Saturday, September 27, 2014
An "Allergy" Word from our Family
Allergies even affect poor ole Herm dog. Steve gave him a steroid shot this week. Seems like every spring and fall he scratches off the hair from his eyebrows after a few hour-long romps in the hay field. See the white patches on his eyes and nose where his hair is coming out. Such a sweet puppy!
.JPG "dog allergies")
If you or your family members suffer from asthma, here are 14 tips to prevent asthma attacks that may help prevent a life-threatening event. Leave me a comment and let me and others know what helps your allergies or things to do to prevent serious effects of asthma.
Breathe freely,
Tammy
The Happy Handicap
Friday, September 26, 2014
The Frantic Chef
Exciting news! I started a business last month. I agreed to sell products, do cooking shows and represent for The Pampered Chef.
Like all excited consultants, I was ecstatic when a cousin of mine contacted me to have a show...unsolicited! Her real estate office is 40 miles from my house but, what the hay, I'm in business to sell and I'm there! My Mom went with me to help and take care of my 10 month old granddaughter. Due to the commute time, I had to leave before her mom picked her up. All is well.
12 guests rsvp'd. I'm a bit nervous but I've got this. When we arrived, only 3 guests were there (because they worked in the real estate office). They listened to my presentation from their office chairs, sometimes listening, sometimes working at their computers. I couldn't figure out whether to cook or not because two ladies said they weren't staying to eat. I had one lady though, intent on everything that I was doing so I decided to cook Pesto Vegetable Medley just for her. I'm showing off our spiral and slice which makes beautiful spiraled veggies. See..
This one lady was so interested in what I'm doing and I'm trying to answer her questions while I'm spiraling. I'm not sure why I laid my spiral and slice down but I picked up one of our forged cutlery knives to cut red pepper. Bad idea. Bad, bad idea!
The next thing I know I'm bleeding from chopping a sliver of my finger and fingernail off! It bleed and bleed and bleed. My host, Jenny took me around the corner to an internal doctor to see if they could stop the bleeding. I was so thankful and still amazed that Dr. Kim put hydro chloride on my finger to stop the bleeding, cleaned the wound, put a band-aid on it and didn't charge me a penny! He also gave me some great advice. He said "Now, when you get home don't put no natural remedy like cow dung on that cut." I said "Well, if I see my dad anytime soon, he'll want me to douse it in diesel fuel." My dad swears by diesel fuel to heal any cut! We left the doctor's office and went back to cooking!
Turns out my accident wasn't nearly as bad as I thought it was or as it hurt. Here's a pic of my finger one week later. You really can't even tell its cut. I think everything will grow back just like it was. My director, Melodie told me to be sure to keep my fingers tucked.....after the fact! I said I wasn't using the knife again unless I get invited to a luau and need to gut a pig! I didn't use any cow dung or diesel fuel. I did use a natural honey product on it though.
.JPG "cut finger")
I was supposed to be pampering Jenny but she actually pampered me! I was just a bit frantic for my first show. Good news! I had another show 3 days later with about 15 guests in attendance and it went beautifully! Wish me future success and if you need any cooking equipment, I can hook you up!
Be pampered,
Tammy
The Happy Handicap/Frantic Chef
http://www.pamperedchef.biz/tammystafford
12 guests rsvp'd. I'm a bit nervous but I've got this. When we arrived, only 3 guests were there (because they worked in the real estate office). They listened to my presentation from their office chairs, sometimes listening, sometimes working at their computers. I couldn't figure out whether to cook or not because two ladies said they weren't staying to eat. I had one lady though, intent on everything that I was doing so I decided to cook Pesto Vegetable Medley just for her. I'm showing off our spiral and slice which makes beautiful spiraled veggies. See..
This one lady was so interested in what I'm doing and I'm trying to answer her questions while I'm spiraling. I'm not sure why I laid my spiral and slice down but I picked up one of our forged cutlery knives to cut red pepper. Bad idea. Bad, bad idea!
The next thing I know I'm bleeding from chopping a sliver of my finger and fingernail off! It bleed and bleed and bleed. My host, Jenny took me around the corner to an internal doctor to see if they could stop the bleeding. I was so thankful and still amazed that Dr. Kim put hydro chloride on my finger to stop the bleeding, cleaned the wound, put a band-aid on it and didn't charge me a penny! He also gave me some great advice. He said "Now, when you get home don't put no natural remedy like cow dung on that cut." I said "Well, if I see my dad anytime soon, he'll want me to douse it in diesel fuel." My dad swears by diesel fuel to heal any cut! We left the doctor's office and went back to cooking!
Turns out my accident wasn't nearly as bad as I thought it was or as it hurt. Here's a pic of my finger one week later. You really can't even tell its cut. I think everything will grow back just like it was. My director, Melodie told me to be sure to keep my fingers tucked.....after the fact! I said I wasn't using the knife again unless I get invited to a luau and need to gut a pig! I didn't use any cow dung or diesel fuel. I did use a natural honey product on it though.
I was supposed to be pampering Jenny but she actually pampered me! I was just a bit frantic for my first show. Good news! I had another show 3 days later with about 15 guests in attendance and it went beautifully! Wish me future success and if you need any cooking equipment, I can hook you up!
Be pampered,
Tammy
The Happy Handicap/Frantic Chef
http://www.pamperedchef.biz/tammystafford
Wednesday, September 24, 2014
Thou Art Amazing...
I woke up this morning with the first line of this poem echoing in my head. I sat down and completed this. I hope you enjoy it. If you are amazed by God, leave me a comment with one thing that amazes you. It would be a shame for me not to get one single comment....now wouldn't it?
Still amazed,
Tammy
The Happy Handicap
Monday, September 22, 2014
Mom-ism Monday #17
I'm always asking people in my family for Mom-isms they remember hearing and using. Last weekend, my brother-in-law Phil shared one that my father-in-law had written in his Bible. I think it's very relevant for back then when he wrote it down and now. Very simple and direct. The dad-ism needs no explanation other than to read it.
Phil is not sure where or why the saying originated. The more surprising story lies in how my father-in-law obtained the Bible he wrote it in. My father-in-law affectionately called Pop was at Lake Conasauga in the 1940's probably fishing. He found a tackle box. The box had a name and address in it. Pop mailed the tackle box back to it's owner. In appreciation for returning the box, the man sent him a Bible as a gift. It's the very same Bible this week's Mom-ism Monday #17 saying is written in!
The next time you're feeling flush and think you might be getting a case of word vomit, remember this: Be sure Brain is Engaged before putting Mouth in Gear!
Ode to the 40's,
Tammy
The Happy Handicap
The next time you're feeling flush and think you might be getting a case of word vomit, remember this: Be sure Brain is Engaged before putting Mouth in Gear!
Ode to the 40's,
Tammy
The Happy Handicap
Wednesday, September 17, 2014
10 Reasons to Keep Singing
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| photo credit: revival.com |
Listen to the song 10,000 Reasons here, before
you read any further. The song is based on Psalm 103.
The first five verses
are:
Bless the Lord, O my soul: and all that is within me,
bless his holy name. 2 Bless the Lord, O my soul, and
forget not all his benefits: 3 Who forgiveth all thine
iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases; 4 Who redeemeth thy
life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender
mercies; 5 Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that
thy youth is renewed like the eagle's.
We sang this Sunday. The words "all that is within
me" embedded in my being. What is within me, within us? A network of
arteries, vessels, blood and organs? Yes, but that's not all. We have a soul
designed specifically to praise our Creator! I believe Matt Redman, co-writer
of 10,000 reasons, sings to Jesus like never before with all that is within
him. Do we? We took communion Sunday in remembrance of Jesus. I started
recalling events in my life that caused me to praise God with all that was
within me, not holding anything back, totally consumed, giving him all of me
because he gave his all for me. I'm sharing 10 reasons my heart finds to keep
on singing, then I challenge you to reply to this email with just one reason
for you to sing that I can share next week.
- Beholding
his glory at the top of the Swiss Alps. I praised Him and felt like I
would be transported on to heaven like Elijah.
- Singing
the last line of the 3rd verse of Blessed Assurance with complete
realization of what it means to be "Filled with his goodness, lost in
his love."
- Having
his light shine upon me until his glory dawned while singing
"O Beautiful Star". Sing it and you'll see.
- The
night I knelt beside my bed, asked forgiveness for my sins and Jesus
saved me.
- The
pure love I felt the day God blessed my union to my husband and best
friend Steve.
- The
sweet relief I felt when Sydnee had all her toes. The worry-free feeling I
had about Sloane's toes!
- My
desire for everyone to have a personal relationship with Jesus.
- My longing to
show Lisette who Jesus is.
- The
thankfulness that explodes in my heart to have celebrated my parents 50th
wedding anniversary six years ago!
- Being
one of the lame he made walk.
What's your reason? Leave me a comment.
Singing a new song,
Tammy
The Happy Handicap
Monday, September 15, 2014
Mom-ism Monday #16
Do you believe everything you hear or read? If it's on that internet, it's gotta be true, right? That internet being a trusted source is a running joke at our house! My Mom and husband are somewhat skeptical. They take most things with a grain of salt with one eyebrow cocked as if it were some kind of truth-seeking device. Instead of innocent until proven guilty, it's false until proven true!
Neither my mom nor my husband would ever want to say or admit aloud that someone was purposely telling an untruth. That's not nice! So my mom, in her best lady-like southern style would say instead, "Now, that's just.....
In other words, what you're saying is just too unbelievable for her to believe! If you've ever made icing too thick, you understand. Thick icing keeps rolling up and won't cover well. It may even tear your cake or pastry enough to need repair. Thick icing can be watered down to make it easy to spread. I suppose stories could be watered down to be more believable too? But, too thick icing is like a too tall story. Hard to swallow!
Have you ever heard Mom-ism #15? Mom has said it all my born days! Leave me a comment about it. It's akin to another mom-ism she uses. That's just too fishy to smell good!
Someone yell for the water girl?
Tammy
The Happy Handicap
Neither my mom nor my husband would ever want to say or admit aloud that someone was purposely telling an untruth. That's not nice! So my mom, in her best lady-like southern style would say instead, "Now, that's just.....
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| photo credit: dirtylaundrykitchen.com |
Have you ever heard Mom-ism #15? Mom has said it all my born days! Leave me a comment about it. It's akin to another mom-ism she uses. That's just too fishy to smell good!
Someone yell for the water girl?
Tammy
The Happy Handicap
Thursday, September 11, 2014
Does your Internet Provider give you Rewards?
It's Thursday and that means time to save some dough! My local telephone and internet provider Windstream just came out with a nifty new program. Designed to "Thank You" for your business by giving you a "gift" for accumulated points. If Windstream is your carrier, you can sign up for the program here. Here's how it works:
My favorite reward is ACCOUNT CREDITS! I might also save up for a gift card or two. Windstream can't thank you unless you join. If your carrier isn't Windstream, call and ask if they have a rewards program. If they don't, you should surely suggest it! Mention what Windstream is doing to make their customers happy! Saving money and great communication services are a win/win! BA, BA, BA, BA, BA I'm loving it!
Get money, Be happy,
Tammy
The Happy Handicap
Wednesday, September 10, 2014
Weirdly Weary
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| photo credit: learntocookbadgergirl.com |
I am weirdly weary this week, are you? So much going on in
the world. My community suffered 5 tragic deaths from auto accidents in the
last two weeks, one of the victims was my cousin. I had another cousin to pass
away yesterday, in his early 30's. Sickness all around. Court battles. Divorce.
Terrorists. Pandemic scares. Weak leadership. Paperwork confounding progress.
I'm sure I've left something out that may come to your mind.
Michele Obama mandated Chickfila sandwiches be taken out of school lunchrooms because they are 90 calories too much for a meal. Never mind the special needs and budgetary gaps the profits from the sandwiches filled. Have you seen the junk served in school cafeterias lately? Approved by The White House. I had an awful thought last week. What if the Obama's are trying to raise a weak, sickly generation who are too weary to fight a wicked administration.
Now, when I get to thinking these things, things must be pretty bad. Alas, weary travelers, there is Hope with a capital H! The Bible says in the famously quoted scripture of Isaiah 40:31 "They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint." Jeremiah 31:25-26 reminds us "For I have satiated the weary soul, and I have replenished every sorrowful soul. Upon this I awaked, and beheld; and my sleep was sweet unto me."
The battle marches on. Good soldiers never quit. Fuel and refuel that weary body, mind and soul with words of victory from scripture. As Winston Churchill said "Never, never, never give up!" And as June from last week's newsletter said "I've read the book. The good guys win!" Please, please, please make sure you're on the winning side.
Be sure to read the miracle below that was shared by Denise Griffin. Thanks so much for sharing Denise! If you'd like to share your very own miracle and have it published here next week, please email me at tammy.stafford@hotmail.com.
Michele Obama mandated Chickfila sandwiches be taken out of school lunchrooms because they are 90 calories too much for a meal. Never mind the special needs and budgetary gaps the profits from the sandwiches filled. Have you seen the junk served in school cafeterias lately? Approved by The White House. I had an awful thought last week. What if the Obama's are trying to raise a weak, sickly generation who are too weary to fight a wicked administration.
Now, when I get to thinking these things, things must be pretty bad. Alas, weary travelers, there is Hope with a capital H! The Bible says in the famously quoted scripture of Isaiah 40:31 "They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint." Jeremiah 31:25-26 reminds us "For I have satiated the weary soul, and I have replenished every sorrowful soul. Upon this I awaked, and beheld; and my sleep was sweet unto me."
The battle marches on. Good soldiers never quit. Fuel and refuel that weary body, mind and soul with words of victory from scripture. As Winston Churchill said "Never, never, never give up!" And as June from last week's newsletter said "I've read the book. The good guys win!" Please, please, please make sure you're on the winning side.
Be sure to read the miracle below that was shared by Denise Griffin. Thanks so much for sharing Denise! If you'd like to share your very own miracle and have it published here next week, please email me at tammy.stafford@hotmail.com.
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Saturday, September 6, 2014
"Extra" Words in Our Crazy Made-up Family Language Epparksford
The word of the day = "x-tree"
But, we do take a little xtree cream in our coffee and wish we had a little xtree spring in our steps! Xtree is our slang for extra. I'm not sure how this happened in our family. Every time someone says a word incorrectly, backward or just plain southern, the new word form becomes the norm around our gang. So.much.fun. Like my Dad calling my mom One-nater instead of her proper name Juanita.
My favorite "xtree" phrase is "Do you have any xtree change?" Talking about money of course. Who carries a specific amount of money with them so they might have extra to change larger bills or even coins (if the need arises)? Not me, for sure. I never have any xtree money, do you? I wish money did grow on trees then we would have xtree for sure!
Does your family use this word? Leave me comment and tell me your family slang for a common word.
Xtree crazy,
Tammy
The Happy Handicap
Wednesday, September 3, 2014
Miracles ARE Happening: Read 4 here!
Remember that special prayer request for my dear friend
Angie last week? Thank you so much for your prayers. God performed a miracle.
Her pre-op scans were clear, her biopsy surgery was cancelled and she's
praising Jesus her Savior! I am too!
My husband Steve goes to pulmonary rehab 3X a week due to pulmonary fibrosis. His resting oxygen saturation was up the last two weeks which is a miracle also. I praise God for every victory, big or small! I went with Steve Friday and met the most precious lady. She told me about two miracles I just have to share. But first, I have to tell you how I got to talking to her.
Her name is June. She was sitting by a lady that was spreading doom about pandemics and terrorism. I happened to sit down beside June and couldn't help but hear the doubt/fear in the woman's voice. I politely said "If you ladies don't stop that talk about pandemics, I'm going to have to move!" June sweetly smiled saying "I've read the book, the good guys win. Do you like to hear about miracles?" I replied "I've read the same book. ABSOLUTELY! Let's hear them!"
She told me of a friend of hers that was cured of cancer as miracle #1 being very bold in giving God all the recognition for his healing. She continued to tell me about her granddaughter that had never met her father. They didn't know who her father was. I didn't ask for any explanations. I just listened in awe. The granddaughter prayed for years to find her Daddy at the right time, God's time. She started law school last year, at age 27. June said God worked it out for her to attend school in Virginia. She found her Dad too....3 streets over from her college! She's now living with her Dad and his wife while attending law school. Only God could work out something that perfectly!
June stood up to leave. She is a small lady. She turned to me and the other lady on the bench and stomped her right foot turning it from side to side if she were squashing something in the ground. She looked at me and said "Know what that means, don't you?" I said "God said he'll put our enemies under our feet!" June smiled at me knowingly. The other lady on the bench sourly said "Well, he better hurry!"
Recognize the miracles in your life today. I'd love to hear yours. Shoot me an email. Give God the praise he deserves. I don't think He need be in a hurry to conquer an enemy he's already defeated. Do you?
My husband Steve goes to pulmonary rehab 3X a week due to pulmonary fibrosis. His resting oxygen saturation was up the last two weeks which is a miracle also. I praise God for every victory, big or small! I went with Steve Friday and met the most precious lady. She told me about two miracles I just have to share. But first, I have to tell you how I got to talking to her.
Her name is June. She was sitting by a lady that was spreading doom about pandemics and terrorism. I happened to sit down beside June and couldn't help but hear the doubt/fear in the woman's voice. I politely said "If you ladies don't stop that talk about pandemics, I'm going to have to move!" June sweetly smiled saying "I've read the book, the good guys win. Do you like to hear about miracles?" I replied "I've read the same book. ABSOLUTELY! Let's hear them!"
She told me of a friend of hers that was cured of cancer as miracle #1 being very bold in giving God all the recognition for his healing. She continued to tell me about her granddaughter that had never met her father. They didn't know who her father was. I didn't ask for any explanations. I just listened in awe. The granddaughter prayed for years to find her Daddy at the right time, God's time. She started law school last year, at age 27. June said God worked it out for her to attend school in Virginia. She found her Dad too....3 streets over from her college! She's now living with her Dad and his wife while attending law school. Only God could work out something that perfectly!
June stood up to leave. She is a small lady. She turned to me and the other lady on the bench and stomped her right foot turning it from side to side if she were squashing something in the ground. She looked at me and said "Know what that means, don't you?" I said "God said he'll put our enemies under our feet!" June smiled at me knowingly. The other lady on the bench sourly said "Well, he better hurry!"
Recognize the miracles in your life today. I'd love to hear yours. Shoot me an email. Give God the praise he deserves. I don't think He need be in a hurry to conquer an enemy he's already defeated. Do you?
Holding out for a miracle,
Tammy
The Happy Handicap
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