Several months ago I read an amazing book, One Thousand Gifts, by Ann VosKamp. I cannot recommend this book high enough. It really changed the way I thought about giving thanks, why and when I do it, and how Jesus did it. And from that book came my Thursday Thank-yous. Every Thursday I write down 10 things I'm thankful for. Sometimes it's easy. Sometimes I struggle; not because I have nothing to be thankful for, but because the day has been hard. It's a lot easier to give thanks when everything is going well. But the true thanksgiving comes in being grateful through the hard. So, rain or shine, I give thanks.
I am thankful for. . .
391. music.
392. getting to catch up with some friends from high school over the weekend.
393. These amazing fall days we have been having.
394. God's plan, even when I have no idea what it is right now concerning where we should live and what I should do for a living.
395. lazy days.
396. the fact that each of us has a story, and when we share it, it touches people's lives.
397. Texas Sheet Cake. There, I said it, and I'm not ashamed.
398. packing up to head to Wittenbach Orchards tomorrow!
399. my kids' imaginations.
400. upcoming date with my husband to see David Crowder Band on their final tour.
What are you thankful for?
Thursday, October 13, 2011
Monday, October 10, 2011
What have you been given?
One time when I was in high school, I was talking to a friend of mine at church, and I made the comment, "I can't wait to be old enough to. . ." I can't even remember what it was I wanted to be old enough to do. What I DO remember is my friend's grandma (who was one of the sweetest ladies I've known) said, "Honey, don't wish your life away."
That has always stuck with me.
I work with students who are in junior and senior high. A huge amount of their time is spent wishing. Wishing to be older, prettier, stronger, in a different place in their lives. And I try again and again to encourage them to enjoy every stage of their lives. It goes by so quickly.
And then I eat my words, because as adults we are guilty of the exact same thing.
How many of us wish for something we don't have? How many of us are discontent because _____________. Maybe it's the stage your kids are in. Maybe it's the way you look. Maybe it's something tangible, like the job you are dreaming of or the career path you decided on. Maybe it's some trials you are in the middle in.
Every one of us has a ____________ that we focus way too much on. We are wishing our lives away instead of enjoying every moment we have. Our preacher reminded me of that in his sermon yesterday, and then I heard about it again this morning on the radio, so I think God is definitely trying to tell me something. I figure if He's telling me, maybe somebody reading this needs to know, too.
How are you going to make the most of today. Don't let it slip by, filling it up with wishes for something different. Use it to live abundantly (John 10:10)!
That has always stuck with me.
I work with students who are in junior and senior high. A huge amount of their time is spent wishing. Wishing to be older, prettier, stronger, in a different place in their lives. And I try again and again to encourage them to enjoy every stage of their lives. It goes by so quickly.
And then I eat my words, because as adults we are guilty of the exact same thing.
How many of us wish for something we don't have? How many of us are discontent because _____________. Maybe it's the stage your kids are in. Maybe it's the way you look. Maybe it's something tangible, like the job you are dreaming of or the career path you decided on. Maybe it's some trials you are in the middle in.
Every one of us has a ____________ that we focus way too much on. We are wishing our lives away instead of enjoying every moment we have. Our preacher reminded me of that in his sermon yesterday, and then I heard about it again this morning on the radio, so I think God is definitely trying to tell me something. I figure if He's telling me, maybe somebody reading this needs to know, too.
How are you going to make the most of today. Don't let it slip by, filling it up with wishes for something different. Use it to live abundantly (John 10:10)!
Thursday, October 06, 2011
Thursday Thank You's
I am thankful for. . .
381.laughter.
382. high school students who babysit my kids.
383. jumper cables.
384. money to buy the groceries we need.
385. articles that convict me to live differently. Check this one out: Rage Against the Mini-van
386. celebrating Noel's birthday.
387. one more last burst of sunshine and warm weather!
388. conversation so good you stand outside of Starbucks after it closes for an hour and a half to keep talking.
389. all things pumpkin: buying pumpkins for jack-o-lanterns, pumpkin bread, pumpkin pancakes. . .you get the idea.
390. a neat and tidy husband who cleans up my clutter.
What are you thankful for?
381.laughter.
382. high school students who babysit my kids.
383. jumper cables.
384. money to buy the groceries we need.
385. articles that convict me to live differently. Check this one out: Rage Against the Mini-van
386. celebrating Noel's birthday.
387. one more last burst of sunshine and warm weather!
388. conversation so good you stand outside of Starbucks after it closes for an hour and a half to keep talking.
389. all things pumpkin: buying pumpkins for jack-o-lanterns, pumpkin bread, pumpkin pancakes. . .you get the idea.
390. a neat and tidy husband who cleans up my clutter.
What are you thankful for?
Tuesday, October 04, 2011
A Whole Hand
A whole hand.
I always rolled my eyes at people who went on and on about how time flies. But I feel like I blinked and my little munchkin was on his way to being a kid.
Happy birthday, Noel! You are a treasure from God that we are so thankful for. Your strange sense of humor keeps us on our toes. I've never met someone who pays so much attention to detail (definitely not a trait he inherited from me). You are smart, brave, and imaginative. And to watch you play with your little sister just melts my heart.
Now, please stop growing and stay five forever.
Sincerely,
Your mom
Monday, October 03, 2011
The Remains of the Garden. . .
We are almost done with the garden. Actually, after last night's frost, we might be completely done. But Saturday we picked what was left, pulled out the plants, and tilled the garden. We still have a bowl full of peppers and tomatoes that haven't been taken care of as well. But my first goal was to try and figure out something to do with all of our hot peppers. I've frozen a few bags of them, but I don't really use them enough, so I didn't want to freeze 10 bags of them.
And then I remembered that our dear friend Rita gave us her old dehydrater a few years back.
and dry.
and dry.
In total, they dried about 30 hours.
In addition, the air in the kitchen cleared up my sinuses during this whole process. And I may or may not have sneezed so many times in a row that I kind of peed my pants.
Then I put them in our little food chopper and ground it into powder, and. . .
What am I going to do with all of these red pepper flakes? I'm not sure yet. Chili, salsa, fajitas, soups, breakfast smoothies, face scrubs. . .
Okay, just kidding.
Who would put these in chili?
Happy preserving!
Friday, September 30, 2011
Shout out!
Today I'd like to give a shout out to. . .
New episodes of some of my favorite tv shows!
I'm not gonna lie--I love me some tv. We don't have great cable, and we try to keep the tv off while the kids are awake, so I don't have much time to actually watch tv, but thanks to the DVR, when I do get to watch tv, I have a great line-up of shows ready.
These are some shows I am currently loving:
Parenthood. David says it's too girly for him to watch, but I think it's great. Every time I think I have a favorite character, another one makes me fall in love with them. I love that they interact like a real family. They step on each other's words, conversations don't always get wrapped up neatly, and there is lots of laughter at each sibling's expense. Love it.
The Amazing Race. This is one of only a handful of shows that David and I like watching together. We each pick a team to root for, and whoever's team goes the furthest wins the prize (to be determined). For the record, I'm cheering on the snowboarders, and David's team is the father-son team.
Parks and Recreation. Funny stuff. One of the only comedies that consistently makes me laugh out loud. Maybe it's because I live in the equivalent of Pawnee, Indiana, or maybe because I love Amy Poehler, but it's just funny. I think I watched last year's season finale 4 times over the summer. Oh, Lil Sebastian. . .
Top Chef. Right now Top Chef Just Desserts is on, and it's okay, but there is nothing like the real thing. The new season starts in November, and they are traveling all over Texas, so you know I am all kinds of excited about that.
Castle and The Mentalist. These two shows are kind of lumped together in the drama/mystery/funny sidekick genre. But I really do like both of them. Have you all seen the movie Waitress with Kerri Russell? Every time I watch Castle I think about that movie because Nathan Fillion was in it. That's just a little sidenote for you.
So, what shows am I missing? Any recommendations?**
**I don't like Glee; don't ask me to watch it anymore.
**There are some other shows I like (Big Bang Theory & Modern Family come to mind), but they aren't always appropriate, and I'm not sure I should be watching them. Maybe I shouldn't be watching any of these, but I guess that's a subject for another post. . ..
By the way, if you're reading this, become a follower (look at the right hand column)
New episodes of some of my favorite tv shows!
I'm not gonna lie--I love me some tv. We don't have great cable, and we try to keep the tv off while the kids are awake, so I don't have much time to actually watch tv, but thanks to the DVR, when I do get to watch tv, I have a great line-up of shows ready.
These are some shows I am currently loving:
Parenthood. David says it's too girly for him to watch, but I think it's great. Every time I think I have a favorite character, another one makes me fall in love with them. I love that they interact like a real family. They step on each other's words, conversations don't always get wrapped up neatly, and there is lots of laughter at each sibling's expense. Love it.
The Amazing Race. This is one of only a handful of shows that David and I like watching together. We each pick a team to root for, and whoever's team goes the furthest wins the prize (to be determined). For the record, I'm cheering on the snowboarders, and David's team is the father-son team.
Parks and Recreation. Funny stuff. One of the only comedies that consistently makes me laugh out loud. Maybe it's because I live in the equivalent of Pawnee, Indiana, or maybe because I love Amy Poehler, but it's just funny. I think I watched last year's season finale 4 times over the summer. Oh, Lil Sebastian. . .
Top Chef. Right now Top Chef Just Desserts is on, and it's okay, but there is nothing like the real thing. The new season starts in November, and they are traveling all over Texas, so you know I am all kinds of excited about that.
Castle and The Mentalist. These two shows are kind of lumped together in the drama/mystery/funny sidekick genre. But I really do like both of them. Have you all seen the movie Waitress with Kerri Russell? Every time I watch Castle I think about that movie because Nathan Fillion was in it. That's just a little sidenote for you.
So, what shows am I missing? Any recommendations?**
**I don't like Glee; don't ask me to watch it anymore.
**There are some other shows I like (Big Bang Theory & Modern Family come to mind), but they aren't always appropriate, and I'm not sure I should be watching them. Maybe I shouldn't be watching any of these, but I guess that's a subject for another post. . ..
By the way, if you're reading this, become a follower (look at the right hand column)
Thursday, September 29, 2011
Thursday Thank You's
These are some things I am thankful for:
371. music on Pandora. I love it. Sincerely, I do.
372. three words: Apple. Cider. Slushie. mmmmmmmmmmmm. . .
373. speaking of apples, an upcoming trip to the farm.
374. morning quiet time.
375. beautiful fall weather, including the rain.
376. hearing Elise tell David, "Noel and I got married today!" Translation: She put on a fancy dress and he spun her around. Will they always love each other this much?
377. a friend who tells me what I need to hear, even when it's not easy to say it.
378. re-learning how to crochet.
379. a little boy who will be five--A WHOLE HAND!--by this time next week.
380. Getting to share the moment with Noel and Elise when they saw their very first real rainbow. Priceless!
What are you thankful for?
371. music on Pandora. I love it. Sincerely, I do.
372. three words: Apple. Cider. Slushie. mmmmmmmmmmmm. . .
373. speaking of apples, an upcoming trip to the farm.
374. morning quiet time.
375. beautiful fall weather, including the rain.
376. hearing Elise tell David, "Noel and I got married today!" Translation: She put on a fancy dress and he spun her around. Will they always love each other this much?
377. a friend who tells me what I need to hear, even when it's not easy to say it.
378. re-learning how to crochet.
379. a little boy who will be five--A WHOLE HAND!--by this time next week.
380. Getting to share the moment with Noel and Elise when they saw their very first real rainbow. Priceless!
What are you thankful for?
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
Goals
I am a list person. I'm not ashamed to admit it. I have learned that if I don't have a list I don't get much accomplished. I also have come to learn that I need to always be ready to trash the list and do something else if needs arise.
But without a list I will sit on Pinterest and read books all day (sounds like a great vacation, but not a very productive day-to-day lifestyle).
So I'm trying to take the "list" mentality to the next level and make some longer term goals for myself. Here are some for the fall:
*Get at least 5 rooms ready for trying to sell the house.
*Exercise at least 3 times a week.
*Get the kids outside for 30 minutes every day if it's at all possible.
*Write devotions for the upcoming fall retreat.
*Eat less processed food. If I want a treat, I have to fix it from scratch!
*de-clutter the kids' toys.
*Get 6 Re-start boxes prepared for Urban Outreach (I'll write a post about this soon).
What are your goals for the next few months?
But without a list I will sit on Pinterest and read books all day (sounds like a great vacation, but not a very productive day-to-day lifestyle).
So I'm trying to take the "list" mentality to the next level and make some longer term goals for myself. Here are some for the fall:
*Get at least 5 rooms ready for trying to sell the house.
*Exercise at least 3 times a week.
*Get the kids outside for 30 minutes every day if it's at all possible.
*Write devotions for the upcoming fall retreat.
*Eat less processed food. If I want a treat, I have to fix it from scratch!
*de-clutter the kids' toys.
*Get 6 Re-start boxes prepared for Urban Outreach (I'll write a post about this soon).
What are your goals for the next few months?
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
Homemade Croutons
I found this on Pinterest the other day, and I wanted to share it, because it worked so well.
HOMEMADE CROUTONS
There, I said it.
They are so easy to make, and once you realize how cheap they are, you'll never buy the ones in a bag again.
So, this is what you need:
*old bread (not moldy, just dry and not good for sandwiches, etc. anymore.) If you wanted to, you could save your heels in the freezer and do this.
*olive oil
*spices of your choice: salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, Garlic Salt, and Paprika are what I used
(I know you like the clearance sticker on my pepper dish. Yeah, I got it about 2 years ago. Don't rush me!
Step #1: get an able-bodied-almost-4-year-old and promise him fun with a butter knife.
Step #2: cube up old bread and put in a bowl. **
**step #1 may be skipped if said child cannot be found. Or you can come to my house and let Noel do it.
Once the bread is cut, drizzle oil over the cubes, sprinkle with seasonings, and bake at 350 for 20-30 minutes. They should look something like this:
HOMEMADE CROUTONS
There, I said it.
They are so easy to make, and once you realize how cheap they are, you'll never buy the ones in a bag again.
So, this is what you need:
*old bread (not moldy, just dry and not good for sandwiches, etc. anymore.) If you wanted to, you could save your heels in the freezer and do this.
*olive oil
*spices of your choice: salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, Garlic Salt, and Paprika are what I used
Step #1: get an able-bodied-almost-4-year-old and promise him fun with a butter knife.
Step #2: cube up old bread and put in a bowl. **
**step #1 may be skipped if said child cannot be found. Or you can come to my house and let Noel do it.
That's it. See? I told you it was easy! Store in an airtight container until ready to use.
Enjoy!
Monday, September 26, 2011
Good weekend
These are just some of the things that we enjoyed this weekend:
On Friday, Elise and I joined Noel and his pre-school for a trip to Guffey Acres. It was super fun. There is so much to do there, and the kids all loved it. Noel said on the way home, "I don't think I could handle any more fun in one day!" The picture above is most of Noel's class (including Elise. She decided she was part of the class as well) in front of Squarely, the farm's mascot.
Barrel Ride. I am savoring these moments, where they actually want to ride and play together.
Learning about how corn is grown and its many uses.
Friday night we went to a church in town for a puppet show. One of David's co-workers told us about it. The show was okay (the kids liked it), but the highlight was when one of the adults wanted to use a visual aid to show us about God's power. He tried the Mentos in Diet Coke trick, but didn't think about the effects. It shot all over the church stage, the front row, and down the aisle! We laughed about that poor guy all night.
Saturday was rainy, and to be honest I was kind of grumpy about some stupid stuff, so I loaded the kids up and we went to McDonald's Playplace (aka the germ factory). Again, I cherished seeing the two of them want to play together. And, I figured out a little secret. If you buy something they have to eat with a spoon (the yogurt parfait) it's not so gross thinking about them running around inside the playground and then eating. Consider that your gross tip of the day.
Saturday night I made stir-fry, and the kids learned the beauty of the eggroll. For the record, I did not make the eggrolls. We always get them from a Chinese take-out place around the corner (one of the many things I will miss if we move out of this neighborhood).
We also took some bread that was getting old and made croutons, but that is tomorrow's post.
Sunday we had church, and David spoke at the Awake service (for jr. & sr. high). I was so proud of him, especially because speaking is not something he loves to do. But he stepped out of his comfort zone and did it, and it was great.
I will leave you with this little gem of a picture. I totally forgot to share any pictures from the kids' first bowling experience. Black lights + music + bumpers + cool shoes = fun for everyone.
How did you rock this weekend?
Friday night we went to a church in town for a puppet show. One of David's co-workers told us about it. The show was okay (the kids liked it), but the highlight was when one of the adults wanted to use a visual aid to show us about God's power. He tried the Mentos in Diet Coke trick, but didn't think about the effects. It shot all over the church stage, the front row, and down the aisle! We laughed about that poor guy all night.
Saturday was rainy, and to be honest I was kind of grumpy about some stupid stuff, so I loaded the kids up and we went to McDonald's Playplace (aka the germ factory). Again, I cherished seeing the two of them want to play together. And, I figured out a little secret. If you buy something they have to eat with a spoon (the yogurt parfait) it's not so gross thinking about them running around inside the playground and then eating. Consider that your gross tip of the day.
Saturday night I made stir-fry, and the kids learned the beauty of the eggroll. For the record, I did not make the eggrolls. We always get them from a Chinese take-out place around the corner (one of the many things I will miss if we move out of this neighborhood).
We also took some bread that was getting old and made croutons, but that is tomorrow's post.
Sunday we had church, and David spoke at the Awake service (for jr. & sr. high). I was so proud of him, especially because speaking is not something he loves to do. But he stepped out of his comfort zone and did it, and it was great.
I will leave you with this little gem of a picture. I totally forgot to share any pictures from the kids' first bowling experience. Black lights + music + bumpers + cool shoes = fun for everyone.
Friday, September 23, 2011
Shout out
In light of all of this, I'd like to give a shout out to Pinterest.
Pinterest, you say?
Yes.
What is it?
Well, it's a social network of sorts, but instead of sharing your complaints about the service at Arby's or your funny story from dinner, you share pictures that you find online.
And I love pictures.
And with your pictures you make boards (Think of them as bulletin boards) that are in categories, like Food, Design, Places, Quotes, Books, etc. Whatever you want. And you can follow anyone who is on Pinterest. So, if you find a person whose pins are really cool, you can follow them and see. And people can follow you, too.
I am by no means an expert on Pinterest, but it is really entertaining and I don't feel like a creeper so much :)
So check it out here!
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
Thursday Thank-yous
I am thankful for. . .
361. getting to hear my friend Ginger speak at a ladies' retreat. She was so good and spoke such truth!
362. the privilege to pray and a God who listens to my heart.
363. being able to pass on lots of Noel's baby clothes. A little bittersweet, but worth it.
364. opportunities to learn. I never want to stop learning.
365. Mickey Mouse's "Hot Dog" dance. Has there ever been a better ending to a cartoon? I think not!
366. getting to tour Kokomo Urban Outreach's new community center. Exciting things planned!
367. a great back yard that the kids have decided is the perfect place to play hide and seek.
368. a wonderful, supportive husband who understands me even when nobody else does.
369. my health. And when I'm sick, that there is a doctor nearby. I take it so for granted.
370. the Sing-Off. Have you all seen this? That is some amazing singing! Although I kind of think Ben Folds looks like Dana Carvey in a bad wig. Is anyone else with me on this one?
What are you thankful for?
361. getting to hear my friend Ginger speak at a ladies' retreat. She was so good and spoke such truth!
362. the privilege to pray and a God who listens to my heart.
363. being able to pass on lots of Noel's baby clothes. A little bittersweet, but worth it.
364. opportunities to learn. I never want to stop learning.
365. Mickey Mouse's "Hot Dog" dance. Has there ever been a better ending to a cartoon? I think not!
366. getting to tour Kokomo Urban Outreach's new community center. Exciting things planned!
367. a great back yard that the kids have decided is the perfect place to play hide and seek.
368. a wonderful, supportive husband who understands me even when nobody else does.
369. my health. And when I'm sick, that there is a doctor nearby. I take it so for granted.
370. the Sing-Off. Have you all seen this? That is some amazing singing! Although I kind of think Ben Folds looks like Dana Carvey in a bad wig. Is anyone else with me on this one?
What are you thankful for?
We're selling our house. . .I think. . .maybe. . .yes. . .probably. . .
For a couple of years David and I have been talking about selling our house and moving to the country. I love our house. I wish I could just pick it up and put it in a bigger yard, but I doubt that is going to happen. So, we've been looking at houses, just a few, and trying to "spruce up" our own house for when we put it on the market. We've started with paint. I've been touching up the woodwork and walls, and last night I painted the kitchen a different shade of green.
Before
After.
I promise, it's much more dramatic in person. Okay, not really, we just went a little lighter.
We also changed the lights in the living room above the fireplace.
Okay, this is the only picture I can find of our old lights, but if you look over Noel's shoulder you can see them. They look like candles on little stands.
Here are the new ones:
Doesn't everyone have a bucket of corn on their mantle? Right next to their wedding picture?
As you can see, we still have some more "sprucing up" to do, but we're on the right track!
More pictures to come.
I promise, it's much more dramatic in person. Okay, not really, we just went a little lighter.
We also changed the lights in the living room above the fireplace.
Here are the new ones:
As you can see, we still have some more "sprucing up" to do, but we're on the right track!
More pictures to come.
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
Getting back on the horse
Sometimes I feel like blogging is similar to eating right or exercising. When I do it, I usually am happy with what I write and I feel good that I shared something of a coherent thought with the world wide web, since most of my day is spent making tractor sounds and explaining why you shouldn't lick the carpet.
But then I skip a day of blogging.
And another.
And another.
I get out of the routine, and it's hard to get back into the swing of writing. But I know it's good for me. It's a way to keep my sanity and to share a little of what is going on in this brain of mine.
So, I'm back on the wagon (or is it off the wagon--remember that Seinfeld episode where they argued about that? What was the official answer?),
There. I feel better already.
But then I skip a day of blogging.
And another.
And another.
I get out of the routine, and it's hard to get back into the swing of writing. But I know it's good for me. It's a way to keep my sanity and to share a little of what is going on in this brain of mine.
So, I'm back on the wagon (or is it off the wagon--remember that Seinfeld episode where they argued about that? What was the official answer?),
There. I feel better already.
Thursday, September 15, 2011
Thursday Thank-yous
Every Thursday I write down at least ten things I am thankful for. I encourage each person who reads this to do the same. It's so easy to get sucked into the trap of being negative and critical. Choose to be thankful! I am thankful for. . .
351. a batch of apples sent in the mail from Wittenbach Orchards.
352. getting to serve at Kokomo Urban Outreach in different ways.
353. the knowledge and assurance of Heaven.
354. rediscovering how to crochet (even if all I've made are flops so far!)
355. impromptu date night this week because neither of my children wanted to eat dinner, so they went and played while we sat and ate and talked. I never thought I'd be happy to say my kids didn't want to eat! Ha!
356. good conversations with people.
357. apple crisp (see #351)--it's just as good as apple pie and much easier to make.
358. my kids' love of babysitters. They are sad when the BABYSITTER has to leave!
359. the gift of prayer.
360. popcorn. Are we the only people left on the planet who still cook it the "right" way, on the stove? Love it!
What are you thankful for?
351. a batch of apples sent in the mail from Wittenbach Orchards.
352. getting to serve at Kokomo Urban Outreach in different ways.
353. the knowledge and assurance of Heaven.
354. rediscovering how to crochet (even if all I've made are flops so far!)
355. impromptu date night this week because neither of my children wanted to eat dinner, so they went and played while we sat and ate and talked. I never thought I'd be happy to say my kids didn't want to eat! Ha!
356. good conversations with people.
357. apple crisp (see #351)--it's just as good as apple pie and much easier to make.
358. my kids' love of babysitters. They are sad when the BABYSITTER has to leave!
359. the gift of prayer.
360. popcorn. Are we the only people left on the planet who still cook it the "right" way, on the stove? Love it!
What are you thankful for?
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
Writer's Block
I'm in a bit of a writing funk. I'm sure I'll get out of it soon. Here's what I'm chalking it up to:
*The garden is almost done, so I can't really write about that (except about how I'm pretty sick of tomatoes and that David made the most amazing fresh salsa last night that my mouth was burning but I wanted more and more and more)
*I'm teaching Insight (Sunday School) for the high school students. We're studying the book of 1 Samuel, so I've been working on that. I'm positive I learn more by teaching a lesson, know what I mean?
*We have been outside a lot. Now that it's not blazing hot and we feel like we are living on borrowed time because in the blink of an eye it will be 30 degrees and raining, we have been outside as much as possible. Even when the kids don't want to go outside I make them. Am I turning into my mother?? Don't answer that.
*Two words: Harry Potter. I never really got into the Harry Potter craze when it started years ago, but just recently I decided to give it a try. The first three books were really good--and not incredibly long, unlike this 700 page monstrocity on my coffee table that has a due date in 2 1/2 weeks. It's good; I'm just feeling a little pressed for time to finish it. Now, the next question is: to watch the movie or not?
So that's why I can't write. Or maybe that's what I'm writing about. However you look at it, I will be back tomorrow with things I'm thankful for, and they will not include Harry Potter or tomatoes, so stay tuned!!
*The garden is almost done, so I can't really write about that (except about how I'm pretty sick of tomatoes and that David made the most amazing fresh salsa last night that my mouth was burning but I wanted more and more and more)
*I'm teaching Insight (Sunday School) for the high school students. We're studying the book of 1 Samuel, so I've been working on that. I'm positive I learn more by teaching a lesson, know what I mean?
*We have been outside a lot. Now that it's not blazing hot and we feel like we are living on borrowed time because in the blink of an eye it will be 30 degrees and raining, we have been outside as much as possible. Even when the kids don't want to go outside I make them. Am I turning into my mother?? Don't answer that.
*Two words: Harry Potter. I never really got into the Harry Potter craze when it started years ago, but just recently I decided to give it a try. The first three books were really good--and not incredibly long, unlike this 700 page monstrocity on my coffee table that has a due date in 2 1/2 weeks. It's good; I'm just feeling a little pressed for time to finish it. Now, the next question is: to watch the movie or not?
So that's why I can't write. Or maybe that's what I'm writing about. However you look at it, I will be back tomorrow with things I'm thankful for, and they will not include Harry Potter or tomatoes, so stay tuned!!
Friday, September 09, 2011
Shout out
Today, I'd like to give a shout out (and a little plug) to the next best thing in apples: the Sweetango
This apple is a hybrid mix that the University of Minnesota has been working on for several years. We've been getting sneak tastes of them for a few years, and are super excited that the Sweetango is starting to be sold in markets nationwide. If you think a Honeycrisp is good, just try the Sweetango. Sooooo good. I don't know how well they do as far as baking, but just eating for a snack they are hands down the best!
Shout out!!
Shout out!!
Thursday, September 08, 2011
Thursday Thank-yous
I am thankful for. . .
341. good babysitters.
342. fall weather.
343. my brave, funny, crazy children.
344. date night out with David to an Irish pub and then driving around in the country.
345. the end of the garden. . .I was getting tired of canning tomatoes!
346. my (very late, I know) new found love of Harry Potter books.
347. my birthday gift: tickets to see David Crowder Band on their last tour!
348. learning how my digital camera can help a family in poverty. (More about this in another post.)
349. 4 day week for the hubby. That boy needs a break!
350. answered prayers for a girl in Haiti. Hopefully they have found a doctor in the states for her!
What are you thankful for?
341. good babysitters.
342. fall weather.
343. my brave, funny, crazy children.
344. date night out with David to an Irish pub and then driving around in the country.
345. the end of the garden. . .I was getting tired of canning tomatoes!
346. my (very late, I know) new found love of Harry Potter books.
347. my birthday gift: tickets to see David Crowder Band on their last tour!
348. learning how my digital camera can help a family in poverty. (More about this in another post.)
349. 4 day week for the hubby. That boy needs a break!
350. answered prayers for a girl in Haiti. Hopefully they have found a doctor in the states for her!
What are you thankful for?
Wednesday, September 07, 2011
9.11.01
My first year teaching at Noblesville Middle School is one I will never forget. Because I taught two subjects within the same team, I had each student at least twice a day, sometimes up to four times a day because of study hall and this crazy thing called "double instruction" that I won't even begin to explain. Anyway, I really got to know those students. Instead of having 130+, I had 55.
Morgan,
Robert,
David,
Tony,
Emily,
Wendy,
Kali,
Paul,
Michael,
Chase. . .
The list goes on. I remember learning with them, as I had never taught Social Studies before (and havent' taught it since) and learned the difference between teaching high school students and eighth graders. We had quite a crazy year. There was lots of laughter, learning, and growing. But there were challenges with students who were expelled, students in troubled homes, students who wanted to fit in and couldn't.
That first year was also memorable because I met one of my dearest friends in the whole wide world. God knew I would need a friend as I started on my new adventure all by myself, and he provided that in a big way, and although I didn't stay at Noblesville until 2014 like I promised (it sounded so far away at the time), we are still great friends.
But most of all, I remember that these were the students I experienced 9.11 with.
I remember Joe, the teacher next door, coming over between class periods to tell me what happened.
I remember getting an email that said not to turn on the tv because we weren't sure what the students mights see.
I remember trying to teach regular lessons while I felt like the country was falling apart.
For some reason, I have this vivid memory of driving home and looking at people in the passing cars differently, as if we all kind of understood life was different now.
And I remember feeling very stupid, because here I am, a Social Studies teacher, and I have no idea why terrorists attacked the World Trade Center. Nothing like a national tragedy to make me actually pay attention to world politics.
There were flags everywhere. Everyone was suddenly much more patriotic. "Never forget" became some sort of anthem.
And then slowly, over the past 10 years, I have forgotten. Life has gone on as normal for me, and I'm embarassed to say that.
Over the last 9 months, I've been reading and studying about other countries and how to pray for them. And as the ten year anniversary of 9.11 is approaching, I can't help but think of all of the other countries who have had terrible atrocities, genocides, wars, exploitations, and not only did I forget, but I never noticed in the first place.
So, while I am remembering those tragic events of 9.11 and honoring the brave men and women who sacrifice so that we can live in a free country, I am also praying for countries like Zimbabwe, Thailand, and Haiti, where tragedy is an every day event.
May we remember, and never forget.
Morgan,
Robert,
David,
Tony,
Emily,
Wendy,
Kali,
Paul,
Michael,
Chase. . .
The list goes on. I remember learning with them, as I had never taught Social Studies before (and havent' taught it since) and learned the difference between teaching high school students and eighth graders. We had quite a crazy year. There was lots of laughter, learning, and growing. But there were challenges with students who were expelled, students in troubled homes, students who wanted to fit in and couldn't.
That first year was also memorable because I met one of my dearest friends in the whole wide world. God knew I would need a friend as I started on my new adventure all by myself, and he provided that in a big way, and although I didn't stay at Noblesville until 2014 like I promised (it sounded so far away at the time), we are still great friends.
But most of all, I remember that these were the students I experienced 9.11 with.
I remember Joe, the teacher next door, coming over between class periods to tell me what happened.
I remember getting an email that said not to turn on the tv because we weren't sure what the students mights see.
I remember trying to teach regular lessons while I felt like the country was falling apart.
For some reason, I have this vivid memory of driving home and looking at people in the passing cars differently, as if we all kind of understood life was different now.
And I remember feeling very stupid, because here I am, a Social Studies teacher, and I have no idea why terrorists attacked the World Trade Center. Nothing like a national tragedy to make me actually pay attention to world politics.
There were flags everywhere. Everyone was suddenly much more patriotic. "Never forget" became some sort of anthem.
And then slowly, over the past 10 years, I have forgotten. Life has gone on as normal for me, and I'm embarassed to say that.
Over the last 9 months, I've been reading and studying about other countries and how to pray for them. And as the ten year anniversary of 9.11 is approaching, I can't help but think of all of the other countries who have had terrible atrocities, genocides, wars, exploitations, and not only did I forget, but I never noticed in the first place.
So, while I am remembering those tragic events of 9.11 and honoring the brave men and women who sacrifice so that we can live in a free country, I am also praying for countries like Zimbabwe, Thailand, and Haiti, where tragedy is an every day event.
May we remember, and never forget.
Tuesday, September 06, 2011
I was born on Labor Day, but wasn't everybody? Ha!
This weekend was a whirlwind of fun. In three short days we packed in. . .
*a trip to the park (David and the kids)
*a trip to the library (me and the kids)
*dinner and a drive in the country (sans kids)
*church
*trip to Ft. Wayne
*swimming
*exploring hotel and downtown Ft. Wayne (which, by the way, is empty on Labor Day weekend) with David's sister and family.
*lots of good food
*good conversation
*some shopping
*trip to Oabache State Park, where we fed Bison and some of us climbed a huge fire tower
Oh, yeah, and my kids had a couple of monumental meltdowns that will go in the record books, but I'm trying not to focus on those.
35 was a good year. I feel like I was challenged in good ways and I really grew. Some years kind of slip by me, but I feel like I made the best of 35 and I was open to God using me in new and different ways, and I am very thankful for it. So, welcome #36. I will try not to be afraid of you. I will try to embrace you every day and make the most of every opportunity.
What did you do this weekend?
*a trip to the park (David and the kids)
*a trip to the library (me and the kids)
*dinner and a drive in the country (sans kids)
*church
*trip to Ft. Wayne
*swimming
*exploring hotel and downtown Ft. Wayne (which, by the way, is empty on Labor Day weekend) with David's sister and family.
*lots of good food
*good conversation
*some shopping
*trip to Oabache State Park, where we fed Bison and some of us climbed a huge fire tower
Oh, yeah, and my kids had a couple of monumental meltdowns that will go in the record books, but I'm trying not to focus on those.
35 was a good year. I feel like I was challenged in good ways and I really grew. Some years kind of slip by me, but I feel like I made the best of 35 and I was open to God using me in new and different ways, and I am very thankful for it. So, welcome #36. I will try not to be afraid of you. I will try to embrace you every day and make the most of every opportunity.
What did you do this weekend?
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