How Do You Beat the Heat?

Dry Powder
Some women seem to be incapable of sweating. It’s true! They get really red in the face when it’s hot, but don’t sweat. Some, on the other hand, do. Are you ashamed of seeing sweat marks show through my clothes? And when you wear skirts, do the backs of your legs stick to the seat, making a horrible shrieking noise when you stand up! Try sprinkling baby powder in the crease under your breasts, behind your knees and on your inner thighs—and you wont have that problem anymore. It helps keep you cool and confident, and sweat less.
You can also use a deodrant stick under arms ...of course! but not limited to under arms. Use it around waist, top of thighs, wherever you seem to sweat. Everyone sweats in different places! But the sad results are the same....B.O.!!

You can beat the heat by remembering to drink plenty of fluids. This is not talking coffee which takes the water out of your body!

Keep blinds closed in the morning hours when sun comes in and retain the cooler temps from the night. Keep garage closed. Limit going in and out, especially by children!
Your airconditioner, if you have one, was not meant to keep the entire back yard cool!
Plan meals that do NOT include cranking up the oven! It will heat your entire house! Make a salad or something that can be warmed in the microwave or better yet...grilled outside on the grill.
Keep plenty of popcicles and freeze pops. This will help keep the children cool. I love the ICEE Freezer pops. They stay slushy...Yummmmm!

Enjoy your summer and try to stay cool!

JUNE

School is out, but it doesnt mean you have to feel like you are losing your marbles because there is the pitter patter of little feet all aound. Listed below are some ideas to get your summer off to a great start!

SCHOOL IS OUT!

School is officially out! The little angels are home for the summer....are you ready for them? I hear moms say..."I have to get things organized. I need chores for my children so they arent sitting plating video games or sleeping their life away."
Summer can be a fun time for the entire family or a long time to wish that school would hurry up and start! Your children are only young for such a short period of time. I remember a young mother asking me one time if she should be worried because her son was wetting the bed still at three. I told her that if he wet the bed until he was ten, but he lived to be 80...he would enjoy 70 dry years!!! :)
Get busy thinking of some fun activites to enjoy with your children, as well as, projects they they can help you do around the house. What a wonderful time to clean out closets and discard items that wont fit for school in the fall. Assign drawers that need to be cleaned, closets, porches, and garages. Make it a group effort. No one minds working if everyone is joining in....DAD too! Lets make this the best summer yet!

The Meanest Mother

I had the meanest mother in the world! While other kids ate candy for breakfast, I had to eat : eggs , bacon , and toast. When others had a Cokes and cookies for lunch, I had to eat a sandwich and drink milk. As you can probably guess, my dinner was much different too. But at least I wasn't alone in my sufferings, I had a brother and two sisters that had the same mean mother that I did.
My mother insisted upon knowing where we were at all times. You'd thinkwe were part of a chain gang. She had to know our friends and what we were doing. She insisted if we said we would be gone an hour- then we were to be back in an hour or less. Not an hour and one minute!
I am nearly ashamed to admit it, but she actually struck us. Not once, but each time that we decided to do as we pleased! Can you imagine someone hitting a child for disobeying? Now you can see just how mean she really was!
The worst is yet to come. We had to be in bed by nine oclock each night and up early the next day. We couldnt sleep until noon like some of our friends. So while they slept, my mother actually had the nerve to break the child labor law. She made us WORK! We had to do dishes, make beds, learn to cook and all sorts of cruel things! I believe she laid awake at night trying to think of ways to be mean to us. She always insisted on the truth, even if it killed us, and sometimes it nearly did!
By the time we were teenagers, she was much wiser and our life became even more unbearable. None of this tooting the horn of a car for us to come running. She embarrassed us to no end making our dates and friends come to the door for us. I forgot to mention that while my friends were dating at the mature age of 13 & 14, my old fashioned mother refused to let me date until the age of 15. That was only to go to school or church functions. That was maybe twice a year!
My mother was a complete failure. None of us has ever been arrested, divorced, or beaten his mate! Each of my brothers served in the military. Who do you think we can blame for the terrible way we turned out? Youre right...our mother! Look at all the things we missed. WE never got to march in a protest parade, take part in a riot, burn draft cards, or a million and one things that our friends did. She forced us to grow up God-fearing, educated and honest adults.
Using this as a background, I am trying to rear my children. I can stand a little taller and I am filled with pride when my children call me mean. Because you see, I thank God He gave me the meanest mother in the world.

submitted by: Pastor Doug DeNeul

Mother Loves Peanutbutter Cups

Makes 12 large peanut butter cups

About 1/2 cup powdered sugar (more or less)

1 cup creamy peanut butter (if you use "natural," which means it has nothing added, you'll have to stir the oil in first)

1 bag chocolate chips (I used Ghiradelli, whose bags oddly weigh 11.5 ounces, but most brands offer 12-ounce bags. Milk chocolate is softest and tastes most like Reese's)

12 paper muffin cups, halved (so they're only half as high)

Stir the powdered sugar into the peanut butter. The amount you use will depend on how runny your peanut butter is and on how stiff or gooey you want the inside of your cups to be. (More sugar makes it stiffer; less keeps it gooey.) Stir in a couple of tablespoons of sugar at a time; once you have the texture you're looking for, set this mixture aside.

Microwave three-quarters of the chocolate chips at one-minute intervals, stirring after each minute until it's warm enough that it will melt if you stir it for another minute. This should take about three minutes. Then add in the last quarter of the chips and stir until they're melted.

Spread the chocolate over the bottom and sides of the halved muffin papers, making sure to cover all the paper. This tends to get a little messy, but there are worse things than getting chocolate on your fingers, right? Put the paper cups in a muffin tin so they'll harden in the right shape. Freeze the chocolate-coated papers in the muffin tin for 5 minutes.

Take them out of the freezer and spoon the peanut butter mixture into the chocolate cups, spreading it around so it covers the bottom of the cups but still leaves enough space for the top coating of chocolate.

Use the rest of the melted chocolate to cover completely.

Store in the fridge. Once they're set, peel off the muffin paper.

Serve at room temperature so they're soft and luscious.

H.B. Reese was born in 1879 on a farm in Frosty Hill, Penn., and worked for the Hershey's Food Corp. Inspired by the success of his employer as well as by his distaste for farming, Reese decided to give the candy industry a shot. By the mid-1950s, his peanut butter cups were so popular they needed their own factory. By the 1960s, Hershey had bought him out.

The marriage of mood-enhancing chocolate with healthful peanut butter was clearly a match made in heaven. Indeed, it's already lasted more than three-quarters of a century and, according to Hershey's, it's the top-selling candy in America.

And while Hershey's has been messing around with the recipe lately -- coating some cups in white chocolate, adding caramel to others -- as usual, simplicity is beauty. White chocolate and caramel both deserve attention, but not here. Not now. Please, not in our peanut butter cups.

Because peanut butter and chocolate belong together like -- well, like moms and their kids. Think about it: Peanut butter cups start with what many tired moms consider a staple food -- chocolate. This is then used to surround -- to hug, if you will -- the most ubiquitous children's food of our times. Best of all, they're easy enough for kids to make by themselves (or maybe with one helpful adult sous chef nearby), thereby completing the mother-child circle of love.

FRESH & SWEET

Sugar and spice make everything nice, but sugar and citrus make gift-giving delicious.

Consider it your go-to gift for the season: citrus sugars in lemon, lime and orange, all packaged up in an old-fashioned milk-bottle caddy that’s as sweet as the homemade contents it carries. This refreshing sugar is simple to concoct whether you’re heading to Easter brunch at the in-laws, need a last minute get-well gift for a friend, or just want to say “Happy Spring” to someone you love. And it can be used by its lucky recipient in many yummy ways, from a topping on breakfast-in-bed-worthy pancakes to a substitute for plain sugar in a pound cake recipe, or as a surprising sweetener for iced tea. Then there’s the added bonus for you: The heavenly fragrance will fill your kitchen, making your effort feel downright delightful. The Recipe 2 cups granulated sugar Zest of 2 lemons, 2 limes or 1 orange Place the sugar and the zest of one kind of fruit into a food processor. Pulse until well blended. Spread the mixture onto a rimmed baking sheet for approximately 1 hour to dry. Repeat with zest from the other fruits. Other ideas and free labels can be found at: www.hallmark.com

What's Your Favorite Flower?

MARRIAGE SEMINAR
While attending a Marriage Seminar dealing with communication, Tom and his wife Grace listened to the instructor, "It is essential that husbands and wives know each other's likes and dislikes." He addressed the man, "Can you name your wife's favorite flower?" Tom leaned over, touched his wife's arm gently and whispered, "It's Pillsbury, isn 't it?

Want Some New Holidays?

The year is speeding past...January, February- - - - -March! Where did the weeks go? Guess what, Mom? That means only about 9 more weeks of school! That really puts it in perspective! It seems like only yesterday that everyone was shoppping for school supplies and new lunch boxes! Now its already time to look for Easter outfits and baskets.
One of my pet peeves is women saying that they didnt have a good holiday( Christmas, Easter, etc.) because is caught them by surprize! My response is...."The holidays are pretty predictible! They come the SAME time every year! Fourth of July is always ...fourth of July~! Imagine that. We always have a whole year to plan for the holidays!
Make the year fun with holidays....there is almost one for everyday! Just ask Hallmark!
for instance: MARCH 1st is PIG DAY!






Heres some HOGWASH......

Stink like a pig A classic example of hogwash. To say this would insult any average pig. Pigs are very clean animals and have virtually no odour.
Sweating like a pig Pigs do not sweat, they have no sweat glands - this is why they like to roll in the mud to cool off.
Eat like a pig This isn't hogwash. A pig does love to eat and it's not the prettiest sight either.

National Pig Day. The 1st of March is set aside especially for pigs. It was started by Texas art teacher Ellen Stanley in 1972 to honour and give thanks to our most intelligent domesticated creature.

And you thought you had all the holidays covered!!
Variety is the spice of life...add a few "new" holidays to your year!
For more fun holidays...go to: www.earthcalendar.net/

Asparagus Ham Rolls
I love this delicious recipe because it includes three of my favorite locally produced foods—ham, asparagus and cheese. Prepared with leftover Easter ham and fresh asparagus, these rolls make an excellent springtime meal. —Laurie Timm Minneiska, Minnesota
INGREDIENTS 2 tablespoons butter or margarine 1/4 cup all-purpose flour 2 cups milk 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon white pepper 24 fresh or frozen asparagus stalks 8 thin slices fully cooked ham (about 1/2 pound) 1/4 cup bread crumbs
DIRECTIONS In a saucepan, melt butter; stir in flour and cook until thick. Gradually stir in milk and cook until bubbly and thickened. Stir in cheese, salt and pepper. Remove from heat. Place three asparagus stalks on each ham slice. Roll up; secure with toothpicks if necessary. Place in 13-in. x 9-in. x 2-in. baking pan; cover with cheese sauce. Sprinkle with crumbs. Bake at 375° for 20 minutes. Yield: 8 servings.

Start Planning for Easter Treats

Easter Bunny Treats
INGREDIENTS 2/3 cup vanilla frosting 30 large marshmallows Pink gel or paste food coloring Red and pink heart-shaped decorating sprinkles 60 miniature marshmallows
Frost the tops of 12 large marshmallows; stack a large marshmallow on top of each. Quarter the remaining large marshmallows; set aside for ears. Tint 1/4 cup frosting pink. Cut a small hole in the corner of a pastry or plastic bag; place pink frosting in bag. Pipe a ribbon between the stacked marshmallows for bow tie. With white frosting, attach red hearts for eyes and a pink heart for nose. Pipe pink whiskers and smile. For ears, pipe the center of quartered marshmallows pink; attach to head with white frosting. With the remaining white frosting, attach the miniature marshmallows for legs and tail. Let stand until dry. Yield: 1 dozen.

FEBRUARY

When I was a child February was one of the hardest words for me to spell. Doesnt it seem like it has too many "r's" in it? Especially the way we say it in Alabama...FEB-U-WARY! Whose idea was it to throw in that extra "r"?

For God so loVed the world,

For God so loVed the world
That He GAve
His onLy
BegottEn
soN
That whosoever
Believeth In Him
should Not perish
But have Everlasting life.

John 3:16

Chocolate French Toast

Here is a decadent French toast for a special occasion like Valentine's Day. If you're making this as part of a breakfast or brunch along with other dishes, you can keep the French toast warm in an oven set at 200°F while the rest of the meal is prepared. For a heart-healthier version, use 2% milk instead of cream and egg substitute in place of the eggs. Total Time: 25 minutes. Hands-on Time: 25 minutes.

INGREDIENTS: 1 cup heavy cream 2 ounces bittersweet or semisweet chocolate, chopped 3 large eggs 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 loaf of egg, white, or brioche bread, in 1/2-inch-thick slices 2 tablespoons unsalted butter Confectioners' sugar, for sprinkling 1. Place the cream and chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave until the chocolate is soft, about 1 minute. Stir to combine. Let cool. 2. In a large bowl, beat together the eggs, vanilla and chocolate mixture. (The mixture may be made ahead to this point. Cover, and refrigerated overnight. Give it a good stir before using.) Soak the bread in the egg mixture for about 5 minutes, turning halfway through to coat well. 3. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Cook 2 or 3 slices of bread at a time, until the bread is toasted and firm. Sprinkle each slice generously with confectioners' sugar. Turn over, and cook until crisp. Serve warm. Makes 6 servings

Friends

Everyone needs a friend.
Pro 18:24 A man that hath friends must show himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.
Good times, bad, in-between...a faithful friend can make it easier to get through.
Valentines Day is a great time to show those around just how much you care. Call it a good excuse to send a card....give some chocolates....call a distant friend or relative....or tell someone how much you treasure their friendship.

WHAT KIDS HAVE TO SAY......

Concerning Why Lovers Often Hold Hands

"They want to make sure their rings don't fall off because they paid good money for them."
Gavin, age 8

"They are just practicing for when they might have to walk down the aisle someday and do the holy matchimony thing."
John, age 9

Confidential Opinions About Love

"I'm in favor of love as long as it doesn't happen when 'Dinosaurs' is on television."
Jill, age 6

"Love is foolish ... but I still might try it sometime."
Floyd, age 9

"Love will find you, even if you are trying to hide from it. I been trying to hide from it since I was five, but the girls keep finding me."
Dave, age 8

"I'm not rushing into being in love. I'm finding fourth grade hard enough."
Regina, age 10

On What Falling In Love Is Like

"Like an avalanche where you have to run for your life."
John, age 9

"If falling in love is anything like learning how to spell, I don't want to do it. It takes too long."
Glenn, age 7

Concerning Why Love Happens Between Two Particular People

"One of the people has freckles and so he finds somebody else who has freckles too."
Andrew, age 6

"No one is sure why it happens, but I heard it has something to do with how you smell ... That's why perfume and deodorant are so popular."
Mae, age 9

"I think you're supposed to get shot with an arrow or something, but the rest of it isn't supposed to be so painful."
Manuel, age 8

Happy Valentines Day!

Ro"MAN"ce....Valentines Day should be full of it, but sometimes we get our self stuck in reality! Heres one such look:

Have you noticed that when women uses a kitchen knife for a screwdriver that men go wild and shake their heads like it is something crazy!

Well, what about when they use your best kitchen towel to check the oil in the car...or paint in their best pants , saying that they are only going to paint a little and wont get any on them! Sure! Right!

They mow the yard and ruin shoes when there were 3 pair of grass stained shoes in the garage that everyone has been tripping over for weeks.

Men use a knife to open a can when they cant find a can opener and think they are a genius! Why dont they like electric ones? I think its because they figure out where to put the can!

Now I will have to confess that I have used a shoe, a rock, a metal vase..all in place of a hammer at some time or other.

On occassion I have used a knife for a screwdriver....a garbage bag for a rain coat, and a myriad of other substitutions!

But you see.....women are not exclusive when it comes to using different tools for the job!

hey....hand me that photo...I have something in my teeth!

Reality can be what we make it. Men will always be men and think like they do and we will be women. Let's not forfeit love because of the differences.

Remember how much fun it was to kiss when you couldnt as often as you wanted? Greet your husband with a "lip locker"..it might be the best Valentines present he's had in a long time!

Quick Home Remedies & Cures

Eliminate ear mites. � All it takes is a few drops of Wesson corn oil in your cat's ear... Massage it in, then clean with a cotton ball. Repeat daily for 3 days. The oil soothes the cat's skin, smothers the mites, and accelerates healing.

Kills fleas instantly...Dawn dishwashing liquid does the trick. Add a few drops to your dog's bath and shampoo the animal thoroughly. Rinse well to avoid skin irritations. Good-bye fleas.

� Rainy day cure for dog odor ...Next time your dog comes in from the rain, simply wipe down the animal with Bounce or any dryer sheet, instantly making your dog smell springtime fresh.

Did You Know that drinking two glasses of Gatorade can relieve headache pain almost immediately-- without the unpleasant side effects caused by traditional "pain relievers."

Did you know that Colgate toothpaste makes an excellent salve for burns.

Before you head to the drugstore for a high-priced inhaler filled with mysterious chemicals, try chewing on a couple of curiously strong Altoids peppermints. They'll clear up your stuffed nose.

Achy muscles from a bout of the flu? Mix 1 Tablespoon of horseradish in 1 cup of olive oil. Let the mixture sit for 30 minutes, then apply it as a massage oil, for instant relief for aching muscles.

Sore throat? Just mix 1/4 cup of vinegar with 1/4 cup of honey and take 1 tablespoon six times a day. The vinegar kills the bacteria.

Cure urinary tract infections with Alka-Seltzer. Just dissolve two tablets in a glass of water and drink it at the onset of the symptoms. Alka-Seltzer begins eliminating urinary tract infections almost instantly-- even though the product was never been advertised for this use.

Honey remedy for skin blemishes ... �Cover the blemish with a dab of honey and place a Band-Aid over it. Honey kills the bacteria, keeps the skin sterile, and speeds healing. Works overnight.

Listerine therapy for toenail fungus. Get rid of unsightly toenail fungus by soaking your toes in Listerine mouthwash. The powerful antiseptic leaves your toenails looking healthy again.

Easy eyeglass protection... To prevent the screws in eyeglasses from loosening, apply a small drop of Maybelline Crystal Clear nail polish to the threads of the screws before tightening them.

Cleaning liquid that doubles as bug killer ... If menacing bees, wasps, hornets, or yellow jackets get in your home and you can't find the insecticide, try a spray of Formula 409. Insects drop to the ground instantly.

Smart splinter remover. �Just pour a drop of Elmer's Glue-All over the splinter, let dry, and peel the dried glue off the skin. The splinter sticks to the dried glue.

Hunt's tomato paste boil cure ...cover the boil with Hunt's tomato paste as a compress. The acids from the tomatoes soothe the pain and bring the boil to a head.

Balm for broken blisters... To disinfect a broken blister, dab on a few drops of Listerine. A powerful antiseptic.

Vinegar to heal bruises ... Soak a cotton ball in white vinegar and apply it to the bruise for 1 hour. The vinegar reduces the blueness and speeds up the healing process.

Quaker Oats for fast pain relief... It's not for breakfast any more! Mix 2 cups of Quaker Oats and 1 cup of water in a bowl and warm in the microwave for 1 minute, cool slightly, and apply the mixture to your hands for soothing relief from arthritis pain.

JANUARY

2007 A Great NEW YEAR!!

Here we are starting out another New Year!

Lamentations 3:22 &23 "It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.

Each new year allows each of us to take a long look at where we have been and where we would like to go.
It has been my dream for the past year to have an online LADYBUG. It was a joy of mine to write a monthly paper from 2003 to 2005. What better way to start 2007 than with the rebirth of our paper! This will be a place to share praise items, blessings, recipes and encopuragement! I look forward to having many of you "write" and contribute to the LADYBUGS.

Happy New Year!!

START OVER

When you've trusted God and walked his way
When you've felt his hand lead you day by day
But your steps now take you another way ...
Start over.

When you've made your plans and they've gone awry
When you've tried your best and there's no more try
When you've failed yourself and you don't know why ...
Start over.

When you've told your friends what you plan to do
When you've trusted them and they didn't come through
And you're all alone and it's up to you ...
Start over.

When you've failed your kids and they're grown and gone
When you've done your best but it's turned out wrong
And now your grandchildren come along ...
Start over.

When you've prayed to God so you'll know his will
When you've prayed and prayed and you don't know still ...
When you want to stop cause you've had your fill ...
Start over.

When you think you're finished and want to quit
When you've bottomed out in life's deepest pit
When you've tried and tried to get out of it ...
Start over.

When the year has been long and successes few
When December comes and you're feeling blue
God gives a January just for you ...
Start over.

Starting over means "Victories Won"
Starting over means "A Race Well Run"
Starting over means "God's Will Done"
Don't just sit there ............ ..

START OVER

by Woodrow Kroll of "Back to the Bible"

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ANNUAL LADIES CONFERENCE 2007

COLOR MY WORLD
When: April 13&14
Where: Grandview Baptist Church
14855 S. Leland Rd.
Beaverceek, Oregon 97004
Speakers: Mrs. Ginger Baines
Pastor's wife from Cumming, Georgia
Mrs. Brenda Teft
First Baptist Hammond, Indiana
Cost: $30 if registered by March 19th.
$40 at the door.
Registration begins at 9 am on Friday, April 13th. First session will begin at 10 am. Conference goes all day on Friday and concludes with a luncheon on Saturday. Four meals are included in registration costs. Friday- lunch & dinner. Saturday-Contiential Breakfast & lunch.

Make plans now to be there for a great time!
Is your world colored with RED? DO you stay mad at something or someone most of the time?
Maybe your color is GREEN ? You are filled with envy.
BLUE? Depressed, sad..moody?
Come to the conference and no matter what your color...we hope to help you find a SILVER lining!
Bring a friend or two ! Enjoy the great fellowship!

*********************************************

Putting on a New Face

I remember watching the Jetsons cartoons when I was a young girl. I remember thinking how wonderful it would be if I could be like Mrs. Jetson. She would wake up in the morning and sit on a chair that would take her down a conveyor belt. With the push a few buttons she would arrive at the other end with her clothes on and her hair & make-up done! All in a matter of minutes!
Perhaps it has been a while since you have changed anything about your "look"! Haven't changed lipstick color since high school? Your hair style you picked out of GLAMOUR Magazing 1985? If you are still wearing the same clothes you wore in high school and your class has had two reunions! It's time for a change.
Get a facial. Go to a salon and ask them for a new style. You will feel so good about yourself, you might even break down and get a new outfit. The first of the year is the best time...everything is on sale!
This year- take some time for yourself! You are the only person that can "pencil yourself in" to your schedule.

Our Best Year Ever!

2007 is well on its way to your house. What will you do different this coming year that you didn't do this year, or not do that you did. A new year gives time for reflection, as well as , time to set goals. It is kind of like a blank slate. A second chance. It is the rage according to Television and magazines to make goals concerning weight loss. Many decide to diet on January 1st and then re-think the whole thing January 2nd, when they have a craving for chocolate or potato chips! As a Christian it gives time to make goals for yourself to be a better person. Perhaps more Quiet time, more caring of others, maybe even different avenues of service.Lamentations 3:22-23 It is of the Lord mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassion's fail not. They are new every morning:great is thy faithfulness.2007 will come with its own set of problems and difficulties, but will also come with new aspirations as we run to greet the new year. Let's face it together and make it our best year yet!