Brain Games

I have a confession to make. I like to do the picture puzzles in Highlights for Children Magazine. You know those puzzles where they have 2 pictures and one has changes in it? Usually at a doctor’s office, I look for the magazine and do the puzzle. In my head, of course, so the children can enjoy it.
Yesterday, at the grocery store, I saw a magazine on the rack at the cash register. There was only one and looked like it was out of place. I picked it up and then added it to my stack of groceries. Now, I usually resist impulse buying, but as to my confession, this one was picture puzzles! I hesitated at the $3.99 price, but then I was buying 2 dozen eggs for about that much. The book would last us much longer and I could pass it on to my parents to enjoy, and then keep it around for a conversation piece.
We have enjoyed seeing how many differences we could find and are doing pretty good. Of course, we are still in level 1 of 4 levels. They say it gets harder. But, then we are supposed to be exercising our brains, right?!
I just researched the book online. I guess it was a sample or smaller version and the #3.99 is a good deal. Their books are about $12.99 each!

When I Am An Old Lady

I wrote this about 20 years ago when I was in my 30s. Actually, I wrote it because it really happened! I still remember walking through the store and seeing her and praying that and hearing that.

"I saw an elderly white-haired lady in the story today. She had such a sweet disposition that I prayed to God “When I get old, help me to be that way.” He whispered, “Start now.”

Chicken Soup

We had our chicken soup for lunch today. We each ate a bowl and a few minutes later, I was hungry. I could not figure it out, until I realized I had forgot to put the chicken in it! Veggies go through your system faster than veggies and meat, so we laughed, I added the chicken and had another bowl. Now, I feel more satisfied.
I also had put it on low in the crock pot with some raw veggies whle we were at church. They had cooked to just the right consistency and were not mushy. Ummmmmm

Chicken Soup

My husband is sick so I made a pot of chicken soup today. I rarely buy a whole chicken, for I usually buy the white meat because it is ‘supposed to be’ healthier. But, chicken soup is just so much better to me when you start with the whole bird! I cook it in the crock pot so it is tender and falls off the bone easily. Then, I let it sit until it cools, then pluck the meat off the bones to put back into the broth for the foundation of the soup.
I could not help but remember our earlier years when it was us and the two children. We did not have a lot of money and wanted to keep me from going to work. I always bought a whole chicken back then and did what I did today. I got several meals out of that bird. None of it that was edible went into the trash can. Every little crevice was cleaned out! We had chicken and noodles, chicken and rice, etc.
I see so much waste today, it makes me sad. You see, we did not make enough money to have a lot of ‘extras’. But, at the same time, we made ‘too much’ for food stamps or other help. So, we had to not waste anything.
And, you know what?! I am glad. We had to work for what we got and looking back, we know we did it on our own without help from government agencies.
I am not condemning the food stamp program. It is a good thing to help those in need until they can help themselves again, which is what it is for. I’m just glad we were blessed enough not to need it. Praise God.
Now, to go enjoy that yummy chicken soup!

Life Without Plastic?

Plastics are part of our lives and only by difficult means or expense will we stop using it. I would like to boycott it because of it being made from petroleum and because of the possibility of the chemicals leaching into what we eat or drink. But, hey, as some of my friends used to say, "She is the Tupperware queen!" Lots of my plastic I acquired by giving parties and getting free gifts! I have retired some of it for a while, being I am not using the microwave as much, but I have much storage in the containers and I am not throwing them out!

So, I will not stop using it, but I will check the recycle codes first. According to what I researched, 'they' say if it is a #2 HDPE, or a #4 LDPE, or a #5 PP, plastic is ok to use.

Plastic water bottles (and drinking cups) is most often #1. #1 is for one time use. I've started throwing them out ... or as I have read, refill it no more than once. Of course, with the newer, thinner eco bottles, I am using them as “luxury items' when we are out and about and tossing them, because they 'taste plastic' to me the first time.
I am not going to give any links. If you are curious do a search for yourself and satisfy that curiosity. Like most other things, every person does not agree and it can get confusing.

Ask

Movie Reviews

Ever wonder about a movie, whether it is fit to watch? Here is a site that might help.
The Dove Foundation.

Teen Chat Lines

Teen Chat Room Acronyms

I am organizing my favorite links and came across this one. I thought maybe parents would be interested in the codes some teens use for chatting.

Product Grarantees

Today, I picked up our nearly full can of disinfectant spray and it did not spray. I called the toll-free number on the can and talked to them about it. Now, I am getting a coupon in the mail for a new can. He said you are supposed to shake the can a couple times before spraying it. I used it for many years and have never done that. I read the directions and did not see that instruction. The directions are so small (or is it my eyes?) that it is hard to read. I think it is because they have to put so much stuff on the can for warnings, the typing is all squished. Anyway, a few months ago, I called a laundry detergent place because the pour spout was inside the bottle. They sent me a coupon also.
Companies want to hear from you when you have a problem. It is nice that they stand behind their products and will replace a damaged one.

Emotional Perks

We all have our insecurities and quirks
So, instead of giving reprimands or smirks
Flash a smile of understanding
To each person in passing
And hand out emotional perks!

© Belinda Jo Adams

Writing

"Every good writer writes what she is." Belinda Jo Adams

My Best Gift

Hearing my babies’ first words – Helping with their first steps – Enduring the agony as well as enjoying the thrill of them cutting teeth. – Listening to their stories. – Stopping their arguments – Drying their tears and sharing their hugs. – Supporting them during problems ... and victories – Taking time to teach them God’s Word. – Eight and a half years of teaching them at home, both school work and homemaking.
Time with my husband, no matter what schedule he worked. – Taking time for each other as well as the children. – One whole year of him coming home for lunch with us. – Family vacations without the conflict of job schedules.
Serving The Lord through various ministries of our church and helping others in need. – Now, time for fulfilling one of my heart’s desires with my writing; hoping to be a witness and blessing to others.
I know this may sound like a lot of gifts, but my husband and I made a decision more than thirty-seven years ago, that I would stay home and be a full time housewife. Now that the children are grown and I look back over the years, I know making that choice has been my best gift.


© Belinda Jo Adams

Blogging

I can't believe I have been blogging for a month now. Thanks, Bethany, for giving me the boost by showing me that it was not all that mysterious, after all.