your name, along with your old and new e-mail addresses, so I can make the change.  Every single week ladies are automatically dropped from the "Heart to Heart" list when they forget to give their new address. 

 

HOW TO VERIFY FORWARDS TO SEE IF THEY ARE REALLY TRUE ... Before passing things on, please go to www.snopes.com and write the key word in the "Search" line.

 

 

MISCELLANEOUS TIDBITS

 

An Amazing Story about Missionaries - http://jmm.aaa.net.au/articles/14168.htm 

Thanks to Debbie Flack in Virginia for this wonderful story!   After I sent this story about David and Svea Flood to as many missionaries as I could find in my address book, a "Heart to Heart" missionary in Belize replied.  She said, "The story is indeed legitimate, and can be found detailed in the book, "Aggie; A Girl Without a Country" (previously published under the title, One Witness, written by Aggie Hurst and published just after her death in 1981. 

 

How to Search for a Book ~ Barb Campbell in Mississippi says the best place to search for books online is www.bestbookbuys.com.  They have the book mentioned above under its previous name -- One Witness.  Here is the direct link:

http://www.bestwebbuys.com/One_Witness-ISBN_080079088X.html?isrc=b-search  Barb says she has ordered lots of books from www.Half.com which has this book at the lowest cost.

 

Colleges Are Recruiting Homeschoolers ~ 85% of colleges and universities have Homeschool Application Directors.  Homeschoolers have higher GPA's at universities.  Qualities that universities find in homeschoolers: 1) They are self directors, 2) know how to learn and 3) don't back off.  Homeschooling exploded in the 90's and is still growing. 

 

Thanks to Jennifer Bromell in Ontario, Canada for the following 3 tips:

Antibacterial Cellulose Sponges ~ Especially for those like me who have a dishwasher and don't do dishes every day: I was very sick of stinky dishcloths, even when washed my sensitive nose could still smell them. I found a great solution from our family 'across the pond' in Britain. Buy antibacterial cellulose sponges! They are 4 for a dollar at the dollar store and each one lasts about a month. Yes, we are throwing them away, but the benefit is the antibacterial solution keeps them from smelling no matter what you wipe up! Just rinse and squeeze when done. I am the original cheapskate but 25 cents a month I can handle! At the end of the month I use the old one to do my baseboards, edging, etc. in the kitchen before pitching.
 
Another Grease Stained Clothes Solution ~ Use any citrus hand cleaner such as GoJo that mechanics use to clean their hands. Pretty cheap to do and with a small amount rubbed in even ancient grease stains will come out.
 
Time Saver ~ I clean the shower and grout while I am waiting for my deep conditioner to set. You are already in there to get in all those nooks and crannies and don't waste water rinsing!
 
Microfiber Towels ~ My favorite cleaning products are microfiber towels - they will clean with just plain water if necessary.  I have noticed if you need to wipe something dusty, they work better dry.  Then you can use a wet one to get surfaces squeaky clean.  ~ Miranda Ching in Hawaii

 

 

KITCHEN TIPS

By Lois Breneman, © 2007, Heart to Heart Newsletter, [email protected] 

 

Use a Garlic Press to Crush Bouillon Cubes, still in foil wrappers.  They dissolve more quickly.

 

Baking powder substitute: 1/4 tsp. baking soda + 1/2 tsp. cream of tartar = 1 tsp. baking powder.  This can be a lifesaver when you're out of baking powder, but have soda.

 

For Fluffier Mashed Potatoes, sprinkle with powdered milk or cream while mixing.

 

To Make Croutons, cube bread with a serrated knife.  Crusts saved in the freezer work well.  Add to hot olive oil and melted butter in a frying pan.  Sprinkle with paprika, garlic or onion salt, dried sweet basil and other herbs and spices.  You could also toast the croutons on a cookie sheet in the oven.  Cool and store croutons in zip lock freezer bag in the freezer until needed. 

 

To Make "Sharp" Cheddar Cheese, add dry mustard and Worcestershire sauce to taste to mild cheddar cheese.

 

Tri-Color Lemon Garnish ~ Cut 1/4 inch lemon slices.  Dip one tip of each slice a third of the way into minced fresh parsley and the other tip a third of the way into paprika for a green, yellow and paprika lemon garnish!

 

Cornmeal Products get buggy faster than most grains.  That includes tacos and grits.  To prevent that from happening, store cornmeal products in the freezer at least 4 days to kill the larvae.  I know this sounds disgusting!  Then store on the pantry shelf, if short of freezer space.  All grains are best stored in the freezer, though most of us don't have that much space.

 

Pack Lunch and After-School Snacks Ahead of Time ~ Use the Tupperware midget cups or snack ziplock bags to pack lunch snacks ahead of time.  Some examples are dried apricots, raisins, almonds, cashews, peanuts, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds and peanut butter or almond butter for dipping apple slices or spreading on crackers.

 

 

ASK A NURSE MIDWIFE ~ A BRAND NEW COLUMN FOR YOU!

By Karen Winstead, ACC Certified Nurse-Midwife - http://www.newlifebirthcenter.net/

 A few of Karen's other credentials among many:
* NICU-Staff Nurse, caring for premature infants and those infants needing special care. She spends time educating family and discussing their concerns.
* Obstetrical staff nurse/preceptor
* Volunteer childbirth educator and crisis counselor at local crisis pregnancy center 
* Speaker on women’s health issues and midwifery for local women’s groups or nursing education programs.
 

Send personal questions you would like to see addressed by replying to this newsletter.

 

Question: Are there more risks for the mother and baby when pregnant at 35 or older?

 

Answer: Please reassure any older woman that her age is of little consequence if she is 1) in good physical condition 2) without chronic medical conditions such as diabetes or high blood pressure and 3) taking care of herself. 
 
There are all kinds of things implied in the words "at risk" that make women worry needlessly. The only "increased risk" is for genetic problems over which she has no control anyway. If the baby is growing normally, an older healthy mom is probably at no higher "risk" than younger women.  
 
I encourage all pregnant women to eat as if they are diabetic in order to prevent gestational diabetes, large babies, and excess weight gain. This means little or no: sugar, starch, fruit juices, soda pop, white flour, potato products, white pasta and white rice. Eat whole grain products, vegetables, fruits, meats, fish, eggs, and some dairy. Dairy products do contain natural sugars such as lactose, so use them in moderation. Peanut butter should be the all peanut version without sugar or hydrogenated vegetable oils. If she doesn't eat fish, she should take a fish oil supplement 2-3 times a week to supply the fatty acids the baby needs. 

The pregnant woman may want to get a referral to a nutritionist, especially if she has weight issues because it can make a big difference in the outcome for her and her baby. Some women lose weight when they follow these guidelines and begin to eat healthy. Losing weight is fine unless the pregnant woman is underweight at the start.  The pregnant woman should discuss any concerns she has with a nutritionist, or her midwife or physician.

 

Note from Lois: For more encouragement to older women who still hope to have children, I know of 3 different "Heart to Heart" ladies who had a total of 5 perfectly healthy babies from 3 pregnancies at ages 41, 42 and 62 - and none were twins!  Figure that out!

 

THE"MIDDLE WIFE""

By an anonymous 2nd grade teacher - Thanks to Nancy Marlow in Pennsylvania for sending this!  Although it's has been in "Heart to Heart," a long time ago, it fits perfectly for today with the new Ask a Nurse-Midwife column!

 

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 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 in 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, Oh!' Erica puts a hand behind her back and groans. "She walked around the house for, like an hour, 'Oh, oh, oh!' Now this kid is doing a hysterical duck walk 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." Then 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 she got thirsty, and it just blew up and spilled all over the bed, like psshhheew!" This kid has her legs spread with her little hands 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 that they all said it was from Mom's play-center, so there must be a lot of toys 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, when it's show-and-tell day, I bring my camcorder, just in case another "Middle Wife" comes along.

 

 

DEVOTIONAL - A PERSONAL STORY

This is a very personal story by Debbie Klinect in Florida, one of our own "Heart to Heart" ladies.  Her story appeared in Along the Journey, an e-mail newsletter in which she is the Editor.  She is a wife and mother of six children, still homeschooling three of them.  Used by permission

 

Death is swallowed up in victory.

O death, where is your victory?

O death, where is your sting?

 

            This month I have felt the Lord wanting me to share a very personal experience with you.  It is my hope and prayer that you will see God’s love, His Sovereignty, and the power of forgiveness as a result. 

            Since last August we have been called upon by three parents who have lost children to one form of death or another.  See, the reason we have been called is that we know what these dear people are going through.  Here is our story.

            In January 1983 I had two sons, Chris had just turned three years old and Charlie was 20 months old.  I was going to my first ever ladies retreat and so my husband took the boys and went to stay with his parents for the weekend.  Kurt’s sister had called to see if she could pick up the boys to go to her house to play with her son.  Later Kurt’s mom went to run some errands and to pick up the boys on her way home.  Back then, infant car seats weren't law yet, but we did have them for each of the boys.  I don’t know why the car seats weren't taken out of Kurt’s car and put into his mom’s car but they weren't.  Kurt’s mom had put the boys in the back seat of her car in the regular seat belts and started for home, forgetting to lock the doors.

My Charlie, a VERY curious little toddler, noticed everything, especially if it was different from what he had seen before.  On the way back to the house, Charlie undid his seat belt.  Instead of pulling off to the side of the road and buckling him back in, Kurt’s mom told him to sit still and that they would be home in a bit.  Charlie didn't listen to her and pulled on the door handle.  They were going around a bend in the road at the time and this force threw Charlie’s little body out of the car and into the path of an oncoming car.  He was hit in the back of the head, thrown 400 feet, and died immediately.  Kurt was called to the hospital to identify his son and then had the heart wrenching job of coming to get me and tell me that our son was now with the Lord. 

            You can imagine that we went through many emotions.  On my part, I have to tell you that to start out, I was very upset that my husband didn't honor my request and stay at our house with our sons.  For months I had to deal with the grief, but also the anger I felt toward Kurt and his mom.  Then one day the Lord was very kind and showed me a scripture that changed my life forever.  In Mark 11 verse 25 it says “and whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone, so that your Father also who is in Heaven may forgive you your trespasses.”

I had been raised in the church and came to know the Lord as my personal Savior so I knew I was a sinner and needed the Lord’s forgiveness.  I so wanted to be with Jesus when I died and I knew I had to face my anger and hatred toward my husband and his mom and truly forgive them with all my heart.  My prayer was, “Father, you know how my heart hurts.  You know how I feel toward my husband and mother-in-law.  You also know that I can't love them on my own.  Lord, I forgive them for their part in Charlie’s death and I ask that YOU love them through me”.  The Lord was so faithful to take that heartfelt prayer and He turned it around to be something very beautiful.  I am very close to my mother-in-law today and Kurt and I just celebrated our 28th wedding anniversary together as a very happy couple. 

            We are a part of a wonderful church body and through the years we have been taught about God and His sovereignty.  All things are under His control and for his purpose and glory.  I know Charlie’s death was not a mistake.  There is a quote that says, “Nothing happens without first going through the hands of God.”  Look at the life of Job.  He had every reason to be angry at a lot of people, including God.  But he was faithful and in the end knew that God was greater than anything and knew more than we could possibly know.  The Lord has a plan and even though we think we should know what it is, I know I’ll never see the whole picture that He does.  It is just my responsibility as His child to love Him, obey His word, and to live peaceably as possible with those around me (Titus 3:2). 

            For those of you who are mourning the loss of a loved one, I pray that the Lord will comfort you this Easter season.  For God knows your heartache on a personal level your heartache too.  He gave His own Son to die a horrific death for you.  But I want you to remember that in Christ we have hope.  We have eternal life, and those who have gone before us are already there with the Father waiting for us to join them, in God’s time. 

            For those of you who have had terrible things happen against you, it is my prayer that you will see that even in your heartache, God is there.  He is waiting for you to come to Him and to forgive those who have hurt you, and I promise you, He will cleanse your heart and give you a peace beyond anything you have ever known, as He has done in my own life.

            Jesus went through so much more pain and sorrow than we will ever go through.  His pain is far greater than anything we will ever experience.  His LOVE is bigger than the highest mountain or deeper than the deepest sea.  He wants you to live with Him and in the fullness of Him.  Easter is about God’s love for us, His forgiveness and restoration.  I hope each one of you will be able to celebrate this season with the greatest joy knowing God’s love for you. 

 

Along the Journey - To subscribe:  [email protected]

Web Site: www.alongthejourney.net     School Site: www.newlifehomeschoolbooks.com

 

 

FUN BUT SIMPLE CREATIVE TOYS YOU AND YOUR KIDS CAN MAKE
Copyright Larry M. Lynch - All rights reserved - Used with permission. 

http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Larry_M._Lynch

 

Have you got the rainy day blues? Cabin fever? Stuck in a rut, or just looking for some affordable outlets for your tots, toddlers and perhaps their older siblings?  Would you like some ideas on producing some unique, economical toys and amusements for your progeny? Ideas for new, different and creative toys can come from virtually every corner of the house. You may just need a healthy “how to” push in the right direction. Try these ideas for recycling common household items for starters.
 
Soda Bottle Trucks

As rain pounded into the black sands of the Pacific coast fishing village where I was passing my vacation, I noticed the downpour never stopped the kids. What I also noticed was their ingeniously crafted toy trucks fabricated from water or soda bottles. Each boy ran along rivulets of water pulling a sand-loaded truck. Converting the plastic bottle into a truck was childishly simple. Four bottle caps served as wheels. Two axles were formed from two three and a half inch long pieces of coat hanger wire. The wires were run through the sides of the bottle and through a plastic bottle cap on each side. The ends of the wire were bent up to hold the bottle cap wheels on. A portion of the other side of the bottle was cut away to create a cargo bay. String was tied around the bottle neck. Load up the cargo bay with sand, rocks, marbles, small figures, screws, nuts and bolts, whatever - and the truck was ready to go.

 

Shake, Rattle and Roll

Empty metal, cardboard or plastic containers make great noise maker toys for the tots. Round containers from cereals, powdered or dry, granulated and some liquid products work well especially if they have re-sealable tops. You can partially fill them with gravel, marbles, clean sand, seeds, dried beans, rice, etc. to create different sound effects. Be sure to super glue or otherwise permanently seal the assembly to keep inquisitive toddlers from opening and potentially swallowing the contents. They’re washable too, so they can be easily washed or cleaned. Your imagination is the only limit to what you can come up with.

 

Flying High

An all-time favorite toy with children and adults alike, kites have been around for more than 4000 years since their invention in China. Originally made from paper and bamboo, kite-making materials now run the gamut from the original paper and bamboo to nylon, cloth, plastics, and even metal foils. Not strictly for kids, Benjamin Franklin flew a kite into scientific history. Fifth century BCE Greek scientist Archytas of Tarentum is credited with introducing kite-flying into Europe. Here are some reference web sites to get you up, up, and away: 

http://www.skratch-pad.com/kites/make.html  Have ever wanted to build a kite? Well, here is a simple kite you can make yourself!

 

http://www.ehow.com/how_1288_make-kite.html  How to make a kite. While kites are inexpensive to buy, making one adds to the fun. You'll be especially proud when your diamond-shaped creation takes to the sky.

 

http://www.aloha.net/~bigwind/20kidskites.html  These are the complete time tested instructions to get kids making their own kites and flying them in 20 minutes.

 

http://www.planemath.com/activities/flykite/kiteplans.html  Here are more simple kite plans to help get you and your kids started 
 
http://scsc.essortment.com/howtobuilda_rlrf.htm  Kites are fun for young and old alike. You can build your own kite, or help your kids build one by reading this article!

 

Airport Central

It’s hardly much of a jump from kites to planes. Inexpensive and easy to produce, flyable planes can be made from paper, plastic or Balsa wood available at hobby shops, building and craft supply stores and hardware stores. Just like kites, they’re intriguing, tons of fun and a snap to make. Flying them can be a bit trickier, but who cares? Time sure flies when you’re having fun! Try these web sites for a quick take off:

 

http://www.cdli.ca/CITE/paper.htm  This page lists some of the best web sites on how to make and fly paper airplanes.

 

http://paperplane.org/  Ken Blackburn's web site to share what he knows about paper  airplanes. He holds the Guinness record for time aloft for paper airplanes.

 

http://www.exploratorium.edu/exploring/paper/airplanes.html  The most amazing thing about a paper airplane is that all you need to make one is a sheet of paper -- nothing more.

 

http://www.paperairplanes.co.uk/  Alex's paper airplanes Cobra Paper Airplane The Planes - This is an index listing all the paper airplanes currently on the site ranked by how easy they are to make.

 

So there, you have some ideas on producing some unique, economical toys and amusements for your tots, toddlers and their older siblings. Ideas for new, different and modified versions of your creations will flow from virtually every corner of the house. Who knows, you might even develop something saleable. The toy conglomerates are always looking for the next super fad item.

 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: -- Larry M. Lynch is a writer and photographer specializing in business, travel, food and education-related writing in South America. His work has appeared in Transitions Abroad, South American Explorer, Escape From America, Mexico News and Brazil magazines in print and online. He travels researching articles throughout Latin America and teaches at a university in Cali, Colombia. To read more, express a comment or get original, exclusive articles and content for your newsletter, blog or website, contact the author at: [email protected]    Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Larry_M._Lynch

 

 

FIGHTING AT-HOME FRUSTRATIONS
By Cheryl Gochnauer,  [email protected], Copyright 2006, Used by permission
 
Thinking about running away from home?  Sit down, kids. I'm talking to your mom.  I've been there, Ladies. We all have. So if you're feeling like you're the only one, and nobody's ever felt like this, and you're the worst parent there ever was, don't.
 
Let's look at some common triggers of at-home frustrations, and ways to fight them.
 
Fatigue. Children, especially little ones, seldom give us breaks when we need them. My girls are older now, but I still remember living for naptime -- when they were asleep and I could relax! If you're feeling worn out, don't use naptime to rush through chores. Instead, lie down when the kids lie down. Let the whole house get quiet. Recharge your own batteries while the kids are 
recharging theirs.  
 
Vanilla, Vanilla, Vanilla. Doing basically the same thing, day in and  day out, gets boring. Try new activities, especially things that get everybody outside. Invite playmates over, and allow kids to visit friends' homes. Kids enjoy a change of scenery, and like playing with different toys. If there aren't any families close by, head for the local library, swimming pool or park, where you're likely to find other little boys and girls ready to play.  Do things together as a family that everyone - including Mom - enjoys.
 
We're Always Broke. It's true that there isn't as much money to work  with when only one spouse is bringing in a regular paycheck. But the main principle to hold onto is this: It's not what you make, it's what you spend.  Sort "wants" from "needs" and take on a frugal mindset. Don't fall prey to instant gratification, which steals your precious dollars. Pare down expenses.  Postpone purchases and use coupons, rebates, and discount stores. Note: If you've been cutting back and still can't make your bills, consider a part-time  job. Your kids will not benefit if their parents go bankrupt!
 
Nobody Cares. If it has been a while since your husband mentioned how great it is having you home, don't assume he has changed his mind. He probably appreciates what you're doing, but doesn't think to tell you - the old "I said I loved you once; I'll let you know if it ever changes" mindset. Let him know how  important it is to hear his affirmation, both in talking directly to you and about you to others.
 
I'm Lonely. While seeking playmates for your children, don't forget to  find friends for yourself. Link up with other at-home moms by joining a parenting group like Mothers of Preschoolers (www.mops.org) or Moms in Touch (www.momsintouch.org) or Hearts at Home (www.hearts-at-home.org). Interacting  with women who have made the same choices can really brighten your day.
 
I Miss Working Outside the Home. Lots of mothers find the perfect balance by holding a part-time or work-at-home position. This allows them to focus on their families while maintaining skills and professional relationships.  Be sure to keep that balance, though. Don't fall prey to the "Attack of the  Killer Home Business", which eats up all your family time even though you're working under your own roof.  Whatever frustrations you're going through, don't keep them to yourself.  Surround yourself with supportive people  (your spouse, friends and groups) that understand and can encourage you. And  when all else fails, turn to your child for a hug. That's a great way to get back to basics - to reinforce to yourself again just why you made this choice.
 
Cheryl Gochnauer lives with her family in Kansas City, MO. You can write her at h[email protected], or visit www.homebodies.org to read her column and those of other family-focused authors. Cheryl's books, "So You Want  to Be a Stay-at-Home Mom" and “Stay-at-Home Handbook: Advice on Parenting, Finances, Career, Surviving Each Day and Much More”, are available at your favorite bookstore or public library.

 

MAKING PANCAKES
Author Unknown - Thanks to Wanda Fox in Pennsylvania for sending this.

        Six-year-old Brandon decided one Saturday morning to fix his parents some pancakes. He found a big bowl and spoon, pulled a chair to the counter,opened the cupboard and pulled out the heavy flour canister, spilling it on the floor.
        He scooped some of the flour into the bowl with his hands, mixed in most of a cup of milk and added some sugar, leaving a floury trail on the floor which by now had a few tracks left by his kitten.
        Brandon was covered with flour and getting frustrated. He wanted this to be something very good for Mom and Dad, but it was getting very bad.
        He didn't know what to do next, whether to put it all into the oven or on the stove and he didn't know  how the stove worked!. Suddenly he saw his kitten licking from the bowl of mix and reached to push her away, knocking the egg carton to the floor.  Frantically he tried to clean up this monumental mess but slipped on the eggs, getting his pajamas white and sticky.

        And just then he saw Dad standing at the door. Big crocodile tears welled up in Brandon's eyes. All he'd wanted to do was something good, but he'd made a terrible mess. He was sure a scolding was coming, maybe even a spanking. But his father just watched him.

        Then, walking through the mess, he picked up his crying son, hugged him and loved him, getting his own pajamas white and sticky in the process!
        That's how God deals with us. We try to do something good in life, but it turns into a mess. Our marriage gets all sticky, we insult a friend, we can't stand our job, or our health goes sour. 
        Sometimes we just stand there in tears because we can't think of anything else to do. That's when God picks us up and loves us and forgives us, even though some of our mess gets all over Him. 
        But just because we might mess up, we can't stop trying to "make pancakes" for God or for others. Sooner or later we'll get it right, and then they'll be glad we tried.  Never stop "making pancakes!"

 

BLENDER BATTER WAFFLES AND PANCAKES

Free Whole Foods Cooking Lessons at www.suegregg.com/

This is really great!  I signed up for 10 free cooking lessons at this site yesterday!  The first lesson tells all about this recipe, with lots of "how to" teaching, including pictures.  Master this recipe and you will be well on your way to making a successful transition to whole foods cooking!  Do it with your children from the very first try. They will be fascinated with the process. No grain mill needed. An Osterizer (450 watts with glass bowl from Internet, Kmart, Walmart etc. $25-$35) blender works well. Use any grain or combination of grains. This recipe also appears in Sue Gregg's Breakfasts cookbook.  If you want to learn how to eat better, Sue Gregg's cookbooks tell how - one recipe at a time. 

 

MOM'S CHICKEN ITALIANO

Recipe by Ellen Rachel Lockhart in Virginia.  Her recipe was adapted to be made in her crockpot from a dish her mother used to make in the oven.  Ellen Rachel's recipe was recently published in a new Gooseberry Patch cookbook entitled Slow-Cooker Recipes.

 

2 to 3 lbs. boneless, skinless chicken breasts

2 10 3/4 oz. cans golden mushroom soup

2 14 1/2 oz. cans diced tomatoes

1 cup onion, chopped

1 tsp. dried basil

 

Arrange chicken in a slow cooker.  Mix together remaining ingredients and pour over chicken.  Cover and cook on low setting for 8 hours.  Cut or shred chicken into bite-size pieces and serve over rice.  Sprinkle with parmesan cheese if desired.  Serves 4-6. (Lois: I recommend using brown rice, as Ellen Rachael probably did.)

 

 

STORIES WITH A SPIRITUAL LESSON

Both you and your children can learn a spiritual lesson from these stories to read and discuss.

 

A LOT CAN HAPPEN IN A YEAR
Author unknown - Thanks to Annamarie Kresge in Virginia for sending these first two stories.

        A woman was once found guilty of a crime against the king and sentenced to death. As the soldiers carried her off to the executioner she cried out, "But sire, I can teach your horse to fly."
        "Halt" cried the king. "What did you say?"
        "Sire, if you give me but a year before executing me I can teach your horse to fly."
        "So be it" replied the king. "You have one year to teach my horse to fly or else you will be executed."
        As the woman was led away to her prison cell one of the soldiers commented on how stupid she was, for it is impossible for a horse to fly.
        "True" replied the woman, "but a lot can happen in a year. The king could die or the horse could die or I might die. And who knows, maybe the horse will learn to fly?"
        A life lived with a sense of unknown but potential possibilities is open to the possibilities of God.
        
JUST ENOUGH FOR EACH DAY
Once there was a rich man who had a son to whom he promised an annual allowance. Every year on the same day, he would give his son the entire amount. After a while, it happened that the only time the father saw his son was on the day of allowance. So the father changed his plan and only gave the son enough for the day. Then the next day the son would return. From then on, the father saw his son every day. This is the way God dealt with Israel.  It is the way God deals with us.

 

"THIS IS GOOD!"
Author unknown - Thanks to Barb Campbell in Mississippi for sending this.
        The story is told of a king in Africa who had a close friend with whom he grew up. The friend had a habit of looking at every situation that ever occurred in his life (positive or negative) and remarking, "This is good!"
        One day the king and his friend were out on a hunting expedition. The friend would load and prepare the guns for the king. The friend had apparently done something wrong in preparing one of the guns, for after taking the gun from his friend, the king fired it and his thumb was blown off.
        Examining the situation the friend remarked as usual, "This is good!"  To which the king replied, "No, this is NOT good!" and proceeded to send his friend to jail.
        About a year later, the king was hunting in an area that he should have known to stay clear of. Cannibals captured him and took them to their village. They tied his hands, stacked some wood, set up a stake and bound him to the stake. As they came near to set fire to the wood, they noticed that the king was missing a thumb. Being superstitious, they never ate anyone that was less than whole. So untying the king, they sent him on his way.
        As he returned home, he was reminded of the event that had taken his thumb and felt remorse for his treatment of his friend. He went immediately to the jail to speak with his friend. "You were right," he said, "It was good that my thumb was blown off. And he proceeded to tell the friend all that had just happened. "And so I am very sorry for sending you to jail for so long. It was bad of me to do this."
        "No" his friend replied, "This is good!"  "What do you mean, "This is good?" How could it be good that I sent my friend to jail for a year?"  "If I had NOT been in jail, I would have been with you."
        Situations may not always seem pleasant while we are in them, but the promise of God is clear. If we love Him and live our lives according to His precepts, even that which seems to be bleak and hopeless will be turned by God for His glory and our benefit. 
 

HAPPINESS IS A DECISION
Author unknown - Thanks to Eva Murdock of Virginia for sending this.

        The 92-year-old, petite, well-poised and proud lady, who is fully dressed each morning by eight o'clock, with her hair fashionably coifed and makeup perfectly applied, even though she is legally blind, moved to a nursing home today. Her husband of 70 years recently passed away, making the move necessary.
        After many hours of waiting patiently in the lobby of the nursing home, she smiled sweetly when told her room was ready.  As she maneuvered her walker to the elevator, I provided a visual description of her tiny room, including the eyelet sheets that had been hung on her window.
       " I love it!" she stated with the enthusiasm of an eight-year-old, having just been presented with a new puppy.
        "Mrs. Jones, you haven't seen the room.  Just wait."
        "That doesn't have anything to do with it," she replied.  "Happiness is something you decide on ahead of time.  Whether I like my room or not doesn't depend on how the furniture is arranged ... it's how I arrange my mind.  I already decided to love it.  It's a decision I make every morning when I wake up. I have a choice; I can spend the day in bed recounting the difficulty I have with the parts of my body that no longer work, or get out of bed and be thankful for the ones that do."

 

 

A HOME BASED BUSINESS ~ USING SEWING TALENT TO MAKE LINED BAGS

Casi Micaela, one of the recent "Heart to Heart" babies inspired this home business of beautiful lined bags.  If you are in need of a lovely individualized handbag for yourself or as a gift, please check out this site: http://www.bagsbymarycatherine.com/   Several of these bags shown would work as a diaper bag as well, but soon Casi's Bags as a one-of-a-kind diaper bag will be available.

 

 

CONGRATULATIONS TO NEW PARENTS AND GRANDPARENTS!

 

Katelyn Joy Goosen was born February 23, 2007 in East London, South Africa.  She is the third child of Luaan and Suzanne (George) Goosen, missionaries among the AmaZioni.

 

Tom and Rochelle Jones recently welcomed their 3rd and 4th babies into their family!  Their twin daughters, Aspen Paige Jones and Ainsley Pearl Jones  were born on March 8, 2007 - one minute apart.  Congratulations to the parents as well as the grandparents, Melvin and Doris Breneman, and great-grandparents, Clifford and Jean Breneman, as they enjoy these "miracle babies!"  Rochelle, Doris and Jean are all "Heart to Heart" ladies.  (Please pray for the Jones family as all four children are quite sick right now.  The adults also need an extra measure of strength.)

 

Joshua Allen Flack was welcomed into the family of Troy and Michelle Flack in North Carolina on March 15, 2007 - their first child.  He is the sixth grandchild of Tim and Debbie Flack who live in Virginia.

 

 

A THOUGHTFUL QUOTE FROM A GRANDMA

My friend, Becky Noell in Georgia, is blessed with several precious grandchildren - including two from her daughter, Sarah Hillyer, who lives nearby - (Gabriel, 8, and Halle, 10 months).  I like what this grandma said to her 8 year old grandson:

Gabriel called me and said "Meme!  We're going to have another baby!"  I said, "You are such a great big brother that God just keeps sending them down!"  He really is a lovable boy - we call him our "gentle giant."  

 

 

JUSTIN, HIS FRIEND, AND A BIRTHDAY PARTY

By Lois Breneman, © 2007, Heart to Heart Newsletter, [email protected] 

 

My daughter and I were talking on the phone recently, as my grandson, Justin, 3, was in the background playing at home with his good friend, Alex.  They were playing with Justin's trains - most of all Justin's favorite one, which he named "Lighty," because it lights up.  Justin was quite whiny and unhappy, as he had trouble sharing his favorite toy.  Soon his mama, Joy, had to put up the train because both boys wanted it at the same time, putting up quite a ruckus which I could hear several states away!  Now that "Lighty" was gone, they played with other toys for a while.  But before long Justin came to his mom with a whiny tone saying, "Mama, I just can't take my mind off Lighty!" 

 

Later as Justin and Alex were playing (with "Lighty," still out of reach), Justin was telling Alex what to do, and Joy stopped our conversation to ask Justin to please stop bossing Alex around.  Right away Justin spoke up saying, "Alex is the bossy one!  I'm the whiny one!"  Joy snickered into the phone and said to me, "Well, at least he is honest about being whiny!"

 

Another day Justin told me his request for his birthday cake over the phone.  Last year I made a train cut-up cake, but he explained that he wanted a "Lighty" train this year, then went on to explain, "Lighty is a streamliner, you know!"  He continued telling me how he wanted the train to be orange and green.  His favorite color is orange, so his mama decided it would be an orange flavored cake on the inside.  While visiting them I baked a 9 x 13 inch cake, cutting it down the center, lengthwise, stacking the two sections with frosting in between.  After cutting away a small section of cake above the hood, and rounding off the corners, I frosted the train with a very light green icing and used a cake decorator to duplicate the medium green trim on Justin's toy train.  A yellow gumdrop served as the front light and two green gumdrops were shaped to form trumpet-like horns on the top, along with two red lifesavers for the red light on top.  Miniature York peppermint patties were perfect for the wheels and parts of peppermint patties were also carved to serve as the windshield.  A lot of sugar, I know!  But I suppose on an occasion like a birthday, it's hard not to include a cake for little ones.  I'll have to do some research on how to make a cake with less sugar for future birthdays.

 

I was finishing up the cake as Justin awoke from his nap and I didn't notice him coming down the stairs on his last day as a three year old, until I heard his expressive little voice saying excitedly to me, "Grammie, I'm looking at Lighty!  I just love my cake!  And the cupcakes are so beautiful!  You did a good job, Grammie!"  How sweet!  Then as he was eating the cake at his party, he exclaimed, "Grammie, this is the best icing!"  After the party was over, his mommy asked him, "What was your favorite thing at the party?"  With great excitement he said, "My 'Lighty' cake!"  Music to a grandma's ears, knowing her grandson was so thrilled! 

 

As you can already tell by now, trains were the theme of the party.  Parents and younger siblings were mingling in the home and Justin's friends were playing with toys in the playroom during the party or playing games, while Joy sat on the floor and helped each child make a candy train with individually wrapped candy, which they just loved.  A pack of gum was the base for the train, with a roll of lifesaver-type candy hot glued on top.  A chocolate Nugget and Hershey's kiss were glued side by side onto the lifesavers, with the paper on the kiss supplying the appearance of steam coming from the train.  Last of all, four red and white peppermints were glued to the sides as wheels.  Joy used a glue gun, with a dish of crushed ice and water nearby for quick relief in case of a burn.

 

Musical chairs was one game, played to the tune of a train song.  Another game was a beanbag toss, using beanbags made from stretchy "Thomas the Train" fabric and filled with rice.  Each child had six tries to toss beanbags into a hoola hoop on the floor.  We have some great pictures of Justin helping to make the beanbags earlier as he filled them with spoonfuls of rice.  He just loved doing that and had a very serious look on his face, with his tongue sticking out in concentration, a trait he must have inherited from his Pawpa! 

 

Each child got to take home a "Thomas" beanbag in a train print fabric totebag, also filled with other fun things - a wooden train to paint, a train whistle, a noise maker, a big rubbery bug and a few other things, plus goodies from the train pinata, which they split open outside after a cookout.

 

During our week's visit with our daughter and her family, our strong willed grandson displayed several fits of temper - one about three hours before his party, as I demonstrated to him how the beanbag toss would be played.  He said, "No Grammie!  You do it this way!"  That was one of the times he wanted his own way and expressed himself through a temper tantrum, a recent phase which we hope he will soon outgrow.  It could be the fact that another little one will be moving into his home this summer, taking center stage.  When I showed him all the sweet little baby clothes though, that I washed for his mama and hung in his sister's bedroom closet he said, "Ahhh!" so sweetly as he grinned real big. 

 

On our last evening with our daughter, son-in-law and now 4 year old Justin, he asked if I'd help him make his "Lighty" train cake out of playdoh.  We ended up creating not only the engine, but several flat cars, box cars, fuel cars and cabooses.  Justin was so excited as we made this long multi-colored train together, with lots of little wheels.  Then out of the blue while we worked together, Justin cocked his head, looking up at me and so sweetly asked, "Grammie, will you forgive me for complaining so much?"  He was referring to the week of our visit with them.  What a precious moment as he asked my forgiveness with such a sweet tender heart of repentance!  And of course, I did tell him I forgave him, as we hugged each other.

 

The five of us also went for a walk together in the neighborhood that last evening.  When we heard little tree frogs or peepers down in the hollow, Justin said to us, referring to the sound of peepers, "That tells me there must be water down there!"  His Pawpa laughed at Justin's comment, because he had told Justin the very same words several evenings before as the two of them went to hear the peepers!  Children are such sponges, as you probably already know!  And such precious little treasures from the Lord! 

 

 

                           Many Heart to Heart ladies and their families need our prayers, so

              please remember to pray for each Heart to Heart lady as you receive your newsletter.

(¨`·.·´¨)                     God bless you and your family and keep you in His loving care!

 `·.¸(¨`·.·´¨)                         And remember, I love to hear from you dear ladies!

      `·.¸.·´                                              Your Heart to Heart friend,

                                                                                                 Lois

                

The purpose of the Heart to Heart Newsletter is to encourage women and build biblical values into daily living through practical creative ideas for the Christian family regarding marriage, children, homemaking, and much more.  Receive this free bimonthly newsletter by sending your name, city, state, e-mail address, and name of your referral person to Lois at [email protected].  New subscribers will receive a "Start-Up Kit." 

 

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