Nena's Notes

Fancy Grilled Cheese Sandwich

2011-03-20T19:15:00.000-07:00

Well, it has been along time since I blogged. I wanted to share a recipe that I made last night. Ken and I really enjoyed it. My niece always says that I am the queen of making grilled cheese sandwiches. This has a real twist to the sandwich.
FANCY GRILLED CHEESE SANDWICHES
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
2 cups shredded mozarella cheese
5 oz. softened cream cheese
1 and 1/4 cup mayonnaise (not salad dressing)
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Combine. It forms a nice spreadable cheese mixture. Butter both sides of your bread. Spread on the bread and top with another slice. Cook on the griddle until golden brown on both sides and cheese is melted.
Oh, it is ooey gooey good. Enjoy.

I look forward to getting back to blogging and sharing. There is more to come.
Blog to ya later!!

Love

2009-04-14T20:14:00.001-07:00

Feet

2009-01-28T18:36:00.000-08:00

Well, it has been awhile since I blogged. I cannot believe January is almost over and February is around the corner. It has been a busy month. My dad has had trouble with his legs and feet and a couple of sores. I am thankful that Jeff (my sweet son in law) was observant to notice my dad's sores were oozing. We took him to the doctor and the sores have taken a great deal of time to heal. He goes to therapy three times a week. Every day involves nursing the sores and wrapping his legs with a unique technique to help alleviate fluid in his legs. His legs and feet were extremely dry. So, daily I am lathering his feet and legs with lanolin and other cream. Scriptural references come to mind of children sitting at Jesus feet and Jesus washing his disciples feet and then requesting that they wash each others feet. You can probably see my face grimace, thinking about washing others feet. And here I am sitting at my Dad's feet and tending to them gently and carefully. I am thinking how many miles these feet have travelled. He grew up on a farm with much work to do with his dad. He served in the Army in WWII and was a medic and had to tend to many wounded soldiers with life threatening situations. He married my mom and together they had three children. He worked hard to keep our family going. He helped my mom to go to college and get her teaching degree. He worked overtime to allow all of us to go to summer camps and other events. I am reminded of the times that that dad tended to my brothers and me when we were kids. We all had broken bones at one time or another, my older brother was mowing one day and came to the door with a rod that went through his ankle, and then when I had to have stitches over my eye and my twin brother had stitches on his toe. He grieved when his oldest son was killed in an accident. When he retired, he would help me so much when I had my kiddos and especially when Erin would have to go to dr. appts. HE was wonderfully strong and helpful to me when Erin was in the hospital in Wichita Falls and was encouraging to me. He was smitten with Sarah and always enjoyed taking her and Jon places. He was especially strong when my mom became ill and tended to her needs with such a positive attitude. And watched over her till her death. He especially loves his family and is such a positive, humble, and generous man. He is definitely caring and compassionate man. His love and care extend past my brother and myself and grandkids. He deeply cares about his siblings, neices and nephews and those on my moms side. He cares about our friends, as well. And then I sit at his feet thinking, I am definitely blessed to be able to serve him in a small, small way.
Something that I did not especially look forward to has turned into a sweet blessing.
Blog to ya later!!

Another Tag

2008-12-18T19:56:00.000-08:00

Tag fever
8 things you've always wondered about me! (or maybe not!) I was tagged by Sarah.

8 Favorite Restaurants:
1. J. Gilligans
2. El Fenix
3. Texas Roadhouse
4. Pasadas
5. Candlelight Inn
6. Al's
7. Spring Creek Barbecue
8. Sweet Tomato

8 Things that Happened Today:
1. Woke up (that's always good!)
2. Watched Rudette at school. (the kids love her)
3. Had lunch with Kathy (she makes me laugh)
4. Checked my email
5. Packaged oyster crackers for gifts
6. Prepared gift bags for Jodi and Connie (the girls that I work with)
7. Went to pick up some prescriptions
8. Blogged

8 Things I Look Forward To:
1. 2 weeks of time off
2. seeing my Sarah, Jeff and especially Colin
3. seeing my Erin and spending time with her
4. hearing my Jon sing at the candlelight service
5. Christmas and remembering the real meaning of the season
6. Spending time with dear friends
7. After Christmas shopping
8. 2009 and let our little lights shine

8 Things I'm Scared Of:
1. losing my children
2. heights
3. loneliness
4. retirement (even though I look forward to it)
5. falling
6. snakes
7. driving in bad weather
8. the unknown

8 Things I Wish For:
1. Closer relationship with our Lord.
2. Clean and organized home.
3. My kids living closer to the Metroplex
4. That my kids follow and serve the Lord with all their hearts.
5. Erin be safe in her new home.
6. A maid
7. Weight loss (I will have to forget those favorite restaurants)
8. A kitchen redo.

8 Things I Watch on TV:
1. Dancing with the Stars
2. Wheel of Fortune (with my Dad)
3. Designed to Sell
4. Little People, Big World
5. Are you Smarter that a Fifth Grader
6. Jeopardy
7. Channel 8 News
8. Design on A Dime

Tag all those that have not done it yetl
Blog to ya later.

I have been tagged

2008-12-09T20:29:00.000-08:00

Sarah tagged me! Rules are, you must list 5 addictions and pass it to 5 people!
Addiction-an abnormally strong craving

1. My kids and husband. I truly care for them and wonder what is going on in their lives. And pray that God blesses them every day.
2. I crave having my friends around and and love to be with them. I need people and their friendship and fellowship.
3. I absolutely love garage sales and flea markets. There is a rush inside me to find a great deal. And repurposing things.
4. Mexican food is definitely an addiction. I really need to work on that addiction.
5. Shopping. I am addicted to finding great deals.
6. One more, HGTV.

I tag: Sharla, Joyia, Mary, and whoever else wants to admit their addictions.

Happy Holidays

2008-11-29T18:22:00.000-08:00

Christmas time is my favorite time of the year. I remember as a child going to my Grandma and Granddaddy's house. There were a bunch of cousins and we all slept on the floor and the next day Santa had come. I never could figure out how he knew where we were going to be on Christmas morning. Then there was a time that my brothers and I would search every inch of the house looking for our gifts. We never could find them. Mom and Dad knew we would look. One Christmas, I broke my arm just before Christmas. I got the whole week off for the holidays. I spent one Christmas in the hospital with my newborn son. He was due like January 5 and came on Christmas eve. I have a twin brother and his first son was born on Christmas eve, too. Is that weird? My sister in law and I use to have an ongoing battle with Scrabble on Christmas Eve. She always won. I really think that she made up alot of words. I always said that the kids sucked all the brain cells out of my head and that is why I could not win. My mother loved to make wonderful foods. She made apricot coconut balls, cookies, Martha Washington balls, trash, oyster crackers, pies, rice and broccoli casserole and much much more. She always had sausage rolls and scrambled eggs for Christmas morning. I really miss those times. I will share some of the recipes with you during the holidays. Giving is a special time for me. I really love it with Cman. He is so cute and it will be fun watching him at Christmas time. I will have some cute things for him to have under the tree. It is always a joy to give to Erin, Jon, Sarah and Jeff, too. I miss Christmas day with my family.
We have shopped for a family that is less fortunate. I am praying that the family has a blessed Christmas Day. I am trying to think of something very special for the family, so that they really understand the true meaning of the holiday season.
I am blessed and know that Jesus is the reason of the season.

Lord, I pray that everything that I do and say this wonderful holiday season, that it will be honoring to You.
Happy Holidays!
Blog to ya later!

2008-11-26T21:27:00.000-08:00

1. Two Names You Go By: Ms. Nena and MomMom
2. Things You Are Wearing Right Now: old robe
3. Two Things You Want Very Badly At The Moment: that my girls (which includes one son in law and the cutest grandson) lived closer to home and that Erin is safe and happy in her home.
4. Two people who you look up to: my dad and my Aunt Dorothy
5. Two things you did last night: shopping and ate out with Sarah and Jeff
6. Two things you ate yesterday: fried green beans (very interesting) mashed potatoes
7. Two people you last talked to: Sarah and Erin
8. Two Things you're doing tomorrow: eat and browse the ads.
9. Two longest car rides: Texas to Minnesota and Texas to South Carolina
10. Favorite Holidays : Christmas and Easter
11. Favorite Vacations : Scotland and Canada
12. Last trip: Arlington to Marshall
13. Two favorite beverages: Diet Dr. Pepper and Pibb Zero

May we be ever mindful of all our many blessings today and always.
Blog to ya later!

Reality

2008-11-16T17:53:00.000-08:00

Reality is big. Television has many reality shows, people surviving huge challenges on Survivor, The Biggest Loser, talent shows, dancing, singing, etc. These all include winners and losers. They work so hard to get cut from the shows at the mercy of judges and the influence of America.

I am so glad that reality is not that way. Reality is all around us. Challenges are huge and sometimes it seems unbearable.

My sweet dear friend, who desparately desires a child and keeps her faith and knows that she belongs to a Big God and wants to serve Him.
Another sweet friend who faces divorce with a young child and is doing what she can do to take care of this young son.
Another young couple with young children and desire to serve God in a great and mighty way in the ministy and doors are not opening.
Others, who face financial burdens.
Many dear saints who have lost their loved one.
Young families facing a life time of a child with special needs.
Many of us are facing challenging time with aging parents.
I call these times "faith building experiences". This is reality. An opportunity for us to pray and help our fellow Christian friends.

We win when we desire to to follow God and put Him first.
We can sit on reality or it can direct us closer to God.
Reality tells alot about us, for we are being watched.
Reality can bring about pain, but it can bring great glory to God.
Reality can be used to build great character.

In reality, I look back on the journey I have had with my special needs child. She will be 24 in January. God was preparing me to do the work that I do now. The experiences have given me many wonderful friendships that I would not have had. God used many people to pray for our family. She has been an incredible blessing to our family. When spiritually, physically, mentally, and emotionally sapped God was and is there.

In reality, God is on His throne and there are no losers.

God, I pray for those hurting. You know every need and desires of their hearts. I know that You are building character and preparing them for great things to come. Help us to be patient and praise You in all things. Help me to be sensitive to the needs of others. AMEN

Tis the Season

2008-11-02T20:32:00.000-08:00

I just love the fall, the crisp mornings, the rich and warm colors of the falling leaves and thankful for all of God's great blessings. God's provision is all around us all of the time.
I am most thankful for all of my family. Even though in distance, I am most proud of Sarah and Jeff and their following God's will in their lives. And I am sooo thankful for Colin and the joy that he has brought in our lives. And I cannot wait to see him and play with him. I am thankful that Jon is working and really enjoys his job. Then, of course, I am thankful that God has provided a home for Erin. Erin is autistic and I have always called her our free spirit. Several years ago, my faith was very weak concerning her future. I really had a time dealing with my weak faith and getting myself to trust God in all things. Many of you know that my faith was almost completely sapped at that time, but God has an uncanny way of showing Himself to me when I needed it. Family and friends were so important. They rallied around me and my family and there was great protection from Satan taking control.
Many of you are dealing with difficult times in your life. Please, know that God is there and He is working and loves you and wants you to be obedient. He will provide.
I also, am thankful for my dad. He lives with us and he just turned 84. He loves to talk and tells some funny stories and some not so funny and I believe that he is so wise. I am blessed to have my dad.
I am thankful for Ken. He has always been a great provider and served our family in a wonderful way. And he puts up with me.
I am blessed with alot of extended family, even though I do not get to see them as much as I would like to, there are strong bonds of love.
I am thankful for my friends. I love to gab with them and pour out my heart to them and they still love me.
I am so thankful for all the joy filled blessings that have come to me through God's great love. It is a taste of all the good things that are to come.
Have a blessed day!!
Blog to ya later!!

Questions

2008-10-26T18:03:00.000-07:00

It is hard for me to say anything in 2 words or less, but I will try.

Rules: answer the following questions in 2 words or less.....

1. Where is your cell phone? -- table
2. Where is your significant other? -- watching tv
3. Your haircolor? --brown
4. Your mother? in Heaven
5. Your father? -- sleeping
6. Your favorite thing? -- flea markets
7. Your dream last night? -- don't know
8. Your dream/goal? -- long life
9. The room you're in? -- den
10. Your hobby? -- decorating
11. Your fear? -- rejection
12. Where do you want to be in 6 years? -- with family
13. Where were you last night? -- home
14. What you're not? -- thin
15. One of your wish-list items? -- new car
16. Where you grew up? -- Arlington
17. The last thing you did? -- paid bills
18. What are you wearing? -- jeans
19. Your TV? -- Cinderella Man
20. Your pet? --none
21. Your computer? -- black
22. Your mood? -- very content
23. Missing someone? -- Colin Man
24. Your car? -- getting old
25. Something you're not wearing? -- jewelry
27. Your summer? -- so busy
28. Love someone? -- my family
29. Your favorite color? -- green
30. When is the last time you laughed? -- Last night
31. When is the last time you cried? -- Mother's Day

Rules:list 6 things I value and 6 things I don't and then pass this award on to 6 people!6 things I value:
1. God's love, salvation, and fellowship
2. Ken, Jonathan, Sarah, Jeff, Erin and especially Colin
3. Jeff and Sarah following God's will, even though it is too far from home.
4. Dear Friends (Janice, Sharla, Sharon, etc.)
5. Twin Brother and my dad
6. Quiet time

6 things I don't value:
1. being hooked on pathwords
2. not using my time wisely
3. people who are desparately needy without reason
4. people who take advantage of the system
5. parents who do not take responsibility for their children
6. talking too much without saying anything with real meaning.

Blog to ya later!!!

Fun Weekend

2008-10-19T19:06:00.001-07:00

I had such a fun weekend. Ken and I went to Marshall. All along the way there were garage sales and mini flea markets. We bought little Colin a drum. He loved it. We also bought a little cow flashlight. You push the button and the mouth opens with the light on and it moos. He was not thrilled with it at all. I thought that it was cute. We got to Marshall and went to Sarah's school. I went with her to pick up Colin. He is such a big boy now. He is walking alot and talking alot, too. I am again reminded how fast kids grow. We went to eat and shopped a little. We got up early on Saturday and went east on Hwy. 80 for more sales. Sarah and Colin went with us. Sarah found a few other things. We had to get back because the other grandparents were coming. Erin was expecting to see us, too. She always likes to go eat and go to KMart. She is a hoot. She is doing so well and looks great. She looks like she is losing weight. She walks on the tread mill everyday.
Better go. Blog to ya later.

Addendum, aka a blog update

2008-09-30T17:34:00.000-07:00

Okay, I could not stop with 7 quirky things about myself. I must confess a few others.
8. When I sleep, I have to stick at least one foot out from the covers.
9. I don't like to pull the cotton out from the aspirin bottle. It is creepy. I do have sensory issues.
10. I love pens. I cannot go into a store without looking at the pen aisle.
Please do not hold these quirky things against me. That is what makes me unique. I will update more as I think of them.

I am a believer that everyone in this world has a purpose. Each of my kiddos are so different but have great purpose in this world. I read this inspirational thought today and it has much truth in it. It is the ABC's of a Purposeful Life:

Always put God first in your life.
Be a true friend and you will have many friends.
Count and thank God for your many blessings daily.
Discipline yourself. Decide to make your life count.
Edify and encourage others consistently.
Follow great leaders and then become one.
Give liberally and joyfully of your time, talents and means.
Have an attitude of gratitude.
Invert any negatives thrown your way. Turn them into positives.
Journey through life one step and one day at a time.
Keep written goals set ahead. Make specific plans to accomplish them.
Love and forgive everybody.
Maximize your strengths and minimize your weaknesses.
Never, never, never give up!
Practice patience. Promote peace.
Quit bad habits by replacing them with good habits.
Read God's Word and other profitable material every chance you get.
Share the Gospel whenever and wherever possible.
Take time to appreciate everything and everyone God has given you.
Use your God given common sense.
Visualize your dreams and stretch to reach for them.
Watch, listen and pray without ceasing.
Xamine your motives on a regular basis.
Yield to the Holy Spirit when He prompts you.
Zoom in on God's real purpose for your life.
Author unknown

It is truly a basis for a happy and purposeful life. There is so much to do, learn, give and see.
We are so blessed.
Blog to ya later!!

I have been tagged-7 Quirky things about me

2008-09-29T18:57:00.000-07:00

Sarah tagged me:
1. I don't like the feel of velvet. It gives me the creeps!!!!
2. I don't like tea. It is sooooo gross!!!
3. I have a difficult time when I get a pedicure. My feet are so ticklish.
4. I have to sleep with alot of pillows.
5. I am a list maker, and then forget to use them.
6. I don't like to drive the interstate. It is much more fun to go through small towns and see the sights. It is amazing what you get to see in small towns.
7. I really love garage sales and flea markets.
Everybody I know has been tagged.

Y'all have a great week and I will blog ya later!!

Ranger Game

2008-09-23T20:37:00.000-07:00

Last night we went to the Ranger game. They went into extra innings. The game was not over until 11:05. That is way past my time to be home. I would not have minded being out so late, if they had won. We had great seats and I always enjoy the games, as Ken takes pictures of the players at bat. I sometimes wonder if he knows what the score is. He probably took 300 pictures. I just enjoy watching people. And I often wonder what these people do and wonder what their lives are about.
We spent the weekend with Colin in Marshall. Sarah and Jeff were leading their youth in a Disciple Weekend. So, on Saturday, Ken and Colin and I went to Jefferson and did some shopping and looking at the old, beautiful homes. That is a fun place to go. I enjoy going to East Texas since both of my daughters live there. Erin lives in a group home in Longview and is doing great. And Sarah lives about 30 minutes down the road in Marshall. I am looking for fun things to do when we are there. I always want to see the sights and activities that are there.
Hope y'all have a blessed day. Blog to you later.

Thankful that my girls are okay

2008-09-14T17:35:00.000-07:00

Hurricane Ike went through Marshall and Longview (where my daughters live) and created havoc. I am thankful that they are safe. Sarah is going to put up pictures soon of the damage done in Marshall. You will be able to see them at http://notelpats.blogspot.com Blog to ya later!

Nena