The Shiver Family

Fun Summer Recipe

2011-07-11T12:48:00.000-07:00

What You Need

48 NILLA Wafers, divided

3/4 cup boiling water

1 pkg. (3 oz.) JELL-O Lemon Flavor Gelatin

1 cup ice cubes

1 pkg. (8 oz.) PHILADELPHIA Cream Cheese, softened

1/4 cup sugar

2 tsp. lemon zest

1 tub (8 oz.) COOL WHIP Whipped Topping, thawed, divided

1/3 cup raspberry preserves

1-1/2 cups fresh fruit (blueberries, raspberries, sliced kiwi, sliced strawberries)

Make It

STAND 16 wafers around edge of plastic wrap-lined 8-inch square pan. Add boiling water to gelatin mix; stir 2 min. until completely dissolved. Stir in ice until melted.

BEAT next 3 ingredients in large bowl with mixer until blended. Gradually beat in gelatin. Whisk in 2 cups COOL WHIP.

POUR half the gelatin mixture into prepared pan; cover with 16 wafers. Microwave preserves on HIGH 15 sec. or until melted; brush onto wafers. Top with remaining gelatin mixture and wafers.

REFRIGERATE 4 hours or until firm. Invert dessert onto plate; remove pan and plastic wrap. Top dessert with remaining COOL WHIP and fruit

Hope you enjoy!!!

It's Been Awhile

2011-03-29T20:11:00.000-07:00

Wow it’s been awhile! While reflecting of 2010 and trying to create a blog for the entire year is a little overwhelming. But a few highlights, changes and challenges God is sufficient in ALL things. 2009 was a challenging year and I praised God that 2010 came and was not going to be filled with so many changes. If only I had known. In 2010 I prayed Lord while real estate is slow please show me if I need to get a second job until it picks up. Lord, if that is the case will you send the person to me and offer me the job. That was truly my prayer. In the way the economy is, seriously who would call me and offer me a job. Well be careful what you pray for a month passed and one of the pastors at our church called and offered me a job. I told him “no” he said you did not even pray about it. I agreed to pray and would meet with him the next day. I did just that and with in 24 hrs I had a nanny to help with the kids and another job. I would be helping with the senior adult and pre-school directors at our church. I never knew the two had so much in common. Plan everything around snacks and potty breaks and you will be ok. Seriously, I have been very blessed in this position and know without a shadow of a doubt God provided this job. While juggling both church and real estate is a challenge God provides all I need. Change #2 God provided a new job for Mark with wonderful hours for a family and he loves his new calling as the Facility Manager of our church. It is funny working at the same place but it’s really a blessing getting to have lunch together and seeing each other throughout the day. 2010 for John Mark has been great! He is learning lots but really only cares about playing outside. Yes, we are learning site words and counting but he really could care less how neat he writes his name. All he wants to know is when he can play outside. Rain or sun it does not matter the boy is just like his dad he needs to be outside. He is full of adventure and always up to something. Digging and measuring worms to trying to build a tree house or jumping a stump on his bike. You just never know with him. He makes us laugh and has a gentle spirit when it comes to discipline. He does not want anyone mad or upset with him. It is so funny to me to have 2 children that in some ways are so much alike and in some ways oh so different. Just this past Saturday he fell at the neighbors house hit his face on a rock and knocked a tooth lose which thankfully a Dentist friend pulled it and checked to make sure we didn’t damage any permanent teeth. Boys will be boys. Beth Anne is fun and learning a way lot more than I learned in first and second grade. We can’t spell anything in the car or she will figure it out someway somehow. She turned 8 and we had a skating party with several girls. I was trying to be a good mom and skate with the girls with my camera around my neck so; I would not miss the perfect picture opportunity. While capturing the perfect picture of a great fall my child came up behind me to tell me I was skating in the wrong direction only to pull my arm with the camera on skates. You got it I whacked her in the head with my camera right above the eye. Yes, on the bone. Blood shot out all over the both of us. I felt HORRIBLE! I am usually calm in situations like this but not this time I screamed, kicking off my skates and trying to find something to hold over her eye. Needless to say, we went to All South Urgent Care (I love this place!) got 7 stitches for our 8th birthday! She missed the entire party. But, 2 weeks later we had another one! Beth Anne teaches me a lot! She is smart, strong -willed, knows what she likes and what she doesn’t. She has taught me that something doesn’t matter like “why do you really care if I where flip flops to church.” Jesus wears “sandals.” You know that is not a battle I fight. We wear all kinds of clothes to church some beautiful hand sown outfits that my mom made and yes, I let her wear flip flops. Some battles are not worth fighting. However, some are worth the fight. We are having a hard time with many other things like putting on deodorant and washing hair. Life is fun and challenging sometimes with an 8 yr. old girl. DRAMA

I have started back blogging to keep in touch with some friends that unfortunately I don’t get to see very often. I can’t spell nor is grammar my thing but I hope you enjoy reading what going on in the Shiver family. By no means does this blog define me or my family. We are imperfect people who live in an imperfect world. I don’t want to paint any other picture than the truth.

I Have A 1st Grader!

2009-08-26T08:59:00.000-07:00

My little-BIG first grader! We started 1st grade and love it! On the way to school Beth Anne had the biggest grin on her face. She was so excited and maybe a little nervous. I was more nervous than she was I knew she would be fine, its just that she is getting so big. She is loving school which is such a blessing!

Beth Anne and her teacher Mrs. Gilland. We feel so blessed to be where we are and to have Mrs. Gilland as our teacher!

John Mark loves Mrs. Wright! We go everyday now! One in first grade and one in pre-school. 4 stops throughout the day I feel like I am driving a school bus. Thanks to a neighbor I have started car pooling. If you feel like you are driving a school bus try car pooling. It's Wonderful!!!

God's Creation

2009-08-09T05:13:00.000-07:00

God’s Creation
The joy of digging in God’s word to help make it become real in the eyes of an 8th grader is a great joy. Often what God leads me to is more for me than them. As I was pre-paring the lesson on God’s creation of the earth and how we were created in His image I wanted to share with you what God showed me.
For man to make anything he must have something. For a house he must have wood. For a plant we must have seed. For a pot he must have clay. God needs nothing and has to have nothing. He created the earth and everything in it in six days. God’s creativity, His details in the creation of the earth and in us is amazing. Yet we sometimes question Him.
An encouraging note form Max Lucado
“If God us able to place the stars in their sockets and suspend the sky like a curtain, do you think it is remotely possible that God is able to guide your life? If your God is mighty enough to ignite the sun, could it be that he is mighty enough to light your path? If he cares enough about the planet Saturn to give it rings or Venus to make it sparkle, is there an outside chance that he cares enough about you to meet your needs?
I pray that this encourages you!

SUPERMAN

2009-07-06T17:46:00.000-07:00

We had a wonderful time at the lake with some friends! Everyone tubed and had a great time. My husband jumped off a 15 ft dock with some teenagers. Thinking he is as young as they are only they were the ones begging him to do the tricks. He did of course a double sumer sault (almost tipple) and then looked to see when he was going to hit the water but the water hit his face first. He immediately had 2 black eyes. The kids called him superman which in the picture above he looks like he is flying.

The kids all jumped off the dock and loved it!

His Blog

2009-07-06T08:37:00.000-07:00

Life without technology.. My computer crashed almost 2 months ago. The computer guy thought it was fixable and worked on it, ordered parts, and a month later told me it was not fixable. The poor guy was so sweet and only charged me for diagnosing it was Not fixable. So, if you live in Dothan and ever need someone Customized Computers is the place to go.
I ordered a computer and I have now learned:
Yes, I need a computer to work,
Yes, it makes life a lot easier
Yes, I enjoy being able to access the things I need without having to run to the neighbors of my moms.
But I also learned I spend way more time on the computer than is needed. Yes, I enjoy reading blogs and comments on face book. I love to know what’s going on in my friends life and I care for you all deeply. God has shown me that we are so not promised tomorrow and to choose Him first over blogging and catching up with others. I must check up with Him and what has in store for me on His blog “The Holy Word” before logging on to the computer. I hope and pray you check out His blog it is the answer to EVERYTHING……

YARD SALE!!!

2009-06-05T09:49:00.000-07:00

Yard Sale Saturday 7:00
307 Riveredge Pkwy &
302 Riveredge Pkwy

You name it we got it or something close to it. Andi, Kristen, Ellen and myself are having a sale. Hope to see you there.

The Beach

2009-06-04T12:50:00.000-07:00

We have been at the beach with my family. We had a wonderful time and the water was beautiful. We stayed up late, ate, ate, ate, had no cel phone to answer, no house to clean just enjoyed hanging out. Read a In Style magazine just for fun. Felt a little guilty because it is full of material things and has a world view about everything.

The beach is just a small reminder of the amazing creator we serve. Mountains bow down and the seas will roar at the sound of your name. I sing for joy at the works of your hands forever I'll love you, forever I'll stand Nothing compares to the promise I have in you. My Jesus, My Savior.

This is why I have not bloged in a while...

2009-05-05T11:31:00.000-07:00

Had a baby shower at my house which was great and we are looking forward to meeting our new cousin Dawson sometime the end of this month.

We made a Space cake for school which I am sad I do not have a picture of.

We have a new pet "Andy"

Working on our back yard since no one would volunteer for the sprinkle party at their home I did. I love having a party I just want my yard to look nice. I know all the kindergartners are going to notice.

Planning a birthday party that always gets overlooked because May is such a wild month. Who made up the rule invitation 2 weeks in advance??

To top off the week last week I miss placed the money that I took up for our preschool teachers. I thought I would try to get our preschool teachers a nice end of the year present so I asked anyone who would like to contribute to put money in an envelope and put it in my sons bag. Ever day I would mark off those that paid (not sure why) and put the money up in my cabinet. Thursday night after friends left from eating dinner I went through everyones bag. I went to put the money up only to find out the envelope where I had been putting it was missing. I turned my house upside down. Going to bed praying that I would find it my husband asked if I wanted him to go through the trash which was already by the road. No, not knowing exactly what we was looking for I replied I will go through it in the morning. The thought of calling parents to ask if they had given me cash or check and telling them I am responsible mother of two but I lost your money and I need to replace it was not a happy feeling. God are you dealing with my pride once again? 6:00 A.M. in a robe with gloves I proceeded to go through the trash. Only to find my faithful God leading me to trash bag #3 . There it was a dirty envelope full of checks and $70.00 cash. Thank you Lord for helping dig through trash and be reminded of your faithfulness.

Lesson learned I have know organized my entire kitchen and having a Garage Sale June 6th

We have had one school program and one to go.

A precious Mother's day tea.

So, this is why I have not blogged. I don't know if anyone even reads my blog but that is whats been going on at my house and I love ever minute of it...

Begin The Day With God

2009-04-20T05:10:00.000-07:00

I have been reading a book by Nancy Leigh DeMoss called A Place of Ouiet Rest and I have to say it had truly refreshed my spirit. As moms are daily schedules are packed with things to do, people to call, children to feed, house to clean, and often we get overwhelmed. My devotion can become a to do list instead of a invitation to meet with the King of Kings. By no means to I have it all together but I must say when I am obedient and meet with my heavenly father before I start my day my day goes so much better. Here is one chapter that I have thoroughly enjoyed and I pray that it encourages you as it has me.

· Jacob rose early in the morning to make a vow to God at Bethel (Gen 28:18-19
· God said to Moses, “Be ready in the morning, and come up in the morning unto Mount Sinai, and present thyself there to me” (Exodus 34:2).
· David rose early in the morning for worship, prayer, and meditation.
· Early on that first Easter Sunday morning, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to the tomb where Jesus had been buried (Matthew 28:1).
· God sent manna for His people in the morning. The day’s supply of nourishment was to be
gathered in the morning, while it was still fresh.

Every morning God had a fresh store of mercies available for His people. When we do not turn aside in the morning to gather what He has provided for that day, we are saying, in essence, I can make it through this day on my own. My strength, my wisdom, my resources are sufficient for the demands of this day. Not only do we forfeit the grace of God but our self-sufficiency and pride force Him to resist us throughout the day.

It is a good rule never to look into the face of man in the morning till you have looked into the face of God. (CHARLES H. SPURGEON)

I met God in the morning
When my day was at its best,
And His presence came like sunrise,
Like a glory in my breast.

All day long the presence lingered,
All day long, He stayed with me,
And we sailed in perfect calmness
O’er a very troubled sea.

Other lives were blown and battered.
Other lives were sore distressed,
But the winds that seemed to drive them
Bring to us a peace and rest.
Then I thought of other mornings,
With a knee remorse of mind,
When I too had loosed the moorings,
With the presence left behind.

So I think I know the secret,
Learned from many a troubled way:
You must seek Him in the morning,
If you want Him through the day!
-RALPH SPAULDING CUSHMAN

Do not have your concert first and tune your instruments afterward. Begin the day with God. (J.HUDSON TAYLOR)

Easter 2009

2009-04-17T09:30:00.000-07:00

We had a wonderful Easter! We have had many egg hunts with school, friends, church and family. If you need any candy I will be happy to share.

This is my absolute favorite time of year as I see the new blooms, green grass, baby birds hatch on my porch I am so reminded of what a creator we all have.

Each little flower that opens, each little bird that sings, he made their glowing colors, he made their tiny wings. All things bright and beautiful all creators great and small all things wise and wonderful the Lord God made them all...

Fun Easter Flower Arrangement

2009-03-27T06:13:00.000-07:00

I thought I might share a fun flower arrangement! Very inexpensive and my kids loved it. Green jelly beans (I found a separate bag of green jelly beans at Target and it made 3 little arrangements) 1 box of Peeps bunnies and whatever flowers you like. I got my Daisy's at

Sams $4.00.

Pick a vase you can fit a Juice cup inside of.

1.Pour you jelly beans

2. Put bunnies around the glass

3. Put you juice cup in the middle

4. Fill with fun flowers

Hope you enjoy yours as much as we are enjoying ours.

Why you measure and pin a zillion times when you sew???

2009-03-22T12:25:00.000-07:00

I like to sew but I do not like to measure and pin a zillion times. So, if you see my child out and wonder why one side of her shorts are shorter than the other it's because her lazy mother tried to cheat. It doesn't work. Lesson learned and on a moving target maybe no one will notice.

This is the easiest pattern I have ever used. A new pair of shorts in 45 min. Thank to Tami for letting me borrow it and talking me through it. Thanks to my sister for the cute fabric! If you sew I highly recommend it. It is called "BECKY" and you get it at the Smock Shoppe.

Topiary

2009-03-12T11:22:00.000-07:00

I bought two Eugenia Topiary at Sams for a whopping $14.97. That was a great deal I thought. The only problem is I am not sure how to take care of them. If anyone has a green thumb and would like to share I sure would appreciate it.

Fun Weekend with the Families!

2009-03-10T08:59:00.000-07:00

What is better than hanging out with old friends, shopping, eating, getting all dressed up, dancing, laughing and catching up. Nothing...

We had a wonderful weekend! We went to a wedding in Montgomery for the weekend and topped it off with a family trip to the zoo.

Shoes

2009-02-21T07:55:00.000-08:00

I love shoes! Shoe Sale Belk

$19.99

HELP!!!

2009-02-04T14:45:00.000-08:00

I need help up-dating this plain old blog page. How do you all make yours look so darn cute. What's the secret? I need some simple steps. Please help...

Look Who's 30th today!

2009-01-18T05:26:00.000-08:00

Look who's 30th today! To my wonder sister and friend. I am blessed to have you have in my life. I hope you have a wonderful day! I love you!

I Love Preschool!

2009-01-13T12:32:00.001-08:00

John Marks 3p class had to make a paper doll that look like them. We had so much fun! I found Beth Annes that she did in 3p because I need some hair for John Mark. So, I thought I would share with you!

Need Flowers???

2009-01-13T12:27:00.000-08:00

I love flowers but feel guilty for buying them. If you have a Sam's they have great flowers for a great price. I bought one bouquet which will last about 2 weeks and made three arrangements for my dinning room table. Happy flowers make me feel happy!

God's Grace for 2009

2009-01-01T06:35:00.000-08:00

2008 was a great year that also had many challenages for us. As I look back I can see God's hand at work. He is NEVER early but always on time. ( A dear older women who I admire instilled that in my heart.) My prayer for 2009 is that I will keep my eyes on God alone and that at the end of the year I can say, " 2009 has been the most spiritual year of my life."
I pray that I will seek Him more everyday and that you will do the same. A devotional that has made me think and I hope it will touch you.
May God truly bless you and your family in 2009!

Grace Upon Grace

I have learned to be satified with the things I have and with everything that happens. Phil 4:11

Test this question: What if God's only gift to you were his grace to save you. Would you be content? You beg him to save the life of your child. You plead with him to keep your business afloat. You implore him to remove the cancer from your body. What if his answer is, "My grace is enough." Would you be content?

You see, from heaven's perceptive, grace is enough. If God did nothing more than save us from hell, could anyone complain?... Having given eternal life, dare we grumble at an aching body? Having been given heavenly riches, dare we bemoan earthly poverty?...
If you have eyes to read these words, hand to hold this book, the means to own this volume, he has already given you Grace upon grace.

Max Lucado
Grace for the moment

Lord thank you that your grace is enough.

2009-01-01T06:16:00.000-08:00

When you have to go back to film it takes forever to upload and post.

Beth Anne at her school play

Meeting Santa and doing a little karaoke with our friend.

Christmas day!

Beth Anne even tried her new bike out in the house. Not recommended.

John Mark would not be still enough to get any good pictures!

Pictures!!!

2008-12-28T11:49:00.001-08:00

Here are the pictures from our wonderful weekend. You can tell that my mom took most of these pictures since I am in some of them. My camera is fixed but its on its last leg.

*Painting cookies with friends and family

*Christmas at my Great Grandmothers. Which everyone had their own Santa hat

*Miller bless his heart. Isn't he the cutes thing even with silly glasses?

*We all participated in the Salvation Army bell ringing. My 3 year old son said (loudly) "hey mom that man did not put in any money he is RUDE." You got to love honesty with young children.

2008-12-28T11:48:00.000-08:00

What a weekend!

2008-12-22T05:43:00.000-08:00

We have had a wonderful weekend with my sister in town. We painted holiday cookies with family friends, ate wonderful food, open presents, shopped, played dirty Santa, sang a few songs, ate some more, shopped some more and now I am sad they are back in Auburn. We had so much fun. I will post pictures later my camera is not working. It says change the batteries and I have and it still says change the batteries. Maybe Santa will bring me a new one.
Sister, we loved you all being hear! Thanks for all the fun things! Beth Anne told Aunt K she was sad ya'll had to leave. Last night she wanted to know when Sadie could spent the night again. Did I mention my niece that is 2 1/2 spent the night with us. We had so much fun. She got so excited that she squealed and walk on her tip toes then would fall down. E-mail me some pictures when you have time. Love you!

Catching up!

2008-12-07T20:13:00.000-08:00

Beth Annes thanksgiving feast was a lot of fun! Aren't they the cutest little Indians?

Thanksgiving was a little different this year but we had a great day! We normally go to my sisters house in Auburn but this year it was my in-laws turn. We had a wonderful day! We have so much to be thankful for...

My Little Indian!

2008-11-20T15:30:00.000-08:00

It was John Marks first program at school today. Little Indians dressed up everywhere. They were precious!

I had the pleasure of doing the table decoration. It was so much fun!

Personal Shopper!

2008-11-20T12:44:00.000-08:00

I have been doing a little shopping the past couple of years for a few people and love it! This all started when a friend asked me what to get her son (who is in college) girlfriend for Christmas. I gave her some ideas and she said, "you should be my personal shopper." So, here I am and I would love to help you!

Personal Shopper
Get all your Christmas shopping done in one week. Wrapped and delivered to your home!

Fill in the blanks and e-mail it to me and I will go shopping for you.

10 unique gifts, wrapped and delivered to your door steps for $45.00. Plus what you want to spend on the gifts.

name age price Who is it for?
Mrs. Smith $10.00 teacher
spiritual holiday monogram other

name age price Who is it for?

spiritual holiday monogram other

You can be specific or simple. This is to help you! I also have a list of gifts with prices that you can choose from.
If you have any questions please contact me… I will have gift tags on all gifts when they are delivered. It will take one week.

Please pass this e-mail to any of your local friends!!!

Emily Shiver
emilyshiver@graceba.net
334-596-4594
I will provide you will all receipts.

The Fair

2008-11-13T12:52:00.000-08:00

We had a great time at the fair with our cousin... We saw a dog show, a sea lion show, road rides and ATE. Our dinner was corn-dogs, roasted corn on the cob with hot butter dripping off of it and elephant ears!!!

Happy Fall!

2008-10-15T19:25:00.000-07:00

I am loving fall break! It is so nice not having to get children up and out the door while still trying to dress yourself and putting make-up on in the car. At our house we aren't doing much of getting dressed this week. As long as we get a bath who cares what you have on. We have made pumpkin bread and even carved a pumpkin. I know it is going to be trash in a day or two but it is great entertaining and my kids love it. I love the pumpkin prayer it a lot of fun to carve! Hope you enjoy!

"Pumpkin Prayer"
{cut off top of pumpkin} Lord, open my mind so I can learn new things about you.
{remove innards} Remove the things in my life that don’t please you. Forgive the wrong things I do and help me to forgive others.
{cut open eyes} Open my eyes to see the beauty you’ve made in the world around me.
{cut out nose} I’m sorry for the times I’ve turned my nose at the good food you provide.
{cut out mouth} Let everything I say please You.
{light the candle} Lord, help me show your light to others through the things I do. Amen
By: Liz Curtis Higgs

Blogging, oh my!!!

2008-09-23T18:42:00.000-07:00

Blogging, oh my!!! I have read many of my friends blogs and now I am starting one on my own. Our regional director came in town and encouraged us to start a myspace with new listing, videos, and tips on buying a home. So while getting that kicked off on the professional side, I thought I needed something on the personal side. So here we go!