Randomness. . .you know you want it

I just got done shoveling our driveway for the first time this season.  I actually don't mind shoveling at all.  Now, if I lived in Colorado or something where we got snow every day I might be annoyed, but it's kind of a nice way to get outside and get some fresh air.  The kids came out with me, and they stayed out for almost an hour, which might be a record for my two.  Noel is finally big enough to enjoy being outside, and Elise just follows him everywhere he goes.  Plus, I told Noel that if he can't hack the cold, he won't be able to ski with us over Christmas Break.  I'm still not sure how much he's going to enjoy skiing, but it's worth a shot.

I made Turkey Tetrazzini last night.  I've been making Tetrazzini for a few years, but I've always used a recipe with cream of mushroom soup, evaporated milk, and canned mushrooms.  This time I used this recipe from Pioneer Woman.  Have I written about how much I love her?  I have tried several of her recipes, and I've loved every one of them.  This one was DELICIOUS!  And to be honest, it wasn't much more difficult than my original.  I think the big difference was in using fresh mushrooms and real cream cheese.  Oh, Nelly, was it good.  I am seriously making that again.

In other cooking news, I was making snacks and cookies for our trip to Michigan, and I came across a recipe to make chocolate chip whoopie pies.  The filling was marshmallow creme, chocolate chips, and butter melted together.  Well, I accidentally doubled the amount of marshmallow creme you were supposed to put in.  It still tasted really good, but I ended up with a ton leftover.  So I created a new afternoon treat:  indoor s'mores.  We just warm up the marshmallow/chocolate goodness and then spread it on graham crackers.  Yes, sir, I'm in love.

So, in conclusion, thanks to Pioneer Woman and my poor recipe reading skills, I will be working out every day instead of every other day this week.

It's a good thing I got to shovel snow.

What I am reading. . .

Okay, so I have a confession:  I never read the Harry Potter books.

I know, I know, how can I call myself a reader and not read one of the most popular series of books ever written?  There are just too many books out there to read!  (Also, for the record, I get almost all of my books at the library, and it's very hard to read a book series when it all hinges on others' responsibility to return!)

So, a couple of months ago I dove in and started reading Harry Potter.  And last night, I came up for air after finishing book 6.  Here are some of my thoughts:  (*SPOILER ALERT!)

*These books are really well written.  Some of them are a little too long and drawn out, but well written nonetheless.

*I actually love that I get to read them back to back, because the whole time I'm reading them, I'm thinking about how sad it would be to finish this book and have to wait several months to see what happens next.

*These are the characters I love:  Hermione, Mrs. Weasley, and Dumbledore.  Does this say something about my mothering instincts??  I was heartbroken when Dumbledore died at the end of book 6.  I had to text Jenni for her literary support that things get better in book 7.  And then my husband said, "Well, it's just a book. . ." WHAT?!  Anyway. . .I don't think Snape really killed Dumbledore, and I have a feeling that Lord V will die in the end, but I'm excited to see how it all turns out.

*I remember there being all kinds of controversy when these books came out because they were about wizards and witches, etc.  but to be honest, I don't see anything different in these books than in Disney movies or any other sci fi story.  I would much rather my children read books like Harry Potter than "Gossip Girl" or some other junk that's all about romance, cliques, parties, etc.  Now, all of that said, I definitely wouldn't let my 5 year-old hear/watch Harry Potter.  Yet.

*I had a hard time getting through some of the longer books (5, specifically), but now that I know there is only one book left, I'm kind of sad.  I guess I'll have to hunker down and find another series after this.

Thoughts on Harry Potter?   What are you reading during this cold, rainy season?  I'm also reading Jesus for President by Shane Claiborne.  More thoughts on that soon.

Coming to the conclusion that we are bad picture-takers. . .

Every time we go somewhere we pack the camera.  And almost every time we unpack once we get home, we realize that we never got the camera out of the bag.

Oops.

Well, if I had taken pictures, they would have been pictures of

great food

good conversation

laughter

cousins loving on each other

tractor rides

a night of bowling

lots of hugs and kisses

We have much to be thankful for.  Every day, not just a few days in November.  Keep giving thanks!

Wonderful Weekend

Let me share some things that made my weekend so wonderful:

*I had a horrendous day on Friday with the kids (stay with me, it gets better).  So, when David came home and saw how upset I was, he took the kids for the night.  It was so nice to get some peace and quiet at home.

*Later that night, after the kids went to bed, I met up with some girlfriends, and we went to see "Breaking Dawn".  Don't judge.  I can't stop reading a book series once I get started (hence the reason I'm on book #6 of Harry Potter).  It was an okay movie, but it was just so much fun to go to the movies, something I used to take for granted before kids, responsibilities, money, etc.

*Saturday we had our Harbaugh family Thanksgiving.  Everyone was there, and we had such a good time laughing, eating, decorating the Christmas tree, and playing games.  It was so nice to see my niece and nephew, and to have some fun all together.

*Sunday afternoon I had the privilege of taking 10 high school girls with me to help at Kokomo Urban Outreach.  Some of us served dinner, some of us did dishes, some of us sorted donated socks, some of us went and helped with Sunday night kids' church.  It was so inspiring to see high school students take time out of their afternoon to serve people they don't even know by doing things they probably don't even like doing.  And yet, there wasn't a complaint or a grumble.  I love those girls.  I know some people think it must be hard to be in student ministry, and sometimes it really is, but it is soooooo rewarding to see a young person learn that they can be a part of God's bigger plan. That life is so much bigger than high school.

*And, to top it all off, DAVID IS HOME FOR THE WEEK!!  I love when he is home.  And of course the kids are one cloud nine.

I hope you are having a wonderful week, and that you focus on the the beautiful things God has made.

Things I am thankful for. . .

I'm just going to be honest and say that the Thanksgiving Tree hasn't been added to this week.  I had all kinds of great intentions, but it's just been one of those weeks.  We have been battling with the kids over dinner, so it makes for a hard time to be thankful, when both kids are crying about something.  I know that's not a good excuse, but I'm just being honest.  So, on my own, here are some things I'm thankful for. . .

*friends to talk to who understand when you've had a really crappy day
*socks.  I take necessities for granted a lot.
*getting to paint my daugher's toenails purple.  I'm not sure who has a better time, her or me.
*story time at the library
*veggie soup
*good books
*my washing machine and dryer
*getting to see family in the next week

What are you thankful for?

What I've Learned So Far. . .

I just wrote this whole post about what I have learned since being a parent.  And then I proceeded to delete it, because it made me feel like a total hypocrite.  I don't have all of it figured out.  Honestly, I don't have any of it truly figured out.  Parenting is enjoyable and excruciating.  It is tiring and exciting.  It is filled with laughter and also tears.  So, here's the big lesson I've learned:

We are selfish people.  Selfish, selfish, selfish.

Every day is a battle between what I  want to do verses what is best for my family, especially my children.  Some days I win.  I sleep in, spend too much time on the Internet, let the kids watch lots of TV, ignore situations that should be addressed, and let teachable moments slip by.  So, in essence, I lose.  But when I make the conscious choice to put my selfish desires aside, it's worth it.  Does that mean the whole day revolves around them?  Of course not.  It is definitely not in their best interest to let them believe they are the most important people in the whole world (although they would like to believe it).  But it DOES mean that when there are opportunities to teach them, to encourage them, to let them see God's love, I need to take advantage of them.

Every day there is a choice.

And it isn't an easy one.

But it's worth it.

Fall Retreat Devotion #2

This was devotion #2 of our fall retreat.  The theme of the retreat was Psalm 63, focusing on pursuing God.

God Time #2

In a few weeks we will be celebrating Thanksgiving.  Of course, with Thanksgiving comes food.  Lots of food. 

*What kinds of foods does your family eat at Thanksgiving?

*What is your favorite thing to eat at Thanksgiving?

*If you could eat anything in the world, what would it be?

Now, what does this have to do with God?

In our last quiet time, we read about David in Psalm 63.  He was on the run, feeling very weary and rejected.  But his reaction was to turn to God.  Read Psalm 63:1-3 for a little reminder.

Now, go on and read verses 4 & 5.

How does David compare the satisfaction he finds in God?

TO THE RICHEST OF FOODS.

At first you might think that’s kind of an odd comparison, but think about 2 things:

            #1:  David is in the desert, on the run, when he’s writing this.  Can you imagine how hungry            and thirsty he is?

            #2:  There are only a few absolute necessities in this world, and one of them is food.

David look to God in his time of trouble, and not only is he encouraged by God’s love, it satisfies him.

So, my question for you today is:  Are you allowing God to satisfy you?

Turn to another Psalm—Psalm 103.  Spend some time reading this psalm.  Then list the ways this psalm mentions how God satisfies us.  Take your time and really think about each of these.

It’s a pretty long list, isn’t it?

But it’s the truth.

Whatever you’re going through in life right now (or in the future), only God can satisfy you.  BUT you have to seek God and put Him above everything else.

It’s like that Thanksgiving dinner we were thinking about.  If you filled up on Cheeze-its right before dinner started, you wouldn’t have room for the good stuff.  The satisfying stuff.

What are you filling your life with?  Sports?  Music?  Internet?  Phone?  Dating?  Parties?  Clubs?  Academics?  Job?  Friends?

These things aren’t necessarily bad things, but if you fill up on them, what room is left for God?

Take a few moments and pray.  Ask God to satisfy you and commit to spend time seeking Him.

Fall Retreat Devotions

In case you want to read what I wrote for the high school students on their fall retreat this weekend, here is day one's devotion.  I'll post day two's tomorrow:

God Time #1

This weekend we are studying Psalm 63.  It was written by David when he was in the Desert of Judah.

*What are some words that come to mind when you think of a desert?

Why is David in the desert?  He is on the run.  Again.  Years before, David had to run away from King Saul.  But now David is king.  Who is such a terrible enemy that it makes the king run away?

His own son, Absalom.

Read 2 Samuel 15:1-12.

*Describe what Absalom is doing in this passage.

*How would you feel if you were David during this time?

Psalm 63 gives us a little glimpse into what David was feeling.  Read verse 1.

The #1 focus David has in this verse is SEEKING GOD. 

He could take this circumstance and. . .

 be mad at God, 

          turn to others and seek revenge,

                   feel sorry for himself,

but he doesn’t. 

Instead, he chooses to seek God.

Why does he choose this?  Read verses 2-3.

DAVID SEEKS GOD BECAUSE HE HAS SEEN GOD’S POWER BEFORE.

*When you have a time, like David, where you are alone, where do you turn?

*Have you seen God’s power before?  Write for a few minutes about a time when you saw the power of God.

*How does it make you feel when you reflect on that?

If you are struggling to come up with a time, read some of the passages listed below that show the power of God.  Please know that the same God who worked in the Bible is living in us today!

Genesis 1:1-2:2

Exodus 7:14-11:10

Exodus 14:21-22

Joshua 5:13-6:27

1 Samuel 17

1 Kings 18:16-46

Matthew 15:29-39

Mark 8:22-26

Thursday Thank You's--Thanksgiving Tree Edition

This week, our family is thankful for. . .(drumroll, please):

*safe travels
*money to buy things
*Jimmy Johns
*Daddy's job
*good health
*stuff god made
*toys
*forgiveness
*the library

What are you thankful for?

What Works For Me: Daylight Savings Time

**Disclaimer:  I should have posted this last week.  Not so helpful the week after DST, but whatever. . .

People in Indiana are weird about Daylight Savings.  I've never seen anything like it.  For so many years we were rebels.  We didn't turn back.  We didn't turn forward.  We stayed the same and made life very confusing for the surrounding states.  "Wait, is Indiana the same time as us, or different?"

And then we buckled.

And for some reason, most folks around here just can't get over it.  It is the source of lots of complaining, and although I don't get it, I do see how Daylight Savings can wreak havoc on a little one's schedule.  Unlike adults, who can just sleep an extra hour or waste it doing something else, children might have trouble just staying up an extra hour or sleeping an hour more or less.

But, I am here to testify, sister (and brother) that it can be done!!

Here's what works for us:

Instead of dealing with an entire hour change, move the clocks forward, mentally, a little bit every day for a few days.  Three or four days before the actual change, start bumping nap times, meals, bedtimes, etc. up (or back, if it's spring) 15-20 minutes.  I promise, by the time the actual change rolls around, the transition will be seamless.

And that's what works for me.

Gulp!

David left for a 3 day work trip today, leaving me with the kids.  (P.S.  If you're a robber, please don't come and burglarize us this week while he's gone.  I still have the gun) (P.S.S.  Just kidding about the gun, but not about the robber).

These are things I think about when he is gone:

*How can I be in a house with such loud noise and chaos and yet feel lonely?

*I wish I had Lifetime/Hallmark/WE/any type of girl tv channel.  This would be the perfect time for it.

*Is 6:00 too early for bedtime?

*Please, God, don't let them get sick.

*It's Spaghettios for dinner tonight and cereal tomorrow night!

*How do Army/Navy etc. wives do this?

*I hope the dog doesn't die while David is gone.

*When do I get to go on a trip?

Is it wrong to share that last thought?

Mostly, what I realize when  David is gone is that we are a family.  Not four people who live in the same house.  Not two parents and two kids.  A family.  And when one of us is missing, things aren't right.  I also realize that this is a time for me to grow as a mom and for God to stretch and challenge me and force me to rely on Him.

So, I'm going to try my best to enjoy these next three days.  To try and do some fun things with the kids and relax.

And sharpen my sword in case of robbers.

Starting from Scratch

Imagine it. ..

*You're a mother of 2 children who is leaving an abusive relationship.  You get a place of your own, you get some food from the food bank, but you have nothing to cook the food in or eat the food on.

*You're a rehabilitated prisoner who is trying to make it on your own for the first time.  You spent all of your money getting your first apartment, and there is nothing left to buy kitchen items.

What good is a can of food if you don't have a can opener?

What good is some soup without a bowl to eat it in?

Over the past 6 months since David and I started helping out at Urban Outreach, we have learned so much.  We've learned about poverty, about how food stamps/assistance works, about how Jesus wants us to pour ourselves into people, not just hand them our old clothes.

One of the ways Urban Outreach helps others is through "Re-start" boxes.  These boxes are filled with essential kitchen items (dishes, silverware, pans, etc) and given out when someone is starting over.  I had never thought about how much all of those things cost when you're starting over with nothing.  Plus, if you don't have a car, it makes it even harder to get to different stores to buy these necessities.

Recently, we've been trying to create some extra re-start boxes, and it has been really exciting to see so many of our church members donate items for this.  Now we have 5 boxes ready to go for whenever someone in need comes to Urban Outreach. If you have any gently used kitchen items that you do not want or need, please let me know, and we can put them to use.  Jesus doesn't need us, but it sure feels good when He lets us be a part of His plan.

Crochet, chey, chey, what you want. . .

So, a long, long time ago I learned how to crochet.  And every few years I get out the old hooks and try my hand at it again.  It is really fun to learn new stitches and try out patterns.  I've made some hats, and I'm working on a pillow, plus I'm making Christmas gifts.  But this beauty is all for me:

It was really simple, and only took a couple of afternoons to make.  Noel was super excited because I let him pick out the yarn colors, so he feels like it was a team effort.

How do YOU find ways to be creative?

So, how are those goals working out?

About a month ago I listed some goals that I had for the fall.  I decided to go back and check to see how I'm doing on those.  Let's see. . .




*Get at least 5 rooms ready for trying to sell the house.--So far I'm on #3, so I'd better get going.

*Exercise at least 3 times a week.--I've been pretty good at this, with a few missed exercise days.  It's been so beautiful out I've been able to run.

*Get the kids outside for 30 minutes every day if it's at all possible.--We were pretty good with this. . .for a while.  Now the kids aren't so interested in my "nature walks" and "adventures".  Any ideas for things to do outside in chilly fall weather?

*Write devotions for the upcoming fall retreat.--done.  Fall retreat is next weekend.  I think I'll post the devotions next week, for anyone interested in reading them.

*Eat less processed food.  If I want a treat, I have to fix it from scratch!--Okay, this went really well UNTIL HALLOWEEN!  Yikes!  My car trash bag is full of candy wrappers, if that gives you any idea.  But at least our meals seem to be homemade :)

*de-clutter the kids' toys.--always a work in process.

*Get 6 Re-start boxes prepared for Urban Outreach (I'll write a post about this soon).--a)We have 5 complete boxes!!  b)I WILL write a post to explain what re-start boxes are.  I promise.


So, how are you doing with your fall goals?

Thursday Thank You's--Thanksgiving Tree Edition

This week, our family is thankful for. . .

*candy
*Halloween
*Family (cousins, aunts, uncles, etc.)
*the park that we can walk to from our house
*Tee Dog
*good health
*cars that run
*our toys
*laughter

What are you thankful for?

What works for me

**I'm linking this up to one of my favorite blogs, which has a "What Works for Me" site every Wednesday.  Check out more ideas here.

Saving Money.

None of these ideas are by any means unique or earth-shattering.  Also, for the record, I am not a coupon-crazy person.  I usually lose the coupon or don't remember to use it at the checkout.  However, I wanted to share some of the little things that add up to some saved money.

10 Things I Do To Save Money

1. Don't buy coffee out every day.  I love Starbucks, and I LOVE Dunkin' Donuts, but buying coffee and brewing it at home is so much cheaper.  Plus, you can find recipes to make your favorite lattes, mochas, etc. on Pinterest.

2. Eat leftovers at least one (if not two) nights a week, or eat them for lunch.  Wasting food is like throwing money in the trash can.  If you don't like leftovers, try and be creative--turn the leftover grilled chicken into noodle soup, make potato pancakes out of mashed potatoes.  If you can't eat the leftovers, consider freezing them for later.  Most things freeze pretty well.

3. Don't shop for entertainment.  If you're bored, don't go shopping.  I never walk out of Target empty-handed, so I try not to go there unless I really need to buy something.  And believe me, that is harder than it sounds, because Target is right across the street, and they have sooooo many cute things.

4.  Make a menu for the week.

5.  Make a grocery list.

6.  When traveling, pack snacks and drinks to go with you.

7.  Don't buys books!  Use the library or borrow them.  This might not save money for many, but for me it was a big one.

8.  Be patient.  If you're looking for something, try and find the best deal.  If you wait, you might be surprised at what comes your way.

9.  Hand-me-downs for the kids.  There are so many kids clothes out there, and most of them don't get worn out the first time, so find someone with bigger kids and see if they would be willing to sell, or lend, or give you their kids clothes.

10. Don't go overboard on holidays.  Try to make homemade gifts.  Do something as a family instead of buying so many gifts.  Better yet, spend money doing something for someone else as a family.

And what to do with the money you save?  Stay tuned for an upcoming post. . .

Trick or Treat

How could you not give every last piece of candy to these munchkins?

Yet again, they melt my heart.

We had a great Halloween.  Got to trick or treat with friends and the kids loved every minute of it.  The weather was perfect, too.  Plus, our neighborhood is packed with people on Halloween.  Lots of crazy people watching, but also lots of fun to be out and meet people.  If we move out of this neighborhood, Halloween will be one of the things I will definitely miss.