What's new?

Well, not a whole lot actually. LOL

Caleb finished school on Tuesday and Rebekah finished yesterday. WHOOHOO!!!!!!!!!! Only for 2 1/2 weeks though, then we start back the new school year since we need to be finished by the end of March beginning of April to go on a short furlough.

I was able to get some semblance of spring cleaning done the last 2 days though. Caleb's room is sooooo small that it doesn't take long for him to run out of room for things. Praise the Lord he isn't a pack-rat! God above is the only one that really knows how glad I am of that. Rebekah on the other hand tries to be, but she went through her room yesterday all by herself and did an excellent job. She was rather ruthless. Good job, Sissy!!! I had them help do base boards (skirting boards if your in the U.K.), wipe down walls, etc., etc. They are such good little helpers.

Today, they were dusting and washing walls and base boards again. Rebekah took the hoover (vacuum) attachment and went around the edges of the carpet. All this while I cleaned down the walls and etc. in the downstairs bathroom and many other numerous things. We worked hard and got a lot done. PTL!!

I thank the Lord for my children. They are not perfect by no means, and I'll be the first to tell you so; but they ARE hard workers and like to help. What a blessing!

Even Daddy got some jobs done. He mowed the grass and has cleaned out the garage (he is this minute at the tip (dump) getting rid of some junk) and run a lot of errands. We've all been busy bees. Better busy than bothering! Amen?

Oh also, the children and I have been to the dentist today. My husband goes next month. AND, we have guest coming for dinner tonight. Talk about a crazy, busy day. Oh, my! I'm glad I'm making something easy for supper. Just having Baked Boneless Pork Steaks (cheap beef version! LOL), jacket (baked) potatoes, mixed veg. (caul./broc./carrots [steamed]), with fruit cobbler to finish. I can put the meat and potatoes in to bake and the veggies in a steamer. While we eat I'll bake the cobbler. Talk about easy! Thank the Lord!

I'll give you this cobbler recipe real quick as it's is really quick to make.

Fruit cobbler:
2 cans any type of canned fruit or Pie filling (if using canned fruit make sure you drain it and set the juice aside)
1/4 cup butter
1 cup flour
1 cup sugar
1 cup milk

Directions:
Preheat oven to 375.
Put butter in a dish and let melt.
Mix flour, sugar and milk together and pour into the dish with melted butter.
Drop fruit in the batter and bake for about 40 minutes.

Tip:
If using pie filling it might be better to put it in first and pour over top the batter. This is good and I make it often, just vary the fruit used.

Oh, well enough about us. I pray everyone has a lovely day.


Until the Shout,
Sis. Tammy

Another List

THIS IS REALLY FUN TO DO. Place an X by all the things you've done and remove the X from the ones you have not. This is for your entire life!

(X) Gone on a blind date -- With a friends fiance's brother. Oh boy!
(X) Skipped school
(X) Watched someone die
(X) Been to Canada
(X) Been to Mexico
(X) Been to Florida
(X) Been on a plane
(X) Been lost
(X) Been on the opposite side of the country -- Yes (The U.K. isn't that wide! LOL)
(X) Gone to Washington , D.C
(X) Swam in the ocean ... Or just waded
(X) Cried yourself to sleep
(X) Played cops and robber
(X)Recently colored with crayons
( )Sang Karaoke
(X) Paid for a meal with coins only
(X) Done something you told yourself you wouldn't
(X) Made prank phone calls
(X) Laughed until some kind of beverage came out of your nose
(X) Caught a snowflake on your tongue
(X) Danced in the rain
(X) Written a letter to Santa Claus
( ) Been kissed under the mistletoe
(X) Watched the sunrise with someone you care about ---Does traveling to a meeting on Deputation or Furlough count? If so, most definitely.
(X) Blown bubbles
(X) Gone ice-skating
( ) Been skinny dipping outdoors
(X) Gone to the movies

1. Any nickname? TERBY-- My initials were T.E.RB. (Tammy Elizabeth Ranee Buck), so my family just added a Y. I know, TOOOO much info.
2. Mother's name? Jaqualine (goes by Jackie)
3. Favorite drink? Code Red Mountain Dew, how I miss it. OR Fountain Coke with the cherry syrup. OH MAN, my mouth is watering!!!!
4. Tattoo? NO
5. Body Piercing? Does having your ears pierced count as the same?
6. How much do you love your job? It's a full time 24/7 job, but also a GIFT from God.....I love being a mom!
8. Favorite vacation spot? So far, I've enjoyed Greece the most.
9. Ever been to Africia? No
10. Ever eaten cookies for dinner? Not that I remember
11. Ever been on TV? I don't think so
12. Ever steal a traffic sign? no
13. Ever been in a car accident? yes
14. Drive a 2-door or 4-door vehicle? 4
15. Favorite salad dressing? Ranch
16. Favorite pie? Cherry
17. Favorite number? 5 (Grace)
18. Favorite movie?
19. Favorite holiday? Christmas
20. Favorite dessert? Mostly anything chocolate! LOL
21. Favorite food? Is chocolate a food? HA! HA! HA! HA! (remember I'm a weight watcher girl)
22. Favorite day of the week? Saturday
23. Favorite brand of body wash or soap? Bath & Body Works' Cherry Blossom
24. Favorite toothpaste? Arm & Hammer Baking Soda
25. Favorite smell? The smell of Sunday Dinner cooking when I open the front door after church on Sunday morning.
26. How do you exercise? ummm....and that is?
28. What do you do to relax? a good book and a nice hot bath with Bath & Body Works smell goods.
29. Furthest place you will send this message? Blog world-- and that is everywhere!


The things we learn about folk from all these lists! Kind of scary isn't it? LOL

Until the Shout,
Sis. Tammy

Cranberry Cheesecake Bars

INGREDIENTS:
2 cups plus 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour, divided
1 cup quick-cooking oats
3/4 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup butter, melted
1 package (8 ounces) reduced-fat cream cheese
1 can (14 ounces) fat-free sweetened condensed milk
4 egg whites
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 can (16 ounces) whole-berry cranberry sauce
2 tablespoons cornstarch

DIRECTIONS:
In a large bowl, combine 2 cups flour, oats, brown sugar and butter; mix until crumbly.
Press 2-1/2 cups of the crumb mixture into a greased 13-in. x 9-in. x 2-in. baking dish.
Bake at 350° for 10 minutes.
In a large mixing bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth.
Beat in the milk, egg whites, vanilla and remaining flour.
Spoon over prepared crust.
In a small bowl, combine the cranberry sauce and cornstarch.
Spoon over cream cheese mixture.
Sprinkle with the remaining crumb mixture.
Bake at 350° for 30-35 minutes or until the center is almost set.
Cool on a wire rack before cutting. Yield: 3 dozen.

NUTRITIONAL FACTS
One serving bar equals:
142 calories
4 g fat (2 g saturated fat)
11 mg cholesterol
67 mg sodium
24 g carbohydrate
1 g fiber
3 g protein

Diabetic Exchanges:
1-1/2 starch, 1/2 fat.

TASTY TIP:
Pastries with cream cheese-based frostings and fillings should always be refrigerated.

Until the Shout,
Sis. Tammy

The Chilren's Bible in a Nutshell

A child was asked to write a book report on the entire Bible.


This is amazing and brought tears of laughter to my eyes. I wonder how often we take for granted that children understand what we are teaching???

The Children's Bible in a Nutshell

In the beginning, which occurred near the start, there was nothing but God, darkness, and some gas. The Bible says,'The Lord thy God is one, but I think He must be a lot older than that.

Anyway, God said, 'Give me a light!' and someone did. Then God made the world.

He split the Adam and made Eve. Adam and Eve were naked, but they weren't embarrassed because mirrors hadn't been invented yet.

Adam and Eve disobeyed God by eating one bad apple, so they were driven from the Garden of Eden. Not sure what they were driven in though, because they didn't have cars.

Adam and Eve had a son, Cain, who hated his brother as long as he was Abel.

Pretty soon all of the early people died off, except for Methuselah, who lived to be like a million or something.

One of the next important people was Noah, who was a good guy, but one of his kids was kind of a Ham. Noah built a large boat and put his family and some animals on it. He asked some other people to join him, but they said they would have to take a rain check.

After Noah came Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Jacob was more famous than his brother, Esau, because Esau sold Jacob his birthmark in exchange for some pot roast. Jacob had a son named Joseph who wore a really loud sports coat.

Another important Bible guy is Moses, whose real name was Charlton Heston. Moses led the Israel Lights out of and away from the evil Pharaoh after God sent ten plagues on Pharaoh's people. These plagues included frogs, mice, lice, bowels, and no cable.

God fed the Israel Lights every day with manicotti. Then he gave them His Top Ten Commandments. These include: don't lie, cheat, smoke, dance, or covet your neighbor's stuff.

Oh, yeah, I just thought of one more:Humor thy father and thy mother.

One of Moses' best helpers was Joshua who was the first Bible guy to use spies. Joshua fought the battle of Geritol and the fence fell over on the town.

After Joshua came David. He got to be king by killing a giant with a slingshot. He had a son named Solomon who had about 300 wives and 500 porcupines. My teacher says he was wise, but that doesn't sound very wise to me.

After Solomon there were a bunch of major league prophets. One of these was Jonah, who was swallowed by a big whale and then barfed up on the shore. There were also some minor league prophets, but I guess we don't have to worry about them.

After the Old Testament came the New Testament. Jesus is the star of The New. He was born in a barn. (I wish I had been born in a barn too, because my mom is always saying to me, 'Close the door! Were you born in a barn?' It would be nice to say, 'As a matter of fact, I was.')

During His life, Jesus had many arguments with sinners like the Pharisees and the Republicans.

Jesus also had twelve opossums.The worst one was Judas Asparagus. Judas was so evil that they named a terrible vegetable after him.

Jesus was a great man. He healed many leopards and even preached to some Germans on the Mount.

But the Republicans and all those guys put Jesus on trial before Pontius the Pilot. Pilot didn't stick up for Jesus. He just washed his hands instead.

Anyways, Jesus died for our sins, then came back to life again.He went up to Heaven but will be back at the end of the Aluminum. His return is foretold in the book of Revolution.

Until the Shout,

Sis. Tammy

Pudding Grahamwiches

1-1/2 cups cold fat-free milk
1 package (1 ounce) sugar-free instant vanilla pudding mix
1 carton (8 ounces) frozen reduced-fat whipped topping, thawed
1 cup miniature marshmallows
24 whole graham crackers, halved
5 tablespoons miniature semisweet chocolate chips


DIRECTIONS:
In a large bowl, whisk milk and pudding mix for 2 minutes.
Let stand for 2 minutes or until soft-set.
Fold in whipped topping and marshmallows.
Spread over half of the graham crackers; top with remaining crackers.
Place the chocolate chips in a shallow bowl.
Press edges of each sandwich into chips.
Wrap individually in plastic wrap; place in an airtight container and freeze.
Remove from the freezer about 5 minutes before serving.
Yield: 2 dozen.


NUTRITIONAL FACTS
One serving (1 each) equals:
108 calories
3 g fat (2 g saturated fat)
0.55 mg cholesterol
143 mg sodium
18 g carbohydrate
1 g fiber
2 g protein

Diabetic Exchanges:
1 starch
1/2 fat.

TASTY TIP
For a delicious change of pace, try using chocolate pudding mix and peanut butter chips in these Grahamwiches. Find other delicious options by mixing and matching different pudding and chip combos!

Enjoy,
Sis. Tammy

"Sin's Solution -- The Blood"

". . . without me ye can do nothing." John 15:5b

"But without faith it is impossible to please him . . ." Hebrews 11:6a

". . . without shedding of blood is no remission." Hebrews 9:22b


The wise philosopher of the ages has no answer to the sin problem. The modernist has no answer; the intellectual has no answer. Religion has no answer. ONLY GOD has the answer to man's sin, and that is the cleansing blood of Jesus Christ.

No one has ever been saved apart from the Blood. Before Calvary, people were saved by looking forward to the cross and the death of the Lamb. Now, men are saved by looking backward to the cross.

The preaching of the blood is a demonstration of the power of God. "For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God."
(I Cor. 1:18). The blood and the blood alone can bring peace to the human heart. "And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven." (Col. 1:20).

The blood is the difference between the world and eternal life. It is the difference between life and death; the difference between freedom and slavery; the difference between a fiery judgment and eternal bliss. The blood of Jesus Christ is the difference between sin and salvation. The blood takes away sin, judges sin. ". . . but now once in the end of the world hath he appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself." (Heb. 9:26b)

It's Still the Blood

Vs. 1

Once I wandered in sins black night,

there was no way I could make my wrongs right.

Then the old accuser to the Lord did cry,

She is a sinner and now she must die.

Vs. 2

(my favorite part)

But then I heard a voice, "Father I'll go.

I'll pay her sin debt at Calvary's flow.

I'll bear in my body the marks of the cross;

To save this child who is sin-sick and lost."

Chorus:

And it's still the blood that saves from sin,

It's still the blood that cleanses within.

From the highest star in Heaven to the depths of the sea;

It is still the blood of Jesus that bring victory to me.

Vs.3

Now there are those who rely on the works that they do;

Some me count on the times they've prayed through,

But when the battles over and victories been won

I'll go home through the blood of my Father's precious Son.

Because of the Blood,

Sis. Tammy

No-Bake Cheesecake

This recipe was given to me by another missionary wife. The name says it all. This is great if you have unexpected guest or are in a rush and forgot to make dessert. I've served it many times and those who like cheesecake love it.

NO-BAKE CHEESECAKE

250g butter cookies or shortbread cookies - crushed
melted margarine
Mix together and form a crust (also may use a graham cracker crust-we just don't have those here, well we don't have graham crackers period!)

1 large cream cheese
1 can sweetened condensed milk
1 tsp. vanilla
Cream together until smooth

1/3 cup lemon juice (bottled)
Add to above mixture and stir with a spoon

Pour into crust and refrigerate for about 15-20 minutes.

1 can of cherry pie filling
Spread on top.

Enjoy,
Sis. Tammy

Spring/Summer Cleaning?

Okay, here's my problem with the above mentioned title . . .

It is now May as you all know, but I have not had a chance to start on my spring cleaning yet because we have been trying to push 9 weeks of school into 6 so that we are finished by the time we leave to visit friends on the 25th of this month.

I would love to start it when we get back, BUT we arrive home on Saturday afternoon or early evening and company comes on Monday until either Wednesday or Thursday. We then have more company arriving on Friday to stay for 3 weeks.

In the midst of all this we will start the new school year back up the second week of June because we are going on a short furlough next summer and we are leaving in April. Therefore, I want school done before we go.

Now, my dilema is this . . . when on earth am I suppose to have time to spring or rather summer clean as it is turing out to be? Soooooo, all you organized, got it all together, creative, energetic, wonderful ladies out there I will take all the advice I can get!

I think I should have titled this: HELP NEEDED, PRONTO!!! LOL

Until the Shout,
Sis. Tammy

Mother's Day Poem

Mother

A mother is someone who knows all our needs

Our hopes and our dreams and desires,

With a genuine interest in all that we do -

Someone who guides and inspires.

A heart of a mother is full of compassion,

Is generous, kind and forgiving,

The smile of a mother is loving and tender,

And adds so much gladness to living.

A mother is someone with infinite patience

Who soothes all our troubles away,

With limitless faith in her children,

And a love for them day after day.

A mother is full of true wisdom and strength

Loveliness, insight and grace,

She's someone whose love we will cherish forever -

Yes - no one can take Mother's place!

Author Unknown

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY, MAMMA

Shingles Update

As you recall, my poor hubby had Shingles. We are thankful that he is over them. They did not get very severe nor did it last too long. Praise the Lord!!! Also, another thing to be thankful for is the pain in his neck is gone. What a blessing!

I've read up quite a bit about Shingles. Most of the articles have stated that the pain could last for quite some time, but he has not had any pain in almost a week. Amazing! What a wonderful Lord we serve. I know that it could have been much, much worse. The Lord truly spared him from a lot and we are very grateful for that.

I pray all are doing well and looking forward to a wonderful Lord's day tomorrow. God bless and remember, "THIS COULD BE THE DAY!"

Until the Shout,
Sis. Tammy

English Things

Now that I've figured this picture stuff out, maybe I can get more on here. We shall see . . .

A lovely 'English Thatched Roof Cottage'

An old fashioned phone kiosk, which happens to be

becoming obsolete.

This is a typical mail box in Britain.

We call them post boxes here.

Just a few photos that I had quick access to. I'll have to try and find some more soon. These were actually taken on my friends camera a few weeks ago when she was here. Enjoy!

Until the Shout,

Sis. Tammy

Plant Photos

The other day I told you all that I would take some pictures of my tubs. I know you all were thinkin', "Yeah, right!" Well, here they are. I do pray this will work. LOL

This is the front of our house. We live in a semi-detached.

Known to us Americans as a duplex.

These are my tubs. I can't wait for them to bloom!

My first bloom! Not a professional photo, but . . .

Can you believe it? I figured it out! With a little help from my dearly beloved. Now maybe I can post more photographs, although they won't be any near as good as yours, Jessica! LOL

Until the Shout,

Sis. Tammy