I love Etsy. LOVE it. This week I bought some salted caramel samples (made from grass-fed, organic ingredients, be still my taste buds) and a gift for a friend expecting a girl.
You've checked out Shyla's Brown Eyed Girlies shop, right? Just so happens I was over there last week to buy my friend's gift, and then again today (bought some covered hairpins for myself) and Shyla has a ton of new fun things. It's *almost* enough to make me wish I had a little girl, but I'm happy enough to have a niece to buy cute little things for!
So...do me a favor and go check this shop out, ok? If you feel that you need to purchase something, Shyla's got a deal going just for my readers - FREE SHIPPING! Woo hoo! :-) Just put "MUTH" in the message to seller and wait for the corrected invoice before you pay. What a deal, right??
As an added bonus, you'll be helping Shyla save up for her kitchen remodel, and you'll be helping me earn a discount on my next order - win/win for everyone!!
What are you still here for?? Go see the goods!!
Thursday, September 30
Monday, September 27
Happy Fall Giveaway!
There are few things that give me enjoyment like a really delicious hot beverage. Especially this time of year, I'm really, really happy to drink a warm, comforting beverage. Hot tea, cider, coffee, chai, cocoa - it's all fair game to me!
Have you tried a salted caramel hot cocoa, ever? *bucks is my friend on this one. Hot cocoa, with whipped cream on top, caramel drizzle, and the best part - sea salt & raw sugar garnish. Oh, salty-sweet goodness. I have had a grand total of TWO short soy versions this fall thus far. I try to limit it to shorts due to the soy content plus, you know, it's a treat. It doesn't have to be a venti treat. :-) I suppose I could take my own raw milk for *bucks to use in the drink, but that seems to be a lot of trouble. Maybe if I visited every day. But my wallet will not allow that luxury. Nor would it be a prudent use of wallet contents, even if it DID allow.
And then of course there is a double-tall soy pumpkin spice latte, which I drank this morning. Good thing, too - I needed that extra shot of expresso to get me through the fateful trip to Dollar General for some fabric softener. DISASTER!
But I digress. This past April, I registered a *bucks gift card online. If you haven't checked out the pretty sweet rewards program, you definitely need to. I benefit from free soy milk for those occasional stops - usually it costs 50 extra cents, so it is worth it just for that - but there are other benefits too! Free drink on your birthday, and free drink every time you buy 15, etc. SOOO, I want to share!
I just got my free drink postcard in the mail and want to pass it on to one of you - all you have to do is comment on this post and let me know what you would order if you could get anything from *bucks, and what your favorite thing about fall is.
I'll go ahead and pick a winner on Friday. Unfortunately, the coupon is only valid at US stores, but it doesn't expire until December 14th, so if you will be able to use this by then and you're not in the US, feel free to enter!
Have you tried a salted caramel hot cocoa, ever? *bucks is my friend on this one. Hot cocoa, with whipped cream on top, caramel drizzle, and the best part - sea salt & raw sugar garnish. Oh, salty-sweet goodness. I have had a grand total of TWO short soy versions this fall thus far. I try to limit it to shorts due to the soy content plus, you know, it's a treat. It doesn't have to be a venti treat. :-) I suppose I could take my own raw milk for *bucks to use in the drink, but that seems to be a lot of trouble. Maybe if I visited every day. But my wallet will not allow that luxury. Nor would it be a prudent use of wallet contents, even if it DID allow.
And then of course there is a double-tall soy pumpkin spice latte, which I drank this morning. Good thing, too - I needed that extra shot of expresso to get me through the fateful trip to Dollar General for some fabric softener. DISASTER!
But I digress. This past April, I registered a *bucks gift card online. If you haven't checked out the pretty sweet rewards program, you definitely need to. I benefit from free soy milk for those occasional stops - usually it costs 50 extra cents, so it is worth it just for that - but there are other benefits too! Free drink on your birthday, and free drink every time you buy 15, etc. SOOO, I want to share!
I just got my free drink postcard in the mail and want to pass it on to one of you - all you have to do is comment on this post and let me know what you would order if you could get anything from *bucks, and what your favorite thing about fall is.
I'll go ahead and pick a winner on Friday. Unfortunately, the coupon is only valid at US stores, but it doesn't expire until December 14th, so if you will be able to use this by then and you're not in the US, feel free to enter!
Friday, September 24
Kiddo Update
We had a height/weight checkup for the kids the other day, and I was delighted to find that our boys are healthy and doing great! Praise the LORD for healthy kids. God is gracious to us - we are blessed indeed.
Evan had grown quite a bit in the last 6 months! At 2 years and a little bit, he's weighing in at 25lbs 4 oz and is 33 inches tall. He's really taking off in his speech and amazes me daily with his BUSY play, silliness and joking. I don't remember much about Aaron at this time - probably because I had a brand new baby which equaled sleep deprivation, and Aaron talked MUCH earlier so the progress wasn't as obvious at 2. Love our sweet-natured littlest boy!
Aaron weighs, at 4 years and a little bit, 36lbs 4 oz and is 41 inches tall - and is quite the kid. He cracks us up all the time with his facial expressions and "explanations" of things as well as his tall tales (we are working on making sure he remembers what he made up and what really happened!) He can count to 20 in English, and by 10's to 100 (thanks to a song tape), 10 in Spanish (with a little help) and is starting to grasp beginning reading concepts. We are looking forward to beginning K4 at our house in just a couple weeks! Aaron is really enjoying his second year of Cubbies and his 4 &5 year old class at Bible Study Fellowship.
What a privilege to have these two boys in our family. They teach me so much about myself (sinful) and my God (holy, just, loving, full of grace, ETC.). I'm so grateful!
Evan had grown quite a bit in the last 6 months! At 2 years and a little bit, he's weighing in at 25lbs 4 oz and is 33 inches tall. He's really taking off in his speech and amazes me daily with his BUSY play, silliness and joking. I don't remember much about Aaron at this time - probably because I had a brand new baby which equaled sleep deprivation, and Aaron talked MUCH earlier so the progress wasn't as obvious at 2. Love our sweet-natured littlest boy!
Aaron weighs, at 4 years and a little bit, 36lbs 4 oz and is 41 inches tall - and is quite the kid. He cracks us up all the time with his facial expressions and "explanations" of things as well as his tall tales (we are working on making sure he remembers what he made up and what really happened!) He can count to 20 in English, and by 10's to 100 (thanks to a song tape), 10 in Spanish (with a little help) and is starting to grasp beginning reading concepts. We are looking forward to beginning K4 at our house in just a couple weeks! Aaron is really enjoying his second year of Cubbies and his 4 &5 year old class at Bible Study Fellowship.
What a privilege to have these two boys in our family. They teach me so much about myself (sinful) and my God (holy, just, loving, full of grace, ETC.). I'm so grateful!
Wednesday, September 22
a wink, a grin, and a thumbs up
Today I was driving down the road and saw a perfectly good (although a tad soggy from last night's rainstorm) pallet sitting there on the side of the road waiting for big trash pickup. NORMALLY it wouldn't even cross my radar, but since a friend introduced me to Ana White and her fantastic projects, pallets have new value and worth.
The pallet I got will have to dry out in the garage for awhile, so no project for me for awhile (whew! I can decide what to make!) but the real story was in what happened while I was loading it.
I was in traffic, so I put on my emergency flashers and opened the van hatch. An older lady (probably in her 70's) was hesitant to pull around me so she waited while other cars went whizzing by. I felt pretty bad, so I was hurrying. I grabbed that pallet and stuck it in the back of the van and turned to wave at her in thanks. She grinned, winked, and gave me a thumbs up. I imagined that she was happy that I was saving something that was worth saving - who knows if that was what she was thinking or not.
Either way, it totally made my day.
The pallet I got will have to dry out in the garage for awhile, so no project for me for awhile (whew! I can decide what to make!) but the real story was in what happened while I was loading it.
I was in traffic, so I put on my emergency flashers and opened the van hatch. An older lady (probably in her 70's) was hesitant to pull around me so she waited while other cars went whizzing by. I felt pretty bad, so I was hurrying. I grabbed that pallet and stuck it in the back of the van and turned to wave at her in thanks. She grinned, winked, and gave me a thumbs up. I imagined that she was happy that I was saving something that was worth saving - who knows if that was what she was thinking or not.
Either way, it totally made my day.
Tuesday, September 21
Before & After
I got the Facebook album done! Michael has been wanting to use our "before" pictures as a guide and take "after" photos from the same angle and position. So we did that last night after the appraiser left - probably the only time our home will be this clutter free, unfortunately. So for those of you without Facebook, here's the link to the album! Before & After
Monday, September 13
blessings!
I thought I'd update on the house refinance situation. Hoping this week for an appraisal (or maybe early next week?) but all looks well on the refinancing front! We've been pre-approved pending our appraisal.
Michael and I went to the bank last week to talk to the loan officer, and it looks like we will be paying 2.2% less on our mortgage, plus losing our PMI, plus getting a new kitchen complete with new energy efficient appliances all for the same monthly payment - now, granted, we will OWE more, but our monthly costs are projected to stay the same and (hopefully) go down! I was just looking at our energy bill today and wondering how much of a difference energy efficient appliances will make.
I'm so humbled that God has led us along - we are so blessed. And when I think of how far our little house has come? WHOA. It was so sad when we bought it - and I can look around and remember how HE provided many of the materials that we've used to renovate, some from generous friends, other from jobs that Michael has been able to salvage materials from. HE has provided funds, HE has helped us to be patient in waiting for His timing. And in the past month, we've even been able to spruce up things and decorate! I am honestly moved to tears at His incredible gifts, and I couldn't wait to share with you.
I'll be uploading some way, way before pictures to Facebook soon along with the "after" pictures, but you can get an idea from this long-ago-posted slide show. I smile when I see what the "currently" in the slides looks like - four years ago! I will probably wait to do that FB album as we have a very busy week this week! Please pray for our youth group - having a special evangelistic emphasis week - pray that God would see fit to use us and the teens to reach out to others and to consider and reconsider what God's plan is for us.
BSF also starts this week - I'm so SO excited! And I have about 1/2 bushel of tomatoes and a dozen green bell peppers sitting on my dining room table waiting for me - and windows calling my name to be washed, and floors, and preparations for this week....WHEW! I've typed too long already!!
What are YOUR blessings this week?
Michael and I went to the bank last week to talk to the loan officer, and it looks like we will be paying 2.2% less on our mortgage, plus losing our PMI, plus getting a new kitchen complete with new energy efficient appliances all for the same monthly payment - now, granted, we will OWE more, but our monthly costs are projected to stay the same and (hopefully) go down! I was just looking at our energy bill today and wondering how much of a difference energy efficient appliances will make.
I'm so humbled that God has led us along - we are so blessed. And when I think of how far our little house has come? WHOA. It was so sad when we bought it - and I can look around and remember how HE provided many of the materials that we've used to renovate, some from generous friends, other from jobs that Michael has been able to salvage materials from. HE has provided funds, HE has helped us to be patient in waiting for His timing. And in the past month, we've even been able to spruce up things and decorate! I am honestly moved to tears at His incredible gifts, and I couldn't wait to share with you.
I'll be uploading some way, way before pictures to Facebook soon along with the "after" pictures, but you can get an idea from this long-ago-posted slide show. I smile when I see what the "currently" in the slides looks like - four years ago! I will probably wait to do that FB album as we have a very busy week this week! Please pray for our youth group - having a special evangelistic emphasis week - pray that God would see fit to use us and the teens to reach out to others and to consider and reconsider what God's plan is for us.
BSF also starts this week - I'm so SO excited! And I have about 1/2 bushel of tomatoes and a dozen green bell peppers sitting on my dining room table waiting for me - and windows calling my name to be washed, and floors, and preparations for this week....WHEW! I've typed too long already!!
What are YOUR blessings this week?
Wednesday, September 8
Hello Kitty must have grown up Baptist
Aaron woke early this morning, and as we sat on the sofa, snuggling, he was also playing with a Hello Kitty plush key chain that I'd picked up in college at some point and unearthed in the massive decluttering going on around here. The exchange went something like this:
A, as HK, to me: "Hey, wanna watch my dance?"
J: Sure!
(A proceeds to dance HK for a few seconds)
HK, frantic and panicked: "I can't dance! Nobody gave me any rhythm!"
Somehow, I can completely and totally identify.
Happy Wednesday, everybody!!
A, as HK, to me: "Hey, wanna watch my dance?"
J: Sure!
(A proceeds to dance HK for a few seconds)
HK, frantic and panicked: "I can't dance! Nobody gave me any rhythm!"
Somehow, I can completely and totally identify.
Happy Wednesday, everybody!!
Friday, September 3
Kiddo Art
Modern/abstract art can be tricky. On the one hand, it can look kinda (super) cool. On the other hand, sometimes you are thinking things along the lines of "Really?? Someone believed this guy was an artist???" More like I wish someone would pay me to produce art like that.So, about 6 months ago, during one of Evan's naps, I got out my watercolors - my good ones from back when I actually made time to paint - and sat down at the table with Aaron. For the first couple of paintings, I was a mean mom and restricted him to a few colors - I had a plan - and then I let him go to town on his own once I had a few paintings I really liked.
Yesterday, I framed them in frames I found at Walm*rt for $2.50 and did a little grouping on his wall. The funniest part is that he didn't even remember painting them, but he thought they were super cool.
What's that? You wanna see them up close?? I knew it.
You know, in theory I despise Walm*rt. In nice-sounding theories, I shop only at locally owned businesses, eat only locally grown produce, and would never dream of darkening the door of any mass merchant. I love the idea of community, of cooperation, of reduction of travel-related environmental and big box economical consequences. In practice? I go there. More often than I want to admit. And I eat bananas, and pineapple, and lots of other delicious fruit and vegetables, mid winter. Not grown in Michigan, last I checked.
Really it boils down to my priorities. And right now, my priority to provide my family with a cozy place to call home and delicious food is taking over my nice-sounding theories, and that is okay for me. Honestly, I can't tell you how thrilled I am that this group of awesome paintings from a very local artist cost a grand total of $7.50, framed. Oh, BTW, I know his bed is a wreck. He is very particular about the blanket/pillow placement and I don't care enough to fix it. Posterity photos, you know.
Hopefully next week, I'll be posting pictures of our bedroom makeover, and living room spruce-up, also crafted from mass merchant goods, and costing far less than I ever could have dreamed.
When Aaron is famous, I promise to frame his art in locally crafted frames. Maybe I can even talk my resident carpenter into making them. Even better.
Clean
So yesterday, our youngest had his poop escapade. Hopefully that is enough for him for LIFE. Somehow he ended up out of his crib, surrounded by blankets and poop and a very clean dry diaper. I'm not sure if he climbed out, disrobed, fell asleep, and woke up dirty, or if he woke up, climbed out, disrobed, and relieved himself. I kinda think it was the first situation, which only makes it slightly better.
Either way, we ended up calling a friend of ours from church who cleans carpets for a suggestion on how to neutralize the problem, and he ended up cleaning the carpet for us in both boys rooms. He is a total lifesaver. Well, sanity-smell-cleanliness-home appraisal saver. It was time for a cleaning regardless - off white carpet and 2 small boys do not a clean carpet make, and it has been in for at least 2 years. And the carpet was used when we put it in.
Thankfully for YOU, I didn't get before shots. But the after?? WOW. Isn't it nice???
Either way, we ended up calling a friend of ours from church who cleans carpets for a suggestion on how to neutralize the problem, and he ended up cleaning the carpet for us in both boys rooms. He is a total lifesaver. Well, sanity-smell-cleanliness-home appraisal saver. It was time for a cleaning regardless - off white carpet and 2 small boys do not a clean carpet make, and it has been in for at least 2 years. And the carpet was used when we put it in.
Thankfully for YOU, I didn't get before shots. But the after?? WOW. Isn't it nice???
Wednesday, August 25
everything's great
Everything's fabulous, and I'm going crazy! (Or at least this silly picture makes me look kinda deranged. That's so you laugh.)
This summer, it seems, I've taken time off from blogging. I am hoping that as fall begins, I will get back to it, but there are no guarantees, for sure.
We have been VERY busy this summer, and we haven't gone anywhere since April. I don't know why I always look forward to summer thinking it will be a nice, uneventful time. It's not uneventful. It is nice.
Most of the summer has been spent
*playing outside when the humidity is low(ish) and enjoying my boys.
*trying to get the house ready for the big re-fi
*decorating said house, same reason
*CSA pickups and raw dairy education
*generally losing my mind
*church activities
*missing friends
*mowing the grass and picking tomatoes from the garden
*laughing with friends
*sweating
*trying to keep 2 busy boys busy in a constructive way
*endeavoring to keep up with friends
*being thankful
*reading Crazy Love
*taking pictures
*taking more pictures
*eating fresh fruit & veggies
*adventuring with my preschoolers
*praying
*postponing Evan's birthday
*washing the dishes
*sleeping
*getting great chiropractic care for an even better price
*visiting splash parks
*thinking and rethinking my thoughts about faith, theology, traditions, Relationship
*being overwhelmed by God
*falling more in love with Michael
*skype - dad in China, the Oregonian Forbes'
*sweeping the floors
*losing sleep
*saying "yes" to my kids more
*taking deep breaths
*pondering further education
*crying
*being inspired to create (like this, and even a little bit here)
*trying to make naturally fermented pickles, and failing
*baking gluten free snacks
*paying bills, lots of bills
*eating cilantro-lime rice
*saying no
*being content
*being too content
*being frustrated
*trying to relax
(in that order)
*picking blueberries
*thinking about canning salsa
*doing the laundry
*"and et cetera"
Well, you get the picture...and this list, while exhausTING is by no means exhaustive. In the next few months we will be starting a few new things - BSF, hopefully - and homeschooling a little K-4 student, who I'm sure will teach himself to read, given the opportunity. The timer will indeed be our friend.
God is giving, has given, and will continue to give us grace. I'm learning, slowly but deeply, more of Him. I'm truly overwhelmed by His goodness! I hope every one of you who still check in on occasion despite my summer silence will ponder YOUR walk with God and ask yourself when last you were truly overwhelmed with God. I want you all to feel HIM, to taste and see that HE is good. Very, very good.
Wednesday, August 18
the enlightened one (or so he thinks)
So Aaron was talking to me today, and said, "Mom, when it turns winter and it is snowy again, maybe you will have a baby in your tummy and it will turn into a sister."
Kids. They say the funniest things.
(nope, not pregnant)
Tuesday, August 10
and the winnah is...
Thanks to random.org, the winner is...
KAREN!!
Congratulations, Karen, and thanks to everyone who wished me a happy day and shared such funny, funny stories. Here's Karen's, in case you missed it.
For my 13th birthday, my parents let me have a sleepover. In my excitement (I'd never had one before.), I had a totally blonde moment when the cake came out.
It was lovely--a 13x9 with cream frosting and decorated with a lovely semi-circle fan on it. Embarrassed for the baker, I sheepishly informed her that... "It's spelled wrong!"
It read, "FANally a teenager!"
Ah, adolescence. I had several of those moments, and sadly, the worst was in college. I am still too embarrassed to share THAT moment. Oh, boy.
I did have a fantastic birthday, with a fun chiropractor/dinner/shopping date with my honey and lots of love and hugs from my family. I am very, very blessed to celebrate another year.
Karen wins...
*A $5 gift card to....Baskin Robbins 31 Flavors!
*a 3-pack of Pampered Chef Paring Knives!
*a coupon for a 31% discount on any one Pampered Chef product! (coupon is only good with me), if she should choose to use it
*a SURPRISE!
As a sort-of consolation prize, I'd be very happy to send a recipe card to whomever requests one - just email me your address and I'll send you a surprise recipe from Pampered Chef. I will also be happy to offer 10% off your order and free shipping to anyone (in the US) who commented on the birthday post, and who orders before August 15th. It's no birthday surprise package, but if you were already thinking about ordering something, it might be a little bonus for you. (just email your order to me directly and let me know if you need a catalog or a link to shop online)
Thanks again for sharing the love on my birthday. (oh, and Alicia - here's the reprise - the corrected version, thanks to you - I've been singing it wrong for years!) Ah, ah, ah, ah, stayin' alive, stayin' alive!
KAREN!!
Congratulations, Karen, and thanks to everyone who wished me a happy day and shared such funny, funny stories. Here's Karen's, in case you missed it.
For my 13th birthday, my parents let me have a sleepover. In my excitement (I'd never had one before.), I had a totally blonde moment when the cake came out.
It was lovely--a 13x9 with cream frosting and decorated with a lovely semi-circle fan on it. Embarrassed for the baker, I sheepishly informed her that... "It's spelled wrong!"
It read, "FANally a teenager!"
Ah, adolescence. I had several of those moments, and sadly, the worst was in college. I am still too embarrassed to share THAT moment. Oh, boy.
I did have a fantastic birthday, with a fun chiropractor/dinner/shopping date with my honey and lots of love and hugs from my family. I am very, very blessed to celebrate another year.
Karen wins...
*A $5 gift card to....Baskin Robbins 31 Flavors!
*a 3-pack of Pampered Chef Paring Knives!
*a coupon for a 31% discount on any one Pampered Chef product! (coupon is only good with me), if she should choose to use it
*a SURPRISE!
As a sort-of consolation prize, I'd be very happy to send a recipe card to whomever requests one - just email me your address and I'll send you a surprise recipe from Pampered Chef. I will also be happy to offer 10% off your order and free shipping to anyone (in the US) who commented on the birthday post, and who orders before August 15th. It's no birthday surprise package, but if you were already thinking about ordering something, it might be a little bonus for you. (just email your order to me directly and let me know if you need a catalog or a link to shop online)
Thanks again for sharing the love on my birthday. (oh, and Alicia - here's the reprise - the corrected version, thanks to you - I've been singing it wrong for years!) Ah, ah, ah, ah, stayin' alive, stayin' alive!
Wednesday, August 4
it's still hard.
Today, no one in my family passed away.
No one was seriously injured.
No one had to have chemotherapy, kidney dialysis, or a transplant.
No one received a difficult diagnosis.
We are able to pay our bills this month; Michael has a job.
There is food in our refrigerator, pantry, deep freezer.
We have a beautiful home to live in.
I am in love with my husband, and he loves me.
I have two gorgeous, bright, curious children.
We are not oppressed, abused, or threatened for our faith.
We have freedom to live, to love, to worship.
There is much to be thankful for.
But it was still a hard day for me.
And it's okay for me to struggle with that. It's okay for my small trials to remind me of God's Big Grace. It's okay for me to fail and get back up, and it's okay to revel in God's love for me in spite of my failures. It's okay for me to admit that I am blessed and that I still struggle. I know I am not alone. I know I am human.
God is so good to me, so beyond words. Sometimes I taste His goodness in the form of blessings and selfishly want more sunshine, more happiness, more ease. Instead, I pray that no matter how my day goes, or what small or large trial comes my way, I would truly desire God's glory above my comfort. I've been singing this song today.
AS LONG AS YOU ARE GLORIFIED
Words and Music byMark Altrogge
Shall I take from Your hand Your blessings
Yet not welcome any pain
Shall I thank You for days of sunshine
Yet grumble in days of rain
Shall I love You in times of plenty
Then leave You in days of drought
Shall I trust when I reap a harvest
But when winter winds blow, then doubt
Oh let Your will be done in me
In Your love I will abide
Oh I long for nothing else as long
As You are glorified
Are You good only when I prosper
And true only when I’m filled
Are You King only when I’m carefree
And God only when I’m well
You are good when I’m poor and needy
You are true when I’m parched and dry
You still reign in the deepest valley
You’re still God in the darkest night
No one was seriously injured.
No one had to have chemotherapy, kidney dialysis, or a transplant.
No one received a difficult diagnosis.
We are able to pay our bills this month; Michael has a job.
There is food in our refrigerator, pantry, deep freezer.
We have a beautiful home to live in.
I am in love with my husband, and he loves me.
I have two gorgeous, bright, curious children.
We are not oppressed, abused, or threatened for our faith.
We have freedom to live, to love, to worship.
There is much to be thankful for.
But it was still a hard day for me.
And it's okay for me to struggle with that. It's okay for my small trials to remind me of God's Big Grace. It's okay for me to fail and get back up, and it's okay to revel in God's love for me in spite of my failures. It's okay for me to admit that I am blessed and that I still struggle. I know I am not alone. I know I am human.
God is so good to me, so beyond words. Sometimes I taste His goodness in the form of blessings and selfishly want more sunshine, more happiness, more ease. Instead, I pray that no matter how my day goes, or what small or large trial comes my way, I would truly desire God's glory above my comfort. I've been singing this song today.
AS LONG AS YOU ARE GLORIFIED
Words and Music byMark Altrogge
Shall I take from Your hand Your blessings
Yet not welcome any pain
Shall I thank You for days of sunshine
Yet grumble in days of rain
Shall I love You in times of plenty
Then leave You in days of drought
Shall I trust when I reap a harvest
But when winter winds blow, then doubt
Oh let Your will be done in me
In Your love I will abide
Oh I long for nothing else as long
As You are glorified
Are You good only when I prosper
And true only when I’m filled
Are You King only when I’m carefree
And God only when I’m well
You are good when I’m poor and needy
You are true when I’m parched and dry
You still reign in the deepest valley
You’re still God in the darkest night
Monday, August 2
Happy Birthday to meeeee! (a giveaway)
It's my birthday, something I like to celebrate because I am so thankful to be alive. I'm not sure when or why people started to get embarrassed about their age -it doesn't make any sense to me! With age comes so many benefits (and the sad reality of having much less energy you can fully appreciate when you have it, let's say at the age of, oh, FOUR or so) and there are so many blessings that come with each year, I say...there's always room for another party!!This year's virutal cake is definitely going to be gluten free, and I daresay if you haven't tried a gluten free cake recently, it's about time you did. So pull up a seat and slice some flourless cake from this delicious chocolate creation. It is totally fat and calorie free, so make it a big slice. It is not, however, dairy free. Good thing it's virtual. (Click the photo if you want the actual recipe)
I *love* doing giveaways on birthdays. In fact, I love giving things away in general, so my birthday just provides an excellent excuse. Here is what I'm giving away this year (drumroll, please) because I'm so happy to be 31.
*A $5 gift card to....Baskin Robbins 31 Flavors (we can make other arrangements if you live somewhere that 31 Flavors does not, or if you are dairy intolerant)!
*a 3-pack of Pampered Chef Paring Knives (one for every decade)
*a coupon for a 31% discount on any one Pampered Chef product (coupon is only good with me), if you should choose to use it
*a SURPRISE! (because I love surprises)
This giveaway is open to anyone with a US address! To enter the giveaway, just leave a birthday memory or just a "Happy Birthday" but who doesn't love those funny/awkward preteen birthday stories! (you can leave a comment even if you don't want to win the giveaway, just mention that!) The giveaway will be open until NEXT Monday, August 9th. I'll draw a winner and let you know on Tuesday who wins!
Now let's get this party started!!! (anyone know where that disco ball went??) Oooh, oooh, ooh, ooh. . .stayin' alive, stayin' alive!
Friday, July 30
Wow.
SO, we have been getting some pretty great news lately, which is always nice!
Yesterday, Michael (who has had a looooong history with back pain) had an appointment with my nutritionist who is also a chiropractor. We have been looking for a chiropractor who does soft tissue work as a part of the adjustment. Not only did she do a great job with the adjustment, we found out that she has a Family Wellness Plan for those people whose insurance will not cover chiropractic care. What does this mean?
Well, our entire family can go to see her as often as we need to for a flat rate. The price is $140 for every 30 days. One visit for adjustments costs $40. Michael's new patient appt and adjustment would have been $100. This is a no brainer. And a special blessing from God. We are praying that, with continual care, we can see some real improvement for Michael - and the rest of us! (and what a deal for the next time I am pregnant and need the chiropractor every week! This is NOT an announcement. I just am thinking about our expense with chiropractic care during my last pregnancy)
Our next appointment is Monday - my birthday! So we will be heading to Bay City for adjustments and then going out to eat. How fun! I think we are definitely getting older when I'm thrilled to bits about getting an adjustment on my birthday! Ha!! Hey, I love my life, so why shouldn't I let everyone know?! If you think I'm a fuddy duddy then you just can think that. I'm having a great time!
Speaking of birthdays, you will definitely want to come back on Monday. I've been thinking of ways to celebrate my THIRTY FIRST birthday, and you will definitely have a chance to win something fabulous.
Because, as you may not know, being 31 is definitely going to be fabulous. (It's a prime number, after all.)
Yesterday, Michael (who has had a looooong history with back pain) had an appointment with my nutritionist who is also a chiropractor. We have been looking for a chiropractor who does soft tissue work as a part of the adjustment. Not only did she do a great job with the adjustment, we found out that she has a Family Wellness Plan for those people whose insurance will not cover chiropractic care. What does this mean?
Well, our entire family can go to see her as often as we need to for a flat rate. The price is $140 for every 30 days. One visit for adjustments costs $40. Michael's new patient appt and adjustment would have been $100. This is a no brainer. And a special blessing from God. We are praying that, with continual care, we can see some real improvement for Michael - and the rest of us! (and what a deal for the next time I am pregnant and need the chiropractor every week! This is NOT an announcement. I just am thinking about our expense with chiropractic care during my last pregnancy)
Our next appointment is Monday - my birthday! So we will be heading to Bay City for adjustments and then going out to eat. How fun! I think we are definitely getting older when I'm thrilled to bits about getting an adjustment on my birthday! Ha!! Hey, I love my life, so why shouldn't I let everyone know?! If you think I'm a fuddy duddy then you just can think that. I'm having a great time!
Speaking of birthdays, you will definitely want to come back on Monday. I've been thinking of ways to celebrate my THIRTY FIRST birthday, and you will definitely have a chance to win something fabulous.
Because, as you may not know, being 31 is definitely going to be fabulous. (It's a prime number, after all.)
Nothing but Trouble.
Here are a few reasons that we've been AWOL on the blog this summer. We've been having fun with our two littlest troublemakers. It's so much fun!!
Monday, July 19
Blessings!
We haven't had a Works of God Monday around here in quite some time. I'd say I'm taking the summer off, but really, I've been lazy and busy...not usually on the same day, although that does happen.
So, here are some blessings! Feel free to link up your blessings this week as well, or mention them in the comment section.
1. Our far-away friends are in our time zone, and better yet, in our TOWN! We've already had some great times catching up and laughing together
2. Garage sale finds. This summer has been packed with great deals on books - especially those consumable books like paint-with-water that are super hard to find in the stores. I also love paying 25 cents rather than full price!
3. Birthdays in the works. It's 12 days until my oldest turns 4 (GASP) and my mom found the perfect cake accessories. Aaron has requested an ORANGE cake, so that should be fun. :-) My birthday is the 2nd, Evan turns 2 a short 13 days later, so it's going to be a month of birthdays.
4. My mom. She's been overworked and underpaid as grandma and mom extraordinaire this summer. I'm positive that she's saved me from a total nervous breakdown several times.
5. God's provision. All the time, He is good to us. He knows what we need, and when I fail to trust Him, He reminds me anyway of how faithful He is. Praise God!
6. Continued successes with my physical health! Hurray!
And finally, summer time brings fun prize winning opportunities (shameless plug alert) Please Vote for Evan (You have to "Like" Wojo Photography first). I can win a free photo session!
So, here are some blessings! Feel free to link up your blessings this week as well, or mention them in the comment section.
1. Our far-away friends are in our time zone, and better yet, in our TOWN! We've already had some great times catching up and laughing together
2. Garage sale finds. This summer has been packed with great deals on books - especially those consumable books like paint-with-water that are super hard to find in the stores. I also love paying 25 cents rather than full price!
3. Birthdays in the works. It's 12 days until my oldest turns 4 (GASP) and my mom found the perfect cake accessories. Aaron has requested an ORANGE cake, so that should be fun. :-) My birthday is the 2nd, Evan turns 2 a short 13 days later, so it's going to be a month of birthdays.
4. My mom. She's been overworked and underpaid as grandma and mom extraordinaire this summer. I'm positive that she's saved me from a total nervous breakdown several times.
5. God's provision. All the time, He is good to us. He knows what we need, and when I fail to trust Him, He reminds me anyway of how faithful He is. Praise God!
6. Continued successes with my physical health! Hurray!
And finally, summer time brings fun prize winning opportunities (shameless plug alert) Please Vote for Evan (You have to "Like" Wojo Photography first). I can win a free photo session!
Saturday, July 17
if I'd learned math this way...
So it's no secret that I barely squeaked by in Algebra II. I did not understand Geometry, either. My math teacher was frustrated, and so was I. I'm sure he was more frustrated.
But I do use math. It's when I first realized that there really are practical uses for it that really mattered to me that I started connecting the dots - that I could use this info. (duh)
So for all you creative math teachers out there who help your students understand that math is indeed practical and is not, in fact, just another class which gives them excruciating headaches, this one's for you.
I have a recipe for iced coffee that calls for 1/3 cup of coffee grinds and 1 1/2 cups water. I happened to have 1/2 cup of grinds. How much water would I need? I figured it out! 2 1/4 cups.
Story problems about trains going different miles per hour don't cut it, nor do people with fictional names. Give me a recipe for ICED COFFEE and results I can drink on a hot summer day, and I'll gladly do the math.
Happy Saturday!
But I do use math. It's when I first realized that there really are practical uses for it that really mattered to me that I started connecting the dots - that I could use this info. (duh)
So for all you creative math teachers out there who help your students understand that math is indeed practical and is not, in fact, just another class which gives them excruciating headaches, this one's for you.
I have a recipe for iced coffee that calls for 1/3 cup of coffee grinds and 1 1/2 cups water. I happened to have 1/2 cup of grinds. How much water would I need? I figured it out! 2 1/4 cups.
Story problems about trains going different miles per hour don't cut it, nor do people with fictional names. Give me a recipe for ICED COFFEE and results I can drink on a hot summer day, and I'll gladly do the math.
Happy Saturday!
Thursday, July 15
for what?
I am pretty upset right now. Some might say I have good reason to be, but I am slowly calming down.Health insurance. I hate it, and I love it. Generally speaking, we are pretty healthy, but who wants to be surprised with an illness or injury that takes us out financially for years to come? Not me. So we had a generic plan, with dental coverage as well for my genetically horrid teeth. The rates kept rising, so we decided to make a switch. Eventually we are hoping to switch to an HSA policy, but until we can get our savings built up, we found a traditional coverage plan that will do.
Today I got a letter explaining to me that my rate was going to be 30% higher than quoted. I called. Reason? C-section.
Why am I upset?
1. the policy doesn't cover maternity care.
2. the c-section was unnecessary, definitely, without a doubt, unnecessary.
3. there are no means to appeal except to find medical documentation that it didn't happen.
4. there are no breaks for my VBAC status.
5. THE POLICY DOESN'T COVER MATERNITY CARE!
6. I feel like the c-section keeps costing me. It cost me initially in ways financial and other, but here we are 4 years later and it is STILL costing.
Now, before you express concern over my current state of frustration, I DO know that God is sovereign and He knows about this. He will provide (and has!) for all our needs. He keeps His promises, all the time. I'm disappointed that the money we thought we'd be saving by switching policies just went away because of a doctor's decision based on who knows what. So all the hassle ended up being for nothing.
I do feel that there is injustice here. I think that is why I'm upset. I can see why people sue doctors - not that I am going to, I can just see why. Poor decisions by doctors end up costing in so many unexpected ways.
So here's another reason to avoid a c-section if it is at ALL possible, especially if you will ever have to pay your own health insurance. It will cost more every month.
Incidentally, about the lawsuits. Does anyone else think the reason health care costs are through the roof ridiculous is due in part to those lawyers whose commercials urge you to sue for health care mistakes? And then the insurance required to keep doctors "covered" if a lawsuit is ever filed against them? Oh, for simpler days...no really, more like - oh, for heaven and home!
Tuesday, July 13
Kinda Like Qdoba Shredded Pork
Pork loin unexpectedly went on sale, so with our cilantro-lime rice and pinto beans, we had this delicious addition.
1/2 boneless pork loin roast
1 small onion or a few green onions
1/2 jar of mild banana pepper rings
1 8-oz can mild green chilies
1/3 4-oz can (or more if you like spicy, less if you're really bland) jalepeno peppers
1 T salt
1/2 tsp garlic powder
Rub 1/2 pork loin with salt and garlic powder. Slice onion very thin, place in bottom of crock pot. Put rubbed meat on top, add the peppers. Cook on high for 2 hours, then reduce to low and cook for a minimum of 6 total hours. The longer, the better. Shred, and devour. Makes tons but it doesn't last long.
YUMMY!
1/2 boneless pork loin roast
1 small onion or a few green onions
1/2 jar of mild banana pepper rings
1 8-oz can mild green chilies
1/3 4-oz can (or more if you like spicy, less if you're really bland) jalepeno peppers
1 T salt
1/2 tsp garlic powder
Rub 1/2 pork loin with salt and garlic powder. Slice onion very thin, place in bottom of crock pot. Put rubbed meat on top, add the peppers. Cook on high for 2 hours, then reduce to low and cook for a minimum of 6 total hours. The longer, the better. Shred, and devour. Makes tons but it doesn't last long.
YUMMY!
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