I am thankful for. . .
131. time in Chicago with David. The Bean, Caribbou Coffee, walking, talking, laughing. The best.
132. someone recommending a great book to read.
133. listening to my daughter "read" her books to me.
134. Ibuprofen and cold medicine for a stuffy little boy.
135. learning about other countries and understanding that my world needs to grow every day.
136. Med-One and the nice people who do stitches there.
137. (in conjunction with #136): flip-flops.
138. boxing up old toys a year ago and bringing them back out. It's like Christmas in March!
139. Top Chef Finale, Top Chef Masters on its way!
140. Discovering Jasmine Rice. Who didn't tell me about this years ago?!
What are you thankful for?
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Day 13
Day #13--your favorite band
Okay, so I'm going to take creative license with this, and share something else. I love music, all kinds. To ask me to pick a favorite band/artist is just too much. As soon as I pick one, I think of another one. So, I will tell you what I love.
In case you haven't been on the internet in the past year, you've heard of Pandora. It is a web-based program that creates radio stations for you to listen to. And you can save the different stations for future use. I think you can listen to it for free for something like 90 hours each month. Anyway, I love it. I have a station to listen to when I'm cleaning up the kitchen (David Crowder Band), when I'm running (Brooke Fraser), when I'm playing with the kids (Dan Zane), and about 5 others. (By the way, if you type in Six Pence None the Richer + Holiday it's just about the most amazing collection of Christmas music ever).
What do you like to listen to on Pandora?
Okay, so I'm going to take creative license with this, and share something else. I love music, all kinds. To ask me to pick a favorite band/artist is just too much. As soon as I pick one, I think of another one. So, I will tell you what I love.
In case you haven't been on the internet in the past year, you've heard of Pandora. It is a web-based program that creates radio stations for you to listen to. And you can save the different stations for future use. I think you can listen to it for free for something like 90 hours each month. Anyway, I love it. I have a station to listen to when I'm cleaning up the kitchen (David Crowder Band), when I'm running (Brooke Fraser), when I'm playing with the kids (Dan Zane), and about 5 others. (By the way, if you type in Six Pence None the Richer + Holiday it's just about the most amazing collection of Christmas music ever).
What do you like to listen to on Pandora?
Monday, March 28, 2011
Day 12
Day #12—something you love
Lazy mornings with my kiddos
How can you resist those smiles? And who knows what the day awaits?
Lazy mornings with my kiddos
How can you resist those smiles? And who knows what the day awaits?
Friday, March 25, 2011
5-Minute Friday
I've been reading a blog recently that dares you to write for just 5 minutes on Fridays about a given topic. No editing. No proofreading. 5 minutes flat. You can read more on the 5-minute Fridays here.
Today's topic: Waking Up
GO
I used to be the kind of person who would sleep until the very last minute she possibly could. Every time the alarm went off, I would hit snooze, and each time I hit snooze I would cross something off of my list that I was going to do in the morning. Snooze #1--guess I won't be ironing that shirt. Snooze #2--curling the hair is out. You get the picture. You don't even want to know the things that started to get elimated by snooze #6 & 7.
And when I first became a stay-at-home mom, I craved sleep. I took it any chance I could get it. But now that the kids are older and sleep pretty well, I have a different view of waking up. I get up about an hour before they do so that I can have some quiet time all to myself. Read. Drink coffee. Shower. Blog. Whatever I want to do for about an hour. And I can tell the difference it makes. Instead of being grumpy when they get up because we have to start the whirlwind of the day, I'm excited to see them and ready to tackle the craziness that is a 4 year-old and an almost 2 year-old.
Some days I don't do this. Some days the snooze still wins. And I still can't get my feet to running that early in the morning. But I have learned that if I want time for myself I can make the time.
STOP
Now, I dare you to try the 5-minute challenge.
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Thursday Thank-yous
I am thankful for. . .
121. My family. Over the course of the last three weeks, three different family members have traveled to three different countries to share God's love in different ways. It makes my heart happy.
122. hard conversations that were needed.
123. guacamole. Have I said that one before?? I'll probably say it again.
124. the opportunity to spend a day with my brother and father. Such a rarity, and such a fun time.
125. new running shoes.
126. playing in the park until the rain chases everyone away. As we are leaving, Elise is yelling, "Bye, kids!" to everyone.
127. an upcoming afternoon alone with the hubs.
128. game time with Noel. His new favorite: checkers.
129. my children's bedtime!
130. free will.
What are you thankful for?
121. My family. Over the course of the last three weeks, three different family members have traveled to three different countries to share God's love in different ways. It makes my heart happy.
122. hard conversations that were needed.
123. guacamole. Have I said that one before?? I'll probably say it again.
124. the opportunity to spend a day with my brother and father. Such a rarity, and such a fun time.
125. new running shoes.
126. playing in the park until the rain chases everyone away. As we are leaving, Elise is yelling, "Bye, kids!" to everyone.
127. an upcoming afternoon alone with the hubs.
128. game time with Noel. His new favorite: checkers.
129. my children's bedtime!
130. free will.
What are you thankful for?
Day 11
Day #11—something you hate
Materialism. I cannot stand it. It makes me sick to my stomach. I know that all of us in some way or another are tied to our belongings, and that is a constant struggle with me. But the older I get the more I am convicted about the way we spend our money and the way we handle our possessions (which are really God's, anyway). We live in a culture that says, "You deserve the best. Take as much as you can. You're worth it." All the while, millions, MILLIONS of people go without clean water, safe housing, food. We try to fill a God-sized whole in our lives with stuff, and it never works. Never.
Materialism. I cannot stand it. It makes me sick to my stomach. I know that all of us in some way or another are tied to our belongings, and that is a constant struggle with me. But the older I get the more I am convicted about the way we spend our money and the way we handle our possessions (which are really God's, anyway). We live in a culture that says, "You deserve the best. Take as much as you can. You're worth it." All the while, millions, MILLIONS of people go without clean water, safe housing, food. We try to fill a God-sized whole in our lives with stuff, and it never works. Never.
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Day 10
#10—picture of the person you do the most stupid things with
I think I’m usually the person who talks people into doing stupid stuff, but I would say that through the course of my life my dear friend from high school, Aimee (Reeves) Cole, was the catalyst for most of the crazy things I did. It was so long ago that neither of us remembers it very clearly, but there were many, many fun times had together making mock-umentaries, pulling pranks on my neighbor, driving our terrible cars, talking to strangers, dressing up strangely, and about a hundred other things. Aimee always brings out the crazy in me.
I think I’m usually the person who talks people into doing stupid stuff, but I would say that through the course of my life my dear friend from high school, Aimee (Reeves) Cole, was the catalyst for most of the crazy things I did. It was so long ago that neither of us remembers it very clearly, but there were many, many fun times had together making mock-umentaries, pulling pranks on my neighbor, driving our terrible cars, talking to strangers, dressing up strangely, and about a hundred other things. Aimee always brings out the crazy in me.
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| Getting ready to go to our 5-year class reuinion. Haven't made another one since. |
Monday, March 21, 2011
Day 9
Day #9—picture of a person who has gotten you through the most
My parents have always been so encouraging and helpful to me. They watch the kids and drop everything to help when we need them. They are truly my biggest fans.
My parents have always been so encouraging and helpful to me. They watch the kids and drop everything to help when we need them. They are truly my biggest fans.
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Thursday Thank-yous
I am thankful for. . .
111. the sun and warmer weather!
112. getting to go to the park for the first time in 2011.
113. laughter. Every day. laughter.
114. toaster waffles.
115. Hearing my almost-2-year-old daughter say, "Delicious!"
116. our Red Flyer Wagon and all of the adventures we go on in it.
117. my ipod shuffle. It seems to know just what song I need to hear on mile 2, 3, or 4.
118. my brother's upcoming trip to Haiti.
119. the beginning of March Madness.
120. the knowledge that no matter what is going on in the world, God is in control and has a plan for each of us.
111. the sun and warmer weather!
112. getting to go to the park for the first time in 2011.
113. laughter. Every day. laughter.
114. toaster waffles.
115. Hearing my almost-2-year-old daughter say, "Delicious!"
116. our Red Flyer Wagon and all of the adventures we go on in it.
117. my ipod shuffle. It seems to know just what song I need to hear on mile 2, 3, or 4.
118. my brother's upcoming trip to Haiti.
119. the beginning of March Madness.
120. the knowledge that no matter what is going on in the world, God is in control and has a plan for each of us.
Monday, March 14, 2011
Day 8
Day #8—A picture that makes you laugh
Alright, my husband is an electrical engineer. Before I met him, the only thing I knew about engineers were that they were really smart. REALLY SMART. And then I came to learn that engineers really are smart.
And meticulous.
And procedure-oriented.
And analytical.
All of which I am not.
Do you see it?
Oh, let me give you a closer look.
What appears to be a briefcase hidden among our clothes is actually. . .
A CASSETTE HOLDER!!
Let me show you some of the highlights from this case:
Phil Collins . . .Yes, Seriously!
Top Gun (and yes, you are reading that correctly, the Miami Sound Machine is on this soundtrack)
Sidenote: Did any other girls sit and watch the sand volleyball scene over and over and over and over??? Or was it just me and my best friend Marcy?
Boston
And of course (drumroll, please)
This cassette holder/briefcase makes me laugh for multiple reasons. Number 1 being that this is a glimpse as to what David listened to long before I met him, and that makes me chuckle. It also makes me laugh that, being so organized, he had a cassette holder. I kid you not, my tapes were in shoeboxes. Thirdly, and most comical, the fact that despite multiple clean-outs of our house, THIS DARN THING HAS SURVIVED EVERY PURGE!!!
It’s almost become a part of our family.
What can I say? I’m a sucker for a little Petra.
p.s. Don't ask about my entire cabinet full of coffee mugs even though I'm the only one in the family who drinks coffee.
Day 7
Day #7—Show a picture of your most treasured item
My wedding ring/engagement ring is definitely my most treasured item. When David proposed to me, he studied different shapes of diamonds and what they meant. He picked out a pear-shaped diamond, which has 47 sides. The reason I know that is because he wrote 47 things he loved about me and read it to me when he proposed. (insert big sigh and pause for nostalgia and romance. . .)
And then about a year after we got married my engagement ring was stolen. It’s a long story, but the short version is that we were on a youth group CIY trip and went hiking in the Smoky Mountains. I didn’t want to hike with my ring on, so I left it in my wallet, and while we were gone someone broke into our van and stole my wallet (and some other stuff). I can’t even explain how upset David and I both were about it. It wasn’t the money; it was the importance of that ring. I was just heartbroken.
But then something happened that changed that. The people at CIY told everyone else about what had happened to our group, and (without us knowing) they took up a collection to help us. Well, my ring was insured, so we didn’t need the money. Instead, we took the money people donated and sponsored a little boy through Compassion for almost three years!
So, when I look at my ring, I think about a lot of things. I think about my marriage and how thankful I am for that, But I also think about how God takes a mess and turns it into beauty. He used some redneck’s thieving ways to help a little boy learn about Jesus. And he does this kind of stuff every day.
My wedding ring/engagement ring is definitely my most treasured item. When David proposed to me, he studied different shapes of diamonds and what they meant. He picked out a pear-shaped diamond, which has 47 sides. The reason I know that is because he wrote 47 things he loved about me and read it to me when he proposed. (insert big sigh and pause for nostalgia and romance. . .)
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| This was what we were doing while my ring was being stolen |
And then about a year after we got married my engagement ring was stolen. It’s a long story, but the short version is that we were on a youth group CIY trip and went hiking in the Smoky Mountains. I didn’t want to hike with my ring on, so I left it in my wallet, and while we were gone someone broke into our van and stole my wallet (and some other stuff). I can’t even explain how upset David and I both were about it. It wasn’t the money; it was the importance of that ring. I was just heartbroken.
But then something happened that changed that. The people at CIY told everyone else about what had happened to our group, and (without us knowing) they took up a collection to help us. Well, my ring was insured, so we didn’t need the money. Instead, we took the money people donated and sponsored a little boy through Compassion for almost three years!
So, when I look at my ring, I think about a lot of things. I think about my marriage and how thankful I am for that, But I also think about how God takes a mess and turns it into beauty. He used some redneck’s thieving ways to help a little boy learn about Jesus. And he does this kind of stuff every day.
Friday, March 11, 2011
Day 6
Day #6—Who would you love to trade places with for the day?
Jimmy Fallon. I would have listed him in day #3’s post (favorite shows), but I wanted to save him for this. I would love to be a part of Jimmy’s crew for a day of taping. It would be fascinating to see how a show like that is put together and what the inner workings look like. They all look like such creative, funny people. If you aren't watching Late Night with Jimmy Fallon, you are missing out.
Jimmy Fallon. I would have listed him in day #3’s post (favorite shows), but I wanted to save him for this. I would love to be a part of Jimmy’s crew for a day of taping. It would be fascinating to see how a show like that is put together and what the inner workings look like. They all look like such creative, funny people. If you aren't watching Late Night with Jimmy Fallon, you are missing out.
Wednesday, March 09, 2011
Thursday Thank-yous
I am thankful for. . .
101. blogs that inspire me and entertain me.
102. the fact that spring is right around the corner.
103. hot water and electricity.
104. getting to see what Zumba is all about.
105. healthy bodies.
106. perfect weather for running, especially while listening to a mix of David Crowder, Def Leppard, and Guns 'N Roses.
107. prayer.
108. seeing how much Noel loved his field trip to do gymnastics.
109. boxed brownie mix.
110. March Madness, baby!!!!
What are you thankful for?
101. blogs that inspire me and entertain me.
102. the fact that spring is right around the corner.
103. hot water and electricity.
104. getting to see what Zumba is all about.
105. healthy bodies.
106. perfect weather for running, especially while listening to a mix of David Crowder, Def Leppard, and Guns 'N Roses.
107. prayer.
108. seeing how much Noel loved his field trip to do gymnastics.
109. boxed brownie mix.
110. March Madness, baby!!!!
What are you thankful for?
Day 5
Day #5 - A picture of your favorite memory.
My wedding day.
David and I have been married for almost 7 years. Our story is a funny one, one that I’m not always very proud to share because I did some very embarrassing things during that time. Fortunately, all ended well, and David managed to see past my craziness and fell in love with me. Marriage is hard work, it is not always a cake walk, especially with young children, but I am so thankful that David and I get to go on the journey of our lives together.
My wedding day.
David and I have been married for almost 7 years. Our story is a funny one, one that I’m not always very proud to share because I did some very embarrassing things during that time. Fortunately, all ended well, and David managed to see past my craziness and fell in love with me. Marriage is hard work, it is not always a cake walk, especially with young children, but I am so thankful that David and I get to go on the journey of our lives together.
Tuesday, March 08, 2011
Day 4
Day #4 - A picture of your night.
Our nights are pretty exciting, let me tell you! David gets home around 5:30, and we usually take turns running. We eat dinner around 6:00, which means the kids are done eating around, oh, 6:03. Then after we clean up we just hang out until bath time. Then the kids watch a show, read some stories, and head off to bed. That leaves about an hour for David and me to spend together alone. I know that our schedule is kind of boring right now, but we have seen through our friends that as the kids get older they will be in activities that will keep us from having as much down time as we do now. So, we are just trying to enjoy every minute we have as a family.
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| Hanging out together |
 |
| My little helper. She is mashing potatoes for me. |
 |
| Scrubby Time |
 |
| Getting ready to watch a show before bed |
Our nights are pretty exciting, let me tell you! David gets home around 5:30, and we usually take turns running. We eat dinner around 6:00, which means the kids are done eating around, oh, 6:03. Then after we clean up we just hang out until bath time. Then the kids watch a show, read some stories, and head off to bed. That leaves about an hour for David and me to spend together alone. I know that our schedule is kind of boring right now, but we have seen through our friends that as the kids get older they will be in activities that will keep us from having as much down time as we do now. So, we are just trying to enjoy every minute we have as a family.
Monday, March 07, 2011
Day 3
Day #3 - A picture of the cast from your favorite show.
If you know me, then you know I love several tv shows. I’m not sure I can put just one picture, so I’ll give you a few:
Parks and Recreation. Love the cast on this show. Love all of the funny characters and the fact that they are in Pawnee, Indiana. Amy Poehler is hilarious.
Top Chef. This is my hands-down favorite thing to watch. I have watched it since the first season, and I always enjoy it. My favorite chefs have been Fabio, Dale, Sam, Kevin, and Harold. I hope to someday eat in one of their restaurants.
The Amazing Race. I love this show because it is the one show David and I sit down and watch together. Not only is it interesting to see how people work together, but they show parts of the world that we’ve never seen, so it’s cool.
The Mentalist. I enjoy watching this show because a) Simon Baker is great and b) it’s one mystery show that leaves you guessing right until the end.
If you know me, then you know I love several tv shows. I’m not sure I can put just one picture, so I’ll give you a few:
Parks and Recreation. Love the cast on this show. Love all of the funny characters and the fact that they are in Pawnee, Indiana. Amy Poehler is hilarious.
Top Chef. This is my hands-down favorite thing to watch. I have watched it since the first season, and I always enjoy it. My favorite chefs have been Fabio, Dale, Sam, Kevin, and Harold. I hope to someday eat in one of their restaurants.
The Amazing Race. I love this show because it is the one show David and I sit down and watch together. Not only is it interesting to see how people work together, but they show parts of the world that we’ve never seen, so it’s cool.
The Mentalist. I enjoy watching this show because a) Simon Baker is great and b) it’s one mystery show that leaves you guessing right until the end.
Saturday, March 05, 2011
Day 2
I met Jenni when we were freshmen at Lincoln Christian College (now Lincoln Christian University). We were both having issues with our roommates (oh my, the stories we coudl tell), and found ourselves hiding out in the laundry room. A lot. We soon discovered that we got along really well and ended up rooming together second semester. The rest is history. We’ve been through graduations, jobs, weddings, funerals, children, moving, and about a thousand other things. She lives in Ft. Worth, Texas, so it’s not as easy for us to spend time together, but when we are together we cherish every minute. The older I get the more I realize that it’s not the quantity of friends you have, but the quality that matters. In Jenni I have a quality friend.
Friday, March 04, 2011
30 pictures
I've been seeing a lot of people of facebook take this 30 day picture challenge, where they post a picture based on a topic every day for 30 days. I want to do this, but I don't want to post it on facebook every day. So, instead I'm turning it into the "30 Pictures" project on my blog.
Picture #1: A picture of me and 10 facts about me.
1. I live in the same town I was born in. I left at 18 swearing I’d never come back. God laughed, and I ended up back here at 29.
2. I love getting handwritten letters in the mail.
3. I’m kind of obsessed with cleaning wax out of my ears.
4. I’m starting to enjoy running. I never thought I would ever say that.
5. If I could eat chocolate for every meal, I would. Case closed.
6. I work with jr. High and high school students, and it inspires me, challenges me, entertains me, and frustrates me all at the same time.
7. I really love watching tv.
8. I just bought my first ipod shuffle. Before that the last thing I listened to was a walkman. I think it’s time.
9. I love to travel, even with my kids.
10. It’s really hard for me to be around negative people.
1. I live in the same town I was born in. I left at 18 swearing I’d never come back. God laughed, and I ended up back here at 29.
2. I love getting handwritten letters in the mail.
3. I’m kind of obsessed with cleaning wax out of my ears.
4. I’m starting to enjoy running. I never thought I would ever say that.
5. If I could eat chocolate for every meal, I would. Case closed.
6. I work with jr. High and high school students, and it inspires me, challenges me, entertains me, and frustrates me all at the same time.
7. I really love watching tv.
8. I just bought my first ipod shuffle. Before that the last thing I listened to was a walkman. I think it’s time.
9. I love to travel, even with my kids.
10. It’s really hard for me to be around negative people.
Thursday, March 03, 2011
5-ingredient cookies
We tried these out a few days ago, and they were really good!
1 can sweetened condensed milk
3/4 c. peanut butter
1 3/4 c. baking mix (Bisquick)
1 t. vanilla
1/2 bag chocolate chips (mini chocolate chips would work best)
Mix the sweetened condensed milk and peanut butter together. Add baking mix, vanilla, and chocolate chips. Roll dough into small balls or use small cookie scoop. Put on cookie sheet. Ues a fork to flatten them a bit and give them that distinctive peanut butter cookie pattern. Bake at 375 degrees for 6-8 minutes. Don't overbake them and they will stay soft.
Enjoy!
1 can sweetened condensed milk
3/4 c. peanut butter
1 3/4 c. baking mix (Bisquick)
1 t. vanilla
1/2 bag chocolate chips (mini chocolate chips would work best)
Mix the sweetened condensed milk and peanut butter together. Add baking mix, vanilla, and chocolate chips. Roll dough into small balls or use small cookie scoop. Put on cookie sheet. Ues a fork to flatten them a bit and give them that distinctive peanut butter cookie pattern. Bake at 375 degrees for 6-8 minutes. Don't overbake them and they will stay soft.
Enjoy!
Wednesday, March 02, 2011
Thursday Thank-yous hits the big 1-0-0!
I am thankful for. . .
91. My online class is over!!
92. sunshine! sunshine! sunshine!
93. the chance to read my old favorite children's stories to my children.
94. a new month full of possibilities.
95. A new peanut-butter chocolate-chip cookie recipe that has 5 ingredients. I will share the recipe soon.
96. getting to teach High School Insight (aka Sunday School) at our church for the next 4 weeks. We are going to look at 1 Samuel--good stuff!
97. alone time with each of my kids.
98. 90's music. I'm working on a post about the amazing things we learned through music in the 90's (Here's your teaser: Who let the dogs out???)
99. potatoes. They are so versatile, and yet so yummy in all of their forms!
100. the calm at the end of every day.
What are you thankful for? If you have a blog, post it!
91. My online class is over!!
92. sunshine! sunshine! sunshine!
93. the chance to read my old favorite children's stories to my children.
94. a new month full of possibilities.
95. A new peanut-butter chocolate-chip cookie recipe that has 5 ingredients. I will share the recipe soon.
96. getting to teach High School Insight (aka Sunday School) at our church for the next 4 weeks. We are going to look at 1 Samuel--good stuff!
97. alone time with each of my kids.
98. 90's music. I'm working on a post about the amazing things we learned through music in the 90's (Here's your teaser: Who let the dogs out???)
99. potatoes. They are so versatile, and yet so yummy in all of their forms!
100. the calm at the end of every day.
What are you thankful for? If you have a blog, post it!
Tuesday, March 01, 2011
Save Money! Save Money! Save Money! But, why?
I love a good deal. I love the idea that I just saved a bunch of money or that I got something on clearance. I'm not too good at coupons, but I find such a feeling of accomplishment when I actually use one.
But, what am I saving all of this money for?
I've been thinking about this recently. I know that God wants us to use our money wisely. There are lots of verses in the Bible about being wise, but what do other verses say?
We are to set aside money for the work of the church (1 Cor. 16:2)
People who want to be rich are likely to become tempted & loving money is the root of all kinds of evil. (1 Tim. 6 9-10)
We need to be content with what we have (Heb. 13:5)
I think saving money is a great idea if our motivation is right.
Think about it: what if when we got a good deal we took that extra money and did something good for others with it instead of putting it into our vacation fund?
What if every time we got a "Buy 1 Get 1 Free", we took one of those to a food pantry?
Isn't that why God gives to us? So we can give to others?
Something to think about.
But, what am I saving all of this money for?
I've been thinking about this recently. I know that God wants us to use our money wisely. There are lots of verses in the Bible about being wise, but what do other verses say?
We are to set aside money for the work of the church (1 Cor. 16:2)
People who want to be rich are likely to become tempted & loving money is the root of all kinds of evil. (1 Tim. 6 9-10)
We need to be content with what we have (Heb. 13:5)
I think saving money is a great idea if our motivation is right.
Think about it: what if when we got a good deal we took that extra money and did something good for others with it instead of putting it into our vacation fund?
What if every time we got a "Buy 1 Get 1 Free", we took one of those to a food pantry?
Isn't that why God gives to us? So we can give to others?
Something to think about.
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