This has been a very busy week and lots of dinner/lunch guests as well as things to decide. I've had offers for employment, and had to decide between good and best. I really feel like God answered my prayers and helped me to say no. It just wasn't the right fit for what is best for my family. As one door closed - other doors are opening and I'm still left with more decisions to make.
Tomorrow we have a realator team coming to look at the house and give us their impression of the house and any suggestions to help it sell. We're looking to put the house on the market in March and find a rental while we build. It will be a journey to say the least.
Pray for Andy and I. We're flying out to San Antonio on Friday for 5 days for a work trip for Andy. I'm looking forward to a bit of time together, but am sure I'll end up missing the boys tremendously as well.
Wednesday, February 07, 2007
Tuesday, February 06, 2007
Time and Purpose
I'm still working through these words as God continues to teach me to be content in every season and time of life... Each circumstance has a lesson that God can draw me closer to Him through. I know this. I just have come to the point were I deeply believe it as shown by my actions.
and a season for every activity under heaven:
Ecclesiastes 3
A Time for Everything
1 There is a time for everything,and a season for every activity under heaven:
2 a time to be born and a time to die,
a time to plant and a time to uproot,
3 a time to kill and a time to heal,
a time to tear down and a time to build,
4 a time to weep and a time to laugh,
a time to mourn and a time to dance,
5 a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them,
a time to embrace and a time to refrain,
6 a time to search and a time to give up,
a time to keep and a time to throw away,
7 a time to tear and a time to mend,
a time to be silent and a time to speak,
8 a time to love and a time to hate,
a time for war and a time for peace.
9 What does the worker gain from his toil? 10 I have seen the burden God has laid on men. 11 He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the hearts of men; yet they cannot fathom what God has done from beginning to end. 12 I know that there is nothing better for men than to be happy and do good while they live. 13 That everyone may eat and drink, and find satisfaction in all his toil—this is the gift of God. 14 I know that everything God does will endure forever; nothing can be added to it and nothing taken from it. God does it so that men will revere him.
Sunday, February 04, 2007
Blizzards & Boys
I find myself very grateful for blizzard conditions and sick boys. Thanks to the two situations, our schedule has been cleared out since Thursday. It's amazing how much I got done when I was forced to stay home. The mountain of laundry accumulated when the dryer broke, putting stuff back together after painting, and general cooking and cleaning.
I'm glad that my boys are better and I've read the whole newspaper before 9:15 AM. Good morning. Here's looking forward to another day of getting things done, spending time with the family and SUPERBOWL XLI! I love football.
So do you watch the big game? Do you watch for the football? Commercials? Both?
I'm glad that my boys are better and I've read the whole newspaper before 9:15 AM. Good morning. Here's looking forward to another day of getting things done, spending time with the family and SUPERBOWL XLI! I love football.
So do you watch the big game? Do you watch for the football? Commercials? Both?
Tuesday, January 30, 2007
Long Days
We've finished most of our painting adventure. A few doors to paint and all the decorations to put back up and we'll be mostly done. Our "French Pale Gold" bedroom is anything but pale. Hopefully it won't scare potential buyers off. Some bright white trim and black and white prints and I think it will be fine.
Went to my in-laws for dinner tonight to celebrate my sister-in-law's birthday. I felt like a college student as I packed up my car full of dirty clothes to wash while there. Our dryer died last week and I have about 10 loads of laundry waiting to be handled. Made a small dent tonight, but hopefully the repairman will be able to do something about the problem tomorrow.
The good news is that my bed is once again set up in my room rather than the living room floor. I have a couch I can sit on, and I'm no longer high on paint fumes.
Went to my in-laws for dinner tonight to celebrate my sister-in-law's birthday. I felt like a college student as I packed up my car full of dirty clothes to wash while there. Our dryer died last week and I have about 10 loads of laundry waiting to be handled. Made a small dent tonight, but hopefully the repairman will be able to do something about the problem tomorrow.
The good news is that my bed is once again set up in my room rather than the living room floor. I have a couch I can sit on, and I'm no longer high on paint fumes.
Thursday, January 25, 2007
Accomplishments
It's been a productive week.
- Yesterday Ryan stayed clean & dry all day (not because he wanted to but because I made him take that many potty breaks). We're getting there. Way to go little buddy!
- I've dismantled two rooms in my house. Every decoration, book, and toy has been picked up in our living room and bedroom. Next comes the cleaning & painting stage.
- Got all the Christmas decorations put away and properly stored at church (and it isn't even February!)
- Got time to do some work, some play, and time with my boys & Andy.
Not a bad week so far. Here's hoping painting weekend goes well.
- Yesterday Ryan stayed clean & dry all day (not because he wanted to but because I made him take that many potty breaks). We're getting there. Way to go little buddy!
- I've dismantled two rooms in my house. Every decoration, book, and toy has been picked up in our living room and bedroom. Next comes the cleaning & painting stage.
- Got all the Christmas decorations put away and properly stored at church (and it isn't even February!)
- Got time to do some work, some play, and time with my boys & Andy.
Not a bad week so far. Here's hoping painting weekend goes well.
Tuesday, January 23, 2007
Not Caring
It's hard to not care. Especially for me. I'm an individual who deeply empathizes with what people are going through. I can't watch a lot of comedies because I feel so uncomfortable for people making a fool of themselves.
That's why it has been a long road to come to the point where the decisions my brother makes no longer matter to me. My mom called tonight to tell me my brother is engaged (for marriage #2). She found out when her friends saw the picture in the newspaper announcing the engagement for their March 2008 wedding. My mom is hurt over the whole ordeal and wants me to be upset too. Yet I can't bring myself to feel much about it. I'm disappointed for her sake, but I'm not surprised.
Part of me still longs to have some sort of positive relationship with him. At this point I am so guarded and synical, that God is going to have to do something extraordinary in my life and my brother's to make that happen. I believe that He can. Time will tell us if He will.
That's why it has been a long road to come to the point where the decisions my brother makes no longer matter to me. My mom called tonight to tell me my brother is engaged (for marriage #2). She found out when her friends saw the picture in the newspaper announcing the engagement for their March 2008 wedding. My mom is hurt over the whole ordeal and wants me to be upset too. Yet I can't bring myself to feel much about it. I'm disappointed for her sake, but I'm not surprised.
Part of me still longs to have some sort of positive relationship with him. At this point I am so guarded and synical, that God is going to have to do something extraordinary in my life and my brother's to make that happen. I believe that He can. Time will tell us if He will.
Sunday, January 21, 2007
Top 10
Been meaning to do this since Thanksgiving and finally getting to it...
TOP TEN LIST OF WHAT MAKES ME HAPPY:
#10 - Football. I'm talking the good ole' American version. Watching it on TV, going to a college game, or hanging out with friends at our Monday Night Football parties. It's not an obsession, but a fun distraction.
#9 - Autumn. Not just because it's football season, but the apple picking, apple cider, apple pie, hot chocolate, beautiful colored leaves that crunch under foot, sweatshirt weather and no longer feeling guilty about how weedy my flower garden is.
#8 - Mexican food. Unfortunatley Andy doesn't share my love of this cuisine and we don't partake as often as I'd like.
#7 - Youth group. It's a big time committment, but I love to see the change in the lives of kids I mentor. Right now it's Kailey. I can see all sorts of changes in her life and seeing how God is making her new.
#6 - Being creative. Scrapbooking, singing, painting, decorating, organizing, when I can make something more beautiful or functional.
#5 - Christmas. It really is more of an addiction than anything. The last couple of years with kids has made me realize I won't have a Martha Stewart looking Christmas for many years to come, but I'll take what I can. I love the food, the festivities, the decorations, making and giving gifts, the parties, and celebrating my Savior's birth. When else during the year do people make such a concentrated effort to make the world beautiful, be kind and generous, and have that many parties!
#4 - Couple friends. We are blessed to have several sets of friends where both the husband and wife are great friends. This makes it tons easier to get together, hang out, and share our lives.
#3 - Quirky extended family. They are often the source of strife and frustration, but at the end of the day I am blessed to have people that really do care about me. (sometimes too much)
#2 - Definitely my family. I love my kids! Tyler's big grin and Ryan's giggle & big hugs can make the world's worst day so much better. My husband is a great guy. He's helpful, supportive, messy, and thoroughly loves his family.
#1 - Being really connected to God. When worship is genuine with both my mind and emotions, and truely experience being in His presence.
TOP TEN LIST OF WHAT MAKES ME HAPPY:
#10 - Football. I'm talking the good ole' American version. Watching it on TV, going to a college game, or hanging out with friends at our Monday Night Football parties. It's not an obsession, but a fun distraction.
#9 - Autumn. Not just because it's football season, but the apple picking, apple cider, apple pie, hot chocolate, beautiful colored leaves that crunch under foot, sweatshirt weather and no longer feeling guilty about how weedy my flower garden is.
#8 - Mexican food. Unfortunatley Andy doesn't share my love of this cuisine and we don't partake as often as I'd like.
#7 - Youth group. It's a big time committment, but I love to see the change in the lives of kids I mentor. Right now it's Kailey. I can see all sorts of changes in her life and seeing how God is making her new.
#6 - Being creative. Scrapbooking, singing, painting, decorating, organizing, when I can make something more beautiful or functional.
#5 - Christmas. It really is more of an addiction than anything. The last couple of years with kids has made me realize I won't have a Martha Stewart looking Christmas for many years to come, but I'll take what I can. I love the food, the festivities, the decorations, making and giving gifts, the parties, and celebrating my Savior's birth. When else during the year do people make such a concentrated effort to make the world beautiful, be kind and generous, and have that many parties!
#4 - Couple friends. We are blessed to have several sets of friends where both the husband and wife are great friends. This makes it tons easier to get together, hang out, and share our lives.
#3 - Quirky extended family. They are often the source of strife and frustration, but at the end of the day I am blessed to have people that really do care about me. (sometimes too much)
#2 - Definitely my family. I love my kids! Tyler's big grin and Ryan's giggle & big hugs can make the world's worst day so much better. My husband is a great guy. He's helpful, supportive, messy, and thoroughly loves his family.
#1 - Being really connected to God. When worship is genuine with both my mind and emotions, and truely experience being in His presence.
Wednesday, January 17, 2007
Reality
I was listening to FamilyLife Today on the radio this week. If you aren't familiar with the organization/show - they provide resources for families, marriages, & life in general.
I have to say that I've really been convicted based on what I heard.
For instance:
#1 When is the last time you had an in depth discussion with anyone in person (blogs don't count) about your life, marriage, or areas that you struggle in? Who really knows you well enough to call you on areas that you are screwing up in? When the bottom falls out - who are you turning to?
#2 What is gossip really? It's more than spreading rumors or making fun of others. What about the caddy little things we say, the jokes at others expense, sharing of unflatering information about others, anything that takes away from how we should be representing God?
Both of these areas are a bit tricky for me. It's hard to even write it. I'm a gossiper and I'm not very real and transparent in most of my relationships. I'm too busy trying to save my own face/reputation to be completely me and to be someone that pleases God.
I'm on a mission to make sure each word I say is honest, humble, encouraging, beneficial. That's a HUGE task, but if I want to get past surface level relationships and regrets over things I've said - it's what I have to do.
I have to say that I've really been convicted based on what I heard.
For instance:
#1 When is the last time you had an in depth discussion with anyone in person (blogs don't count) about your life, marriage, or areas that you struggle in? Who really knows you well enough to call you on areas that you are screwing up in? When the bottom falls out - who are you turning to?
#2 What is gossip really? It's more than spreading rumors or making fun of others. What about the caddy little things we say, the jokes at others expense, sharing of unflatering information about others, anything that takes away from how we should be representing God?
Both of these areas are a bit tricky for me. It's hard to even write it. I'm a gossiper and I'm not very real and transparent in most of my relationships. I'm too busy trying to save my own face/reputation to be completely me and to be someone that pleases God.
I'm on a mission to make sure each word I say is honest, humble, encouraging, beneficial. That's a HUGE task, but if I want to get past surface level relationships and regrets over things I've said - it's what I have to do.
Monday, January 15, 2007
Potty Training Lessons
First of all let me apologize for blogging about bathroom stuff. I know I've reached a new level in parenting that this is a topic of conversation...
What I've learned:
#1 - You as a parent are not in control
#2 - There is no logic to why and when a child will pee in a potty
#3 - There is no rationalizing with an almost 3-year-old
#4 - Miracles happen
#5 - Accidents happen
#6 - More accidents happen
#7 - Potty training is more about training the parent than the child
#8 - Never laugh at or question your friend's difficulties in training (Actually that's Andy's lesson - Andrea, I never laughed!)
#9 - Potty training will not last forever, but it may seem like it
#10 - Clorox wipes are a great invention when you spend that much time in the bathroom!
We had pretty good success this weekend. Ryan did well for the most part and we've made some headway on the whole ordeal. We ended up using coins to feed his piggy bank to reward successes rather than candy and it went much better. The big news is Ryan pooped in the potty today too! He's also gotten out of bed three times tonight to pee (currently 10:25 pm) and still isn't sleepy.
What I've learned:
#1 - You as a parent are not in control
#2 - There is no logic to why and when a child will pee in a potty
#3 - There is no rationalizing with an almost 3-year-old
#4 - Miracles happen
#5 - Accidents happen
#6 - More accidents happen
#7 - Potty training is more about training the parent than the child
#8 - Never laugh at or question your friend's difficulties in training (Actually that's Andy's lesson - Andrea, I never laughed!)
#9 - Potty training will not last forever, but it may seem like it
#10 - Clorox wipes are a great invention when you spend that much time in the bathroom!
We had pretty good success this weekend. Ryan did well for the most part and we've made some headway on the whole ordeal. We ended up using coins to feed his piggy bank to reward successes rather than candy and it went much better. The big news is Ryan pooped in the potty today too! He's also gotten out of bed three times tonight to pee (currently 10:25 pm) and still isn't sleepy.
Thursday, January 11, 2007
Potty Training Prayer
Tomorrow morning starts our weekend-intensive potty training ordeal. We haven't been successful over the past 6 months or so to get our son to use the potty more than periodically so we're trying a different approach.
We're having a potty party! All sorts of treats for when he stays dry, more treats for when he uses the potty. All sorts of salty snack and sugary drinks to help prompt the need to use the potty... and a pizza party with cupcakes at the end of the day!
I'm really praying he wakes up in a great mood and is ready for the day. If he does it could be a successful weekend. If not, my husband is taking a day off of work for nothing. I'm really proud of him for being willing to stay home and help in the process. My son is a big time daddy's boy and is much more apt to pee in the potty if dad is there with him.
Any suggestions from potty training pros?
We're having a potty party! All sorts of treats for when he stays dry, more treats for when he uses the potty. All sorts of salty snack and sugary drinks to help prompt the need to use the potty... and a pizza party with cupcakes at the end of the day!
I'm really praying he wakes up in a great mood and is ready for the day. If he does it could be a successful weekend. If not, my husband is taking a day off of work for nothing. I'm really proud of him for being willing to stay home and help in the process. My son is a big time daddy's boy and is much more apt to pee in the potty if dad is there with him.
Any suggestions from potty training pros?
Sunday, January 07, 2007
Fantastic Times
I had one of the best weekends that I can remember. Andy and I made it through the entire time/travel/shopping adventure without an arguement or even a discussion.
We found tons of great sales and clearance racks (where I usually buy most of my clothes). We managed to make it through the whole weekend by only spending $13 over our cash budget. I'm very excited about that. Even more exciting is that most of the clothes in my usual size were too big for me! With a bit more excercise to tone the stomach donut left over from the baby - I might make into the jean size I wore when I got married. It was a pretty good incentive to eat a bit healthier or work out a bit more.
We had a fabulous dinner at Bonefish Grill. Thanks to a gift card we thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. If you ever get the chance to go the Bang Bang Shrimp appetizer is AMAZING and so is the Chicken Marsala. Andy had the walleye and said that it was really good.
We really didn't realize how burned out we were and how much we really need time away just the two of us. The time alone, relaxing, shopping helped so much. Other than coming down with Ryan's cold this weekend, it was the perfect trip.
We found tons of great sales and clearance racks (where I usually buy most of my clothes). We managed to make it through the whole weekend by only spending $13 over our cash budget. I'm very excited about that. Even more exciting is that most of the clothes in my usual size were too big for me! With a bit more excercise to tone the stomach donut left over from the baby - I might make into the jean size I wore when I got married. It was a pretty good incentive to eat a bit healthier or work out a bit more.
We had a fabulous dinner at Bonefish Grill. Thanks to a gift card we thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. If you ever get the chance to go the Bang Bang Shrimp appetizer is AMAZING and so is the Chicken Marsala. Andy had the walleye and said that it was really good.
We really didn't realize how burned out we were and how much we really need time away just the two of us. The time alone, relaxing, shopping helped so much. Other than coming down with Ryan's cold this weekend, it was the perfect trip.
Friday, January 05, 2007
Weekend Anticipation
Happy Belated Anniversary! My anniversary is technically in December but rarely ever gets celebrated then due to the holidays and church responsibilities. So this Sat/Sun Andy and I are taking off!!! Figures that I got a cold just in time to go away.
We're leaving the boys with my in-laws overnight. Ryan's got a pretty good cold too and I haven't left my baby for more than a few hours yet so it might be interesting and slightly emotional at times. Yet I'm sure the time away with be fantastic.
We're not doing anything fabuluous, just using up some gift cards, Christmas money, and home improvement money we've saved up. I'm hoping to do a little outlet mall shopping, IKEA, and Andy wants to go to Cabelas. I'm making a list and scraping together the cash/gift cards so that we don't get caught up and overspend. Its really easy for me to do when shopping with Andy. He tends to get caught up in the moment, or try to rush through the stores and then later regrets the receipt totals.
Happy weekend to you all.
We're leaving the boys with my in-laws overnight. Ryan's got a pretty good cold too and I haven't left my baby for more than a few hours yet so it might be interesting and slightly emotional at times. Yet I'm sure the time away with be fantastic.
We're not doing anything fabuluous, just using up some gift cards, Christmas money, and home improvement money we've saved up. I'm hoping to do a little outlet mall shopping, IKEA, and Andy wants to go to Cabelas. I'm making a list and scraping together the cash/gift cards so that we don't get caught up and overspend. Its really easy for me to do when shopping with Andy. He tends to get caught up in the moment, or try to rush through the stores and then later regrets the receipt totals.
Happy weekend to you all.
Monday, January 01, 2007
In Between
Looking back, 2006 was a year "in between" for me.
In between being the mom of one and the mom of two
In between being morning sick and post partum tired
In between feedings & naps
In between hormone swings
In between having a pastor at our church
In between the peaks and valleys emotionally
In between loving my life and existing
In between being a working woman and a stay at home mom
In between tears of joy and tears of despair
In between really loving God and doing things because I should
In between sizes
In between being overwhelmed by busyness and feeling alone
In between who I am and who I really want to be ...
God is taking me somewhere and I'm not really sure where that is. Somehow I feel like I need to be doing or being something other than I am - but I don't know what that is. Yet I'm not sure if that is God calling to me - or me longing for something more than what He's giving me right now.
When I reflect, I see how good God is - how much He has given me. Yet I long to be somewhere other than in between. Maybe that's what heaven is all about.
In between being the mom of one and the mom of two
In between being morning sick and post partum tired
In between feedings & naps
In between hormone swings
In between having a pastor at our church
In between the peaks and valleys emotionally
In between loving my life and existing
In between being a working woman and a stay at home mom
In between tears of joy and tears of despair
In between really loving God and doing things because I should
In between sizes
In between being overwhelmed by busyness and feeling alone
In between who I am and who I really want to be ...
God is taking me somewhere and I'm not really sure where that is. Somehow I feel like I need to be doing or being something other than I am - but I don't know what that is. Yet I'm not sure if that is God calling to me - or me longing for something more than what He's giving me right now.
When I reflect, I see how good God is - how much He has given me. Yet I long to be somewhere other than in between. Maybe that's what heaven is all about.
Monday, December 25, 2006
Have Yourself An Awkward Little Christmas...
Today was the last in a series of Christmas celebrations. It was nice to be with family, but awkward as well. It's hard to be with people that you are closely tied to (by blood) but have absolutely nothing in common with. My brother has chosen a life completely contrary to what I believe God has called us to. He knows better, but continues to make poor life choices. Very self-centered and others get to deal with his consequences...
At what point do you say things and at what point do you let things go because they know what you think/believe? Its a hard balance and it makes for family time that is neither relaxing, nor very enjoyable. It was good to see my mom enjoying her grandkids and my other brother & his wife putting together a great Christmas spread. They love to cook and entertain so it's always good eats.
Merry Christmas too you all. Hopefully you've enjoyed both family and the real meaning of Christmas.
At what point do you say things and at what point do you let things go because they know what you think/believe? Its a hard balance and it makes for family time that is neither relaxing, nor very enjoyable. It was good to see my mom enjoying her grandkids and my other brother & his wife putting together a great Christmas spread. They love to cook and entertain so it's always good eats.
Merry Christmas too you all. Hopefully you've enjoyed both family and the real meaning of Christmas.
Saturday, December 23, 2006
Christmas Eve Eve
It was a FABULOUS day with my family. Ryan was so excited when he woke up and found the presents under the tree. We had a delicous stuffed hashbrown casserole for breakfast and dove into the presents. Ryan was a riot. His big present was a train table. However, the big hit of the day was new Blue's Clues notebooks ($4 set) in his stocking. It really isn't about how much you spen at this point.
Andy surprised me with pictures of him and the boys together. I loved that he put lots of thought into something special for me. We decided that this was our best Christmas ever. It was so much fun to love on our kids, surprise them, and give them things we know that they will enjoy. It was great not rush around simply enjoy each other.
I survived the first of the family gatherings tonight. It actually went quite well. It's always crazy when you get that many people, kids, presents, etc together.
This year my MIL had us shop for our own presents because they were too busy with getting their basement finished to do so. I picked out a great set of JA Henkels knives - the Forged Pro series. They are really nice. I got tired of dealing with knives that dull easily. Not really any surprises under the tree, but it was fun just the same.
Andy surprised me with pictures of him and the boys together. I loved that he put lots of thought into something special for me. We decided that this was our best Christmas ever. It was so much fun to love on our kids, surprise them, and give them things we know that they will enjoy. It was great not rush around simply enjoy each other.
I survived the first of the family gatherings tonight. It actually went quite well. It's always crazy when you get that many people, kids, presents, etc together.
This year my MIL had us shop for our own presents because they were too busy with getting their basement finished to do so. I picked out a great set of JA Henkels knives - the Forged Pro series. They are really nice. I got tired of dealing with knives that dull easily. Not really any surprises under the tree, but it was fun just the same.
Wednesday, December 20, 2006
MNF & Birthday Party for Jesus
We had a great Christmas party with our Monday Night Football group. The turkey turned out well - a bit dry thanks to my meat thermometer not working quite right - but lots of gravy to cover that up...
We had a Birthday Party for Jesus with the kids. I made star shaped cake/cupcakes for the kids, had presents for each of them, and we made little nativity scenes. I printed a stable on cardstock and then cut out clipart of all the Christmas story characters for them to glue into the scene. My heart melts every time my 2-year-old walks by the fridge and points at his nativity scene and tells me "That's baby Jesus, and Jesus' mommy, and daddy, and SHEEP!" At this point he breaks out in a chorus of "Away in a Manger" (the song he sang in the church Christmas program on Sunday) at the top of his lungs. He doesn't have a clue who the wisemen are or the shepherd, but that's a lesson for next year. So cute.
We had a Birthday Party for Jesus with the kids. I made star shaped cake/cupcakes for the kids, had presents for each of them, and we made little nativity scenes. I printed a stable on cardstock and then cut out clipart of all the Christmas story characters for them to glue into the scene. My heart melts every time my 2-year-old walks by the fridge and points at his nativity scene and tells me "That's baby Jesus, and Jesus' mommy, and daddy, and SHEEP!" At this point he breaks out in a chorus of "Away in a Manger" (the song he sang in the church Christmas program on Sunday) at the top of his lungs. He doesn't have a clue who the wisemen are or the shepherd, but that's a lesson for next year. So cute.
Thursday, December 14, 2006
Holiday Stress
For as much as I LOVE CHRISTMAS, I always seem to forget the stress that comes along with it. Decorating, baking, church productions, service projects, youth group parties, family stuff, shopping with two little kids, cold season, parties, gift exchanges, christmas cards and much more.
Every year my Martha Stewart complex is challenged. I keep thinking, maybe next year I'll get to celebrate the way I'd like.
Then I stop and think about everything on my to do list and there really isn't much in the way of worship on docket. I was challenged by the very words I shared with our Junior High Students last night - Christmas is a gift. It is God's most precious gift to us. Will we receive the gift? Do we leave it all wrapped up or open it and enjoy the gift of a true and lasting relationship with Jesus Christ? There is plenty inside for me to be completely satisfied - actually more like overwhelmed - with plenty left over to share with everyone I know and love and those I'm just meeting.
I'm slipping in a Birthday Party for Jesus for all the kids at our Monday Night Football party coming up next week. Star birthday cakes, presents (Bible coloring books & English candy crackers), coloring sheets, and maybe a few other suprises...
Any suggestions of fun stuff to do with the kids (ages 3 - 8) at a Birthday party for Jesus?
Every year my Martha Stewart complex is challenged. I keep thinking, maybe next year I'll get to celebrate the way I'd like.
Then I stop and think about everything on my to do list and there really isn't much in the way of worship on docket. I was challenged by the very words I shared with our Junior High Students last night - Christmas is a gift. It is God's most precious gift to us. Will we receive the gift? Do we leave it all wrapped up or open it and enjoy the gift of a true and lasting relationship with Jesus Christ? There is plenty inside for me to be completely satisfied - actually more like overwhelmed - with plenty left over to share with everyone I know and love and those I'm just meeting.
I'm slipping in a Birthday Party for Jesus for all the kids at our Monday Night Football party coming up next week. Star birthday cakes, presents (Bible coloring books & English candy crackers), coloring sheets, and maybe a few other suprises...
Any suggestions of fun stuff to do with the kids (ages 3 - 8) at a Birthday party for Jesus?
Monday, December 11, 2006
Holiday Eating Begins
It's not even Christmas yet and the holiday eating has begun... I tried a new recipe out on our Monday Night Football group that was so good that I couldn't stop eating them. They were so good that I made Andy throw away what was left so I wouldn't eat them ALL!!!
Nothin' to fret about Apple Fritter from Rachael Ray
Check them out. It's like your favorite fair food without spending the $ for parking, rides, carnival games, and overpriced fair food!
Nothin' to fret about Apple Fritter from Rachael Ray
Check them out. It's like your favorite fair food without spending the $ for parking, rides, carnival games, and overpriced fair food!
Thursday, December 07, 2006
Christmas Decor
I got this idea from my cousin-in-law friend Teresa who put pics up of her Christmas decor. I think you can learn a lot about a person by how they decorate for Christmas. I'm pretty much a classic/traditionalist. I like timeless items that don't go out of style so I only have to tweek things each year. I love a deep red and gold. I struggle between having a beautiful tree and a family tree - so we do both. We cut down a real tree each (except this year, even though we tried - long story) for our more formal upstairs tree (still carefully decorated to accommodate a curious toddler in the house). I started buying picture ornaments on clearance last year and will continue to do so for fun ways to display what they boys look like that year. Downstair we have...
a family tree decorated more lodge still fitting the hunting and fishing decor of the rec room. We have ornaments from our traveling, ones we made as kids, and fun ornaments that I paint for the kids each year. We also buy them an ornament that is thematic for their life that year. I have seperate tins that I store those ornaments in so they can have them someday.
And here are our stocking hung by the chimney with care. I really wanted to get a mirror to rest on the mantle and hang a wreath in the center of it, but just don't have the cash to do that this year. Maybe next year... We did add Tyler's stocking this year and found one similar to Ryan's.
a family tree decorated more lodge still fitting the hunting and fishing decor of the rec room. We have ornaments from our traveling, ones we made as kids, and fun ornaments that I paint for the kids each year. We also buy them an ornament that is thematic for their life that year. I have seperate tins that I store those ornaments in so they can have them someday.
And here are our stocking hung by the chimney with care. I really wanted to get a mirror to rest on the mantle and hang a wreath in the center of it, but just don't have the cash to do that this year. Maybe next year... We did add Tyler's stocking this year and found one similar to Ryan's.
Sunday, December 03, 2006
Answered Prayers
I dreaded tonight. "Church Business" can be a dreadful thing. We had some issues to wade threw tonight that I was rather upset by. Our committee met and prayed and talked throught the issues in advance. God was definitely listening and present because the meeting went far better than expected. My appreciation goes out to Heather who really was direct in addressing difficult issues in a compassionate way and to my husband who gave very good advice tonight.
The end result was far better than any of us had hoped for. Prayers answered...
The end result was far better than any of us had hoped for. Prayers answered...
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