Changes....

Ok...so I made some changes on here.  Do you like the new template?

I wanted something a bit more summer-like......

I also wanted to clean up my recipes.  I have friends and family who like to copy recipes from here.  And I was finding that it is probably difficult to scroll through so many recipes under one label.

SO....if you scroll down the right sidebar, you will see the title "Labels".  Under that, there are new categories for my "faithfixes" which is where I have my recipes.

The following links are new and you may copy any recipe you find:

• main dishes:  this includes veggie sides and/or meal plans and tips
• lite fare:  this is lunch type recipes (sandwiches, fruit dishes)
• desserts:  pies, cookies, brownies, ice cream desserts, etc.
• breakfast:  this is mainly breads, muffins or homemade egg/cereal dishes
• salads:  all kinds...from hearty to light, pasta to spinach....this is my fave category...I make all kinds of different salads, all year round......

That's about it......

I have had quite a week.  It's been a difficult one.

Too many changes happening all at once.

Work has been stressful.  Our chicks didn't all hatch....we have 4 out of the 5 that were born. We started out with 12 eggs so...this was not a good year!

Out of 8 duck eggs, only 4 hatched.  ~sigh~  But the children are having a blast watching them swim, etc.

Had to meet with parents of a student whom we suspect is being physically abused...that is always a difficult situation. I can't go into it but the things he has reported to me and another aide make us worried.....and the principal was worried enough that a call was made to authorities...this is just so hard.  I pray for his safety!  

I am thankful though that I work with a good team of people and that, as a Christian, I can pray for this boy.  Don't let anyone tell you that prayer can't happen in the public schools...it is just not true!!!!!

and.....wow...the stuff I have heard this week. Lots of things to pray about, and several people to pray for! Just when you think you know a person, something happens, or someone says something that makes you wonder.....about character, faith, integrity, etc.  But......

I am thankful for the sunny, hot weather our part of NYS has had....I thank my husband for getting central air put in 12 years ago and that we have had no problems with it. I am also thankful that my husband was able to fix an electrical problem in our dining room and was able to put in a new dimmer switch! He is a good guy!!

I am thankful that my children are doing well in these final weeks of school...we have about 4 weeks left including final exams and then the NYS Regents. Claire, just being a 5th grader, only has end of unit tests.

And I am thankful for my friend Monica with whom I had lunch today.  She is a bit older than I am yet we get along great...she is a precious woman of God......I am encouraged by her spiritual growth and what God is doing in her life and she is encouraged by some things I shared with her.....God is good...He puts people in our paths and if we are open to following Jesus' commands about bearing each other's burdens,    we will find much comfort!  We both like Panera and had fun catching up and sharing what God is doing in our lives, our children's lives (she has one 15 year old son.).  I marvel at how the Lord has brought us back together in friendship.  I first met Monica in 1995/1996 when my oldest (Courtney) was taking a Kindermusik class here in town.  It was a 2 semester class and so for 40 weeks we had our toddlers in this program.  It was a "mommy-child" type class and we became acquaintances.  Well, just about 5 years ago, when Dave and I joined our church, I ran into her at a weekly women's Bible study and we reconnected!

Then......this past March, she asked me about Moms in Touch and asked if she could join, even though her child does not go to our public schools.  I told her YES. Her son is in a private Christian school here in our town so since it is still a part of our area, I told her she was welcome.  Children in private schools need prayer, too! And she helps us lift up the school district concerns we have.  I can't say enough about friends who are bonded through prayer and through caring about our children being witnesses at their schools.  This group has really brought us together as moms and as friends/sisters in Christ.

It is getting late and I have a book to finish......I will be back for the Friday Fave Fives.

If you are having a heat wave where you are, stay cool! I've been enjoying this drink!

 and....I am kinda praying this 92 degree weather will cool off a bit.....it's a little too hot for May in NYS!