tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19599594716124425682024-03-19T04:19:46.977-04:00The Cozy NookLisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05350580142006853899noreply@blogger.comBlogger692125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1959959471612442568.post-12516325868327450332018-12-08T12:35:00.001-05:002018-12-08T12:37:28.557-05:00Are You Taking Time to Reflect During This Holiday Season? <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyV3AJNFtilCVL0WBgm0_B1NzGNlMlwa6d-ikPsgCKcLyG00zZzrIMoi7tQO84qTNsdbbLZlLtDgE5on-dMnXJM8byTJLjCBRwpV5kIB09nZHEMvvjREkBI3bC9q6Nz76_mF_6WUVvcG4s/s1600/Christmas+Tree+-+The+Season+of+Reflection.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1225" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyV3AJNFtilCVL0WBgm0_B1NzGNlMlwa6d-ikPsgCKcLyG00zZzrIMoi7tQO84qTNsdbbLZlLtDgE5on-dMnXJM8byTJLjCBRwpV5kIB09nZHEMvvjREkBI3bC9q6Nz76_mF_6WUVvcG4s/s400/Christmas+Tree+-+The+Season+of+Reflection.JPG" width="305" /></a></div>
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This year I have come to fully realize how wonderfully our holidays and the end of the year line up.<br />
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Thanksgiving. Advent. Christmas. The New Year.<br />
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How much better can it get?!<br />
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November brings Thanksgiving, and although I feel many gloss over the treasure of this holiday, skipping from October to Christmas, Thanksgiving deserves its rightful place as one of the best holidays. It is a wonderful celebration of all that we have.<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Focusing on thankfulness and being appreciative of what we have lays a foundation for festivity!</span></b></div>
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How can we not celebrate, when we remember - no matter how difficult life is - our many blessings!</div>
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Thanksgiving then rolls into the holiday of Christmas, with Advent as its holy introduction. To be honest, I haven't thought about advent in years. Our church doesn't really focus on advent, and until now, I hadn't embraced it in my own personal life much except for buying the occasional advent calendar, filled with some sort of treat as a window opens each day. </div>
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However, this year I desired to teach something special to my middle school girls at church with the approach of Christmas, and recalled this beautiful season of Advent. </div>
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Advent means "coming". And for those of us who celebrate the birth of Jesus this Christmas, we celebrate His coming - first as a baby, a divine human, thousands of years ago and in the future, as the triumphant Lord. </div>
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During this month of December, the hustle and bustle of preparing for Christmas consumes many of us - cooking, cleaning, decorating, preparing, shopping, spending... At times, it may feel overwhelming.</div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Yet, the season of Advent interrupts all of the active clatter and reminds us to reflect and prepare with proper hearts and attitudes for the celebration of our Savior!</span></b></div>
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Advent causes us to <b>pause each week and focus </b>on the real reason for the season.</div>
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Advent encourages us<b> to set aside worldly cares and remember that we have a Savior </b>who came to earth for us and loves us so dearly.</div>
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Advent <b>establishes us and gives us a fresh awareness</b> of why we do what we do.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>All that we do and say and spend and give during this season ought to be with joy and reverence,</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>with generosity and jubilee.</b></span></div>
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Advent is a precious time of preparation and joy!</div>
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<b><i>Then Christmas will come. And the world will stop. For a moment. And remember Christ's birth.</i></b></div>
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Worshipful songs of the silent and holy night will ascend.<br />
Cheerful cries of joy to the world shall fill the air.<br />
Friends and family will gather to share special moments with one another, giving and receiving love.<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">And all of this ushers us into a brand new year where we can start afresh, with new power and purpose to live more meaningful lives.</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #990000; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #990000; font-size: large;"><i>If you think about it, it really is magical -- this amazing season of thankfulness, preparation,</i></span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: #990000; font-size: large;"><i>celebration, and change! </i></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #990000; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>Are you taking time to think about it and reflect?</i></b></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">May you and your loved ones be blessed!</span></b></div>
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Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05350580142006853899noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1959959471612442568.post-85692617513329824782018-04-21T11:47:00.001-04:002018-04-21T12:05:02.024-04:00Be Still - A Difficult But Necessary Thing<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbiiumKBfRCqSXup_-WejGopN3jIxdRmQ34k1XGzcP-rra0HyrVXDgnoLmuTxAW7mZ6piHoVMsNG3-JMN9OJ9d9i6sIc8V6GVgdhjKL9UwemBxIKeEufewZfo57Acq4Le1w-RZ3FspR8Cx/s1600/Be+still+-+The+Cozy+Nook.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1136" data-original-width="1600" height="283" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbiiumKBfRCqSXup_-WejGopN3jIxdRmQ34k1XGzcP-rra0HyrVXDgnoLmuTxAW7mZ6piHoVMsNG3-JMN9OJ9d9i6sIc8V6GVgdhjKL9UwemBxIKeEufewZfo57Acq4Le1w-RZ3FspR8Cx/s400/Be+still+-+The+Cozy+Nook.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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My life can oftentimes feel pretty chaotic. I feel like a kid, sitting on one of those playground spinners with someone spinning me round and round, and I am feeling content and desperate altogether!<br />
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"Please stop spinning! This is too fast!"<br />
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My daughter has a ballet performance this weekend. My oldest son is graduating this year. I have three kids starting soccer season. <span style="font-size: x-small;">My oldest son is graduating this year</span>. I am trying to wrap up the school year. <span style="font-size: x-small;">My oldest son is graduating</span>. My husband's job became exponentially challenging within the past couple weeks. The house needs to be cleaned. <span style="font-size: x-small;">My oldest son is graduating.</span> Meals need to be made... Oh, and have I told you that my oldest son is graduating?<br />
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Yep, and with this graduation thing comes more deadlines - for his ceremony, his party, his admission into college. He has interviews for co-ops, meetings to attend, tests to take ... And guess who feels responsible to keep track of all of this?<br />
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In the midst of all of this, I remind myself....<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">BE STILL!</span></b></div>
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And that can be so hard to do; can't it?!</div>
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With life's hectic pace it can be so challenging to quiet our hearts and stop whatever we are doing so we can create white space and have some extra breathing room. Calendars are full. Highways are busy. Minds are active. There's always a lot calling to us.</div>
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If we hop on social media - the sometimes necessary evil, it can pull us in quickly, causing discontentment, fear, and a general sense that our lives pretty much stink. But not only that, it adds to the chaos. It adds extra info and worries and thoughts that we really didn't need to add to our list of mental juggling.</div>
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I, myself, often have to step back -- again -- and create boundaries, trying to limit myself to social media's latest rendition of "Beauty and the Beast".</div>
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But this morning, I chose stillness. I sat alone, with God's Word and in prayer. I submitted my soul to the Lord. I calmed my heart and mind down. I thought about some of the chaos and struggles of life during a moment of quiet, rather than in the harried moments of my day. </div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">And it made a world of difference!</span></b></div>
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We need peace and quiet.</div>
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We need our schedules, hearts,</div>
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and minds to stop and be still. </div>
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It's the way we rejuvenate,</div>
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The way we process life,</div>
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The way things come together and calm down,</div>
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The way we cope and build and succeed.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Have you been still lately?</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Choose stillness.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">We need it.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #990000;"><b>Isaiah 30:15</b></span></div>
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<i><span style="color: #990000;"><b>In returning and rest you shall be saved,</b></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #990000;"><b>In quietness and confidence shall be your strength.</b></span></i></div>
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Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05350580142006853899noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1959959471612442568.post-12560225531829540042018-03-28T14:58:00.001-04:002018-03-28T14:58:59.343-04:00My Easter Menu<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH8EVfkFHSiCyl7X2pCz_1-xMgxJkYIcb5XgHTYsgR9UaqUW4CH5GbUsz7KZA1FCESDjUiEbVzMk8CqjGhEwciOy3laM9EknwTcFSTl06b6A72Sk9pQC1Opb0TaIXKAPCa96lpDcGtPNrd/s1600/Easter+Table+Setting+-+The+Cozy+Nook.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1046" data-original-width="1171" height="356" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH8EVfkFHSiCyl7X2pCz_1-xMgxJkYIcb5XgHTYsgR9UaqUW4CH5GbUsz7KZA1FCESDjUiEbVzMk8CqjGhEwciOy3laM9EknwTcFSTl06b6A72Sk9pQC1Opb0TaIXKAPCa96lpDcGtPNrd/s400/Easter+Table+Setting+-+The+Cozy+Nook.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Easter is around the corner, and I am hosting a small gathering with my own family (6 people), my parents, my sister, and my niece. It should be celebratory yet also very doable. My mom always plans a big egg hunt for the kids, where she hides plastic eggs that are filled with candy and money, and everyone loves that.<br />
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AND, I love celebrating the resurrection of Jesus Christ! I thank the Lord for His sacrifice for us and for His victory that day - over sin and for all eternity!<br />
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My teen daughter has a lot of excitement and energy regarding the holiday, and she has been a large help with planning. She has ideas for decor, like carnations in mason jars and pastel banners, and has helped get everyone in our household interested in helping with at least one menu item.<br />
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So, Easter is a big thing around here, and with special occasions come FOOD!<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Here's what's on the menu:</span></b><br />
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Ham<br />
*Turkey Breasts<br />
<a href="https://cafedelites.com/crispy-garlic-butter-parmesan-smashed-potatoes/" target="_blank">Smashed Potatoes</a><br />
<a href="http://thecozynook.blogspot.com/2013/04/broccoli-salad.html" target="_blank">Broccoli Salad</a><br />
<a href="https://damndelicious.net/2013/11/25/honey-glazed-baby-carrots/" target="_blank">Honey-glazed Baby Carrots</a><br />
<a href="http://thecozynook.blogspot.com/2013/10/farmhouse-bread.html" target="_blank">Farmhouse Bread</a><br />
Fruit Salad<br />
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Strawberry Lemonade - My daughter makes fresh lemonade and blends up some frozen strawberries to mix inside.<br />
Raspberry Party Punch<br />
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<a href="http://thecozynook.blogspot.com/2010/02/brownie-pizza.html" target="_blank">Brownie Pizza</a><br />
*Peanut Butter Cookies<br />
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*These items are being brought by my family.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>What's on the menu for your Easter?</b></span></div>
<br />Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05350580142006853899noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1959959471612442568.post-59792840868651098472018-03-24T11:10:00.002-04:002018-03-28T14:41:17.727-04:00Instant Pot Beef Stew<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXnmvLiB_2lphsL4Suo8iU04UhyphenhyphenLdTi4yO4yGI64nBqy2EtTKdstgwuuJTgd-RqpkMLQtBnhZhcsT8kGJcNNBET8J-hqp_eQRdyACW8aN5uARscEWtsqMIpovXIwpK4bvclKTO4D9FqgIy/s1600/Instant+Pot+Beef+Stew+-+The+Cozy+Nook.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXnmvLiB_2lphsL4Suo8iU04UhyphenhyphenLdTi4yO4yGI64nBqy2EtTKdstgwuuJTgd-RqpkMLQtBnhZhcsT8kGJcNNBET8J-hqp_eQRdyACW8aN5uARscEWtsqMIpovXIwpK4bvclKTO4D9FqgIy/s400/Instant+Pot+Beef+Stew+-+The+Cozy+Nook.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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For Christmas, I received an Instant Pot, and I will have to do another post to tell you how I have liked it so far.<br />
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I finally made my first all-in-one dish the other day - Beef Stew - courtesy of <a href="http://littlespicejar.com/irresistible-instant-pot-beef-stew/" target="_blank">Little Spice Jar</a>. She calls it, "Irresistible Beef Stew", and she is right on with that! This stew was divine! We enjoyed it thoroughly!<br />
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Following is my version. I used different mushrooms, omitted the pearl onions, and used some seasonings from a homemade Ranch dip recipe... and I didn't even have all of those ingredients, but I put together what I could, and to be honest, I don't know if I would change a thing. The Ranch dips at the store have MSG in them, which I try to avoid in general, and homemade versions have dried buttermilk, and... well.... I was a bit hesitant to put that in my stew anyway.<br />
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We devoured this stew! Enjoy!<br />
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And of course, you have to make a big portion of mashed potatoes to eat with this! I am starting to believe this is really the only way to eat beef stew! ~smile~<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Instant Pot Beef Stew</span><br />
Original Recipe found <a href="http://littlespicejar.com/irresistible-instant-pot-beef-stew/" target="_blank">here</a></div>
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2 pounds beef stew meat </div>
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salt and pepper</div>
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2 T butter</div>
2 T cornstarch<br />
1 1/2 cups beef broth<br />
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8 oz. mushrooms, halved or quartered</div>
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3 stalks celery, cut into 1-inch pieces</div>
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4 large carrots, cut into 1-inch pieces</div>
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1/2 cup pepperoncini, thinly sliced</div>
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1 T EACH - tomato paste and sugar </div>
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2 T Worcestershire sauce</div>
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3 cloves garlic, crushed or minced</div>
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1 T dried parsley</div>
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2 t onion powder</div>
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1 t salt</div>
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1 t garlic powder</div>
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1/4 t black pepper</div>
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First, sear the meat. Season it with salt and pepper and then sear it by browning it on each side in melted better. You can do this in the Instant Pot on the saute setting or in a separate pan. </div>
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Mix the 1 1/2 cups of beef broth and 2 T cornstarch in a bowl or large measuring cup. Whisk well until the cornstarch dissolves. I do this with a fork.</div>
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Put ALL of the ingredients in the Instant pot and put it on the Meat/Stew setting. Once pressure builds, it should say 35 minutes on the display. When finished, allow the stew to rest for 15 minutes and then release the rest of the pressure.</div>
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VOILA! You have yourself a wonderful meal!</div>
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You can serve this with mashed potatoes, buttered noodles, crusty bread, and/or salad.</div>
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Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05350580142006853899noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1959959471612442568.post-19805447102506209662018-01-30T19:54:00.001-05:002018-02-05T23:41:40.825-05:00Moving Beyond the Fog of Life<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The other day I went for a drive - the three of us - just me, myself, and I.<br />
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I needed a reprieve.<br />
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I hopped in my awesome minivan, picked up a luxurious latte, and headed towards the neighboring city, hoping to see its Christmas lights still aglow atop the downtown stores and buildings in all sorts of glorious colors!<br />
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As I headed closer to the scene, all I saw was FOG. My heart sank. FOG? That's it?! I thought for sure I had missed it -- my chance to see the lights just one more time.<br />
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For a quick moment, I remembered how my phone alerted me before I left. There was going to be dense fog all evening. I did hesitate to go out, but I really wanted some time alone, so I forged ahead.<br />
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I continued through the thick haze with a sufficient amount of discouragement, but I hesitated to give up. As I was about to cross the bridge into downtown, the spectacular display began. The lights were still up! My heart felt alive!<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">It's amazing how WEIGHED DOWN my heart felt when all I saw was FOG, and then how <i>quickly</i> my heart SURGED WITH POSITIVITY when I could see beyond it!</span></div>
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And this is the story of life...<br />
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FOG hinders us and distracts us daily.<br />
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<li>Struggles in relationships</li>
<li>Lack of motivation</li>
<li>Health issues</li>
<li>Trials in our homes</li>
<li>Social media comparisons</li>
<li>Disappointing and disheartening news</li>
<li>Downward spirals of thinking</li>
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and more...</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>It, all, causes us to FOCUS on the FOG and FEEL defeated.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">BUT if we can FOCUS on what lies BEYOND the fog,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">even if it is yet unknown to us, and keep</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b>HOPING and PRAYING and TRUSTING and MOVING</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">in the right direction. THEN we will experience more of the abundant life that God wishes us to have!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Are you bogged down by the FOG of life? </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Push it aside.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Keep forging ahead.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Have hope in your heart.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Trust in the Lord your God.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #990000;">Hebrews 12:1-2</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="color: #990000;">...let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles.</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="color: #990000;">And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, </span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="color: #990000;">fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
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<br />Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05350580142006853899noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1959959471612442568.post-18441887584767055702017-12-24T07:46:00.000-05:002017-12-24T07:47:11.191-05:00Christmas - Where the Sacred Meets Reality<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
I am up this morning with a childhood anticipation. Today is the day our household celebrates. It's Christmas Eve, and our family is spoiled to share this day together, a day early. For years we traveled to both sides of the family on Christmas Day, so we chose to set this day aside just for us.<br />
<br />
As I sit awake, with my Christmas lights aglow, I treasure the silence. I am longing for a fresh, hot cup of coffee, yet I fear to start the process of making one lest I awake the others in my home.<br />
<br />
I am enjoying the peace of this morning, when my soul can be refreshed and my heart feels the peace and joy of just being alive, having a life with good things - even when life can be so tough at times.<br />
<b><br /></b>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">I am reminded of the true meaning of Christmas,<br />when the SACRED meets REALITY.</span></b></div>
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<br /></div>
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"All is calm. All is bright." </div>
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<br /></div>
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We sing those words with hope and with confidence, and it creates a very nostalgic picture of when Christ was born. It was a very sacred moment indeed!</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
However, we must remember, that Jesus - the Son of God - came to earth, a place full of heartache and sin and strife, a place full of less than the ideal many times. When He was born, the scene was not as pretty as we sometimes imagine. Our Savior was born in a stable, when his parents found no comfortable place to birth him and welcome him, and the arduous process of taking care of a special newborn baby took place that day.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>And although the situation to welcome our Savior was a humble one, we focus on the glory of it.</b></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Singing "O Holy Night", "What Child is This", "O Come, O Come Emmanuel" and much more puts our hearts in a worshipful, thankful, sacred mode where we allow our reality to become dim and accept the awesomeness of our God and His love for us.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I have heard various people say they haven't felt very "Christmassy" or that is just doesn't feel like "The Most Wonderful Time of the Year". Grief, relational difficulties, financial strain, and other pressures of life swarm us and fill our daily lives with intense struggle. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">YET, there is a Savior. There is a sacred moment when Christ came to earth, to display His love for His creation and to save us from our sins and help us in our dismal reality.</span></b></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Merry Christmas, everyone! </span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">May the love of Jesus fill your hearts and home today!</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<i><span style="color: #990000;">For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given,<br />and the government shall be upon his shoulder;<br />and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor,<br />Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.</span></i><br />
Isaiah 9:6</div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></div>
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Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05350580142006853899noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1959959471612442568.post-22471505296285925072017-12-01T10:11:00.000-05:002017-12-01T10:11:21.690-05:00 A Review of Modernity History - a World History Course from Compass Classroom<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiucaEG1jwxsnmfs27HntcT_Mj7eusqYpBS1QukFwaCjID1eS2zSnDSlL92N-vLUZ4Duwk-SgKrkelPVR0UtMNokTmoCEcAuIfS2dqeACWmXaAptVOqzQWlZLBvW879tLAbZ6npsHnD8TXs/s1600/Modernity.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="562" data-original-width="722" height="311" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiucaEG1jwxsnmfs27HntcT_Mj7eusqYpBS1QukFwaCjID1eS2zSnDSlL92N-vLUZ4Duwk-SgKrkelPVR0UtMNokTmoCEcAuIfS2dqeACWmXaAptVOqzQWlZLBvW879tLAbZ6npsHnD8TXs/s400/Modernity.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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<br />
First of all, let's get this out in the open... I am not a history buff, so this is one subject in our homeschool where I can feel a bit lacking. Therefore, it is important for me to have high quality resources that I trust and value.<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Enter Dave Raymond's Modernity course, a world history course that covers 1500 to the present and the maturity of Western civilization.</b><br />
<br />
I was sent the DVD course to review, and I must say that I am thoroughly impressed!<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">This course is interesting, engaging, and very informative!</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>Dave Raymond has a great teaching personality.</b> He is not monotone. He speaks clearly and thoroughly, and he has a love and knowledge for the subject of history that comes through his teaching vibrantly! Even if someone is not a history lover, Dave Raymond works hard to pull in his listeners.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>Dave Raymond begins the course with the reasons WHY we should study history.</b> I love this! After all, many students ask the question, "Why do I have to study this anyway?" Dave Raymond lays a great foundation for learning the subject of history, prepping students' hearts and minds for what they are about to embark upon.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>The course itself is well-structured, covering a central, exciting topic each week</b>: philosophers, empires, the scientific revolution, the French revolution, wars, rulers, etc. Rather than jumping from subject to subject, there is focus for several days, which provides <b>thoroughness and makes the material easier to understand and more interesting.</b></div>
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<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>Quotes from authors and others embellish Dave Raymond's teaching, and the lecture is full of intermittent historical pictures, </b>which help the student to stay focused and also create a visual picture of the events, people, and places he is learning about. </div>
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<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>The course is a one year course that consists of 27 lessons, 4 projects, a student reader, a teacher's guide, weekly exams, and a year-long portfolio, </b>making this course an excellent choice for any high school history credit!</div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>For more information about Dave Raymonds' Modernity course, you can visit Compass Classroom -- https://www.compassclassroom.com/history/modhist.</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<i>A handful of months ago <a href="http://thecozynook.blogspot.com/2017/02/compass-classroom-educational-resource.html">I did a review for Compass Classroom</a> - a company that has a variety of high quality educational resources for families. If you missed that, you can check it out <a href="http://thecozynook.blogspot.com/2017/02/compass-classroom-educational-resource.html">here</a>. </i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>I received a free copy of the Modernity course in exchange for an honest review of the product. All opinions are my own.</i>Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05350580142006853899noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1959959471612442568.post-36029480255347534402017-10-30T22:40:00.001-04:002017-10-30T22:54:36.084-04:00Giveaway - A Copy of "Becoming Mom Strong"<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<a href="https://www.facebook.com/The-Cozy-Nook-Blog-156597857710693/">If you follow me on Facebook at all</a>, you know that I was hoping to do a Giveaway in October and another one in November. Well, October flew by faster than I had hoped... At least I am *starting* the giveaway in October. ~smile~<br />
<br />
<b>So, the giveaway starts now, and I will choose a random winner on Friday via Rafflecopter -- because Fridays are awesome! To enter the giveaway, please leave a comment on my blog (or on Facebook), telling me why YOU would like to have a copy of this book. </b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<span style="color: #0000ee;"><b><u><a class="rcptr" data-raflid="c8c4bfa05" data-template="" data-theme="classic" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/c8c4bfa05/" id="rcwidget_23j9yi76" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a></u></b></span><br />
<span style="color: #0000ee;"><b><u><script src="https://widget-prime.rafflecopter.com/launch.js"></script></u></b></span><br />
<b></b><br />
<br />
I am giving away a copy of <u>Becoming Mom Strong</u>, by Heidi St. John. I love Heidi St. John and have for years. She's just an authentic woman who loves God and family and lives, writes, and speaks about it in various avenues.<br />
<br />
I am in the middle of reading this book, along with a couple others - eh hem - and it is ENCOURAGING!<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>This book is a great read for moms who want to gird up and refresh themselves and their visions for their walks with God and their love and sacrifice for their families.</b></span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">The book points women to the Lord for their strength, helps them gain better resolve for their homes in a culture that feels very anti-home/family at times, and supports them in their decisions to be moms who desire to love and lead their children to Christ.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Best wishes and many blessings!</span></b><br />
<br />
<br />Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05350580142006853899noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1959959471612442568.post-62062487877422241082017-09-24T00:26:00.002-04:002017-09-24T00:28:02.317-04:00My Busy September and a Giveaway: Rest and Release!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
<br />
Well, September is here... and I've got one week to go! September and May are my busy months, busier and crazier than Thanksgiving and Christmas, I believe.<br />
<br />
September is the start of everything: full time homeschool, Wed night church (where I lead and teach), homeschool co-op (where I teach), flute, piano, ballet, the culmination of three kids in soccer, and more ...<br />
<br />
And I am sure you have your own list!<br />
<br />
In the midst of it all, I feel a bit scattered and crazy, and I continue to tell myself:<br />
<br />
<b>"Stop stressing"</b><br />
<b>"Focus on the moment" and </b><br />
<b>"Do the next thing" (Thanks, Elisabeth Elliot!)</b><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">And what a perfect time it is for me to do a<br />Bible study called, "Rest and Release".</span></div>
<br />
I have a feeling some of you are due for this as well.<br />
<br />
<b>So... I am doing a giveaway. The giveaway starts ASAP and ends Monday at midnight, because Monday is my birthday, and that seems like a good way to end a birthday - to bless someone with a book that may help her rest and release a bit more in life. :)</b><br />
<br />
<a class="rcptr" data-raflid="c8c4bfa04" data-template="" data-theme="classic" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/c8c4bfa04/" id="rcwidget_sqakrprg" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a><br />
<script src="https://widget-prime.rafflecopter.com/launch.js"></script><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">You can do this Bible study on your own or you can join Courtney at womenlivingwell.org on October 1st when she starts the study! Check out<a href="http://womenlivingwell.org/"> her site for more details. </a></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05350580142006853899noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1959959471612442568.post-40900085231346061402017-08-08T14:12:00.001-04:002017-08-08T14:12:56.858-04:00Historical Stories of Survival: A Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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A few years ago I did a review of Justine Gamble's <a href="http://thecozynook.blogspot.com/2013/02/girls-of-american-history-review-and.html">Girls of American History</a> unit study curriculum -- intriguing lessons about history based on the American Girl book series.<br />
<br />
Justine is back with another great unit study curriculum:<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><u><a href="http://www.historicalstoriesofsurvival.com/">Historical Stories of Survival </a></u></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">an engaging study of history, targeting 2nd through 5th graders, based on the <u>I Survived</u> series of books.</span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
The <a href="https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=i+survived"><u>I Survived</u> books </a>cover various key subjects/events throughout the ages:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Pompeii</li>
<li>The Titanic</li>
<li>The American Revolution</li>
<li>Pearl Harbor</li>
<li>September 11th</li>
<li>...and other significant catastrophes</li>
</ul>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>A comprehensive guide of study, </b><b><u><a href="http://www.historicalstoriesofsurvival.com/">Historical Stories of Survival</a></u> works alongside the <u>I Survived</u> series to provide a well-rounded, exciting view of these time periods.</b></div>
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Justine's heart is to provide an education that draws students in and helps them remember what they learn. Through her curriculum she provides a multi-sensory experience for children.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD4cqB4Fr1TXiBWzP_inVeczvCfwCqZLaKx_3r75nxKxkjyggdE3hSB6R3y2ldlTkDF4x6pCm9XOxRLK8FhKdi3qM0uSNZFEA3VNvX_YwYfMWqKLO_M9czjkBGaBhpvQEEsNYJflmmqo8W/s1600/Titanic+NOP+Image.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="796" data-original-width="618" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD4cqB4Fr1TXiBWzP_inVeczvCfwCqZLaKx_3r75nxKxkjyggdE3hSB6R3y2ldlTkDF4x6pCm9XOxRLK8FhKdi3qM0uSNZFEA3VNvX_YwYfMWqKLO_M9czjkBGaBhpvQEEsNYJflmmqo8W/s320/Titanic+NOP+Image.PNG" width="248" /></a>The <b>Titanic unit,</b> for instance, has a long list of resources to pick and choose from: books, Titanic build kits, coloring books, puzzles, etc. In the unit guide itself, there are fill-in-the-blanks, word searches, and a board game you can create! <b>Through various readings and activities children are encouraged to read, hear, see, write, and do things that enhance their learning of the subject.</b><br />
<br />
<b><br /></b>
Each unit is intended to take about<b> six weeks.</b> During the first week, you read "<i>I Survived"</i> book, do crafts, and create a lapbook. During the <b>subsequent five weeks, you continue the study through subject-related books and activities, using the lenses of history, geography, science, and language.</b><br />
<br />
<b>The units include:</b><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Detailed weekly schedules</li>
<li>Book list: required and suggested</li>
<li>Craft resources</li>
<li>Field Trip Ideas</li>
<li>And more!</li>
</ul>
<div>
<span style="background-color: white;">Depending on how you choose to use the material, </span><u>Historical Stories of Survival</u> can be used as more of a core curriculum or as a supplement to what you are already teaching in your home. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>If you are looking for a well put-together, history curriculum that will educate and entice your elementary students, check out <a href="http://www.historicalstoriesofsurvival.com/"><u>Historical Stories of Survival.</u> </a></b></div>
<br />
<br />Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05350580142006853899noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1959959471612442568.post-2270867697512722722017-07-29T10:02:00.002-04:002017-07-29T10:04:29.225-04:00Iced Coffee - My Favorite Summer Drink <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj0uUpnaPWybaaAjbOnyS2W-5KGitZKST9_WontRJezVpbHcJ2WmWsn3DZcfYX__3fZccsdcjvvzH8zRnYiXdlaqY5_Xkrub3n12k1HdN0Dc2o5mhvluJE3ybntmAksp6-j9lApQSDEgZ9/s1600/Iced+Coffee+-+The+Cozy+Nook.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj0uUpnaPWybaaAjbOnyS2W-5KGitZKST9_WontRJezVpbHcJ2WmWsn3DZcfYX__3fZccsdcjvvzH8zRnYiXdlaqY5_Xkrub3n12k1HdN0Dc2o5mhvluJE3ybntmAksp6-j9lApQSDEgZ9/s400/Iced+Coffee+-+The+Cozy+Nook.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Iced coffee has become my favorite drink this summer! I learned how to make a good cup of it on my own, and now I'm attached! It's a perfect way to drink coffee on these warmer summer days.<br />
<br />
You can make fantastic iced coffee by the cup or by the pitcher.<br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">By the cup - My favorite way!</span></b><br />
Ingredients:<br />
Brewed Coffee<br />
Ice<br />
Half and Half<br />
Chocolate Syrup<br />
<br />
If your coffee is hot, you will want to make sure you use a cup that won't crack when pouring in the coffee. I LOVE my insulated cup.<br />
<br />
<b>First</b>, place a handful of ice in your cup - to fill it about halfway.<br />
<b>Next,</b> pour in the coffee. You will not want to fill the cup more than about 3/4 full.<br />
<b>Add</b> a good dollop of half and half or you can use milk and/or cream, or even creamer.<br />
<b>Then </b>put in about 1 to 2 T of chocolate syrup, stirring briskly.<br />
If your coffee was freshly brewed, you will want to add another layer of ice.<br />
*You can choose a different sweetener than chocolate syrup - creamer, another flavored syrup...<br />
<br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">By the pitcher</span></b><br />
Courtesy of <a href="http://comfyinthekitchen.com/2014/07/easy-iced-coffee/">Comfy in the Kitchen</a><br />
5 cups of brewed, strong coffee<br />
1/2 cup water<br />
1/4 cup sugar<br />
1/4 cup cream<br />
ice<br />
<br />
<b>First,</b> I like to pour some ice into the pitcher.<br />
<b>Next</b> pour in the coffee.<br />
<b>Add</b> water, sugar, and cream and mix well.<br />
<b>Add </b>more ice and keep refrigerated.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Enjoy!</span></b></div>
<br />
<br />Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05350580142006853899noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1959959471612442568.post-43931115069947238392017-06-19T10:12:00.002-04:002017-06-19T10:17:01.666-04:00My Summer Bucket List: Relax, Refresh, Regroup<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmBXmwr1cYgCAhjgqc2sMIu0ZcXRjD3dVUZeHOy4651d7Evq0Yaxa__0uOxLc8cfi3o2dXfrMkQLvvNJDVBJlQq1XBVT793Itaj3E9w1hyhE2j8fmAypc1_CG7wtCfG2kfsvNpPTwsic0u/s1600/My+Summer+Bucket+List+-+The+Cozy+Nook.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmBXmwr1cYgCAhjgqc2sMIu0ZcXRjD3dVUZeHOy4651d7Evq0Yaxa__0uOxLc8cfi3o2dXfrMkQLvvNJDVBJlQq1XBVT793Itaj3E9w1hyhE2j8fmAypc1_CG7wtCfG2kfsvNpPTwsic0u/s400/My+Summer+Bucket+List+-+The+Cozy+Nook.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Normally when someone makes a summer bucket list it looks like this:<br />
<br />
*Picnic in the park<br />
*Go to the beach<br />
*Ride bikes to the local ice cream parlor<br />
....<br />
<br />
This summer my bucket list is less concrete and more conceptual.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">RELAX. REFRESH. REGROUP.</span></b></div>
<br />
Entering into the summer, I was over-extended. Worn out. Juggling a lot of balls.<br />
<br />
To be honest, this struggle has been going on for years now, and it seems hard to break the cycle in this crazy, fast-paced world.<br />
<br />
BUT this summer, I am trying to do something about that.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">My intentions and hope for the summer are for me to get to a spot where I feel confident and strong heading back into fall with a new school year full of demands and decisions.</span></b></div>
<br />
FIRST, I am planning to <b><span style="font-size: large;">RELAX </span></b>more. I need time just to sit and do nothing. Time to watch the British Baking Show with my family. Permission to wake up late some days, take naps, and sit and smell the roses. Time to play games with my kids, go for walks with my husband, and ENJOY the summer.<br />
<br />
SECOND, I am planning to <span style="font-size: large; font-weight: bold;">REFRESH. </span>As I stated, I desire to be more confident and strong and more at peace as I head back into the fall. I need strength - spiritual, mental, emotional, and physical. I am prioritizing Bible times, breaking away from the snare of social media, planning for healthier eating and physical activity, and continually trying to make decisions that help me focus on taking care of myself and my household and living the life God has created for me.<br />
<br />
THIRD, I am planning to <b style="font-size: x-large;">REGROUP, </b>to reorganize and review my home and life. I am taking care of projects around the house that are hard to get to throughout the year - starting with painting our kitchen cabinets, which I am currently in the middle of doing. I need to file away last year's school and plan for the next year. I need to make a good plan for the classes I teach at our homeschool group and church and get teachers and curriculum established for the girls' groups I oversee at church. There is plenty for me to do to feel prepared and renewed for the new year's duties.<br />
<br />
I read something on Instagram today, and it fits the bill as the desire for my children and for myself.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>"We tend to think that our children need a summer full of activities. </b></span><b style="font-size: x-large;">What they really need is some down time, family time, and </b><b style="font-size: x-large;">maybe even a little bit of boredom."</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">This is my prayer for myself and my household, that we will have some down time and some connecting time -- time just to sit and appreciate life, time to regroup and feel ready for what lies ahead.</span></div>
Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05350580142006853899noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1959959471612442568.post-84688278307625816582017-05-09T09:27:00.000-04:002017-05-09T09:27:31.091-04:00Giveaway for Mother's Day - $15 Amazon Gift Card<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ9KVtMMyZiHjDpgqmC2n368TPfiNKskqvBQ3Pv-LkuLb0KP2-R9z6KkiPvTAE9zQ74nUWwPbE1t6RzS-HzSEjaiqmNWvIuorY_j2ARy_XTc4hctg7qeoUNWUVir0K2FfpOYx9-Vm1IBop/s1600/Happy+Mother%2527s+Day+-+The+Cozy+Nook.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="322" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ9KVtMMyZiHjDpgqmC2n368TPfiNKskqvBQ3Pv-LkuLb0KP2-R9z6KkiPvTAE9zQ74nUWwPbE1t6RzS-HzSEjaiqmNWvIuorY_j2ARy_XTc4hctg7qeoUNWUVir0K2FfpOYx9-Vm1IBop/s400/Happy+Mother%2527s+Day+-+The+Cozy+Nook.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Mother's Day is around the corner, and I'm giving away a $15 Amazon gift card! (and I am not being paid by Amazon to do it).<br />
<br />
This gift comes from me to you. ~SMILE~<br />
<br />
<b>Moms are important! They give life to the new generation, and then they pour their hearts into them: raising, training, loving, giving, serving ... endlessly</b>.<br />
<br />
This giveaway is for you, moms.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Happy Mother's Day!</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">I pray your day is truly blessed.</span></b></div>
<br />
I will announce the winner Friday morning. Wouldn't that be a good way to start the weekend?!<br />
<br />
<a class="rcptr" data-raflid="c8c4bfa03" data-template="" data-theme="classic" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/c8c4bfa03/" id="rcwidget_kyg1h3yu" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a>
<script src="https://widget-prime.rafflecopter.com/launch.js"></script>Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05350580142006853899noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1959959471612442568.post-19732657224781852972017-05-04T22:15:00.000-04:002017-05-08T19:06:26.246-04:00Pure Flix: Enhancing Your Homeschool Curriculum with Media<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWTGHXN1aUUt4SObAT5bbX9yfLstjigRyi6BgDMODeqr-F222BiMzK7VvnXFSRD2cEuCl-BVHYJYlXxoPZ7sx3BjwqRojBCjudbrlflHbbygv3Xfq-r-8hitfrWHQ1tw1BEP_U5Ix73mfy/s1600/Pure+Flix+-+Top+of+Image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="382" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWTGHXN1aUUt4SObAT5bbX9yfLstjigRyi6BgDMODeqr-F222BiMzK7VvnXFSRD2cEuCl-BVHYJYlXxoPZ7sx3BjwqRojBCjudbrlflHbbygv3Xfq-r-8hitfrWHQ1tw1BEP_U5Ix73mfy/s400/Pure+Flix+-+Top+of+Image.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
What do you think of when someone says, "Pure Flix"?<br />
<br />
Family-friendly media streaming? Yep, me too!<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
And when I think of that, I think of sitting down for a nice, entertaining show, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">but did you realize you can use Pure Flix<br />as a resource for your homeschool?</span></b></div>
<br />
<br />
Pure Flix has movies about Science, History, Government and more!<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>How wonderful it is to supplement your regular curriculum with media that your student will enjoy, reinforcing his learning and introducing new material!</b></span></div>
<br />
If you'd like to try a sample of what Pure Flix has to offer, they have a <a href="https://offers.pureflix.com/christian-homeschool-curriculum-movies">FREE 4-week homeschool curriculum. </a><br />
<br />
Below you will find more benefits to using Pure Flix and some of their resources. For more information you can check out <a href="http://pureflix.com/">Christian movies at PureFlix.com</a>.<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaaSTAC8vxmHGrHrP0hp0FIMA52D5FCitQsHIMPI2UyfOG1ufm7YzJxtGCekqdVKh-nmIqrww1Vmb5z3_HgM36dE5puUBj1nRmDmsHy3yr6T7VRQwWkDdGn5P8HakgMjIjeWN3zZJJeC7I/s1600/Pure+Flix+-+Bottom%252C+400+width.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaaSTAC8vxmHGrHrP0hp0FIMA52D5FCitQsHIMPI2UyfOG1ufm7YzJxtGCekqdVKh-nmIqrww1Vmb5z3_HgM36dE5puUBj1nRmDmsHy3yr6T7VRQwWkDdGn5P8HakgMjIjeWN3zZJJeC7I/s1600/Pure+Flix+-+Bottom%252C+400+width.jpg" /></a></div>
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Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05350580142006853899noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1959959471612442568.post-57369037533501441372017-04-14T08:47:00.000-04:002017-04-14T08:47:15.456-04:00My Easter Menu <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn3Di97AeoaHVhpGIJr6S1mbKz4auRwACxW4T_hq-Q357L0WgyvWZDpMTRdVTmwqU5i-a-vAix9azLXvZ_uUnhr5dX6FHaf73E1a46oV_W_JvoLDcrfhnTzHZiX2I93HxewzJY4yZtYC9G/s1600/Easter+Menu+-+The+Cozy+Nook.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn3Di97AeoaHVhpGIJr6S1mbKz4auRwACxW4T_hq-Q357L0WgyvWZDpMTRdVTmwqU5i-a-vAix9azLXvZ_uUnhr5dX6FHaf73E1a46oV_W_JvoLDcrfhnTzHZiX2I93HxewzJY4yZtYC9G/s1600/Easter+Menu+-+The+Cozy+Nook.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
I have finally got my Easter menu under control. My menu seems to be fairly similar from year to year, with a little tweaking here and there.<br />
<br />
This year's menu:<br />
<br />
Ham<br />
<a href="http://thecozynook.blogspot.com/2014/04/crockpot-chicken-piccata.html">Crockpot chicken piccata</a><br />
Honey glazed carrots<br />
<a href="http://thecozynook.blogspot.com/2013/04/broccoli-salad.html">Broccoli salad</a><br />
Cheesy potatoes (from my mom)<br />
<a href="http://thecozynook.blogspot.com/2013/10/farmhouse-bread.html">Farmhouse Bread</a><br />
<a href="http://thecozynook.blogspot.com/2015/03/banana-split-dessert.html">Banana Split Dessert</a><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Does your menu stay consistent from year to year?</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">What are you eating this Easter?</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Special foods help us celebrate a special occasion...</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Jesus' glorious RESURRECTION from the dead, </b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>after living a sacrificial life and dying a sacrificial death.</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>He lived and died that we might truly LIVE.</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05350580142006853899noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1959959471612442568.post-48164360783244360152017-03-24T22:11:00.001-04:002021-05-02T21:28:06.066-04:00Oven Baked Mexican Rice<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnSD9IzE_AcaZl70Rx-2iVU2HN6dwMdrwP-7npl9fKE-Eyo0FShX81onBUhQR1omvwjpeoOSSZJ2eIVbv2iPgFNeQgyo5hwwrB2OxDoY1QHMVhtFXjgG83SDjP8bH5z8uEPShP89cdrI9-/s1600/Oven+Baked+Mexican+Rice-+The+Cozy+Nook.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="271" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnSD9IzE_AcaZl70Rx-2iVU2HN6dwMdrwP-7npl9fKE-Eyo0FShX81onBUhQR1omvwjpeoOSSZJ2eIVbv2iPgFNeQgyo5hwwrB2OxDoY1QHMVhtFXjgG83SDjP8bH5z8uEPShP89cdrI9-/s400/Oven+Baked+Mexican+Rice-+The+Cozy+Nook.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Yes, I am still alive.<br />
<br />
It's been a month since I've posted. Ugh.<br />
<br />
My husband went to India for a few weeks. I could blame it on that.<br />
Motherhood is requiring all of my energies and more. I could blame it on that.<br />
Or I could just blame it on the sheer fact that I haven't posted.<br />
<br />
Yep. I just haven't done it. So hopefully that will change.<br />
<br />
And it does starting now...<br />
<br />
I am sharing a wonderfully delicious recipe for Oven Baked Mexican Rice. I absolutely LOVE this recipe.<br />
<br />
I have made this recipe for my family.<br />
I have made this recipe for friends.<br />
I have made this recipe to eat as a side dish and even made it as a main dish for lunch one day.<br />
<br />
It is delicious and simple. The only glitch is that it takes a good chunk of time to cook it, so you have to remember to prep it and get it cooking, long before you want to eat it!<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Oven Baked Mexican Rice</span><br />
<i>Original found at "Immaculate Bites"</i><br />
<a href="https://sites.google.com/site/thecozynookprintablerecipes/oven-baked-mexican-rice">Printable Version</a><br />
<br />
1 medium onion, chopped<br />
1 14 oz can tomatoes, or Ro-tel, or tomato sauce (I have made it all three ways and love them all! My daughter likes the tomato sauce version the best).<br />
1/2 cup cooking oil. I use olive oil.<br />
3 cups rice. I use brown or basmati brown. (If you use white, cooking time should reduce).<br />
2 t salt<br />
1 T paprika<br />
1 T garlic powder<br />
4 cups chicken broth<br />
1 t black pepper<br />
1 1/2 t cumin<br />
3/4 t chili powder<br />
<br />
Preheat oven to 350.<br />
<br />
Mix all of the ingredients in a 9 x 13 pan and stir well.<br />
<br />
Cover tightly with one sheet of heavy duty aluminum foil or two sheets of regular aluminum foil.<br />
<br />
Carefully put it in the oven and cook for about an hour and 15 minutes. I check to see if most of the liquid has been absorbed.<br />
<br />
Take out of the oven, wait 5 minutes, and then fluff, mix, and serve!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05350580142006853899noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1959959471612442568.post-45721180333116558292017-02-20T10:49:00.000-05:002017-02-20T10:49:08.980-05:00Letting Go of Perfection - A Lifelong Lesson<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
<br />
"What is a weakness you have?"<br />
<br />
I can still remember being asked this question during job interviews.<br />
<br />
Of course, when you are in a job interview, you don't REALLY want the other person to know you have weaknesses, right? BUT we, all, have weaknesses -- alas, the question must be answered.<br />
<br />
I would always tell the other person that my weakness was that I was a perfectionist. I figured I could get away with this one well. I could tell the weak side of this but also a good side.<br />
<br />
After all, it is a noble and good thing to strive for perfection, to strive for excellence in all that we do and not settle for mediocrity.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">However, striving for perfection means that<br />we could lose sight of some of the beauty that lies around us.</span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><br />It may be hard to settle for less.<br />It may be difficult to start or finish projects.<br />It may be easy to get impatient or aggravated.<br />It may be easy to compare situations.<br />... and more.</span></b></div>
<br />
Even as I write this post, I am struggling to be satisfied with "imperfection". My loving husband took my oldest two children snowboarding this evening, one of the last possibly good days to go since we haven't had much snow and cold weather this winter. Tomorrow my kids have their high school classes with our homeschool group, and I know that they will be home late, around 11:00 p.m. with some work to finish up for their classes.<br />
<br />
My insides would like to worry and fret and get all tied up inside, but somehow, I have to accept this reality and know that life will continue to go on, as less-than-ideal as this seems to me.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">I can get worried over something I have no control over, because it doesn't meet the image and standard I create<br />or I can accept the reality that it is and live with grace.</span></b></div>
<br />
Once I get a picture in my head of how something should be, it is hard for me to break away from that, and this applies to my entire life - my marriage, my child rearing, my teaching, my relationships, and yes, even my blogging - every part of my life.<br />
<br />
And step by step, I am learning, continually...<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b style="font-size: x-large;">To let go of perfection.</b></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>To still strive for excellence but to accept reality,<br />with peace and graciousness.</b></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05350580142006853899noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1959959471612442568.post-42155963188725611952017-02-09T23:41:00.004-05:002017-02-09T23:42:04.939-05:00Compass Classroom: An Educational Resource for Homeschoolers<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span id="docs-internal-guid-dc2f7738-264f-f392-2b92-8784d7fcb15c" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img height="228" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/FxnAy2_IByYtvLtTi_3TmnJwFMgCxB-U6-IIuHoBZAfHVALuZJQvW6nKUd8NRdm9DyLb6mfoOarFj4wi2wIQj4_z2aj7UYoTweJDOvHJP0e7RMKHcQPKAj70wkmex9uRIAvQsJJ4" style="border: none; transform: rotate(0rad);" width="288" /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">As a homeschooling mom, it is invaluable to have good quality resources that supply tools to educate the next generation</span><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 12pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">—</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">our children.</span></span></div>
<br />
<span id="docs-internal-guid-75b7945a-2650-a9b7-016b-00aab05ffe45"><br /><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I recently became aware of Compass Classroom, a company that seeks to provide just that! </span></div>
<br /><br /><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14pt; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Compass Classroom desires to create products “</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #3b3b3b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14pt; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">that will be useful to moms, interesting to students, and glorifying to God”.</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #3b3b3b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14pt; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br class="kix-line-break" /></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #3b3b3b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14pt; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">(From their </span><a href="https://www.compassclassroom.com/about_us" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14pt; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">About Us</span></a><span style="background-color: white; color: #3b3b3b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14pt; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> page)</span></div>
<br /><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #3b3b3b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The company started with a vision to support homeschool moms and their educational environments, and this vision continues to weave through all they do. </span></div>
<br /><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #3b3b3b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">It provides video courses and materials for various subjects with a desire to fill in the gaps for homeschool families and educational purposes, in general. </span></div>
<br /><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #3b3b3b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14pt; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">While offering a high quality education is important, Compass Classroom realizes that education is better received when it is more enjoyable, so they strive to find satisfactory teachers and produce entertaining substance.</span></div>
<br /><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #3b3b3b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Some of the subjects available are:</span></div>
<ul style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; color: #3b3b3b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; list-style-type: disc; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Latin</span></div>
</li>
<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; color: #3b3b3b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; list-style-type: disc; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Economics</span></div>
</li>
<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; color: #3b3b3b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; list-style-type: disc; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">History</span></div>
</li>
<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; color: #3b3b3b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; list-style-type: disc; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Bible Study</span></div>
</li>
<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; color: #3b3b3b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; list-style-type: disc; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Poetry</span></div>
</li>
</ul>
<br /><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #3b3b3b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14pt; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">If you need some assistance with teaching certain subjects or would like to add supplemental learning to your curriculum, </span><a href="https://www.compassclassroom.com/" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14pt; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">check out Compass Classroom</span></a><span style="background-color: white; color: #3b3b3b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14pt; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">!</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #3b3b3b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14pt; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div>
</span>Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05350580142006853899noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1959959471612442568.post-16064720031311479782017-02-02T09:35:00.001-05:002017-02-02T09:36:03.421-05:00Breakfast Smoothie Bowl: The Basic Gist<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga7ybC8sxp_b0qS0XJhEwrUFpNYdNk3KkNKxOCr11L1GNTV6aeL4jADXtIjqM8JQKsOYHMIrwLUdfSo-V7xZCPP64XJPGPQ-KY4zwqgACFl-ALrgeTw2ksHAjx-KxKF2k8YzHv3fX96qIW/s1600/Breakfast+Smoothie+Bowl+-+The+Cozy+Nook.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga7ybC8sxp_b0qS0XJhEwrUFpNYdNk3KkNKxOCr11L1GNTV6aeL4jADXtIjqM8JQKsOYHMIrwLUdfSo-V7xZCPP64XJPGPQ-KY4zwqgACFl-ALrgeTw2ksHAjx-KxKF2k8YzHv3fX96qIW/s400/Breakfast+Smoothie+Bowl+-+The+Cozy+Nook.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<br />
With the New Year starting, oftentimes our minds are on making good changes for our health. I have been trying to eat healthier and lose a little weight along the way.<br />
<br />
One thing I have been eating in the mornings is a smoothie bowl. Yum.<br />
<br />
Why a smoothie bowl? You ask. Why not just drink a smoothie?<br />
<br />
I like smoothie bowls mainly because of the texture you can add to them. By adding various things to your blended beverage, there is crunch and solidity, and it's just nice to have a little variety.<br />
<br />
You can look online for all sorts of intricate smoothies, made with specialty items you may not always have around the house.<br />
<br />
Here, though, I will show you the basic gist of a smoothie bowl so you can get started, and then you can expand your knowledge and practice.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">The two main steps to making a smoothie bowl are:</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">1. Make a thick smoothie.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">2. Top with all sorts of goodies.</span><br />
<br />
You can make a fruity smoothie or a more savory smoothie:<br />
<br />
<u><span style="font-size: large;">Fruity</span></u><br />
Blend:<br />
*You can alter these amounts based on your preferences, but this is a start.<br />
1/2 banana, frozen (In my mind, frozen bananas always make the best smoothies!)<br />
1/2 cup frozen berries of your choice<br />
about 1/2 - 1 cup milk, almond milk, etc. (keep on hand in case you need to add more)<br />
You can also add extras like: protein powder, peanut butter, and greens if you'd like<br />
<br />
Top with: granola, coconut, seeds, nuts, fresh or frozen fruit... whatever you like!<br />
<br />
<u><span style="font-size: large;">Peanut Butter Banana</span></u><br />
1 frozen banana<br />
about 1 cup milk or almond milk<br />
2 T peanut butter<br />
1 scoop chocolate protein powder<br />
<br />
Again, top with your favorite toppings!<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Have you had a smoothie bowl? What is your favorite?</span></div>
<br />Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05350580142006853899noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1959959471612442568.post-37752310130890745142017-01-11T08:13:00.000-05:002017-01-11T08:13:33.341-05:00Living with a New Year's Mentality - Reaching Forward to What Lies Ahead<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR-Su4Xlni5sbfHGqE94nRfuK0B30kKGDsgEKk9L4B4AC2E1vkVtKeXsdYxCMIH86uBLyIjgE0hpr6bCFjkAAB451cSTIM2L-AYgWV3yh3gKYOMN4QtRM9-mDQeNlEa6BVFWbiCqKV1NRi/s1600/Living+with+a+New+Year%2527s+Mentality+-+The+Cozy+Nook.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR-Su4Xlni5sbfHGqE94nRfuK0B30kKGDsgEKk9L4B4AC2E1vkVtKeXsdYxCMIH86uBLyIjgE0hpr6bCFjkAAB451cSTIM2L-AYgWV3yh3gKYOMN4QtRM9-mDQeNlEa6BVFWbiCqKV1NRi/s320/Living+with+a+New+Year%2527s+Mentality+-+The+Cozy+Nook.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br />
How is your New Year so far? Is it going how you expected and planned?<br />
<br />
When the New Year is about to arrive, we gather 'round, contemplate and celebrate, creating new resolutions. We are excited about the year ahead and are hopeful for what is to come.<br />
<br />
As the days move on, that vision seems to wane, and we get stuck in the middle of daily life reality.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>We need a New Year's mentality<br />to fuel us throughout the year. </b></span></div>
<br />
Paul wrote about his pursuit towards hope, towards the future, towards all that the Lord has for him:<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><b><span style="color: #cc0000;"><br /></span></b></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i style="color: #cc0000; font-weight: bold;">"but one thing I do, FORGETTING those things which are behind</i><br /><i style="color: #cc0000; font-weight: bold;">and REACHING FORWARD to those which are ahead."</i><br /><b>Phil. 3:13</b></div>
<br />
There is a lot of junk on this earth: disease, conflict, hatred, rebellion, disorder, death... Creation is bound in imperfection until that glorious day when Jesus returns!<br />
<br />
And until then, we must work with all of our might and all of our mind to stay focused on good things, let go of all that hinders, and REACH forward with faith and hope!<br />
<br />
I love this familiar verse...<br />
<br />
Phil. 4:8<br />
Finally, brethren, whatever things are TRUE, whatever things are NOBLE, whatever things are JUST, whatever things are PURE, whatever things are LOVELY, whatever things are OF GOOD REPORT, if there is any VIRTUE and if there is anything PRAISEWORTHY - MEDITATE ON THESE THINGS.<br />
<br />
And that's my goal...<br />
<br />
To keep pushing towards good and nobility.<br />
To strive to be constantly thankful for my life.<br />
To love the people around me.<br />
To reach out to the needy.<br />
To focus on the tasks God has given ME.<br />
<br />
To make a way out of the miry clay of earthly dealings and the dramatic events of the world wide web and live the good and great reality God wants me to live!<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Are you stuck in things about which you should forget?</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Are you REACHING FORWARD to what lies ahead?</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">LET'S REACH FORWARD TOGETHER!</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Let's live lives of hope, fixing our eyes on Jesus,<br />the author and finisher of our faith and of this Earth!</span></b></div>
<br />Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05350580142006853899noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1959959471612442568.post-7629051507225649982017-01-04T12:58:00.002-05:002017-01-05T16:34:43.242-05:00My Top Posts from 2016<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX3xrna3WgSG6YrGIrQZjk0SxNvaVdm4GtrAhpyPRjV4xn7LhpLt27DV7w2pCJCHhVxuAvkCmIhI5_G8Si_biX5Q1yAbs4ZKMznR1WgfAAoykOUZf3tg3WYKIIF2clCQt08Zul86Czrp9m/s1600/A+Great+Big+Tray+of+Delicious+Nachos+-+The+Cozy+Nook.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX3xrna3WgSG6YrGIrQZjk0SxNvaVdm4GtrAhpyPRjV4xn7LhpLt27DV7w2pCJCHhVxuAvkCmIhI5_G8Si_biX5Q1yAbs4ZKMznR1WgfAAoykOUZf3tg3WYKIIF2clCQt08Zul86Czrp9m/s200/A+Great+Big+Tray+of+Delicious+Nachos+-+The+Cozy+Nook.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYFS1aeGTjzNhQtAgxwYyvCuFH7h5Ise3MnwkHI37E6KHO8nvP-BjJImgZVINc2RFeJpAdFAC3QxLABWvNfwYnXPV9E16Om3DEadceLw1114uNRLm_6Qe_TGApiFBIUcEK7Tt5WJ991lE9/s1600/As+Life+Unravels%252C+God+Gives+Good+Gifts+-+The+Cozy+Nook.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="116" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYFS1aeGTjzNhQtAgxwYyvCuFH7h5Ise3MnwkHI37E6KHO8nvP-BjJImgZVINc2RFeJpAdFAC3QxLABWvNfwYnXPV9E16Om3DEadceLw1114uNRLm_6Qe_TGApiFBIUcEK7Tt5WJ991lE9/s200/As+Life+Unravels%252C+God+Gives+Good+Gifts+-+The+Cozy+Nook.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<br />
Happy New Year everyone!<br />
<br />
It's fun to look back over the past year and see which posts were at the top.<br />
<br />
If you haven't gotten a chance to read these, check them out! And I plan to be on the blog soon with an encouraging word for the New Year!<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<a href="http://thecozynook.blogspot.com/2016/12/giveaway-early-to-rise-for-moms.html">Last month I did a giveaway for Andy Traub's Early to Rise Experience for Moms. </a>If you haven't gotten the book yet, check it out! It <b>could be a key to helping you rise earlier in the morning,</b> and starting the new year on a better foot.<br />
<br />
One of the highlights of my year was when my husband and I did the <b>Whole30</b>. I did a few posts with meal plans and also<a href="http://thecozynook.blogspot.com/2016/06/our-whole30-experience.html"> one that summed up our experience, as a whole.</a><br />
<br />
A few well-hit <b>recipes</b> were:<br />
<a href="http://thecozynook.blogspot.com/2016/11/a-great-big-tray-of-delicious-nachos.html">A Great Big Tray of Delicious Nachos</a><br />
<a href="http://thecozynook.blogspot.com/2016/02/cheesy-cauliflower-bread-sticks.htmlhttp://thecozynook.blogspot.com/2016/02/cheesy-cauliflower-bread-sticks.html">Cauliflower Breadsticks</a><br />
<a href="http://thecozynook.blogspot.com/2016/03/the-pioneer-womans-brothers-tacos.html">The Pioneer Woman's Brother's Tacos</a><br />
<br />
At the beginning of the year last year, I did some posts about <b>making time for important things</b>. One of those things is to <a href="http://thecozynook.blogspot.com/2016/02/make-time-to-care-for-yourself.html">make time to take care of yourself!</a> Even as this new year begins, I remember the importance of that!<br />
<br />
A couple posts to encourage you to <b>remember the goodness of God and treasure each moment</b>:<br />
<a href="http://thecozynook.blogspot.com/2016/08/every-good-gift-and-every-perfect-gift.html">As Life Unravels, Remember: God Gives Good Gifts</a><br />
<a href="http://thecozynook.blogspot.com/2016/10/motherhood-why-i-am-treasuring-every.html">Motherhood: Why I Am Treasuring Every Moment</a><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">God bless you, and I look forward<br />to sharing 2017 with you!</span></b></div>
</div>
Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05350580142006853899noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1959959471612442568.post-30731537700730838362016-12-19T22:41:00.002-05:002016-12-19T22:46:58.374-05:00Let's Talk Christmas Food<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7rBu9774Gp1FSoJuX-RgQW86BTp2Gh8il0gWu0WLo_xr9MIg90Nabaaw9nwMBxt0BvM6jA_8J8v57Mg988gl0RSyoqyuvAUZp6W3v9JMogQ9iumE_P48_lK7Jz85FhMC09rrs4Jw3pWqV/s1600/Christmas+Food+-+The+Cozy+Nook.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7rBu9774Gp1FSoJuX-RgQW86BTp2Gh8il0gWu0WLo_xr9MIg90Nabaaw9nwMBxt0BvM6jA_8J8v57Mg988gl0RSyoqyuvAUZp6W3v9JMogQ9iumE_P48_lK7Jz85FhMC09rrs4Jw3pWqV/s320/Christmas+Food+-+The+Cozy+Nook.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">What are you serving for Christmas?</span></b></div>
<br />
That's actually what I am starting to ask myself.<br />
<br />
I have to plan for a caroling night with friends, my own nuclear family's celebration, and my first year hosting Christmas for my family. I am still deciding on foods, and of course, there are plenty of options!<br />
<br />
<b>Here are some of my favorites and prospects:</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
Poptarts and/or Slim Jims in stockings<br />
Cinnamon Rolls<br />
Granola, Yogurt, and Fruit Parfaits<br />
<br />
Strawberry Spinach Salad<br />
<a href="http://thecozynook.blogspot.com/2014/04/crockpot-chicken-piccata.html">Chicken Piccata</a><br />
<a href="http://thecozynook.blogspot.com/2010/12/crinkles-color-and-cream.html">Chicken with Cream</a><br />
<a href="http://thecozynook.blogspot.com/2013/01/personal-pizzasgreat-for-family-night.html">Personal Pizzas</a><br />
Crescent Roll Pizza Ring<br />
Meatballs<br />
Potato Casserole (I may try PW's funeral potatoes this year)<br />
Roasted Veggies<br />
Beef Stew - sounds cozy and warm<br />
<br />
7 Layer Salad<br />
<a href="http://thecozynook.blogspot.com/2012/12/festive-cranberry-salsa.html">Cranberry Salsa</a><br />
Cheese Fondue - with bread, broccoli, baby carrots, tortilla chips...<br />
Bruschetta<br />
<a href="http://hubpages.com/food/More-than-the-Traditional-7-Layer-Mexican-Dip">Mexican Layered Dip</a><br />
Baked Brie and Puff Pastry - this would be a first for me<br />
<br />
Strawberry Pretzel Jello<br />
<a href="http://thecozynook.blogspot.com/2011/07/cake-extravaganzared-velvet-cake.html">Red Velvet Cake</a><br />
Christmas Cookies: <a href="http://thecozynook.blogspot.com/2014/01/snowball-cookies.html">Snowball cookies</a> and<a href="http://thecozynook.blogspot.com/2015/12/if-you-are-still-looking-to-bake.html"> Chocolate crinkles </a>are some of our faves!<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>I'd love to hear what's on your Christmas menu!</b></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05350580142006853899noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1959959471612442568.post-63727146667785083872016-12-11T21:36:00.001-05:002016-12-19T22:41:35.832-05:00Giveaway - Early to Rise Experience for Moms by Andy Traub<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy3IDJwHAdivfga92mT3BQOIwHMSknpQuiXZR7Ovhueyb1B6k3FYbaXuD1zK0PfYW6AUuy-4qlFnlRvabytzWpUupIiGUAGXsLx562oW7qjfMEDF1I0LXEBvTargJCcPk10i8hRauNxLW6/s1600/Early+to+Rise+for+Moms.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy3IDJwHAdivfga92mT3BQOIwHMSknpQuiXZR7Ovhueyb1B6k3FYbaXuD1zK0PfYW6AUuy-4qlFnlRvabytzWpUupIiGUAGXsLx562oW7qjfMEDF1I0LXEBvTargJCcPk10i8hRauNxLW6/s320/Early+to+Rise+for+Moms.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></div>
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UPDATE: Since I had posted this, Andy Traub communicated with me so we are giving away FIVE copies of his book. One from me, and four from him! What a blessing! </div>
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<br /></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Well, it's Christmas time,<br />and what better time is there to do a Giveaway?!</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">AND I have a neat story to go with the product.</span></b></div>
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<br /></div>
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A few years ago I submitted some work to Andy Traub as a potential addition to his book. He was writing this book for Moms, based on his prior book, <u>Early to Rise</u>, and this time around he wanted moms to contribute their thoughts. </div>
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<br /></div>
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I had done his Early to Rise challenge in <a href="http://thecozynook.blogspot.com/2013/03/early-to-risethe-book-and-challenge.html">March of 2013</a> and I was excited about the prospect of reaching out to other moms with this beneficial information.</div>
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<br /></div>
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I submitted my work, signed the release form, and waited for the book to release. I don't remember receiving an email, and I checked back for a while and never saw the book come out, so I just assumed it hadn't. </div>
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<br /></div>
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This week I had seen that he was promoting his upcoming book for dads, and I wondered why the book for moms never came to fruition.</div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Well, lo and behold, it did!</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">A couple years ago, eh hem...<br />AND sure enough, I am in there.</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">p. 134 to be exact ~smile~</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></div>
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The one unfortunate part is that my last name is spelled wrong, but it is a small thing to suffer for the opportunity to be published in someone's book. It is an honor and a privilege!</div>
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<br /></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">With that said, let's get to the Giveaway.</span></b></div>
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<br /></div>
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This book isn't just about getting up EARLY. It's about getting up EARLIER, but more than that!</div>
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<b>It's about time management, self-care, vision-building, and lots more -</b>- filled with many days of short reads to fill your heart daily.</div>
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<br /></div>
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A winner will be randomly chosen next Sunday, December 18. Then, I will send the book via Amazon Prime, and you should have it within a couple days. Best wishes!</div>
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<br /></div>
<br />
<a class="rcptr" data-raflid="c8c4bfa02" data-template="" data-theme="classic" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/c8c4bfa02/" id="rcwidget_kd11m6pp" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a>
<script src="https://widget-prime.rafflecopter.com/launch.js"></script><br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.bloglovin.com/blog/5405227/?claim=539sfbqkwsc">Follow my blog with Bloglovin</a>Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05350580142006853899noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1959959471612442568.post-27798419895131627002016-11-07T23:35:00.005-05:002016-11-07T23:35:39.817-05:00A Great Big Tray of Delicious Nachos<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXSrrzh-8CpBNAuMkBD-vf1AD0JC1EVZ23l1ms14MqwEKM0FAqo43i02ioarO4C8Z6Ezdr6GJLwZGyhBSfFrvUQ0ijeE8VBRYSX7_Hg1frw56eovjK07ElgCawqlspUCDvSbK9by6vk-IS/s1600/A+Great+Big+Tray+of+Delicious+Nachos+-+The+Cozy+Nook.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXSrrzh-8CpBNAuMkBD-vf1AD0JC1EVZ23l1ms14MqwEKM0FAqo43i02ioarO4C8Z6Ezdr6GJLwZGyhBSfFrvUQ0ijeE8VBRYSX7_Hg1frw56eovjK07ElgCawqlspUCDvSbK9by6vk-IS/s400/A+Great+Big+Tray+of+Delicious+Nachos+-+The+Cozy+Nook.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
I started making these nachos over the summer. I am trying to make some
simpler meals that I can pretty much make from memory, and this one fits the
bill. <br />
<br />
A layer of tortilla chips, seasoned ground beef and refried beans, cheese
sauce, and cheese broiled to perfection and then topped with some tomatoes and
cilantro! YUM!<br />
<br />
Easy peasy. Fairly quick. And delicious.<br />
<br />
These are perfect for a family dinner or for an appetizer to share with
company. I like to make them on the weekend especially. <br />
<br />
Alter the ingredients and toppings to your delight, and you have something
your family will enjoy!<br />
<h3>
</h3>
<div align="center">
<span style="font-size: large;">A Great Big Tray of Delicious Nachos</span><br /><i><a href="https://sites.google.com/site/thecozynookprintablerecipes/a-great-big-tray-of-delicious-nachos">Printable Version</a></i></div>
1 bag of tortilla chips<br />1 lb. ground beef<br />1 onion, chopped<br />2 garlic
cloves, crushed<br />Taco Seasoning (1 t of each: paprika, chili powder, cumin,
and salt. 1/4 t of cayenne pepper)<br />1 can of refried beans<br />1 jar/can of
cheese sauce (I like to use Taco Bell's Salsa Con Queso)<br />1-2 cups of shredded cheese, your
choice<br />diced tomatoes, optional<br />chopped cilantro, optional<br />sour cream,
optional<br />
<br />
Preheat oven to broil.<br />
<br />
Spray a half sheet pan with non-stick cooking spray. <br />
<br />
Fill the sheet pan with tortilla chips. <br />
<br />
Prepare ground beef:<br />
Sauté beef in a skillet with onion, garlic, and taco
seasoning until beef is browned. Drain.<br />
<br />
Put ground beef back in the skillet and add the can of refried beans. Cook
until it is warmed.<br />
<br />
Spread the beef and bean mixture over the tortilla chips on the sheet
pan.<br />
<br />
Place cheese sauce in the warm skillet and warm through. After it is heated,
pour the cheese sauce on top of the beef and bean layer.<br />
<br />
Put shredded cheese on top of the other layers and stick in the oven to broil
for just a minute or two, until the cheese is melted. This will cook fast so
keep your eye on it!<br />
<br />
<br />
Dress with your choice of toppings. I like tomatoes, cilantro, and sour
cream.Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05350580142006853899noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1959959471612442568.post-24786238542841025312016-10-20T08:58:00.005-04:002016-10-20T08:58:56.509-04:00Motherhood: Why I Am Treasuring Every Moment<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtTJGZ8Ngh_kXHAbZKkKmq3rRbTYmlytEfN9iiCLb9V-etXbYPvr2aqxIoiQ49LY8eoDIdMhEOSKfDORlBVBxLSo5IfBAbF14gdGb37u34rQ7xrkU7BKCwSyOHcFfKVtLw5qIoHkq9nTQ8/s1600/Treasuring+the+Moments+-+The+Cozy+Nook.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtTJGZ8Ngh_kXHAbZKkKmq3rRbTYmlytEfN9iiCLb9V-etXbYPvr2aqxIoiQ49LY8eoDIdMhEOSKfDORlBVBxLSo5IfBAbF14gdGb37u34rQ7xrkU7BKCwSyOHcFfKVtLw5qIoHkq9nTQ8/s400/Treasuring+the+Moments+-+The+Cozy+Nook.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
The days are long, but the years are short.<br />
<br />
I have heard this.<br />I have said this.<br />And these days I am feeling
it.<br />
<br />
The years are short. <br />Time is flying.<br />And these days I feel not only
that the years are short, but the days are too!<br />
<br />
Life is cruising at maximum speed. <br />
Most everyone I talk to feels the same way. <br />
<br />
Schedules are packed.<br />Activities are endless.<br />Choices and decisions
abound!<br />
<br />
Time is happening at warp speed.<br />
<br />
This summer my oldest son spent half of his time away from home. He went to a
Christian camp for a week, and to the Philippines for a mission trip for three
weeks. These experiences, combined with the fact that he is now in his junior
year of high school, keep reminding me that my days with him are to be
treasured. I missed him tremendously when he was gone this summer, and in two
short years, I will be sending him to college, most likely locally, yet I will
see him less and less and soon enough, he will move out of my home. <br />
<br />
Life happens. It continually happens. It doesn’t slow down and wait for us.
It keeps going, keeps moving, and keeps presenting a challenge to us. <br />
<br />
<div align="center">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><strong>Will we treasure the moments we are
given?</strong></span></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><strong>Will we savor the time with our loved
ones?</strong></span></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><strong>Will we saturate our lives with
thankfulness?</strong></span></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><strong><br /></strong></span></div>
<br />
<div align="center">
<span style="color: #c0504d; font-size: medium;"><strong>My kids are growing up,
rapidly. I don’t want to miss out on the people they are now. I want to
appreciate these days, and I am trying to do that.</strong></span></div>
Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05350580142006853899noreply@blogger.com0