Test Your Knowledge of Church History...

This quiz is going to appear in the bulletin this Sunday (shh... you're getting a sneak peek!). My husband has taken all of the questions from the class that he taught this past Monday, Orthodoxy 101: Pentecost - 4th century. Topics that were covered included Pentecost, Relations with the Jews, Apostolic Missions, Early Church Structure, New Testament Scriptures, Persecution under Roman Empires, and Saint Constantine the Great.

Orthodoxy 101 - Quiz One

1. Who was the first Christian martyr?
2. What emperor falsely blamed Christians for the great fire which broke out in Rome in 64 AD?
3. What did the Gnostics claim to have that they said even the Apostles didn't?
4. When was the first time the books of the New Testament were listed as we have them today?
5. Who issued the Edict of Milan? What did this do for Christianity?
6. According the Acts of the Apostles, who presided at the Council of Jerusalem in 50 AD: The Apostle Peter, Paul or James?
7. True or False: In the early Church, Confession was public.
8. In What year was Jerusalem destroyed by Emperor Titus?
9. According to the Didache, "The Teaching of the Apostles" (100 - 120 AD), what do Christians do on Wednesdays and Fridays?
10. Who was the only of the twelve Apostles not to be martyred?

Post your answers in the comments section! I will put up the answer key in a few days!

Autumn Soup...

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 package of frozen mixed vegetables
• 1 onion, diced
• 1 potato, diced
• handful of egg noodles, uncooked
• 2 cans of stewed tomatoes
• 1 bay leaf
• salt and pepper to taste
• 1 can of tomato soup

Instructions

In a soup pot, brown the beef. Drain the fat and add two cups of water. Add the onion and the bay leaf. Add the potato and cook on low until the vegetables are tender. Add all the other ingredients except the tomato soup. Just before serving, stir in the tomato soup, heat through and enjoy!

This soup is very tasty with a sprinkle of cheddar cheese over the top of each serving and a side of corn bread!

Favorite Fall Foods...

With the cooler weather finally here we've been enjoying some of our favorite fall foods:

The little one has been enjoying an apple a day. I hope that there will be some left for applesauce!

Finding a cinnamon bun recipe for buns just like they make at the mall has been great! I made them once for us and once for church! Leaving the icing off was not my idea... husband likes his cinnamon buns plain, so we spread some icing on if we want it!

Fall would not be the same without at least one pot of Autumn Soup. We like to sprinkle a little cheddar cheese on top! A bowl of this really warms you up on a chilly day!

The perfect compliment to Autumn Soup is a batch of freshly baked corn muffins, steaming hot and spread with real butter.

These leaf and acorn shaped sugar cookies are another new addition to our fall favorites! We found the cookie cutters at Walmart and really enjoyed making them!

Grandma Judy's Potato Salad...

I am sure that my grandmother, mother, or aunts can give a more detailed recipe for this potato salad than I can, but I will try! My version of the recipe is very ambiguous and relies on the cook's taste buds to check for the right amount of seasoning!

Ingredients:

Potatoes (I like red skinned ones)
Celery
Onion
Mayonnaise
White Vinegar
Salt
Pepper

Instructions:

First, peel and cut up desired amount of potatoes. Put in a large pot and cover with cold water. Sprinkle in a little salt and bring to a boil. Potatoes should be cooked through approximately 10-15 minutes after water boils. While potatoes are cooking, chop up two to three stalks of celery and peel and onion. Once the potatoes are nearly done, put three to four heaping spoonfuls of mayonnaise into a sauce pan on medium-low heat. Add vinegar and whisk (I probably add about 1/4 -1/3 of a cup, but we like our salad very vinegary) until mixture resembles thick milk. Drain potatoes and put into a large bowl. Add celery, salt, and pepper to taste. Pour dressing over the potatoes. Using the finest blade on your grater, grate some onion on top. Mix well and taste to see if you need more vinegar, salt, pepper, or onion. Chill and enjoy!

Our Nativity Set...

While my sister was visiting this past weekend, she ran out to make a few purchases. Upon her return, she sweetly gave us this nativity set! I have hoped for it for a long time and am so excited that we can use it this Christmas! Thank you, Auntie Anna! It means a lot that you gave our family something that you would have liked yourself!

Three Prayers for During Pregnancy...

Here are three prayers for during pregnancy that we try to say each day. Our daughter's godmother gave them to us in the first months of our first pregnancy and we have been very thankful to have them this time too!

First Prayer during Pregnancy

Master, Lord Jesus Christ our God, Source of life and immortality, we thank Thee, that Thou hast enabled us in wedlock to become partakers of Thy blessing and gift, for Thou hast said, O Master, "Grow and multiply and you will fill the earth." We thank Thee and pray: bless this fruit of our body which Thou hast granted us, show Thy mercy upon it and enliven it with Thy Holy Spirit. Make its body to grow in health and without flaw and grant it well-formed members. Sanctify its body, mind, heart and inward parts. Grant this infant wisdom and fear of Thee; appoint a faithful guardian Angel for his soul and body. Cover, protect, strengthen and preserve the child in our womb until the very hour when Thou didst command him to be born. But do not conceal him in his mother's womb, for Thy hands have prepared him. Thou gavest him life and breath. O Lord Jesus Christ, we entrust our child into Thine all-powerful hands. Place the right hand of Thy grace upon him, sanctify him with Thy Holy Spirit and renew him for eternal life, that he may be a partaker of Thy Kingdom. Amen.

Second Prayer during Pregnancy

O all-merciful Christ our God, look upon us and preserve us, Thy servants, from fear and evil spirits, which hope to destroy the work of Thy hands. And when our hour and time will come, grant us deliverance according to Thy grace. Look upon us in Thy mercy and free Thy servants from torment. Alleviate the hardships of our pregnancy and grant us the strength and fortitude to give birth and enable this with Thine all-powerful help. For this is Thy wondrous creation, the power of Thy omnipotence, the work of Thy grace and mercy. Amen.

Third Prayer during Pregnancy

Our most merciful Queen, our hope, O Mother of God, the joy of those who sorrow — help us who are weak, and pray to Thy Son, Christ our God, that He may lighten the time of our pregnancy and successfully resolve this difficult time of His unworthy servants, and that His blessing may be on the infant born of us. For we have no other help, no other hope, but only you, O Mother of God, that you may preserve and cover us and our child. For through your protection and help we are saved, and send up glory and thanksgiving for all to the One God in Trinity and the Creator of all, always, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

A Throwback to Summer...

Lunch today was Grandma Judy's recipes for Sloppy Joes and Potato Salad... Delish!

Toys, Toys, and More Toys...

One of the things that I like most about the Pottery Barn Kids catalog is that they have beautiful, creative, and well-made toys that are very gender specific. They are one of the few popular shops that seem to really celebrate girls being girls and boys being boys. Unfortunately, their products are quite expensive. Hop over to Frugal Hacks and their article and comments on using these free catalogs as a resource for improving your surroundings!

Some Beautiful Orthodox Christian Artwork...

While browsing a new-to-me blog awhile back, I came across Mary-Leah's Flickr albums (under Orthodox Art Set)... I love the paintings that she has so nicely compiled! I will be printing many of them for framing I think!

Christmas- Elmira Petrova 2006

Nikolai Bogdanov-Belsky. In Church

"Rostov Velikiy" Petrov

Christening-Dmitry Petrov

Your Suggestions Needed...

If my lack of posting has been any indication, I think you all must know that I am going through a period of blog-block. I would love to have any ideas that you may have for posts that you would like to read! Leave your suggestions in the comments section! Thank you!

October 28th...

It's time for another Commitment to Loveliness! This is a fun way to increase femininity and beauty in our lives each week without even trying! All you have to do is choose five things that you would like to work on or do during the week that will increase the loveliness in your life!

Here is my list for this week:

1. Work on the nightstand project... This has not been started yet because of the rain last week!
2. With cooler weather finally here, I plan to prepare one favorite stick-to-your-ribs recipe per day!
3. Search out a pair of pretty flats so that I can let my sandals hibernate for the winter
4. Get a hair trim
5. Now that Baby is officially weaned, get her to sleep in her own bed throughout the night... we did this four out of seven days last week. We will do better this week!

Once you have chosen five simple things, post them on your blog and link to this post in your post, and then post the direct link to your Commitment to Loveliness post below. If you do not have a blog, but have a commitment to share, please post them in the comments section.

Finishing Up Little Projects...

I finally bought an extension cord for our baby changing closet! I wish that I hadn't waited so long, because it is very entertaining for a wiggle-worm! I also got a yard of each of these patterns to cover the plastic changing table pad. They are beautiful AND soft!

Creating a Nature Scene (Part Deux)...

I've been working on the little indoor nature scene since posting it. I added some moss to the bottom and a little birch tree towards the back. Despite looking very winter-y (while it is still very summer-y!), I really like it! I wanted to add this wee plastic fawn, but when I popped it in, our little one burst into tears! It is safely back where it belongs - in her wire animal basket!

Harvest Candles...

After seeing the first two gorgeous photos in Living this month, I wished for the ability (and supplies!) to make candles like that. Since having the skill and money for a hobby like that isn't in the foreseeable future, I put harvest candles out of my mind. Imagine my happiness when we arrived at a mission parish's 5th anniversary party on Sunday and I discovered these little beauties at each plate! I quickly confiscated my husband and daughter's candle and have been enjoying them enormously!

October 21st...

It's time for another Commitment to Loveliness! This is a fun way to increase femininity and beauty in our lives each week without even trying! All you have to do is choose five things that you would like to work on or do during the week that will increase the loveliness in your life!

Here is my list for this week:

1. Work on the nightstand project...
2. Prepare tea and a delicate snack each afternoon to enjoy with a chapter or two from Jan Karon's In This Mountain
3. Decide on a baby shower theme for a friend and get necessary supplies to pull it off
4. Continue writing down purchases in Expenditure Notebook to further reduce spending
5. Now that Baby is officially weaned, get her to sleep in her own bed throughout the night

Once you have chosen five simple things, post them on your blog and link to this post in your post, and then post the direct link to your Commitment to Loveliness post below. If you do not have a blog, but have a commitment to share, please post them in the comments section.

12 Women's Body Types...

Trinny and Susannah reveal 12 women's body types - which are you?

It's always hard to find clothes to suit you.

But now TV style gurus Trinny Woodall and Susannah Constantine say they have found the formula that will enable every woman to transform herself.

In their brilliant new book, The Body Shape Bible, they have identified 12 body shapes - not just the classic Pear, Apple and Hourglass - which they say are the real key to looking great.

In the first part of our exclusive series we show you how to identify your shape, and the clothes that will highlight your assets and minimise flaws.

Read the whole article here.

A Homemaker's Wardrobe...

Recently Lynn left a comment for me asking for a list of a basic wardrobe for a homemaker. Though I have my own idea of what works well for a woman who spends most of her time tending to her family, I thought that it would be interesting to see what other homemakers would put on their list for a basic homemaker's wardrobe. I will put my list in this post and you can put yours in the comments section or on your own blog. Just remember to leave a comment so we get to read your list too!

A Homemaker's Basic Wardrobe

Undergarments

• Delicates in a nude shade - wearing only nude undergarments takes the guesswork and potential for disaster out of dressing. if you are wearing nude underwear, you don't have to worry that your undergarments are on display.
• Stockings, tights, and socks - make sure that you have plenty of each of these items. They are used quite often and it is always a headache to realize that you don't have something you need because everything is dirty or ripped.
• Slips - Though these are not really "in fashion" right now, neither is a see-through skirt!

Tops

• Plenty of knit shirts (polos, tees, etc.) - when you are at home cleaning, cooking, gardening, and taking care of children (especially babies) it is inevitable that you will end up with a spill on your shirt. If you find a top that looks wonderful on you, buy as many as you can afford! Basic shirts are the staple of a homemaker's wardrobe!
• Sweaters - purchasing several flattering sweaters (whether they be button front or pullover) can really improve the look of a plain top and bottom.
• Nice tops - If you tend to wear a lot of skirts, try to find seeral "nicer" shirts to wear to church, dinner parties, etc. When you need to dress up a bit, tee-shirts just won't cut it!

Bottoms

• Skirts and/or Trousers - purchase bottoms in durable, yet attractive materials. Some ones to consider are: corduroy, chino, linen, cotton, knit materials, and even some that are mixed with a bit of a stretch. Find out which silhouette looks best on you and stick with it!
  

Dresses

Jackets and Outerwear

• Jackets - Wearing a jacket with a good, flattering shape really adds a lot to basic outfits! Purchase one in a color and weight you can wear for several seasons
• Outerwear - Think about your whole wardrobe and environment before purchasing a coat. Is your style dressy? You might like a wool coat. Favor a sporty look? A parka might be best for you. Live in a windy, cold place? Look for something stylish, yet warm.

Shoes

• Dressy shoes
• Boots
• Casual shoes
• Sneakers
• Sandals

Accessories

• Jewelry
  
• Scarves, shawls, hats, gloves
• Handbag
• Grownup hair accessories

Remember

• Choose a color palette and stick to it as much as possible. If you do this, everything will go together!
• Avoid clothing that needs to be dry cleaned!
• Iron your clothing!!
• Don't wear shorts!
  

Hands and Fingers...

Hands

People never know what to do with their hands. Remember, if your hands are free and not gesturing, hold them at waist level, slightly touching.

The following things are also important to know:

• Hands should not be overused in conversation - it creates an unintended distraction.
• Hands should be kept in a relaxed postion until you wish to emphasize a point.
• Do not fidget by playing with your rings, nails, hands, pens - or fixing your clothes - it distracts and disturbs others. Most importantly, it takes away from what you are saying.

If you are in a situation where you have a drink in your hand and you will be greeting people with a handshake, try to hold the drink in your left hand. As you shake hands with your right hand, it will not feel clammy to others due to the wet glass.

Fingers

Fingers are very important. A very feminine message can be conveyed through your hand movements. Your thumb and middle finger need to come together when you reach. In order to arrive at the correct position, imagine you are picking up a a tissue.

Fingers are extremely sensual and can be used to enhance your image as an elegant and sophisticated woman. By making some minor adjustments to everyday positions, a major change can occur in your everyday appearance. For instance, when resting your chin on your hand, make sure not t have a clenched fist. it sends the message that you are aggressive (whether intentional or not). However, by slightly opening your hand and resting your chin on your fingers, you immediately appear softer and more feminine; someone who is interested in the other person's point of view and open to interaction.

-Text from the UdefineU Reference Guide
-Photograph from All-Posters

Which Movie Star are You?

Number your paper from 1 to 10, then answer each question with the choice that most describes you at t his point in your life , and then add up the points that correspond with your answers.

1. Which describes your perfect date?
a) Candlelight dinner for two
b) Amusement Park
c) Roller blading in the park
d) Rock Concert
e) Have dinner & see a movie
f) Dinner at home with a loved one

2. What is your favorite type of music?
a) Rock and Roll
b) Alternative
c) Soft Rock
d) Classical
e) Christian
f) Jazz

3. What is your favorite type of movie?
a) Comedy
b) Horror
c) Musical
d) Romance
e) Documentary
f) Mystery

4. Which of the following jobs would you choose if you were given only these choices?
a) Waiter/Waitress
b) Sports Player
c) Teacher
d) Policeman
e) Bartender
f) Business person

5. Which would you rather do if you had an hour to waste?
a) Work out
b) Make out
c) Watch TV
d) Listen to the radio
e) Sleep
f) Read

6. Of the following colors, which do you like best?
a) Yellow
b) White
c) Sky blue
d) Teal
e) Gold
f) Red

7. Which one of the following would you like to eat right now?
a) Ice cream
b) Pizza
c) Sushi
d) Pasta
e) Salad
f) Lobster Tail

8. Which is your favorite holiday?
a) Halloween
b) Christmas
c) New Year's
d) Valentine's Day
e) Thanksgiving
f) Fourth of July

9. If you could go to any of the following places, which would it be?
a) Reno
b) Spain
c) Las Vegas
d) Hawaii
e) Hollywood
f) British Columbia

10. Of the following, who would you rather spend time with?
a) Someone who is smart
b) Someone with good looks
c) Someone who is a party animal
d) Someone who has fun all the time
e) Someone who is very emotional
f) Someone who is fun to be with

Now total up your points on each question:
1. a-4 b-2 c-5 d-1 e-3 f-6
2. a-2 b-1 c-4 d-5 e-3 f-6
3. a-2 b-1 c-3 d-4 e-5 f-6
4. a-4 b-5 c-3 d-2 e-1 f-6
5. a-5 b-4 c-2 d-1 e-3 f-6
6. a-1 b-5 c-3 d-2 e-4 f-6
7 a-3 b-2 c-1 d-4 e-5 f-6
8. a-1 b-3 c-2 d-4 e-5 f-6
9. a-4 b-5 c-1 d-4 e-3 f-6
10. a-5 b-2 c-1 d-3 e-4 f-6

NOW take your total and find out which Movie Star you are:

(10-17 points) You are MADONNA:

You are wild and crazy and you know it. You know how to have fun, but you may take it to extremes.. You know what you are doing though, and are much in control of your own life. People don't always see things your way, but that doesn't mean that you should do away with your beliefs. Try to remember that your wild spirit can lead to hurting yourself and others.

(18-26 points) You are DORIS DAY:

You are fun, friendly, and popular! You are a real crowd pleaser. You have probably been out on the town your share of times, yet you come home with the values that your mother taught you. Marriage and children are very important to you, but only after you have fun. Don't let the people you please influence you to stray.

(27-34 points) You are DEBBIE REYNOLDS:

You are cute, and everyone loves you. You are a best friend that no one takes the chance of losing. You never hurt feelings and seldom have your own feelings hurt. Life is a breeze. You are witty, and calm most of the time. Just keep clear of back stabbers, and you are worry-free.

(35-42 points) You are GRACE KELLY:

You are a lover. Romance, flowers, and wine are all you need to enjoy yourself. You are serious about all commitments and are a family person. You call your Mom every Sunday, and never forget a Birthday. Don't let your passion for romance get confused with the real thing.

(43-50 points) You are KATHERINE HEPBURN:

You are smart, a real thinker. Every situation is approached with a plan. You are very healthy in mind and body. You don't take crap from anyone. You have only a couple of individuals that you consider "real friends". You teach strong family values. Keep your feet planted in them, but don't overlook a bad situation when it does happen.

(51-60 points) You are ELIZABETH TAYLOR:

Everyone is in awe of you. You know what you want and how to get it. You have more friends than you know what to do with. Your word is your bond. Everyone knows when you say something it is money in the bank. You attract the opposite sex. Your intelligence overwhelms most. Your memory is the next thing to photographic. Everyone admires you because you are so considerate and lovable. You know how to enjoy life and treat people right.

October 14th...

It's time for another Commitment to Loveliness! This is a fun way to increase femininity and beauty in our lives each week without even trying! All you have to do is choose five things that you would like to work on or do during the week that will increase the loveliness in your life!

Here is my list for this week:

1. Get paint for side tables and ask Fr. John to use it:)
2. Set up tables on either side of bed with the usual things: lamps, tissues, water glasses, a picture or two...
3. Work on plants: get rid of dead things, re-pot plants that need it, etc.
4. Bake cinnamon rolls!
5. Catch up on correspondence

Once you have chosen five simple things, post them on your blog and link to this post in your post, and then post the direct link to your Commitment to Loveliness post below. If you do not have a blog, but have a commitment to share, please post them in the comments section.

The Pumpkin Farm...

Some of the sights from our Sunday Pumpkin Farm excursion...

Creating a Little Nature Scene...

Though I knew that I had this little glass house packed away somewhere, I only unearthed it a few days ago (and in the nursery closet, of all places!). After seeing directions and enticing pictures in several magazines this month (Cookie and Living), I am thinking that this just might be part of a perfect fun project this coming week!

Obviously, my Little Miss thinks that it would be a good project as well!

Caring for Others...

I was greatly impressed and inspired when I read Monica's recent post about taking food to a friend suffering with morning sickness. Though I have always wanted to do something like that for someone I know (and even have fond memories of having it done for my family when I was a child), I never have. I changed that today by bringing a basket of food to an older, single woman in our church who is going through chemotherapy. We included: Chicken Tetrazzini, Manhattan Clam Chowder, yogurt covered raisins, applesauce, chocolate chip cookies, mini apple pastries, an apple, peppermint patties, and The Magic of Ordinary Days in book and dvd.

Try to do this for someone that you know is suffering... it is hard to care for those outside of your family, but caring for others is an incredibly important thing for feminine women to master!

Thank you for giving me the push I needed, Monica!

Feminine Inspiration...

As usual, the Boden catalog that arrived in my mailbox this week was full of fun, feminine fashion! Don't say anything, but the best part is that most of us have these things at home already and can put together a clever new outfit without spending a dime! Don't you love the color combinations?

Fresh Herbs All Winter Long...

With cooler weather fast approaching, think about bringing in some of the herbs that you grew in your garden. They will make a lovely addition to your kitchen and will also provide you with some beautiful green garnish for the foods you prepare during the colder months!

If you don't have any herbs growing already, take a trip to your local garden center and purchase a windowsill herb garden kit. They are not very expensive and are fun to tend!