BECAUSE: Every number represents the life of a victim!

"Human Trafficking is an organized criminal industry that affects every nation. Whilst the statistics can seem overwhelming, it is important to remember that every number represents the life of a victim. The A21 Campaign has recognized a significant need in the region of Europe, and is committed to combating this injustice through rescuing one life at a time." -A21 Campaign

Human Trafficking is something that I had never really thought about. It is something that came up in movies, that were to scary for me to watch, and  "sometimes" happened in countries that I have never visited. What I didn't realize is how prevalent Human Trafficking really is, or how it really does happen in my own community! 

There are 1.39 Million victims in servitude world wide, right now! Generating $27.8 Billion, each year. These women and young girls are forced to service 40-110 customers in one day.

I don't know about you, but for me those are bone chilling statistics.  But the thing to remember is that each of those 1.39 million victims represents a life. A life that started just like mine, and just like yours. They are daughters, mothers, sisters, friends, and most of all made in Christs image. These women need help, they need to know that there is someone in the world of hatred, abuse, and disgust that they face each day; that will love them, and show them what a precious jewel they are. I am making commitments to help educate those in my sphere of influence starting with you! 

Please take the time to visit The A21 Campaign website to learn more and to find out how you can get involved and rescue lives! 

You can also sign up for the newsletter, and stay updated on the events and happenings of the Organization!

Easter Breakfast! Resurection Buns

Easter, like Christmas, is a very meaningful and important time for our family! We love and take part in the fun traditions like egg hunts, and Easter baskets stuffed with goodies, but are always looking for fun ways to keep our family focused on the actual reason we celebrate Easter. This recipe has become a fun project we feel accomplished just that. 

Resurrection Buns

*a can of Grand biscuits
*large marshmallows
*sugar
*cinnamon
*butter

1. Preheat oven according to the directions on the biscuits.
2. Flatten the biscuit out until it's about 5 inches across.
3. The marshmallow represents Jesus.Explain that it is white because it stands for His purity and His sinless life.
4. Roll the Marshmallow in melted butter sprinkle with cinnamon and sugar.  Explain how they anointed Jesus body with oil, and spices. 
5. Place the marshmallow in the center of the biscuit, then fold the sides around it forming a "tomb". Pinch the sides of the tomb closed. Explain how Jesus tomb was sealed with a large stone.
6. Place it crease side down on a baking sheet so they will not open while cooking. 
7. Bake the buns. Follow package directions.
8. Allow time to cool, the marshmallow will be very hot!

EAT UP!

• When the children bite into their buns they will be surprised to find the center empty. The marshmallow has melted. As each child discovers the empty tomb, we repeat : He is not here for He is risen.
• As you eat the biscuits,  talk about the sweetness of the biscuits and how sweet a gift Jesus gave us when he died for our sins, and then rose 3 days later proving He is our Savior and the Son of God!

I love this project.  It is a great way for my kids to remember what Easter really means, and for us to have a little fun while we do it.  Hope you enjoy!!

Blissfully Domestic- Salads for Spring

Looking for some great salads for spring?  Well look no further, here is all the inspiration and the recipes you need to get those creative juices running. As long as they are running down the produce section!!

Check it out @ http://blissfullydomestic.com/2011/simple-salad-recipes-for-spring

Home Ec. 101 - Book Review

Home Ec 101: Skills for Everyday Living  by Heather Solos is the perfect go-to book for anyone looking for a little domestic inspiration. Heather is able to cover every aspect of being a domestic diva, with a witty style and passion for homemaking. 

Home Ec 101: Skills for Everyday Living is divided up into 4 sections; Clean it, Wash it, Fix it, Cook it.  Each section walks you through specific tasks, step-by-step, so anyone can do it!

Section 1: Clean it, covers everything from grease and grime to tubs and tiles.  But don't think it even begins to stop there.  Every detail from homemade cleaners to the tools needed to efficiently and effectively clean.

Section 2: Wash it, is the go-to for laundry. Stains, Odors, Garment Repair, and General Laundry are all covered here.  This is the section I will be visiting the most frequently.... I really don't enjoy laundry, and especially with the losing battle of stains, that I'm constantly battling. Does anyone else out there feel like that?

Section 3: Fix it, Well, what can I say... I would love to pride myself in being handy women of the house, but I wouldn't even know where to start.  I'm the one that puts 15 holes in the wall just to hang one picture.  I know it's really sad. Thank goodness for Heather's know how!!

Section 4: Cook it, can get anyone out of the fast food frenzies.  Heather addresses menu planning, basic cooking, How to stock your pantry and much much more.  This will be a book I turn to in times of kitchen crisis, or just for a little inspiration and reminders of the basics!

Make sure you don't miss the appendix, complete with conversion charts, emergency preparedness lists, dangerous chemical combos, and homemade cleaning solutions. 

This book would make a great gift for a bride-to-be, college student, and even the more seasoned homemaker will appreciate this book.

I received a complimentary sample of Home Ec 101 to review, but of course the opinions are all my own.

Texas State Aquarium

In January, My parents gave us a family pass to the Texas State Aquarium, as a birthday present to our family.  (Thank you, Mom & Dad!!!).  So last month we headed out to make good use of it! We were so fortunate to have a couple of friends meet us there!

I love to watch my children explore some of God's creation up close and personal! Cade's favorite was otters... of which I have no pictures of.  William and Brennan both loved the dolphins. 

Kelly & Ella thank you so much for joining us!! We had a great time!!

Abundantly Grapefruit

 

 I know, I know. Grapefruit is a winter fruit.  It ripens from November to January, but right now even after the major freezes a couple of months ago, our grapefruit tree remains loaded with sweet/tart grapefruit! And I know several of you have citrus fruit sitting in large boxes waiting to be used. Well, here are a few ideas, to  use up that beautiful juiciness, before it goes bad. 

 Broiled Grapefruit

1. Cut grapefruit in half.

2. Place on a foil lined baking sheet.

3. Sprinkle with 1-2 Tbs. of Sugar

4. Place under broiler for 3 minutes, to caramelize the sugar.

5. Eat & Enjoy!!

Caramelizing the sugar adds an extra touch of sweetness, and the warm grapefruit is a nice surprise! Great served alongside toast and coffee!

Grapefruit Jelly

 I know you are thinking... are you crazy? But I promise I have made it two years now and given it away at Christmas time. This year everyone was asking for extra, and wondering when I was going to make more.  It's so simple, and you can't find it anywhere! 

•  3 c. grapefruit juice, strained
•      1 pkg. (2 oz.) powdered fruit pectin
• 4 1/2 c. sugar
• 3 drops of red food coloring, optional.

In a large kettle or saucepan, combine juice and pectin; stir over high heat until mixture comes to a hard boil. Stir in sugar. Bring mixture to a full rolling boil. Boil hard for 1 minute, stirring constantly. With a frozen spoon check for sheeting*. Remove from heat; skim any foam from surface. Pour immediately into sterilized jars, and seal. 

I Love Jesus Too!

A few weeks ago, we went to Waco to visit Granny and Papa. The kids sat with us during corporate worship, which is different than our church home.  As the crackers and juice where passed during the communion time, Cade looked up at me and said, " Mommy, can I taste it?" .  I carefully answered him, that when he is older and is accepts Jesus through baptism that he could take the Lords supper, too. He then looked up at me with his big round green eyes and said, "But Mommy, I love Jesus!!"   I wanted to stand up right there and say.... um can we please get those plates back over here!!!  I love to see that my children are starting to grow their own relationship with their Savior!!