tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13830012793943385632024-03-13T22:18:51.043-04:00Henley on the HornI am the happy wife of one amazing husband and the proud mother of 5 precious angels, including a set of triplets!! I love being a mother & learning how to better love, care for, cook for, and educate our children. I also like to help others when they don't receive the service promised at hotels, restaurants, etc. Enjoy learning about life at Mama Henley's House!Henley on the Hornhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18200566259157298386noreply@blogger.comBlogger825125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1383001279394338563.post-70080233409298463752012-07-09T22:36:00.000-04:002012-07-09T22:37:09.571-04:00Tuesday's TIP!Y'all!
I know I have been missing in action. I imagine most of you have moved on with your lives. In some respects, I have too:). I do love to blog but have found that moving to a new state for the 2nd time in less than 3 years has taken a lot of time and energy! After all, it's like dating again. DH (Dear Hubby) and I literally date other couples to find out who we mesh well with so that we can find our new friends. It is wonderful and tough all at the same time!
Anyway, at our Swim Meet tonight, where I sweated away 5 pounds of body fat, I also enjoyed talking to some other women. I shared my TUESDAY'S TIP for the week. Run, do not walk,to your nearest Fresh Market this Tuesday and every other Tuesday in July. They have my favorite promotion for the month of July! Boneless, skinless, antibiotic free chicken breasts are $2.99 a pound, ground chuck is $2.99 a pound and RBST hormone free milk is $2.99 a galloon!!! WOOP WOOP! Last time they had this special, my sweet husband grilled all of the chicken and then I wrapped it as individual grilled chicken breasts and froze them in a ziploc bag. It has been so easy to thaw one in the fridge the night before we want to eat them the next day. They are moist and delicious! What a time saver!
You are going to LOVE Mama Henley after you go to the Fresh Market! Just don't buy all of the chicken before I can get there!Henley on the Hornhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18200566259157298386noreply@blogger.com42tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1383001279394338563.post-41792980792501145572012-04-23T15:54:00.002-04:002012-04-23T15:54:49.088-04:00Our triplets recently had their eleventh birthday. I have no idea where the last 11 years went because it seems like just yesterday I was sitting in the NICU at UNC Chapel Hill praying fervently over 3 little loves. We are thankful for God's goodness and provision. They are His and we are thankful to have them as ours for a little while. In the midst of diaper changing and sleepless nights, we often can't feel how quickly time is moving. Suddenly we wake up and realize that more than 10 years have passed!
Since we are in a new town, we had a small celebration for their birthday. Each child invited 2-3 friends to play tennis one afternoon. We wanted to include all of our new friends, but this was a fun little gathering. Earlier that day, I was running errands with Hurricane. We saw a Dollar Tree, so I ran in to buy plates and napkins. As we were checking out, Hurricane asked if we could buy some balloons. I have a fear of regular balloons because I know one too many stories of a child trying to blow up a balloon, inhaling it, and then passing away from suffocation. I trust that only God knows their time, but I am extra cautious with balloons. These were mylar balloons for only $1 each,so I let H pick out a balloon for each of them. We returned home with our 3 balloons and picked up the big 4 from school.
My eyes welled up with tears when I heard our Boy say to his sisters, "THIS is going to be the BEST birthday ever!! We have BALLOONS!" I guess I have never bought balloons for any of their parties and they have always wanted them. What a precious thing to be so excited about at 11 years old. Yes, we do have balloons, sweet boy. It just may have to become a tradition.....<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cAz8MbxmrY0/T5WzaPHEnII/AAAAAAAAB3E/MZ2TI_1jaaM/s1600/Unknown.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style=""><img border="0" height="80" width="80" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cAz8MbxmrY0/T5WzaPHEnII/AAAAAAAAB3E/MZ2TI_1jaaM/s200/Unknown.jpeg" /></a></div>Henley on the Hornhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18200566259157298386noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1383001279394338563.post-53701304146505916522012-03-28T16:27:00.002-04:002012-03-28T16:38:10.420-04:00MovingWe are enjoying our new life in the mountains, which is quite different than our life on the Florida coast. We traded sunny skies for foggy ones this winter and enjoyed snuggles under blankets and warm fires. Spring is now here and we are enjoying sights of dogwoods and daffodils for the first time in 3 springs. It feels good to be back in the south.<br /><br /> People are kind to ask how we like our new home and if the move has gone well. We love our new city. It is an incredible place to live and our little community is like Mayberry. It is beautiful, safe, and the draws of a big city are right at our fingertips. People are extremely kind and welcoming. The children have settled into their new school and are all doing well. <br /><br /> However, the truth is, moving is hard. You have to start all over. You have to find new best friends, new doctors, new dry cleaners, new grocery stores, etc. DH and I are on the "dating circuit" trying to get to know other couples. After every dinner, we ask ourselves, "Did they like us? Did you like him? I liked her, but was he nice? Do you think our families will get along?" Just as a single woman waits for her date to call her again, we wait to see if anything will come from our dates out with other couples. It can be quite lonely. We had a wonderful group of friends in Tampa and we enjoyed spontaneous dinners out with them, nights out with the children, swimming parties, et cetera. It was comfortable. Now we are out of our comfort zone all over again.<br /><br /> We are extremely blessed in that our best friends from college live a mile away. They have been incredible at introducing us to all of their friends. We have received quite a welcome here. However, at the end of the day, we have to make our own bonds with these new friends. It is a part time job and it is one that is sometimes exhilarating and sometimes exhausting. Sometimes I can't wait to invite the next couple to do something and sometimes I am filled with great dread.<br /><br /> What does this have to do with you?, you might wonder. You have lived in the same town your entire life and you never plan to move. Who cares that Mama Henley has good days and bad days? Well, take a minute and look outside your circle of friends. Do you know a new couple in town? If you do, invite her to lunch or ask the couple to join your Supper Club as special guests. If everyone loves them, break the mold and invite them to join your group! Ask a new friend's child over for a play date. Reach out to someone you do not know well who has co-existed in your town for years and years. You never know what kind of friendship may form!<br /><br /> As for me, I am back to planning our next night out with another couple! Dating is tough!Henley on the Hornhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18200566259157298386noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1383001279394338563.post-81268553138828150732012-03-27T15:52:00.003-04:002012-03-27T15:58:01.283-04:00Tuesday's TipI have not been hiding under a rock, though our new yard would certainly encourage me to do so! I hope to get back into blogging regularly, but life has taken us by the proverbial horns and proves to never be boring! As we are settling into a new home with more square footage, I am finding it more difficult to keep it clean. Therefore, I have implemented a new strategy. Normally I do not buy convenience foods or items because I know you pay more for the convenience of individually packaged bags of chips or crackers. However, in this case, I am going to encourage convenience.<br /><br /> How often do you learn of a last minute gathering at your home whether it be for playgroup or an impromptu Superbowl gathering like the one we hosted? It seems to happen to me enough that I have implemented a new system for keeping the house clean. I still regularly mop, vacuum, and disinfect and clean the bathrooms. I have always kept cleaning supplies under each bathroom sink. However, now I have added convenience Windex, pledge, and Lysol or Clorox wipes to my collection under the sink. When a friend announces her impending arrival, I quickly disinfect the toilet, sink, and all handles and faucets and then wipe off the mirror too. It gives us a quick clean when we are short on time! Certainly the Lysol or Clorox wipes also work well for cleaning up after a bevy of company. You can pop in each bathroom and make sure they are clean and disinfected without pulling out an arsenal of cleaning products!<br /><br /> Yes, you will pay more for the convenience, but since we do not have a housekeeper, I feel this splurge is justifiable! Happy Tuesday's tip!Henley on the Hornhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18200566259157298386noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1383001279394338563.post-88959454883590779542012-01-09T13:48:00.004-04:002012-01-09T14:12:56.645-04:00God is with Us<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BjvxdMS75x8/TwstQdQ5KEI/AAAAAAAAB24/hW4a8N_QMik/s1600/DSC_8155.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 133px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BjvxdMS75x8/TwstQdQ5KEI/AAAAAAAAB24/hW4a8N_QMik/s200/DSC_8155.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5695695914496763970" /></a><br /> Do you find that it is difficult to let go of your children at different times? Perhaps it is difficult for you when the school year begins and you hand your child off to their teacher for 8 hours a day. Summer camp approaches and you can hardly imagine not seeing your little darling for 2 weeks. I have this fear of letting go at different times. In the end, my fear is really sin, because it is a lack of trust in our Lord. I am afraid to let go for fear that something could happen. Our Sunday School lesson yesterday was really powerful. I cannot do it justice, so I will not try. However, one of the points was that a disciple is called to let go or give away EVERYTHING we have. We have to be willing to give the Lord all that we own, including our relationships and loved ones. We must love Him above all things. One of my fears is that I will lose my husband or one of our children. In reality, they are not MINE but HIS. I have to trust Him to provide and care for them, and if He calls them home, then I will trust His plan but grieve mightily. Even as I write this I fear that it is foreshadowing. Isn't it funny how Satan tempts us to not trust? He plays mean mind games.<br /><br /> I am sure you wonder why I am telling you all of this. It's a bit heavy for a Monday morning, isn't it? Well, our youngest daughter was invited to library time today with a new friend. She was so excited, and I was very excited for her. We arrived early so that I could get my library card before telling Hurricane goodbye. Story time began before I was finished, so Hurricane went in with a friend. Once I was ready to leave, I could not get in the room to tell her goodbye without interrupting the whole story time, so I left without telling her goodbye.<br /> <br /> At first, I was excited to shop alone for our groceries, but then my mind starting playing tricks on me. I started missing our youngest. Sometimes she whines and keeps me from concentrating, but she is my precious constant companion. She was not with me on a day we are normally together and I missed her. Then I began to worry. What if yesterday's lesson was meant to prepare me to let her go? What if she is in an accident on her way to her friend's home? We live on a steep mountain, and accidents do happen. I trusted my new friend, but I still began to worry, so I prayed for Hurricane's safety. Again, I had to confess my lack of trust. I kept praying for her as I ran my quick errands. Finally, I was ready to climb back up the mountain.<br /><br /> Just as I started my car, a huge firetruck came whizzing past me in the general direction of the library. I worried a little more. What if my fear was justified? Would I see her in some awful accident? I drove forward, hoping to find out why the fire truck was called. Again, I was troubled by my worry. We are told that the Lord takes care of us. Why can't I fully trust Him sometimes?<br /><br /> As I rounded the corner to go up the mountain, I saw in my rear view mirrow a car that I believe was my new friend carrying her daughters and my Hurricane. My eyes welled up with tears as I praised God for showing me that HE is real. He ALONE is our Great Protector. He loves Hurricane much more than I do. I climbed the mountain and watched her car climb behind me. I will pick up Hurricane in a little while, but the Lord allowed me to see her safely up the mountain! He hears our prayers, even when we are not full of faith.Henley on the Hornhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18200566259157298386noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1383001279394338563.post-90671848977883525292012-01-03T16:13:00.000-04:002012-01-03T16:13:00.593-04:00Tuesday's Tip!!!!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DFtEzJTnvTQ/TwNTf0sEZRI/AAAAAAAAB2s/zKtY8BEIMxM/s1600/unnamed.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DFtEzJTnvTQ/TwNTf0sEZRI/AAAAAAAAB2s/zKtY8BEIMxM/s200/unnamed.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5693486160110970130" /></a><br /><br /> It's that time of year where we sadly take down all of the joys of the Christmas season and pack them in boxes to be reused next year. While living in Tampa, we would merely switch our Christmas wreath for a Gasparilla wreath and the decorating of pirates and beads would commence. I am tempted to break out our pirate gear just for a little winter fun. Nonetheless, our company is gone and so is our tree. <br /><br /> I carefully packed away each ornament and admired them for the last time until next Christmas. Which are your favorite ornaments? Mine are the ones our children have made through the years, especially those with their sweet pictures on them. I treasure them!<br /><br /> When I pack away our ornaments, I pack them in the box labeled with the child's name on it. EACH child has his or her own box of ornaments. When we decorate the tree, they can put up their very own ornaments that they have made or been given through the years. One daughter's godparents give her a sterling ornament each year, so I write her name on the small ornament box along with the year and who gave it to her. This helps us remember her godparents each year and we are able to remember and pray for them:). Then the ornaments all go back in the large rubbermaid box at the end of the Christmas season. I have DH and my ornaments in their own box too. It keeps all of us happy and organized. Happy Tuesday's Tip!!!Henley on the Hornhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18200566259157298386noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1383001279394338563.post-50588572185032108082012-01-03T15:06:00.002-04:002012-01-03T15:13:12.784-04:00YOU guessed it!!!!Mama Henley's family is enjoying our new adventures in CHATTANOOGA!!!! We never expected to move around as we have the past three years, but it is always great to be in God's will. This move came about unexpectedly and has allowed DH to have a great job with an incredible boss. We are very thankful for the Lord's provision in all of this!<br /><br /> So.... we have left the beautiful Florida beaches to live on a mountain!!! We are enjoying life in a small town with all of the resources Chattanooga has to offer. Chattanooga has been greatly revitalized with fun shops and restaurants. Some new favorites are <a href="http://www.publichousechattanooga.com/">Public House</a>, <a href="http://www.stjohnsrestaurant.com/">St. John's Restaurant</a>, and <a href="http://tacomamacita.com/">Taco Mamacita</a>!!! Life on the river is beautiful and the crisp winter days create lots of occasions for warm snuggles inside! Our children have enjoyed all kinds of adventures climbing rocks and playing in the creek. I have enjoyed our wonderful new kitchen where I have been able to experiment with lots of fun recipes. It is not easy to eat fast food here which is a good thing. Hopefully our waist lines will thank us! Unfortunately, it seems to be more of a license to enjoy more dessert at home! Ha!<br /><br /> I can't wait to share our new adventures with all of you. I have missed blogging. It was a tough spring with lots of change. Our prayer is that 2012 will be a year of little change and more of the SAME:).Henley on the Hornhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18200566259157298386noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1383001279394338563.post-40883526280510516422012-01-02T20:17:00.003-04:002012-01-02T20:27:00.025-04:00Happy New Year!!!!!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-r1-i4JS1m54/TwJLMt-DkpI/AAAAAAAAB2g/SPbU5uTCeXo/s1600/images.jpeg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 160px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-r1-i4JS1m54/TwJLMt-DkpI/AAAAAAAAB2g/SPbU5uTCeXo/s200/images.jpeg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5693195560820118162" /></a><br /> Happy New Year from our new home!!!! I hope 2012 has had a wonderful start for all of you. The holidays are a happy time for most people but can be a very difficult time as well. For some reason, more deaths tend to happen this time of year. We lost DH's daddy just before Christmas four years ago. It is strange to celebrate without him. I am praying for those of you who have experienced loss in the past or this year.<br /><br /> This year we began 2012 in a NEW CITY!!!!! I will give you some hints about our new place of residence....<br /><br />-Our city is the fourth largest city in the state where we now live.<br /><br />-We are at a much higher altitude than we were before<br /><br />-Our city is home to a great aquarium, a river, and many fun restaurants and shops.<br /><br />-Miniature golf, the Krystal hamburger, the tow truck, and the Moon Pie were invented in our city!<br /><br />-Bessie Smith, the most famous female blues singer in the 1920s and 1930s was born here.<br /><br />-Our city is absolutely beautiful but it used to be called "The Armpit of the South".<br /><br /><br /><br />Can you guess where we live?!Henley on the Hornhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18200566259157298386noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1383001279394338563.post-33028912706909492062011-12-19T21:38:00.001-04:002011-12-19T21:49:22.120-04:00Missing in Action or Where in the World is Mama Henley or Did you Quit Writing Your Blog?It is no secret. I have been quite remiss in writing on my blog. There have been weeks where I have completely lived without my blog world, and there are weeks I have missed it. I often think of things to write in my head, but seldom find myself sitting down to write. 2011 has been a huge year of change for us.<br /> We watched our precious school close its doors for the last time in May. It had been an amazing Classical Christian school for 16 years. We mourned its passing. We mourned the relationships that were hurt or lost in the process of the closing. We cried many tears for our friends, our school, our students, and our own children. The Lord definitely knew our hearts for we spent a lot of time talking to Him. In that respect, it was a time of growth. He is always with us. <br /><br /> Our summer was spent praying over what to do next. We prayed about where to send our four oldest to school. We considered homeschooling since I am a former elementary school teacher. The Lord stirred up a group of people to start another Classical Christian school. That was our heart's desire. I followed DH's lead to help start the new school. It opened its doors just after Labor Day with an exuberant group of teachers and staff and a wonderful headmaster who had been there the last year of our former school. I was to be the French teacher. We LOVED the updated curriculum, the teachers, and everyone in the school. We bought new uniforms for four eager students and happily began a new adventure in Classical Christian education.<br /><br /> Just as I finished my first lesson plan for teaching French, it became clear that DH was going to have a new job. We rejoiced over the Lord's provision, though our hearts questioned why we had gone through the tears and efforts to start a new school that we would now have to leave. That's right. DH's new job would move us out of Tampa. We could not believe it!!!<br /><br /> While excited about this new opportunity and adventure for our family, the idea of leaving our friends and our church and our school was enough to undo us. We cried even more tears. Our days were spent trying to spend as much time with our dear friends as possible. We had gatherings and sweet dinners and lunches and playdates with friends. We cried some more. We prayed.<br /> <br /> Just before Thanksgiving, the children took their last swim in our sweet Tampa pool. Our hearts hurt as we waved goodbye to palm trees, bay breezes, and sunny days. We are nesters. We like to burrow into our home and community and stay there. We lived in our Raleigh home for 8 years with no intention of adding on our moving. We were very content with our life there when we were moved to Florida. Our Florida home brought us so many sweet friendships and happy memories. Now we are off on a new adventure!!! I hope to live to tell you ALL about it!Henley on the Hornhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18200566259157298386noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1383001279394338563.post-38690963324677461652011-08-10T23:14:00.006-04:002011-08-10T23:37:43.820-04:00Quite an Education OR Desperate Times call for Desperate Measures Our children have been receiving quite an education this summer. I mean, <span style="font-style:italic;">QUITE </span>an education. You may have read about all of the school work we've been accomplishing this summer. Perhaps it made your stomach turn and thus made you not want to be my friend. I understand. I can't believe it myself. Well, lemmetellyou about a little education. Five children and no nanny or babysitter or long lost grandmother means 5 children go everywhere Mama goes. And I do mean EVERYWHERE.
<br /> Dear DH and I are going to have a little getaway this weekend. It is long overdue. There are some other, um, unmentionables that are long overdue as well. SO... I asked the children to please go to the bathroom, gather their DSi or a good book, and hop in the car. Mama Henley was desperate. I know your minds are racing, "For what in the world could I be so desperate? Did Mama Henley take the children to the liquor store?" No! I would never do such a thing as that.
<br /> Mama Henley simply stated, "Children, we need to run an errand. You are going to wait in the waiting room while I do something and then we'll leave." Well, Mama Henley has not raised any fools. They don't overlook details... not even the tiniest one. Once we were all in the car, our son asked, "Mama, what are you going to do? Does Daddy know?"
<br /> "It's okay, darling. Daddy will understand. It won't take long," I replied.
<br /> "Mama, what are you going to do? It sounds inappropriate," our attorney son stated firmly.
<br /> "Honey, it's none of your business. It's private," I calmly replied.
<br /> "Well, Mama, it sounds inappropriate. I think you are doing inappropriate things. It's giving me the creeps," the judge offspring let me know with disgust in his voice.
<br /> At this point, I can hardly drive because of our conversation. Now where do YOU think Mama Henley was dragging her offspring, ladies? Well, a girl's gotta do what a girl's gotta do. I was overdue and I had to be all fixed up for my trip and that was THAT.
<br /> We drove to Melt Out, a darling walk-in day spa that allows children in the waiting room. I set up not one, not two, not even three, but FIVE children in waiting room chairs. I read the board to figure out that my treatment is called the Fine Tune. I signed in and waited. Finally, Miss M called my name and I went back into a quiet room, leaving my children to wait. Let's just say that I was not having a massage. You guessed it. I was there for a bikini wax. Before you call DFACS, the children were safe and well-fed and had no idea what I was doing back there. They thought I was having a massage. Honey, after the interrogation, I NEEDED a massage. For the first time ever, I think I laughed my way through the bikini wax hearing our conversation from the car in my head and wondering what they were thinking now. Thankfully it didn't take long.
<br /> I walked out of the room to find our children calmly sitting in their chairs and eating lots of Dum dum lollipops. Don't worry; they had lunch later. I decided to go ahead and have my brows waxed while I was there. They do such a better job compared to my over-tweezing self. As I reclined in the chair, I happened to sense people watching me. I opened my eyes to see not one pair, but SIX PAIRS of eyes staring at me while sounds like, "Ooo.... ouch... yuck" filled my ears. All 5 children and Miss M were looking at my poor eyebrows being waxed. I started laughing uncontrollably at the visual of them trying to watch my OTHER wax this closely. It was too much. I am sure Miss M went home to tell her family about the crazy lady who brought her FIVE children to a bikini wax. But you know what, that's okay. I haven't had a good story in a long time, so I am happy to share, even if it is TMI and I vowed never to talk about such things on my blog. You just can't pass up a good story now, can you?
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<br />Henley on the Hornhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18200566259157298386noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1383001279394338563.post-27328565482661760852011-08-02T15:20:00.002-04:002011-08-02T15:21:11.112-04:00Tuesday's TipBy now the golden days of summer may have turned a little bit long. Perhaps you have taken all of your fabulous trips, the children have been to camp, and the grandparents are no longer offering respites for Mama and Papa. School looms around the corner, but it's just far enough away that the whines and daily doldrums are getting to you. We have our moments at Mama Henley's house, and they are not always pretty. I can't tell you how many times I have walked into a room that I had recently organized for the 100th time only to find it completely destroyed. That scenario often happens multiple times a day in the Hurricane/Nature Girl room. Those two are more than a little to contend with at times! :)<br /><br /> To combat summer fights and boredom, we have adapted a summer schedule. I encourage the children to sleep in the mornings. They are all awake by 8am, and we have breakfast and clean up our dishes. Then, I do math or reading with one child while the others read, do math problems, practice typing, or practice piano. Everyone has to brush teeth and hair and make their own bed and straighten their room. Some mornings we have a morning Bible story time but sometimes that happens in the evenings or even the afternoon. Our children are not perfect. The Dsis and tv are a constant battle. It never fails that some of the children are not doing what I asked. However, overall, we have been able to accomplish a lot this summer. Everyone has completed their summer reading so everything we read now is just gravy. We are reviewing an entire math curriculum with one of our children, and it has been going remarkably well. Piano keeps us disciplined as well.<br /><br /> In the afternoons, the children play or swim or sometimes we run errands. The children use their imagination all of the time and it is wonderful to hear. I have been trying to do most of my errands at night once they are going to bed. A trip to Publix or Target is much easier solo than with 5 children. Keeping our days fairly organized makes them more enjoyable. I have been able to work with the children individually but I have also taken the time to clean some closets and cut coupons, etc. <br /><br /> Another great advantage of summer is the time to teach life skills to your children. Since we try to eat most of our meals at home, I have been able to let the children help me cook. Today I taught Tiny how to peel and devein shrimp. She took off all of the tails and arranged them on a baking sheet so that we could roast them for our shrimp salad. I didn't plan to have her help me. Rather, she came in the room and asked. So I stopped trying to rush and I taught her what to do. My inclination was to not let her hands get stinky with the shrimp smell, but I am so glad I let her do it. She learned a lot. Then our Nature Girl asked to shuck the corn. Again, I slowed down and taught that baby some life skills. Summer should be slow and enjoyable. Children need time to play. It's also okay to help them keep up the skills they learned during the school year.<br /><br /> I have learned that our best days are the ones that are loosely organized and I am interacting with them and not just living near them. What about you?Henley on the Hornhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18200566259157298386noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1383001279394338563.post-64487439523571103982011-07-26T22:54:00.002-04:002011-07-26T23:06:35.837-04:00ThoughtsDH is such a wise man. I love the way he leads our family and spends time praying about things and talking about them with me. Tonight we were having a discussion about our family. DH pointed out that we only have 9 more years (including this one) of having all of our children under one roof. Wow. He painted a picture for me when he said, "In 9 years we won't have 5 sleeping children in their beds in this house. Three of them will be in college." Wow. I can hardly believe that. Our time as parents at home of these precious babies is halfway over for our oldest three. That is crazy. Lord, how can that be? It seems like just yesterday I was using one spoon to quickly feed three babies their squash baby food! Now they are going into the fourth grade. The time does pass too quickly.<br /><br /> Therefore, we are going to carefully choose how we spend our time. Certainly we have tried to choose wisely how we spend our time in the past, but now we are going to go forward being even more careful. This is it. This is our chance to help our children grow in their love for the Lord. This is our chance to KNOW them well. One day they will leave us and no longer live with us. One day they will be adults. Gasp! This is our time to love them, know them, enjoy them, and to teach them about our dear Lord and all that He has done for us. We get one chance. DH and I don't want to miss a minute with them. Of course we will miss minutes with them, but you know what I mean. <br /><br /> If we spend time away from our family, we want it to be time well-spent. We want to enjoy our time with those who have been true friends, but life is too short to be with those who would not choose to be with us. Our relationship with the Lord and then each other is most important, but our children are next. They have been entrusted to us for a short time. While the days of summer can be long, I am trying to relish these sweet moments of swimming in our pool, going to the library, painting horses, and cooking meals. With the Lord's help, I am trying to carefully discipline when I see disobedience and to leave the room when I'm too angry. I am trying to mold the heart of a stubborn but precious 4 year old and to help a 7 year old with her reading. I am encouraging lots of reading, piano, and math facts. We are talking about the Bible, reading the Bible, and answering catechism questions. We are learning the 10 Commandments thanks to encouragement from Covenant Kids Class. Dh is also reading the first "Harry Potter" book to our oldest children. We are night swimming, playing on the beach, drinking an occasional sprite, and having too many popsicles. We are thanking God for every day we can enjoy these precious children!!!Henley on the Hornhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18200566259157298386noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1383001279394338563.post-77339663369119335142011-07-25T21:59:00.004-04:002011-07-25T22:10:51.321-04:00Summer Corn Salad<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vnv72Y6rQB4/Ti4iATKeJII/AAAAAAAAB2Q/JvmtW33DITs/s1600/images.jpeg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 60px; height: 60px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vnv72Y6rQB4/Ti4iATKeJII/AAAAAAAAB2Q/JvmtW33DITs/s200/images.jpeg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633477572426605698" /></a><br /> When we visited the fabulous Julia and David, we were treated to many gourmet meals! The best part is that they took place right there at her dining room table. Julia is a wonderful cook who carefully uses fresh produce and herbs right from her garden! One day at lunch, Julia prepared a delicious corn salad with fresh corn. I did not write down her recipe, so today I created my own summer corn salad. I think you can adjust it as needed and use fresh ingredients that you have on hand to make it even better!<br /><br /> First of all, you need some sweet summer corn. Shuck it and brush it to get rid of the corn silk. Then, carefully cut the corn off of the cob. I did not cook our corn, but those who prefer a hot salad could grill it or saute' the corn in olive oil. I thought the summer sweetness was just perfect without cooking it. I put the corn in a large mixing bowl and added a little olive oil, Maldon sea salt, and fresh pepper. Next, I used ingredients we have in our kitchen including a great tomato, red onion, and fresh basil. Avocado is great too, but ours was not yet ripe. You can use cilantro instead of basil if you want it to taste differently. Chop the ingredients you want to add to the corn and then add them to the large bowl. Taste it to see if you need more salt and pepper. Put it in your refrigerator so that the flavors mix. YUM! You have a healthy and easy side dish! Happy Summer, y'all! Thank you, Julia, for the inspiration!Henley on the Hornhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18200566259157298386noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1383001279394338563.post-37871869054578458012011-07-23T21:35:00.002-04:002011-07-23T21:41:14.520-04:00Boca Grande<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1WmbcWJIGzE/Tit3RLiR7GI/AAAAAAAAB2I/bGUZfxzCCTE/s1600/logo.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 110px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1WmbcWJIGzE/Tit3RLiR7GI/AAAAAAAAB2I/bGUZfxzCCTE/s200/logo.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5632726895994989666" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BmerzHVgACo/Tit3RBoGJqI/AAAAAAAAB2A/HexBb6eIn-g/s1600/IMG_0718.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BmerzHVgACo/Tit3RBoGJqI/AAAAAAAAB2A/HexBb6eIn-g/s200/IMG_0718.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5632726893335029410" /></a><br /> I love my husband for many reasons, but one reason is his sense of adventure. He is not afraid to pop five little people in the car for a road trip. We are big advocates of being a tourist in your own state, so that is what we set out to do this fine Saturday morning! We drove about 2 hours to reach Boca Grande. Only DH had been to Boca Grande in the past. It was fun to drive around and see the little town and the Gasparilla Inn. The Pink Elephant, or "The Pink" as it is widely known, was dead, so we decided to eat on the beach at The South Beach Grille. My key lime grilled shrimp wrap was superb and DH loved his blackened grouper sandwich!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5w7J9eCehNo/Tit3RPFFaGI/AAAAAAAAB14/CBVbtR7uj88/s1600/ms.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 100px; height: 100px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5w7J9eCehNo/Tit3RPFFaGI/AAAAAAAAB14/CBVbtR7uj88/s200/ms.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5632726896946276450" /></a><br /><br /><br /> After lunch, we drove around and admired the beaches, homes, and the lighthouse. The Florida sun was so hot that we did not play in the sand. However, we DID stop at the Loose Caboose for some ice cream before driving back to Tampa!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9NJtox5U49w/Tit3Q0mhHlI/AAAAAAAAB1w/K2M72TlxTqA/s1600/m.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 100px; height: 75px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9NJtox5U49w/Tit3Q0mhHlI/AAAAAAAAB1w/K2M72TlxTqA/s200/m.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5632726889838747218" /></a>Henley on the Hornhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18200566259157298386noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1383001279394338563.post-3971904057528450332011-07-20T10:14:00.002-04:002011-07-20T10:16:13.277-04:00An Email Every Parent Dreads...Hello,<br /><br />LouseCalls is sending you this email anonymously from a friend of yours. Your friend cares about you and wants you to know that you may have recently been in contact with someone that may have head lice, and want you to be on the lookout.<br /><br />LouseCalls, Florida's most experienced head lice removal service, suggests you follow our 4 C's to determine if anyone in your family has head lice:<br /><br /><br />First and foremost, remain Calm and don't "Freak Out." Head lice affect millions of people in the United States every year, of all socio-economic levels and backgrounds. Head lice are not a sign of un-cleanliness or an indication that you did anything wrong as a parent.<br />Check each of your family members for the presence of head lice. For information about what to look for and down to earth facts, visit our web site at www.lousecalls.com.<br />Communicate to other people in your social circle that head lice are around. You can also send this email anonymously by simply filling out the form at www.lousecalls.com/Register.aspx Remember, head lice�s best defense technique is the fact that people are embarrassed to communicate to friends and family that they have had lice.<br />Contact LouseCalls with any questions or comments you may have, or to make an appointment. LouseCalls has helped thousands of families eradicate head lice from their lives since 2005, and we can help you too. Contact LouseCalls directly at 561-3760-1066 or amy@lousecalls.com.<br />Warm wishes for a head lice free future!<br /><br />Amy Graff <br />LouseCalls, Inc <br />"No More Louse-y Days" <br /><br />Can you say, "YUCK!!" I don't know about you, but my head has been itching ever since I read this!!!! Thankfully I have not seen any critters in any of Mama Henley's babies' hair, but rest assured I am on the lookout!!!!Henley on the Hornhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18200566259157298386noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1383001279394338563.post-63216963496847703432011-07-19T05:13:00.002-04:002011-07-19T05:13:01.977-04:00Tuesday's Tip<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lUCLezDpsNY/TiReUrly6rI/AAAAAAAAB1g/t7Me0Qf7WWg/s1600/aquinnah.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lUCLezDpsNY/TiReUrly6rI/AAAAAAAAB1g/t7Me0Qf7WWg/s200/aquinnah.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5630729143511607986" /></a><br /> Are you enjoying summer travels? I know we are!! It is great to get out and explore the country when your children do not have to be in school. Whether you work or stay at home with your children, many people travel during the summer. Favorite destinations include the beach and the mountains.<br /><br /> When we travel, we love to send postcards to family and special friends. I actually like going in the junky tourist shops so that I can buy 10 postcards for $1. In "shi shi" Martha's Vineyard, the postcards could not be found for a bargain. Once I find my postcards, I am very excited. I sit and write while waiting in restaurants or at night in our hotel room or house. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-O4f-pVjt7s4/TiReU4jmpJI/AAAAAAAAB1o/un-dBfMtJ2c/s1600/104440_200x200.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-O4f-pVjt7s4/TiReU4jmpJI/AAAAAAAAB1o/un-dBfMtJ2c/s200/104440_200x200.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5630729146992075922" /></a><br /><br /> Then what do you do? How do you know everyone's address? How do you mail the postcards. Certainly smartphones have made life easier for us as addresses can be stored right in your phone. I take a copy of our Christmas address list with me when we travel. I also go to the post office in our hometown <span style="font-style:italic;">before</span> we leave and buy a sheet or more of postcard stamps. Then, once I write the postcards, I can drop them in the mail! Therefore the postcards will have the cool postmark of whatever fun place we are visiting at the time rather than the postcard of our hometown. Don't you just love it?! Go out and buy your postcard stamps right now before your next trip! You can even keep them at the ready in your purse! Don't forget a favorite pen as well:). Happy Travels!Henley on the Hornhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18200566259157298386noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1383001279394338563.post-13321874045675763552011-07-16T18:01:00.003-04:002011-07-16T18:04:03.542-04:00Favorite Chef's Knife<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zU6isvEqRWU/TiIKwMQJCII/AAAAAAAAB1Y/PFG9qZTEE9c/s1600/213DBxD1XrL._AA300_.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zU6isvEqRWU/TiIKwMQJCII/AAAAAAAAB1Y/PFG9qZTEE9c/s200/213DBxD1XrL._AA300_.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5630074307205466242" /></a><br /> I have some nice Henkel knives that I have enjoyed. We have a set of them. They work well, but I think I may want a chef's knife or santoku knife for my birthday or Christmas gift. A local chef recommended Wusthof, which is what believe my chef cousin uses. What do you recommend? I would LOVE to hear your favorites!Henley on the Hornhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18200566259157298386noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1383001279394338563.post-1783916344934107992011-07-14T11:01:00.002-04:002011-07-14T11:10:04.872-04:00Precious Leiby KletzkyAfter posting about NYC on Monday, I am so sad to hear the story of sweet Leiby Kletzky. The sweet 8-year old asked for directions as he walked just a few blocks home from camp. Little Leiby had begged his parents to let him walk home alone just a few blocks from camp. He became turned around and asked for directions. Unfortunately, the man whom he asked directions kidnapped Leiby and ultimately killed this sweet little boy. My mind cannot grasp it. It is my worst fear. I cannot understand such a horrific act on such a sweet boy.<br /> I am left to just pray for Leiby and his parents. Dear Lord, please protect our children. Please comfort the parents of Leiby Kletzky. Please let them know that you are real and that you are their Savior who loves them. Please comfort this community. Thank you for loving us more than we can understand. Amen.Henley on the Hornhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18200566259157298386noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1383001279394338563.post-9784203276900578452011-07-11T22:59:00.003-04:002011-07-11T23:03:32.615-04:00Start Spreading the News...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iTnNoe6cQnc/Thu4_zSWlJI/AAAAAAAAB1Q/wfpZbmHh-LU/s1600/P6130640.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iTnNoe6cQnc/Thu4_zSWlJI/AAAAAAAAB1Q/wfpZbmHh-LU/s200/P6130640.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5628295565568021650" /></a><br /> Our precious miracle triplets just turned ten this spring. I still can't believe it! Our 2 pound babies are no longer babies! Can you believe that my sweet parents took these three to NYC to celebrate their tenth birthday?! What a trip! Thankfully I was able to go along as a chaperone due to the graciousness of my brother and sister in law who kept the little sisters.<br /> When we arrived in New York, we were greeted by a limo. The children squealed and loved drinking a sprite on the way into the city! We had adventure after adventure, and I can't wait to tell you all about it!Henley on the Hornhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18200566259157298386noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1383001279394338563.post-82524373253428950112011-07-07T21:21:00.004-04:002011-07-07T21:27:47.915-04:00Rustic Bakery Crackers<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cWIRx_Vczh4/ThZbwgh5IjI/AAAAAAAAB1I/mIPV2MvUmik/s1600/olive%2Boil-2.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 96px; height: 96px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cWIRx_Vczh4/ThZbwgh5IjI/AAAAAAAAB1I/mIPV2MvUmik/s200/olive%2Boil-2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5626785673369952818" /></a><br /> I can hardly wait to tell y'all about the fun we've been having this summer! We just returned from a fabulous trip to Martha's Vineyard to see our dear friends. It was an INCREDIBLE trip and I will fill you in on all of the fun details later. Right now I need to wash off the airplane and travel scum and snuggle with my sweetie:).<br /><br /> When visiting Julia, everything is special from the sheets to the bathroom soaps to her house decorations. While shopping in Edgartown, we had these very special <a href="http://www.rusticbakery.com/">Rustic Bakery</a> crackers. Wow! They were fantastic. We tried them at <a href="http://marthasvineyard.patch.com/articles/new-in-town-black-sheep#photo-6236184">"The Black Sheep"</a>, a new cheese shop and charcuterie. I had the best brie I've ever tasted. The brie was even more fabulous with these special crackers. I brought home a package to share with guests here, but I am hopeful that I will be able to find them at The Fresh Market or some other local store. I hope you can find them to enjoy them too!Henley on the Hornhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18200566259157298386noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1383001279394338563.post-13315871270397178922011-06-28T05:12:00.001-04:002011-06-28T05:12:00.150-04:00Tuesday's Tip!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JE0UvCUiNhw/TgksQk2MM1I/AAAAAAAAB1A/_l-lU6uEW5M/s1600/redboxdefault.gif"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 131px; height: 41px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JE0UvCUiNhw/TgksQk2MM1I/AAAAAAAAB1A/_l-lU6uEW5M/s200/redboxdefault.gif" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5623074273029272402" /></a><br /> I sure have missed you all. Prayerfully I can get back in the swing of things! I have learned quite a few tips from others this summer. As we were leaving Raleigh recently for yet another 12 hour drive, my friend,Nancy, had a great recommendation for us. She said that they always visit their local Redbox prior to trips and rent a few movies. At just $1 each, you can rent several movies for an upcoming trip. The best part is that Nancy said she simply returns them along the way because Redbox locations are now so abundant! Do you not just LOVE that?! The best part is that it lessens the clutter in your car because you can actually RETURN THEM before you embark on your journey home. You can also decide to rent "just one more!"Henley on the Hornhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18200566259157298386noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1383001279394338563.post-68168058224415302652011-06-26T23:31:00.006-04:002011-06-26T23:45:20.736-04:00I have missed you!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UoLx3nFdzXI/Tgf7tEt-0CI/AAAAAAAAB0g/4WTbQaCGORs/s1600/P5290561.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UoLx3nFdzXI/Tgf7tEt-0CI/AAAAAAAAB0g/4WTbQaCGORs/s200/P5290561.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5622739411574640674" /></a><br /> Wow. Summer is here. She is going strong. I have been so remiss in blogging for the past several months. Life has really swept me along and I have missed blogging. As a stay at home mama, it's nice to have an outlet, and blogging is mine. I enjoy reading about others and writing as well.<br /> Our last day of school was May 26th. It was also the day we left for <a href="www.campgreystone.com">Camp Greystone.</a> Every spring, the girls and I can hardly WAIT to get back to camp! It's hard to believe our time there has already past for 2011. We would love for our two oldest to attend a longer session next year. They have been Junior Campers for FIVE YEARS!!! They are old pros. Greystone is an amazing place for girls. Everything has a purpose. That ultimate purpose is to glorify God in ALL things. Nonetheless, there is a reason for everything... the length of each class period, the evening programs, the meals, Breakfast Club, the placement of the bunk beds, et cetera. They plan well and carefully change those things that need tweaking. Greystone is a gift, a true blessing. I am so thankful that our girls are part of the Greystone family. They will be blessed by Greystone throughout their lives. If you have a little girl or a niece, you should look into Greystone. Tell Jimboy that Mama Henley sent you!! You will LOVE Jimboy's daily blog posts. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hb9eTqVd3fQ/Tgf8fmE0AhI/AAAAAAAAB04/hvohIfRK6U4/s1600/DSC_9481.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 133px; height: 200px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hb9eTqVd3fQ/Tgf8fmE0AhI/AAAAAAAAB04/hvohIfRK6U4/s200/DSC_9481.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5622740279522230802" /></a><br /><br /> After camp, I drove home with our 4 girls. I can't tell you how HAPPY I was to finally make it home after our second 12 hour drive. Whew. It took forever, but we made it! DH was so happy to have his girls home again. We arrived home on a Friday night and the next morning our girls had their recital rehearsal. Their recital was the following day. What incredible ballerinas we have!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3DCSrmUofZc/Tgf8fblqhZI/AAAAAAAAB0w/ETLiVV6AmC4/s1600/DSC_9487.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 133px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3DCSrmUofZc/Tgf8fblqhZI/AAAAAAAAB0w/ETLiVV6AmC4/s200/DSC_9487.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5622740276707231122" /></a><br /><br /> I can't wait to tell you more about our summer thus far. It has been very rich!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/---QLPOSmLLw/Tgf8fLo5KsI/AAAAAAAAB0o/4ZpA4HT8vYE/s1600/DSC_9504.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 133px; height: 200px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/---QLPOSmLLw/Tgf8fLo5KsI/AAAAAAAAB0o/4ZpA4HT8vYE/s200/DSC_9504.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5622740272425806530" /></a>Henley on the Hornhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18200566259157298386noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1383001279394338563.post-65960580178623712292011-06-07T22:41:00.005-04:002011-06-07T22:47:54.161-04:00YUMMY to your TUMMY<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PIdcsWDMX7Q/Te7hXvae-3I/AAAAAAAAB0Y/5jl2fRUuBiM/s1600/peanut-chicken-ay-1875098-l.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PIdcsWDMX7Q/Te7hXvae-3I/AAAAAAAAB0Y/5jl2fRUuBiM/s200/peanut-chicken-ay-1875098-l.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5615673583358376818" /></a><br /> I just love summer recipes that are light and refreshing, don't you?! This past Sunday my sweet friend made these fabulous wraps for our church potluck. Let's just say that I wish I had taken two. They were THAT good. You can substitute a store-bought recipe as needed.<br /><br />Asian Chicken Salad Wraps<br />Ingredients<br />1-2 teaspoons olive oil<br />6 (4 oz.) skinless, boned chicken breast halves (or you can use roasted chicken)<br />1 cup cucumber, chopped, seeded and peeled... I don't worry about the seeds<br />1 cup chopped red bell pepper<br />1 1/2 tablespoons sugar<br />1 teaspoon minced, peeled fresh ginger- if your store does not offer fresh ginger, then try 1 1/2 tsp. dried ginger<br />3 tablespoons fresh lime juice<br />1 tablespoon soy sauce- low sodium is better for you<br />1/4 teaspoon salt<br />1/4 teaspoon ground red pepper<br />1 garlic clove, crushed<br />1/4 cup creamy peanut butter<br />2 tablespoons water<br />3 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro<br />8 (8 inch) fat-free flour tortillas<br />4 cups chopped romaine lettuce<br /><br />Heat oil in a large, nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook for 5 minutes on each side or until done. Remove from pan; cool. Shred chicken into bite-size pieces. Otherwise, pull and shred roasted chicken. Place chicken, cucumber and bell pepper in a large bowl.<br />Process sugar, ginger, lime juice, soy sauce, salt, red pepper and garlic in a blender until smooth. Add peanut butter and water; blend. Combine peanut butter and chicken mixtures; stir. Add cilantro; toss.<br />Warm tortillas according to package directions. Spoon 1/2 cup chicken mixture and 1/2 cup lettuce onto each tortilla; roll up. Serve and enjoy! <br /><br />You can also make a similar dressing and pour it over Japanese soba noodles and add fresh red pepper and cucumbers. I think it would also be good with peanuts or cashews in the recipe! Are you hungry now?<br /><br />This recipe was altered but is similar to a recipe by ALL YOU magazine!Henley on the Hornhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18200566259157298386noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1383001279394338563.post-3287648051478796862011-06-06T22:52:00.005-04:002011-06-06T23:19:46.487-04:00Tuesday's Tip... Camp Greystone and Alpine Camp<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-F2eMIoiZ1ZM/Te2TUx_BikI/AAAAAAAAB0Q/Dpi3NiOOtOU/s1600/u521502_p3073834.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 178px; height: 200px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-F2eMIoiZ1ZM/Te2TUx_BikI/AAAAAAAAB0Q/Dpi3NiOOtOU/s200/u521502_p3073834.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5615306295625222722" /></a><br /> The girls and I had the BEST TIME EVER at Camp Greystone. It is truly a taste of Heaven. Greystone is a wonderful Christian girls' camp in the North Carolina mountains. The camp has been owned and operated for 92 years by the same family for 4 generations. The 5th generation is growing into adulthood faster than I can blink! The Miller family is a godly family who truly put the Lord first in all that they do. The camp is the BEST of everything. The staff is the best in the country, the camp itself is just beautiful, the food that Gervais whips up is marvelous, and they offer every activity from sailing to horseback riding to glass bead making to fencing to puppy camp to cooking. It is truly incredible. Each day is more fun and lively than the next. I could go on and on and on, but I know you have other things to do! You really should consider sending your daughter to Camp Greystone. If you do, tell Jimboy that Mama Henley sent you! :)<br /><br /> Since Greystone is so wonderful, it was difficult to find a comparable camp for our boy. He has been with us to Greystone, so he KNOWS how special camp can be. After experiencing Greystone, you just can't settle for less. Therefore, we searched for the BEST BOYS camp for our precious boy, and we found it. Alpine Camp in Mentone, Alabama is for boys what Greystone is for girls. It is a camp run by the same family for 50 years and the second generation is now running the camp. It is also a Christian mountain camp and it is for BOYS. Our boy is there now, and from the looks of things, he is having a BALL!! So, my Tuesday's Tip is to check out the BEST CAMP FOR GIRLS and the BEST CAMP FOR BOYS! Be sure to tell them that Mama Henley sent you!Henley on the Hornhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18200566259157298386noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1383001279394338563.post-85264289791123466102011-05-24T05:15:00.000-04:002011-05-24T05:15:00.396-04:00Tuesday's Tip<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_6tBVvt03KSw/TSsj7zhHkQI/AAAAAAAABqY/mx3z4wWDCiw/s1600/DSC_0797.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 133px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_6tBVvt03KSw/TSsj7zhHkQI/AAAAAAAABqY/mx3z4wWDCiw/s200/DSC_0797.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5560577675267379458" /></a><br /> Can you believe summer is just around the corner?! I know we can't believe it at Mama Henley's house. Before we know it, we'll be headed back to Camp Greystone! Oh, how we love that place! I love helping give first-time camp mamas some helpful hints. One thing I always try to remember to do on Opening Day is to carry a Sharpie black marker in my pocket or pocketbook. You never know when you'll need to put a name on a book, pillow case, or new pair of socks that you inadvertently forgot to mark. Plus,you may go to the Shoppe and buy your little darling a camp blanket or water bottle, and she'll need her name on those too! So, as you prepare to embark on your little one's camp journey, pack a Sharpie marker in your purse!Henley on the Hornhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18200566259157298386noreply@blogger.com7