Kickin' Corn Chowder

I came up with this recipe last night after church with items we already had in our pantry. It would have been good with chicken but I did not have any in the fridge and it would have taken too long to cook some due to the time of night I started to cook dinner!

4T butter
3-4T flour
1/2 cup chopped onion
2 cans cream style corn
1 can carrots
1/2 bag frozen hash brown potato cubes
4-5 cups milk
salt & pepper to taste
cayenne pepper (a hefty sprinkle)
leftover chicken, optional

Melt the butter in a dutch oven, cook onions until just softened. Add flour to make a rue and gradually wisk in milk. Add all the rest of the ingredients except the seasonings, heat until slightly thickened. Season to taste, be careful with the cayenne! Serve with biscuits and salad and enjoy! This makes a pretty good size pot of soup, probably enough to serve 4-5. I don't know - we had lots left over! It's perfect for the freezing cold temps and the squeaky snow that reminds us of Northland (with fondness, and thankfulness that our winters are usually much warmer here)



Thanks, Aunt Mary and Karlene for this great blanket! We use it all the time to play on the floor. As you can see, Evan is QUITE enamored by his older brother. The feeling is (thankfully) mutual. This is getting more fun every day.

listening

So this morning, Aaron tried to grab this long broken mop handle thingy to play with and had a meltdown when I would not let him. After he yelled at me in his sassy toddler way, and got in trouble, we sat on the rocking chair in his room and I asked him what was going on. He told me through tears that he wanted to "hold the violin" and I realized he wanted to pretend that the handle was a violin.



"Would you like me to make a violin out of cardboard?" I asked. You would have thought I offered him the moon, and that this hastily drawn and sloppily cut violin was the real thing. He "played" it all morning and it was the first thing he asked for after his nap. Ah, simple pleasures. He's been enthralled with the violin since the day he first saw it being played in person. (I think that would have been the Pettit team)

Works of God Monday

God is at work - all the time! He has given us many opportunities this week to serve, and has held us up when we are weak. But this week, I'm taking a break from reporting God's work in our family to let you read about His working elsewhere. God has allowed us to watch some friends begin trial after trial with bravery, peace, and quiet acceptance of God's Will. This family's testimony is a shining light in our church and our community. Read the linked article and see how God has been at work, and how this family is continuing to trust His will.

Then, post about how He has been at work in your family!

In the Mister Linky widget below, simply type your name in the top box, or a short description of the work that God has done, and then in the second box, paste the link from your specific "Works of God Monday" post. Feel free to use the image from the top of this post if you like.

another hot topic

I was doing a little reading online today, and, frustrated by the extremists on both sides of the child-having debate, decided to focus on one aspect that not too many Christian women know, or even care to know. I am hesitant to share my findings from my research on hormonal birth control pills, but God has really been laying this issue on my heart lately and I feel that I have to share it.

Like I've posted before, this is a sensitive issue, and one that must be approached with humility and grace. I beg you, please do some research on what options are available if God leads you to delay or prevent the growth of your family.

Please do your OWN reading and research. When I was first married, my PA gave me some information that was misleading on this topic. I personally was so concerned about convenience that I really just jumped on the bandwagon without taking the time to research things out for myself. I knew which questions I needed to ask, and when she gave me the answers I wanted to hear, I was satisfied with that alone.

I believe that the next few months of sickness, trying various pills, patches, and potions was the wakeup call I needed to go do some research. Again, God used my desire for convenience (my desire to not be sick) to prompt me to research what this stuff was doing, how it was working, why it was making me sick, and what I could do about it. Turns out that for me, there were a lot of reasons that hormonal contraception was a bad idea. Including my view of when life begins.

Here are some links for you to get started.

How Birth Control Pills Work
A very short condensed version of a book in reference to how BC pills work
Is there a link between the Pill and Breast Cancer?

You are welcome to leave comments, but please remember that my only goal is to have you do this research for yourself, and prayerfully consider what God would have you to do. I do not intend to begin a debate. I ask again on this one post that if you would like to comment, please make sure you season your words with grace, and consider keeping your comment anonymous for this one post.

clearance makes me happy, good service is even better

I found Crat* & Barr*l's winter clearance sale via a postcard in the mail. I was able to score a square baker and a set of Parker nested mixing bowls (in last season's fall tones, but I like them better anyway) and both items shipped to my door for under $30. Now that makes me happy. Especially since I'd considered buying a set of 3 bowls at Men*rds' Black Friday sale for the same price as these FIVE great bowls! I'd been hoping for a deal on a square dish for casseroles (a 9x13 is too big for our little family!) and got this one for $6ish.

What else makes me happy is the grrrrrrreat customer service. A thank you email, a card in the box thanking me for my purchase and urging me to call with questions or problems. Reciepts, notification of shipping - I didn't have time to wonder what was going on.

And that is the way it should be! Valuing customers is key to repeat business. Which companies are your favorites for deals and/or service?

A little reminder

Don't forget to send me your tuna recipes! I'm working on a prize and I'm certainly ready to ditch forever the childhood memories of tuna noodle casserole (sorry, dad, I know it's still one of your favorites) I've gotten several recipe ideas already that I'm looking forward to trying.

Remember: no "cream of" soup and it must contain at least a whole can of tuna. You have until the end of this month to submit, and my goal is to announce the winner on or around Valentines' Day. If any of you have recipes that minimize the tuna taste, make sure you send those, too. Michael is not a huge fan of the frugal(ish) fish.

I'd settle for a drip brewed water.

It's not like I'll ever get a chance to tell anyone who could fix the problem, but I've got a pet peeve about television. OK, more than one, but this particular one is a non-moral issue. This is not to say that it is not an important issue, because it has seriously distracted me from many a semi-decent plot. I've missed vital information, anyway.

It's the empty coffee cups. The "to go" variety of coffee cups.

I understand why they wouldn't want actual coffee in the cups, but would a few inches of water hurt anyone? It's a little thing, but really. Why would you pay attention to the intricate details of the accuracy of other parts of the show and skimp on the simple things, like coffee cups?

Let me just say this - when someone walks in with a cup carrier full of coffee cups and hands one to someone, it's not supposed to be able to to tilt at that angle without spilling coffee. A lot of coffee. And when someone hands you a cup of coffee, it weighs more than air. Puh-leeze. Drinking air from a cup? Not cool. At least not as cool as a water latte. That way, you can fake us out for real.

Please, tell me I'm not the only one who has noticed this.

nothing a little heart-shaped cheese can't fix

Just because I have boys, doesn't mean I can't still have fun with lunch. Aaron has been having a series of funky mornings. And when I say funky, I mean he's IN a funk, mostly due to the fact that he gets up waaaay too early and is tired and whiney until after his post-lunch nap. Today, I put him in his high chair for lunch and he starts crying, whining "NO HUNGRY, NO HUNGRY!"

I told him whining is unacceptable, and that when mommy says it is lunch time, it is lunch time. And then I presented him with a plate of crackers topped with bologna & cheese cut with some fun little Pampered Chef cookie cutters, (thank you, wedding gift-er!) and voila! Suddenly, the child is very hungry. I even got a tiny smile.

Yes, I know, bologna is disgusting and gross. It is not healthy, not even close. But sometimes, a mom's gotta do what a mom's gotta do. It was buy one, get two free awhile back, and I'm using up my freezer at the moment. The applesauce is Mott's Healthy Harvest, no sugar added, and I used whole wheat crackers, so that should count for something.

How do you make lunch fun at your house?

Works of God Monday

Today is the first day back to school for a lot of kids, so I am sure SOME moms will get a lot done today and have time to blog about all that God is doing. I am not one of those moms. Michael went back to work today, and I am trying to re-adjust to our old/new normal. I've got to get back to the routine of things, or else. I'm sure you understand.

This has been a great break, wonderful family time of resting and relaxing as well as being able to get some pretty significant things done on our house. God is good, all the time. I'm hoping for some of you to share what God is doing in YOUR life and family too - remember, you can post a work of God any day of the week and link here - this is not for Mondays only! And if you don't have a blog, leave a testimony in the comments, please!!

In the Mister Linky widget below, simply type your name in the top box, or a short description of the work that God has done, and then in the second box, paste the link from your specific "Works of God Monday" post. Feel free to use the image from the top of this post if you like.

what ridiculousness!

This is madness. The article is published in the LA Times, but it is not just for California. I wrote my congressman, and you can too.

nostalgia

I was looking at 2007 January's posts, and found this *sigh* Aaron was Evan's age, almost exactly. And about 2 full pounds lighter. Evan's a lightweight according to the charts, I'd forgotten that Aaron was off them for awhile. Check out the little Aaron picture. I think my boys are definitely looking like brothers!

on a (constructive) rampage

Michael has not been to work since December 23. Don't be sad, this was a planned vacation! Hallelujah, praise the Lord for paid vacation! Well, a week of it, anyway. The first week was spent celebrating Christmas here and in Ohio, and having a day or two where we tried catching up on any relaxation we'd missed.

Then, this week has been a busy one here in our house. I'm so thankful for a handy and hardworking husband! Here are the highlights - so if you are not into reading about home improvements, well, you are out of luck today!

When we first moved into our house, the floors were nasty. Stained old smelly matted down with dirt and goodness knows what else carpet on top of (drumroll please) asbestos tile. A joy to us all. So in the first months of gutting this place, we scraped up everything and took it out to the road. Leaving us with glue-stained concrete as our flooring choice. Before Aaron was born, mom and dad helped us paint the floors a nice neutral color. It wasn't my favorite choice, but it did the job of making our house look cleaner. I say cleanER because the texture of the concrete and glue under all that paint really made actual clean nigh unto impossible.

About the time Aaron was starting to crawl, God provided a sale and the money and we put laminate flooring down in the main living areas - and the bathroom. It said right on the box not to do that, but we gave it a go anyway. Little did we know that there were issues with the wax ring seal and then we had leaking going on, leading to a full ripout of the laminate flooring in the bathroom. Squishy floors = not good.

All that to say, we (ok, Michael & dad) have laid the final flooring (hopefully) in our bathroom this week, and there is actual trim around the door. And there are baseboards, too. Trim is one of those things that you don't really think is important or that you will miss it, but once it is up it's like the difference between antenna TV and cable. The edges go from fuzzy to sharp and the house is transformed.



I had gotten a green shower curtain on uberclearance at Target a couple months ago, then at the Menard's Black Friday sales we scored a curved shower curtain rod for $20. Worth every penny for that extra room in the shower, might I add. So we are enjoying a new looking bathroom!



The living room and the kitchen are divided by a wall and our weird fireplace, so when we deconstructed the kitchen, we put a window in the wall between the two rooms so that we could be in the kitchen and not feel separated from those in the living area. We've loved having it there, but it has been untrimmed and looking like the rough opening that it is.

Michael trimmed that this week, too. It looks so much nicer. I can't wait to re-arrange our living room back to its original state (we have a different format for Christmas) and see how it all looks.

Still hoping to get done this weekend, a couple doors for closets which have been hidden by curtains (which work just fine) Michael is at Home Depot even as I type. (Looky, looky! Those are the doors!!)

Just for those of you wondering why I can't just live with the house I have and be happy - I CAN! We are pressing on because our goal is resale - we hope to have the house refinanced later this year in order to increase our equity on paper, pay off some things, and become free from PMI, and then we home to sell this house (hopefully at a profit!) sometime in the next 3-4 years. It's not the "conventional" way, but we are confident that God has directed us this far and will continue to direct.

wanted

Ok, break out the recipes, friends. 2009 is the year to wow me with your best tuna recipe. Two rules: it cannot contain "cream of" soup and it has to use at least a full can of tuna fish. Please. I'm begging you. I have at least 10 cans of tuna in the pantry. And they aren't going anywhere. Unless I make your killer recipe.

So submit your recipes! I will try them out and my family will be the judges! You have the whole month of January.

The winner will get a very special prize. Of course, it is yet to be determined, but still. I'm sure it will be Awesome. Just like your tuna recipe...

we are so cool

We had fun today. Family bowling with the church, then home to put Aaron to bed at 7. Whewie, we are party animals.

Mom & dad came over after watching the film at church and we Skip-Boed into 2009. California, you are like, so 2008. Oh, and you definitely want to check out my mom's face in that first photo. She is priceless after 11pm (well, always, but especially fun the later it gets!)

Oh, did I mention I had to go to the dentist? Nothing like squeezing out the last possible day on that deductible. I had to get 2 old fillings replaced. I'm happy - they are white now! Yay!

Happy New Year to you all!

loving on

Five years ago, (plus a few weeks) Michael and I got married. I had heard stories of the stressful first year of marriage, I'd taken Christian Family with Dr. Kimbrough, and I was prepared for this marriage thing to be a lot of work. (Anybody else remember his "call me" line?) I was also prepared to keep loving my husband, to keep falling in love with him. We waited, with a little trepidation, for the "hard" part of that first year to kick in. And, thankfully, we are still waiting.

I'm not saying that each day brings big romantic dates and flowers, but I've never been much for all of that, anyway. And, Michael is still my very favorite. If I could, I would spend all day with him, every day. I simply do not understand people who take separate vacations from their spouses or become irritated with "too much" time together. We are still scouring the planet for a job we could do together. Often, we are frustrated because we don't get enough time with one another.

Maybe we are weird, maybe we don't have enough years under our belts, but this marriage thing is a whole lot of fun. We really like each other.

I imagine that the same people who rolled their eyes at us as newlyweds on our first (and only) couples retreat and said "just wait five years" are still rolling their eyes at us and saying "wait five more" but I will take my chances. And I will praise our God for pouring His grace on us, for bringing us together, and for helping us love on.

Here's to fifty more (at least) years, Michael. I am so thankful for you, for your leadership, patience, loyalty, and love.

Works of God Monday

I did it again! I forgot about Works of God Monday! Having Michael home throws off our schedule (in a very, very good way!) Michael does not have to go back to work until the 5th, so he is working on completing several projects around the house and just playing with the boys. I am praising the Lord that we had a wonderful Christmas, that God granted us safety as we traveled, and that He continues to provide for every single need.

This past month, we were able to save about $70 (that would be per month) by switching insurance providers on our house and cars. This is better coverage, and with an agent we know personally, so even better. We switched to the carrier that holds our life insurance policies and got the multiple policy discount. Hallelujah!

So how is God showing Himself at work in and around you? Please share!!

In the Mister Linky widget below, simply type your name in the top box, or a short description of the work that God has done, and then in the second box, paste the link from your specific "Works of God Monday" post. Feel free to use the image from the top of this post if you like.

what a Christmas!

This year was our family's best so far! (you may think I should pick the year we were on our honeymoon, but we both had the stomach flu, so that doesn't really top the charts) I'm sure all of you who have kiddos in this 2 year old range (or have had, in previous years) are nodding right along with me.

Aaron LOVED every aspect of Christmas - he was loving opening his presents and was equally thrilled with all gifts, small and great. We got off "cheaply" this year. Two summers ago Michael found a Home Depot tool bench, complete with a kiddie power drill, for $5 at a sale. We've been saving it for the Christmas or birthday when he seemed ready. This was the year! I'm mystified, however, at how boys turn every.thing. into a weapon. "Don't point the drill at people" has been a reminder that echoes in our halls.

Our favorite gift for Aaron was a collaboration of mine and Michael's talents - a superhero cape. One side has the Superman logo on it, and the other side a logo that Michael designed - for SuperAaron. We hope to be able to do a logo for each of the kids - and were pretty happy with how Aaron's turned out. The only other homemade by sewing gift was a pillowcase for Aaron made of Curious George flannel - a WalMart remnant. (you can catch a glimpse in the photo of Aaron asleep above)

I made a game of Memory for Aaron - simple clip art printed on card stock and cut into card shapes. He's doing great with that, and boy am I glad that he is just as happy with that as he would be a game I actually spent money on.

Evan is 4 months, so he got one present from us - a fleecy taggie ball I picked up from a local crafter. As much as he can, he enjoys it.

Christmas afternoon, we headed to mom & dad's, where we were showered with more gifts than any one family needs!

The day after Christmas, we packed up and headed to Ohio to visit some family there. It's northern Ohio - only a 3 hour trip, thankfully! We ended up staying in a hotel this year - kind of a belated and drawn out anniversary celebration. The photo of Aaron talking to George had us laughing - he was telling George about the fun he had with Michael in the swimming pool. What a little comic he is becoming. We were also spoiled by the aunts, uncles, and cousins with even more gifts! I think the boys' toy supply has tripled in the past week.

This week, I'm sending the Christmas cards. Hopefully. And the Christmas box to Colorado. We are such slackers.

Works of God!!

Well, it's not Monday, but let's call this the Christmas Edition! We have been blessed that Michael gets to stay home for an entire week of paid vacation - what a blessing to have him here with us, especially with me feeling so sick. God is good, all the time, and He is doing more that I simply don't have time to share right now.

What is God doing in your life and for your family? Link your post here! And have a very Merry Christmas - I might not be blogging again until next year - we will see!

In the Mister Linky widget below, simply type your name in the top box, or a short description of the work that God has done, and then in the second box, paste the link from your specific "Works of God Monday" post. Feel free to use the image from the top of this post if you like.

Snow and the Sniffles

Does your church make you sick? I'm convinced that is where we pick up our continual illnesses in the winter time - since we rarely go anywhere else! Ah, well, I guess maybe our immune systems will rally and be the stronger for it.

SO MUCH snow. Unless it turns into California here, we will be having a white Christmas. Michael was thrilled to get the snow blower running in tip top shape Sunday afternoon. Here he is pictured, snow blowing the patio in front of the grill. I think he is hoping for cheeseburgers today. Not sure, but you can probably tell that the snowfall has been over a foot in the last week or so. We got another 3 inches last night.

Monday, a doctor visit for Evan! He had a curious little red bump in his eye. And I take eye issues seriously. I hoped it was just a normal irritation, and it was. The PA noticed that his ear was inflamed and was going to prescribe an antibiotic, but thankfully our doctor was there and I asked him - he said I could come back Tuesday and they could re-check it. And so we did. It was looking normal, and was I ever glad! 4 months is a little young for antibiotics.

Did you know that most kids' ear infections go away on their own in 24-48 hours? It's true. I praise the Lord for my doc, who encourages us to be cautious with our childrens' health. Now if only I could get him to see things my way on some other important issues. *grin*

Not sure why, but I can't get this photo to rotate. It is just too cute to leave out. Aren't they adorable???

I think I may have/had the real, for goodness, flu. I've been out of it in a respiratory sense for several days. Oh well - live first, blog later, right?

Hence, today will bring a works of God post. Please forgive me. I didn't mean to take a vacation from praising the Lord. Get those posts ready, people!!

to the love of my life.

Dear Michael,
Happy Anniversary! I think you are swell. And no, that is not a fat joke. I can't believe we have been married for FIVE YEARS. You make my life so much more fun and so much better than I ever could have imagined. You are an amazing husband and daddy - praise God for His grace and the wisdom that He has given you!

I look forward to MANY more years. And, for the record, your real card is waaaay mushier.

I love you.
Jenny

in which I braved the roads and lived to tell

This morning dawned with a fresh 6 inches on the ground, and a blanket of white in the air. I was slated to deliver a couple of meals to new moms from church, so I quickly changed my plan to delivering them ASAP, since the snow was not showing any signs of slowdown.

I haven't driven on roads like this since Northland - our Dodge Caravan was in 3rd gear the whole time and did a fantastic job. The main roads here are good, it's just getting TO the main roads that proves interesting!

I think there is a LOT of snow - more for Midland than I remember in a very long time, anyway. I got to be in snow up & over my boots today. What an adventure. I love it.

Here are some of our photos. Our attempts at photos. The boys are both getting colds, Aaron was hungry and just wanted to suck his thumb, and basically, we don't have enough megapixels for clear photos. However, we managed to get a few decent ones. The final has yet to be decided. Yes, we are behind. Very much.

Thanks, mom & dad, for doing the honors.

aaron's program debut

For Aaron's grandparents, and great grandparents. And other people who like to watch the "I'm supposed to be singing" two year old bounce up and down to the music. This, folks, is entertainment at it's finest.

catching up

Can you tell I've not posted in awhile? These are for your viewing pleasure. Hope they make you laugh as only these two can!!

with relief, I am sighing

AHHH. I have my computer back. AHHH.

1. The mouse is dead. It had the good graces to leave evidence of it's existence in the bait tray, of all places. So I knew it lived, and lived on. Then, it had the good sense to die in the middle of my laundry room floor. So I could find it. Thank you, mouse. For the record: I do not like D-con. But I like mice in my pantry even less. The D-con is still there, in case mousie had friends.

2. The virus has been vanquished. And, should you ever find yourself in a similar situation and you live in the area, I have a referral for you. Thank you, a million thank yous, to the technological mastermind who saved the life of our computer. And my sanity. For, if I cannot write, or use allrecipes, or check the weather, well, I might as well kiss my last remaining (and fragile) brain cells goodbye.

On the bright side, my cookbooks got a fair chance this past week. :-)

Save up for Works of God Monday this next week! I thought about posting a catch-up today, but decided against it. Good to know that someone missed it. It's one of the highlights of my week, too.

Tonight we attempted family photos. I'll post some of those gems later. Thanks for all the prayers. and the love.

this might be it.

For the computer, that is. The virus I thought I'd gotten rid of does not seem to have been gotten rid of. It's gotten worse. I can't download any virus killing software. This is a tricky one.

I might have to call in the reinforcements. Yikes. Reinforcements are expensive.

So, pray for us. My level of tolerance is on a "low threshold" setting. Mice and computer viruses all in one week? That vacation sounds even better now. And if you don't hear much from our house, well, we are most likely still here and still doing fine.

I'm so glad that in the face of frustrating days and little problems that all add together to make big issues, I can rest in my God. He knows about my little frustrations, He never makes mistakes, and He is using all things to work toward His glory and my growth.

So, in case I don't write for awhile, Merry Christmas and have a great season of celebration!

Holiday Shopping and Happy Skin

Some years, all my Christmas shopping has been done on Black Friday. This year, not so much. I don't think I bought more than 2 gifts that day. And taking the kiddos out - both of them - for a long enough stretch to visit more than one store is a laughable matter.

Today, I remembered Etsy. And within 10 minutes, found 2 gifts. And as a bonus, used my PayPal balance to buy them. In essence, I turned my junk (Ebay-sold) into Christmas gifts. And buying them on Etsy makes me feel so happy, since the gifts are hand crafted.

I still have quite the list to finish, but I can cross two more off my list. Just wanted to mention this, in case anyone else is in the same boat. Hurray for Etsy!

And now for the really fabulous news. I am THRILLED with Gold Bond Medicated Lotion, Aloe. No lie. It has cured Evan's eczema. In 2 days. For once, the commercials are entirely correct. This stuff really works.

And you know me, when I find something I like...I try it on everything. Poor Michael - his feet are downright satiny. My cuticles rejoice, my dry skin sings (well, at least it breathes a sigh of relief), and I am one happy camper.

we shall be overrun

Yesterday, as I was blissfully doing laundry, I caught a glimpse of a mouse-shaped blur down by the lower pantry shelves. Upon further inspection of the surrounding floor, I was horrified by the obvious remaining evidence that a mouse had been there, indeed he had.

Out comes the D-Con, although I much prefer those little round traps that provide a quicker, less cruel death to the rodents who dare to invade my home. And eat our food. That my husband worked hard to pay for, and I to get for a good price.

Then the mouse actually emerged - only to spot me and quickly return to his hiding spot. Yes, I will be cleaning out the laundry room, pantry, and mudroom. It's the most neglected area of the home. I will be doing that now. There are piles and stacks and I must needs hasten.

Or, my friends, we shall be overrun.

Works of God Monday

This week I feel that I need to catch up on my praise of God and His works on my behalf for the last few weeks - life has gotten pretty interesting at our house! The holiday season, from Thanksgiving to New Year's, is a big rush of activity from family and doing traditional activities to extra church and youth group events and special parties to plan - WHEW! When you add in that annual sickness, passed around & around, it really takes a toll. I am so glad that in these times of busy-ness, God teaches us more about Himself.

So, my major work of God testimony this morning is - HIS GRACE IS SUFFICIENT!!! The fact that I am still standing upright, and by God's Grace, have been able to accomplish the majority of the tasks assigned to me or signed up for by me, is an amazing blessing! Isn't it "funny" that we can know something to be true in our heads, but once we experience it, it is as if the lights are finally on? I'm definitely a slow learner, and God is so good and so patient toward me, His thick-headed child.

What has God been teaching you or showing you lately? How has he provided for your family? How have you seen Him at work?

In the Mister Linky widget below, simply type your name in the top box, or a short description of the work that God has done, and then in the second box, paste the link from your specific "Works of God Monday" post. Feel free to use the image from the top of this post if you like.

PLEASE NOTE: You don't have to post just on Monday! You can link a post from a previous week, or come and link on Thursday if that is when God works and you want to share! And if you don't have a blog, leave your work of God in the comment section!

Aaron test drives mommy's makeup bag

Aside from the eyeliner on the forehead, I have to give the kid props. He knows where the mascara and, most importantly, the concealer goes!!!!

Evan test drives the Bumbo

Can't you almost see the running commentary of his thoughts??

3 blissful nights

For three nights in a row, Evan (3 1/2 months) has decided to sleep from 10 until sometime after 7 AM.

ahhh, the early morning silence is music to my ears.

letter to my eldest

Dear Son,
I know, you are learning things. Lots of things, at an alarming rate. Sometimes you might think you know what is best. And someday, you will. But for now, it is your mommy who knows best. And so, when you are crying and carrying on about having to take a nap, instead of making mommy see that you are right, and that you want to stay awake and play with me (I can hardly blame you, dear heart, for I am loads of fun) what you are really doing is saying to me with every whimper and cry, “MOM, YOU ARE RIGHT!” I think it might be magical, for when you cry out “No night-night, please!” I somehow hear it as “Keep making me stay here, mommy! I’ll fall asleep eventually!”

So, darling child of my heart, cry on. You are underlining what I know to be true. Someday, you will probably be wiser than your mommy. In fact, I hope that you will be. But you won’t be without sleep, son. Not without sleep.

I love you,
Mommy.

giving away...

I have five *very* mini-prizes. I got a stack of coupons in the mail from Vocalpoint, each with a scratch-off-and-get-a-code for the possibility of winning a year's supply of Dole Fruit Naturals. The coupons are for save $1 on 2 Fruit Naturals. Leave a comment here with your feelings about canned fruit in general and I'll hold a drawing. The coupons expire on 1/11, but the codes have to be entered by midnight on 12/16, and only one code can be entered per person. I can scratch yours off and email it, or I can just drop the whole thing in the mail.

Drawing will be held tomorrow around noon, so enter now!!

happy surprises

I'm amazed at how easy it is to get out of the habit of blogging. I've almost been on a computer strike, napping when I have opportunity. I think I'm on the upward trend here for sickness, and since it is Wednesday and I have 2 healthy kiddos, I count that as a successful visit to the church nurseries this past Sunday. Break out the vitamin C and tough it out, right?

Lately, no matter how much or how little TV Aaron watches, he wants to imitate it or talk about it. "Like on TV, Mom" is a phrase I've been hearing entirely too much of around here. However, when you're sick, and if the kids decide to not nap on the same day, well...sometimes you need 30 minutes, know what I mean?

So, I broke out the Hide Em in Your Heart DVD (and our Vol. 1 which happens to be VHS). And the funniest thing happened. Aaron is singing Bible verses. I don't think I could be happier. If you haven't checked these out yet, Steve Green did a great job of setting Scripture to music. (I'm not necessarily an across-the-board Steve Green fan, BTW)

I'm memorizing James with the junior high youth group this year. Well, thus far we are only to verse 10 of chapter one, so it's not been that difficult. It had been entirely too long since I set out to memorize a passage, or even a couple of verses. I have found, happily, that it is much easier to memorize Scripture now that I'm not memorizing a multitude of other things for classes. That is one major bonus to not being in school, I suppose.

What are your favorite Scripture memory tools for kids and/or adults?

Works of God Monday

We're trying to learn Kung Fu Virus Fighting around here. Over the weekend we were computer-less due to our internet provider suddenly having "glitches" with their security software and our computer contracting a virus as well. So, I've been down for a few days, and when friends start calling wondering if I'm ok because I haven't been blogging, well, it's time to update. Link your Works Of God here! I'll be reading...who knows how long I'll be out of it.

Just a random FYI - I haven't been doing much blog reading, either. Seriously - 363 posts in my Google Reader? I think I'm going to hit that "Mark all as Read" button sometime SOON.

Hope you had a great Thanksgiving weekend!

In the Mister Linky widget below, simply type your name in the top box, or a short description of the work that God has done, and then in the second box, paste the link from your specific "Works of God Monday" post. Feel free to use the image from the top of this post if you like.

PLEASE NOTE: You don't have to post just on Monday! You can link a post from a previous week, or come and link on Thursday if that is when God works and you want to share! And if you don't have a blog, leave your work of God in the comment section!

rights.

So a Biblical discussion of "rights" is always welcome, but first I'd love it if you would check out the new link on my sidebar, and see for yourself if you feel that you should sign this electronic petition. I can't say enough about the importance of our job as parents, and doing everything possible to preserve our ability to perform our God given task is definitely appropriate.

Please, check it out, and sign the petition to amend the constitution to include parental rights as a God given and constitutional right, if you feel so led.

Just a note - Life on this earth is fleeting, God is always in charge and there is no room for fear, doubt or worry on these issues. When humans govern humans, unfortunate situations will take place and unfortunate precedents will be set. But God is always good, and always ALWAYS in control.

I'm thankful that I have permanent citizenship in Heaven.

there is always hope

Sometimes you don't know if it's really sinking in.
And you just don't want to keep on doing what you have to.
Or you think maybe you really can't keep on teaching.
And discipling. And doing the dirty work.
There are days when you lie on the couch and try not to cough up a lung,
read "Let's Play Peek-a-boo" seventy nine times and wonder if this is
why you're feeling brain dead.

But then, God sends moments like this.

Works of God Monday

Well, it was exactly three years ago this weekend that our friends Aaron & Julia (as of then, unmarried) went for a tour in our nasty prospective house. I think we'd made an offer on it, or we were about to, and I'm still not quite sure what Aaron thought. Julia, I am certain, was right on board with the possibilities. (but she still thought we were crazy, of course!) So the above photos were taken almost exactly three years apart. What a difference! Broughtons, we are signing you up NOW for a visit next Thanksgiving!!

You wouldn't recognize it if you hadn't watched it happen! I wish I'd been able to take a "before" photo of the outside in the spring. Then the crazy gardening techniques in the front yard would be even more visible. I'm almost as happy with the smooth yard as I am with the siding. Almost. The siding project is well over halfway done, and from the road, you almost can't tell that there is any construction at all going on here at the Muth house! All that remains is one end of the house and the back and side of the garage. Praise the Lord for His provision!

This is the house that God is building. We are so blessed to be part of the process. May we use what He has given us for His glory!!

In the Mister Linky widget below, simply type your name in the top box, or a short description of the work that God has done, and then in the second box, paste the link from your specific "Works of God Monday" post. Feel free to use the image from the top of this post if you like.

PLEASE NOTE: You don't have to post just on Monday! You can link a post from a previous week, or come and link on Thursday if that is when God works and you want to share! And if you don't have a blog, leave your work of God in the comment section!

Aaron is very excited.

We finally got the growth record going! Mom gave us this
bulletin board border, and it's gonna be good for 4 feet.
Then we will have to add another piece. I can't believe
my firstborn baby is 35 inches tall!!!

Happy Friday!

it's Wednesday

Photos: Evan, sleeping. Evan, smiling. Aaron, grumpy. Aaron, self-taken. A husband's true expression of love.

Today, I said YES when my friend Michelle asked me to accompany her and her two children to Midland's "Tunes for Tots." I'm so glad I did! Tunes for Tots is put on by Midland Center for the Arts, and is an informal gathering of moms and kids under the age of 4. It's also one of the FEW free events they host!! They meet once every other month and feature an instrument or family of instruments. Today's event featured the bassoon. It was great, and the kids had tons of fun. We skipped the cookie and juice in the lobby and came back to our house for some lunch. It was great to watch Aaron & Jonah (both two) interact. They are finally starting to play WITH each other instead of next to each other, and that is neat.

So, despite the fact that it is Wednesday, and our weekly crazy day, I'm glad we did this!

getting duller

I used to be articulate. I used to be able to keep a to do list in my head, and not forget. I used to be well read and up on current events. I used to polish my shoes on a weekly basis, and never, ever missed a shower. I used to be able to remember the names of the authors of great literary works. I used to read more than the nutrition panels on boxes of breakfast cereal. And I used to know right and left without looking down to see which hand my wedding band is on.

Then, I had children. And I realize how much sleep is worth. It's value is pure gold. Platinum. More. And I'm realizing that I wasn't really ever that creative or clever. It was simply that I was gluttonously imbibing in hours upon hours of uninterrupted sleep.

When Aaron was about 18 months, I got the hang of our new normal, finally, and was almost back to my rested self...only to get pregnant again. Now, with two children, I wonder what I was fussing about with one. And I'm sure mothers of three and five and seven look at me and my crazy hair and wrinkled pants and sigh disparagingly.

Well, I reason, today is different. It must be this sinus pressure that is causing all the confusion, all the sleepiness. Ha. ha. ha. Who am I kidding?

I don't really mind this loss of mental acuity. But I would be in denial to not confess that I do hope my articulate self will one day return. I definitely wouldn't trade my kids for anything, and I would rather be here with them than anywhere else.

And, I'm still trying to learn things, even though I'm not so good at remembering. Today, as it has been for weeks, my prayer is simply this:

"Lord, help me to seek You as diligently as I seek sleep!"