Thursday, April 30, 2009

New Eyes!

Nicole with her new glasses!

During Nicole's physical last month she had trouble with the eye portion so the pediatrician wanted me to have a through eye exam for her. This came as a shocked to me because I had not noticed any vision problems with her - with Gene is was crystal clear the boy could not see well.

The Princess handled the exam and all the waiting like a big girl, she is nearsighted and will not have to wear her glasses all the time. Boy is she excited and proud of her new specks!

Tuesday, April 28, 2009

Training Day

It seems like only yesterday when Gene was a toddler pushing his Lil Tyke lawnmower around the yard, boy did he loved that thing.

Not sure if this lawn mover gives him the same thrill. Probably not! This was Gene's first lesson, he kept looking around to make sure that Nicole was watching him, then after his arms starting getting tired, the sweat was pouring off him, and having to go back over areas, he decided to start paying attention to what Dad was telling him.


He did a good job and you couln't tell that a rookie had cut the grass. Nice work Gene!


He is looking forward to using the riding lawn mower, but I don't think that will be anytime real soon!

Monday, April 27, 2009

Another Excellent Crock Pot Recipe

Need another good chicken crock pot recipe? Here is one that I got from A Year of CrockPotting. I've made this twice now - it is simple, tasty and not a lot of ingredients.

I used skinless chicken thighs each time, and today because I didn't have any fresh garlic I used Tastefully Simple Garlic Garlic. Give it a try and let me know what you think!


Crock Pot 20 to 40 Clove Garlic Chicken

3-4 pounds chicken

1 large onion, sliced

1 tablespoon olive oil

2 teaspoons kosher salt

2 teaspoons paprika

1 teaspoon pepper

20-40 garlic cloves, peeled, but intact


Directions:

Place onion slices on the bottom of the stoneware insert. In a large mixing bowl, toss chicken parts with olive oil, salt, paprika, pepper, and all of the garlic cloves. Pour into crock pot, on top of the onion.


Do not add water.


Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 4-6. The longer you cook chicken-on-the-bone, the more tender it will be.

Guess What I Did This Morning?



I went to a water aerobic class at the YMCA!

I have been wanting and saying that I'm going to start taking the class, but for some reason or rather excuse I've not made it, but today was my day. YIPPEE!

I wanted to go to the 8:30 am class, but that didn't happen, first I couldn't find my lock, Eric called and told me where I could find a lock, but didn't know where the key was - went into search mode for the key which didn't take as long as it could have.

The next assignment was packing my gym bag, which I don't normally do since I just take a Zumba class and come home to shower, by this time it was clear that I was not going to make the 8:30 am class and quickly decided the 9:30 am class was going to work WAY better for me!

To my surprise it was a large class, the instructor was super, and took much pity on this poor not so graceful swan. One particular lady introduced herself to me and was very helpful during the class, she looked and sounded very familiar but I could not place her. So I asked her a few questions, trying desperately to figure out where I'd seen her - nothing. It wasn't until I was in the parking lot leaving did I remember where I meet her - she was my instructor for a wig jig (beading) class I took several months ago!

I really enjoyed the class, even though I felt a little awkward doing some of the moves, this was a great work out, I love, love love the fact that it is a full body workout that is easy on the joints. I'm hooked!
Trying to find LESS of myself!

Monday, April 13, 2009

Bird Bird

We always enjoy going to the marina in downtown Panama City. On this visit we saw three pelicans and a crane, not sure what kind of crane this is, if you know please pass on the information to me.

At first we couldn't figure out why he held up one foot, then noticed he had fishing line or some sort of netting wrapped around his leg. Of course I wanted to dash over and remove the line, but didn't want to get pecked to death in the process. Be sure to click the pictures to enlarge, it is a beautiful bird.





See his little head feathers blowing in the wind.




There was a couple fishing a few feet away from the crane, their little dog was hiding behind a cooler trying very hard to be brave as the crane walked toward them! We didn't stick around to see the show down.



Celebrating Easter Every Day







Luke 24:1-9 (NASB)

But on the first day of the week, at early dawn, they came to the tomb bringing the spices which they had prepared.

And they found the stone rolled away from the tomb, but when they entered, they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus.

While they were perplexed about this, behold, two men suddenly stood near them in dazzling clothing; and as the women were terrified and bowed their faces to the ground, the men said to them, "Why do you seek the living One among the dead?

"He is not here, but He has risen Remember how He spoke to you while He was still in Galilee, saying that the Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and the third day rise again."

And they remembered His words, and returned from the tomb and reported all these things to the eleven and to all the rest.


The Easter story is a message of hope. Yet many people celebrate this holiday with only chocolate bunnies and egg hunts because they do not know its real purpose. The gospel is precious information that Jesus asked His followers to spread widely (Matt. 28:19). He expects that each of us will be prepared to answer those who are curious about the hope we have (1 Peter 3:15).

Christianity is unique. Other religions and belief systems have a “doer” philosophy. In other words, to achieve eternal life, a follower must follow leaders’ instructions, adhere to rules, and/or give as much as he is told. The Christian life also includes good works, obeying commandments, and tithing. However, these activities are the result of serving Christ rather than a supposed method for reaching heaven. Instead of placing our hope in human ambition and diligence, we recognize Jesus as the only path to God.

Jesus Christ’s primary purpose in coming to earth was to die for mankind’s transgressions. Had He stayed in His tomb, everyone would be responsible for his or her own sin-debt. But Jesus conquered the grave, which means that His followers can too. Those who believe in Him are released from their death penalty and invited to spend eternity with God.

What are you doing with the amazing message of God’s love? The commission to “go and make disciples” is meant to be an integral part of every believer’s life. We should share about Jesus while at home, at work, among friends, or pursuing hobbies. In other words, we are to celebrate Easter every day.


- Source In Touch Ministries -

Thursday, April 9, 2009

Garden of Crystals

I made this necklace for my mother-in-law's birthday present. She wanted a necklace that had a lot of color and a chain. The necklace features round faceted 8mm and 7mm Swarovski crystals in a variety of colors, sterling silver components and sterling silver rectangle chain. So pretty!


click picture to enlarge

This is another one of those pieces that can be add sparkle to everyday jeans and tee shirt or sparkle when you dress up! Jane really liked the necklace, she wore it the next day to church!

Wednesday, April 8, 2009

The Cake Maker

Here are some creations by my favorite cake designer and maker, Alexis - when we arrived for our visit she was busy thinning out the fondant for her latest cakes. Here is her popcorn cupcake, she made two but her Dad ate the other one! Is she good or what!

click picture to enlarge


She also makes cookie bouquets, this is one she made for her Dad's Valentine's Day gift. Wow.



I was trying not to bother her while she was working, but really enjoyed just watching her work. She had ssuch concentration as she pipes the icing on the cake. She was decorating this cake for a Army Reserve unit that was returning from deployment.

We had to leave before she completed the cakes, I'll have to check back with her Dad to see pictures of the completed masterpieces.

Blueberry Swirl

My sweet friend Carla who is one of my biggest fans and gives the best hugs, commissioned me to make the yummy Blueberry Swirl necklace set for her. This is a gorgeous necklace set, of blue swirl lampwork beads, Czech pearls, Freshwater pearls, Swarovski crystals and sterling silver components.

This is the third set that I've made using this combination of beads, each set is a little different from the others but all are simply elegant.


click picture of enlarge

The necklace set was a hit with Carla, here is what she said, I'm trying hard not to gush with joy!

Boy are they YUMMMMYYYY!

I love them. The colors are extraordinary! Not only are they beautiful, but they are FUN!!

Thank you so much my friend. I can't wait to wear them this Sunday ;-)

Wednesday, April 1, 2009

What An Opportunity!

Don't you love seeing and hearing about kids doing the right thing? I certainly do! When my friend Tina sent me her annual "what's been going on with us" letter, she told how excited daughter Catherine (age 13) was being accepted into a leadership program with People to People where she will represent our country in a three week trip to China this summer. Here is the the letter from Catherine telling all about her big news!


Hello it’s Catherine,

I have some exciting news! I have an opportunity to go to China and I’m looking forward to your support. The organization hosting my trip to China is People to People - which represents the culmination of President Eisenhower’s lifelong crusade for world peace. He felt very strongly that everyday citizens of the world wanted peace and could attain it much more effectively without government interference. In January of 1956, President Eisenhower held an international conference at the White House to meet with the top 100 business leaders in the United States to help him form the organization to be called People to People (for additional information please see
www.studentambassadors.org).

I have been recommended by my teachers to attend this trip due to academic status and leadership skills. I will visit China from July 24 – August 9 of 2009; while there I will go to Beijing, Hong Kong, Shanghai, and Xian. The total cost of my trip to China is $6,739.00 which is due in May of 2009; therefore whatever support you provide should be received by May 1, 2009 at RR 2 Box 2676, Cresco, PA 18326 (please make all payments payable to Catherine R. A. Fornwald).

This trip will allow me to:

* Develop the global mindset and critical thinking skills that will become valuable to my college and future pursuits.
* Make social studies personal by comparing cultures and traditions with a host family in Shanghai.
* Go beyond the history textbook, seeing firsthand the Terracotta Warriors of Xian, the Great Wall, and other ancient works of art.
* Gain an appreciation of Chinese politics and ask questions of a government expert in Beijing.

In preparation for my visit to China I attend monthly meetings with twenty other Student Ambassadors and our two local People to People Leaders. To communicate while in China I have been learning Chinese and I have completed the People to People Student Ambassadors Certifications in the following subjects:

China Food and Customs
China Geography
China History and Government
China Religion and Art
China Daily Life
Your Home Stay
Hotel Procedure Safety & Behavior
Standards for Success
Staying Healthy
Money Matters
Making the Most of It!

Also please send me your e-mail address so I can keep you posted as I prepare for my journey and share my report & photos upon my return. Between you and me my parents (Mark & Tina) are so proud of me, but I think my brother (Alexander) is just glad I will be gone for 17 days!

Thank you in advance for your support,


Catherine R.A Fornwald
People to People Student Ambassador
My e-mail is
craf@ptd.net

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