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RE: Diane's Thoughts both deep and not so deep! - 12/2/2005 10:48:36 PM
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dianetavegia
Posts: 2000
Joined: 8/23/2005
From: Southern Baptist, Non Calvinist, Pro Life Ga. girl
Status: offline
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Hello Everyone! Welcome to Diane's thoughts, both deep and not so deep on this cold December evening!
I hope everyone had a great day and a nice supper. I did extra childcare today for a little one born with some mild Cerebral Palsy. He's running, climbing, hugging, kissing, grabbing my HUGE lab puppy by both ears and kissing him in the mouth, chasing the cat, helping me burp the Cystic Fibrosis baby and just enjoying himself. It was a nice bit of extra money too!
We had a fun supper. Jon took off work. He has 4 days vacation left to be used before Jan. 1 so my boys got really silly at supper. Must have been something in the Taco's. EEK! I told them there must be a special place in heaven for women who live with all men!
Jim worked late again and then took some Christmas items to a family who just moved into the area and left behind many of their things. Seems like there are so many needs this time of year.
Nick has practice for his home school band concert tomorrow for 2 hours in another town. I think we'll spend a little time trying to find a few Christmas gifts while he's there. Next Saturday is his concert. This is his first year in band and he's playing trumpet. I am a saint! He practices 3 times a day. I do not cover my ears!
Well, enjoy your evening and keep warm. Christmas is coming SOON!
 
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My Official "Naughty or Nice" Ranking - 12/5/2005 7:00:13 PM
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dianetavegia
Posts: 2000
Joined: 8/23/2005
From: Southern Baptist, Non Calvinist, Pro Life Ga. girl
Status: offline
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Happy December 5th to all! Can you believe it's only 18 days til Christmas?
Hey, I just got this........
The Official "Naughty or Nice" Ranking
for Diane: Nice (A+)
Dated this Monday, December 05, 2005
At The North Pole
Ho! Ho! Ho! Diane!
Congratulations Diane!! You really are so good that you should be the angel on top of the tree!
Everyone at the North Pole, including me, is very proud of you Diane! Keep up the wonderful work!
Merry Christmas!
Santa Claus
I must admit..... I know I've been very good this year so was not worried a bit! Santa and I go way back!
Meanwhile, it was a bit of a long day. The infant with Cystic Fibrosis didn't feel well and fussed no matter how much walking, dancing, singing, feeding, rocking I did. His mom was much later than usual too.
Tomorrow my 4 year old day care child returns. He's been at Grandma's house for 12 days. He comes at 5:45 so I MUST go to bed on time tonight! No real excuse to stay up! The kitchen's cleaned, clothes are folded, we've got plenty of Christmas DVD's to lull me to sleep.... Oh I'll think of SOMETHING! LOL
Next week I'll have another newborn. Her name is Sadie and she weighs only 9 pounds at 9 weeks. She's beautiful! I'll not have her again until school starts again in Jan., but I'm SO thankful for the extra income!
Wishing you all a warm and cozy night....... and
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Three Wise Men? NOT! - 12/7/2005 9:30:27 PM
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dianetavegia
Posts: 2000
Joined: 8/23/2005
From: Southern Baptist, Non Calvinist, Pro Life Ga. girl
Status: offline
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Hi Everyone, Boy what a wild bunch in AWANA tonight! WHEW!
I taught them about the birth of Jesus. I explained that the manger was a feeding trough with fresh hay. The stable was most probably a cave, since the homes in Bethlehem were on the side of hills (limestone), and the stable would have been where the Inn Keeper let his guests put their animals.
I explained that since the Star appeared when Jesus was born, the wise men (NOT THREE! NEVER does the Bible say 3 wisemen nor Kings) would have gotten their supplies and helpers together, set off from Persia, 1,200 miles away, on camels and probably arrived about a year later. I also explained that these wise men knew the scripture well enough and had faith that it was true so that they were watching for the star to appear. One of the verses I used for this said that Joseph and Mary took pigeons as an offering when they took Jesus to temple, so certainly they had no gold or other fine gifts yet.
I told them how the gifts from the Magi had special importance.
Gold was a gift for a King! Jesus is the King of Kings!
Frankincense was burned by the priests during special days to help prayers on their way to heaven. In fact, priest comes from a word that means 'builder of a bridge' and Jesus bridged the gap between God and sinful man, US!
Then I told them about myrrh being used in burials and reminds us that Jesus was born to die. Also, myrrh is known as the Balm of Gilead and comes from a fir tree.... our Christmas tree.
I told them the best Christmas gift of all is Jesus!
I give my lessons to kids in Kindergarten through grade 2 and they soak in a good bit. The kids love to please me by reminding me of past lessons. I really believe God called me to teach the little ones about His precious Son!
I hope everyone has had a lovely night. We're expecting some rain tonight and tomorrow morning but with very low temps. Seems like the only time we get sleet or snow, it happens at night! I miss snow SO much and wish it would snow during the day and enough that the children could go out and play.
God Bless and Keep you Safe!
Diane Tavegia
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Want to see 2 of our Christmas Trees? Here they are! - 12/9/2005 8:14:50 PM
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dianetavegia
Posts: 2000
Joined: 8/23/2005
From: Southern Baptist, Non Calvinist, Pro Life Ga. girl
Status: offline
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This tree is in our bedroom. The glass balls are actually a shade of pale mauve.
Here's one 'shot' of our tree in our living room.
Here's a close up.
Nick's room is a mess so I didn't take one of his tree.
Diane
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Saturday was a BUSY day! - 12/10/2005 9:09:36 PM
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dianetavegia
Posts: 2000
Joined: 8/23/2005
From: Southern Baptist, Non Calvinist, Pro Life Ga. girl
Status: offline
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When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceedingly great joy. Matthew 2:10
Happy Saturday Evening to all! Hope you enjoyed seeing two of our trees. I took a picture of Nick's tree but something has messed up on our camera software, hubby uninstalled it and now we can't find the disc to reload. EEK!
What a busy, busy day! Nick had his Home School Band Recital and they did really well. We went to Wendy's for lunch. We NEVER eat fast food but it was good. We made a trip to Wal-Mart and Kroger to pick up some things we needed and then came home to do our chores.
Jon blew the leaves in the front yard into the large flower beds for us and then did around the fence in the backyard. Our backyard is about 3/4ths of an acre and we have about 100 trees of different sizes in our yard so this is no small chore. Then Jon put up my 3 lighted deer, matching Christmas tree and lampost. He put the greenery and lights on the railings out front and then put red/ white, red/ white lights in that. It looks really pretty.
Jim and Nick cleaned our rec room downstairs. They waxed the air hockey table and cleaned the top of the kids pool table and dusted his Foosball table. Nick has a friend coming home with him from church tomorrow.
I did the cleaning upstairs, laundry and wrapped little Jack's presents to be mailed on Monday. These are for Christmas AND some for his birthday. I send them all at once to save on postage.
Next, Jim and Nick did Nick's room. He has SO much and it was pretty dusty. All cleaned now.
All in all it was a fun day. I wonder, sometimes, if we're the only family who all need to know the Heimlich Manueuver because we laugh so much at supper that someone is going to choke.
Jon's gone back out to waterproof the plugs to the decorations. Hope he doesn't shock himself! LOL
Scooter is snoring on the sofa! He's HUGE at almost 7 months. He takes up over half the sofa!!
Well, hope I haven't bored you with my ramblings. I do enjoy just sharing a little of my day with you.
God Bless and SEE YOU IN CHURCH!
Diane Tavegia
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Sunday in our household and church... - 12/11/2005 9:10:10 PM
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dianetavegia
Posts: 2000
Joined: 8/23/2005
From: Southern Baptist, Non Calvinist, Pro Life Ga. girl
Status: offline
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I hope everyone had a lovely Lord's Day! We certainly did!
Dr. George Barnett, who was our interim for over a year previously, preached again this morning. Wow, what a timely message! Our church has pulled together and are one in the Spirit, overflowing with love for one another! Our sermon was about such love.
Two of our handbell groups played in service today. We also had a solo of 'We Crown You Lord of All' and then a ladies quartet did a beautiful and very different rendition of 'O Holy Night'. It was incredible! We sang 5 of the traditional Christmas Carols. All in all, a GREAT service! We had two men come forward to announce they had accepted Christ and want to join our church, through our Hispanic Ministry. I wish everyone were as blessed as were are!
Nick brought home his best friend, William, who is a little older and also home schooled. The boys had such a wonderful time. They're both so well behaved that you'd never know I had two 11 year olds here all day.
Jon stayed with Nick tonight while Jim and I did our final Christmas shopping. We have everything for Nick except one item. Jim can pick it up during the day tho. We were blessed to find everything we wanted. Again, people were so pleasant and helpful. The stores WERE messy but a good number of items were on sale! That was a big surprise. Now I need to begin wrapping some so Nick doesn't go into meltdown. He'd never peek but does love having things under the tree to shake and guess on.
Next Sunday our associational missionary is speaking. He doesn't really 'preach'. That night is our cantata, 'The Heart of Christmas'. With such a large choir, it generally is spectacular. I'm looking forward to it. We're also having a 'Happy Birthday Jesus' party during Sunday School for the preschoolers. Lots of sugar! EEK EEK EEK
Well, I have a few emails to answer and hubby needs some pants ironed... not to forget those presents that need wrapping.....
God Bless and Keep you all in His Hands,
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Christmas Recipes for moms and kids - 12/13/2005 9:51:38 AM
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dianetavegia
Posts: 2000
Joined: 8/23/2005
From: Southern Baptist, Non Calvinist, Pro Life Ga. girl
Status: offline
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Partridge Nests
Utensils
Cookie sheets
Medium bowl
Tablespoon
Cooling racks
Ingredients
1/2 cup condensed Milk
7 oz. bag of coconut
Green food coloring
1 package chocolate B-Bs or chocolate-covered peanuts
Spray vegetable oil
1/2 Tsp. almond or vanilla flavoring
Directions
Mix 2 drops of food coloring into condensed milk
Stir in coconut and add vanilla flavoring
Spray cookie sheet with oil
Put 1 heaping tablespoon 2" apart on cookie sheet
Heat oven to 350°
Bake 10-12 min. or until slightly brown
Quickly put 1 chocolate B-B on top of each cookie and push down lightly
Remove quickly from sheet and cool on rack
Makes 15
Banana Blitzen
Utensils
Measuring cup
Measuring spoons
4 Popsicle sticks
Small skillet
Two large plates, one lined with wax paper
Ingredients
1 cup colored sprinkles
1/2 cup chocolate chips
2 bananas
Directions
Put sprinkles on plate
Heat chocolate chips in skillet, stir until melted
Cut peeled bananas in half
Poke popsicle sticks into cut ends of bananas
Spread chocolate onto bananas
Roll in sprinkles
Place on plate lined with wax paper and freeze
Merry Chris-Mousse Cone
Utensils
Medium mixing bowl
Mixer
Spoon
Butter knife
Rolling pin or canned good
T wo plastic seal bags
Coffee cup
1/2 cup measuring cup
Ingredients
1 box chocolate mousse mix or pudding
1/2 cup milk
2 White chocolate bars
1 box small sugar ice cream cones
12 small candy canes
Directions
Mix mousse according to package directions
Chill 2hrs.
Crush candy bars in sealed bags with rolling pin or canned good (not too much--the size of a pea)
Measure out 1\2 cup of chilled mousse
Spoon 1\2 into cone and push down with knife
Use cup to hold cone
Sprinkle on crushed candy bars
Fill with rest of 1\2 cup mousse
Sprinkle more candy bar crumbs on top
Stick candy canes into top like antlers
Makes 5-6 cones
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RE: Diane's Thoughts both deep and not so deep! - 12/13/2005 6:22:05 PM
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dianetavegia
Posts: 2000
Joined: 8/23/2005
From: Southern Baptist, Non Calvinist, Pro Life Ga. girl
Status: offline
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Stopping by earlier than usual tonight. Hubby has to work late and we had our big meal at 1:00 today with him. Nick and I are going to have some Stoffer's French Bread Pizza and watch Christmas movies.
Well, today was pretty uneventful so far. Both infants slept most of the day but woke just as their mothers were arriving. The four year old stayed up with his father really late last night so I had to make him wake up at 9:00 and then he took a 3 hour nap with me having to wake him several times.
The weatherman keeps changing his mind, but we may get ice or sleet tomorrow. It sure LOOKS lovely, but is so deadly since no one here knows how to drive in ANY weather, even sunshine! In Georgia, middle of the road has a different meaning than usual! It literally means, 'I drive in the middle of the road!'
Here's more fun recipes to share.
Elf Brownies
Utensils
Miniature cupcake pans
Miniature paper cupcake liners
(Christmas designs are nice)
Small melon baller
Ingredients
1 Package brownie mix
1 Can cherry pie filling
Cooking spray
Directions
Line cookie tins with paper and spray with cooking spray (brownies come out of paper easier)
Follow directions on box to mix brownie batter
Fill about 3/4 full (about 1 Tbsp. of batter)
Bake at 350° for 28-30 minutes
Remove from oven and immediately (right away) use back of melon baller (the rounded side) to make a dent in each brownie
Spoon 1 cherry into "dent" of the brownies
Let cool
Give Me Mores (No melt smores)
Utensils
Tablespoon measure
Ingredients
Marshmallow cream
chocolate icing
graham crackers
Directions
Spread 2 tablespoons of marshmallow cream on 1 graham cracker.
Spread 1 tablespoon of icing on another cracker
Put two crackers together
Wormy Apple
Utensils:
knife
Ingredients:
1 apple
gummy worms
peanut butter
Cut apple into 6 pieces
Remove core
Spread peanut butter on apple slices
Wrap 1 or 2 gummy worms around apple
How About Kid's Crafts
Invitations
Supplies
Crayons
Colored pencils
Markers or glitter pens
Scissors
Directions:
Print out the invitations (one for each guest). Using your best coloring, decorate the invitations. Here's the link:
Christmas Party invitation link.
Christmas Nametags or place cards
Supplies
Crayons
Colored pencils
Markers or glitter pens
Scissors
Hole punch
Directions:
Using the hole punch, make a hole in one corner of the card and set aside. Print out enough nametags for every guest. Each guest will write their name on the card and decorate.
Print that out HERE.
Kid's Placemats! Click the following link and enjoy!
Placemat Link HERE.
Gingerbread Lollipop
Supplies
1 Flat lollipop
1 Brown lunch bag
1 Sheet black construction paper
Yarn or red ribbon
Glue
Scissors
Hole Puncher
Scotch tape
Directions:
Do NOT remove wrapper from lollipop
Fold wrapper to back of lollipop and tape
Open up brown bag until flat
Trace around lollipop and cut out round circle
Punch out four red dots or more for a mouth and two black dots for eyes
Glue onto round circle
Glue round circle onto lollipop
Tie a red bow onto stick under the "chin" of the "gingerbread" lollipop
Give away as gift or use as a table decoration
< Message edited by dianetavegia -- 12/14/2005 7:12:34 AM >
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RE: Diane's Thoughts both deep and not so deep! - 12/15/2005 2:43:56 PM
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dianetavegia
Posts: 2000
Joined: 8/23/2005
From: Southern Baptist, Non Calvinist, Pro Life Ga. girl
Status: offline
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And a lovely good afternoon to everyone!
I was fast asleep by 9:00 last night! My schedule this week with child care has overwhelmed me to the point of exhaustion. I needed some sleep!
Little Jeremiah (the CF baby) began screaming mid morning yesterday and appeared to really be in pain. He has a lot of stomach problems with the CF but wasn't pulling up his legs or acting like it was tummy aches. I noticed when I changed him that his body felt hot. I tried to take his temp with my ear thermometer but as soon as I touched his left ear, he began screeching non stop. I called Mom who got him in to the doctor. He had an ear infection and fever.
Sadie, the baby who is 6 days younger, doesn't eat. At 12 weeks, she weighs just over 9 lbs and eats only 3 ounce bottles maybe twice a day. Mom has just began pumping and realized that's all she's making. The doctor saw HER yesterday and was very concerned about her not gaining weight. I'm waking her every two hours today and attempting to get her to eat more. She's eaten two bottles for me so far, but only a total of 5 1/2 oz. all day and 2 wet diapers.
Nick and Ty are 'napping' while watching Toy Story. Something has gone wrong with a plug in our rec room and we can't get our DVD player to work with that t.v. I pulled out our portable t.v. that has a built in VHS and they're watching that. Hubby can fix all that and will as soon as he gets home tonight. The GFI plug in our garage won't push in so it may be something to do with that.
Puppy has been a little wild today! We had ice when we awoke and now it's so muddy out back and too cold and wet to leave him out for play time. He keeps grabbing one of my snowmen collection and wanting to play 'catch me if you can' around the kitchen table. I've put up baby gates and have him in here with me. He's snoring on the sofa. He's been getting up with me at 5:30 and staying up.
I really never thought that at 55 and 58 we'd be working so hard and so many hours. I never imagined I'd have people traipsing in and out of the house all hours. Certainly, I never dreamed I'd be doing daycare for so many and so many hours just to help keep us from losing our home.
We have NO time to enjoy life or each other. It's quite sad. Hubby leaves when my second child is about to arrive and works many nights until 8 or 9. That'll change back to even later because of some territory splitting with another new office. He also has to work making calls on Tuesday nights and most Saturdays til 3:00! Then Sunday is spent in church. There's no time to catch up on things we need to do either. He has four days vacation coming and they won't let him take it in pay. He asked for the week after Christmas but one other salesman has already taken that off. They'll look into it. If Jim doesn't take the time soon, he'll lose the pay/ days! We were hoping he could take it off during the holidays so I won't have so many kids during that time. On Jan. 3rd., it'll be 3 newborns and the 4 year old.
Hope everyone is having a nice day and keeping warm! The ice melted here but it's still misty rain and only 38°. All this will freeze by early evening! I'm so glad I don't need to go out!
Boy I'd love a nap! There's a chance the infants mothers will come a little early and if they do....... ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ! I dare not nap TOO late if I want to head to bed early again. I don't have my 5:45 kid on most Fridays so I can TRY to sleep until 6:25 tomorrow morning. I won't have the 7:30 baby after tomorrow until Jan. 5th so I can go back to bed at 6:30 and sleep in a little. I'm looking forward to the rest!
God Bless and have a lovely evening!
< Message edited by dianetavegia -- 12/15/2005 9:31:13 PM >
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Santa teaches the TRUE meaning of Christmas - 12/18/2005 10:16:18 PM
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dianetavegia
Posts: 2000
Joined: 8/23/2005
From: Southern Baptist, Non Calvinist, Pro Life Ga. girl
Status: offline
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True Meaning of Christmas
Just a week before Christmas I had a visitor. This is how it happened. I just finished the household chores for the night and was preparing to go to bed, when I heard a noise in the front of the house. I opened the door to the front room and to my surprise, Santa himself stepped out next to the fireplace.
"What are you doing?" I started to ask. The words choked up in my throat and I saw he had tears in his eyes. His usual jolly manner was gone. Gone was the eager, boisterous soul we all know. He then answered me with a simple statement . . .
"TEACH THE CHILDREN!" I was puzzled. What did he mean? He anticipated my question and with one quick movement brought forth a miniature toy bag from behind the tree. As I stood bewildered, Santa said, "Teach the children!
Teach them the old meaning of Christmas. The meaning that now-a-days Christmas has forgotten. "Santa then reached in his bag and pulled out a FIR TREE and placed it before the mantle. "Teach the children that the pure green color of the stately fir tree remains green all year round, depicting the everlasting hope of mankind, all the needles point heavenward, making it a symbol of man's thoughts turning toward heaven."
He again reached into his bag and pulled out a brilliant STAR. "Teach the children that the star was the heavenly sign of promises long ago. God promised a Savior for the world, and the star was the sign of fulfillment of His promise."
He then reached into his bag and pulled out a CANDLE. "Teach the children that the candle symbolizes that Christ is the light of the world, and when we see this great light we are reminded of He who displaces the darkness."
Once again he reached into his bag and removed a WREATH and placed it on the tree. "Teach the children that the wreath symbolizes the real nature of love. Real love never ceases. Love is one continuous round of affection."
He then pulled from his bag an ORNAMENT of himself. "Teach the children that I, Santa Clause, symbolize the generosity and good will we feel during the month of December."
He then brought out a HOLLY LEAF. "Teach the children that the holly plant represents immortality. It represents the crown of thorns worn by our Savior. The red holly berries represent the blood shed by Him.
Next he pulled from his bag a GIFT and said, "Teach the children that God so loved the world that he gave his begotten son." Thanks be to God for his unspeakable gift.
Santa then reached in his bag and pulled out a CANDY CANE and hung it on the tree. "Teach the children that the candy cane represents the shepherds' crook. The crook on the staff helps to bring back strayed sheep to the flock. The candy cane is the symbol that we are our brother's keeper."
He reached in again and pulled out an ANGEL. "Teach the children that it was the angels that heralded in the glorious news of the Savior's birth. The angels sang Glory to God in the highest, on earth peace and good will toward men."
Suddenly I heard a soft twinkling sound, and from his bag he pulled out a BELL,. "Teach the children that as the lost sheep are found by the sound of the bell, it should ring mankind to the fold. The bell symbolizes guidance and return.
Santa looked back and was pleased. He looked back at me and I saw that the twinkle was back in his eyes. He said, "Remember, teach the children the true meaning of Christmas and do not put me in the center, for I am but a humble servant of the One that is, and I bow down to worship him, our LORD, our GOD."
anonymous
Diane Tavegia
"But about the Son, He also says, 'In the beginning, O Lord, You laid the foundations of the earth, and the heavens are the work of Your hands. They will perish, but You remain; they will all wear out like a garment. You will roll them up like a robe; like a garment they will be changed. But You remain the same, and Your years will never end.' "
Hebrews 1: 8, 10-12
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