Getting to know You

Well it's Monday and I should be using doing the letter of the day, but I need to get caught up on the other things that will be lots of fun. So I have decided to do the getting to know you first.

* What time did you get up this morning? 6:30am

*Diamonds or pearls? diamonds are a girls best friend

*Favorite TV show- I Love Lucy

* For Breakfast- English Muffin and Coffee with Cream

*What is your Middle Name - Joy

*What food do you dislike? Liver and onions

*Favorite CD- We Want America Back/ Fundamental Difference

*What kind of car? 2000 Ford Wind star

*Favorite Sandwich- Reuben

*characteristic I despise- rudeness and ungratefulness

*Any where in the world- I would love to go to London

*What color is your bathroom? Blue and White

*Favorite brand of clothing- what ever is on sale

*Where would I retire- Michigan

*What was your most memorable birthday? Sweet 16

*Karen would never do this.

*Favorite saying- every thing is nonsense

*When is your birthday? March 10th

*I'm a night person

*shoe size- 7 1/2

*Pets- Eddie the Rat Tarrier

*New and exciting news- we are adding a third bathroom and a bedroom to our
home

*What did you want to be when you were little? a mommy

*How are you today? just peachy

*Favorite Candy- anything coconut

*Favorite Flower- Roses

*I'm looking forward to Camp Joy

*What church do you attend? Grace Baptist Church

*What is your full name? Christine Joy

*Do you wish on stars? maybe

*If you were a crayon what color would you be? lilac

*How is the weather now? nice

*Favorite soft drink? Pepsi Jazz

*Favorite restaurant? Hanks in Ottawa

*Hair color? Brown

*Siblings? One Brother

*Favorite day of the year? my wedding anniversary

*Favorite toy as a child? Baby Alive Doll

*Summer or Winter? Summer

*Hugs or Kisses -- Both

*Chocolate or Vanilla --- Chocolate

*Every Blogger should answer these questions

*What is the last time that you cried? last night

*Favorite smells? banana bread candle and fresh brewed coffee

*What is under your bed? nothing

*Who is the friend you have had the longest? Tina ( 6th grade)

*What did you do last night? went to church

*What are you afraid of ? spiders and big dogs

*Plain. buttered,or salted- all of the above

*How many keys are on my key ring? 4

*How many years at your current job? 19 (since I got married)

*Favorite day of the week? Sunday

*How many towns have you lived in? 6

*Do you make friend easily? Oh Yea!!!!!!

It has been fun to get to know you. Who's next?????

Spring Yard Work is Fun

There is lot to be done today both inside and out. We are building a wall of landscaping blocks in the front of the house. It is going to be so pretty and I can't wait until its done. We brought peat moss and flowers and for the front and we have to get the garden ready to be planted. The kids love to be outside and when it comes to yard work there is never enough hours in the day.

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Construction on the inside is still going on and on and on and on. I'm beginning to think that this is going to go on forever. We love having Grandpa here and I think that he likes being with us as well. The dust is thick in the basement and even after I dust (twice a week) it is still very dusty. I'm thankful that we are adding a third bedroom and bathroom to our home. When the saw dust is all gone and the saws are put away we will celebrate a job well done and until then we will just keep dusting.
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Tomorrow in Sunday School we will be celebrating Brandon's birthday. I just love preparing for our little ones and watching how excited they are on their birthday. It is fun to make them feel special and to0 let them know who much we love them. Well I have birthday cake to make so I will post all the fun tomorrow and until then enjoy all the nice weather. Thank You Lord for spring.

Family Night

At our house family night is Friday night but this week daddy is so excited that he has MOVED family night to Thursday. We did not tell the kids where we were going tonight. At dinner daddy announced that we were having a family night tonight and it was a surprise. Just to sure fact that it was a surprise made Quin and Paige try to rush after dinner devotions so we could leave sooner. We got on the high way and the excitement was so much that I think Quin thought that we were going on a vacation. (Bolingbrook is of course not a vacation). Everyone was so excited when we pulled in to the Bass Pro Shop. Now mind you I personally don't know why everyone loves that place so much. My husband was so excited. He was like a kid at Christmas in the toy store. The kids love the big fish tanks and the stuffed deer and all the exciting camping items. My husband can't stop planning his summer fishing trips. I like the gourmet food and the homemade fudge (which I can only taste because of the sugar). All in all it was a good time. Sam said we would have been there last night ( the GRAND OPENING) but we had church. It was so sweet on our way out the door was ran into Brother Larry and his sweet little family, that made the evening a little more fun. As we were leaving Quinten said "hey mom meeting Hunter and their family was like the cherry on top that was fun". It would make sense Brother Larry would not miss the GRAND OPENING.

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Today was my doctors appointment. I'm now on a NEW insulin pump. This one does a lot more than the other one did to help me control my blood sugar. I'm very thankful for doctor and scientist that improve things like this for better health. Please pray for my husband. He is having a tooth pulled this next week. He has been in pain for a few days now with this.

Home Science Fun

This morning a friend had a gift sent to our house. My son was so excited because the food was sent in dry ice. We had a great science experiment watching the dry ice jump around on the metal spoon and not on the wooden spoon. We than put the dry ice in water and watched the steam. We talked about the Carbon Dioxide and how the dry ice was solid CO2. We really had a good time with the dry ice and now we are going to write a paper on CO2. Homeschooling is so much fun. Quin's only thought was he wished we would have done this one for the Science Fair instead. Well maybe next year.

May is My Month

I am SOOOOOOO excited. I am so blessed. I have the privilege of going to the Ladies Retreat at Camp Joy and I can't wait. The food the fellowship and the Bible teaching is always the best. I will be gone all day this Friday helping my friend Tina clean her house before her cancer surgery. Then I only have one more Friday to wait until the retreat.

At the end of the month is our wedding Anniversary and we are going to get way to Lake Geneva to a place with a whirlpool tub and fireplace JUST THE TWO OF US. I am so excited and I have so much to look forward to, but waiting is going to be the hardest part. Oh I almost forgot , May is also Mother's Day. WOW God has really going to bless me in the month of May. I just have to learn to wait.

The Letter of the Day

Well Miss Trish has given me the task of drawing the letter of the day. I don't feel qualified for this task. I really think that Trish does a better job than I do..

The pressure is mounting so I guess her we go.

This morning is Quinten's pick and he said "A"

ADAM- My brother's beautiful baby boy (seen above)

APPLES- one of my kids favorite snacks

AMBITION- something God wants all of us to have

ANIMALS- God's beautiful creation

ALLIGATORS- Quinten loves to watch them

AVIATION- I love to fly

AMANDA- one of the sweetest little girls in my Sunday School Class

AHRENS- Mr Ron is a example of a very giving man.

ANDERSON- a sweet senior saint in our church

ACTS- a very powerful book in the Bible

ANIMATION- brings thing to life for children

ANT- watch that little guy work

ALWAYS- for ever and ever

AUNT- I just love being one

AUTOGRAPH- What helps me tell people that I'm me

AUTOMATIC- I want the Christian life to be automatic to me

ANDREW- my son's little friend

ANGELINA- Paige's sweet little friend

ABRAHAM- A good man in the Bible that did great things for God

Well I'm sure that are lots more but we will have to contine later. As usual the kids are STARVING.

A Strange Week

The week in Review:

There has been so much going on this week I'm not sure where to begin.

**** My good friend from junior high school just found out that she has cancer

in her left kidney. She is Catholic and says she is saved but I pray she

will be in heaven some day. Please pray for Tina as she will have surgery

on May 2nd.

***** The company that I am marketing for had a BIG public relations stunt

and it has kept me very busy.

***** My wonderful husband bought me two dozen "beautiful " long stem

roses. Because I have had quite the week.

****Friday morning the Bible Study was very convicting. It was about letting

go of offences which is something I struggle with. I was very blessed by

the lesson and the fellowship. Thank You Julie for all the time and work

you put into the Ladies Bible Study. YOU ARE A BLESSING TO ME.

****What a week it has been. Sometimes it is just kinda nice to get it down in

in print.

****I'm looking forward to another week of piano lessons and the Broil

Family for dinner. We have so much in school with Maggie and all the

exciting things that go on in the Todd family every week.

What It Means to be a Real Mum

Earlier in the week Miss Julie tagged me and gave us all a very important assignment. After thinking about it and asking God to help me improve on the areas that needed it this is what I came up with.


A Real Mum does the following:

* she loves her children unconditionally

*she trains her children to have good Christian convictions and to do right

*she reads the Bible daily with them

*she teaches them that they have the best daddy in the world

*She is a good example what a good wife is

*She keeps her home clean and tidy so they learn how to take care of a mate

*she bathes and keep her children clean

* she trains her children to respect authority

* she teaches them manners

*she teaches them to read and write

*She puts their tooth brushes in the dishwasher so no one gets sick

*she reminds them of personal hygiene

*she serves them food that is good for them (most of the time)

*She nurses their boo boos and hands out band aids. she gives out lots of it's
going to be "OK" hugs and kisses

*she gives medication when needed

*she keeps them from danger

*she reads them bed time stories

* MOST OF ALL SHE PRAYS THAT THEY WILL BE SAVED AND GROW UP
TO SERVE THE LORD WITH THEIR LIVES.

Happy Birthday Amanda

Today is Amanda Smith's fifth birthday. When I called her this morning she was so excited. It is so much fun to watch our Sunday School kids grow up in the Lord. Amanda was saved while we have had in our class. She came to Sunday School and told us all about it . I'm thankful Amanda is five and I'm thankful that I have had the privilege to know Amanda. I think I will cry when she leaves our class in the fall.

Two people so Different

HIS AND HERS

How can two people that have been married as long as we have be so different. I don't know much about cars but I do know that these cars are very different. Both are nice in their own little way and still very very different. I guess they both serve the same function but their features are different. One is powerful and strong while the other one is passionate and sleek. As you have figured out by now my husband took the test as well. (do this with your husband it's fun and informative). It also makes for interesting conversation (at bed time of course). Well in case your wondering Sam is the Lamborghini Murclelago (the one on the right). He is powerful, loving and high maintenance. I'm a Ferrari 360 Madena I'm passionated and high maintenance. (the one on the left). This was interesting and fun. Thanks Julie. I have to tell everyone do this with your husband. It might be interesting.

Uncle Earl (up date)

Grandpa Todd is not home for New York yet, but he did call home. The two brothers are having a wonderful time catching up from twenty years of being apart. Sunday night Uncle Earl and Aunt Dottie (his wife) both agreed to go to church with Grandpa Todd. What a blessing and encouragement this had been to the family. Please pray that Uncle Earl gets saved this week. He is almost 80 years old. There has been a lot of time wasted but heaven is forever .

Letter of the Day"F"

It is still Monday and even though it's late I must get the letter of the day done while it is still Monday. I have many post to finish and lots of catching up to do but here we go:


FOREVER- my marriage is forever Thank You Lord

FIVE- one of my favorite ages

FISHING- my husbands favorite thing to do

FORGETTING- I'm thankful the Lord "forgot my sins"

FORGIVING-I 'm thankful for forgiving people

FORD- that's my faithful old van

FRENCH FRIES- not good for my but YUM YUM YUM

FROSTY- tastes great

FAITH- where would I be without it?

FIFTY- a golden age

FORTY- there is like after forty and different life but still life

FEELINGS- what makes me who I am

FINGERS- very useful tools

FRIENDSHIP- with out friendship the world would be a lonely place

Our Words are Important

We are all looking forward to the Science Fair. We finished up our project tonight and now all we can do is wait. It has been a full week. The Lord has been good to me this week. I was discouraged about something and Wednesday night at church the Lord sent someone (who I respect very much) in my path to encourage me. The things she said to me were so up lifting and inspiring that I don't think she will ever know how much I needed to hear the things that were said. The Lord gave me an extra boost. Sometimes Satan uses people to get you down. Word can be said that hurt your heart. Sometimes people don't even realize that they have hurt you. Often times a kind word goes so far and the encourager doesn't realize the you are down and out and her kind words give you the strengh to keep going. God has put a few ladies in my life that are able to keep me going. I have not been down and out in a while, but I can say that the Lord knows what he is doing and even though I feel like I have failed He sent someone in my path to remind me that I am important to Him and that what I do in His name will be noticed and make a difference. Thank You Lord for loving me and using me to serve you where I can. Thank you to my friend that says kind words to others and is used by God to love on a fellow sister in Christ. Your the best. Prov.15:4 says that a wholesome tongue is a tree of life .... My friend has a wholesome tongue. I could list many verses about how my friend was used by God this week. But I think I'll just say THANK YOU.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY 2ND PAIGE

Today is my sweet little daughter's second birthday. I'm really thankful for the blessing that God sent to us two years. Thank You Lord for our little ray of Heaven. We are going out to eat and having birthday cake complete with candles. Paige Marie Todd your mommy and daddy and brother love you very much. HAPPY BIRTHDAY

God Uses Little People

As most people know Grandpa Todd is finishing our basement so we have had the privilege of spending lots of quality time with him. About three months ago Quin had an assignment for Master's Club to write a letter to someone that was not saved. Because Grandpa is here we choose to write to Uncle Earl ( who is not saved). Uncle Earl has not spoken to Grandpa Todd for about fifteen years due to a family dispute over some land. After Quin's letter Uncle Earl sent Grandpa Todd a card and said that he would "some day " like to get to know his brother again.

This morning Grandpa Todd's brother Paul died and Earl called Grandpa Todd about the arrangements. PRAISE THE LORD Grandpa Todd is going to fly to New York state and pick up Uncle Earl and then drive to the burial. We are praying that Uncle Earl will be open to the gospel. We are so thankful that the Lord used a seven year old boy to break the ice for two brothers. Please pray for Earl Todd's salvation this week and the entire Todd family. Oh by the way Uncle Paul was saved and is in the presents of the Lord now. Praise the Lord.

Almost Forgot

I almost forgot (ok I did) a very Special "L"


LESLIE LESLIE LESLIE
ONE OF MY FAVORITE L'S I LOVE YOU TOO

Letter of the day "L"

Trish called me last night and asked me to post the letter of the day. The letter is "L" so here it is.

Love- I am thankful for those that love me. My husband, my family and my church family.

Lemons- wonderful in fresh water

Little people- I love all the little people in my life

Lemonade- cool and refreshing on a hot summer day

Living- I want to be daily living for Jesus

Linda- the best sweet sister in Christ

Lindhal's- a dear family that we are good friends with

Luke- one of my son's friends

Lori- an old friend

Lake- lots of fun in the summer

Lawn- grass is so neat

Lots- who doesn't like over and abundances

Laws- help to keep order and keep you safe

I'm reminded that I need be thankful of LOTS and LOTS. Have a great day

HAPPY EASTER

UP FROM THE GRAVE CHRIST AROSE

PRAISE HIS HOLY NAME

HAPPY EASTER TO EVERYONE

Easter Eggs

Today was another busy day. I just love the fact that we can have family activities not centered around worldly activities. I'll tell you there has been no time this week to watch T.V. or read a book, or even write a letter. It has been so much fun just being together as a family and enjoying each others company instead of doing things that will not matter in the long run.

We colored Easter Eggs tonight and then we went to Wal-Mart as a family to get the things that we need for Sunday School and Jr. Church this weekend. I am responsible for the Lamb cake that we will be taking to my mother-in-law's on Sunday and I needed to get the items that I needed for that cake. We came home and had popcorn and the little ones are off to bed.

Saturday is another fun day. We have Soul winning in the morning and then it is my turn to clean the nursery. We have to clean Grandma Edith's house in the afternoon and my parents are coming over for pizza for dinner. Sunday is Easter Sunday and it will be filled with lots of fun all the way around. I can't wait to enjoy every part of the weekend. I hope your weekend will be just as nice as mine.

Our Family's Hamburger Caserole

3 lbs of lean ground beef
4oz of can tomato sauce
1 - 12oz package egg noodles
2- 8oz package of cream cheese
2 cups of cottage cheese (Optional)
1/2 cup of sour cream


Cook noodles in buttered pan Add tomato sauce to the beef. Season the beef any way you like. I add onion, green pepper, or mushrooms actually you can do any veggies you would like and as many as you like. Layer the noodles in the bottom of the pan. Then mix the white ingredients together for the second layer. The final layer has the beef, red sauce and veggies mixed together.
Bake at 350 for 30 minutes.

I like this because it can be made a head of time. It makes two pans so that one of them can be frozen. It is also perfect if you have to cook for someone at church because you have a pan for your family and one for the person that you are making a meal. I always serve it with a green veggie and home made bread.
Have fun experimenting with this good recipe.

Better Late Than Never

MY 'D' THANKFUL LIST


David M. Fink- our man of God who works hard to help us know God

Debbie- a dear sweet lady that is a blessing to all who know her.

Donna- a nice friend

Denise- someone who always helpful

devotions- I love to watch my husband lead them with my children

daughter- I love the blessing that God sent us almost two years ago

dinosaurs- my sons favorite toys

dinner- the meal that we are all together

dog- Well my kids love that stupid dog

daddy- My kids favorite friend

desert- need I say more

dipole's- are so cute on little guys

dresses- part of what makes me a woman

disinfectant- keeps my house clean

delightful- the spirit I try to maintain

Date night- my favorite part of my month

dolphin- one of God beautiful creatures

It has been a very busy but blessed week. The conference was great. Thank you GBC for everything. Well it's getting late and it's time to get ready for church. We will see everyone again tonight. Praise the Lord.

PRAISE THE LORD

It has been another wonderful Sunday at the Grace Baptist Church. We as the Precious Moments Sunday School (preacher has asked us to name our classes) ( I think that is so cute) had a blast making this poster for the Spring Conference speaker. You can't see it but there are Treasure Chest candy on each hand and we have told him it is a treasure to have him come to our church. The kids were so excited as we were tracing their hands. We had an incredible 10 in our class this morning and we are in our new classroom. My husband and I have been praying for different kids to make it to Sunday School and today they did. The Lord is so good to us. My husband and I are thankful that the Lord gives us the privilege to teach the little ones the things of God. We learn so much in our class. We practice sitting still and listening. We learn Bible stories and songs. We learn to share and we practice for the day we will be big enough to go to Children's Church. I thank the Lord that we have 10 sweet, loving and adorable children that we can "practice" all these things together and if any one know any one that is 3 or 4 years old come and join us. The more the merrier. I'm looking forward to an exciting week at the Grace Baptist Church as we have our Spring Conference. We have the Broils coming tomorrow and we can hardly wait. Sunday was great and Monday is going to be awesome as well.