Happy Birthday Nate!!

Happy Birthday to Nate!

I'm so glad to be your sister.

I can't believe you are still speaking to me.

I did, after all, use trickery and deceit to get you to play with me.

"Let's play kickball - you pitch first." and then I'd quit on you when it was my turn to pitch.

I was so mean.

And would you look at that hair? Crazy. And my cheeks - did I have candy in there or something??



It is no wonder that you didn't say anything

When I wore red culottes and ate ants off the sidewalk.

I deserved being grody.


Oh, and nice shorts.


Do you remember what we were doing here?


It looks creative and exciting (and knowing us...)



Why are church directory pictures Always Awkward?

Maybe it's just our family - this is not the worst of the bunch!!


Oh, dear.


That shirt.


That vest.


And all of us look like we're not quite all there.




I don't mind at all that you earned your Presidential Fitness T-shirt fair and square while I of little coordination and even littler athletic ability and muscular strength failed every year.

You look much better in royal blue.

I try not to mind that you tan so easily.




Happy Birthday, Dear Brother.

29.

Wow, we're old.

Just think, by this time next year there will be another Forbes to help you celebrate.

Wished we lived closer. Oh, the fun we would have.

last chance!

Write a haiku by midnight PST for an entry in my fabulous giveaway drawing!!

no foolin'

I thought about a great April Fool's post, but then thought better of it, remembering a college roommate who played a joke on her future in laws with her boyfriend at the time - calling to tell the family that they were engaged, and they weren't. Still makes me laugh, but I doubt the mom thought it was funny until they actually were engaged. So posting something fantastic would be funny, but not to some of you, I am sure.

Moving on, I love Qdoba and am happy that they have gluten free options - yay! I can eat there! So, we had this rice for dinner last night, and I can't stop thinking about it - and I also can't wait to try it again. I doubled the batch and added more cilantro - like 1/2 cup total, but other than that, just like the recipe. I cannot wait to make the beans. I served the rice with my "famous" salsa chicken, which is 2 large frozen chicken breasts with 1+ cup of salsa in the crock pot for 2-3 hours on high and then shredded.

So we had fake Qdoba burritos minus beans. Delicious. Even though I couldn't eat the tortilla, and I think we all know what Qdoba calls burritos without the shell. The kiddos loved the rice, too. Evan was two-fisting all the way through 2 or 3 bowls of it - so, big success. I used white rice, so that might have been part of it. I usually use brown.

On the gluten free front, the elimination of gluten has been helping some, but not all, of my symptoms. So as of yesterday I also cut out dairy. We will see how that pans out - and next week, I am planning to get in with an accupuncturist/BioSet practitioner who can, supposedly, eliminate allergies and sensitivities. Praying that will do the trick, and if it does, you have not heard the end of it!! How awesome would that be, really? I do know people who have had great success, so I am optimistic that if my problems are indeed from food, help is available. If not, to the traditional doctor I go *sigh*

Really, you must try this rice. I am going to grow cilantro in my garden this year solely because I know I will be making this recipe at least once a week or until I (or someone else in the family) gets sick of it.

And this brings the awesome rice recipe count to at least 4!!

ooh, ooh, haiku

Something about seasons changing always inspires more creativity - I'm sure it has to do with my desire for a fresh start or something. In the fall, it seems like poetry is everywhere, and in the spring, all is new. Summer brings the anticipation of heat, swimming pools, freckles (and other more distasteful side effects, but the change into summer is great). And of course there is no denying my affinity for snow and winter (you need not agree).

So today, Erin reminded me today (via brilliant facebook status) that haiku is FUN, so in honor of that reminder I am hosting a haiku challenge. If this is sounding a tad familiar, you are probably remembering that I did, in fact, host another haiku challenge a little less than two years ago.

So in honor of months that begin with M and, unlike the last challenge, not announcing anything pregnancy related, I bring you a challenge - write a haiku here in the comments for a chance to win a fabulous prize.

It will involve a brand spanking new Pampered Chef product, or maybe two. I won't tell you what it is but I will tell you that virtually everyone can use this and that it is NEW, as in available just recently, so the chances of you already owning it are slim to none. Deadline is FRIDAY, so start cracking and give it your best shot.

Here's a little something to get you going

Oranges are best
without seeds, and fresh from tree
But I live up north.

or

The broom stands alone
My living room neglected
Sunshine is calling

Can't wait to read your entries!

Works of God Monday

So many of my friends (far and near) are discouraged or weighed down with the daily pressures of life, that I thought I should share my favorite passages to read when I am feeling overwhelmed, which is quite often.

Psalm 61:1-4
Hear my cry, O God,
listen to my prayer;
from the end of the earth I call to you
when my heart is faint.
Lead me to the rock
that is higher than I,
for you have been my refuge,
a strong tower against the enemy.
Let me take refuge
under the shelter of your wings! Selah

Psalm 18:2, 10
The LORD is my rock and my fortress
and my deliverer,
my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge,
my shield, and the horn of my salvation,
my stronghold, a strong tower;
the righteous man runs into it and is safe.

May you rest in the strong tower of God's name today.

God is at work, and I can't wait to hear what HE has been doing where you are!! How has God been working in your family? Has He been teaching you lessons about Him? Providing for your needs? Calling your attention to His works? Share here, please?! "Therefore encourage one another and build one another up..." 1 Thess. 5:11

In the MckLinky widget below, simply type your name in the title box, or a short description of the work that God has done, and then in the second box, paste the specific link from your "Works of God Monday" post. If you don't have a blog, use the comment section! Feel free to use the image from the top of this post if you like!

Aaron, quoted

Our 3 1/2 year old has us cracking up (or pulling our hair out) constantly. We love him so much, and it is fun to see his personality grow and develop. Here are some of his quips of late. I had them up on Facebook, but that is not as long lasting as the blog - so I'm saving them here.

"Aaron, sit on your chair and eat your lunch" - "But mom, I just want to dance!" uh, oh. (today)

Drove through for some coffee this morning on my way back from a Meijer run, and was singing "coffee for me, coffee for me" and then Aaron pipes up in the back "coffee for the boss, coffee for the boss" - or at least that is what I THOUGHT he said - he actually was saying "coffee for the bus" but I was still laughing. (also today)

"I'm in the Lord's Army" Aaron-style "I may never honk into outer space, ride in the cava-ry, shoot at the 'tillery (repeat, missing "I'm in the Lord's army") and, at random, "si, senor! (March 8)

Aaron: "Mom, I love you a lot!! (hug, kiss) AND a little bit!! (hug, kiss)" (Feb 25)

"Mom, I can't change into my underwear because it has pretend fire and it is hot."(Feb16)

He set the timer and said, "When the timer goes off, mom, it's naptime. Is that ok?" (Feb 4)

Aaron- "Mom, can you turn around and not look at me please?" - "Why, Aaron?" - "Because I rrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrreeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeally want to put my finger in my nose." - "Do you want a kleenex?" "Oh, yeah, that'd be great!" (Jan 31)

Aaron, to his spoonful of frozen blueberries in milk, "I'm going to eat all of you, the whole family, okay?" (Jan 22)

Overheard: "You're my best brother, Evan!" (Jan 20)

"Mommy, I'm done scissoring. These kind are for the older kids, okay?" (um, what older kids??) (Jan 15)

Aaron just came up and called me "Mama Mia" what in the world - what is this kid thinking?? We will never, ever know!! (Jan 12)

Aaron, from his bed, in his loudest voice: "MOMMY-CAN-I-GET-UP-IT'S-BRIGHT-OUTSIDE-AND-IT'S-A-BEAUTIFUL-DAY-AND-I-REALLY-REALLY-WANT-TOOOOOOOOOOO!" (Jan 9)

Michael - "So, Aaron, how did it go today with your friends?" Aaron - "It got a little dicey." (And it HAD, making his out-of-nowhere comment even more hysterical!!) (November 30)

Works of God Monday

This week, many blessings. God provided for a lot of our "wants" as well as my spiritual needs.

First, let me say that I was blessed down to my toes this Sunday - Pastor Dan preached on worshiping God, and focused on the fact that God does not change. I was shouting hallelujah inside, and amen-ing loudly on the outside. Maybe I should have let out a hallelujah, now that I think about it. *grin* I was also challenged to seek the Lord with fervor (Proverbs 2)

Second, Michael had Friday off for a doctor's appointment. He's been having trouble with one of his shoulders, has had 12 weeks of PT, and then an MRI a couple weeks ago as things are not progressing as hoped. I was able to go with him to see the specialist. He got a cortisone shot - I got out of there for that part of the appointment!! We are hoping and praying that this will do the trick and that surgery will not be necessary! We'll see the doctor again after we get back from California in April. Pray with us on that one?

After his appointment, we ate Indian!! food!! in!! Midland!! And my taste buds rejoiced. You might not think this is a work of God, but I disagree. I am so happy that deli/market opened last week. I told Michael that lunch was like scratching an itch that has been itching for at least 3 years. Woo hoo!

That afternoon, we drove to Pinconning to check out a piece of furniture that we found on Craigslist. It was advertised as a dry bar, but we are using it in the living room as a TV stand. It's undergoing renovations now but we are thrilled that God provided another "want" for us!

And on our way back, we stopped at Blue Knight Foods in Bay City and found these, among other things.




Praise the LORD! (that is a 2# bag of flour!)







There are not always gluten free products available, but when they are, they are dirt cheap. It can be a scary visit if you're even moderately squeamish, but as long as I get my hand sanitizer out upon returning to the vehicle I'm fine. Check out those prices, people!! That is definitely a work of God. And you'd better believe I'll be making that french bread soon to try out this variety of mix.

I have more blessings, but not more time - I'll have to continue to share them during the rest of the week. Thanks, by the way, for your patience as I try to figure out where blogging fits into my day to day life with 2 busy boys!

SO, how has God been working in your family? Has He been teaching you lessons about Him? Providing for your needs? Calling your attention to His works? Share here, please?!

"Therefore encourage one another and build one another up..." 1 Thess. 5:11

In the MckLinky widget below, simply type your name in the title box, or a short description of the work that God has done, and then in the second box, paste the specific link from your "Works of God Monday" post. If you don't have a blog, use the comment section! Feel free to use the image from the top of this post if you like!

And I journey forth.

So, five days ago I decided to do something that previously, I had thought to be quite drastic. I decided to cut the deliciousness of wheat gluten out of my diet completely.

I'll back up. I've been having some pretty mysterious and yet consistent symptoms for probably the last 6 months. It could be several things, I haven't seen a doctor - I'm very hesitant to do that knowing the first thing they will do is send me for lab work. I think you know how hesitant I am to do lab work!!

After some research, gluten seemed like a possible culprit. (many people are gluten sensitive or gluten intolerant and not really know it!) So far, it hasn't been that bad. Ask me in a month, I might have a different answer. I DO already notice a difference in several areas; I can only hope and pray that the solution is this easy!! An added benefit is that there are not as many quick snacks available, so fruit and vegetables have become an automatic go-to. No one can argue with the benefits of more fruit and veggies!

There is one major problem that I can see. For 5 days I basically just modified my diet from ingredients I have around the house - brown rice, meat, peanut butter with fruit & vegetables, corn tortillas, etc. And if I continued to do that, the difference in cost would be negligible. However, if I want a substitution for pasta or bread, the cost is crazy, CRAZY.

I went to Meijer today and saw a tiny 12-oz loaf of gluten free bread on the shelf for $7.19. Not that I would buy that loaf, but still. I bought a bag of gluten free baking mix and some brown rice flour - oh, and a pizza crust mix. Sticker SHOCK! I guess I'll have to learn some tricks of the trade and find some lower priced options or better sources if this continues to be the lifestyle - or just keep eating rice and beans!!

I am excited to check out the middle eastern market & deli that just opened up in my town - hoping for some fun options there!! And if anyone out there has some fabulous recommendations or tested recipes, I would love to hear them!!

Works of God Monday

So it's been 2 weeks since I last posted a Works of God Monday, and we've been seeing God at work the entire time. He is so good to us!! I am just lax in my postings.

Here are some things I've been thankful to see over the last several weeks, in no particular order

1. We have had several items sell via Craigslist - praising God for His provision!
2. Aaron's heart is continually drawn to the heart of God. His questions sometimes blow my mind. The depth for his age - only God could cause Aaron to ask questions like this.
3. I was able to take inventory of my pantry and plan meals for a long, long time based on what we already have on hand. Talk about a blessing!! God provides.
4. Missions conference is this week. I'm so happy to hear of how God is at work all around the world and in different ways.
5. I'm slowly getting the hang of a good schedule for our days that actually works. THAT is definitely of God.
6. My Pampered Chef business continues despite my fears (at times) that it won't be successful. It's growing steadily, and the extra income is a huge blessing.
7. God continues to strengthen my heart and lift my spirits through His Word!

There are more, but I am out of time. How has God been working in your family? Please share!!

"Therefore encourage one another and build one another up..." 1 Thess. 5:11

In the MckLinky widget below, simply type your name in the title box, or a short description of the work that God has done, and then in the second box, paste the specific link from your "Works of God Monday" post. If you don't have a blog, use the comment section! Feel free to use the image from the top of this post if you like!

that pretty much sums it up.

"For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing our days in malice and envy, hated by others and hating one another. But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life." Titus 3:3-7, ESV

it's not goodbye forever.

I haven't dropped off the planet, I'm just busy. With 2 busy boys and a few other things I have needed to accomplish. So I'll be back, eventually.

Until then, check out this photo of my brother's lovely expectant wife. I'm so excited.

God is good, especially when life is crazy. I praise Him for His continued grace!!

Works of God Monday

Today I am praising the Lord for a fantastically healthy winter thus far for our family. I am absolutely not taking it for granted that we've been able to attend church together as a family more often in February alone than in all of last winter combined! We are not on any crazy medications and we haven't been to the doctor in months. This is a continual work of God - and I am very grateful that He has seen fit to give us good health. It is definitely undeserved.

Again, last night we attended Prime Time at our church and Michael and I sat in on our friend Rich's class again. I am humbled, amazed, and thankful for the truth of God's Word. We can have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ through His sacrifice on the cross, by faith plus nothing, through His grace alone. We have one mediator, one Person - Jesus Christ -who pleads our case to God, and we don't have to go through anyone else to get to Him.

How fantastic - and what freedom - to know that my sins are forgiven and that nothing can separate me from God. If you haven't lately, please, read Romans 8. It's what Rich closed his session with and it just about had me shouting hallelujah. Well, just about out loud - I was DEFINITELY shouting hallelujah in my heart and mind! Praise God for His grace!

So what do YOU have to praise God for this week? Please share it here!

"Therefore encourage one another and build one another up..." 1 Thess. 5:11

In the MckLinky widget below, simply type your name in the title box, or a short description of the work that God has done, and then in the second box, paste the specific link from your "Works of God Monday" post. If you don't have a blog, use the comment section! Feel free to use the image from the top of this post if you like!

beloved scrubby

Anyone who has traveled with a ministry type team for any length of time and stayed with families who (very generously) open their homes to overnight guests will be able to identify with this: there are things that will remain a great mystery about the host homes.

I traveled 2 summers during my college years - one was a 10 week tour, the other 8. Two summers with at least 7 other people in a 15 passenger van, traveling from church to church. It was a GREAT experience, one I wouldn't trade for anything. I LOVED IT, I learned a lot, mostly about myself and areas that really needed to change, but I also was able to learn a lot about churches and geographical differences and inner workings and about individuals and their fabulous differences. Many, many blessings, and many, many mysteries.

For me, one in particular was this: shower mysteries.

Now, I have kids, our family is busy, and I understand - sometimes, there are just things that need to be cleaned that totally escape our notice. And right now if you came to my house for an overnight visit you would find many, many things that need attention. Including a ceiling fan that I may or may not need a spatula to help remove the dust from.

It's been almost 10 years since I traveled, and I still hesitate to write this, but I truly do think it's kind of funny, so I hope you will understand.

It is a mystery to me why people would invite college students to stay at their home as overnight guests and then *not* clean the shower. I'm not talking about "there was a little lint on the shelves up high" or"someone forgot to get their hair out of the drain" or "there was soap scum on the walls" and then I'm sitting there whining about it. Ohhhh, no. I'm talking about "there is a 1/4 inch thick brown scum on the bottom 6 inches of the tub and enough hair to make a rug." If you think I exaggerate, please, ask my teammates. They will validate my stories.

So after a few of these scary showers, my trusty companion was a bottle of rubbing alcohol (for germs) and a nylon mesh scrubby with a handle (for scum). I scrubbed a lot of showers for 2 summers, and you know what? I still use the same style of scrub brush. I LOVE it.

One of the adult sponsors found out I was scrubbing showers and came to talk to me about it. I reasoned that if the people didn't notice the shower was dirty, would they really notice it was clean?? And aren't we supposed to leave things better than when we arrived?

I'm really not obsessive about showers, I promise. In fact, I'm writing this because just this morning, I got out my Comet and my beloved scrubby (for the first time in a very long time) and, after some minutes, realized that the little textured ovals on the floor of our bathtub really DO come clean, and they really don't need to be a pale beige color; instead they can be the same greyish white they were when said tub was new.

And seeing my bathtub sparkly from a little elbow grease (okay, a lot) and my beloved scrubby (although you might be glad to know it is not the same one from 2001) brought back some great memories of summers gone by, and I thought that you would want to know.

I do still have nightmares of that one particular shower.

Works of God Monday

I am so thankful this Monday for the unfailing mercy of God - despite my frequent failures, He is always always ALWAYS faithful!

We had a great Sunday - Michael's lesson for junior high Sunday School on atonement was an awesome reminder to me. I think I've mentioned before that this is the third time we're going through this book, but I am hearing things from the lessons in a new and fresh way.

Then on Sunday evening, a friend of ours taught a workshop (our church has what we call "Prime Time" 2 times a year where we have breakout sessions and learn about specific topics) that was a huge blessing, as I was reminded about the reality of my personal relationship with God and how different that is from the teachings of many churches worldwide. So thankful for the truth of God's word!

It definitely seems that the older I get, the more my mind is blown by God and all He is and all that He has worked together for the very undeserving me. Mr. Isaac Watts got it when he said,

Alas! and did my Savior bleed
And did my Sovereign die?
Would He devote that sacred head
For such a worm as I?

At the cross, at the cross,
where I first saw the light,
and the burden of my heart rolled away;
it was there by faith I received my sight,
and now I am happy all the day.

Was it for crimes that I have done,
he groaned upon the tree?
Amazing pity! Grace unknown!
And love beyond degree!
(Refrain)

Well might the sun in darkness hide,
and shut its glories in,
when God, the mighty maker, died
for his own creature's sin.
(Refrain)

Thus might I hide my blushing face
while his dear cross appears;
dissolve my heart in thankfulness,
and melt mine eyes to tears.
(Refrain)

But drops of tears can ne'er repay
the debt of love I owe.
Here, Lord, I give myself away;
'tis all that I can do.

So what do YOU have to praise God for this week? Has God provided in a miraculous way? Taught you more about Him? Given you an opportunity to share Christ with others? Please share it here!

"Therefore encourage one another and build one another up..." 1 Thess. 5:11

In the MckLinky widget below, simply type your name in the title box, or a short description of the work that God has done, and then in the second box, paste the specific link from your "Works of God Monday" post. If you don't have a blog, use the comment section! Feel free to use the image from the top of this post if you like!

only a little bit OCD

Arranging shoes (and other things), just so, is Aaron's idea of a good time. And yes, we have dolls at our house. We are equal opportunity toy providers. Plus, we have friend-girls who come and play.

And little friend-girls need dolls.

By the way, yes, I am totally in a shoe rut. This is almost my entire shoe wardrobe - the 3 pairs in the middle there. I have incredibly wide feet, so while I can appreciate cute shoes on other people's feet, I only can wear what works. And I do enjoy saving money, and being practical. The black pair does need to go - I have had those for at least 5 years. Just waiting for the perfect replacements!

And I also need to mop my mudroom floor. I am so thankful for this mudroom, which really helps cut down on the dirt that is tracked through the house. And it makes a great place for kids to play - especially when the floor is mopped.

In the meantime, ducky doll will just have to enjoy her shoe boat alone.

I was having a discussion with some friends awhile back - we have a mudroom, but no basement. If you had to choose one or the other, what would you pick? Geographical considerations are not relevant for this question - just your own preference.

Works of God

Well, once again it is NOT Monday, but that does not mean that God is not at work!! Last weekend was a very unique and special one for us - Aaron's understanding of salvation is increasing, and it brings GREAT joy to our hearts.

I was driving with the boys around town on Friday and Aaron said, "Mommy, I asked God to take my sins away."

This was an unexpected announcement to say the very least. We have had multiple discussions with Aaron about his sin, and how this separates him from God, and how in order to be able to have a relationship with God, he needs to ask Jesus to take away his sins. We've also talked about how doing this also means that he can go to Heaven someday and be in God's presence. He has seemed to somewhat understand this, at least enough to tell us "I don't want Jesus to take my sins away yet."

So his announcement definitely took me back. He then continued, "and I can go to Heaven now."

"Aaron, when did you do this?"

"When I was laying in my bed, I asked God, 'God, please take my sins away'"

"And what did God say, Aaron?"

"God said, 'Yes, Aaron, I will take your sins away'"

I am still stunned at this, even retelling it today. Later that day, he repeated the story to Michael, with the same or similar exchange. Saturday, I was folding laundry in our bedroom and Aaron came in, hopped up on the bed and laid his head on our pillows and said, "This is how, mommy. I laid down like this and said, "God, please take my sins away." His sweet sincerity blows me away.

And we continue to see evidence that he was sincere! Last night at dinner, Aaron asked to pray and said, after thanking God for the food and each family member by name, "And please help mommy and daddy make me not disobey" - I was almost in tears.

Praise God for His grace, and for letting me watch Him work in my little son's heart. I am excited to watch Aaron's faith grow! Whether this is his turning point remains to be seen, but I am so grateful for this progress!

So what do YOU have to praise God for this week? Has God provided in a miraculous way? Taught you more about Him? Given you an opportunity to share Christ with others? Please share it here!

"Therefore encourage one another and build one another up..." 1 Thess. 5:11

In the MckLinky widget below, simply type your name in the title box, or a short description of the work that God has done, and then in the second box, paste the specific link from your "Works of God Monday" post. If you don't have a blog, use the comment section! Feel free to use the image from the top of this post if you like!

and the winner is...

ERIN A!!

Congratulations, Erin! I hope you enjoy your golden double stuff Oreos! I will get that coupon out to you immediately.

I interrupt this blog

I found something, today, that I've been hoping to find. This decluttering business is a beautiful process. I found my creative writing journal from college. Creative Writing was one of my elective classes, and I loved it. I was a music education major, and the only reason I was ALLOWED to have electives was that I took an extra year to complete my program. It was entirely worth it. I have found that in my post-collegiate years, my fondest memories are of those elective classes.

So today I found a folder with assorted poems, snapshots, and short stories. Among them, a story that was an assignment, and that I honestly did not remember writing. I certainly giggled my way through it. What a happy surprise amongst the boxes of paper clutter and files of notes from college.

Julia says to scan everything. A great idea. I think I need to buy a better scanner and pay someone to work the night shift, scanning our reams of notes. Or I could recycle the mess of them, and call Julia if I need notes from college. *grin*

And now, a taste of my previous (more literary) life:

at Grace A Dow Library
I sit in the public library
waiting
watching out
wet windows
silvery drops sliding down

Beside me, two high school boys
point and click to sites of choice.
From time to time they ask each other
how to spell tattoo
and dragon.
And I think to myself,
how bright our future.

I just can't help myself

Bed head is sooooo adorable. Am I the only mom who leaves it unless we're going somewhere, just for giggles?

Happy Tuesday!

May your bedheaded children be as happy as they are adorable today.

24-hour giveaway

2010 is the year of decluttering for the Muth household. We have clutter in every area of our lives, and it MUST GO. Enough is enough. One day at a time, one garbage bag at a time, and we will be free. *grin* It is painful now, but we will be happy later. At least that is what I'm telling myself. Part of this is the continued elimination of sugary junk food. I realize not everyone has the serious sugar addiction that plagues the solo female member of our household. My name is Jenny, and I'm a sugar-aholic.

So in honor of decluttering, I'm giving away my coupon for one FREE package of golden double stuff Oreos that I got in the mail today. It expires at the end of the month, but I'll be mailing this one out to one reader on Wednesday morning. I'm counting on the fact that someone can responsibly eat Oreos. It's just not me.

So, leave a comment about your current relationship with clutter (I'd love a solution for paper clutter if you've got it) and I'll draw a winner tomorrow evening. I'll even give you until midnight EST - the mail won't come until morning! :-) I will mail this to anyone in the US, since that is typically where coupons for Oreos can be redeemed. Happy munching!

Works of God Monday

God is at working teaching me about my sinfulness and His indescribable-ness once again. In our junior high Sunday school class, we are going through Stranger on the Road to Immaus - it's our third run-through of this book and every time I learn more and more. Yesterday, Michael was teaching the junior high about the 3rd of three types of death (physical, spiritual, and death to our future joy or eternal death) and it really got me thinking.

In this life, I'm often in the middle range of things. Actually, almost all of us are, when I think about it. I'm not the wealthiest but I'm not the poorest either. I'm not breaking world records for fatness or thinness. I'm average in looks, intelligence, abilities. In athletics, I'm solidly toward the bottom, but I am thankful that I have the ability to try!

Eternity is a completely different story. There is no middle ground. As we searched for Scripture passages that describe the conditions of hell, I couldn't help but contrast that description to our other option - the glories of heaven. There are only two options.

And really, even on here on earth there are only two mindsets - please myself or glorify God. It's just the shades of what that looks like that tend to confuse us.

How is it that God, in His mercy and love, chose to allow me to understand the Gospel? How is it that He has forgiven me? It's definitely not because of my own merit. His mercy. An amazing concept.

So I was flooded with gratefulness yesterday - gratefulness that I can be in a relationship with God, grateful that He allows me to witness Him at work, grateful for His mercy, and for so much more that I don't even begin to comprehend. A flood. Everything, at all times, is all about God and nothing, NOTHING about me. Praise the Lord.

So what do YOU have to praise God for this week? Has God provided in a miraculous way? Taught you more about Him? Given you an opportunity to share Christ with others? Please share it here!

"Therefore encourage one another and build one another up..." 1 Thess. 5:11

In the MckLinky widget below, simply type your name in the title box, or a short description of the work that God has done, and then in the second box, paste the specific link from your "Works of God Monday" post. If you don't have a blog, use the comment section! Feel free to use the image from the top of this post if you like!

Dairy & Soy Free Cookies

I have been commissioned to bake a batch of cookies for a baby shower tonight. The expectant mom is allergic to dairy AND soy, and so the task of trying to find something that she could actually eat at her own baby shower began. I came across this recipe and thought it should be easy enough to modify so I went out and got some butter flavored crisco, only to read the label and see that it's practically all solidified soybean oil. Stink.

Happily, I had some coconut oil in the pantry so here's how I modified the recipe to work. If you haven't used coconut oil before, it's awesome. It's a solid with a melting point of 76* - which I did not know a year ago, so I thought some of you might not know that either.

I think this recipe would also be fantastic with other extracts or maybe cocoa powder. It's not "healthy" as it's chock full of white sugar, but it sure is tasty and I'm hoping the guest of honor will be able to enjoy a cookie.

Lemon Crinkles
2/3 cup (scant) coconut oil
1 cup white sugar
1 egg
1 tsp lemon extract
1 T honey
1 lemon
2 cups flour
1tsp baking powder
1tsp baking soda
extra sugar for rolling

Cream together coconut oil and sugar. I used a hand mixer, but a food processor would work well for the task of breaking down the coconut oil - it is pretty solid and doesn't cream well like butter would. If you use a mixer, you will have to keep scraping and mixing. It worked fine for me to use the mixer, though.

Add egg, extract, honey, and zest from about half of the lemon. Juice the lemon and reserve. Mix until creamy. Stir in (by hand) flour, baking powder, and baking soda. Slowly add lemon juice, a little at a time, until the dough sticks together and feels like cookie dough. Cover with plastic wrap and chill about an hour.

When the dough is chilled, roll into balls using a tablespoon of dough - these should be pretty small balls. I used my Pampered Chef small scoop, level. Roll balls in sugar and place on a parchment paper lined cookie sheet, bake at 325* for about 12 minutes or until lightly golden. It's fun to watch these brown up before your very eyes in the last 30 seconds of bake time, but keep a close eye!! Remove to a cooling rack, repeat. You can most certainly reuse your parchment paper.

If you end up trying these and tweaking them to be all vanilla, or cinnamon -sugar rolled, or adding cocoa powder, please let me know how it goes! These seem like they'd be a great base cookie! It was really fun to experiment with a new challenge and have it be a success!!

Works of God Monday

I am praising the Lord this morning for showing His love to me in a tangible way through my parents this weekend. They kept the little boys all day Friday (on their DAY OFF school) so that I could go up for the day and hang out with the youth group at Snow Camp. It was a good time up at CoBeAc - there were 4 churches represented by around 250 kids. In case you were wondering, yes, that is a lot of 7-12 graders in one place. It was great. Ben Farrell spoke and although I only heard one message, I know God used him to speak to the teens and staff alike.

And then, my fantastic parents let the boys and me crash on Friday night at their house, and even came over for the majority of the day on Saturday to keep me company and help get some major tedious stuff done - dad filled nail holes in our trim, removed the yucky caulk from our tub, and played with the boys. Mom and I folded laundry and went on a mini shopping excursion. They are so good to me, spending time with me and the kids. I praise God that we, at least for this time in our lives, are close to family. I'm definitely enjoying it! (I am sure mom & dad are exhausted, though!!)

Oh, also this week - God also saw fit to provide plane tickets for us this week - to go see our good friends out in California this April. The whole family gets to fly out for what could easily be spent on 1 ticket. I am so SO excited and grateful to GOD for making sure the price held firm while we tried to work out the details. And of course I can't wait until April. *grin*

God continues to provide just what we need, and way WAY beyond. He continues to answer prayers, hold us up, heal, protect, comfort, work out details that blow our minds and accomplish His will!! Praise Him with me this week!

"Therefore encourage one another and build one another up..." 1 Thess. 5:11

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 specific link from your "Works of God Monday" post. If you don't have a blog, use the comment section! Feel free to use the image from the top of this post if you like!

la la la la diaper deal!!!

SO,

Thanks to some generous contributors of coupons,

I just submitted my rebate information to Rite Aid

and got

5 huge boxes of Pampers (my favorites)

for

8.39 each.

And it could have been less, but I couldn't quite work it out with my printer to cooperate.

(It would have been 5.99 each, but I'm grateful anyway!)

Folks, that is around 8 cents per diaper

Hopefully I will not have to buy diapers for a very, very long time.

(I already had 2 huge boxes stocked up from the last time they went on sale)

PRAISE THE LORD with me! He provides even the non-necessities* for us!


*I call diapers non necessities since I have plenty I could wash and use, but at this price per diaper, my time is more valuable, after you figure in laundry soap, water, and electricity.

Interested in the details of this deal? Find out how here - it's more money than I usually do spend out of pocket, but the rebate is in Visa Gift card rather than Rite Aid gift card, so I made an exception. I used the Rite Aid pdf $5/$25 coupon (that expires today) instead of the Video Values coupon, so my transactions looked a little different.

Works of God Monday

This week has been pretty incredible. God's blessings are never lacking, for sure! Michael teaches our junior high Sunday School and also the junior high Wednesday night program, and we really, really love it. God is gracious to let us have this opportunity. Last Sunday it was brought to my attention that we are starting our seventh year and that is MORE than a little weird. But I did want to praise God for allowing us to see Him working in the lives of our junior high teens. They've been asking the best questions - I am so excited about their inquisitive minds - a great group this year. Would you join me in praying for the teens this coming weekend? We have our annual Snow Camp coming and I am praying that the questions keep coming and that God will use the weekend away to work in their hearts. Michael is going for the whole weekend (Thursday-Saturday) and I'll be heading up for the day on Friday.

We also had a few unexpected blessings this weekend - selling a couple items on Craigslist that have just been taking up space in our garage - praise the Lord!! And we were able to catch up with a friend from our Northland days who made an unexpected visit! It's always good to talk about what God is doing, and encourage one another.

Would YOU join today in praising God for His working this week?

"Therefore encourage one another and build one another up..." 1 Thess. 5:11

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 specific link from your "Works of God Monday" post. If you don't have a blog, use the comment section! Feel free to use the image from the top of this post if you like!

Beans and Rice, Rice and Beans

My kids looooooove rice and beans. I'm so happy. Cheap, healthy, delicious. And here's how we had it last night. A new favorite, for sure.

2 cups cooked brown rice (I used a quick steam pouch)
1 pt (mine are home canned, you could use one can) black beans, drained if desired
1 can petite diced tomatoes, drained. (I used a regular can, drained of liquid and squooshed a bit)
1 T taco seasonings (I never use taco packets but had a pack lying around from one of those taco dinner kits I bought for the shells - you could spice it up with seasoned salt and cilantro if you prefer)
Sour Cream & Cheese, if desired

Mix all, heat, serve. Top with sour cream and cheese if desired. Eat with tortillas and lettuce as burritos or tortilla chips as a nutrition-packed dip. For the record, I liked it best with the sour cream & cheese stirred right in. Aaron preferred his sour cream on top where he could see it (the kid would eat a whole tub of the stuff if we'd let him) and Evan liked it plain just fine. Michael liked it both ways - with and without sour cream.

Kiddo Update

Aaron is growing so fast! He's almost 3 1/2 and is a ball of energy & creativity. I am so thankful he still takes a nap almost every day. I think he's going to end up teaching himself to read - his comprehension of letters, sounds, and how they work together is just amazing, and a little scary to his mother. We ended up backing up on preschool, but I really do need to get back at it. He's starting to put words together and sound them out with his LeapFrog word builder - a gift he got for Christmas. He's getting taller every day and has gigantic hands - his fingers are almost as long as his mother's. If this is an indication of what is to come, we will need to continue to save money on groceries! I've also had some awesome conversations about spiritual things lately.

Evan is 16 months and is walking quite well, and he is learning sign language like crazy. He's blossoming and starting to help with little things and will quite earnestly try to communicate verbally, although it just sounds like the shadow of words. He's got a few things he says frequently, and obviously understands much more than he can say. He is quite laid back and easy going, a trait we pray continues. I am so grateful for his delightful grins. He is finally over 20 lbs and is starting to fit into his 12 month clothes. I'm sure he will catch up - he continues to have a sensitivity to milk & eggs, but we are hopeful that he will outgrow it soon. He is busy and curious, and is ready with a smile for anyone.

It's been really fun to watch the boys start playing together more, and better. They love to chase each other around the house and play with toys together - so nice! There are occasional tiffs but Aaron is learning that Evan is little, and Evan is learning too!

I LOVE being a mom, and am so thankful I can stay home with my two little blessings. I am really trying to soak up all the adorable and horrible things that happen and meld it into happy memories that will last. I don't want to miss anything!!

broadening.

My little brother is one of the coolest people alive. Aside from the fact that as my only sibling, he took every single available athletic gene available to our family, I have nothing against him. *grin* Neveryoumind that I'm the oldest.

He's owned a VW bus (that burned to the ground on a road trip - everyone made it out fine, and our family are AAA fans to the end because of it), done a random internet search with a buddy to find a "camp out west" to work at for a summer (which changed his life and through a series of events introduced him to his awesome wife, Lissa), and globe trotted with YWAM to Hawaii and Japan. His horizons are considerably more broad than mine.

Also, he is a dedicated believer, a deep thinker, creative, hilarious, etc, etc. I really love him, despite the fact that we only chat once in awhile and that his Christmas box is sitting on my dining room table, waiting to be sent.

So when Nate sent an email last week about some friends of his, who he met through YWAM, who started an orphanage in Haiti (Hands and Feet Project) and have been able to help with some of the relief effort, I definitely did a little reading up on them. What a great ministry!! You will be encouraged to read, too. Please check it out and pray for Aegis & Mark Stuart. Their ministry is the primary source of aid for their entire city of 50,000. Pray about whether or not you would be able to support them financially, but most of all pray for God to turn the hearts of Haitians toward HIM.

Works of God Monday

God has been at work in my life, doing some convicting, which I posted about last week - and I am so grateful. He is so faithful - I am grateful for the His gracious discipline. I've also been encouraged this week by the testimonies of fellow believers who are really going through some rough times and are still trusting God to provide, to heal, to comfort.

I am also pleased thrilled that the whole family was well and able to be in church yesterday! Praise God!! It was nice to see some familiar faces and be able to worship with a body again.

In the evening service, Dr. Rich Poupard, a friend of ours, gave a great lesson on the sanctity of human life. He also mentioned Life Training Institute, and his semi-bi-weekly podcasts. If this interests you, please visit and subscribe. I can tell you that the message he brought last night was eye opening, and I like to think of myself as being more than somewhat aware of pro-life statistics and facts. I praise God for the work that is being done by faithful teachers.

Along the same topic, I recently found this blog, written by a girl I met at the very first SGI conference, who is now a missionary with her family in Ukraine. She is burdened for expectant mothers in Ukraine. I wept as I read through her blog tabs and tried to fathom the norm for Ukrainian women - and as I read through the transcript of this interview, was saddened by the statistics that some women she has spoken to have had 20 or more abortions. I was encouraged to read about her ministry - it's really neat when God allows you to catch a glimpse of what He is doing globally.

So, how have you seen God at work this week? Will you share and link up here?

"Therefore encourage one another and build one another up..." 1 Thess. 5:11

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. If you don't have a blog, use the comment section! Feel free to use the image from the top of this post if you like.

who are we, if not honest

God brought me to a breaking point the other night - I could not sleep and was feeling all manners of miserable. I always do better to write down my thoughts, and so I did. I was originally NOT going to share it here, on a public forum, but what are we, if not honest with each other about our struggles? I certainly could use the accountability! For me, God used this exercise to bring me back to what I know to be true about Him.

of Repentance
There is no one here but You, and me.
I type with my eyes shut, tightly, and feel so very alone.
Cursed feelings. Blessed feelings.
My thoughts swirl violently, I am wide awake this night.
I’ve been doing it again – clinging to the illusion of control,
Feeling overwhelmed
Disconnected
Forgotten
Unappreciated
Irritated and Irritable
Making excuses for myself, blaming circumstances, taking liberties with my time.
Angry
Impatient
Thinking more of others’ opinions than Yours.
Selfish and self-seeking
Dishonest
Full of pride
Despite these sins, my self-pitying sins
You are still here, still loving me, the same reprobate I’ve always been.
Still You are here, with Your open arms, Your Words of love
You have already forgiven me, already picked me up.
You will never leave,
And Your love never changed.
Not once did it falter, as my steps do – and if I’m really honest, as my love for You does.
You have drawn me back again. I am forever Yours; able, yet unable to resist Your gracious care.
Oh, Father God, I groan without words.
Your Spirit breathes meaning into my tearful nonsense.
Your Son intercedes on my behalf.
I am already whole.

mugs

This is an old favorite.

I'm not sure who came up with this slogan,
but it caused many a laugh over the years.

Michael made a series of video sketches
while he was at Northland - demonstrating
ways that attending was not the "easy path"

The college is in Northeastern Wisconsin, but we did actually have it pretty easy.




And these two mugs are also quite special. As you can see.

We sent them to some friends, for Christmas.

They are still our friends.

(we think)

lyrics from the past...

Michael and I had a discussion the other night while we were on our date. Actually, he printed out some "speed dating" questions that he had found via search engine, but that is another story - hilarious, but another story.

So because of the questions, we got on a discussion about music, and what kind was my favorite. I said classical, because it is - but Michael looked puzzled and asked why I never listen to it. Well, I do - but not often enough to let anyone know that it is my favorite. It comes down to the fact that I'd rather fully experience it - whether live or by listening to a really good recording - it needs my full, undivided attention. I need to savor it, like a delicious dessert or a particularly lovely cup of coffee. I don't have much time for that anymore, but when I do, it's glorious. Just me & my Yo Yo Ma cd's. Ahhhh, bliss. Someday, I'll go to a concert.

One of my favorite music-memories is of a Pavarotti concert with a friend. I knew then that it was a once-in-a-lifetime, and it was phenomenal. I could have listened much longer than the concert lasted. It was magic.

And there is music meant for worship, which is a totally different kind, a type which "picky" doesn't even begin to describe my tastes, and is a discussion for a different day.

But I do listen to some totally mindless music. We have a station here in our town that plays "unforgettable favorites" and it's my go-to when I'm on the road, especially when NPR is playing a talk show I don't care for. I can sing along, be-bop and what not and it's fun. I've definitely got old fashioned (read: old person) tastes. There's cheesy, but this is cheesy like Velveeta. Love it.

And the lyrics are definitely atypical from today's tunes.

Monday night I was listening on my way home from Meijer to "Hey hey Paula" which has a sickeningly simple tune to go with bubblegum vocal styles and these lyrics - True love means planning a life for two / Being together the whole day through / True love means waiting and hoping that soon / Wishes we've made will come true / My love, my love. They also talk about waiting for school to be through - ahh, yes, recordings from the era of marriage right out of high school.

But a couple weeks ago, I was really struck with this from the Carpenters - "For All We Know" - a really different perspective on love - pretty much an endorsement for arranged marriage if you read the lyrics. Or commitment. Either way, different from the new stuff. Most of the new stuff.

Part of my lifelong fascination with the Carpenters I am SURE has to do with the number of albums at my parents' house - packed away on a long-forgotten shelf, listened to by me, often, in my growing up years. But you didn't hear that here. And, for the record, I'm certain that those albums stay on the shelf at this point in time. My parents are not sitting around jamming to the Carpenters.

Love, look at the two of us
Strangers in many ways
We've got a lifetime to share
So much to say and as we go on from day to day
I'll feel you close to me
But time alone will tell
Let's take a lifetime to say
I knew you well
For only time will tell us so
And love may grow for all we know

What is your favorite drivin' around town music? Anyone else want to admit to listening to Velveeta music?

Works of God Monday

Well it seems that something has come up for the last several weeks that has prevented me from making a Works of God Monday post, but this week I am determined to post in praise to God for all He is doing. Join me??

I've posted before about how God sometimes works in ways we don't like - ways that, in our flawed humanity, we think are NOT with our best interests in mind - however, we know from His Word that His plan is always best. I pray that I can point people to Him and be filled with joy and peace when my life is butterflies and daisies, and when things happen that really seem to stink.

I've been watching God at work, increasing trust, being a strong tower, providing, and holding up. There are a lot of people going through some hard circumstances - and I'd be lying if I said I was exempt. It's awesome, though, to watch God give exactly the grace needed for the circumstances He puts us in. I am believing that God is always working out His plan, and trusting that He knows what He is doing!!!

I've also seen some amazing blessings this week - a good friend from high school delivered a baby after a complicated and stressful pregnancy - he was 5 1/2 weeks early and born breathing on his own. This situation was dire - there were times that because of the specific complications, I (and the doctors) had much uncertainty about a good outcome. I got to watch God do miracles, and my friend and her child are both all right. I'm very thankful for this!

Sunday, our youth pastor was able to speak of God's provision for his family in unbelievable ways - an encouragement to me! I am so glad that as fellow believers we can rejoice together at the incredible things God does - the things that make us jump for joy as well as the times we run to Him asking for comfort and hope.

I'm praying that no matter where you find yourself this morning and this week, that you can look for God's work and rejoice that He is always, without fail, GOOD.

"Therefore encourage one another and build one another up..." 1 Thess. 5:11

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. If you don't have a blog, use the comment section! Feel free to use the image from the top of this post if you like.

Pears, and cooking with recipes of sorts

I found 5 organic pears on the reduced-produce cart at Meijer earlier this week, marked down to $1.95 and begging me to take them home. It is a little more than I usually spend on winter produce, HOWEVER, they were organic. And beautiful. And they actually called my name and asked me to make something yummy out of them. They tempted me out of my "say no to sugar" and called to me.

Aaron, Evan and I ate one-and-a half for lunch, and really enjoyed them, but the lone red d'anjou of the bunch looked a little hard, and I really wanted to make something oozy and carmelicious out of these - something that would go really well with the vanilla ice cream in our freezer. It was deep, deep in our freezer, seeing as I've been saying no to sugar a lot lately. Well, not lately, lately. Just in general.

So I chopped up 3 and 1/2 pears, making about 4 cups.
And then I zested an orange up on top - it was actually about 2/3 of an orange, but I'd totally recommend 1/2.


Then I connived and schemed some more.




Thought about what I wanted as an end product, and went ahead and dumped 1/2 cup of dark brown sugar and half a stick of butter, but up in cute little squares. Carmel is the goal here. Not health.

Incidentally, my brown sugar has been so long neglected that it had lost it's packing power and had chunks. I left them alone - I love little chunks of brown sugar baked into things. I used to look especially for the cookies with the accidental brown sugar chunks - my mom makes the best chocolate chip cookies, made even more delicious with caramelized baked-in chunks of brown sugar.

OK moving on, I added about that much (see photo) ginger, and about twice as much cinnamon, and put it all in an 8 x 8 baking dish, after stirring it to combine and letting it sit in the bowl awhile.







Here's where you can start rolling your eyes. The recipe gets a little hard to follow here.

I had some leftover homemade baking mix from a recipe I made at a Pampered Chef show on Thursday. I'd say it was about 1/3 cup. If I had to guess.





Then I grabbed the bulk bag of walnuts from the pantry and filled up the bottom of my Pampered Chef food chopper twice and pretty much pulverized the little suckers. But not fine enough to be flour, just all in tiny pieces.

Then I put in another 1/4 cup or so of the chunky brown sugar, the other half of the stick of butter a splash of vanilla and mushed it around. It looked off, so I scooped 2 handfuls of old fashioned rolled oats in there and it was good to go.


Then I evenly distributed the topping, baked it at 350* until the pears were squishy and I had lots of juicy caramel, and took it out of the oven.








Whereupon I realized I needed to wait a very long time to eat it, so I stuck supper in and put the pan on the back of the stove, waited until we'd all eaten supper and put the kids to bed, then reheated and served with ice cream. A must. It's way too sweet and buttery and carmelicious. And you probably shouldn't try it. Unless you want to come over and have a little of mine.





You know, as I am supposed to be saying no to sugar and all.

So - I'm curious - do recipes like this bug you? Or is this how you cook? I got some info on supper swapping and was reading a book about it and had to laugh when the author suggested bringing your recipe cards/books and passing them around so others could get an idea of whether they would like your family's favorites or not.

I'd have to make something up, most likely. I look at a recipe as a suggestion of flavor combinations and proportions, everything else is pretty much optional. The bonus is that you can always cook something. The bummer is you can't ever quite reproduce it again.

growing up snowy

Those first few steps on new snow are always the best. I set Aaron free in the backyard yesterday while Evan & I got bundled up and ready to go - snapping a photo as he ran. He (and I!) loved the snow so much - I hated to come in, but Evan was so unhappy (unusual for Evan) and was letting the entire neighborhood know - quite loudly. So Aaron will have to wait for Saturday to play more in the snow. Unless Evan takes an early nap, that is.

We chased each other in circles around trees, I tried to cheer up Evan and picked up his mittens seven thousand times, lamented that I never pulled out the plants and cleaned out my garden box, Aaron discovered that it's not fun to try snow angels while it's snowing - flakes get in your eyes - and we came in for some deliciously rich cocoa. It was, honestly, the least I could do for the extremely energetic child who did not have enough outdoor playtime.

Such an interesting stage of life. Evan's not walking well enough yet to put him down in 6 inches of powder, and he cannot navigate boots anyway. So next winter will probably be better for outdoor play with two boys.

Cocoa, Most Delicious
1/4 cup dutch process cocoa (regular cocoa powder would work fine)
1/8 - 1/4 cup sugar (or other sweetening agent)
2-3 cups milk, whole if possible.

Combine cocoa and sugar in a heavy bottomed saucepan with enough water to make a little paste, stir well. Slowly whisk in milk and heat through. Top as desired, with marshmallows or whipped cream (and sprinkles, if you're feeling extra festive) Prepare for energy surges, all around.

By the way, if you have a box of cook & serve sugar free pudding (BLECK!) adding an extra tablespoon of dutch process cocoa makes it taste much better. Not that you should eat all those chemicals. But I'm just saying.

leftover Christmas

mmm, I love it when

there is extra, leftover

whipped-cream-in-a-can.

it goes perfectly with pumpkin coffee.

(or any other flavor. I'm not discriminatory)

oh, wait, yes I am. No chocolate + fruit + coffee for me. Chocolate/raspberry coffee?? No thanks.

forty-nine

there are forty nine new photos here, of our last few weeks. Enjoy!

Also, if you haven't checked out Food Loves Writing, be sure to - I can easily get lost in the descriptions of the fantastic recipes. That, and thoughts of visiting/living in Chicago, and remembering with distant fondness my single-girl dream of living above a flower shop.* Yes, all that from a food blog. I'm strange.

*I do, for the record, prefer my current living situation. But life above a flower shop seemed, at one point, to be a very happy - perhaps the happiest - place to live, indeed.

Works of God er, Tuesday - the "I'm Baaaaack" Edition

I'm so grateful to finally have the time to sit down and blog about the things God has been doing in our lives. We are slowly and surely getting back into the swing of things! It's been a long week, but I am so thankful for the provisions God has heaped on us!

On the 20th, we celebrated SIX blissful years of marriage. I don't take that for granted, not even a little bit. SO thankful for my fantastic, amazing husband, and for the grace of God that keeps us together, and happily, too! We planned to celebrate by ourselves, but our sitters canceled due to sickness so we're hoping for a redeux in the soon-coming future!

We had a great Christmas, a superfast (too fast) visit with family in Ohio, and then when we got back, we came down with the sickies. Not fun, not ideal, but we made it, and we watched God working out all the details!

We were sick, but God took care of us. Not one of us was hospitalized, and Michael was on his planned (and paid!) vacation. We survived, we thrived!

We were overwhelmed, but not forgotten. Plans were made for some serious project completion, including decluttering, garage organization, and home improvement projects. Sickness thwarted the good majority, but we were able to take a run to Habitat for Humanity's ReStore with quite a load of used home improvement goods, and our closet is at least one garbage bag of clothing lighter. Our Salvation Army pile grows! We have laundry foothills, and our Christmas decorations are still up - but hey, one thing at a time!

Michael finished ALL the baseboard in our house! That means that we will be filling little nail holes and painting trim soon - hoping and praying to refinance and get our kitchen project rolling. I'm excited to have construction dust in my future. Ha ha. We also got a few things up on the walls, so I'm starting to feel like our house is becoming more homey. Still needs work, but thanks to a few friends, we're on our way!!

Yesterday, Michael and I were able to get out of the house a little bit and head to a "Back to Business" Pampered Chef meeting, which was fun - no kids! It had been awhile. I'm excited to get back into the swing of PC shows and see what God has for my business this year.

Well, it's Michael's first day back to work since Christmas Eve, so we've been spoiled rotten. Rotten, I tell you! I could get used to having him around all day every day. And so could my little munchkins who are clamoring now from their beds. I'll be posting photos of our New Year's celebration later!

Happy Tuesday!