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Making your own Dishwasher Detergent...can you say save money?

2009-06-20T14:31:00.004-05:00

Well.....I have been busy concocting aqnd I think I might have this as perfect as it is gonna get...Many trials have put a nasty film on my glasses, food did not come off, and well.....5o trys later (that is an exaggeration!) I am so close...I think this is a keeper :)

so without further adieu...here is the recipe....

Dishwasher Detergent

In a plastic container with a firmly fitting lid, mix:
1 cup borax (20-Mule-Team Borax, available in any supermarket)
1 cup baking soda
1/2 cup pickling salt (don't use regular, it does not work the same, use pickling or kosher)
1/2 cup lemishine( I found this at Publix, there is a picture for you to see what it is below. If you cannot find it, citric acid will work also...but this works better..... )
1 cup cascade (I will add 1 1/2 cups maybe next time) (I used Cascade regular, may try Cascade Complete when this box runs out)

put all of it in the container, shake it up.

To use, put 2 tablespoons into one of the cups of your dishwasher. I use the regular or water saver cycle thus saving even more money.

On average, it looks like this is about 11 cents a load compared with Cascade (regular) at 28 cents a load. Or Cascade complete at 40 cents a load!

enjoy! let me know how it works for you!

Homemade Laundry Soap and Fabric Softener...can you say..ahhhhh...that smells good.......

2009-03-09T16:17:00.008-05:00

The past few days I have tried my hand at some home- making skills and I must say, I am very happy how they turned out! My kitchen and garage have smelled so good...like a field of lavender.....soooo nice!

I was very pleased with the results and actually really enjoyed doing laundry today! I would scoop at the gloppy mess and just smile with glee :)

The process was fun and didn't take long at all, especially with some help with the grating and stirring ~smile~ the recipes are below and pictures to give you an idea of what is involved..
The recipes were a combination of friends, internet and my own tweaking (Thanks lena and Kim!) so, feel free to change it if you need to....

Homemade Laundry Detergent

Just an fyi...I wanted laundry detergent that smells good and works....I was given a few recipes and found some online....I combined them to make the one that I did...so if you would like fragrance, do it the way I did, if you like less, use less essential oil...the scent is still very light though......but I like smell...~smile~

Homemade Laundry Detergent

2 Bars soap or other soap(I added 3, 2 lavendar, 1 dove, next time I will add 3 yardley of london lavendar-you can get this at walgreens)

2 cup washing soda-NOT BAKING SODA(I added 3 cups)This was bought at publix

2 cup borax(I added 3 cups)this was cheaper at Walmart

5 gallon bucket (you might have one laying around, but I bought one form Lowes..they have them at Walmart also)

essential oil (I used 1/4 a bottle of lavendar)

Directions:

Grate the soap in a saucepan(we used a vegetable peeler)

Add 8 cups water and heat til it melts.This will be a low boil...or a simmer....

Add the Washing Soda and the Borax and stir til dissolved. Remove from heat

Pour 4 cups hot water into the bucket

Add soap mixture and stir

Add 3 gallons water

Let sit for 24 hours....It will start to gel, and be a runny gel texture when done.

I use 2 scoops per large/xlarge load. You can use 1/2 that, but I like to use more.

Notes....I found essential oil online for 3.98 for .5 oz shipping would be 3.99, I believe if you buy more, the shipping will be less. In the Health food store, lavender oil is about $10.00 to $12.00 a bottle. This place has many scents, they have downy scents too, like lavendar vanilla :) here is the link-

Smoky Mountain Fragrances

Cost to make 5 gallons of Laundry soap

1/4 bottle of lavendar essential oil 2.50
3 cups borax 1.00
washing soda 2.00
3 bars soap 4.00

total 9.50

640 oz. (8 cents an oz.) loads price
3 scoops(24 oz.) 26 37 cents a load
2 scoop (16 oz) 40 24 cents a load
1 scoop (8 oz.) 80 16 cents a load

________________________________

Liquid Tide 12.99 (26 cents an oz.) 50 ounces in a bottle
One load is usually 3-4 oz. .78-1.04 a load
I use 6-8 oz. 1.50 to 2.00 a load yikes!!!

I think it will save quite a bit of money for us!!

Homemade Fabric Softener

Ingredients
1 cup baking soda (very large box at walmart with the laundry stuff (NOT WASHING SODA)
6 cups distilled white vinegar (also got at Walmart)
8 cups water
1/4 bottle of lavendar essential oil, or any kind you like (optional) I will use a 1/2 next time)
1 Gallon Container

Directions

First add the baking soda to the plastic container

Next add 1 cup of water to start with, shake several times to try and mix together

Slowly add the vinegar, 2 cups at a time, to the bottle as the vinegar and baking soda will start to fizz

Shake after each addition of water, venting the top a few times

Last add the essential oil, let sit about 10 minutes and shake every so often for the next couple hours to get the baking soda mixed in

Add 1 cup in your final rinse cycle for each load but give the bottle a good shake to stir up the essential oil if using

***IT SAYS USE 1 CUP BUT IF USING A DOWNY BALL YOU ONLY USE 1/2 CUP***

Notes.....This smells so good and made my clothes really soft. I did not do a price comparison, but the vinegar was 2.00 for a gallon, and this did 3 batches, Baking soda, 2.79 I think, it has 4 lbs, so oyu will get a lot of softener out of that! Your greatest expense will be the essential oil, please see my other post for a link to get it cheaper online......)

Have fun and let me know how you like it!!

Some creative evenings....uber wierd stuff happens....and then it somehow becomes a decoration....making it the hard way? priceless.......

2009-02-27T01:10:00.008-05:00

The Neu girls and guy have been uber creative lately and we thought a peek into some of that creativity might inspire you to do some "hard way" projects! This is creativity as we know it...and a little birthday stuff in there too :)

This collage is my birthday collage: birthday appetizer at one place...dinner at another, shopping in a boutique with wierd books and sunglasses, stealing ideas oops borrowing ideas from Pier One....This picture hanger will be up on my wall in no time! It was too cute!...then having coffee and cheesecake somewhere else....We also hung out in bed, bath and beyond...where some of us had massages, others found a great stainless steel utensil holder for 3.00... why was it 3.00? It simply stated "dirty", so I save 17.00 because someone did not want to clean! All in all it was a fun night and great memories were built and bad books were browsed through...ideas were formed... and....I still had so much fun! :)

Next up is the Chalkboard!

This became a family project when I could not get the paint to co-operate and Joe had to come out and save me by sanding it all down..I had painted the frame and glazed it, and he did the rest...I called it my project, but that is so not true....Joe really helped the most..He did an outstanding job and it is just what I wanted!. The back was an old piece of beadboard flipped over. The sides were molding strips form Lowes cut into a frame, chalkboard paint was brushed on, then sanded, then brushed on, then sanded again, then put together and hung by mr. wonderful himself! It came out so much nicer than I thought! Now I need some ideas for quotes to write because I want to change it everyday!

Well..there you have it....creativity is abounding over here..we will have to show you our bathroom next..working on that right now and our copycat spare bedroom from a catalog with all used furniture and trashy junk pieces we pulled out of the garbage....my what some spray paint will do....... Thats up next!

until then....The junk mother signing off...... :)

Boutique for a Week is back and you DONT want to miss it!!!!

2009-01-28T11:34:00.008-05:00

Do you have children's clothing that is in good condition that you want to get better than yardsale prices for? Then Boutique for a week is for you! I did this sale in October and I was so excited! I cannot tell you what a blessing it was and how many things I sold and neat things I bought! You're missing out if you let this one slip by!!!

here is the info...... check it out!!!

Upcoming Sale:February 23-27

Wintergarden, FL (about an hour for those going from Titusville)

check them out here:

http://www.boutiqueforaweek.net/

Registration is now open if you want to sell items...

Visit them today so you can:

Volunteer...(so fun!)

Get the latest info on the upcoming sale....

**If you are pregnant, adopting or a foster mom, register online to shop early!

A 16th Birthday Ball for a Princess......

2009-01-24T13:48:00.004-05:00

It was a beautiful night, twinkling lights, pretty girls were all dressed up dancing, dancing, dancing.....It was Libby's birthday wish...a ball in our backyard....They braved the cold, one and all, family and friends and came ready for a night of food, dancing, fun and a country ball!
Kricket and Lara came and played live music...it was beautiful...oh if everyone could have heard....and Lisa came to call the dances to make our girl's night so special...which it did...Thank-you ladies!.....Their servant hearts touched ours as we now relive the night through our pictures and memory....as Mrs. Bennet says "God has been very good indeed....

We started off the night with food and some dancing...then let the musicians and caller get a break away form the cold and their numb fingers and faces..... we played a pride and prejudice "do you know that line game"...and "how well do you know Libby" game...We had a ton of laughs and I could scarcely take it all in....It was so beautiful...exactly what we would want for our beautiful girl turning 16......a step back in time for a simplistic way of life...even if for just one night, we stepped back in time...it was well worth all the effort, all the nights stringing lights, all the days making food, all the trips ot the store to buy another thing forgotten. The thought of the 16th birthday gift...Grandma's wedding ring restored, an heirloom....the prayers made for that night and every day of her life...the tears of grateful parents, the well wishes of family and friends, the joy of the Lord evident in every day we have her....yes, God has been very good to us.....indeed.....~smile~

The festivities are over and the next year is coming, but we have the memory of time well spent...you only turn 16 once and thoughts filled our minds......Are we preparing her for life away from home...have we prayed enough? taught enough? cared enough? loved enough? said it enough? will she leave with what she needs to brave this world?....well..that we don't know..but we do know that God is faithful to finish what he starts and Libby, God isn't finished with you yet and I for one love the process! Your daddy and I have enjoyed every minute of your growth...Thank-you God for the tremendous blessing of allowing us to raise Elizabeth Faith Neu..Thank-you for allowing her to be a young woman that follows after you...We are the ones that got the best gift that night...you!!...Happy Birthday Libby...we love you!!!

stepping out of my box into a frame?

2009-01-06T15:49:00.005-05:00

I had some creative juices flowing and I saw this picture in Pottery Barn that I had cut out years ago....I thought...hey, I can do that, so several trips to the thrift store and Lowes for molding and spray paint..I saw my wall come to life.... and I felt a little framey....and well...it was fun and it's different... and I stepped out of my comfort zone and tried something new for the new year...

School is back in swing, resolutions are being made and broke and made again...and it is wonderful that our comfort comes from knowing that God is for us and when are in our weakest state, He is strong..... What comfort to know that I can put my hope and trust in CHRIST ALONE!!

I am looking forward to a year of falling in love with my savior! Happiest of years to you dear friends and may God meet us at every turn and keep our hearts and minds focused on Him....

Have a wonderful week :)

Happy Sweet 16 Libs! Your mom loves you!!

2008-12-29T23:14:00.003-05:00

My Dearest sweetest Libby,

One of the greatest honors of my lifetime is being your mom. Who would have known that 22 years ago, the doctors would have told me that I had a 2% chance of ever having a baby.... 6 years before you born, your daddy and I tried and tried, prayed and prayed, but no answer came from God.... not for 6 long years....But we had faith...we believed that God would answer our prayers...and He did....Elizabeth Faith Neu was born to 2 of the happiest people on this earth 16 years ago.... I think of all the days in my life, giving birth to you was one of the most memorable. I remember asking your daddy if you really came out of me! I could not believe that God had really answered our prayers! Tears still come to my eyes when I remember God's kindness to us on that day and every day since then ......

Your name means consecrated to God and I can attest as your mother that I have seen this walked out in your life. Libby, you are the greatest example I know of a godly woman. I don't think I will ever stop learning from you. I want to take some time to honor you tonite....

You excel at all these areas: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness,goodness, gentleness and self control. All of these areas are walked out in your daily life. You are so kind, quick to forgive, always believing the best about others, quick to bring your sin to light...seek God every morning, you take great joy in your relationships, you are very self controlled, always striving to be more godly....You honor your father and mother...you are such an encouragement....always telling us things that we do right....I often think - I wish I could be more like you! You Libby, are my hero!

I love it when you seek me out to share a struggle that you are having. You so want to please God in your thoughts and actions....You will never know how much I admire you and am so humbled to be your mother...I know that there is no credit to be had...You are a true gift from God....One that I know I could never deserve...but that I am extremely grateful for.....

Thank-you for your diligence to be a godly young woman, for your desire to be a blessing to your parents, for your sweet spirit to be a peacemaker, for your humility to share your sin and confess it quickly, for your humility in all areas of yor life...for denying your flesh when, at your age, self wants to rule...Thank-you for fighting for righteousness..

I love you and am soooooo grateful that God blessed me and your daddy 16 years ago and gave us you! Happy Birthday sweet Libby Lu!

love,

your mommy.....

Happy 16th Birthday Libby!!!! A message from your dad....

2008-12-29T23:06:00.002-05:00

A tribute to my little girl who is growing up so fast.
It seemed like just yesterday when you first learned to walk and talk and ride a bike and now you are learning to drive a car. Yikes.
Where have all the years gone? It has been my utter pleasure and priviledge to watch you grow into one of the most godly people I know. It makes my heart glad every time I walk past your room and you are listening to a book on cd like the Elsie Dinsmore series, or the Narnia series, or the Bible on cd, or a teaching message by men like CJ, Mike Bulmore, John Piper, etc. God has been so gracious to us to allow us the opportunity to pour into your life early on and now you encourage me and bless me and humble me with your love for your Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. You have been blessed with such a creative imagination. Such a passion for the Lord. Such a willingness to serve in any way you can.
some of my most memorable times with you have been playing games with you throughout the years...
pretty pretty princess, herd your horses, battleship, chess, backgammon, and endless card games...
its been great watching you grow into a fine young lady learning english country dancing, singing lessons,
guitar lessons, now driving lessons. We've had a blast playing soccer together, wrestling around the house,
and geo-caching together.
It doesn't really matter what we do together, I just thoroughly enjoy every minute with my wonderful precious
daughter. I never thought that after trying for 6 years to have children that God would bless us with such a
one as Libby. I couldn't have asked for anyone better. She is so much like her mother in so many ways. Thats a wonderful thing.
I just want to end by saying that Libby, I am so proud of you and the godly young woman you are. You are light years ahead of me when I was 16. I can't imagine what my life would have been like without you being a part of it.
Thank you for loving God ahead of everything. You are truly an inspiration to me.
I Love You!!!
Your Daddy

A blog award :)

2008-12-20T08:49:00.004-05:00

Thanks Heidi! I have never had a blog award before! Heidi is a gifted writer and I love checking our her blog. She is definately the one who deserves this award that was graciously bestowed upon her!

Heidi you are a sweet friend, one that I would love to get to know more!

Thanks for this award and I would like to pass it on to Alyssa at Resolved2Worship....She also is a very gifted writer and a great photographer! I enjoy reading her blog regularly as well.... and I could give this to many more....but lots of you have got an award too which is so neat!

5 things I am addicted to are what I am to add....oh geesh! ok, well....let's see...

1. Growing in Godliness-I want to grow and change and I seem to be always working on something to do that. I think about it constantly and although in somethings change has not happened, by pursuing it regularly, I am at peace that God's timing is different than mine :)

2. Lists....I am constantly making lists and checking things off. I don't know what I would do without lists! I will never be without one and usually have 3 or 4 going at the same time...

3.Calendering...I have to have things wrote on the calendar. Buying a new calendar gives me immense pleasure! I actually get giddy! I love seeing my life in the days ahead and wonder what God has in store....yes....I am a dork.... but I love it!

4. Caffeine Free Diet Coke....I love it and sometimes drink a few in one day! I have had to cut so much out since I found out I am allergic to wheat and gluten, that this is a treat when many other things are off limits!

5. Recipes....I love them..I must have thousands...I have not cooked them all, but I love having them. This is an area that I plan on addressing in the new year...I am seeking to be paper-clutter free and my mission will be to reduce our paper load! but if you saw my recipe collection...look out!! It is scary!

ok, that's my sinful vices in a nutshell...... More blogging to come this week as my baby girl is turning 16 and I want to pay a tribute to her! I cant believe I will be a mom to a 16 year old!!! oh my gosh!!

Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party!

2008-12-17T10:51:00.005-05:00

Every year we try to do something special as a family around Christmas time. This year Ms. Dianne got to come with us! (since she is my adopted Aunt- smile with glee-).

Magic Kingdom was so beautifull! One of my highlights is they handed out complimentry hot chocolate and cookies, and they gave me and my Mom gluten free cookies! We were so excited and they tasted better then the sugar cookies! So every time we passed a place that we could get some, we asked for "four gluten free cookies please", so we came home with a lot of cookies that we could eat!

The Castle was so beautiful with all the lights on it changing colors. It was neat to see Tinkerbell zip down the line and she was real person! We got right on the rides and barely had to wait. It was a wonderful night to remember!

We will definately be doing this again as my whole family said what a great time it was!

Thank-you-Mom and Dad!

Care Group Christmas...Stir Crazy Style.....

2008-12-16T23:24:00.004-05:00

Well...we had our Care Group Christmas Party last Sunday and it was a blast! We did a Stir Crazy Party where we had 3 teams and they competed against each other by cooking an appetizer, a side dish and a main dish...all without recipes! The dishes were all judged by everyone there and the winning team won a Prize. Team 1 won this competition by a very creative dish-filling bread with a rice and egg stir fry! It was so much fun and everyone participated and enjoyed eating all the creations for dinner! We ended with a white elephant and full tummies! What a wonderful evening! Next year, maybe we will try mexican crazy..... ~smile~

Thanks groupies for being team players and making the evening a night to remember! We love you guys!!

Can you say...Can?

2008-12-08T14:53:00.002-05:00

And can is just what we did! some yummy stuff! Krista, Praise and I ventured into the domestic world and canned the old fashioned way! We had a blast and I must say, many hands made very light work.....
Our feet were tired, our backs were sore....but what a harvest we produced! Thanks girls for hanging out! Us younger women have to stick together you know!....Take a peek for yourselves......Next time though, I will peel 20 more cloves of garlic just to be safe ~wink~

Tag

2008-11-27T01:11:00.004-05:00

I was tagged by Praise....Here is the 5th picture from the 5th folder in my picture file:

Kaylee girl!! I think you were in my class for co-op :)

I tag - Heidi Lorenzi, Meaghan Robertson, Lea Lockhart, Rhonda Reilly and Krista Vaughan.

The Rules: go to Your Pictures file go to the 5th folder open up the 5th picture and post it then tag 5 people when you are done.

Have fun!

Crafting at the Neus.....

2008-11-24T12:00:00.006-05:00

Libby, who is uber creative wanted to make these really cool boxes from shoe boxes.... We went to thrift stores looking for leftover wallpaper rolls and asked friends for shoe boxes...we also found knobs at the thrift store, a whole bag for 50 cents! We went to Lowes and found this really cool leather looking wallpaper for $5.00 a roll. So, with our $7.00 investment, we took the challenge and made these really cool storage boxes for her closet! They turned out so cute! We had a lot of fun and the whole family got involved!

Here is the finished product:

Our Annual Christmas Shopping Trip.......

2008-11-19T12:24:00.005-05:00

We went on our Mother-Daughter Shopping trip and invited another mother and daughter along! We started out at 9:30 and headed to the Mall of Millenia and then around 3:00,made our way to Ikea. We met up with the other girls.....and spent several hours there... and then made our way to HuHot by the Florida Mall...

We had a great dinner and then headed out to a few more stores and then back to the Hotel. We unloaded all our stuff and then headed out to the Pool deck for some munchies! We brought them back to the room and pigged out! The onion rings made me sick, but that was my fault, because I knew I shouldn't eat them and after my Libby's please of mercy to not eat them..I did it anyway! They looked sooo good!

and it was so not worth it..... but I took it in stride and plowed my way through Orlando the next day!

We had wonderful fellowship, and good memories were made....and Libby and I stayed up til 2:00 wrapping! Our cohorts were fast asleep while we worked late into the night!

We got up, had breakfast and headed to Old Time Pottery, The Florida Mall and then World Market, Michaels and at last...Whole Foods!! oh yeah! Where I bought lots of Gluten free snacks and Gluten free cupcakes! They were so good!

We got home about 5:30 and passed out! It was so much fun and we are 95% done Christmas shopping!

Starting to save in November of last year, for Christmas this year, was such a blessing to our family.... We have done that for many years and I encourage you to try it if you haven't!..... well...the holidays are upon us and now we get to slow down and enjoy them.... We invite you to come along with us as we share what we do for our Holidays...blog style...
keep checking in and we will keep posting.....

Happiest of Holidays to you....

Whats been going on...

2008-11-10T23:39:00.007-05:00

Not a whole lot has been going on around the Neu house..Just the same old things that we do day in and day out.....

here is an update on the members of our fam:

Joe has been working hard at work...He has even had some overtime.He has been taking Libby driving and rescreened some screens so we could open the windows. Joe and Libby have enjoyed Geo-caching.... He has cut the grass, taken the trash out, surfed the web, considered playing soccer (oh no!) and I am sure alot more things have been happening too.....He celebrated his 44th birthday last month and Libby reminds him regularly that he is getting alot more gray....
Tammy (me) I have been cleaning the spare bedroom, got to work at Boutique for a week (how fun!) had a game night with some friends, Christmas shopped online, grocery shopped, got my hair done, went to Aldis which just opened, made phone calls, made appointments, did some reading, changed our diet, eating better....and because I went to my hair dresser today, I have no more gray showing (oh yeah!)

Just a friendly neighborhood reminder that if you missed the November sale, you're in luck, because they will be holding their next sale in February! The week of the 22nd! You don't want to miss it!

Libby-Libby's life is so much about school...she does school almost everyday, cleaned her room, groomed Emmy, did her chores, played guitar, made phone calls for Resolved, helped Praise with the twins, sewed lots of cushions, went yard saleing and got a wonderful mannequin that is wire...you unsnap it, put it on and it fits to your shape so that whatever you make will be the right size..sooooo cooool!

so there you have it...all the boring facts about what really goes on in the lives of normal boring people....

wish there was more to tell you...but theres not! Hey, atleast I remembered what we have done..although, I did have to think alot about it! Life is good, all is well, and we are blessed...

what more could we possibly need ;) God has been very good to us......

Wow! Is the first thing I can think of...

2008-10-27T09:23:00.019-05:00

...Our weekend was so fun! Saturday Morning we headed out to visit with my Grandma Marie and spent the night in Orlando with her.

We ate Lunch at Rainforest Cafe and walked through Disney Village, just chillin in the little shops. We also went to the Gap...Thank you Grandma for my purse! I love it!

Then we road a rollercoaster, go-carts, and watched bungy jumping! We tried to convince my Dad to do it but, he wouldn't. Oh and we saw a neat looking licensce plate!

Thank-you Grandma for such a fun day! I love spending time with you! and I am so glad you invited us to come over!

On sunday we went to the most amazing Drivers Edge thing! It was so fun and educating!

At first when my mom wanted me to go, I thought to myself" this is going to be so boring, all they are going to do is give lectures, and show videos that I have already seen before", boy was I wrong! They did give a few lectures, but they actully let you drive and show you how to get out of dangerous situations.

The first thing I got to do there was learn how to get out of a skid. First the instructor (which was professional race car driver) drove us on the course and the car lost traction, skidded and jerked! Then he had me drive the car! It was a little scary at first! But if my car ever does lose traction, I was taught what to do. It definately boosted my confidence in driving on a highway.

The seconed thing they had us learn about was different things about the car. One thing that really helped me was "Wash Boats". Wash meaning Window washer fluid, B is brake fluid, O is oil, a is anti freeze, T is transmission fluid, and S is steering fluid.

Back out to a different corse they taught what ABS brakes are and let us test them, by flooring the gas and then the instructer would yell "NOW" then we would have to slam on the brakes! The next part in that course was road hazzards. I wasn't good at this part. We had to drive a long stretch and then swerve quickly at an object and pretend that it was a large object and try to avoid it. My instructer was so nice! He took me back out on the course and showed me what I was doing wrong and explained it to me, and had me keep doing it till I was able to do it without hitting any of the cones, he also gave me a trophy for being the most improved on that course that was really neat!

I have heard so many things to do and what not to when your car skids out of control and I was so confused I would of freaked out because I wouldn't of known what to do if my car ever did skid, or if I had to swerve around somthing going 60 MPH. but this really, really helped me!

If you ever have the chance to go I strongly encourage every teenager to do this! and It was all paid for by donations and by government funding so it was all free even the t-shirts, hats and jumper cable car kit and a bunch more things!

I could barely sleep last night because I was so excited!

...Libby...

Our Vacation has come to an end....life is back to normal....

2008-10-20T19:53:00.006-05:00

Well....all good things must come to an end.....We pulled in about 10:00 last night. We were tired, but rested....We had a wonderful drive home and even ran into some celebration attenders at the gas station in Gainesville! aww...we were sad we missed it!
We slept in late, laid around, and had to return the rental car today....here are the last of our pictures from the trip....
Great memories...great times...great friends....and a heartful of thanks! God has been so good to us....We will reminisce about this trip for years to come....
A wonderful time to be had by all....

Vacation Post #2

2008-10-17T14:46:00.004-05:00

We are having a great time, very relaxing. We are in town right now and I am sitting in a little cafe while the gang is out looking at books and little shops....We came into town through fog that was so thick, we couldn't see in front of us...I was so scared coming down that mountain! yikes!

We have been to the apple orchard, pumpkin patch and everywhere in between. We have seen the most beautiful scenery and ate so much food, I think I might pop!

We have had the best time and we hate to see it end....But we know that our beautiful life is at home and we hate to go, but we can't wait to be back at home, where our life and friends are...

Thank-you God for your kindness on our week and all the wonderful memories that we have made in the process....

We look forward to the time we can do it again! Thanks Rick and Patty for one of the best memories! We love you! and Justin and Krista, it was not the same without you here :( Krista, your dad has been eating donuts, I will try and save you some, but it will be hard ~smile~

We're here!

2008-10-11T16:01:00.005-05:00

We left bright and early Monday morning and arrived early evening! What a beautiful ride up and what fun we are having so far!

We had a wonderful dinner at the cabin on Monday-roasted hotdogs and smores! We then spent Tuesday exploring and just resting. It was such a nice day. The weather was beautiful and we had some great times just reminiscing and enjoying each others company...The best part of the day was our outdoor movie on the porch! We pulled out the tv and dvd player and made an outdoor fire and watched "The Last Sin Eater" to the sounds of the nature all around us! Oh it was so nice...and I was a little scared that something would get us! Joe blocked off the porch entrances so nothing would get me....(I recommend that movie if you have not seen it! a great one!)

Today we are in Blue Ridge, Georgia. We had lunch here and shopped some stores and are now headed to eat lots of apples!

The apple eating mom, over and out...

oh...and if you see Rick, ask him about the food he ate while we were gone ~wink~

And what to our wandering eyes should appear?

2008-10-06T17:18:00.006-05:00

But a snake and a poisonous one I fear!!

Yes, the news of the day is a baby pygmy rattle snake was on our porch. Libby sent Emmy over to get it and realized it was a snake. Joe corraled it into the jar and we were on our way to finding out what it was....Boy it was mean too.....He was shaking his tail and striking over and over again at whatever it could....

About a month ago we had found a baby black widow on our water faucet outside....oh my!

I hate to think that we are a breeding ground for poisonous critters :0

Well...it did make for an interesting day!

Fall is in the air........

2008-10-01T23:56:00.005-05:00

Fall is in the air...I feel it....I am starting to dream about being in the leaves...I can smell them in the air....I can feel the coolness that fall brings...and I am longing for it.....

I get this way..about this time every year..... and this year is no different..except for one thing......

This year...I get to go!! We all get to go! We are going to the North Georgia Mountains for 7 beautifully glorious days! I am beyond excited....I am longing for it..... Crazy as it sounds...I never felt more near to God, than when I am in the mountains....There is something about time standing still that changes me.....I actually get still.....and like it....no I don't just like it....
I love it.....I am anticipating long walks...Long lingering quiet times... Hillcrest orchards, rainbow trout at the Apple festival, long drives, long talks, smores, apple tasting...Barts Pumpkin Patch, Good times with Good friends.....More good times with good friends....Great times with my family....memories born and made.....
Deep fried Pickles at the Apple Festival....Country drives down long windy roads with Autumn in New England playing through the car.....

Apple Cider Donuts from Hillcrest Orchards....Trying 20 different kinds of apples...apple smell....apple tastes....mmmmm......

Pumpkin Roll from Barts Pumpkin Patch.....yummo...It is a joke in our family that every memory I have is about a food I ate and where I ate it....it's true.... about the food.....but it is about so much more....

There is just something about going up there..to the moutains that refreshes my soul.....a time when my insides sit still....my mind takes a break...I see God's hand everywhere....I feel Him everywhere...I love going because I am reminded of God's love for me.....and I leave....changed by that....

I leave with a memory that God met us there....I leave refreshed....recharged....reinivisioned....ready for life at home....

12 days and counting......

Thank-you God for providing every penny.... for providing a beautiful place....and Thank-you most of all for a reason to praise you for what your hand has made.....and it is beautiful.....and I love you...and Thank-you.......again and again.....

Fridays with the Neus....Photo Shoot Style....

2008-09-26T23:34:00.006-05:00

Well...it was a busy day for sure! I had a doctors appointment and then was late for my next appointment, barely had time to eat, came home for 15 minutes to get the camera that a good friend let me borrow (thanks Lydia!) and then ran out to a photo shoot for my hairdresser Janet.

It was so much fun! Her children were great subjects and we had an opportunity to use our creativity and hopefully bless them at the same time!

We also were able to buy our long awaited camera! A Canon rebel XTI! We have saved and scrimped and worked and then I was able to sell a few things on ebay and use that money towards it and God in His wonderful kindness allowed us to get it! We are thrilled and it will be here Monday, God willing....

Another neat thing happened today. I needed an sd card because we didn't have one and needed one for today... so I only had a minute to run into Walgreens. I went in and found the card that fit my camera....$49.99....oh no....there is no way I will pay that much...it was a 2 gig and it was already 4:00, I had to be there at 4:30..I needed to get, home, eat, get everything ready and I couldn't run all over town looking for the best deal....I looked at another space where the sd cards were and there was a 1 gig card there and it looked like it also cost 49.99..I asked the cashier if she could ring it up and atleast see how much it was....it rang up $15.49 on clearance! I was so grateful to God....I prayed all the way home! Thank-you again God for working out all the details.....(even when I should have prayed about it first......)

well....here are a few photos and please check out our shoot at our photography blog which you can find here...

Fridays with the Neu's........Celebrity style....

2008-09-19T21:44:00.008-05:00

We had some friends over for dinner and games and we thought we would do our own celebrity look-alikes. They are very easy to tell who we are...so have a peek....

I can really see all the resemblances to some very famous people. It was so funny! I matched up to Katie Couric as if we were twins!! And Joe straight away was Gomer Pyle! Libby was Laura Dern....... Mace looks like Dustin Hoffman, Jeany looks like MaryAnn from Gilligan's island and Mariah looks like Katie Holmes, Jesse looks like Edmond from Chronicles of Narnia and Emmy looks like Lassie alot!! wow! I never knew that was so fun! Thanks for the idea :) and Jesse, thanks for the fun!! What a great night we had!

Guess What? She's Driving :::)))

2008-09-15T00:39:00.008-05:00

Libby got her permit!! What a surreal experience that was! I can't have a daughter ready to drive! Wasn't I just almost 16? not that long ago ?!! Where has all the time gone? wow......

What an experience :)

well...we captured the moment so enjoy entering our world!

Fridays with the Neus.....Where oh where have our Fridays gone?

2008-09-12T07:52:00.018-05:00

No, we haven't missed Fridays....We have actually lived them, they have just been well....not worth blogging about! But, we will be back in swing, because we do want to share about our life...that is the point of this blog...and we love your Savior and living life...that is a HUGE part for us....so....Fridays will be more consistent...I pray!

ok, so back to our Friday...It is the morning now and I just finished a chapter in I kissed dating goodbye. Who says' that book is for those not wanting to date! How about middle aged....very hip...older women...did I say hip? yep, thats me! I was challenged to grow and fight for righteousness in my life. I will share more on that some time....Just what God is doing in my life in pursuit of Him.....

and in thinking about last night on this fine morning, we made goals for each of us in our family...I thought I might share some with you...

Last week we had done 10 and 5 year, and then last night we did 1-3 and 1 year goals. If you haven't ever sat down to do that. I challenge you to! It will tell you alot about yourself and doing it will help have order as you walk out the next few years!! (Young people, I mean you too!) I am excited that we have sort of a picture where we want to grow together!

so here are a few of mine:

My Goals for the next 10 years

Completely committed to God

To have fully walked out so that I think of it first-having faith for others(I am grateful that God is showing me this now and I do so want to be really great at it by then :)

Become a proficient studier of God's word in a whole new way!

Grow tremendously in the area of repentance and forgiveness (I am cultivating it now..but want to learn to"run to the cross first" by studying God's word in this area will help me )

Read through the bible 5-10 times by then

Understand our doctrine completely by reading bible doctrine several times!!

Read all of John Pipers books

Read all of Cj's books

Continuous growth in my relationship with Joe

Enjoying our season of not having children at home by learning more about him and what blesses him every day!

Discipling Libby as a young mother (oh yeah! that would make me a grandma!)

Traditions continuing to be built within our family and friends (I lovvvvvve traditions!)

Vacations yearly with Libby's family at our expense :)

Caring for my Grandchildren by seeking to honor Libby and her Husband

Regular contact and care for our extended family (we love them so much, need to grow in showing it :)

Whole body well

Professional Photographer, or researcher, or a commercial writer, or a speech writer for political campaigns (who says we can't dream~smile)

Trip to Prince Edward Island! oh yeah!

Building memories

All pictures gone through and organized

Have a slumber party for my 50th birthday! (like my 40th-that was soooooo fun!)

See Blue Man Group

Projects that we have done-work on getting them completely finished

More projects done

More projects begun

can you tell I love projects? :)

There was so much more...but here is a small taste of how my mind works......I hope thats a good thing! ha!

well...I am off to live this Friday, as it is happening as I type! Hope your weekend is fruitful and God is glorified in each and everyone who is reading :)

The Neu Mom signing off.....

God is most Glorified in you, when you are most satisfied in Him....

2008-09-08T22:33:00.004-05:00

We are back from our retreat and God did meet us while we were away..... We had some adventures and time to play and time to meet God in the most unexpected ways....Thank-you God that we were all safe and that was small in comparison to your great love for us!

We swam, took a walk at night...there was a beautiful breeze and wonderful memories were made. We learned a lot from John Piper and I realized after listening to him by way of a dvd, that I really am as dumb as I look! He is crazy smart!! But I did walk away with some shifting in my thinking and some paradigm shifts in my life. I am excited to see what God has for my small pea sized brain :)

I love so much John Piper's quote:

God is most glorified in you, when you are most satisfied in Him.

I had an opportunity to walk that out while we were away and I have a feeling that I will be walking that out the rest of my life....

Oh the deep deep love of our saviour! I cannot fathom how much He loves me...But I will be hunkering down there for a while....

Thank-you God for loving me more than I can ever imagine.....You are amazing God!!

Fridays with the Neus...Normal Style....

2008-08-29T20:58:00.003-05:00

Well....it is Friday here at the Neus and it has been a normal day. I had to go to the Doctor.....Libby did school...Joe worked.... I cooked....healthy style....We loaded the dishwasher....

Talked about our class coming up...Do Hard Things.......

and then we played sequence.... Just another day...living life....hanging with the family....and realizing how very very blessed we are to be able to do just that....

God has been good and we have been grateful.....all in all that is a very good day!

Thanks for checking in on us!

Fay Did not go away and she left us a present :)

2008-08-21T07:36:00.003-05:00

Yesterday carried the most bad weather we have seen yet through Fay's visit and then refusal to leave :) Talk about a bad guest! Geesh!She definately has overstayed her welcome. And I might add...I don't really like her kind of presents either ~smile!
We heard a crack and a hit to our house...woke us up..so we all, late into the night, were up trying to peek out windows and wondered what it was! Looking out of both windows of Libby's room, we saw this:

I truly am grateful and joyful for God's sovereign plan for my life:) even Fay! God's word says

Everything in the heavens and earth belong to you O Lord,

and this is your kingdom

We adore you as being in control of everything

Riches and honor come from you alone

and you are the ruler of all mankind

Your hand controls POWER and might

and it is at your discretion that men are made great

and given strength

2 chronicles 29:11

I love being reminded of my need for a savior and I am all the more grateful for His plan! Isn't it so good to know that we don't have to worry about my life because is taking care of every last detail and He loves me so much, he has given His greatest gift-His son for my life. How can I fathom that? :) I pray that if you don't know him, He will cause a stirring in you and He will make himself known to you.....(not sure what I mean? PLEASE ask :)

We also have a very soggy porch. Our porch now leaks....ask us how we know? So, all in all, so far, we faired well....Lots of branch clean up and leak fixing, but we are safe and we have been able to get alot done being home with an interruption to normal life. It has been a productive time :)

Lots more rain coming, but we are just hanging out.....Poor Joe is waterlogged. Ever try going through a drive through with the window down while it is raining? You quickly roll it back up because rain shoots in?

Well imagine keeping it down ALL day and putting things out repeatedly while rain pelts your arm and face and gets you all wet! Poor guy! Joe, we love you! Thank-you for your sacrifice to serve our family by working so hard! We are grateful for you! Love you babe! Stay dry!!

Well.....the day is starting and I must stay with it!

and the last update: Fay has moved about 3 miles per hour, and right now she has actually stopped! This has been the case for the past few days:

so....we wait......

The waterlogged mom signing off....

Just another manic "Fay Day"

2008-08-20T07:06:00.003-05:00

Well...we 're still here! We awoke to Fay sitting on us! We don't remember a thing through the night... We had some debris in the yard, but nothing extensive. We will have some threats of tornados and strong winds, but we have a shelter over our head, and feel safe. Joe, on the other hand is out there delivering mail! Please God, keep him safe.... Dianne is out there too...Stay safe Dianne!! We are praying for you mailmen (and women :)

We awoke to make a yummy, healthy breakfast. It looked so pretty, I thought I would take a picture. This is called a power snack. Kavli crisp bread, monteray jack cheese, a hard boiled egg and some cut up grape tomatoes! I am full and powerful ~smile~

We won't be posting anymore on Fay unless something worth blogging about happens.... Thanks for hanging in there with us!

over and out,

Tammy

Fooey on Fay! :(

2008-08-19T20:58:00.004-05:00

Bedtime: Well, Fay never made it to Titusville(yet atleast) and we will be a lot better off for it:) So it was an uneventful day, but we enjoyed the anticipation of something happening :) We are safe, all is well..and we are grateful :) But, there were others who wish Fay had never come. My heart goes out to them.....Thank-you God for protecting us and keeping us safe. We are thankful for your hand upon us :)

we watched the olympics, Libby played on the computer and Joe worked on some electronic stuff and I posted blog entries :)

Tammy for the Neus, signing off on this blustery Fay Day :)

Where oh Where has Fay gone?....Post 4

2008-08-19T20:29:00.004-05:00

10:00 pm. Fay is no where to be seen. I went outside to snap this picture and the wind was blowing and it wasn't even raining. wow....I guess she either decided not to come, or she just hasn't arrived yet. Well....we'll wait :)

So in the meantime, Libby made some sticky chicken that we will take to a family that just had a baby boy! sticky chicken is so good, I will post the recipe soon! Maybe tomorrow. and I put more things on e-bay, cleaned up in the kitchen and Joe took a nap. But, its a tropical storm, what else can we say?

Update says, she is going off shore below us, so maybe she will miss us altogether? We'll just have to wait and see....We will update one more time before we head off to bed!

Fay Day Night...Post 3...The waiting is the hardest part :)

2008-08-19T17:59:00.005-05:00

7:00 pm.... Here she comes :) As I type, the thunder just started rolling by.....The wind is picking up and the radar shows she is a coming!

As we wait....Joe and Libby ran and got Pizza! yes, pizza! every storm needs a party~smile~

The rain has picked up and you can feel the storm in the air! It amazes me how powerful weather is....that only God can control it....wow! well...we will check back in at 10:00...sometimes our internet goes down during a storm, so if we don't post again at 10:00, we will post as soon as we are back up :)

heres a few more pictures from around our house:

Fay Day Post # 2

2008-08-19T14:51:00.007-05:00

4:00 pm: Ok, it is now late afternoon and we are still waiting for some severe weather. There have been tornados in the county we live in, but that has been farther south.

Joe is out delivering mail through rain, snow, sleet or hail and tropical storm. Hopefully we will expect him home all in one piece! and dry and ready to hunker down with his girls :)

I enjoyed some yummy decaf coffee, put some stuff on ebay and had a good nap since I couldn't sleep real good last night because I was nervous about today maybe ?

Libby enjoyed checking the mail, strumming on the guitar, exercised and played with Emmy some.

So, as you can see....we are doing just fine....Enjoying the day, and just waiting for Fay to pay us a visit. She should be arriving this evening and we will keep you posted:)

Thanks for checking in on us!

The mom , signing off :)

A Day with Tropical Storm Fay....Neu style

2008-08-19T11:24:00.004-05:00

Since we live away from family and they always wonder if we are ok when a storm hits, we thought we would blog our day in the midst of a storm! We have included a picture of our front yard this morning and we will post a few times so that you can see the progression of the weather and us!

Right now, we are just hanging out. I made some breakfast and we have been glued to the tv! Which is so unlike us, because we rarely watch tv! Here are a few shots of this morning

Here is Libby watching Tom Terry tell us when we can expect the worst weather!

The weather is mild now, but windy, rainy, tornado bringing stuff is coming! We'll keep you posted!

Weather girls,

Tam and Lib signing out :)

Fridays with the Neu's......Smile:)

2008-08-08T19:35:00.002-05:00

We started the day off with an appointment to tighten those braces! They are moving along....the teeth and the payments ~smile~ Libby got black bands this time! It looks good! And.....our girl just finished Drivers Ed! aacccckkkkk! She is going to be driving here soon! I can't take it! Does anyone have a rewinder? :)

Libby also groomed Emmy! she did a great job. Emmy looks so cute now and not a huge fur ball! I think I like Libby's prices better than having the mobile groomer come...Can you say free? :)

We just hung out at home this afternoon, had yummy chili dogs for dinner and are now settled in watching the opening ceremony for the Olympics. Go USA!

You all would be so proud....I am completely caffeine free! I did survive last week and God's grace was so amazing! I don't have any more headaches so that is great!

Joe is still working on the bathroom...He painted the window and finished the last piece of beadboard and got his haircut, took a shower and now we are aggghhhhhing!

I guess that is it for this post. Thanks for peeking in on us!

Have a great weekend!

Fridays with the Neus......Demolition style....

2008-08-02T18:00:00.002-05:00

Yes, you read that right...well...I guess that is exaggerating a little... For the past few days, we have been redoing our bathroom. We have had that 70's yellow tile and at some point we pulled off the soap dish and toothbrush holder...so this bathroom has been in limbo for years! So, we happened to have a coupon for Lowes... $10.00 off of $25.00 and we were so inspired to save money and work some on the bathroom...Joe graciously went and got beadboard and some glue and started putting the beadboard right over that tile! I was so excited! He had to make some very tricky cuts and well....he was amazing! Thanks babe! It isn't quite done, but we can show you some along the way pics and an almost finished product....This will definately be a work in progress as we still have the shower to tackle and new mirror to get and I am not sure yet about the window....but that will come soon enough and I just want to enjoy the right here and now...so..Have a peek:
enjoy~smile~

Trying to break that habit.......

2008-08-01T15:36:00.006-05:00

ok, I admit it! I love Diet Mountain dew...I like to have it in the morning when I get up instead of coffee, because now that I am in menopause I don't like anything hot and I don't like cold coffee yuck! so I have got in the habit of drinking the dew.....

and the problem is: in the morning especially I have been so overheated and my pulse has been racing. I had Joe time it for me and my resting heart rate was 120 beats per minute yikes! I have been blaming it on my thyroid medicine...so I have started cutting that down....well...I figured it out that it was MOUNTAIN DEW!! When I didn't drink it, I was fine....so...I abruptly stopped and guess what happened?

Yes, I got a terrible headache and I am exhausted!! But nothing will tempt me to take back that troublemaker! I learned my lesson and now I have been sipping on sugar free lemonade and water! so...what's a girl to do with those headaches? Well...I have been talking to my doctor...The great Physician that is and he has made it bearable! I know that in a few days it will be a distant memory, but when you are in the midst...God desires our crying out to Him and I know that He is just waiting for me to ask....

He has laid His word on my heart:

All these things I once thought very worthwhile;

Now I've thrown them all away

so that I can put my hope and trust in Christ alone

Phillippians 3:7

How could God be so kind to help me through my current struggle.

Thank you God for caring for me and loving me enough to allow me to endure any kind of struggle which is so very much nothing in comparison to what your son did for me....

I am grateful for your love :) and the strength to overcome :)

and hehehehe! they do make caffeine free Mountain Dew...I just have to figure out how to get it in Florida ~smile~

Calling all Ladies in need of some extra cash :) Boutique for a Week Consignment......

2008-07-30T15:12:00.008-05:00

Boutique for a Week Consignment!!

Did that get your attention? ~smile~
I am so excited about this and I wanted to help spread the word!! Do you have children's clothes in like new condition that you are interested in getting rid of for a better than yard sale price?

In October some ladies that I know will be hosting this sale in Orlando. This is a great way to make some cash for whatever you may need it for.... If you are in Titusville, there may be a possibility that I can take your items over for you. If you are interested, just e-mail me....

here is the website:

http://www.boutiqueforaweek.net/

You will want to check this out!! :)

Saturday...Neu Style....

2008-07-28T14:28:00.004-05:00

Sorry, we didn't have much going on Friday, except getting ready for Saturday and we partied all day long! We started off the day with Kristy Lockhart's wedding shower after the wedding! ok, so we were a little late!! Then it was clean up, take a breath and back out for Rick Turner's 70's birthday! It was a fun filled day and full of food and did I mention that Rick Turner can EAT some food! wow! I mean, I am impressed! enjoy some pictures from the day :)

Fridays with the Neu's...... Youth Retreat Style......

2008-07-21T21:23:00.004-05:00

The Neu girlies headed out on Thursday for our Resolved Youth Retreat..We had a wonderful time!!....So Friday we were at a Youth Camp and we stayed into Saturday. It was so evident that God was in every last detail! We worshiped, prayed, ate, played, talked, goofed off, met God....what more could 2 girls ask for.....
I am so grateful to God that He has captured our hearts! We loved getting away and worshipping our savior!

The games were so fun and Chris and that marshmallow.....well.....you'd have to see that one for yourself!! I laughed so hard, cried so hard, slept so hard, prayed so hard and worshiped so hard....It was truly life changing!! The kindness of God....it always amazes me :)

Here is a peek into our weekend:

When I think of Home.....

2008-07-15T15:43:00.002-05:00

I think of family....love....care...food :)........me...joe...libby.....emmy:)... our family in Wisconsin, our family in Delaware, our family in Wyoming, our family in Minnesota...our family in Washington/Virginia Maryland area..our family in pennsylvania.........I am sure I missed some (sorry!) We would love to have you over...We want to invite you over...especially those that are far away and we hold you near and dear in our hearts...we want you to visit our home......we know that you can't come here...... but we can bring our home to you.... ..... here is another way you can peek in on us.....peeking in on the Neu's......come along.....here is where we...well....abide....

Not only do we live here...we do life here...we love our savior here...we love each other here...we love our friends here...we love our family here...... So when you think of us...think of where we might be, what room we might be hanging out in......now you can picture it..... and Jimmy and Scott (my brothers).... I want to picture you here too....come visit!!! I love you!! and miss you bunches!!(just thinking of you tonite and missing you both :)

Saturday Night Slingos :)

2008-07-14T11:43:00.005-05:00

We headed on down to New Smyrna Saturday night to hang out with the Slingos! Wow! We had so much fun...when it came time to leave....well....we just didn't want to! dinner: a perfect 10 (can you say sundried tomato, artichoke, chicken yummo pasta?).....Dessert: a perfect 10.....conversation with Slingos:priceless... ~smile~

Thanks Mark and Debbie, Tori and Carly for a wonderful evening of food, fun and laughter! We had a blast and look forward to the next time we get together! Here are some random shots of the evening.....

Texas Breakfast Tacos......The best!!

2008-07-12T12:54:00.005-05:00

Wow! Is all I can say after making these for breakfast!! These were incredible! I love mexican food, and I have never liked breakfast burritoes, so I read about breakfast tacos and how they are better than the "american, try to be mexican, but didn't quite make it, breakfast burrito" :) so...I got the ingredients at the store and I thought I would give it a try. They cost about .40 cents each to make...and I made a whopping 24....so for .80 cents, I get an extra yummo breakfast! Now, saying that...you could easily double that because I overfilled mine... I didn't have enough corn tortillas, which would make them about .20 to.30 cents each!! now that is a bargain.... so...without further ado...here is the recipe and photos:

Breakfast Tacos:

Ingredients:(seperate bowls for each)
6 eggs scrambled, salt and pepper them

2 potatoes,pierce with fork, cook in microwave for 8 minutes.(I did that the night before and put in the fridge til the morning) dice with 1/2 onion, fry in a little oil, salt and pepper them to taste (I had a lot of extra potato, so 1 might be enough...)(I also fried in the pan I made the sausage in to sort of flavor them a little)

1 can refried beans-I used fat free....

1 package of Gaspars "Linguica" sausage(Portugese) (I got it at Publix on the back wall by the hotdogs and other sausages) it is like Chorizo sausage, but wayyyyy milder :) This sausage MADE the whole thing!! so yummy and gave it that authentic texas taco style (not southwest, but close to mexico yummy taco taste!) I took the skin off of all three and crumbled it with my hands and then cooked it in a skillet with a little olive oil.

Colby Jack shredded cheese

Pace picante sauce

1 package of corn tortillas. I put oil in a skillet and cooked each one for about 30 seconds each side to soften them up. I oiled each one a little....(you can use flour, but we are trying to stay away from wheat)

Directions:
Lay your corn tortilla on the counter or a plate and spread a layer of refried beans real thin on 1/2 of it.

The spread some pace picante sauce over that.

Follow with potato, egg, sausage and cheese.... or whatever order works for you...

This made 24, but can easily make more with less inside....

I made these all up at once and put them in ziploc baggies and I will heat up 3 at a time for our family to have breakfast.....about 30-45 seconds in the microwave... or more depending on your own microwave....

enjoy!!

~~~*~~~*~~~*~~~*~~~*~~~*~~~*~~~*~~~*~~~*~~~*~~~

*Kelly, I think these are gluten free? Want me to bring you some? ~smile~

Things that make you go hmmm 4

2008-07-10T23:02:00.010-05:00

Well.... last, but not least...our smallest member of the fam...Emmy Lou!
she is also the harriest member too! (no offense Em!)

Her favorite food is

no, not this one !

this one!
and what she likes to do in her free time.....

well...that is the last of our "Things that make you go hmmm series..."

We hope you enjoyed it!

Audry....

2008-07-09T15:10:00.002-05:00

What a blast we had with Audry today. We are practicing away at our photography skills...The rest of the photos are at our photo blog which you can link to under our link bar on the right....or find it right here: http://www.xanga.com/neu_photography

quiche quiche baby!

2008-07-09T14:33:00.003-05:00

well.....it's midweek and I was in the baking mood....here is a wonderful quiche recipe that you can add any meat and any cheese to. I made a broccoli, chicken and cheese version and it was yummo!

recipe below! (This is actually an old friend's recipe. Thanks Lisa for this family recipe handed on down to me :)

Basic Quiche

3/4 cup Milk

5 Eggs

3/4 cup Heavy Whipping Cream

2 T. softened butter

1/2 t. salt or more

1 T. flour

2 Cups grated cheese

Dash tobasco

1 Cup veggies

1 Cup Meat

2 Pie crust shells

Mix all together. Place in 2 pie shells. Bake @ 425 for 15 minutes. reduce to 275 for 20 minutes longer. (if edges of pie crust start to burn, cover with foil for duration of baking)

~smile~

Neu.Photography Debut........

2008-07-05T20:50:00.006-05:00

Well.....The Neu girls love to take pictures....and we decided that together we have so much fun we should do something with that creative outlet of ours....so .....we started a photography blog over at xanga :) We have been taking pictures for the past few weeks and just today hung out with some friends that thought it would be fun to have their picture taken...we had a blast...here are a few photos of our time together...check out our link for more photos on the right....

Fridays with the Neu's...... 4th of July style

2008-07-05T18:16:00.003-05:00

Here's another Friday with the Neu's:
We got up and headed out to some friend's house for the day. We had a wonderful afternoon hanging out..Yummy food, fun friends and speed scrabble...that makes for a wonderful day.

We then headed out to the Hornes for appetizers and fireworks! We had so much fun...Hey Hornes, can we come back every year?

We headed home about midnite and had some fun at home with Katelyn and Alyssa. Thanks for hanging out with us girls! It was so fun!

A very full day indeed! We are sooooo grateful for our freedom! Land of the free, Home of the brave! Happy 4th America!

Things that make you go hmmm 3......

2008-07-03T16:55:00.005-05:00

Well, our Family man, Husband, Dad and dog owner is next :)

One thing you may not know about Joe is :

Joe can fall asleep almost anywhere, anytime...It amazes me! I have to have the perfect conditions...But not my man!

and:

Joe has sat through and likes the movie "Bleak House" Shake me up Jeffy!!

Joe is a mailman and yes, he has been bitten by a dog!

and last but not least.....

Joe's favorite thing is life is chocolate! Right up there with chocolate is his very favorite ice Cream Ben & Jerry's Wavy Gravy! They quit selling it and Joe has never been the same...

Oh, what would life be without laughs!!

We have one more member of our family and she will be up next...

Things that make you go hmmm 2........

2008-07-02T14:40:00.010-05:00

Well...since Joe is still trying to decide what to say...Libby is up next!

Libby is our different child.....well, just so you know...she is our only child :)

Libby's favorite meal is:

you guessed it: Pumpkin Puree Pasta!

ok, so maybe you didn't guess it! But I find that very interesting myself!

Because..I don't like it at all ;)

Libby's favorite thing to drink:

Ginger Soda from the Health food store

You may not know that:

Libby absolutely loves Spy anything! She actually went to a restaraunt in Milwaukee that was set up for spies! When you went in, there was a fake bookcase door, and you pressed a lever and the bookcase moved and you entered the restaraunt! When we left, you put a quarter in the phone booth. It gave you a code, you entered it and it opened to the alley and thats how you left! It was so fun!!

and last but not least!....

She loves anything Old Fashioned including: English Country Dancing! She actually held a ball with her family at the Neufield Estate :)

Well, thats all for now! Check back tomorrow for the rest of the fam....

Things that make you go hmmm........

2008-07-01T16:23:00.009-05:00

The truth is....we all have things about us that others would not know...unless of course they observed us and lived with us, or were with us quite regularly and even then....might still not know....

Well I thought it would be fun to share some things about each of us that you may not know...

I'll start: almost every morning I eat:
hummus and whole wheat flat bread! I know that is strange...but I love it :)

I also love Bird Watching!

We have had in our back yard-cardinals, pileated woodpeckers, tufted titmouses, quail, blue jays, hawks, hummingbirds and many more... I have several bird books and look them up if I don't know :)

It makes me very sad to see older gentlemen eating alone. When I am at a restaurant, I wonder why they are alone and pray for them and I hope their spouse has not died or something like that...my whole mercy side comes out..... :)

and last but not least....I go almost everywhere in my Birkenstock Flip Flops! They are my favorite shoes and they are so comfortable...

I know weird huh?

Tune in tomorrow for more of the family......

Fridays with the Neu's......

2008-06-27T15:00:00.008-05:00

Fridays with the Neu's

Well....we are going to start something new..how long will it last remains to be seen....

but, alas we will give it a try....

Here is our first "Fridays with the Neus....."

The day started with an insurance inspector coming to do a hurricane inspection so that we can save money on our homeowners insurance...I went to State Farm shortly after to take the papers and we are praying that our mortgage payment drops from the $200.00 more it jumped up a few months ago...

Then...we finally got our new mammoth garbage can...it was wierd. The truck was full..the truck was empty...where did all the trash cans go?........

Before lunch we had some visitors! The Merwins and Meaghan rode over to say hi! We quenched them all with water, had a nice visit and then watched them ride away! What a wonderful treat to our day!

Karen's Beans and Greens Recipe

2008-06-25T13:41:00.003-05:00

While on our Mission trip to Niceville, a very sweet lady, Karen made this for her family for dinner..out of her kindness, she shared with Libby and I :)

This was so yummy and while I am seeking to save money, I thought this recipe was fitting....

I can vouch for it when I say....Yummo!!

Beans and Greens

2 packages kielbasa sausage

3 -1 lb. packages frozen turnip greens with diced turnips

2-3 cans light kidney beans

cajun seasoning

salt

pepper

Brown sausage in bacon grease or olive oil.

Pour in crock pot.

Drain beans and add to meat.

Add frozen greens.

Cover with water and stir.

Sprinkle with cajun seasoning (I am generous with this~smile~)

Salt and Pepper

cook on low for 5 or more hours.

Serve over white or yellow rice

This can easily be cut in half if your family is small like ours....

enjoy!!

What can wash away my sin? ok...not my sheets :)

2008-06-24T23:06:00.004-05:00

Only the blood of Jesus can was away our sin...But I, by God's grace can wash my sheets :)

I spent an afternoon washing sheets and hanging them out on the line that my wonderful husband so kindly hung for me on his lunch hour....

I am seeking to care for my family by finding ways to save money. This is one way that I believe will do it. Here is what I am doing....I am washing my darks and medium colored clothes in cold water and rinsing in cold water. I am washing my whites and sheets in hot water and rinsing in cold. When the sheets are done I put them in the dryer for 5 minutes and then hang them on the line. I also added a little lavender oil to the rinse water and what a wonderful smell! Another thing I am doing is hanging all of our shirts after going through the dryer for 5 minutes. This will save on dryer use and wear on the clothes....It also warms my heart to know that I am doing what I can to make our house a home and not go broke doing it ~smile~

Are you seeking to save your family money? I encourage you to try it!

What are the Koci's doing to our yard?.......

2008-06-22T22:26:00.007-05:00

We looked out the window after coming home from church
and this is what we saw......What could they be doing ? :)

They made our mushrooms come to life!

Don't worry....we will get them back...We're going to shroom

them! Check back later........he he he he he he!

This just in-an update from Lisa Koci:

When we first looked out our bedroom window, we thought they were birds. Once we realized that those "birds" were not moving, we were amazed at how quickly they popped up and how big they are.When we got home from church, the playful side of David came out. He decided that we needed to make those mushrooms into the birds. Obviously, everyone except Josh got into the the transformation. After we finished, David thought it would have been more fun to use Mr. Potato Head pieces instead. Oh well, hope you enjoyed them.

Yes Koci's we loved it! It was so funny and you made our day! We think what made it the funniest was David! Who would have thought Mr. Engineer could laugh so hard and run so fast!!
That was priceless! And yes, we saw everything :)

We love you guys!!

Hi Mom!

2008-06-19T20:43:00.005-05:00

Mom,
I am talking to you on the phone right now and I just wanted to say hey!

(For those of you that don't know, my mom lives in Cheyenne, Wyoming and we catch up by way of the phone!)

Wish you lived closer!
Libby says hi Grandma!

Have a great week planting all your wonderful plants!

Love you!

Chop Chop

2008-06-18T10:01:00.006-05:00

Libby had decided that she wanted to get her haircut....She thought she might wait til she turned 16, but looked at tons of pictures and came to me last night and said..."I want to do it"...She had already told me that several times, so I thought: Ok, I know that you want to get your haircut..thanks for letting me know again :) then...... this morning, she came to me and said "let's do it today"

so guess what we did today?

Wednesday night Care Group.....

2008-06-11T22:00:00.003-05:00

Some of you that don't live here ask us...what are you guys up to? Well....if you are here on a Wednesday night, this is what we do...
Care Group!
A care group is a group of people from our church that gets together for the purpose of growing relationally and spiritually. We go over Sunday's message, share our struggles, pray for each other and basically, "do life together!

We love our group and wanted to give you a glimpse into our evening: This was tonite:

Dog days of summer

2008-06-04T21:00:00.009-05:00

We had fun day at the beach Monday getting baked like lobsters, watching huge manna rays leap out of the water, and spending time together with our dear friends.

Oh and Emmy got a bath...

Aunt Missy's Chocolate Cake x 3!

2008-05-31T18:19:00.009-05:00

Cooking and baking are not my best thing, but I am trying to enjoy it and have fun in the kitchen.

So..., I thought I would love to bake a cake! My mom pulled out my Aunt Missy' s chocolate cake recipe and at my first attempt, I was having a fun time enjoyng just being in the kitchen. I thought the recipe said 1 Tablespoon of baking soda, but after I put it in, I realized that it was 1 teaspoon! Oh no! It was ruined!

There goes that batch in the garbage.

My second attempt wasn't too bad. It looked quite beautiful as it was baking... until Iremembered that I forgot to add the milk!

There goes the second batch....

I can't believe I am on my third attempt...this time I was nervous and thought that I would yet forget another ingredient, but alas...... God graciouly let all the ingredients bake together. I didn't forget a thing!

So we have had chocolate cake for breakfast, chocolate cake for lunch and dinner too! Yummo!

Libby Neu signing off :)

A Lazy Friday Afternoon....

2008-05-30T17:10:00.004-05:00

Today was a laid back day. Libby did some school out on the swing and then we had some visitors on the windowsill.....

Sometimes Florida is so hot and I wonder how we can get through another long hot summer...then there are days like today where there is a slight breeze, you see God's hand everywhere...., and you are just happy!

No, Jeff and Trinh haven't picked up a new habit...

2008-05-27T11:03:00.009-05:00

They are eating cookies! we know...they look like cigars...but, they truly are cookies and good ones too!

We love our friends, Jeff and Trinh and we are grateful that they are in our lives. They are seeking to care for us and help us grow in our marriage and our relationship with God.

Thanks Jeff and Trinh! We love you!

Introducing Emmy!

2008-05-26T22:39:00.008-05:00

For those of you who don't know...we have 2 daughters...

One has a little more hair and is alot smaller ~smile~

Here is Emmy in action...

~~*~~

Emmy the soccer dog:

Memorial Day Memories

2008-05-26T22:25:00.005-05:00

It was a fun day! Our great friend Dianne came over and we ate and played croquet and then had a scrabble tournament! Of course I did not win at crouquet, our Libby did!But...Joe, Dianne and I all won at scrabble! Great memories were made and we were grateful for a day filled with laughter, relaxation and beautiful weather!

Guess who got braces?

2008-05-22T19:30:00.002-05:00

No, it wasn't Joe or I....our little Libby got braces on this month!
here is a before and after shot:

Dangerous Journey....

2008-05-22T17:19:00.005-05:00

Libby and the youth at our church put on the play "Dangerous Journey" about the book written by John Bunyan. They worked hard and had 2 performances. Libby had a lot of fun and so did all the others. Libby's grandma surprised her by flying in for the play! What a special treat to spend some time with her and enjoy the play together.

There were alot of hours put into it and it was so moving that we all cried several times throughout. Libby was 6 different characters-Sloth, The shining one, Discretion, The demon, Mrs. No good and a shepherdess!

It was a great day and then we celebrated after! what fun!

We're Back!!

2008-05-22T16:53:00.006-05:00

well...here we are and it is already May! As you can see, we have been busy, so lets briefly catch up and we will get this bloggin going again! All is well in the Neu household.. Libby has been trying to get finished with school, Joe has been working alot and Tammy has been doing weddings and all of us have been vacationing, entertaining friends and family, resting, hanging out, cleaning up.... well...you get the point.....

But best of all, all is well and God has been kind......

more updates to follow!

What are you doing New Years Eve?

2008-03-06T12:08:00.002-05:00

Well.....we rounded out the year by having a New Years Eve Party! What a great way to end the year...hanging out with dear friends and enjoying all that God has provided for us through the year. We spent some time thanking God for His kindness on out lives...It was a great time to be had by all!

Make sure you check out the photo albums on the left. We have added quite q few pictures and would love to have you be a part of our lives by seeing what we have been up to!

Happy New Year!

How my Happy Heart Rejoices - Merry Christmas!!

2008-03-06T11:46:00.003-05:00

Merry Christmas! We realize this is a little late, but we celebrate year round the Birth of Jesus by preaching the gospel to ourselves every day! I will never stop being amazed at what God has done for me....wow! Isn't God good!

well, Christmas at our house was filled with fun, family and friends! The get's came for dinner and Joe's mom and Dad. When the Get's got here, they were all bundled up because we told them our hoouse would be really cold..we were trying to pretend we were up north! Oh how we laughed when we opened the door and there they were gloves and all.

We enjoyed a wonderful meal, great fellowship and lots of wonderful memories made that day!

But let's not foget the gift of our Savior...the gift that outshines all the rest. Merry Christmas!

December Hilights Part 2

2008-03-06T10:49:00.005-05:00

Through December we have done alot! Joe hobbled along...we went to a Coffee House in Daytona, Libby made a gingerbread house, we did Christmas shopping,put up the Christmas tree, hung lights,the progressive dinner, holiday baking,made ornaments, Joe's mom and dad came for a visit...and all that with Joe not going to work! We are too busy!
But it was fun and we loved every minute of it!

But Christmas is coming and we are in anticipation for the birth of our Savior! All of this was made possible by His miraculous birth so many years ago...How kind is God?

Thank-you God for your amazing grace on our life that is perfectly free!

December Hilights...Catching Up

2008-03-06T10:15:00.006-05:00

Well......contrary to what you believe...we sre still alive....Lets take a walk down December Memory Lane...

The beginning of December we had a Progressive Dinner for our church. You start by going to appetizers at one house with a group of people, you then switch it up and go to Dinner with another group of peole and then all the people meet back up at the church for Dessert. What a fun time we have!

Joe is getting around better and better...Physical Therapy has done him good....We are now 2 months into Joe being home... He is getting restless, but know that this is God's plan....

We then did some holiday baking with our friends the Merwins...We had a blast!

Be sure to check out our pictures on the side of our December Days!

December Hilights Part 2 coming your way.....

Our week...Libby Lu again

2007-12-07T11:36:00.000-05:00

(Can you spot my Dad in is air cast?)

This week we had our care-group Christmas party at Carrabbas... well, the adults did...they had great time!

My Dad is slowly getting better. He is just now able to put pressue on his ankle, so he is able to do a little bit more then watch movies and play wii all day!

My Mom has been busy mailing Christmas cards, sending packages, decorating our house for Christmas, watching HGTV and Martha Stewart, looking through holiday recipes, getting ready for our annual Progressive Dinner (for anyone that does not know what a progressive dinner is you are missing out! We do it through our church. Here is how it works, there are Appetizers, Dinner and Dessert, and every course is at someone else’s house and for dessert we all met at our Church. There is about two hundred and fifty people that do it, there is a lot of host families. We are hosting dinner this year.).

I have been working on the play Dangerous Journey inspired by the book Pilgrims Progress. It is about a pilgrim that has a great burden on his back and his journey to the Celestial city, read more at our website www.freewebs.com/dangerousjourney/index.htm. My Dad helped me make a top hat/puritan hat out of an old felt cowboy hat and card stock paper. After I spray painted it and was letting it dry, my mom accidentally ran it over with our jeep! ...My heart was pounding!... not my hat that I spent hours on! But it ended up just fine minus the tire marks! I am helping with the props and costumes! There are over fifty characters! But all fourteen of us are more than one character.

All in all it has been a good holiday season! God has been very good to us.....Libby Neu, signing off......

Yesterday we celebrated two birthdays!...Libby again

2007-11-30T16:14:00.000-05:00

The first one was our dog Emmy’s birthday. She turned 49 years old! Well... in dog years and we made her a cake.

It was Yummo (to her at least)

And my parents surprised me for my 15th birthday and took me to Mimi’s Café.

I like to celebrate my birthday at the beginning of the month instead of my actual birthdate December 30th because it is so close to Christmas.

They where so sweet to give me cutie clothes, a movie and an ihome for my iPod!

After that, we went to Target and Old Navy then they surprised me again and took me to the movie “Enchanted” we all thought it was great. We finally headed home at 12:30 in the morning!

Thanks Mom and Dad for a such a wonderful surprise!

Here are some family photos we took this week in our backyard

Thanksgiving...Libby's take...

2007-11-23T22:18:00.000-05:00

Ok we had to break the tradition, well I had to break our tradition of putting our Christmas tree up the day after Thanksgiving. I could not wait any longer! So me and my friend Britani put up the tree in our living room two days before Thanksgiving.

Our Thanksgiving was quite splendid!!! While My Dad laid on the couch and watched the Macy’s Day parade, the Dog show and Miracle on 34th street, me and my Mom cooked the Bourbon butter glazed turkey stuffed with a delicious stuffing wrapped in cheesecloth, mashed potatoes, bacon wrapped asparagus, sweet potato casserole, broccoli salad, spinach dip and a homemade apple pie. Yumo!

After we stuffed ourselves till we could not move, a few family’s came over for some pie and games.

And to top off such a wonderful day we stayed up till two in the morning watching Charlottes web.

Joe's flashback to 4 weeks ago....today!!!

2007-11-16T10:58:00.000-05:00

Its hard to believe its been 4 weeks since I broke my ankle. Time sure flies when you’re having fun…As you can see I have plenty of time to lay around and Libby just happened to catch me after a hard day of playing the Wii gaming system some friends of ours let us borrow. Thank you Horne family...As I was laying here I was thinking about the whole ordeal. Here is a flashback of the thoughts that went through my mind…

Out on the soccer field…me looking around thinking, “I’m the oldest guy out here, what am I doing?” I’m not gonna let those young guys get the best of me…
I’ll show them that this “old man” can keep up with them. Here comes the ball, I’ll drive it up field right past those young guys. Hurry, hurry you can do it. Just kick it past them. All out now. Oh no they are closing in on me. Oh oh, I misjudged it and now my foot is coming down on the ball….and slipping off the left side….with all my weight bearing down. Wow, that was a loud snap. Get up and keep after that ball. Oh no, that’s odd how my foot is pointing off to the side. Whats that lump under my sock? Oh no, this looks bad. Its funny how it doesn’t hurt but I know it should. “Hey Joe, you alright”. No, I broke my ankle and I need some help. Why me? Boy this feels awkward lying here on my back with everyone looking down on me. Who’s hand is that in mine. “I’m here for you daddy”. Oh Libby you are so sweet sitting next to your daddy holding his hand comforting him. Who’s that guy? “Hi my name is Scott Brady, I’m a doctor, can I take a look at your ankle.” By all means please do. Thank you God, where did he come from?…yes its broken…he needs medical attention…compound fracture…maybe surgery…anyone have a splint? Thank you Jeff Merwin for using your shinguard for a splint. Oh no, I have to teach childrens ministry tonight. “Hey Amber can you go tell your mom that I need a replacement for cm tonight?” “ Nate can you get Tammy she is in one of those campers playing scrabble with Kristen and Kelly?” “ Libby can you go get my gear from the sidelines?” I can’t believe how calm I am and there is still no pain. Thank you God for your grace in all this. It has to be the peace of the Lord. “Oh Honey are you alright?” Oh Tammy it is sooooooo good to see your lovely face. “Yes I’m alright. Sorry for interrupting your scrabble game.” “Do you have a way to get to the hospital?” Oh here come the Thompsons with their Suburban. Good thing this car has a smooth ride down this washboard entry to the camp. Keith, How much longer to the hospital? Oh no its starting to hurt a bit now. I knew I should have gone to the bathroom earlier. Oh no, my leg is starting to cramp. Ow ow ow ow ow. Ok now its better. Oh no now the other one is cramping. Oh God please help me. Ow my foot is starting to lean to the side and I can’t reach it. If I can just get my toes in the crack in the seat. Ok, now shift my weight and it’ll move my foot back. Oh yeah, much better. Oh oh here come the cramps again. Are we almost there yet? Good here’s the hospital. I can finally lay down in a comfortable position. What, they don’t bring stretchers out to the car and I have to go in a wheelchair. What no foot rest on the wheelchair. Please hold my foot up straight Tammy as they wheel me in. Ok now what!?! “My husband needs some help, he broke his foot and needs pain medicine.” “Just fill these papers out and we will be right with you.” I’m in pain now please give me something, anything. Thank you Sue for keeping my foot propped up. I can’t believe they are going to let us sit here in the middle of the waiting room when my foot is falling off. Oh no, oh no my other leg is cramping again. Let me reposition myself to stretch the cramp out. Oh no big mistake! owwwwwwwwwwwwwww. My foot hurts. My foot, my foot, my foot. Owwwwwwww. “What can we do?” “ I don’t know but it just started hurting really really bad just please make it stop.” Sue, “I felt something crunching when you shifted your weight.” “It hurts when its tilted, please straighten it up.” “Is that better?” “Oh yes, that’s better.” “Can you hold your foot still while we try to get a pulse from it.” I’m trying to hold it still but it wont stop shaking uncontrollably. Lets get him into an exam room now. Can someone bring me some dry clothes? We’ve been playing in the rain and I am freezing. By the way can I go to the bathroom? Bedpan or urinal? Oh great, this is going to be an interesting time. Oh Libby made it to the hospital, great to see her. Jeff Getz thank you so much for the dry clothes, I’m freezing. Nurse 1, “what happened?” “I was playing soccer out at Kamp Kulaqua where we were having a Christian retreat….whats that guy doing to my foot? I need to get a pulse from your foot to check for circulation but I can’t seem to get a pulse. Oh great! Who’s this other guy now. No wonder you can’t get a pulse that’s the wrong machine. Well they didn’t tell me which one to use they just told me to get a pulse. That’s a fetal monitor, you need the doppler machine. Oh, I didn’t know. Great, what kind of place is this? Do these people even know what they are doing? Good, here the doctor finally comes. Well we need to get xrays and then we will know for sure whether you need surgery or not. Surgery?!? I was just playing a simple soccer game. I can’t need surgery. We are on a Christian retreat. This kind of stuff doesn’t happen. I’ve never had a broken bone before or been in the hospital or even had any kind of surgery. I’m hardly ever even sick. Nurse 2, “are you the one who broke his ankle playing soccer?” yes. Yikes. Can you hold your foot up here so we can get an xray. Now turn it that way. Please pile the blankets up so I can,t see it. It will gross me out. Nurse 3, “Can you feel it leaning over to the side like that?” No, and I don’t want to see it either. “You’re the one who broke his ankle on the soccer field right?” Yes, word sure does travel fast around here. Good, the doctor is back. Yes you will need surgery it is broken in 3 places and its dislocated. I’m going to need to reduce it(put it back into the socket) first before surgery. Will it hurt? We will need to put you under for about 10 minutes while we reduce it. You won’t feel a thing. Ok as long as it doesn’t hurt. Nurse 1,”I want to be here when they reduce it. I want to watch. You are in luck because doctor Maxey is on call tonight and she is a foot and ankle specialist and she will be doing the surgery tonight.” I would call it the sovereignty of God rather than luck. Thank you God for providing a specialist on this auspicious occasion. Nurse 2, “you sure did it up good. Good thing it happened today because Dr Maxey is on call.” Nurse 3,”yes, Dr Maxey is the best.” So I heard. I can’t wait to meet this Dr Maxey. Yes Lord, you are in control of this whole thing. I definitely see that. Oh, hi Dr Maxey. I have a choice. Surgery now or splint it and send me home to Titusville so I can find a doctor there to do the surgery. No way, lets get this over with now. Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz. So Tammy when are they going to do the surgery? What, I’m already done. I can’t believe it. A plate with 8 screws on one side and two screws on the other. Wow. 6-8 weeks before I can walk on it and then another month before returning to work. I’m sure glad I have the sick time to cover it. Thank you God for giving me the integrity to save my sick leave for such a time as this. Thank you that I didn’t use and abuse the sick leave throughout my 20 years with the Post Office. Lord, please allow me to heal up properly so that I can work as a mailman with no problems walking.

That reminds me. The session that Friday morning during the praise and worship time, I was praising God and asking him to help me to be more dependent on Him. Wow. That’s kinda like the people who pray for patience and then watch out. Lord, I am definitely learning to be more dependent on you now. Please give me the grace to walk this out. Well, that’s about it except for the 2 ½ hour ride home in the back of our Jeep laying on a blow up air mattress with Jeff Getz at the wheel. Ya hoo eee. Thank you Jeff for doing that for us. Tammy was in no condition to drive home with two days in the hospital with little to no sleep taking care of me and a hundred other things. Thank you God for being with us and encouraging us with visitors at the hospital and for using your family to care for us the way they did packing all our stuff up and taking care of Libby and everything else involved behind the scenes. This will definitely be a Celebration that we will not soon forget.

Sunday Afternoon Over and Over Again.........

2007-11-07T22:00:00.000-05:00

Do you remember groundhogs Day? Well, I think we are living it! Everyday seems to feel like Sunday afternoon.....We are slowly moving forward....Joe has some good days and some bad days. Sleep doesn't want to come...pain doesn't want to end... and slowly the days are turning into weeks....Joe has had some very helpful visitors....Dr. Greg Goode who came by to check on the patient...He thought all looked well...Thanks Greg! ...And Nurse Sue Thompson who faithfully gave Joe his shots every day for 10 days...his blood should be very thin by now! Thanks Sue! Thank-you seems so small to all the love that has been shown...Many Many meals...many many phone calls...many many visits with dear people that we love so much! Thank-you dear friends for your care...It is heartfelt!

Last week Joe got his staples out. It was a painful experience, but he survived it. i think the apprehension was killing him~ but he did survive! He is slowly getting through the pain which has changed from all over pain to an aching bone pain.... God has been so faithful to meet at us every turn though....He will come out on the other side and we will be better for it! Thanks to the love of our God........

Joe has watched several movies, read half the bible, conquered many bowling and cow races courtesy of the Wii that Sydney Horne has so graciously sacrificed and special thanks to the Horne family for your love and care for us! We have loved the apples, and juice and chips and...meatballs which we will enjoy I am sure with the great sauce you sent!I am sure I have missed something in there...but we don't want to miss saying thank-you for loving the Neus!!! We love you guys!!

My mom and step dad Irvin are here for a visit...We have enjoyed the break in monotony! We went to the commisarry today! (Just me and them...)it was so fun! I got a ton of errands done and it was nice to get out for a little while. They will be here til Monday and will be heading out to my brother Scott's in Delaware.

Here is an update on all of us:

Joe is worried he is going to get fat....He has got on the scale to make sure that he is not losing his teen-age weight...I will keep you up on the progress...He is getting in alot of surfing....the internet that is :) He was able to go to his work and talk to his boss. The first thing his boss said was"Man Joe, you are getting gray" I think he is looking up hair color as I type...hmmm....

(Just kidding!) he is getting to know the furniture real well.....all kidding aside...He is facing this change in his life with strength and he is trusting God with his recovery... We know it will be long, and we are praying that God's grace will be there for every step of this journey....

I am doing well....I fell and hurt myself before we went to Celebration and I am feeling much better. I have some bruising on the bone, but am doing well...I am tired and need God's strength for this season of life...Right now, I just want to be the best help I can to Joe as he walks this out...so life for me has changed and slowed way down.....and I know that God has a plan for me too:)

Libby is well...she is one of the greatest people I know! She has cared for Joe and I and has served us so well..all the while being patient and kind and stopping to pray for us when we know we need it, but just can't think it through.....She will say, can I pray for you? She is so kind and loving and I can't understand why God was so kind to Joe and I to give us a girl so sweet and kind...We love you Libs! She is working on a play that she will be in in the Spring of next year...homeschooling, chores, voice lessons, soccer...well....maybe not for a while on that one....~smile~ and serving her family....

well..that's about it for now...Joe and Libby will be catching you up next...

Cele"break"tion

2007-10-24T19:12:00.000-05:00

Well.....The second half of our week wasn't as wonderful....We left the Cabin for "Celebration" It is where a group of Churches from Florida (for more info, look at the link on the side Sovereign Grace Ministries) all related to Sovereign Grace Ministries gets together for some fun time, teaching time, and just enjoy each other! It is a hilight of our year everytime we go! This year was no exception! We headed to High Springs on Thursday Morning and met up with some friends. We spent the day unpacking and waiting for the rest of our room mates to arrive. We stayed in a lodge that holds about 26 people...We were packed in there! As soon as we get there, we notice this horrible smell! yuck! It smelled like a dead animal. We proceeded to unpack and put our stuff away. with the doors open, the smell was not that bad...except for when we left and came back in! We didn't let that bother us...we were at Celebration!! We enjoyed the rest of the day and the next morning! I want to back up for a minute...at our personal retreat, and for those of you who have no idea what I mean by that....we took some time away and were asking God about different areas our life..What would he have us doing...are we doing too much? not enough? We prayed about growing in godliness, our work at home or at a job, loving our family, relationships, what should we be working on...I felt like I needed to be more focused on caring for my family. I tend to be too others oriented and I believe that God was bringing my heart back home....Joe felt like he wanted to be more dependant on God...little did we know...God would put those words into action Friday afternoon....

I was playing scrabble tucked away in an rv,trying to shut the world out...me...some good friends and a scrabble board....oh yeah...Joe and Libby were on the soccer field...getting dirty and working off some energy...

I was getting phone calls and was ignoring them....We only had a little time to play and I wanted to just enjoy the moment...I didn't answer this last call from my friend, Lisa Taylor...I thought, I would just call her back when we finished....well...shortly after that, a knock came at the door and there was Lisa's husband, Nate...he peeks in the door and asked if I was in there and shouts...."Tammy, Joe broke his ankle, he needs you!" (or something close to that) Oh My!!!!!! I ran to the soccer field and there was Joe laying on the ground, Libby sweetly holding his hand...people all around...By God's grace, there was a doctor that attended...he was setting Joe's leg in a soccer shin guard and telling me that Joe has broke his ankle and needs to get to the hospital...I start to feel panic rising...Someone had called an ambulance, but they tell me we should just go by car.. Several guys get him into a suburban and a dear sweet man from the Gainesville church offered his wife to show us the way...I am totally panicked now...Every one is trying to tell me what they think I should do and I am just in slow motion...I cannot even think! We make our way to the hospital which is 20 minutes away. I felt like it took forever. We got there and they are very slow getting us in. I of course want to say things I shouldn't and I did have to go back and tell one lady sorry for being rude...She said it happens all the time...but I explained that is no excuse for being unkind...

He gets back in a room and I knew it had to be bad when they were all talking about they thought it would have broke through the skin....It looked awful! yuck! The bone was sticking out on the side and it looked like his whole leg was shifted to the side...I know then this can't b e good....

The ER doctor tells me to come and look at the xrays..He says there is 3 breaks and his ankle has popped out of the socket. He says that he will set it and the take xrays again and send for the surgeon...WHAT??? I am thinking? this can't be happening! Joe is the strong one....I get the sense that this will be a long day....

We arrived at 3:30 or around there and by this time it has been atleast 3 hours and Joe has had no pain medicine or nothing to drink..He is asking but they tell him no...He makes a comment that he sort of understands how Lazarus felt....(read Luke 16:19-31 in the bible and you can see what story I am talking about)

The ER doc comes back in and says that he needs to set Joe's ankle before he gets more xrays and goes up for surgery.I gladly leave the room and our friend Sue Thompson stayed (an ER nurse friend of ours) it took a few minutes..I went back in and Libby got to come in and see her daddy...

after a little bit, we head up to the Operating area...before we go, the ER doc makes a comment, he is saying we are in luck...the Doctor on call is an ankle and foot specialist!! (luck? with God, luck has nothing to do with it! He was taking care of us and he saw fit to bless us with this wonderful Dr. Maxey!)

around 8:30 that night, after being there since 3:30, Joe is now heading back to surgery...He broke 3 bones in his ankle: the tibia, which goes up the leg and bones on each side of the ankle. So...altogether he dislocated his ankle, broke 3 bones...The tibia was broke completely in half, the bones on either side of his ankle were busted up and pieces broke off....my poor baby!!

I meet Dr. Maxey who is now my hero! She tells me she will do an open reduction internal fixation. She hopes that it is all done inside. He will have plates and screws and he broke it up pretty bad. If the skin was messed up from being swollen so long, she would have to do the outer one with screws on the outside...Was she kidding? I would throw up every time I saw it!! I was doing some serious praying...

The surgery took longer than I thought..I was brave up until the end..I was pacing and praying and hoping for the best...her she comes...God give me strength...it was all done inside...Thank-you God! She put 8 screws and a plate on one side and 2 screws on the other. She said she was trying to fit the back in, which is attached to ligaments, and she could not get it to go back right...she had to go in through the fracture and saw that there were chips embedded in that bone and they would need to be removed..so.... out goes the screws, bone pieces removed and everything put back together.....I thanked her, and she left...at this point...the tears are coming down and the praise is going up....Thank-you God for your hand upon Joe's body...for seeing us through when fear overtook me...I will praise you all the days of my life...

What was that God showed us earlier? That I would be caring more for my family..and now, there was no doubt what I will be doing and Joe? I believe that he walked out dependence through this!

We were 2 1/2 hours away, so getting home was tricky. we ended up loading Joe up in the back of the jeep on an air mattress and propped up with lots of pillows! We are home!

we spent 2 days in the hospital and missed Celebration, but we were full...of God's kindness on our life.... There just happened to be a Doctor on site...Thanks Dr. Brady and we just happened to have an ankle specialist at the Hospital! thanks Dr. Maxey! and We were above and beyond cared for....There are people cutting our grass...meals coming......people stopping by...phone calls coming...prayers being prayed...What are we lacking? absolutely nothing! God has been very good to us....Our savior, our friend.....Thank-you God for your kindness!

Joe will be out of work for about 3 months....he won't be able to walk on that foot for 2 months....We are thankful that he has 1600 hours of sick leave....No driving a mail truck for him! and God has provided for our family as we await his recovery! I think we are very full...very full indeed!

Life as we know it-October 2007

2007-10-23T22:03:00.000-05:00

We thought it would be fun to let you in on what goes on in our life...! We will get started right away... We thought this would be a great way to stay in touch and let you see into our lives with a better view....

This past week, we went away to a cabin in Branford, FL. for each of us to have a personal retreat. It was so fun. We were right on the Swaunee River. Joe and Libby took a canoe ride and I stayed back at the cabin and took a nap. We experienced so much nature there...Huge spiders, a sturgeon jumping, lots of alligators, a hawk, a pileated woodpecker, squirrels, and so much more! It was also Joe's birthday..We had a celebration and really had a good time away as a family....We stayed in an A-frame chalet and it was so cute! It was really in the middle of nowhere....We enjoyed just hanging out and we all took showers outside...enjoying the beautiful Florida wilderness... We stayed several days and then will be heading off for a retreat with several other churches just a short distance away in High Springs, Fl...