The Wandering Workentins

The Wandering Workentins ~ Ron & Ali: God loving, couple with two great sons, two delightful daughters-in-loves and five wonderful grandchildren, Max, Opal, Christopher, Treyson and Alexander. Following the Lord wherever He leads. Travel along with us as we visit family, friends, work wherever He lands us all the while trusting Him every step of the way. We enjoy meeting new people and seeing new things along life's journey.



Sunday, January 13, 2013

January 6 to 13


Jan. 6 ~ Last Sunday found us staying home except for a couple hours checking on Momma Kitty - she is so sweet and comes running towards me each time I walk into the house.  I spend any where from 30 minutes to a few hours at Pam & Wayne's home checking on her.  Most of the day I rested on the couch or in the recliner as my costochondritis was really bothering me.

Jan. 7 ~ The highlight of our day was watching the Alabama vs Notre Dame football game.  
I am sure all the yelling I did contributed to Alabama winning the game!!  I don't know a lot 
about football but I can sure cheer them on when they are running for a touchdown.  Ron just laughs at me.And then I tease him when he yells back at the TV during a bad call.
Jan. 8 ~ "National Bubble Bath Day" ~ Our Forever Friends met Tuesday morning.  We were a small group of 5 and had lots of sharing.  The one thought that has stuck with me is spending time with God is like marinating a good steak.  Let me explain ~ If you marinate a steak for about 15 minutes and then cook it it doesn't have much of the marinate flavoring but if you marinate that steak for a few hours or over night when you cook it all the flavors are throughout the meat.  Now how is that similar to spending time with God you may be asking.  If I am only sending up arrow prayers it is not very intimate with the Lord but if I can spend an hour reading God's word, meditating on his word, just sitting in his presence and dwelling on him I walk away with God permeating all through me.  Thanks Linda for the analogy...I have thought about it a lot this week.

Jan. 9 ~ found us up early to get our work done and then off to Springfield for another round of eye appointments.  Randy (the ocularist) did some tweaking and then we were off to kill some time for a few hours while he worked on my eye.  We went to Camping World.  Ron did some pricing for the campground and I picked up a few things for the rig: a new drain cloth and some small expanding bars to put across the cupboard where our crockpot goes while traveling...keeps it from falling out of the cupboard.  Also got a new LED light for the little light in the corner above the recliner...wow!  what a difference it makes in being able to see.  They are a little pricey, $17 each, so we will only be getting one at a time...we need 3 more for in the living room.  We also stopped at Sam's Club and picked up some groceries and a few gifts for later in the year (yes Christmas gifts for 2013!).  Back to see Randy and get my eye fitted.  What a great job he has done ~ don't go back till 4/3/13!!!  We stopped at Lamberts, home of the throwed rolls in Ozark.  Tasty food, great service and so many fun things to see on the walls.
Jan. 10 & 11 ~ found me not feeling too well with a horrible headache and achy ribs/side.  Ron was busy working on cleaning up some of the campground - focusing on the tool shed and surrounding areas.    Friday I had to call Sam's Club because my stamps were nowhere to be found...yep they were still at the store :(  I also started tracking my food intake on myfitnesspal.com - part of my plan to continue getting healthy.  I also stayed the night at Pam & Wayne's Thursday night and got to take my bubble bath!! :) !!  that is one of the things I miss the most about living in our motor home.  Not sure Momma Kitty was happy to have me lounging in the tub for a couple of hours - she kept walking in/out of the bathroom but once I was snuggled on the couch she was a happy kitty as she snuggled with me all night!

Jan. 12 ~ we worked in the morning and then went back to Springfield.  First stop was Target to get a kennel for Linus.  It is one that collapses when not in use.  It worked really well while we were at the RV show and Linus stayed in the Jeep.  Then it was off to Sam's Club to pick up my stamps.  Found out they used this as a learning tool to remind the cashiers to give the stamps to the customer as soon as they ring it up - hope our cashier didn't get into too much trouble because we were chatting instead of paying attention to my order.  And then we were off to the Boat/RV show at Ozark Empire Fairgrounds.  We were quite disappointed as they only had one motor home and that was an used Class C.  We did see a couple of 5th wheels that we wouldn't mind having but that would mean we would have to buy a new truck, sell our motor home and Jeep and we don't think that is going to happen anytime soon.  Stopped off to take care of Momma Kitty on the way home.  Love how she comes running to me and wants to be cuddled and petted.  

Which brings us to today ~ it is super cold outside.  Our water froze last night to tonight we will be leaving the faucet dripping in the tub.  We spent most of the day taking down all the Christmas decorations and cleaning the rig.  It always looks so bare when the decorations are down.  We did put up some LED white lights in our dining/kitchen area.  We like to have some lights on for ambiance in the rig without having all the regular lights on.  I am also trying to try new recipes a couple of times a month as we seem to get in a rut of eating the same stuff over and over.  Tonight was chicken spaghetti.

This is how the recipe was written:

Ingredients
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 lb velveeta cheese, regular or mexican
1 can(s) rotel tomatoes, regular or hot
1 lb spaghetti pasta
1 stk butter
get recipes @ goboldwithbutter.com
1 can(s) cream of chicken soup, undiluted
1 can(s) cream of mushroom soup, undiluted
1 medium onion, chopped
1 bell pepper, red or green, chopped
salt and pepper to taste
Directions
1. Boil chicken breasts in a large pot adding 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper to water.
2. Remove chicken when completely done, about 10 to 12 minutes.
3. Boil spaghetti pasta in remaining broth according to package directions. Drain pasta after done and discard water. Set aside the pasta...Do not rinse.
4. Melt the butter in that same (empty) pot and saute the onion and bell pepper.
5. Add tomatoes, soup, cooked chicken and spaghetti to the sauteed onion mixture, one at a time, and gently mix together.
6. Add cheese and stir together, mixing well. Add salt and pepper to taste.
7. Heat until cheese is melted thoroughly, stirring occasionally to keep from scorching.
8. SERVING SUGGESTIONS: Garnish with freshly grated Paremesan cheese and serve with a salad and hot garlic bread.

This is what I used:

Leftover rotisserie chicken
1/2 c shredded Mexican cheese
1 can garlic diced tomatoes

1 box whole wheat thin spaghetti
1 cube butter
1 can crm of celery soup
1 can crm of mushroom soup
8 oz sliced mushrooms
1 chopped onion
garlic roasted sea salt (from Sam's Club)

Cooked the spaghetti in one pan. While that was cooking I melted the butter, added the mushrooms & onions, chopped up chicken, can of diced tomatoes, both cans of crm soups, 1/2 can milk and the grated cheese...let that simmer till noodles were done. Added the noodles a little at a time and stirring. Once everything was mixed together served in bowls. I add Parmesan cheese on mine, hubby no. Tasted pretty good. Hubby had two bowls and the little bit I couldn't fit into the bowl for the leftovers in the fridge. Leftovers will be Tuesday night's dinner.
 

And I must confess what I did...while cleaning up I accidentally unplugged the DVR with 20 minutes left to go of the Seahawks game.  Got the TV plugged back in and the game was live with 13 seconds to go and the score was 28 Seahawks 27 Falcons...and then the Falcons came back and won the game...you would have thought I caused the world to end when the TV went out.  I had one very mad hubby on my hands.  After he yelled at me and I yelled at him I just sat on the couch and said nothing.  Finally I said to Ron "come on it's just a game it's not like someone died."  He mellowed out but I don't think he will let me forget what I did.  Good thing he loves me!!!

Well that was our week...how was yours? 

Sunday, January 06, 2013

Jeff Foxworthy on Living in Washington

My niece posted this on Facebook and as I read it many memories of living in Washington came to mind...hope you enjoy it as much as I did.  Ali
Jeff Foxworthy on Living in Washington
"If you live in Washington"

If someone in a Home Depot store offers you assistance and they don't work there, you live in Washington.
If you've worn shorts, sandals and a parka at the same time, you live in Washington.
If you've had a lengthy telephone conversation with someone who dialed the wrong number, you live in Washington.
If you measure distance in hours, you live in Washington.
If you know several people who have hit a deer more than once, you live in Washington.
If you have switched from 'heat' to 'A/C' and back again in the same day, you live in Washington.
If you can drive 75 mph through 2 feet of snow during a raging blizzard without flinching, you live in Central, Southern or Eastern Washington.
If you design your kid's Halloween costume to fit over 2 layers of clothes or under a raincoat, you live in Washington.
If driving is better in the winter because the potholes are filled with snow and ice, you live in Washington.
If you know all 4 seasons: almost winter, winter, still winter, and road construction, you live in Washington.
If you feel guilty throwing aluminum cans or paper in the trash, you live in Washington.
If you know more than 10 ways to order coffee, you live in Washington.
If you know more people who own boats than air conditioners, you live in Washington.
If you stand on a deserted corner in the rain waiting for the "Walk" signal, you live in Washington.
If you consider that if it has no snow or has not recently erupted, it is not a real mountain, you live in Washington.
If you can taste the difference between Starbucks, Seattle's Best, and Tullys, you live in Washington.
If you know the difference between Chinook, Coho and Sockeye salmon, you live in Washington.
If you know how to pronounce Sequim, Puyallup , Abiqua, Issaquah, Snoqualamie, Wenatchee , Spokane , Umpqua, Yakima and Willamette, you live in Washington.
If you consider swimming an indoor sport, you live in Washington.
If you can tell the difference between Japanese, Chinese and Thai food, you live in Washington.
If you never go camping without waterproof matches and a poncho, you live in Washington.
If you have actually used your mountain bike on a mountain, you live in Washington.
If you think people who use umbrellas are either wimps or tourists, you live in Washington.
If you buy new sunglasses every year because you cannot find the old ones after such a long time, you live in Washington.
If you actually understand these jokes and forward them to all your Washington friends, you live or have lived in Washington.

Tuesday, January 01, 2013

Happy New Year 2013

Have had a quiet and enjoyable day as we begin 2013.  
It began with sleeping in till almost 10 a.m.  
I then made breakfast for Ron - cinnamon bites. 
Also told him don't expect breakfast made every morning in 2013.
 We watched about an hour of the Rose Parade
And did the Daily Reports for work
Then it was time for Football!
Ron helped one of the guests get his camper back on his truck
and then we visited together.
And then watched some more Football!

And then we noticed the propane heater wasn't putting out any heat.  So off to Home Depot to buy a new electric heater (will get propane delivered tomorrow).

And then watched even more Football!!!
And ate some goodies!
Guacamole, chilled shrimp, pimento cheese spread & crackers, onion dip, & chips.

Spanish olives, cocktail onions, summer sausage, dilled corn, and sweet pickles.
And watched some more Football!!

All in all the first day of 2013 has been a great day
How has your day been?

Monday, December 31, 2012

Reflections of 2012

Can't believe that 2013 is almost here.  Have been thinking off and on today about this past year.  The plans we had, the events that happened that we had no clue were going to happen, watching how God continued to provide for us, wondering what was going to happen next and through it all continuing to trust Our Lord Jesus Christ.

The High's and Low's of 2012

January ~ 
Ringing in the New Year with friends at the Lone Star Corral
Attending a couple of RV Shows ~ always fun to dream

February ~ 
Dealing with new bosses
Enjoying the beautiful Hill Country of Texas

March ~ 
A long awaited trip home to meet our youngest grandson, Treyson
Seeing friends
Lots of shared hugs & kisses with our boys and their families

April ~ 
Losing our jobs at Lone Star Corral ~ just wondering what the heck happened and what happened to open and honest communication between a boss or in our cases bosses
Seeking God and asking for clarity on what to do
A new job opportunity in Branson, MO

May ~ 
 Watching God open doors and providing in ways we could never imagine

June ~ 
Meeting lots of new people
Enjoying the perks of working in Branson
Grand Country Shows, Silver Dollar City, Neil Mccoy

July ~
Seeing the beauty in God's country
Finding out we were going to be grandparents again!

August ~
Working hard and having fun running the campground

September ~
Watching Amish children playing in the school yard
Attending our first ever Amish Produce Auction
(can't wait to go again in the Spring)

October ~ 
Getting involved with a local church
Being a part of a great ladies fellowship group (Ali)
Seeing answered prayer ~ all the funds for a new artificial eye for Ali

November ~
Seeing God work miracles and His hand on our children's lives
Learning to trust a little bit more

December ~
Trusting the Lord to provide for our needs
Finding out the last Friday of the month that we have jobs for 2013!
Enjoying the fellowship of other believers as we celebrate the reason for the season.
Enjoying many of the Christmas shows here in Branson
Celebrating 37 years of marriage!!!
Welcoming the newest member of our family ~ Alexander Victor Aren Workentin
And relishing over and over in the love, support and prayers of our
family and friends!!!

Eagerly anticipating seeing what the Lord has in his plans for us in 2013!
Claiming his promise as shared in 

Jeremiah 29:11-13
For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. 12 Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. 13 You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.

Happy New Year to all our friends & family!!!




Sunday, December 30, 2012

New Beginnings ~ Part Two

And then one day 
Linus joined our family on wheels.


 8 weeks old
about 5 lbs
male
pug/beagle mixed

 What my guys do best! - Nap!!!!


New Beginnings ~ Part One

Please welcome the newest member of the Workentin family.

Alexander Victor Aren Workentin
arrived on 12/27/12
at 10:43 p.m.
weighing in at 9 lbs 11 oz, 21" long

Daddy ~ Brandon
Mommy ~ Danalyn
Leading the Pack ~ Big Brother ~ Max
Then comes ~ Brother ~ Christopher
Not too far behind ~ Brother ~ Treyson
Alex looks a lot like his daddy at birth - double chin and all!

One contented baby and one happy Daddy!

Isn't he precious!!!

We love you Alexander and can't wait to meet you in person!! 

L to R ~ Christopher, 4 1/2, Treyson, 19 months, Max 14 years.

And we can't forget the brothers 3!

Wednesday, December 26, 2012

Christmas Day 2012

 Merry Christmas from our home to yours!
                         Opal Rae                   Max, Christopher & Treyson          
Jamie & Suzanne's daughter     Brandon & Danalyn's 3 boys

Christmas 2012 was just us this year.

Top of the list was making turkey in our rig - this is the 6th Christmas in our rig and the first time making a turkey in it.  I checked with the local grocer/meat cutter and was told "of course, we can cut your turkey in half."  When I went to the grocery store and asked the meat cutter he looked at me kind of puzzled but said "OK".  And so I made our first traditional Christmas dinner ever in the rig.

What do you think?
Turkey & gravy
Dressing & Orange/peach jello salad
Yams w/marshmallows and Green bean casserole

Yukon gold mashed potatoes w/garlic

Finished off with brownies & rice krispy treats!
 And of course no special dinner would be complete without a catastrophe of some kind ~ Ron reached for a glass, hit the bowl of jello salad, it did a full flip landing right side up and leaving this mess on the way down.
Jello salad decorating the cupboard, rug and floor :)
And then we got to Skype/Facetime with all four of our grandchildren.  It was fun to hear about their day and what Santa brought them. 

 Christopher & Treyson making faces!

Opal ... she sure reminds us of her daddy when he was this age.

Max - age 14!
Chris who loves to have his picture taken.
Treyson who loves to play with balls ~ can you tell he is hiding one in his hands.
Our precious Opal!
Different shots of the Workentin boys!

The Workentin Grands - 2012
Aren't they cute???

One more of all four of them! 

And after a full tummy this is what Santa does


At the end of a great day!!!


Monday, December 24, 2012

Christmas Lights Around Branson ~ 12/23/12

After going to Friendly Baptist Church for the Candlelight service tonight we decided to drive around Branson and check out the Christmas Lights.  

The sunset as we were leaving for church about 4:45 p.m.
Another view of the sunset.












Ride the Ducks




Music City Center

Dixie Stampede
Dixie Stampede

Dixie Stampede

Carriage in front of Dixie Stampede


This is on the other side of Lake Taneycomo from Branson Landing

Bass Pro Shop


Outside at Branson Landing

Another view of the Nativity Scene seen from Branson Landing


Santa on an elephant in one of the window shops.

Looking down the center of Branson Landing

Christmas Tree in the center of Branson Landing (picture of tree earlier in the post was taken from the Jeep).


Love the tree in the background to the left.

A little blurry but look who we spotted out doing some last minute shopping.

1st Presbyterian Church.

Sorry for the blurriness ~ this is in front of 1st Baptist Church in Branson











Going up the drive way to The Chateau on the Lake

Chateau on the Lake

Clock tower in front of Chateau on the Lake

Spotted Santa's sleigh in front of Chateau on the Lake

Hope you enjoyed this tour of Branson!