Bannie's Blessings

Where did summer go?

2011-08-05T09:42:00.002-05:00

Where did the summer go? I think back down to H..... It has been the hottest and driest summer I can remember. My water bill is unbelievable and the lawn still is yellow with green spots every once in a while. The flower beds are a little better, but the bine weed wants to take over everything. I know for sure bine weed is in H...! I had several projects I wanted to get done before school started back again, but the list is not finished and in-service begins in 1 week. Oh well, maybe they will get done over Christmas break!

I haven't cooked a lot this summer. Seems like we eat lots of grilled things, vegetables, and fruits. Working in the yard saps my energy and makes me sweat like a ......, however, I have managed to gain 4 lbs. since school was out in May. There just seems to be NO way to win with this weight thing. Could it possibly be the ice cream that calls my name after a 2 hr. weeding session?? Planning on looking back at the menus and posting a new recipe soon.

Please be praying for rain over Texas and Oklahoma and all the states that are suffering drought. Not only crops and vegetation are suffering, but animals as well. Please God send us a blessing of rain!

What a Week-End!!

2011-04-18T14:45:00.007-05:00

What do Sarah Palin, exercise for the liver, Smithy, and the Cheesecake Factory have in common? Think hard........ The answer is the "Women of Joy" Conference. A group of 20 women from our area went to Oklahoma City for the week-end to attend the conference. It was wonderful.

We sang with Michael W Smith and Charles Billingsley and heard Sarah Palin, Kay Arthur and Karen Kingsbury speak. My favorite was Anita Renfroe. Talk about laugh, I thought I would die!! Did you know that the only exercise the liver receives is when you laugh? Who Knew??? There were 9,000 women attending and it was was so awesome to hear their voices lifted in song to our God. If you ever get a chance, please attend. I promise you will receive a blessing.

We traveled in five vehicles and it was interesting to get us all to the places we wanted to go! Best meal of the week-end was of course the Cheesecake Factory. For some reason I later looked in my purse and there was a piece of cheesecake!!! Unfortunately, I had forgotten to pack my diet so I ate it!!! Heaven in a slice!

Different speakers, same idea: How long will God protect a nation that calls evil things good and good things evil? We better get ourselves aligned with God or the USA will be suffering the consequences. We need to stand firm on the word of God and not tolerate the sins that seem to be more acceptable these days. God's word is firm, we must stand firm.

I was surprised how dry OKC was. I knew the Texas Panhandle was suffering, but so is Oklahoma. Pray for rain, please. The wildfires in Texas, New Mexico, and Oklahoma need a good drenching rain to help stop them. Please Lord, let it rain!!! Please pray for the families that are suffering because of all the fires.

Where Does the Time Go?

2011-04-13T08:20:00.007-05:00

Does your life every seem to be passing you by? When I look at my calendar, I get weak. Why do I do so much and get so little done? I think the older I get the more I want to slow down, but I'm not sure where to start. I love my family and friends and want to do the things they do, so I have made a decision. God gave me the wisdom to decide what I should do and I am doing it. I am thankful that I have family and friends, I am thankful I have the health to be active, and I am thankful that I have a God that loves me and blesses my life so fully. So.... I will keep filling the calendar and keep going and doing, but mainly keep giving thanks in the process!

Have any of you been watching the baby eagles? I first heard about it on KLove. I am now deeply attached to these 3 little white bundles. Every morning when I get to my office I turn on KLove and then set my computer on the eagles. Mother eagle is such a good mom. She covers them under her and feeds them and monitors their every move and chirp. If you haven't seen them go to this site: http://www.raptorresource.org/falcon_cams/index.html.

As I watch them, I think about how a mother eagle represents our Father God. He puts us under his wing and protects us, he meets all our needs, and he loves us unconditionally. Sunday in church our pastor gave this same illustration by bring my daughter (Amy) and her baby girl (Cydney) up to the front. He told Amy to make her arms like wings and he placed Cyd right next to her, under her wing. He made the point of saying we are all protected under our Father's wing, but if we step out of that protection the enemy (Satan) can make our lives miserable. As he was talking, Amy was standing there with her "wings" up and Cyd had her "wings" up also. Every once in awhile Cyd would flap her little "wings" and just smile. She was such a cute little "chick".
Life under the "wings" is so much better than life without those "wings"!

Looks like spring is finally here. I need to plant plants and pull weeds, but the main thing I need to do is stay under those "wings". Blessings to you all and stay under the Father's "wing".

Kathie

April Fool's

2011-04-04T08:29:00.003-05:00

Well, was the April Fool's joke on me or what?? This week-end, I worked in the yard/garden- windy but very warm (89). The flower beds look so much better. I am always amazed by the amount of new growth under all that old, dead junk from last year. I just can hardly wait to see what all those little green, baby leaves will be, you see I tend to scatter seed and let nature take it's course. Now for the joke, we woke up this morning with the ground covered in SNOW!! Where is spring and I want it back NOW! Thank goodness I did not get the tomato plants planted that I purchased on Saturday. I love my Master Gardening class, but my checks to the various garden places are mounting up; maybe we will give up food this month.

I have to hurry and get the flower beds in shape and the garden in so I can think about golf. A group of ladies are taking a 3 day refresher class the beginning of May. If you remember, I just really learned how to play last year so I really do need refreshing! Please spring and summer, hurry along.

Blessings to you all and may your week be filled with mercy and grace. Take the time to appreciate all the beautiful budding trees and smell the lilacs!

Back to Reality

2011-03-21T10:10:00.004-05:00

Spring Break is over and it is back to work. Nine more weeks of school and then we get the summer break. I started cleaning flowerbeds during the break. It is so good to see little green plants popping up under all the dead remains.

I learned how to make a rain barrel so I can use rain water to water some of my plants. We also went back to the old house and picked up rocks and "treasures" to put round the flowerbeds.

When I look back at the list of things I wanted to accomplish during Spring Break, it looks pretty dismal, but the closets and drawers will have to wait until later. The outdoors was calling my name with the weather being so nice. I am imagining beautiful flowerbeds with colorful blooms, not nice, neat closets and drawers! Jeriann inspired me to create a cross picture, but it didn't get finished; the story of my life. Where does the time go?

I wanted to catch up on some reading, but I didn't get that done either. All in all it was a great Spring Break spent with family and friends. Thank you Lord for beautiful weather and time with those I love. Hope your past week was a blessing to you.

Kathie

New Toy

2011-03-09T09:05:00.004-06:00

I have found a new toy. It is "Yummy Soup" for my Macbook. It is an app you download. " Yummy Soup" is a digital cookbook. I have set it up and bookmarked my favorite recipe sites. When I find a recipe I like, I can import it to my "Yummy Soup" for later consideration. It had gotten to the point that I had filled 2 large notebooks with recipes I had printed out and categorized. Having it on my laptop is so much easier. If you have an Apple computer, check it out. I think you will love it. I'm not sure if they have a PC version.

I have been attending my Master Gardner classes for several weeks now. I have met some very nice people and have already gotten some ornamental grasses from one lady. Now if spring would really get here and quit just teasing me, I am ready to work in the garden. I have order some seeds and hope they get here soon. I love Spring!

I am also part of a group of older ladies, or should that be mature ladies, in my church that are doing a study called "Home Experience" by Devi Titus. I am really enjoying it and just wish I had the information in my early marriage and motherhood. I think we are becoming Titus 2 women. No matter what the study, fellowship with your church members or other women in your community is such a blessing. Find one you like or start one with your friends. We need each other to grow and enjoy life.

I have started looking for Easter recipes. If you have a family favorite let me know. We seem to always have the same thing and I would like to make some changes this year. Speaking of Easter, I hope you all are keeping in your heart the real meaning of this season. I know the kids love the egg hunt and the Easter candy, but please remind your children the true reason we celebrate this holiday.

Spring break is upon us and when we return that means only 9 weeks of school left. Where has the school year gone? Each year gets faster and faster. Please take the time to enjoy your life and family each and everyday. I look at my kids now and their kids and I can't believe that time has escaped me. When did my "babies" grow up and become such neat adults? I love them so much but I also miss the time when they were home with me and DaDa. Can you tell I have a birthday approaching and I'm getting a little sentimental? I could have sworn I just had a birthday last week! Whether you are young or "mature", take the time to enjoy what God has blessed you with.

I am also reading a book for the online bookclub that Big Mama blog has started. This is our second book to read and I must admit they both have been books I would not have selected myself. If you are interested in reading with an online group, check it out. I love reading on my iPad and I would recommend it to everyone. If not an iPad, a Kindle or a Nook, or some other electronic reader. It is so easy and convenient to use. I stick it in my purse and off I go. Well, it seems I have just visited about a lot of little things. I guess I had no true agenda this morning. Blessings to you all and I hope you have a peaceful week.

Kathie

Happy Valentine's Day

2011-02-14T10:13:00.005-06:00

Happy Valentine's to all. I just heard on KLove that teachers get more valentines than anyone else. That is really neat that teachers are remembered on Valentine's Day.

Maybe I am not very romantic, but Valentine's Day is not that different for me and DaDa. I am more thankful that I have his love and respect on any ordinary day of the year. We wish each other Happy Valentine's and sometimes exchange cards, but it is not an earth-shaking day for us. Maybe after you have been together for 40+ Valentine Days, you are not as impressed by the glitz and glamor as with the true commitment and daily love you share. Heaven knows I don't need the chocolate and I would rather have roses in my yard. Thank you Lord for bringing the two of us together and placing a permanent Valentine love in our hearts. There is something so dear and special in growing old together and thinking about how you have been blessed.

If flowers and candy are your thing, I wish you the desires of your heart. May you also receive all the "warm fuzzy's" you can handle!! Happy Valentine's Day!!
XOXOXO

February Has Arrived!

2011-02-01T13:26:00.007-06:00

Today is February 1st and what a day. We had to begin school late because of the snow. We only have 2 or 3 inches, which isn't bad for the Texas Panhandle, however, we have a 20 to 30 mph wind to go with it. Chill factor is -10 to -20 degrees below 0!! Now, that is not good!! It would have been a great day to stay home, sit by the fireplace, and read a good book. As I think about what February has in store for us, I wonder where January went. Time goes by too fast! I think we are all too busy and life is speeding by for us. I just don't know what to take off the calendar!

February is the beginning of our "Home Experience" and "Table Experience" study by Devi Titus. A group of 12 women in our church have been asked to participate. I am looking forward to it, so it stays on the calendar. Two week-ends this month, Da-Da and I are keeping some of the grandkids. That for sure stays on the calendar! I also start my Master Gardening classes this month. I have waited for that to begin for a while now, so that stays on the calendar. Every Wednesday evening is Life group and I definitely won't take that off the calendar. See, I just don't have a thing to take off the calendar. So I am changing the way I look at it.

Thank you God for giving me the opportunity and health to stay busy. May I be a positive influence in all I do and all I participate in. May my priorities be the priorities you have set for me and may the plans for my life be your plans.

Life group at our house tomorrow night--green chili stew, fresh tortillas, and buttermilk pound cake. Stop by for a cup of coffee and visit and pray with us!

Stay warm all and if the weather dictates, stay in, be peaceful, and enjoy the time at home. Blessings to you all!!

New Year's Read

2011-01-14T10:41:00.005-06:00

Da-Da has been released from the Doctor and physical therapy, but he has to do exercises at home to get the shoulder back to full use. Thank you Lord for the healing!

I bought myself an iPad for Christmas. I had used one at school and thought I really would use it. For the first month, I wouldn't let myself buy any books to put on it because I had so many setting around the house that needed reading. But, I caved! I love reading on it and when finished there is not a book to stack somewhere. If you haven't read "Heaven is for Real" by Todd Bopus, please read it. It is relatively short and a quick read. It's a true story about a little 4-year old boy that visits heaven during surgery. It is wonderful and just thrills my heart. Give it a try. If anyone out there has other book recommendations, please send me a comment.

Just signed up for the Women of Joy conference in OK city in April. So excited to hear Sarah Palin, Anita Renfroe, and others. I just love worshiping with a bunch of women!!!!

Grandkids are busy playing Basketball. Tomorrow we have games at 10, 11, 12, 1, and 6. What a day. At least the weather is supposed to be warmer. I am so tired of single digit wind chills!!!! But at least we don't have the snow and ice. I feel so sorry for those that are not used to that kind of weather in their area.

Was hoping that the weight loss would allow me to get off the blood pressure medicine, but not going to happen yet. Dr. Cindy wants to monitor it for a little while longer. Cholesterol is up a little so I guess I will start watching that better. I tell you, this getting older is for the birds. I want my old (pre-50) body back. It seemed to work better!!!!!

Looking at recipes and hope to have one to share soon. It's been so cold that all we are eating is soups and stews. But they sure hit the spot! Everyone stay warm and be blessed!

Dieting

2010-11-22T09:35:00.004-06:00

Whoever heard of a diet at Thanksgiving and Christmas? Well, I had had it with the tummy roles and muffin tops. I never had to worry about weight until good ole menopause came to visit. Every year the weight seemed to creep up and always settled around the tummy. I hated how I looked and my blood pressure was rising. Shopping was no longer fun because nothing looked right.

One of my past students has become a Chiropractor. He has started a new weight area in his practice. His parents had such good luck I decide it was time to do something about mine. So in mid-October I started with a 10 day cleanse and then started the 40 day HCG diet. Yes it is often hard to make myself follow it but I have lost 17 pounds so I know it works. I take HCG hormone drops 3 times a day and eat 500 calories a day. The food selection is limited but I now have a waist. The real benefit is when it is over the hypothalamus re-sets the metabolism so I should be able to stay around my target weight. Before the diet, I'm not sure I had any metabolism! So there will be next years Thanksgiving to look forward to and Christmas will just have to be low sugar and carb.

In the past I have really been anxious about my self-discipline or lack of. Several months ago God woke me up twice in one night to tell me that I had all the healing and self-discipline I needed; I just had to trust him. So I am trusting and have stepped out on this diet to get the old Kathie back and I can see glimpses of her, just somewhat older!

Happy Thanksgiving to all. Next year maybe I will have some new recipes since this year I am not really thinking about them. Blessings to you all.

It's Been How Long??

2010-11-18T08:46:00.003-06:00

Have you ever had great plans and then everything changes on you? Well that has been my last several months. Where does the time go?

Summer - I had some great plans made: golf lessons, playing golf with family, vacations, yard work, etc. What I got was gall bladder trouble and finally had to have it removed; goodbye summer!

School starts and I had another set of plans since I was feeling so much better; hello to a husband that runs into the side of the house chasing our bassett hound. Poor Ivey, he hated her for a while. He had limited use of his left arm and lots of pain, so in October he had to have Rotator Cuff surgery. He is not a house/office type and he is getting cabin fever I think. We now do physical therapy three times a week in the city. He is improving every day, praise God!

God is so good! He told me before Da-Da's accident that healing was given to us when Jesus died on the cross....I just had to trust him. Thank you Lord. Thank you that my plans are not always fruitful and your plans for me are so awesome! Thank you for your presence in good and bad times! You are our provider and shepherd.

We are both doing so much better, but it sure put a halt to working on my blog. I can't believe it has been since last spring. I feel like a new blogger again and I am at a loss for words, or should I say quality words. Even though I was not working on my blog, I keep up with the many I love. So thank you bloggers for helping me get through the dry spell I was in. Hopefully I am back!

I have so much to be thankful for during this fall season- family, HEALTH, church, etc. I wish you all a wonderful Thanksgiving season. Blessings are all around us, we just have to open our eyes and see them. Sometimes we take so much for granted. Happy Thanksgiving!!!!

Summer is Here!!

2010-06-07T11:35:00.007-05:00

It has been several weeks since I have blogged with you. The end of school is always so busy for me. I know it is coming but I never seem to have everything done by the last day of school. Now that I am officially on summer break, I am spending hours and I mean hours in our yard. I love all my flowers, but they sure require some 'babying' to look good. That's alright, I prefer yard work to housework!! There are weeds that need pulling or flowers that need dead-heading everyday. I always seem to get more exercise in the summer and I know it is the gardening that does it.

One of the most "special" things that has happened since my last post is the baptism of four of our grandchildren. C1, C2, M1, and M2 were al baptized on the last Sunday in May. They each wrote their testimony to be read when they were baptized. Praise the Lord for children that love their God. I know God loves the little children, but when you see 10 children baptized in a small rural spirit-filled church, it is the most special occasion you can imagine. You pray for things in life for your kids and your grandkids, but knowing they are saved and have a relationship with their God has to be one of the best "blessings" in life. Thank you Father God!!

I have also decided I need to be more disciplined in taking care of myself. I have tried to eat better since Da-Da's heart problems several years ago. I take my vitamins and drink my water, but exercise has always been another question. I am forcing myself to walk every morning--well I have for 4 out of the last 5 mornings. I must admit that I do have more energy when I walk and seem to rest better at night. I have tried many different things to get rid of the "muffin top" and I have put off exercise until now. So, I will have to challenge myself every morning for the rest of the summer. I know I can do it. Thanks for Beth Moore on my iPod as I walk!!!

I also called last week and signed up for 3 golf lessons. My two daughters and their husbands and my son all play.....but not DaDa and I. I guess I will see next week if golf is for me!!

I have also realized I need to clean out some closets and drawers. I seem to hold on to things! I might need them! This morning I was looking for something and found several magazines from 2004. Now if I haven't read them or used their information by now, I NEED TO THROW THEM OUT!!! I think this may be harder than making myself exercise! The older I get the less important items become. I am tired of dusting and moving things around. We have lived in this house for only 3 years and I have accumulated too much stuff!! It is time to down-size some of that stuff!! As you can tell, this summer needs to be a time for change for me. Please pray for me!!

I am looking forward to the fresh summer fruits and vegetables. If you have any great recipes, send me a link and I will do the same. Have a peaceful week and may you be blest beyond your expectations!!!

New Business!

2010-05-14T08:30:00.005-05:00

I just signed up for a new business. I'm not retiring from the school, but this is a little extra something. Even if it does not grow, I am benefiting from the product.

It is called DuVita and was started this past January. DuVita sells two products: Balance+ and Appetite+. Balance + is a combination of Chinese medicines designed to help boost your mood and keep your body in balance. Appetite+ increases the body's ability to burn fat quicker and more efficiently without jittery side effects. Both are made from natural ingredients.

I have had trouble lately with going home from work and crashing on the couch and then stuffing myself at supper. Yesterday I took Balance+ and Appetite+ about mid-morning. When I got home yesterday I had energy to clean out a flower bed and mow the grass. But, the best part was when I ate supper, I didn't clean my plate. I felt full and stopped eating. That in itself is a big step for me. I've never had a weight problem until menopause. Boy oh Boy has that changed things. I think it even helped me sleep better last night. Only time will tell, but right now I am very happy with the two products. I started Da-Da on the Balance+ this morning because he is working such long hours. There just has to be more to the late 50's than exhaustion and being fluffy!!!!

Check out my site at: www.duvita.net/kabryant

If any of you have other suggestions for adapting to menopausal problems, let me know. I am game for anything that will get me back into life again.

Rain is predicted for today and Saturday. Praise the Lord, we are dry. School is on the down-home stretch and summer is coming!!! Have a great week-end and may you all be blessed abundantly!!!

Day after Mother's Day!

2010-05-10T11:26:00.007-05:00

I was thinking about yesterday, Mother's Day. I was with my two daughters, my mom, my mother-in-law, my aunt, my daughter's mother-in-law, her sister-in-law, and her cousin-in-law. It was a wonderful family day. Four of the five granddaughters dressed up and sang us a song - Amazing Grace. All of these girls and women are so precious. It was just a blessing to share the day with those I love so much. The men helped cook and clean up the kitchen. Thank you Lord for the blessings of families!

This morning I saw this on Julie's blog "circlecliffviews.blogspot.com". I thought about the females in my family and can see or imagine each one of them in this lifeline.

" A Woman's Lifeline"

Age 3: She looks at herself and sees a queen

Age 8: She looks at herself and sees Cinderella

Age 15: She looks at herself and sees an ugly duckling
(Mom, I can't go to school looking like this!)

Age 20: She looks at herself and sees.."too fat/too thin, too short/too tall,
too straight/too curly" but she decides she's going out anyway!

Age 30: She looks at herself and sees.."too fat/too thin, too short/too tall,
too straight/too curly" but decides she doesn't have time to fix it so she's
going out anyway.

Age 40: She looks at herself and sees.."too fat/too thin, too short/too tall
too straight/too curly: but says, "At least I am clean," and goes out anyway.

Age 50: She looks at herself and says, "I am what I am," and goes wherever she wants to go.

Age 60: She looks at herself and reminds herself of all the people who can't even see themselves in the mirror anymore. She goes out and conquers the world!

Age 70: She looks at herself and sees wisdom, laughter, and ability and goes out and enjoys life.

Age 80: Doesn't bother to look. Just puts on a purple hat and goes out to have fun with the world.

The moral is....maybe we should all grab that purple hat a little earlier!

I also think we worry way to much about what others think about us. I know I feel frumpy and out of sorts at times and just know I look a mess. But why should I worry? God made me in his image and he is perfection. He doesn't see the muffin top, the bad hair day, and the wrinkles. Why do I dwell on them? I need to look on others with more love and hope they do the same. Life is too short to be constantly concerned about the what ifs and why nots.

I hope you all had a wonderful Mother's Day and may you be blessed beyond measure this week!

MS Walk

2010-04-19T08:46:00.008-05:00

I have a special, young friend that has recently been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. Kassie is one of my past students and is such a neat girl. She is in the green shirt.

We have had this walk planned for months. So come Saturday morning it is windy, rainy, and soooo cold. But we walked! This is my daughter Ansley and then my son's girl friend, Kari.

The news said there were over 700 people signed up to walk, but only about 250 or so showed up. We were not the biggest team or the smallest team, but we were the "orangest"team. The circumstance may have been miserable, but the cause is a great one. Blessings to Kassie and her family. God is an awesome God and he is our healer. Always expect a miracle.

After the MS walk, I had to get back home to help my other daughter. She is the Jr. class sponsor and Saturday night was "Prom" night. I went out to help behind the scenes. It was beautiful and the girls looked amazing. The guys cleaned up well also!!

After the prom, I went by Amy's and picked up the 3 C's to spend the night while their mom and dad finished with the prom. Dada had been keeping the 3 M's for Anz. So all 6 grand-kids spent the night and had breakfast with us on Sunday morning. Needless to say, we missed church. My timing was a little off trying to get everyone around, fix breakfast, and dressed. Maybe God knew I could only handle 3 children and get to where we needed to be! The week-end was fast and furious, but with many blessings. Life is a joy ride, so get on and live each day to the fullest!

Blessings to you all!

It's April

2010-04-07T09:46:00.006-05:00

I can't believe I have gone so long with out posting. I have been in a slump. The weather flip-flops from warm to cold, it is very windy, and I don't have a clue. Every time I sit down to write, I draw a blank. Is it menopausal brain death? Lack of a fast-paced life? Stuck in a rut? There could be so many causes. I feel silly posting day-to-day occurrences like went to the city to pick up DaDa's prescriptions, bought groceries, had my toenails painted so cute. I don't want you to think I don't have a life!

But truly, I have spent time with my grandchildren lately and have really enjoyed them. I helped hide eggs for the community Easter Egg hunt on Saturday and nearly blew away, however the kids didn't mind the wind. I check the flower beds every day or two to make sure spring is really coming. We had a great Easter Sunday. My son-in-law was baptized and we had a family dinner. As usual, I ate way to much but enjoyed every bite. I love Easter. The church services the past few weeks and on Easter were so inspiring. Thank you God for the sacrifice of your son for me. It just amazes me that he loves us so much. I hope your Easter week-end was a blessing.

I bought a new camera, well new to me, on eBay. It has so many buttons and dials. I was tired of my point-and-shoot, but I think I may have lost my mind for real. This camera is so technical. Why don't my pictures look better? I was sure it was the old camera and not me. Spring has to hurry because I am tired of taking pictures of brown leaves and dead grass. I have discovered my house does not provide enough natural lighting and I thought I designed it so well. The grandkids run and hide when I get out the camera--"Oh No, not again!!". Poor babies. I also bought Photoshop Elements thinking I could do this. Hello, where are the step-by-step instructions??? I am not giving up, I can do this, please Lord help me get a clue. I just love all the great pictures on other blogs. I can do this, I can do this. It just may be more of a senior moment instead of a menopausal moment. I have the time, I hope.

Blessings to you and may you enjoy each and every moment God blesses you with.

Fudge Guilt!!

2010-03-14T22:20:00.005-05:00

Fudge. I love fudge. Good fudge with lots of pecans. Friday at school we had early release for spring break. Anz and I went to the city to the city's largest garage sale. We had never been so didn't know what to expect. We saw the good, the bad, and the ugly......then there was the really ugly. As we walked up and down the isles, we came across a girl selling fudge. After several samples, I purchased some. Upon arriving home that evening I needed another sample or three. It really is good. Bedtime came around and I went to bed and fell right to sleep...until about 3:00 am. Then, wide awake. Was it fudge guilt? I had been on a diet for several weeks, so did the guilt awaken me from a sound sleep? Or was it one of the many little gifts that come with menopause? Whatever it was, do you know what is on TV at 3:00 am?

First I watched a celebrity model's skin care line and just knew I needed her cantaloupe inspired skin system. I could look 10 years younger! Then I felt sure I could use a home silk screen Tee-shirt making system. Oh, the XXL Tee's I could make with this beauty!! Next was a wonderful body girdle system that redistributes the muffin top to give you a smoother look and better posture. You can look up to 2 sizes smaller with this little under garment. My only question is what area of the body gets the redistributed muffin top? Personally I don't want it under my arms and my rear-end has it's own share of plumpness. Does anyone know where the muffin top is sent, if so please share your knowledge. The last item I was so sure I needed was an exercise machine guaranteed to slim you down in 6 weeks. I fell for this once and it made a great clothes hanger, but my weight never disappeared. Thank goodness I got sleepy and fell back to sleep. I saved a lot of money. Saturday morning came and in the sunlight those offers didn't look near as inspiring as the night before. I think it would be cheaper to give up fudge and take a Tylenol PM.

As I think back on the past night, I realize how the enemy preys upon us when we can't rest. Worry, anxiety, pressure, fear, doubt, all the things that can seem so big and scary in the dark are really so small and worthless in the light. We just have to let God be our light at all times and shine the light of his mercy and grace on us 24/7. It's a choice you know? Do we face the dark by ourselves or do we stay in God's presence and light? He's always there with us, we just have to choose the right path. Have a restful and peaceful evening and may you always choose the light. Blessings,

Time to Think About Flowerbeds!

2010-03-09T16:10:00.005-06:00

Last Saturday was a perfect day to start planning the flowerbeds for spring. I decided to enlarge the bed by the drive, so I drew out the area I wanted to be tilled.

I also cleaned out the existing beds and got them ready for spring. I know we will still have some cold weather, so I left some covering for the new plants, but I took out a lot of old growth. Now to the seed catalogs to decide on plants &/or seeds. Oh, by the way, I had a cheering squad as I planned the new bed. M3 and her babies came to watch the planning and contribute some ideas. She also had to have her own "tweezers" to trim the old growth out of the existing beds. What a helper she was!!

Have a great day!

Ivey

2010-03-04T18:28:00.004-06:00

Ivey is our Basset Hound. She is the latest in a long line of Bassets. She is the baby now that all the kids are gone. She loves the grandkids, but she gets so excited to see them that she can't control her bladder. Now that the snow has melted she is really enjoying laying out in the sun. Hopefully this summer she will keep out of my flower beds. Last year I though it was because she was a puppy. We'll see how this spring and summer goes now that she weighs 50 lbs and is definitely not a lap dog anymore.

"The" Salad

2010-03-01T09:53:00.005-06:00

Many years ago a cousin of Da-Da's gave me a recipe for a salad. The top of the recipe read Salad. I thought it reminded me of a Ceaser salad. It called for a seasoning that I had only used when stewing a chicken--Beau Monde. I never cook a chicken without using it. It was hard to find for a while so I keep several jars in my freezer. It just gives the chicken and the broth such a good flavor, not that just cooked in water taste!

Back to "The" salad, when my girls started cooking in their homes, they served this salad or took it to a dinner and people started raving about it. I knew it was good but didn't realize how much people loved it. Now we refer to it as "The" salad and we know what we or others are referring to. I have never seen another recipe for this salad. The only problem with this great salad is that it does not hold over very well. So once you toss it, eat it all!! One friend makes up the dressing and keeps it in her frig and uses it for her everyday dressing. Hope you enjoy this salad as much as our family and friends have enjoyed it.

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Count Your Blessings!

2010-02-28T13:55:00.009-06:00

Today is February 28th and we have had snow on the ground for 28+ days. That is uncommon for the Texas Panhandle. Today going to church I noticed the top of our neighbor's globe willow had a greenish tinge to it, so I know spring is coming. I am thankful we have been blessed with moisture and I am thankful we will be blessed with a beautiful spring! I read the following on a blog I follow and it made me thankful for all my blessings this morning; really extra thankful, because I am truly thankful every day. Thank you Jane for posting it.

Count Your Blessings

Count your blessings instead of your crosses;
Count your gains instead of your loses.
Count your joys instead of your woes;
Count your friends instead of your foes.
Count your smiles instead of your tears;
Count your courage instead of your fears.
Count your full years instead of your lean;
Count your kind deeds instead of your mean.
Count your health instead of your wealth;
Count on God instead of yourself.

Author Unknown

May you be blessed this coming week and may you be thankful for each and every blessing.

Be an Angel Today!

2010-02-18T07:57:00.003-06:00

I saw this on a blog I check often by Tara. Thanks Tara.

Many people think angels are no longer here,
Like in the scriptures of old when they'd always appear.
Our angels today don't have halo's or wings,
They just go through their lives doing natural things.
They may take out the trash, and work long, hard hours,
But they listen with care or cheer others with flowers.
They may love to eat chocolate and sit down to relax,
But always help ease the burden on many weak backs.
They may like to play games and have fun with friends,
But are the type of a person on whom many depend.
We are all angels without halo's or wings
And we must realize we're capable of miraculous things.

Author unknown

Hope you are someone's Angel today.

Love the Sunshine!

2010-02-17T17:13:00.007-06:00

After school today, I came home and noticed that the sun was melting off some of the snow around the yard. I just had to go out and check to see what was happening under that snow. Spring is truly coming! I see green! I can go outside without my heavy coat! I am so excited that my flower beds are coming alive.

When I decided to start a blog, I decided I needed a better camera. Since I am teaching myself how to use it by reading other photography blogs and trial and error, I decide to take it outside and take a few practice shots. Remember, I am still learning so if you have any suggestions please comment for me. I sneaked in a few of C3 helping me straighten the pantry this weekend. A Bannie needs all the help she can get!

And now for my little helper!

Have a wonderful evening with your family. Blessings!!

Just a Thought!

2010-02-17T09:04:00.006-06:00

I usually listen to KLove when at school and in my suburban. Yesterday I was going into town to the dentist and I heard a random comment by a guest on their show. I was daydreaming, as usual, about what was for dinner, did I need to go to the grocery store, did I have time to got by the cell phone store to have them look at my piece of junk, etc. The comment was about spending time blogging and twittering. The person commented they didn't do it very often because who really cared. They were more concerned about the relationships with people in the same room, not across the Internet. At the time I just gave it a casual thought, but this morning it has come back to mind.

I am there for my family and friends; I really think I am. However, I also think of the enjoyment I have gotten from reading blogs. They make me laugh, they make me think, they make me cry.

Last fall I was spending some time looking around the Internet and came across "The Pioneer Woman" blog. My daughter had a blog and I sent her the link to look at some of the great recipes on Ree's page. Besides my daughter's page, this was my first experience with a blog. Since then I have subscriptions to many others and really enjoy visiting them. I may never meet these women, but they inspire me to cook, to create, to read more, to praise God often in a day, and yes, even to blog.

So my final conclusion is that blogging doesn't hamper my relationships with friends and family. When God whispers in my ear that I have my priorities out of alignment with him, I will stop and re-evaluate, but until then I will keep reading about my new friends and their life adventures, pray when I read a need, and for sure LOL at many comments and stories.

Day Fifteen!

2010-02-10T10:46:00.014-06:00

Day 15 of the wellness challenge at school. All I can think about is food. At least 5-6 inches of snow have been on the ground now for over three weeks. Food is the only comforting thing I can think of. When it's cold outside hot creamy soups and cornbread and fried potatoes and....and.... sound so good. But I am trying to be a good girl, not, I just want to win the Wii fit! A few Sunday afternoons ago, M1 and M3 walked over for a visit. M3 and I were in the kitchen fixing a late lunch for Da-Da and I. We were just visiting, she's three years old, and she said, "Ohhh, I have had this headache since April." and made this really sad face. I wanted to laugh but I didn't want her to think I wasn't concerned. That is my feeling exactly about this diet thing! Have I been on this thing since April?? Friday I went into town and bought several cute T-shirts. They are a little snug so the diet continues!

Why is it when you are on a diet you come across some of the best recipes? We had a pot-luck lunch to celebrate a birthday at school several weeks ago. This salsa was brought and it is so good!! Thank you Mindy for bringing it and thank you Pam for getting me the recipe. I am planning on making it this coming week-end and limiting myself to 3 or 4 cups, because I am on a diet you know!!

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Day of Firsts!

2010-02-04T13:07:00.021-06:00

Today has been a day of firsts for me. This morning about 3:40 am, I was awakened by an explosion sound. The patio furniture by my bedroom window rattled and shock a few seconds and then nothing. It sounded far away so I though there might have been an accident on I-40 or a pipeline explosion somewhere. When I got to school, I heard we had experienced an earthquake.

VEGA, TEXAS -- If you live in or near Vega then you may have felt a little rumbling Thursday morning. The US Geological Survey recorded a earthquake 12 miles north north east of Vega. According to the USGS the quake measured 3.8 on the Richter scale. We have a crew headed that way. Stay tuned to Pronews 7 and be sure to check back here at connectamarillo.com for an update.

Wow, I have never been in an earthquake and 3.8 is about all I want to ever experience. An Amarillo TV station sent out a reporter and he interviewed several people in town that felt the earthquake. I might be on TV for all of 2 seconds!

The second thing to happen for the first time is earlier in the year I wrote a grant for our school. We were notified in January that we had not been selected. I was a little down because it takes hours and hours to write one of these TEA grants. Oh well, better luck next year. Today they called and told our Superintendent that we would receive partial funding after all. I am so happy that Vega ISD has been selected in such a competitive process. Small rural schools are often over-shawdowed by the larger districts. Our students are just as smart and just as deserving as any students in the state, so Yea Vega!!!!

Even though it snowed again last night and the roads are terrible, I feel just a little bit better for all the firsts of the day! I hope you have a great day and may you be blessed in every thing you do today. We serve such an AWESOME GOD!!!

I love Recipes!

2010-01-31T19:12:00.008-06:00

I love cookbooks and recipes. I collect cookbooks and recipes from many different sources. But there comes a time when you have to organize them. That time has arrived. It is driving me crazy when I make a recipe and we really like it, but I can't find it the next time I want to make it. So I decided to organize all the clippings and print-outs and such. OK, but how would be the best way? I have been thinking about this for a week or two and finally decided on a notebook method. I have a software program for recipes, but I can never find the time to type them all up. So the notebook method will work best for now. When we built the house, I had a 3 foot, floor to ceiling bookcase built in the pantry for all my cookbooks. I was thinking it would be more than enough room.....wrong. That area is full and is spilling over onto the pantry shelves. So here goes the first step to organize my recipes.

I purchased a brown notebook, some tabs, some scrapbook paper, and some sheet protectors. This afternoon, I started to work.

The steps I followed:
1. On one side of a scrapbook sheet of paper, I taped a strip on the front and back. These sheets are going to be my dividers for different categories. I taped the edge so they would not pull out easy once the holes are punched.
2. I trimmed the sheets to fit in the notebook.
3. I placed the tabs on these scrapbook sheets and inserted the desired categories....salads,
beef, poultry, etc.
4. Once the divider pages were in the notebook, I started going through the piles of recipes
placing them in the protective sheets and in the correct categories.
I think this is really going to work. I was so surprised by some of the recipes I found. Some were when we first got married and that was nearly 40 years ago. Maybe there is something to this organization stuff!!

Wouldn't you know I would start my recipe organization project the day "BEFORE" I start my diet and exercise challenge. What if I find a wonderful recipe I have been dieing to try? Why do I do these things to myself? I think I must subconsciously sabatoge myself. I promise myself I will be strong this time, it is only for 6 weeks, I can do it!! Please pray for me, I will need it!!! Have a great evening and be strong for yourself in any decisions you need to make.

Predict it...It Will Come!

2010-01-30T17:30:00.008-06:00

Well, sometimes it will come. This was one of those times. 13+ inches of snow with wind ='s drifts 4 to 6 feet tall.

Not only were we house bound, but Ivey our Basset Hound was amazed. What do you do when you have 4" legs and the snow is 13+"?

Needless to say she got a bath and spent two days in the house with us. By Saturday, we were all ready for a break. She got to go investigate the backyard and Da-Da and I headed for town. It is pretty bad when looking for your husband some insulated boots and buying groceries sounds like the trip of a life time! I have thought about retirement, but when you get cabin fever after two days at home, I think I will reconsider.

Since I am starting my diet on Monday.......I made a chocolate sheet cake while snowed in and really enjoyed it. If you have the Pioneer Woman's Cookbook, try the Chocolate Sheet Cake. It is great, just what I needed to get my fix of chocolate before the torture begins. Our school is starting the annual "Wellness Drive" on Monday, so dieting and treadmill here I come! Chocolate sheet cake will just be a loving memory, along with the snow days.

Hope you all have had a great January cause February is right around the corner. Dieting at Valentine's, what a disappointment. God Bless you all and stay warm if you have snow and ice!

Tired? How can I be tired?

2010-01-26T10:15:00.010-06:00

I am so tired of these winter doldrums. I think this is a science word I used when my class talked about the equator, but I am sure it applies to me now. I am tired of not wearing flip-flops. I am tired of my winter wardrobe, or lack of one, which ever! I am tired of brown grass and flower beds. I think I have the beginnings of "Spring Fever". The local TV stations are predicting snow for Thursday- one says 6 - 12 inches, another predicts at least 5 inches. I would rather just have a slow rain so the ground can get the moisture and I can think it is spring and not winter. I seem to get "fluffier" in the winter and my heels are such a sad sight. God's word says "There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven." Ecclesiastes 3:1. So, I am standing on that promise and I will accept that it is winter and I will look forward to spring. Thank you Lord that you are with me each and every day, even when I want to speed up your natural cycle of life.

With that being said, I need to think of a good recipe to serve during the snowy weather. We have had stew and chili this winter, so how about "Santa Fe Stew" for something new? I really like this recipe. I have taken it to church potluck several times and the pot always returns empty, so I guess others like it as well.

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When in doubt, Google it!!

2010-01-19T11:27:00.006-06:00

What is it about Monday's? It seemed like I went to sleep on Friday night and woke up on Monday morning! M1 and M2 wanted to come home with me after school, they needed a little more of Da-Da's Birthday Cake from the evening before. We, oops, I mean they were enjoying their cake when the phone rang. C1 and C2 wanted to come over for a little visit. That's OK, Bannie's Precious Angels are always welcomed. The kids stayed for awhile and decide to walk to Anz's house. The phone rang later and it seems that M3 had swallowed a penny. Now C1 was sure we should rush her to the emergency room, but I decided to Google it. Sure enough it says to get them to the emergency room for an x-ray. I called Anz back but M3 was not sure if the penny was in her throat or in her tummy or just where it was. Long story short, we decided to give her a drink of water and some crackers and let nature do it's job. Needless to say, Anz is looking for the penny!!!!! I love my life!!!

First Birthday of 2010!!

2010-01-12T11:14:00.007-06:00

My husband, Da-Da, has the first birthday of the new year. Our family is growing enough that we celebrate someone's birthday nearly every month. This birthday is a biggie for Da-Da! But, we won't talk about it. The girls and I wanted to have a big party but he had all kinds of excuses of why we shouldn't. Oh, well. We will celebrate as a family instead!!

It's funny as we get older, I still think of us as the Kathie and Da-Da that got married nearly 40 years ago. That may be one of my problems--I see myself as the skinny girl that could eat anything and not the full figured, fluffy Bannie I have become. The mind can really play tricks on you or is it the trifocals that need adjusting????? At any rate, one tradition we seem to have established in our family is that we eat extra well when celebrating someone's birthday. Da-Da always requests a red velvet cake, so the recipe is following. My son and son-in-law also love this particular cake. What does it matter that I have red fingertips for a day or two!! Enjoy the cake and especially always enjoy your family everyday! May God bless all your family celebrations.

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Green Chili Enchiladas

2010-01-07T14:08:00.009-06:00

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Made these enchiladas last night. An Artic cold front came in and the wind was blowing like crazy. They are predicting -15 degree wind chill for the next few days. Hurry up spring!! Back to the enchiladas-they were so good and took the chill off. They are even better the second day. Enjoy!

By the way, a great friend gave me this recipe back when I was in college in the Dark Ages!! Thanks Pat, love you!

2010-01-06T14:08:00.008-06:00

The holidays are officially over, we are back at school. I can't really think of a thing I accomplished during my 2-week break, but I needed the rest. Santa brought us a dose of the "tummy bug" and it went through the majority of the family. Please Lord, let us be skipped over for the next couple of years!!

I didn't make any new year's resolutions--I never keep them. Maybe I will do better this year just doing the things I know I should and not by resolving to do better.

I wanted to add a recipe to my blog. What an ordeal. Which one to add?? Well, I settled on one that is a tradition at our house during the holidays, and sometimes during the year also. It is an "Apricot Preserve" cake. It is so good. You will find the recipe in the post below. I can't remember when I started making them, but I know it has been at least 30 years. It replaces the dreaded "fruit cake" that often comes to visit during the holidays. I hate that plastic fruit in fruit cakes!! This cake stays moist and is even great for breakfast. I hope you enjoy it.

Apricot Preseve Cake

2010-01-06T13:42:00.007-06:00

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Here I go!!

2009-12-30T13:21:00.002-06:00

Hello. The name of my blog is "Bannie's Blessings" and that is because my grandbabies (6) call me Bannie. My name is Kathie and I live in a small town in the Panhandle of Texas. I have a daughter named Amy that is an avid Blogger and another daughter that is a beginning blogger. I also have a son that thinks blogging is ridiculous. I love reading Amy's blog and many that she has attached to her page. So here goes!! I love my kids, but let me tell you, there is nothing like being a grandmother. I have 6 precious angels and they are each so different but so amazing. My husband (Da-da) and I have been married for over 39 years and we are lucky to have our three children and their families live close by. Family is so very important in this day and age! Amy and her husband have three kids - 2 girls and a boy. Anz and her husband have three girls. CB has not gotten married yet, but we think God has placed a very special girl in his path and it looks promising. My husband farms and I work at the local school as the instructional technologist.

We lived on the farm until 3 years ago when we moved to the city--population about 1200!!! We love being city folk and I sure don't miss the dirt drive to the house on the farm. I'm not sure I really have anything to say that anyone wants to read, but I do have some good recipes I might put on my blog. I don't think of myself as a very interesting person, but I love my life. I praise God for his blessings daily!! I think the older you get the more you see God in your life. I can't imagine a day without his grace and blessings.

So here goes--Bannie has started a Blog!!!