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Gratituesday: Our Christian Heritage

February 9, 2009 by Laura 17 Comments

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For this special valentine edition of Gratituesday…I want to share something that I love…our family’s Christian heritage.

As is easy to do with things we love…this is something I have taken for granted. When I’ve talked about my family in past posts and when I recently talked about Matt’s grandpa who was a godly man, several of you have pointed out how wonderful it is that we have the blessing of Christian parents and grandparents. You are so, so right. It is a huge blessing and I’m ashamed that I have not appreciated it like I should.

It is an amazing thing that both Matt and I were raised in Christian homes and had family all around us who were Christians. It is wonderful to know that because my mom loved and served God…I can have peace about where she is now. It is thrilling to think that just last Tuesday Matt’s grandpa got to join the huge joyful worship taking place in the very presence of God.

And it is an honor to be able to carry on the legacy started by our family members.

Yes there have been problems. Yes there has been sin. Yes there has been conflict. No family is perfect.

But how rich is the gift of the understanding of Christ that our parents and grandparents gave us…and that we accepted.

And now there are four more Coppinger boys in our very own house that we have the honor and challenge to pass the legacy on to. Thank you God for this lovely, joyful blessing of our Christian heritage.

May I just say a word to those of you who do not have a Christian heritage like the one I am so grateful for? YOU yourselves will be the ones your children and grandchildren and great-grandchildren will get to share the story of someday. Someday they will talk about you, their parents and grandparents, and tell about how you met Jesus and how you shared Jesus with them. You are beginning your own Christian heritage. How exciting for God to use you this way! He is so good.
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What do you love? What are you grateful for? Please share on your blog and come link up here so that we can read about how God is working in your life. If you don’t have a blog, please leave a comment to share what you are grateful for!

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Celebrate with Strawberry Yogurt Fruit Dip

February 9, 2009 by Laura 20 Comments

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You know how I love to play around with ingredients and come up with fun new recipes right? Over the weekend I was hungry for some kind of fruit dip, but wanted to see if I could come up with a pink one for Valentine’s Day.

Strawberries…I thought. Strawberries make things pink. They also make things taste yummy.

We all loved the way this Strawberry Yogurt Fruit Dip turned out. All we had for dipping was apples, but I think grapes and kiwi would taste yummy in this dip too! Oh, and it was so easy to make that Elias (age 7) practically made it by himself.

Strawberry Yogurt Fruit Dip

1/2 cup cream
3/4 cup plain yogurt
1/4 t. vanilla
6-7 drops liquid stevia (or a little bit of sugar if you prefer)
3/4 cup strawberries (we used frozen/thawed)

Whip the cream until soft peaks form. Add remaining ingredients and continue to whip until strawberries are obliterated thoroughly mixed in. Serve with sliced fruit.

Strawberry Yogurt Fruit Dip

Yum

This dip is so refreshing…and kinda addicting. We went through a LOT of apples this weekend.

And, I also may or may not have licked the bowl when we were out of apple slices.

I am so making this again on Valentine’s Day. What treats are you making for Valentine’s day?

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Menu Plan for the Week

February 8, 2009 by Laura 11 Comments

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Thanks to everyone who shared their love story this weekend. If you didn’t have a chance to write your story…please feel free to add your link! Your stories have been so much fun to read!

Well…I sent Matt off to the airport a few hours ago where he is flying to his grandfather’s funeral. We’re so thankful he’s able to go be with his family. Ooh, but I don’t like it when he’s gone. I usually get weird and try to make the hours go faster by re-arranging furniture and stuff when he’s out of town. You know, because it’s always smart to move heavy things when you don’t have help. I’ll try to hold back and leave the beds and couches alone.

Maybe.

I usually don’t enjoy cooking as much when Matt’s gone either. Does anyone else feel that way when their husband isn’t home? Thankfully…we’ve worked it out to have an extra person or two over during the next few days…which is extra motivation for me to actually put a real meal on the table. The boys have a buddy (Remember the red head? Love that kid.) who needs a place to stay one day…and I decided to invite a special lady over who just lost her husband for dinner on Monday. This means I will not give in to the temptation to feed my children toast, apples and popcorn the entire week. Yay.

Here’s the plan that I’ll try to stick to instead. Oh, and since it’s Valentine Week, it’ll be fun to make some heart shaped meals too! See? All kinds of motivation to cook! (Not to mention the ever helpful Menu Plan Mondays over at Organizing Junkie.)

Sunday, Feb. 8
Oatmeal, toast
BBQ beef sandwiches, carrot sticks, fresh pineapple
Leftovers

Monday, Feb. 9
Whole wheat waffles
Bean dip with tortilla chips and salsa, peaches
Chicken noodle soup, fruit salad, relish tray, chocolate chip cookies

Tuesday, Feb. 10
Scrambled eggs, oranges
Melting snowflakes (except heart shaped of course), strawberry-peach slushies
Cheeseburger mac, green beans

Wednesday, Feb. 11
Peanut butter and honey on sourdough, pears
Grilled cheese sandwiches, tomato soup
Shepherd’s pie, tossed salad (Matt gets home!)

Thursday, Feb. 12
Heart shaped pancakes
Chili, veggies
Fish and chips, carrots

Friday, Feb. 13
Pumpkin bread, bananas
Baked potatoes with leftover chili and cheese, broccoli
Lasagna, tossed salad, corn

Saturday, Feb. 14
Cream cheese breakfast pastries
Heart shaped soft pretzels, strawberry fruit dip with apples
Heart shaped homemade pizza, tossed salad

On the blogging menu this week…I’ll be joining JessieLeigh for a Valentine’s Exchange of Ideas and Inspiration. Join in the fun if you’d like! To start off the week, stop by Kate’s to see other fun valentine meal ideas. Then Tuesday, join me here for a special edition of Gratituesday…where we can share what we love to be grateful for. Wednesday, JessieLeigh encourages us all to share fun ways to celebrate valentines day with little ones. Thursday, we’ll meet at Jessica’s for a recipe swap. Then on Friday we’ll wrap up the week at Amy’s for a Finer Valentine’s Things Friday.

And..somewhere in there I’ve just got to post a random post…because it’s been way too long since I’ve allowed myself to just go entirely random on you. I’ve been having random post withdrawals at random times during the past few weeks. Brace yourselves.

What kind of week do you have ahead of you?

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Share Your Love Story

February 6, 2009 by Laura 16 Comments

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Okay, shall we all practice together? Everyone at the same time say, “Aaaawwww!!!” Because you know that’s what we’ll all be saying when we come over and read your post about how you and your husband met and fell in love.

Since I already shared the story of how Matt and I started dating (which is what started this whole idea anyway) I won’t re-write it for you here. But, while I’ve got you…can I just share something really sweet about how my husband loves me?

While we were in California on Christmas day…Matt’s Aunt Pat, who is a professional photographer, gathered everyone and took several family shots. Those pictures are such treasures now especially since that was our last Christmas with Grandpa.

As everyone was packing up to leave that day, Aunt Pat walked around with her camera taking just a few more quick pictures. She came up to us and said, “Okay you two…cheek to cheek”. Matt and I paused and I grabbed his face for a cheek-to-cheek shot. We peeked into her camera real quick and both of us loved how the picture turned out.

A couple of weeks after we got home, we still hadn’t heard from Aunt Pat about the pictures. I was surprised that Matt brought it up a time or two. He said, “I just really loved that picture she took of you and me right before we left.”

One night, I peeked over his shoulder as he was writing this email to his aunt:

Thanks so much for taking pictures on Xmas day. When I saw the impromptu pic of Laura and I, I loved it and have been eagerly anticipating having it. When you get a chance to send that one, I’d love it…she’s my best and that picture really shows how much we enjoy each other.

It melted me. I love how he wrote, “she’s my best”….not she’s my best friend or she’s my best girl. Simply…she’s my best.

Let’s hear it: “Aaaawwww…”

Okay, I’m done gushing now. Thanks for putting up with me. I promise to write about something disgusting and boring in the near future. In the meantime…I’ll just keep trying to live up to the challenge of being “his best”.
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Now it’s your turn! Share your love story with us! How did you and your husband meet and start dating? What’s your story? Write about it on your blog, then come link up here with us! Be sure to leave a link on your post sending people back here! If you don’t have a blog and want to share your story, email it to me and I’ll put it on a webpage for you, then link it up so people can read it!

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Women With a Mission: Giving

February 5, 2009 by Laura 12 Comments

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Catch up on the previous posts in this Women with a Mission series here.

So, today let’s talk about giving. Giving is another ministry we can all participate in no matter what our life circumstances are. No matter how much (or how little) money you make. No matter how many bills you have. No matter what is going on in your life. We all have something to give.

Here are the common questions: Does God want us to give 10%? More than 10%? Should the 10% go to my church…and then what about other needs? Should I only give part of my 10% to the church so that I can have some leftover for “other needs”? There are SO many “other needs” out there. Which ones should I choose?

And what in the world does it mean to give sacrificially?

I’ve been a part of these discussions often…and it’s a tough topic. But here’s a conclusion I’ve drawn after studying this topic recently: I think we’ve limited our ideas of what giving means.

I think that when we hear the word “giving” we think of a tithe…the check we write to the church…the occasional food we take to the food pantry…the money we might choose to give every once in a while to an organization we believe in. All of these areas ARE a part of giving and we should absolutely be doing this.

But, what do you think about this idea…

The idea that when we use every bit of our money wisely and for a real and godly purpose…we are actually giving 100%.

We use our house for hospitality and to take care of our family. Therefore, our mortgage and utilities are a part of our “giving”. We work to eat well and take care of our bodies…as well as feeding others in our home and outside of our home as much as we can. Therefore, our grocery spending…that’s giving. And on and on about all of the things we spend money on. (Kinda makes you look at toilet paper in a whole new way, huh?) :)

On the other hand, if we buy a bunch of “stuff” and waste the money we have…that results in nothing. It isn’t living sacrificially…it isn’t using our resources for God.

I haven’t figured out “how much” is the right amount to give and how often to give and who all to give to. But I’m coming to the conclusion that giving like God wants us to give might just simply mean living wisely…spending frugally…not wasting what we have…always being willing to share…

So, no more excuses about not having enough to give. And no more guilt about not being able to give more.

No matter how much you have. You can give 100%.

Just do what Jesus did. I’m pretty sure Jesus didn’t have a very big bank account. Yet he came to earth just to give. He gave of himself. He gave what he could…his healing…his compassion…his time…his touch…his love. And he fed 5,000 people with five loaves and two fish. The five loaves and two fish one hungry little boy was willing to give.
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Share with us. What do you think?
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Check out Finer Things Friday!

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We’re Gonna Miss You, Grandpa

February 4, 2009 by Laura 17 Comments

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On Tuesday, Matt’s Grandpa Coppinger finally got to meet the One he’s been living for the past 90 years. It’s bittersweet for us of course. We’re going to miss him. But oh are we excited that he’s received his reward.

Grandpa loved the Lord and loved his family. He spent years working with World Bible School, a program that reached people all over the world for Christ. He took many, many trips to Ghana, West Africa to teach people about Jesus.

Fifteen years ago, on what was Grandpa’s last trip to Africa…Matt took his first trip to Africa. He’s so glad they were able to travel and work there together.

You know one of the sweetest things about Grandpa? His kids still called him “Daddy”. Some of his kids are senior citizens themselves…calling their father, “Daddy”. I always loved that.

Here are some pictures taken at Christmas time with Grandma and Grandpa:

Here’s Grandma and Grandpa with most of their grandkids and their spouses.

Here they are surrounded by most of their great-grandchildren.

We’re so thankful that we had one last chance in December to hug his neck, to kiss his cheek and to tell him we loved him. And to tell him goodbye.

We’re gonna miss you, Grandpa.

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Butter-fingers

February 3, 2009 by Laura 27 Comments

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You all know how weird I am right? And, you all know how much I love butter right? It’s such good stuff!

Well, I’m pretty sure I’ve never told you one of my favorite uses for butter.

Lotion.

Uh-huh…after I butter my bread pans I just rub all the extra buttery mess all over my hands. And sometimes, when my hands feel like they might fall off from being so dry…I just walk into the kitchen, swipe a slab of butter and rub it all over my fingers and cracked knuckles. Ah, it feels so good. It rubs right in and doesn’t feel greasy afterward. (Psst…olive oil works well too!)

The good qualities in butter are actually good for your skin. Go butter.

It’s the best lotion I’ve ever…eaten on toast.

I keep on proving how weird I am, huh?

Yeah well…

I could be boring and tell you that I also buy this lotion when it’s on sale bogo and when they offer free shipping…but that’s just not as much fun is it?

What’s your favorite lotion? You’re welcome to also share your weirdest use for butter if you think you can outdo mine.
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More Works for me Wednesday tips here.

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Gratituesday: Just Like Daddy…

February 2, 2009 by Laura 25 Comments

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Recently some friends of ours handed down a small sized pair of coveralls. I gushed over them when I saw them…the cutest little coveralls I’ve ever seen. They are just like the kind Matt wears when he works outside…except they’re pint sized.

Just the right size for Elias.

Elias is so proud of those coveralls because they are his. His brothers didn’t wear them first. HE got to wear them first. (Not something this third born boy can often brag.)

The best thing Elias loves about these coveralls is that they are just like Daddy’s. He wants to be a hard worker in his coveralls like his Daddy. He insists on putting them on every time he and his brothers take a trip with the wagons to our “carriage house” out back to get wood. “Mama, where are my worker clothes that are like Daddy’s?”

All my boys want to be just like their daddy.

I couldn’t be more pleased.

If all four of our sons grow to be hard working, God fearing, servant hearted, loving, caring, strong leaders like their daddy…that’s a good, good thing. I’m so grateful that God gave my sons such a wonderful role model.
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What are you grateful for this Gratituesday? Read the details here, then come link up here and share how God is working in your life! If you don’t have a blog, please be sure to leave a comment to share what you’re grateful for!

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Snow Ice Cream!

February 2, 2009 by Laura 34 Comments

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I can’t decide what exactly to feel about all of you who live in warm climates. On one had…I’m CRAVING a bit of your warm weather and sunshine. On the other hand…bless your heart you can’t make Snow Ice Cream like we can. Everyone should be able to experience the joy of making snow ice cream!

Here’s what you need to make Snow Ice Cream:

A big bowl of snow (um, no substitutions)
Real maple syrup (you can use sugar if you want…but it’s a much healthier dessert if you use real maple syrup)
Vanilla extract
Heavy Cream (you can use milk too…but OH you really should use cream!)

Yum

Go out and gather a big bowl of snow. Clean snow is preferred, unless you enjoy gritty ice cream….

Fill cereal sized bowls with snow.

Drop 1/4 t. of vanilla extract into each bowl.

Drizzle 1-3 Tablespoons of real maple syrup in each bowl, depending on how sweet you want your ice cream to be. I really didn’t mean to drizzle this maple syrup into a heart shape, but the effect is sure lovely, isn’t it?

Pour 4-6 Tablespoons of cream over the top of everything in your bowl.

Stir all the ingredients together until…what do you know…there’s Ice Cream in your bowl! Eat it right away before it melts!

Warning: Contents in bowl will be extremely cold.

My kids had SO much fun making this…and I didn’t feel one bit bad about feeding it to them (twice in one day).

Bring on the snow!! (Okay, but yeah…I’m still ready for some warm days and sunshine!)
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Visit Tammy’s Recipes for more kitchen tips.

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Menu Plan for the Week

February 1, 2009 by Laura 4 Comments

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Happy Super Bowl Day!! (Who’s playing anyway?) (Hey, Super Bowls are about food, right? Big, super bowls of food.) We’re heading over to the home of our friends…the guys will watch the game, the will kids play and the gals will visit. We’ll all eat. That…is my kind of Super Bowl Party. Ah, I love ~~basketball~~ ~~tennis~~ football season.

Besides the Super Bowl Party, our weekend was spent mostly at home. How NICE! Matt got caught up on a few things around the house (leaving only 437 things to do on his list) plus he took advantage of some nice 50 degree weather to chop more wood for our wood burning insert. (Which is good, because this afternoon there were snow flurries again.) I spent a good deal of Saturday cooking and baking for the week. I cooked a chicken, browned three pounds of ground deer meat, made beef and cheese burritoes for the freezer, baked three loaves of applesauce bread and did tons of dishes. Loved it!

Here’s what we’ll be eating this week:

Sunday, Feb. 1
Oatmeal, bananas
Roast, carrots, potatoes, gravy
Super Bowl Party – Take fudgie brownies and cream cheese salsa dip with chips

Monday, Feb. 2
Scrambled egg sandwiches, applesauce
Bean and rice wraps, pineapple
Lamb chops, baked potatoes, green beans

Tuesday, Feb. 3
Blueberry pancakes
Beef and cheese burritoes, orange slices
Chicken and dumplings, carrot sticks

Wednesday, Feb. 4
Fried eggs on toast, pears
Chicken tostadas, apples
Beefy enchilada bake, taco salad

Thursday, Feb. 5
French toast
Roast beef sandwiches, carrots, fruit leather (packed to take with us on the way to a science museum!)
Steak, cheesy potatoes, peas

Friday, Feb. 6
Applesauce bread, bananas
Potato soup, tossed salad
Homemade pizza

Saturday, Feb. 7
Giant breakfast cookies
Hamburgers on homemade buns, onion rings
Spanish rice with chicken, tossed salad

On the blogging menu for the week:

This is a week you won’t want to miss! Along with all the normal posts like Gratituesday and Women with a Mission…I’ll be having a big sale with Crystal from Biblical Womanhood! Be watching for it! PLUS…make plans to join us this Saturday to Share Your Love Story!

Be sure to stop by Organizing Junkie’s place for more menu planning ideas!

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