Just Random Updates of the Hewell Family

James finally got his truck back. It is good as new. The insurance for the 15 year old who hit us probably is not though. There was 3700 dollars worth of damage to the truck.

Landon and I have been working diligently on his science fair project. Just in case you are interested. If you buy loose popcorn (not the ones in the microwaveable bag) store it in the fridge. You get more kernals popped.

Logan is just being Logan. Had his cell phone and his Ipod taken away from him as punishment for leaving youth at church and crossing the 4 lane. I know he isn't 5, but the 4 lane is dangerous and he shouldn't be leaving church. (he only went to the store to get a drink and then back to the church) James implemented the punishment and has no plans to give back the said items for awhile. It's been almost 10 days.

As for me, nothing really to tell. I have lost 10 pounds on my new healthy lifestyle mandated by Michelin. I don't know how much James has lost mandated by the fact if he doesn't cut it out he will die of a heart attack or have diabetes. He is doing well with the program we are doing.
The boys are even taking part.
I have been steadily reading my Bible. I am already in 1 Chronicles. I have to take a lot of notes to remember everything, but I am loving it. Reading it straight through has been so much easier. My new schedule at work has worked out too. It allows for me to go to church at least 3 times a month on Sunday night. I love that. We are doing a study of Revelations and it is so interesting. Plus we do a small study of a book in the Bible on Wednesday night during the prayer meeting.

Boston is still his sweet self. He and James actually love each other. He actually got so excited that James was playing with him before they went to sleep Saturday night, he peed on James' pillow. It wasn't on purpose. It was one of those "so excited I peed"moments, not the usual "James makes me mad so I will pee on his pillow!" I say we are making progress.

Cleo is still losing weight and being snobbish sometimes. I know she is grieving for Chloe, we all miss her, but she has to suck it up and get on with her life and eat her food. She doesn't want anything to do with anybody but Logan. He about has to stand there with her to make her eat. Hopefully she will be back to her fun self before long. I wonder if there is pet counseling because that will have to be the next step.

A New Year, A New President

Well, the new president was sworn in yesterday. To say that I had any interest in it whatsoever would be a huge lie. Even though it was a historical day, I didn't watch it. Both of the boys were required to watch it at school and they, like me, just wasn't in to it. I don't understand why everyone keeps saying that it is historical in the fact that he is our first african american president. He isn't 100% black. Call him what he is a mulato. Do I think that he is going to be a good president, well, that is to be determined. I don't think he will be able to deliver on his many promises. Because of that, I highly doubt that he will be re-elected in 2012. He does have a lot of mess to clean up. Am I saying that I am against our new president? Not in the least. I just would have preferred someone else. Because he is our chosen leader (and God did allow for him to gain office) I will support him and be in prayer (as we should be) for his leadership.

Recipe of the Week

Chicken Fajita Soup

1-1.5 pounds of chicken tenders chopped
1 green bell pepper chopped
1 red bell pepper chopped
1 large onion chopped
1 tbsp cumin
1 tbsp of thyme
1-1.5 tbsp of coriander
2 14 oz cans of fire roasted tomatoes
1 quart of chicken broth
1 chopped jalepeno (optional)

In a heavy saucepan, brown your chicken in olive oil. While they are working, add the chopped onions and peppers. Add the spices. Let cook for about 10 minutes and then add the rest of your ingredients. Simmer over low heat for about 20 minutes. Spoon over crushed tortilla chips. We had hot jalepeno chedder cheese and sour cream as garnish.

Recipe of the Week

Camp Stew

1 pound ground beef browned and drained
1 small onion chopped and sauteed with ground beef
1 can of chicken drained
2 14 oz cans of stewed tomatoes
2 potatoes peeled and diced
1 14 oz can whole kernal corn drained
1 14 oz can creamed corn
1 cup of ketchup
1 cup of water
2 tbsp worteshire sauce
2-4 tsp of lemon juice
1 small bag of frozen speckled butter beans
1 small can of english peas
1 can of okra

In your crockpot, layer the potatoes, then the frozen butter beans. Then add the beef and onion mixture followed by your chicken. Creamed corn comes next and then you add all of the remaining ingredients. Salt and pepper to taste. Cook on low in your crockpot for 8 hours.

James Goes Boom

Here are pics of James' truck after the accident. Thankfully, no one was hurt. Except of course James' truck.

Oh Yeah, I Forgot!

The one thing that I want to do this year besides all of the other stuff I wrote in the other post is volunteer. There is so much that we can all do to make differences in others lives. My friend Debra and I hosted a party this past Christmas. We had a wonderful turnout, good Christian fellowship, but I want to take that further. I want us to be able to use our friends and our desire for fellowship to reach others. I have been praying that God will show us a way to do that. Even if it means just getting up a food drive. I want it to be a group effort. I am lucky that I have sensational christian friends. These women are truly blessings to me.

If you want to be a part of this, let me know. The more the better.

New Year's Resolutions

I usually don't make New Year's Resolutions because I tend to not follow thru. This year I have decided that since my life has changed in so many positive ways, that I would make resolutions and I will follow thru (hopefully). So, I guess my first resolution is some will power. LOL.

My resolutions are in no particular order. I have many as you will see.
1. To read my Bible all the way thru.
2. To dedicate myself to read at least 4-5 chapters a day in my Bible.
3. To love more, worry less.
4. To laugh instead of cry when I feel like crying.
5. To work out diligently at the Y. Got the all clear from my doctor concerning my heart, so I have no excuse. (Ok, Tanya, there it is...hold me to it!)
6. To blog because it really is theraputic.
7. Not to stress over little things, this should be a given since that is what caused my heart event.
8. To experiment more with my cooking so that one day I may actually be able to cater.
9. Have dates with my husband.
10. Enjoy life.

I have found in the past year that it is much better to be blessed than bitter. Bitterness gets you NOWHERE and only causes you stress. I have found that God really does take care of things, if you give it to Him. I have found that friends can be your family. You don't have to have the same bloodline.

What is your resolution? Just post it here. Don't worry about signing in, just post and sign your name at the end of your comment.

Hope you all have a blessed and joyous New Year!