Speaking from the Heart

I purchased this antique make-up vanity 25 plus years ago at Salvation Army. The vanity must be about 70 years old. For the longest time, It was ugly brown. When we decided to redo Katherine's room this summer, our dear friend thought it was a great idea to paint the vanity ecru and add shells around the mirror. Now, for more pictures of the new room.

Every year, our homeschool small group gets together and puts on the story of Jesus' birth at a local park. In addition to the skit, we deliver homemade ornaments and sing to residents at a local nursing home.

For more Friday Show and Tell or if you would like to participate in Friday Show and Tell, click on the clip art.

When I am not blogging or playing Scrabble with Prince Charming, I have a pair of knitting needles in my hands. The patriotic toboggans and a poncho are my latest projects. The red, white, and blue sweater is 32 + years old. Mom made it for me when I was Minnie's age.

For more Friday Show and Tell, click on the clipart.

At Dad's Memorial Service, I noticed the honor guard meticulously folded the American flag 13 times. Do you know why?

The first fold of our flag is a symbol of life.

The second fold is a symbol of our belief in eternal life.

The third fold is made in honor and remembrance of the veterans departing our ranks who gave a portion of their lives for the defense of our country to attain peace throughout the world.

The fourth fold represents our weaker nature, for as American citizens trusting in God, it is to Him we turn in times of peace as well as in time of war for His divine guidance.

The fifth fold is a tribute to our country, for in the words of Stephen Decatur, "Our Country, in dealing with other countries, may she always be right; but it is still our country, right or wrong."

The sixth fold is for where our hearts lie. It is with our heart that we pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States Of America, and to the Republic for which it stands, one Nation under God, indivisible, with Liberty and Justice for all.

The seventh fold is a tribute to our Armed Forces, for it is through the Armed Forces that we protect our country and our flag against all her enemies, whether they be found within or without the boundaries of our republic.

The eighth fold is a tribute to the one who entered into the valley of the shadow of death, that we might see the light of day, and to honor mother, for whom it flies on Mother's Day.

The ninth fold is a tribute to womanhood; for it has been through their faith, their love, loyalty and devotion that the character of the men and women who have made this country great has been molded.

The tenth fold is a tribute to the father, for he, too, has given his sons and daughters for the defense of our country since they were first born.

The eleventh fold, in the eyes of a Hebrew citizen represents the lower portion of the seal of King David and King Solomon, and glorifies in their eyes, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

The twelfth fold, in the eyes of a Christian citizen, represents an emblem of eternity and glorifies, in their eyes, God the Father, the Son, and Holy Spirit.

When the flag is completely folded, the stars are uppermost reminding us of our nation's motto, "In God We Trust".

After the flag is completely folded and tucked in, it takes on the appearance of a cocked hat, ever reminding us of the soldiers who served under General George Washington, and the sailors and marines who served under Captain John Paul Jones, who were followed by their comrades and shipmates in the Armed Forces of the United States, preserving for us the rights, privileges, and freedoms we enjoy today.

For more Friday Show and Tell, clip on the Canadagirl's clipart above.

For more Friday Show and Tell, click on the clipart.

This little crockpot had cooked many pots of spaghetti sauce during its younger years. My prince purchased it while he was in college (1988).

He made a pot of spaghetti sauce before heading to class. When he came home that night, he cooked a pot of noodles to go with the sauce. The meal lasted him for several days.

Like all stories, a female came into the picture and messed up everything. After the prince and I met, the prince spent more evenings eating dinners with me and my family. Mom's cooking outweighed a pot of spaghetti sauce any day. The little crockpot was out of a job. It sat on the countertop to the end of the prince's college years. The little crockpot followed the prince to St. Louis and Miami, but it was seldomly used. Even after the prince and I got married, the little crockpot was just a fixture on the shelf.

However, everything changed for the little crockpot last year. It had its old job back. It was cooking two to three meals a week. I have to admit that it was a relief to come home around five o'clock knowing that dinner was ready. I used the crockpot so much that the knob fell off. Just because the knob fell off, it did not deter me from using it.

For sentimental reasons, I tried to hold on to it as long as possible. You probably think I am a nut, and I need help. You're probably right (LOL). You need not to worry. I threw the old one out, when Mom found me a nice crockpot for $5.00 at the garage sale.

Dear Minnie,

11 years ago today, Dad rushed us to the hospital. Judging the way I was feeling, I knew you were ready to see the world. If the train had stopped us, you would have been delivered in the car. Needless to say, Dad was happy that didn't happen. Once we arrived at the hospital, there was nothing holding you back. We arrived at the hospital at 6:30 AM, and I was holding you at 6:45.

For this week's CFC Speech assignment, Minnie had to be prepared for an impromptu (unplanned/spontaneous) speech. The teacher asked if she would rather have a strict teacher who teaches well, or a fun teacher who does not teach well. Minnie had 60 seconds to think about the topic, and 2 minutes to present her argument. This is her response:

"I would want a fun teacher, because I already have a teacher (mom) who is strict. So, you could either have a strict teacher who taught well and you can be smart and go to college; you can have a fun teacher, be dumb, and not go to college"

Before Dear Sister leaves Mom's house, she hides little notes throughout the home. Mom finds them whenever she comes upon them. Minnie has carried on the tradition of Leaving Notes for Mom. I found my first note "It is time to surf the web" on my laptop. As I wandered around the house, I found my first set of loves notes in the fridge, under the bathroom rug, on the wall, etc.

I had gone to a Bible Study tonight. To my surprise, Minnie had cleaned the kitchen, loaded the dishwasher, and set out my nightgown on my bed. She was also busy hiding the second set of notes. The one on my bed told me told me to look under he bathroom rug. There was a coupon with an offer of either she makes my bed or washes the dishes every other week.

It's once again Friday Show and Tell with Canadagirl.

While we were away from school for the summer, I picked up knitting. Besides the doll's poncho and the cap, I made several children's slippers for Minnie and me.

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  6 sheets phyllo dough (14 inches x9 inches)
  
  
  
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  1 package( 10 ounces) frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry.
  
  
  
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  2-1/2 cups (10 ounces) shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
  
  
  
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  1-1/2 cups (6 ounces) shredded reduced-fat cheddar cheese
  
  
  
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  1-1/2 cups (12 ounces) fat-free cottage cheese
  
  
  
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  4 eggs
  
  
  
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  1-1/2 teaspoon dried parsley flakes
  
  
  
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  3/4 teaspoon salt
  
  
  
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  6 egg whites
  
  
  
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  1-1/2 cups fat-free milk
  
  Directions:
  
  
  

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  For more recipes, go to My Recipe Box
  

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Thank you for joining the final reading of

A Mother's Journey

Copyright 1997 by Linda Dillow

She heard her children callling, "You will always walk with us, Mother!"
They stood and watched as the gates closed after her: and she heard her children saying,

A faithful mother is more than a memory;
a faithful mother lives with us forever.

And her children grasped the hands of their own children and looked at the path before them.

"Is the way long?" they asked.

and their Shepherd answered,

"Yes, and the way is hard,

and you will be old before you reach the end of it...

But the end will be better than the beginning. "

For more Friday Show n tell, click on the above clipart

Thank you for joining in the reading of A Mother's Journey

Copyright 1997 by Linda Dillow

At last they came to the pinnacle of the highest mountain.
Beyond it they saw shining road and a golden gate flung open.

There stood the brilliant tree of life. The mother said,

"I have reached the end of my journey.

I have been faithful to my children and Faithful to God.

The end is better than the beginning,

for my children can walk alone with the Shepherd."

As she passed through the gates, her Shepherd say,

Well Done.

You gave Me your hopes,

gave Me your dreams;

Though the path of life

was not what it seemed.

You affirmed your children,

were faithful to Me.

You were the Mother

I asked you to be

For more Friday Show n tell, click on the above clipart

Thank you for joining in the reading of A Mother's Journey

Copyright 1997 by Linda Dillow

A Mountain snow weighted the limbs of the stately pine trees,

Like them, the young adults stood tall.


In the night of winter, threatening clouds of prejudice, oppression, and disease darkened the earth. The world has turned inside out.

Sometimes the young adults groped and stumbled,


"Look up," their mother said. "Lift your eyes to the Light of Life. "

Above the clouds they saw the One who brings light out of darkness.

He grasped their hands and gave them peace.

As the snow slipped off the pine boughs,

the mother said, "Winter is the best season of all, for...

I have shown my children God

And her Shepherd said,

You were faithful to give your children to me.

Give Me your hopes,

Give Me your dreams;

The journey is long

and not what it seems.

Affirm your children;

to be faithful to Me;

This is the Mother

I want you to be.