tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22025579294358970652024-03-20T04:16:26.843-07:00Purely DomesticHow to Succeed at the Ultimate Job . . . Managing Your HomeKate Freemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08907295003065287790noreply@blogger.comBlogger12125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2202557929435897065.post-71474730270349024722012-07-19T20:10:00.002-07:002012-07-19T20:11:08.276-07:00Back to School Shopping Secrets<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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It is one of my favorite shopping seasons.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Okay, it is not nearly as fun as
Christmas shopping but the school-shopping season can be a lot of fun with a
little planning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is that time
of year when office supply stores desperately compete for your school supply
dollars and with a little wisdom, like the ant you can store up for the
upcoming winter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was on the hunt
for 1-cent (yes, really only 1 penny) tab dividers and notebooks when I came
across something for my husband’s business that he had been wanting for a long
time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Armed with my basket of
cheap school supplies and my 15% off coupon, I was ready to make the splurge
and bring him home a present.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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As I was checking out, the person running the register asked
me if I wanted to donate a $1 to children who couldn’t afford school
supplies.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The thought of a child
having to start back to school without a backpack full of shiny new pens,
pencils, and paper almost brought tears to my eyes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I said yes I would like to donate.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The cashier reaches into a bag and says there is a coupon
for $5 off your order available.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
tried to give $1.00 toward a child and I receive $5.00 off my order that I
wasn’t expecting! The benefits of giving are not always an immediate monetary
gain like I experienced.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You may
never see the look of joy on the face of the child that you touched.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Believe me that no act of kindness ever
goes unnoticed!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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Here are 7 tips to stretch your school-shopping budget:</div>
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<ol start="1" style="margin-top: 0in;" type="1">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><u>Start
Early</u> – Right now many of the office supply stores offer about 3-5 things
per week for under $0.25 each week some are even $0.01.</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><u>Plan
multiple trips</u> – stock up on the cheap things each week instead of trying
to knock off your list in one trip.</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><u>Get in
and get out</u> – know what you are going to buy before your stop.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Remember your time is valuable and
you are making multiple trips to get everything on your list.</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><u>Look
for rebates/loyalty rewards</u> – office supply stores often like to offer
things free after rebate or get 100% back in store credits for
purchases.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Free is Free.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Take the extra step to fill out an
online rebate or sign up for the store loyalty program.</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><u>Plan
for the year</u> – stock up for your kids, household, and business.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Paper doesn’t go bad.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Better to buy 2 extra notebooks
now for $0.10 each than have to go out in March and pay full price.</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><u>Designate
a spot for your stuff</u> – fill your child’s book bag with their stuff for
the 1<sup>st</sup> day of school and put the extra paper, pencils, pens,
and highlighters in a drawer where they can access it as needed during the
school year.</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><u>Don’t
forget about coupons</u> – coupons aren’t just for grocery items.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This time of year you will often
see coupons online and in the Sunday paper for everything from notebooks
to glue sticks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Pair these
with a sale and you can often get these items for free.</li>
</ol>
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Happy Shopping!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I hope this helps you get ready for the upcoming school year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>By using the tips that I listed above I
was able to cut our school supply expenses by 77% for our family!</div>
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<!--EndFragment-->Kate Freemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08907295003065287790noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2202557929435897065.post-89881253006547906912012-07-17T15:58:00.000-07:002012-07-17T15:58:51.551-07:00Turning the Bitter into Sweet<br />
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On Sunday morning, we got to worship with a friend of ours,
Joe Grubbs. He made a statement
that really stuck with me – “Don’t be bitter be better. “ It is easy to allow the words that
others have spoken over us to take on offenses and allow us to be bitter and
take on a cynical attitude to all who are around us. Sometimes the high road is not paved and smooth but rugged
and filled with briars.</div>
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What happens if it is already too late and we have allowed
the bitterness to affect us? Our thinking has become clouded by those
hurts? I have hope for you
today, God is able to turn our bitter waters sweet again. The choice is ours though if we want to
remain the same or coming to a loving God and be honest about our situation. Just like when I take a cup of coffee
with a bitter aftertaste and add some Italian Sweet Cream to it and it is
forever changed. God is able to
take our bitterness and make us sweet again by adding His healing love to our
situation. </div>
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I am sure that there were those that told Jesus that his
loving us was a mistake as He hung on the cross for our sakes. Rather than being bitter his response
was better, “Father, forgive them for they know not what they do.” Bitterness is like acid it does more
damage to the containers that it is stored in then to the object that it is
poured out on. Today, I hope that
you are encouraged to take your bitter hurts and disappointments and lay them
at the feet of a loving God who is able to heal our hearts and allow us to say,
“I Forgive.”</div>
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<span id="goog_1430212223"></span><span id="goog_1430212224"></span></div>Kate Freemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08907295003065287790noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2202557929435897065.post-91619955650978004882012-07-05T22:02:00.000-07:002012-07-05T22:03:02.196-07:00Five Minutes to Your Success<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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When I was doing my social work internship, I came across
the five-minute principle.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One of
my coworkers shared with me that her son had been diagnosed with Attention
Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder or more commonly known as ADHD.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She really wanted to avoid putting him
on medication and so one of the techniques she used with him was to set a timer
for five minutes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If he could
complete five minutes of his schoolwork without getting up, then he was
rewarded with five minutes of free time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Every time he got up before the timer went off, the timer would be reset
for another five minutes with no reward.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>This may sound silly to you but no matter what your attention span is
everyone needs to feel the rush of completing a task.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Completing one task successfully helps spur you on to be
able to complete the next task ahead of you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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I use this same method for household chores.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sure, after a long day at the office
the last thing that you want to do is come home to dirty dishes, a pile of
laundry, and a bunch of hungry family members asking you what is for
dinner.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It would be so much easier
to just crash on the couch for the evening and hope that you had more energy
tomorrow.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, pick one small
task that you can accomplish in five minutes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For example, see if you can unload and reload the dishwasher
in five minutes … you will be amazed at what you can accomplish.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The success of completing that task
will give you energy to try another five-minute task and before you know it you
will be looking around amazed at how quickly you brought order to the
chaos.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am not promising that
your home will look perfect or that you will cook a gourmet meal every night
but if you start somewhere you will be amazed at how easily you went from stressed
to success!</div>
<!--EndFragment-->Kate Freemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08907295003065287790noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2202557929435897065.post-85268363042917777852012-07-01T18:06:00.000-07:002012-07-05T22:03:13.546-07:00Freedom and Gratitude<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidqFUbkSCn7iqA-RUZI8vRERr0CNQMKoPcbbrdn2UnFN4XO_4bIfBmop1TXpRve4cqIXcGQBy3H3rQhyEtrqAJf7gI2BZsGF6AOQBxieGq-a4u__vWP3iFW7AAxlcm4EHRDsnCwpErRCs/s1600/6094_1021486515677_2615114_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidqFUbkSCn7iqA-RUZI8vRERr0CNQMKoPcbbrdn2UnFN4XO_4bIfBmop1TXpRve4cqIXcGQBy3H3rQhyEtrqAJf7gI2BZsGF6AOQBxieGq-a4u__vWP3iFW7AAxlcm4EHRDsnCwpErRCs/s400/6094_1021486515677_2615114_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #b3b3b3;">“Don’t find fault, find a
remedy; anybody can complain.” – Henry Ford</span></div>
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Sitting outside a local Starbucks typing since for the
second time within the last 3 days we are once again without power and Internet
service. Complaining comes
easy. Action takes effort. If you allow it, the circumstances of
life will hinder you from accomplishing anything. There is always an excuse or a reason why we can’t get
something done. Whether it is the
storm that is raging outside, the lack of power, our busy schedule, there is
always a reason that our plans can be thwarted or hindered. <o:p></o:p></div>
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I think about those who have been devastated by severe
storms around the world and realize that a power-outage that can be fixed
within 24-48 hours is nothing more than an inconvenience. Our home is still standing, we drove
down the street to get power, and I can even cook our dinner on the grill if
necessary or grab a burger from the local fast food restaurant. I really have no reason for complaints
and with a little planning I can still accomplish what I set out to do today.<o:p></o:p></div>
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When I think about taking control of life’s circumstances
when it isn’t convenient or easy, my husband always comes to mind. He didn’t let sickness stop him and
kept pressing on. You can read
more about his incredible journey and victory over diabetes and kidney failure
at natefreemanstillstanding.blogspot.com.
<o:p></o:p></div>
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Yes, I truly have so much to be thankful for and in a few
days we will be celebrating our country’s independence. Freedom doesn’t come cheap! The things we so often take for granted
were bought with a costly price.
Jesus said that there is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for
your friends. As we enjoy the
festivities these next few days, I am so grateful for those who laid their
lives down for us to enjoy our freedom.
I am most grateful that Jesus laid down his life to give us true freedom
over sin, sickness, death, hell, and the grave.<o:p></o:p></div>
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May we enjoy this time with our family and friends,
remembering how precious our freedom is. <o:p></o:p></div>Kate Freemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08907295003065287790noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2202557929435897065.post-62453659582416641162012-06-20T23:09:00.001-07:002012-06-20T23:10:48.367-07:00Learning to Love<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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God has taught me a lot about love through my
stepchildren.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have heard many
people say that they have learned to love through their biological
children.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Do I believe that God
places His innate love in the hearts of parents?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yes, we see a glimpse of God’s love in a parent’s ability to
love unselfishly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, how
many times have we seen the headlines that report parent’s doing the most awful
things to their own biological children?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The Bible tells us that God is love and that we are able to love because
He first loved us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>People who
don’t know God can’t love like God loves.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The Bible also teaches us that love for our children are to be taught
from one generation to the next.</div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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God has adopted us into His family. This type of adoption
was a permanent commitment on behalf of the parent, however, the child could
decide at any time to leave the relationship.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What a picture this is of the love of God!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He gives us the choice to opt out of
the family but He will never abandon us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>What a contrast from our society’s adoption system that says if the kid
turns out to be too difficult, return them to the state.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Or if your kids give you too many
problems go ahead and send them across the country to their other parent.</div>
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So back to my step-kids, my heart broke for their time,
their affection, their skinned knees, and the tears streaming down their
eyes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I rejoiced at their
successes and cried at their failures. They came into my life as teenagers and
through their lives I was able to see how much God rejoices over our successes
and cries at our mistakes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How He
loves us even when we don’t love Him back.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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<br /></div>
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Has it always been perfect?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Of course not!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Were their times that I wanted to throw up my hands in frustration?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sure.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is important to remember that love never fails.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When you chose to love it might be hard
at times, but it is always worth it!</div>
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<!--EndFragment-->Kate Freemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08907295003065287790noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2202557929435897065.post-69537091090737708652012-06-17T13:51:00.001-07:002012-06-25T13:58:20.336-07:00Fatherhood<br />
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Too often we recognize the wrong people as heros, such as movie stars and sports figures that don't live a life worthy of recognition. How tragic that the true heros around us often go unnoticed. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTUIiA-xE5ilCf6x0oFQEghLbLahPv19MBUNNm82gkwlAtZYAezPUka1kGuP0cfmwX5eyWoKXi12IR-n-aA2gznLISw-zObmdNGt8Nfglp0yGMy-PkeqXkd1DIkY738drylT4aH-zFtjQ/s1600/IMG_1211.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTUIiA-xE5ilCf6x0oFQEghLbLahPv19MBUNNm82gkwlAtZYAezPUka1kGuP0cfmwX5eyWoKXi12IR-n-aA2gznLISw-zObmdNGt8Nfglp0yGMy-PkeqXkd1DIkY738drylT4aH-zFtjQ/s320/IMG_1211.JPG" width="235" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOtUTcRBWxo0eHMt7Oxwf3tPB21FIICM7mQW1IWKWmWpU5HxkDPFncjT3NS5LspeuO1twjJUO_WgkMlrSpDbCcwGUG0dxrsTIiqXgQhoNwr0P4hNTvvMjcis4g6in9KYbeERk96RmGgQk/s1600/AdobePhotoshopExpress_20120617164412.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="252" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOtUTcRBWxo0eHMt7Oxwf3tPB21FIICM7mQW1IWKWmWpU5HxkDPFncjT3NS5LspeuO1twjJUO_WgkMlrSpDbCcwGUG0dxrsTIiqXgQhoNwr0P4hNTvvMjcis4g6in9KYbeERk96RmGgQk/s320/AdobePhotoshopExpress_20120617164412.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Fatherhood doesn’t come easy. It doesn’t come with lots of thank yous for the sacrifices made. Sadly, the media and our legal system
often devalue it. It doesn’t end
when your child turns 18 and it sure doesn’t get any easier just because they
are “grown”. I am thankful to the
men who chose to stay by their families no matter what it costs them. Those that knew that their first job
was to parent and not be our best friend.
Those who chose to lead us and guide us even when they knew that our response
might be, “I hate you!” as we through a tantrum only to look back and realize
that they really had our best interest at heart. For those who provided security and discipline, and whose
strong arms could comfort our tears. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9ueDEYmcixAnNX4Gab2TccphrBxiYclpoDwPvcmvEEPqqGGIbzquBTp31Z8rtaKAdOg_O1jH-NvDLPcReQzsj0s9nZxhPZ8JxTWbbjWZO9bmXjARuOs_j9FyMYbN4UX38sNMk2c92bY4/s1600/100_0529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9ueDEYmcixAnNX4Gab2TccphrBxiYclpoDwPvcmvEEPqqGGIbzquBTp31Z8rtaKAdOg_O1jH-NvDLPcReQzsj0s9nZxhPZ8JxTWbbjWZO9bmXjARuOs_j9FyMYbN4UX38sNMk2c92bY4/s320/100_0529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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With love this Father’s Day to my Dad, my husband, and my
Father-in-Law. I love you and I
thank God for each of you every day. </div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>Kate Freemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08907295003065287790noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2202557929435897065.post-57907649649257227632012-06-16T00:42:00.000-07:002012-06-16T00:43:05.586-07:00Opportunity Knocks<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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“Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed
in overalls and looks like work.” – Thomas Edison</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgST1vbT_JbZn-dCCoM2ybu0yenUjmioOLe99KfWyr1XhVGhbO0fWfMms-BRihgS703vpPi3rfb4F6GmPOHGi4gZ3um1hV41tPehVX0ZUQUIiXaGrV2mqlCpGJLNWX8TcQubN7EyA4fjrQ/s1600/AdobePhotoshopExpress_20120616033702.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgST1vbT_JbZn-dCCoM2ybu0yenUjmioOLe99KfWyr1XhVGhbO0fWfMms-BRihgS703vpPi3rfb4F6GmPOHGi4gZ3um1hV41tPehVX0ZUQUIiXaGrV2mqlCpGJLNWX8TcQubN7EyA4fjrQ/s1600/AdobePhotoshopExpress_20120616033702.jpg" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
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I like this quote because often the harder you have to work
for something the more value it has. Marriage takes work.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Managing your home takes work.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Making money takes work.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Each of us have different things that come easy for us and
other things that don’t come quite as easy or are just down right
difficult.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For me, schoolwork came
easily.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In fact, I was told in
high school that I would have been a nerd if I didn’t play basketball.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, when it came to driving this
wasn’t the case for me, in fact, I failed my driving test twice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I didn’t quit just because it was
difficult for me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The freedom that
a driver’s license brings to a teenager is an easy goal to work for.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What about the things that are
difficult when the result doesn’t bring immediate gratification?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was helping Trey with Geometry
homework the other day and there is no immediate teenage gratification for acing
a Geometry test in the same way there is for getting a license.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On a sunny spring day when all you want
to do is go outside and all your friends are texting you, how do you sit at a
desk and work Geometry problems?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
A favorite quote for our family is “If it were easy, every
one would do it!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have been
saying that a lot around here as Nate furthers his education.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you are chasing after a dream and it
gets difficult, now is not the time to give up!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Kate Freemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08907295003065287790noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2202557929435897065.post-46579716525088928812012-06-07T21:55:00.001-07:002012-06-07T22:04:12.219-07:00Touching Video on Being a Mom<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #b3b3b3; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14px;">The other day as I was searching for a rebate and I came across this youtube video. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #b3b3b3; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14px;">Thought that I would share this link from Procter and Gamble entitled "Best Job in the World". Very touching message! I hope you enjoy it as much as I did. As they say on their website, "<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">Being a mom is the hardest job in the world. But it's also the best." We don't say it often enough, "Thank you Mom!" </span></span><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NScs_qX2Okk" target="_blank">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NScs_qX2Okk</a><br />
<br />
<br />Kate Freemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08907295003065287790noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2202557929435897065.post-76239598527914557682012-06-05T02:07:00.001-07:002012-07-05T22:03:53.486-07:00Faith like a Recipe<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg0Vj4uv5-fuYPkdxdE2CXm6FyqgPz8tSzdXI_l4KbzTZHwKKCxuFXr8FHX2BpPI9M3FhfRBAQrfNMWNVVEsqNnmeO58s0JnE1EiF6iDbYMQ6iDvMrJDmqp-m1B2jrPmvGXPifmpm4tHE/s1600/cake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg0Vj4uv5-fuYPkdxdE2CXm6FyqgPz8tSzdXI_l4KbzTZHwKKCxuFXr8FHX2BpPI9M3FhfRBAQrfNMWNVVEsqNnmeO58s0JnE1EiF6iDbYMQ6iDvMrJDmqp-m1B2jrPmvGXPifmpm4tHE/s1600/cake.jpg" /></a></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
I was contemplating adding a recipe for my newest homemade
cooking endeavor when it hit me that our faith is like a recipe.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I remember asking my mom for her chili
recipe and she told me all the ingredients but no proportions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I asked her for some exact measurements
and she said that you just put it in till it looks and tastes right.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I remember always wanting an exact
recipe as I started out cooking and now I tend to throw different ingredients
together until it tastes just right.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When people ask what my secret ingredient is for a recipe, I
like to joke that it is love.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Think of it this way:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>love
is to faith as warm water is to yeast.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Just as yeast can sit dormant for months and then become activated upon
hitting warm water, so our faith can lie dormant until it is added to
love.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Bible tells us that our
faith is activated through love.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We can have all the right ingredients. For example, we can know what the
Bible says and we can say all the right “Christian” cliché sayings. However,
our faith will not activate if we are not loving God and loving others.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When I think about faith, I find often we are looking for an
exact recipe for a miracle.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
thing that I have found when talking to people who have a deep walk with the
Lord and have experienced His hand move mightily on their behalf, they can give
me the ingredients for faith but not the proportions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Faith isn’t about how many hours a day you read your Bible
or how long you pray or how many days you fast.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Faith is learning to trust in a loving God by knowing who He
is and His character.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Of course,
we cannot really know someone unless we have spent time with him or her. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
One evening around midnight I was ready to fall into bed
exhausted and Brittany told me, “I just remembered I have to bring brownies to
school tomorrow.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Off to the store
we went for the necessary ingredients and as I began to make the brownies my
eyelids grew very heavy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As soon
as I heard the timer go off, I pulled the pan out of the oven and went straight
to bed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I woke a few hours later
to realize that the brownies were a gooey mess.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In my haste to get to bed, I forgot to check to see if they
were really done.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had all the
right ingredients but I tried to rush the baking process.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If only I had left the brownies in the
oven for 5 more minutes, the results would have been so different.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How often does that happen in our lives
where we are tired and want to rush the faith process?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The result: our lives become a gooey
mess!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Just because someone else
received his or her miracle instantly doesn’t mean that you will receive yours
in the same timing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My husband
received a miracle this past year that was 38 years in the making!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I want to encourage you today to not
give up!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As we go about our busy days, preparing our meals, may we
have faith like a recipe!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Faith
that tastes just right activated by love and not a gooey mess.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
<!--EndFragment--><br />
<!--EndFragment-->Kate Freemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08907295003065287790noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2202557929435897065.post-1833129757218023862012-06-03T13:32:00.001-07:002012-06-03T13:35:43.976-07:00Homemade Hot Pockets<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Today I thought I would try my hand at some homemade Hot
Pockets. I would suggest if you
have a teenager in the house that you plan to double this recipe. I found that the recipe made 12 and
after lunch only 5 remained to freeze for snacks. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj80s4-E_Ay5E_J28NK8vI3nFgoRPSuADycQ5Pf-NCZNeGlQXi4Ih2cJ2cJu_jm394iTPOzVx_DUeZiuk_fDJDOqAkoF2btXKGJoQ_XdLlSQkMBt07ocRUAdNrpruu2u1U9KK-YPMteJ0w/s1600/hotpocket.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj80s4-E_Ay5E_J28NK8vI3nFgoRPSuADycQ5Pf-NCZNeGlQXi4Ih2cJ2cJu_jm394iTPOzVx_DUeZiuk_fDJDOqAkoF2btXKGJoQ_XdLlSQkMBt07ocRUAdNrpruu2u1U9KK-YPMteJ0w/s1600/hotpocket.JPG" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Plan about an hour for prep, cook, and clean up. No waiting
on dough to rise. Hint: I clean up while I cook so I can sit
down and enjoy with my family when they are done and not come back to a mess.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Things that I like about this recipe:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Wingdings;">v<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span>Freezable
– let cool completely, freeze, reheat in microwave for about 2 minutes</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Wingdings;">v<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span>Teenager
approved – Trey told me that one-day I would be on HGTV!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Wingdings;">v<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span>Inexpensive
– don’t forget to watch for sales and coupons for your fillers</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Wingdings;">v<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span>Great
way to “hide” leftovers . . . I am thinking of making some with chicken,
broccoli and cheese.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Recipe for Homemade Hot Pockets:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Dough Pocket:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Dissolve 3 packages of active dry yeast in 1 cup of <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman Bold';"><b>warm</b></span> milk</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Mix in 3 ½ Tablespoons sugar and 1-teaspoon salt</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Gradually add in 3 cups of flour</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Filling:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Use your imagination</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Example: Ham and Cheese or Pepperoni, Cheese, and Spaghetti Sauce</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Mix until dough pulls away from side of bowl and continue to
kneed for about 5 minutes. Divide
dough into 12 pieces and roll into a ball. Using a rolling pin, roll into rectangles. Put filling on ½ of the rectangle and
then fold other half over and pinch all sides together securely so no filling
comes out during backing.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Bake in oven at 350 degrees for 15-20 minutes.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Please let me know if you try it and how it works out for
you and also if you come up with a good variation.</div>Kate Freemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08907295003065287790noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2202557929435897065.post-31927808593891008832012-05-30T12:05:00.001-07:002012-05-30T17:58:01.103-07:00Everyone has a Hustle<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px;"><br /></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px;">One day my husband’s uncle told me that everyone has a
hustle. He then proceeded to ask
me about my hustle. I promptly
answered that I go to work 8 hours a day and come home and enjoy my
family. I laugh as I look back on
that day because I realize that many people we meet in life do have a motive or
an agenda and I often find myself thinking, “What is their hustle?” Today, I probably would answer that
question differently. It might
sound something like this, “Kate is my name and couponing is my game.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px;">Life doesn’t always turn out the way that we plan it. One year into our marriage, my husband
started getting violent ill each morning.
He fought through it and continued to head into work. Then he stated having difficulty hearing
and doctors said that tubes in his ears would alleviate the problem. We went to the hospital thinking that
we would be out in an hour or so and on our way to have a much-needed lunch
date. The nurses began to scurry
around and we soon learned that they couldn’t do the ear procedure because my
husband’s kidneys were failing. He needed emergency dialysis. At the age of 29, this was not how I
planned for life to go. This leads
me back to that idea of having a hustle.
I soon realized that if we were just making ends meet on two incomes,
that one income over the next year would be nearly impossible. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px;">One of the only things that my husband could drink during
that time was Cranberry juice – the 100% juice variety. If there is anything I hate, it is
telling my husband or kids that we can’t afford something. I knew that there just had to be a way
to get the juice he needed; and so my hustle began. Maybe I went a little overboard as my husband shook his head
in amazement seeing 9 bottles of cranberry juice on the counter. Through watching sales and using
coupons, I spent less than $9.00 for what would have previously cost us
$36.00. If I had figured this out
as an amateur, what could I get if I put a little effort into this couponing
idea? </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px;">I know what is like to wonder what you will do for Christmas
. . . to face a mountain of bills . . . to wonder when things will change. Our
story doesn’t end in struggle and loss but one of victory. There were many hard days but God never
left our side. Our bills were paid
and my husband received a double transplant. I continue to coupon and watch for sales knowing that saving
money each week on groceries will allow my family to enjoy other things and to
be able to bless those around us. Yes, I will admit it. I get a rush from getting things for
free or discounted. Not things
that we would never use or enjoy but what our family really wants. There is a thrill in walking out of the
store with things that you got for </span><span style="font-size: medium; font-variant: small-caps;"><b>free</b></span> <u style="font-size: 14px;">legally</u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px;">. Who knows, you may see me with my purse-sized
coupon bag in a store near you! </span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px;">***</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px;">Do you want to hear more about my husband’s story? Please
visit <a href="http://natefreemanstillstanding.blogspot.com/">"Still standing"</a></span></div>Kate Freemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08907295003065287790noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2202557929435897065.post-3681422267162007932012-05-26T23:11:00.001-07:002012-05-30T12:06:32.035-07:00Family<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I don’t have what some would refer to as the traditional
family. I live with my loving
husband Nate and my wonderful stepson Trey. My stepson Myles, stepdaughter Brittany and son-in-law
Brandon live miles away. We are
not the dad and mom, with 2.5 kids.
We don’t have a white picket fence around our yard but we have two dogs
that do their best to terrorize the neighbors! Although not traditional, I would not trade my family for
anything!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">While making dinner tonight, Trey told me that homemade is
“the imperfect perfection”. It
doesn’t always look like what you would find in a high quality restaurant but
it sure tastes like something that you can’t get anywhere else. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">People look for family in all different places and once
again I go back to that thought about homemade. Yes, family is that imperfect perfection. Would we choose all the members of our
own families? I would guess that
most would answer that question as no.
However, as imperfect as each member might be (including ourselves)
there is something so comforting about being surrounded by those you love. Our families share our greatest joys
and our deepest sadness. They know
our greatest triumphs and our most devastating failures. Yet somehow love us through it
all. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">So where did the idea of family come from? I believe that it formed in the heart
of God, our loving Father. God who
loved us enough to know that we would mess it up and yet still wanted us to
experience the joy that comes from having children. God who knew that it was not good for man to be alone and He
wanted man to have the companionship of a woman made just for him. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>Kate Freemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08907295003065287790noreply@blogger.com2