Cornucopia

the toddler-kind of fun

2012-01-27T14:25:00.002-05:00

Coloring your hands and arms with an orange marker

makes for a good excuse to ~~play in the sink~~ wash your hands...

Harassing a snobby kitty who thought she could hide in the closet...

Jumping on the bed...

Looking for squirrels...

Watching the airplanes fly...

{we live near an airport}

All in a day's work.

It's rough.

But someone has to do it...

john david meets rice cereal

2012-01-25T16:18:00.000-05:00

the blanket that reminds me to pray

2012-01-24T08:19:00.000-05:00

I sit on my couch, wrapped up in the most amazingly soft and warm blanket.

It's color? ivory.

It's size? queen.

It's sleep-inducing hypnosis? toxic.

This blanket is highly coveted in this household. And used to warm up frigid souls during any crocheting session, movie night, reading adventure, or Sunday afternoon naps. It never gets folded. Or put away. When not in use, it lives on the couch how it was left: pushed back, toppled over and waiting for you to return.

This is the man who gave us that blanket.
His name is Bob.
He is the husband of my cousin, Beth.

After seeing our undying love for his blanket during each visit to his house,

he went out and purchased one for our family.

Because that's what he does.

He gets satisfaction from helping people.

His heart is one size larger than the entire world.

He has immense integrity.

A reputable good name.

He's a hard worker.

In deep love with his family.

A God-fearing man.

And a valiant warrior for Jesus Christ.

As much joy as it brings me to wrap myself up in this blanket as I release all abandon into it's soft layers...

...recently, it has brought to me a heavy heart.

Bob has cancer...

He has been diagnosed with stage four peritoneal adinocarcinoma. At the time the cancer was discovered (February 2010) it was already stage four and the oncologists gave him 3-6 months without chemotherapy. At that time he was too sick to have chemo administered. Since healing from surgery, he has undergone many rounds of chemotherapy which he has handled well so far. It is keeping it from spreading as of right now. Bob's cancer is not a mass as you think of it - it's literally the rarest of cancer cells spread throughout his peritoneum which is the serous membrane that forms the lining of the abdominal cavity. He will be on chemo the rest of his life unless God intervenes and cures him completely.

Today,

he undergoes another surgery.

His sister-in-law, Gina, says it best:

Bob is having a surgery in Boston. He has been very sick lately with pain, nausea, dehydration, and losing weight. We are praying this surgery will give him some major relief. Please pray for more wisdom for the doctors and that there are no complications. As always we pray for the miracle of healing for Bob! Pray for the family also, as HARD is getting HARDER. May the LORD be glorified through it all! THANK YOU ALL SO MUCH!!! WE LOVE YOU BOB!!!!!

Would you join me in prayer for him today?

He needs it.

His wife, Beth, needs it.

His adult children, Stephanie and Jessica, need it.

Please pray for Beth's peace, the doctors hands who are working on him and for Bob as he is in there and the recovery afterward.

No one deserves to be diagnosed with cancer. But especially this man...

That blanket may give me a heavy heart...
...because I can sense his struggle and pain and hurt.
But as I wrap up in it's warmth, I'm reminded how much I love him.
And that a sovereign God loves him so much more.

I will not stop throwing myself at the feet of Jesus.
I will pray.
Fiercely.
Until there is an answer.

How could Bob know that by his own token of kindness those few years ago, he would be giving us his very own "prayer card"? God is so good.

But for now, I will leave you with this: the very own words of Bob and Beth....

Now..............one thing that Bob and I have been thinking about is this. Please do not get discouraged when I have to give you bad news. We do not want that to diminish your faith.........in fact, just the opposite. God is in control of all things. He has a master plan. It is a good plan and it is good for all of us involved. All Bob and I want is to make sure that God's eternal glory and plan is accomplished. And if it means, we have to suffer to make that accomplished, so be it. We don't like having to be hurting and I know you do not either, but ultimately we have an eternal hope and this life is just a blip on the screen of eternity. Isn't it wonderful to know we have that eternal hope? He is not finished with his work globally and he isn't finished with us yet either. We are all still praying for total healing, so keep up those prayers, too! And, remember.........it is God that is doing the healing, not anything or anyone else. Our God is able!!!

Love in Christ,
Bob and Beth

Want updates and information on how to best pray for them?

Click HERE to be directed to their Facebook Page.

internship q&a: why don't you just do your internship at your current church?

2012-01-23T15:09:00.000-05:00

If you missed the previous q&a post answering the question: where are you going? CLICK HERE.

:::

Answer?

Simple.

Someone else already is.
{one other intern from our seminary has been already approved to begin there this summer.}

But that's not the real reason.
{although valid.}

We LOVE our church. We have been so blessed to find such a wonderful church family. The Lord was very clear in His direction 3 years ago during our search for a place to serve.

When we got to NEPA, our hearts were broken and bruised. We had just endured such a crazy spiritual battle and it left our heads spinning. We were depleted spiritually and emotionally. We were weak from trying to be strong for so long. Our minds were torn. We had worked so hard for so long to make the right choices and behave in a proper biblical fashion {when most days we weren't even sure what that meant...} And we were left marred and vulnerable and hypersensitive to certain issues.

But the Lord knows our innermost being. And He knew what we needed. Restoration. Wisdom. Teaching. Healing. And a safe place to fall.

Now? We have grown spiritually, by leaps and bounds. The Lord has used our current church to restore confidence in Him and in the people of God. It has nurtured us. And made us "whole" again. We now view this life with a bit more clarity.

Our church has become our home away from home. A place full of mentors and friends. Wise counsel. Warm arms to surround you when you feel alone. To pick you up. To walk beside. To help endure.

Like I said, we love our church.

But we desire to grow even more than we have. Our hearts tell us that it would happen best at a location other than where we are. We crave to know the ins and outs of church planting, from a realistic perspective. We desire to see various church procedures. And we want to learn from new minds and from different perspectives.

Would it be easy to just stay put?

Comfortable?

Yes. Absolutely.

But would it help get us toward the goal the Lord has so strongly burdened us with?

No.

And so, we will move on.

And as we did 3 years ago, we will trust in a God that knows what we need.

Prayer Requests:

to find a church for our internship that will best meet our needs
to find a church somewhere in New England
to find a church that is growing {and not stagnant}
to find a church burdened for church planting
to find a church where we will fit in well
to find a church for our internship very soon

{simple things sunday}

2012-01-22T15:38:00.007-05:00

1.21.12 | snowflakes that look like snowflakes

Yesterday we had our first snowfall of the year, here in NEPA. It was great that it happened on a Saturday. The whole family had a chance to get out and enjoy it. Annaleigh tested out her new snowsuit/boots/hat. John David saw snow for the first time in his life {although I'm sure he wasn't impressed enough with the white/cold stuff for it to create any lasting memories...}. Mike got to practice his shoveling skills. And this Mama got to supervise it all.

And the bonus of the day was to stop in the midst of the falling snow to watch it accumulate on the {shoveled} stairs. Looking closely, we could see that they actually looked like real snowflakes! Not just small balls of white. This was the first time in my life I have ever seen such a thing. What a special blessing!

linked up today

internship q&a: where are you going?

2012-01-20T14:26:00.008-05:00

People keep asking us a ton of questions about our impending internship. Here are just a few of them:

"Where are you going?"

"Why don't you do your internship at the church your currently attending?"

"When will you leave?"

"How long will you be there?"

"What will you do once you get there?"

"What will your internship look like?"

"When are you graduating?"

"What are your plans after internship?"
Bonus: The things I will miss about PA.

So, the next few posts will be the A to your Q (answers to your questions). I will answer the first question in this post. Then I will answer the rest in subsequent posts. And if you have any others, feel free to let me know. I'll do my best to shed light onto the areas of your curiosity.

Where are you going?

We don't know.

That's right.

We haven't a single clue....yet.

We potentially could be packing our bags and having no idea of our destination. (And that's my expectation. So if we find out sooner...what a special blessing!)

We are allowed to request a placement church. Which we have done. This is one of them. And we are still waiting to hear if it's a possibility. You see, the seminary does a fantastic job of trying to protect it's interns. We have already taken personality tests and filled out resumés, to ensure the church aligns with our goals, our strengths, and our weaknesses. The internship coordinator will be going to visit with the church and it's lead pastor. The pastor must then be interviewed. The church must understand the requirements which Michael has to accomplish in order to graduate. (They must clearly understand that he is NOT to "used" amongst their various "ministries" wherever a warm body is currently needed. a.k.a. They shouldn't make Mike the janitor because they need one.) The church has to then be approved by the seminary. And this is what will happen next (more or less): The church will have multiple interviews with us, as a couple (on site, phone, as well as skype), the church will have to approve us, and ultimately, we will have to agree to go. I appreciate such a process to find the right placement God has for us!

We have a few other churches in mind, as well. The location being places in New England (the area of our burden). But we do not realistically see them coming through for us.

We could also end up in Michigan or Ohio, because that's where most of the internship coordinator's contacts are. Many churches in those states have already been approved for future internship placements. So...that makes them easy. But we don't want easy. (And we don't want to be in those states...they are lovely states, but they do not have the type of people we, one day, would like to minister to.)

There are also other concerns on our hearts about our placement. Ones of affiliation, style of leadership, and relevancy to our burden. (But I don't feel that a blog is an appropriate platform to discuss some of those things.) So I will leave your mind wondering! {Oh! I love trying to be mysterious!}

As of right now, we are trusting in the Lord and trusting in our internship coordinator!

Prayer requests:

To find a church placement for our internship. One that...

is healthy and growing.
has a burden for church-planting/currently (or recently)(or attempting) planting churches.
is in the New England area.
will have godly mentors for Mike and I.
will have a good godly support system of ladies (for my wavering heart).
will allow us to strengthen our weaknesses.
will allow us to use our spiritual gifts.
will create a positive experience and learning environment.
will have an affiliation we are comfortable with.
would have the type of leadership we desire to emulate in the future.

To find a church placement sooner rather than later.
The grace and peace of mind to accept whatever comes our way!

Wait for the Lord;

be strong, and let your heart take courage;

wait for the Lord!

Psalm 27:14

my fluctuating "best"

2012-01-16T08:25:00.003-05:00

This morning I said to Mike,

"Have you ever woken up feeling defeated before you even start?"

My long list of chores and to-do's is overwhelming today!

Last week I was unprepared to take a week "off" so that I may recover from a root canal procedure that became infected. This has left the organization and cleanliness of my house with MUCH to be desired.

The laundry piles are high.

The Christmas decorations mock me.

And then my devotions bring me here ----> Philippians 4:12...

I know how to be brought low,

and I know how to abound.

In any and every circumstance,

I have learned the secret of

facing plenty,

and hunger,

abundance

and need.

God is so good.

So loving.

So interested in my life.

Joan C Webb says,

Like Paul, sometimes our best results in poverty, other times in prosperity. Learning to be content with both our best performances and our could-have-been-better times will lessen our anxiety and help us live more peaceful and accepting lives.

I confessed to Mike that I don't know why I feel I have to "do it ALL" all of the time. Why must excellence be my only option?? It can be exhausting!

I need to learn to be content with my fluctuating "best." Because working hard does NOT always result in SUPERB results. Sometimes, mediocre is all we have to offer. And that's OK.

STOP being hard on yourself and your circumstances and START allowing God's grace to wash over you. What is it that HE wants you to accomplish today?

Linked up today with...

it's a simple thing

2012-01-11T11:41:00.000-05:00

12.15.2011 | love-filled face squeezes

linked up today

with Rebecca

i love Adele

2012-01-06T15:57:00.001-05:00

She's my new-found love.

I just became aware of her existence a few months ago.

{I know. I know.

I'm probably the last to know about her...

but give me a break, mkay?

We don't have cable.}

Her voice: amazing.

Her music: relaxing and chill and oh-so-cool.

Her talent: beyond words.

The cupid of the music-world has used my heart as target practice again.

And now I can't help but be smitten.

where is the place of understanding?

2012-01-05T15:55:00.001-05:00

I read Job 28:20, 23, 28.

I realized that sometimes life can get confusing. Deciding which "paths" in life to take. What is God doing? Why? Which way is even up, at times?? But when we are in the "dark", frantically searching for wisdom can most of the time be futile. All that is really required is to WAIT. "All insight originates with God" -Joan C. Webb. It's probably more productive to just step back, relax, calmly ask for wisdom and then wait until God sheds His light on your life. After that? Move forward with joy-filled confidence.

It's so liberating to not have to "know" because God already does. Trust in His perfect sovereignty. And maybe that's what wisdom truly is....simply to TRUST in God.

why should i love my children? and how?

2011-12-20T14:59:00.001-05:00

"Older women...teaching...the younger women...to love their children."

Titus 2:3-5

Younger women need to be taught to love their children because it's not something that comes naturally to a mother. If it did, the Scriptures would not mention that the younger women need to be taught. God understands this and is the reason for such a command.

:::

To read the rest, click HERE, to be directed to the post I wrote today, for the SWF website.

:::

Linked up with Darlene today.

annaleigh's christmas singing debut

2011-12-19T08:42:00.001-05:00

Yesterday, the "cherub choir" of our church blessed the congregation with their cute-lil-selves. My favorite "cherub" happens to be the little girl all the way on the right, in the red and white dress with pig-tails atop her sweet head. She just moved up to the 2s and 3s sunday school class last week! And now, quicker than you can blink an eye, she's standing before a crowd exercising some mad clapping-and-jingle-bell-shaking-skills! {Even though she's famous, now, don't worry, she hasn't forgotten the little people in her life. She'll give you her autograph. I could tell you wanted to know.}

Is that my baby? Is she growing up? Can't we stop it?!?

please?

{And here's some bonus info: the two sweet little girls next to her

--in the green dress and in the white dress--

belong to Julie, their sweet Mama.

And so does this blog.}

the one makeup product I can't live without {my guest post}

2011-12-16T15:12:00.000-05:00

I walk through the makeup department of Macy's.

Colors, textures, sparkle, and shine.

My fingers lightly caress the glass cases as they drag behind my slow, walking gait.

Intense desire.

Endless possibilites.

Longing...

Then...CRASH!

***

...to readthe rest of this post

go to fingerpaintmakeup.wordpress.com.

The blog of one of my best friends.

The blog were I happen to be guest postingtoday.

The blog were you learn that

"Sometimes just a touch ofcolor is all it takes to make your face come to life."

embrace the camera: dec. 15th

2011-12-15T16:08:00.000-05:00

Thank the Lord for self-timers on cameras.Otherwise, I wouldn't have captured such a sweet moment between me and my little man.He sure is a darling.He's my darling.And I just love him so.

In the words of Emily:

embrace the camera, yo.

cheddar dreams

2011-12-13T08:09:00.000-05:00

Another recipe?
Two days in a row?

Really?

Sure. Why not?

And this recipe is pretty cool. One of my friends makes these for her son and I really wanted to try it.

So I ~~bullied~~ convinced her to write it down.

Think...

a cheez-it meets a cookie.

This would be their offspring.

It's like a cookie-cracker.

Perfect for little mouths.

Tasty and you know what's in them {aka. real ingredients}...

...and what's not {aka. preservatives}.

Homemade. There's really nothing better.

These are no exception. They're super-tasty, quick and easy!

And made of cheese.

And this-here family loves us some cheese.

Cheddar Dreams

What you'll need:

2 cups flour

1 tsp paprika

1/2 tsp salt

1/4 tsp cayenne pepper

3/4 butter, at room temp.

1-1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese

granulated sugar for sprinkling {optional}

Make it:

Preheat oven 400°.

Combine flour, paprika, salt, and cayenne pepper.

In large bowl, cream the butter.

Beat in the dry ingredients.

Blend in the cheddar cheese.

On a floured surface, roll out the dough to a thickness of 1/8".

With cookie cutters, cut into shapes and place 1" apart on an ungreased baking sheet.

Bake 4-6 minutes,

until lightly colored.

Sprinkle with optional sugar

and transfer to wire racks to cool.

{You can substitute Swiss or Colby for the Cheddar -

or use onion powder in place of the cayenne pepper.}

Oh yeah. Annaleigh says hi.

Linked up today:

the perfect christmas sugar cookies {complete with royal icing}

2011-12-12T12:18:00.001-05:00

Honestly, these are the best sugar cookies I've ever tasted. Now I suppose I'm partial, seeing as it's my Gramma's recipe. She worked in her family-owned bakery for most of her life. So if you can't trust my taste-buds, maybe you can trust the fact that she was exposed to hundreds of confections throughout the years...and we all know, you only personally use those recipes that keep people coming back for more. And come back for more we did!

You can decorate these cookies with boring 'ole sugar on top...if that's what you're partial to and it seems to strike your fancy. But I prefer to top these lovies with some real royal icing, thank you very much. The crunch of the icing combined with the softness of this cookie is what my dreams are made of.

So fire up that oven and get crack-a-lackin'! It's almost Christmas and none of us have much time to spare! {of course, these are tasty all year long...so you could make these during another season...but for me, that would be cruel and unusual punishment to this-here mouth of mine...}

Gramma Willey's Sugar Cookies
{makes about 7 dozen small cookies}

What you'll need:

1 cup confectioners sugar

1/2 cup butter

2 eggs

3 cups flour

4 tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp nutmeg

1/2 cup milk

1 tsp vanilla

Make it:

Cream butter & sugar.

Add eggs.

Add dry ingredients.

Add milk & vanilla.

On a floured surface, roll out the dough to a thickness of 1/4".

With cookies cutters,
cut into shapes
and place 2" apart onto an un-greased baking sheet.

Optional: sprinkle with {boring} sugar.

Bake 350° for 12 minutes,

or until light golden brown on the bottom.

Transfer to wire racks to cool.

If you made right choice to skip the sprinkled sugar step
then go ahead and
frost with {exciting!} royal icing {recipe below} once completely cooled.

Real Royal Icing
{makes about 3 cups}

{with EGG WHITES}

What you'll need:

2 large egg whites

2 tsp fresh lemon juice

3 cups confectioners sugar

Make it:

In the bowl of your electric mixer
{or with a hand mixer}
beat the egg whites with the lemon juice until combined.

Add the sifted powdered sugar and beat on low speed until combined and smooth.

***

{with MERINGUE POWDER,
in case you are uncomfortable using egg whites}

What you'll need:

4 cups confectioners sugar
3 Tbl meringue powder
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 - 3/4 cup warm water

Make it:

In the bowl of your electric mixer
{or with a hand mixer}
beat the confectioners sugar and meringue powder until combined.

Add the water and beat on medium high speed until very glossy and stiff peaks form.
{5 to 7 minutes}.

***
Some IMPORTANT information about royal icing:

To cover or "flood" the entire surface of the cookie with icing,
the proper consistency is when you lift the beater,
the ribbon of icing that falls back into the bowl
remains on the surface of the icing for a few seconds before disappearing.

If necessary, to get the right consistency, add more powdered sugar or water.

The icing needs to be used IMMEDIATELY,
or transferred to an airtight container until you are ready to use it,
because royal icing HARDENS WHEN EXPOSED TO AIR.
Cover with plastic wrap when not in use.

Want more information on how to actually decorate your cookies with royal icing?
CLICK HERE
to be directed to a clearly explained tutorial that will teach you how!

{Because royal icing can be tricky if you're a perfectionist, like me.
But if you're used to baking disasters naturally occurring in your kitchen
and only care about eating them instead of their appearance...
...then just go have fun!}

Either way,
Gramma Willey would have been proud!

Questions?
Email me at enjoytheharvest{at}gmail{dot}com.

p.s. I have discovered Pintrest!
{thanks to my good friend, Jess!}
That's where I got the idea to decorate my cookies like you see up there.
Addicted {to both the cookies and Pintrest} isn't even a proper term for my fetish.
You should follow me!
{because all the cool kids follow me...}

quiet snowman toes

2011-12-09T14:47:00.001-05:00

If you follow me on FaceBook, then you are already privy to some of this information. But if you don't follow me, consider yourself lucky, because I'm expounding to you the extended version.

With the 2nd year anniversary of my daughter's birth comes a big change. Lots of growing up {for her and Mommy, that is}. She moves into the 2s and 3s class at church where she plays with big(ger) girl toys, has a "hook" with her name on it, takes trips to the bathroom {even though she's not potty-trained yet, she just likes to tag-along, they tell me}, participates in snack time, drinks from paper cups, sings songs, is taught an actual lesson, and makes an arts-n-craft project.

Yesterday, our church's Mom's Alive! group met for our monthly meeting {it's a combination between my SWF group and the well-known MOPS groups}. And Annaleigh went to her "new" room. Upon picking her up...I'm handed the most adorable snow-man ornament my eyes have ever seen. An ornament crafted by my own daughter. My 2YO baby. This is monumental to me, to say the least. And I had such mixed emotions. So proud. So sad. Her first creation created in the "outside" world. Without me. Was that jealously I just saw creeping into my heart?

Every time she notices her ornament on our Christmas tree, her eyes flicker. "Do you see that, Mom? Yeah. I totally made that. I'm awesome."

Speaking of Mom's Alive!...the most exciting this about our December meeting was that it was designated a "Mom's-Day-Out". You drop off your kiddos and run away for 3 hours. And run away I did! Straight to Starbucks. Earlier that day, I searched high and low to find lost coins in my house. I looked in piggy banks of small children. The junk drawer. The bottom of our catch-all baskets. In our office desk. Pockets. Bottom of my purse. All in vain. 60 cents in dimes. That's it. {well...honestly, I found some pennies, too. But it's humiliating enough to count out silver coins for your smanshy-fancy drink...never mind whipping out copper currency...}

But low and behold, my knight in shining armor came to my caffeinated rescue once again! Michael texted {is that even a word?} me to say he had 2 bucks in his pocket that I could have. {you mean I get to pay with REAL money?? Humiliation annihilated. Love that man.}

I walk into Starbucks and peer behind the counter. I see the most beautiful words written in chalk: Espresso Roast. Oh. This is a good day.

Grande beverage. Bible. Good book. Journal. And my thoughts. {My very own quiet, un-interrupted thoughts for 3 hours.} Sweet mommy-hood bliss.

In other news this week, John David has discovered the existence of his feet. And his obsession is simply adorable. The second you change his diaper, his feet leave his jammies{or if you take his socks off - that's if he hasn't kicked them off first} as they sense the light of day, and fly right up to his face so he can get a good look. His hands grope his toes, a smile adorns his face and contented coos leave his lips. Like I said, adorable. And some bonus info about my little man: he probably has the sweetest countenance of any little guy I know. Such a gentle spirit. Just as darling as ever....which makes him easy to snuggle. And kiss. Love that little man.

grab me a juicebox

2011-12-08T21:48:00.001-05:00

crackling magic memories

2011-12-07T15:26:00.001-05:00

I have such fond memories, as a child, of decorating our house for Christmas. It always felt like a big event to me. Something I enjoyed very much. I'm really big into making things feel important. Maybe it's because I've always experienced things with my whole heart open. Allowing in all the joy, details, and warmth that life can bring your way. And so, I feel it's my mission to help others experience life in the same way.

Some of you may not know that my parents divorced when I was 5 years old. My mother had full custody. Meaning, I lived with her a majority of the time. This created a bond between her and I. The time between her first marriage and her second was saturated with attention. I would say that was the time in my life was when I felt the closest to her. Maybe it was because we had only each other. A love grown out of dependency. Out of necessity. Out of fear, as we clung to each other in a desperate need of some sort of materialized stability and love. Whatever it was...it was tender. And it was real.

Days after Thanksgiving, I always knew it was coming. When we would shop for a real-live Christmas tree. One that dropped, more than a few, pine-needles by the hour and smelled of evergreen-heaven.

Then my mom would pull out her Christmas records from the entertainment center cupboard. You know, the ones that are 10x the size of a CD and play a sound that touches your soul deeper than any YouTube video could create? {When I saw the episode about Frank being irate at Raymond for converting his beloved records to CDs, on Everybody Loves Raymond, I'm pretty sure I was just as upset. How could Ray not know that CDs do not sound better than records?? No matter how hard Ray pleaded to his father that they did??}

She'd lay them on the record-player. Turn it on. Place the arm on the outer-edge. Turn the sound up. And then...you'd wait for it...the soft crackling. The quiet-popping. Your ears could practically taste the music.

My mom and I would pull out all the ornaments and lights, adorn the tree with its yearly jewels, and listen to Nat King Cole and Bing Crosby as they sang our life's soundtrack. We'd spend hours until the tree was perfectly decorated. Changing record after record to be sure each moment never lacked the sound of crackling-Christmas magic.

Nothing gives me a warmer and fuzzier feeling.

Nothing makes me want to rewind my life more than those days.

To continue with my mission, I long to create those feelings for my own children. I want them to feel that magic. That awe. That joy. Unfortunately, there's no more family records to accompany the harmony of their memories...but I hope against hope, that I make their lives feel special. Just like those records. Just like my mom.

Especially at Christmas-time.

Christmas peace? is it even possible?

2011-12-06T07:40:00.001-05:00

Today I read

John 16:33: I have said these things to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.

Having "peace" doesn't mean the world around me is under control. {Especially during the holidays.}

This is a foreign concept to me.

But the Lord is graciously showing me that IN HIM is where I find my peace despite my hectic circumstances. Peace IS attainable! Praise the Lord! But how?

All I have to do is recognize that the LORD is the one in control. He reminds me in this verse that, He is so much in control, He has even "overcome the world." The entire WORLD!! {past, present and future}! My victory, my hope, my {Christmas} peace is in CHRIST. I pray He helps me to surrender to that truth today.

faster than fast, quicker than quick...

2011-12-05T10:23:00.001-05:00

...Annaleigh has turned 2 years old {as of yesterday}!

And we celebrated her birthday on Saturday. The theme was, none other, than "Cars" {the movie}. To say Annaleigh was obsessed with Lightning McQueen and Mater would be an understatement.

We had a great time surrounded with people who care about her. However, it's times like these that make me sad I'm far from family. No Grammas. No Grampas. No Aunties and Uncles. And no cousins to share in her special day. {I really shouldn't complain though, because she did receive a nice showering of gifts and [giant cup] cake with her MA family during our Thanksgiving trip! AND her Florida Gramma and Grampa sent her some wonderful Elmo DVDs, complete with a phone call to wish her a happy day on her actual birthday!}

I was worried, at first, about the birthday party. Not about the decorating {which is oodles of fun for me}, but about the guest list. I kept getting phone call after phone call, facebook message after facebook message, that her little friends wouldn't be able to come. {all legitimate reasons, but none-the-less disappointing.} And it made me terribly sad for her. {who would play pin-the-smile on McQueen with her?? Mommy and Daddy, of course...but aren't parties MORE fun with MORE people...don't you think?}

the invitation
{a small coloring page of McQueen is glued underneath;
the info was printed onto vellum
and attached to the card using the ribbon.}

Funny story, though. I forgot I had put "regrets only" on her invitation! Needless to say we had a little more than 10 people show up! What a happy surprise!! {more for me than for her...she'd be happy with just a cupcake!}

Here are a few pictures from Annaleigh's birthday party:

{details...ooooh...the details! they simply make me giddy!}

the gift-table

the favors

the cupcakes

I made Annaleigh's cupcake special by sticking two candles into it.
I then used an upside down drinking glass to raise it higher than the rest.

the food table:
homemade mac n chz, pb&j's, popcorn, pretzels, grapes & hot dogs

the birthday girl

her lil' friend

my friends

watching "Cars" while eating MnMs

pin-the-smile on McQueen

Happy Birthday!

she had been anxiously waiting to eat one of these ALL day!

the presents!

thank you for my Elmo DVDs, Gramma Judy!

there's bubble-bath INSIDE the car..so COOL!

family
{p.s. John David took a nap through most of her party!}

Me & my 2YO baby girl

Dear Annaleigh, I am SO proud of the little person you are becoming. You already are incredibly unselfish, obedient {most days}, empathetic, loving, goofy, sweet, fun, smiley, energetic, caring, a quick learner, observant, smart, and an amazing helper! You have such a BIG heart! Your facial expressions make us smile and laugh everyday. You are the reason we wanted more little ones...because the joy you've brought into our lives is incredible...and we wanted to multiply that feeling! I pray, more than anything, for you to find your Savior at a young age so He can use all your WONDERFUL attributes for HIS GLORY! Happy Birthday my sweet little girl! I love you SO much.

harvesting the moment {Simple Things Sunday}

2011-12-03T15:27:00.001-05:00

10:08 am

12.2.11 | a 2YO's play-things

linked up over at:
Simple As That

self-control & love {among other things}

2011-12-02T08:54:00.001-05:00

My friend, Sarah, and I showed up at the SWF Christmas meeting wearing the same thing!
{It wasn't even planned}

So last night I went to our December {Christmas} Seminary Wives Fellowship meeting. And Joanna {our speaker} was at it again: being used of the Lord to allow Him to convict my heart. She spoke on self-control. Which, at first, I thought "oh...I got this. I'm pretty good at self-control." But soon, as she dove into God's Word, I was eating my words {along with my Christmas cookies}. It's almost laughable to even think I thought such a thing. Self-control is definitely an area in which I need the Lord's help!

December 2009

November 2011

Tomorrow will be a day filled with cupcakes, banners, and fun games. My daughter will be having her 2nd birthday party! Where has the time gone?!? Wasn't she just born? Wasn't I just holding her in my arms, with tears welling in my eyes, at the miracle and beauty of her newborn little self?? Now she constantly talks, jumps around, and knows how to make me laugh with her adorable antics! I'm doing my best to savor her and hold onto each moment of joy she brings to my life {and believe it or not, sometimes that's hard for me to do}. It can easily be missed among the busy-ness of life. On that note, I'll be busy today attempting to make tomorrow super-special for her. I want smiles to pop(!) from her lips all day long! The theme, you ask? Why, Lightning McQueen, of course. Would there be any other theme for a 2-year-old little girl?? I think it's safe to say she would marry McQueen if we'd let her....

April 2011

In other news, we are praying {fervently} for a internship placement. {Internship would begin Summer of 2012, for us.} The Director of internships at the seminary can't even nail-down any prospective places for us to go. yikes. And where do we want our internship to be? In New England, of course. That's the area of which our hearts are most burdened. And we'd like to get back to that area, sooner than later. But the problem is, there aren't any churches {that we know of} that would be a good fit. There are some basic requirements of which a church must fulfill for it to qualify as an internship placement. And we don't even have a contact. Doesn't that say something to you?? It does to us. DOCTRINALLY-SOUND CHURCHES ARE DESPERATELY NEEDED in that area of our country. And it makes me that much more homesick {I was born and raised in Massachusetts}. As we drove around my hometown over Thanksgiving, I yearned and longed to come back soon. Not to be near family {although that's a bonus}, but to start a church and reach people for the gospel. To reach a people who haven't a clue that they have a deep need for Jesus. Please pray with us. We know God has a plan. Praise the Lord, He's proven Himself to us, already, during our 6 years of marriage. And He's lead us down roads we never dreamed of {both good and bad}. So, we are willing to travel down the road He has for us. We are just waiting for that road to materialize...

P.S John David loves his Gramma....

Happy Friday!

the jesse tree: an advent calendar {with free printables!}

2011-12-01T06:46:00.001-05:00

There shall come forth a shoot from the stump of Jesse,

and a branch from his roots shall bear fruit.

Isiah 11:1

This idea is not original to me. One Christmas, we celebrated at my sis-in-law's house. She had one of these "Jesse trees" and did this each morning with her two boys that year {she may still even do this}. She took time to explain to us this "tree" she had sitting on a table in her dining room. It was an advent calendar, of sorts. One with a "Christian" perspective. I was smitten with the whole idea of it. And even, at that time, before I had my two babies, I knew I wanted to make this a family tradition in our home.

It's a bit time consuming to start it up {preparing each ornament and the coordinating verses}, but I was determined this year to make it a priority. {Seeing as Annaleigh can currently quote lines from the movie "Elf."} I take Deuteronomy 6:4-7 seriously. I want my children to know God and have an understanding available to them so that, someday, they will, God willing, make the choice to choose Christ as their Savior. How else does this happen without intention? Even my life, as it's lived before their eyes, must be intentional. It must be intentionally infused with a biblical mindset and attitude. So that all I say and do glorifies the Lord. Enter: the Jesse Tree.

Ok, Michelle. Enough talking...what is a Jesse tree anyway??

I'm glad you asked.

I will tell you.

The Jesse tree represents the family lineage of Jesus {Isaiah 11:1}. There are 25 ornaments that will eventually adorn the tree. Each ornament represents the ancestors of Jesus or events leading up to the birth of Jesus. A biblical reference is located on the back of each ornament, which offers an explanation of the image found on the front of each ornament.

Our family has wrapped the ornaments in tissue paper. Every morning in December, we will unwrap an ornament and read the correlating scripture. The story of Jesus begins with Creation {although, some Jesse trees, I found, have even begun with "eternity": God existing before everything else...but, I figured, you could include that into the account of Creation} and leads to December 25th, where you unwrap baby Jesus lying in a straw bed!

To me, the concept of opening Jesus on Christmas day, after opening all previous ornaments and reading the scripture of His awaited first coming, will simulate {just a smidgen} of the anticipation and EXCITEMENT(!) that the Jewish nation felt when the promised Messiah had finally arrived!!

How can you have one of these, you say?

I'm glad you asked...

I have done a ton of research on this thing, and let me tell you, the quality of scripture seemed to be lacking. I had to collaborate a lot of the information I found in order to create the ornaments and collect scripture that properly represented {in my mind, anyway} the heritage of Jesus.

First, go get a tree. Any kind of tree. Whatever kind of tree you like best.

Next, download and print up the ornament images and scripture references {located below}. Adorn and embellish. As much or as little as you like {or have the time for}. Note: Some of the ornaments I've seen on the web are beautifully elaborate! If I had the time and money to make them 3D and colorful, I would. But who has time these days? {If you do, I'll just call you lucky...}

Last, wrap up the ornaments and begin a meaningful tradition in your home!

Free printable ornaments

and scripture references:
(click on images to download)

Ornaments - page 1

Ornaments - page 2

Ornaments - page 3

Ornaments - page 4

Ornaments - page 5

Click HERE for the Scripture References

Here are some additional pictures, ideas, and information:

(click on an image to be directed to it's website)

And a bonus:

Ann Vonskamp has written and provided

a FREE Jesse Tree Advent Devotional e-book

on her site, A Holy Experience.

{I wish I had known about this when I was putting mine together!}

I hope you enjoy as you {intentionally} keep CHRIST in Christmas!

harvesting the moment

2011-11-30T14:25:00.001-05:00

11:12am

on a serious note

2011-11-22T13:04:00.001-05:00

Does anyone know much about

plagiocephaly?

Because I think my little man might have a form of it.

And I'm curious about the whole idea of it:

-what causes it

-treatment

-is treatment even necessary for my little guy? pros/cons? cost? side-effects good/bad?

-who else out in blogging-land has {or knows of} a child with it {or has had it}? what are you experiences?

-what resources are available to me?

-is all this fuss I'm making in my mind even worth it?

As Elmo would say: "I want to learn more about plagiocephaly. How can we find out more??"

{Please, let me know what you all are thinking!}

plagiocephaly or not...this is one handsome lil' devil!
don't you think?

p.s. I have a terrible toothache.

In fact it's excruciating.

I'm pretty sure it has to do with my broken molar.

I have an appointment at 2pm today.

High hopes that my dentist can remove the heartbeat from my mouth.

Fingers crossed.

usually...

2011-11-21T14:25:00.001-05:00

...I write my blog-post during the kiddos' nap-time.

But not today.

Today the nap-time slot will be filled up with showering, primping, and taking my time to smell good.

Because I've got a date with the Mr.

And considering he's been bogged down with work and writing seminary papers...

I can't wait.

homemade seasoned bread crumbs

2011-11-18T08:00:00.000-05:00

I need to make dinner.
And I'm really craving chicken parmigiana.
I scrounge through my pantry and fridge to see if I have all the ingredients.
Yes. I have everything...
oh no.
Except the bread crumbs.
Are you kidding me?

What to do? What to do?

I know...
Google it!

And here's what I found, folks.
To be honest with you...I just may never buy bread crumbs again!
{Plus, when given the choice, I always prefer homemade over store-bought}

Seasoned Bread Crumbs

What you'll need

1-lb bread

2 Tbl dried oregano or thyme

2 Tbl dried basil or parsley

1 tsp garlic powder

2 tsp salt, or to taste

1/2 tsp pepper, or to taste

Make it

Preheat oven to 300 degrees.

Cut the bread into cubes, and process the cubes in a food processor to make coarse crumbs.

Spread the crumbs onto a baking sheet - use two baking sheets if necessary - and dry the coarse crumbs in the oven for about 10 - 15 minutes, stirring halfway through the baking time. Allow the crumbs to cool completely.

Return the dried crumbs to the food processor. Add the seasonings. Pulse until the crumbs are finely processed and well-mixed with the seasonings.

Be certain the seasoned bread crumbs are dry and cool before storing in an airtight container.

The bread crumbs should last for up to 6 months.

Happy Breading!

5 {cleaning} sins I commit

2011-11-17T13:24:00.001-05:00

Or maybe the title should say:

5 non-cleaning sins I commit.

Because I'm about to give you a list of things I do to take the "easy-way-out" of washing certain dishes. {Read HERE to be reminded of how much I detest dish-washing.} I don't wanna if I don't hafta. You dig?

Here we go. {and please...try not to gag...}

1. Ice cream scoop. Once I'm done using it to scoop out some {glorious} ice cream, I simply rinse it off with hot water and put it back in the drawer. I mean, with what else am I going to use it to scoop?? {I also commit this sin with similar objects, such as: my apple corer/slicer, wire whisk, garlic press, and measuring cups/spoons (given I've only used them to measure dry ingredients that don't stick...)}.

2. Pizza stone. It's not suppose to be "washed." Only running it under hot water and scraping it down. Not hard, right? Apparently, for me, it is. When it's cooled, I slide it back into the cabinet to be taken care of on another day {usually, on the day I need to use it again...}.

3. Cookie sheets. Almost the same story as my pizza stone. Except, these should be washed with soap. But, when cooled, they get ~~shoved~~ put away until next time. And the next time. And...the next. {These bad boys only get a good scrub down every 10 uses or so.}

4. Colander. After it's finished straining and draining my pasta, fruits or veggies, I run it under hot water and stick it on top of the other {clean} drying dishes. I plunge it into a soapy bath whenever I notice a noticeable "build-up" of pasta residue. {Gross? depends upon your definition...}

5. Square frying pan. Now, I will say, I do wash this item. However, if all I've used it for is to make my daughter a half-of-a-grilled-cheese-sandwich...it goes nuh-nite without its shower as soon as it's cooled. Or if I've made quesadillas {and only a little bit of cheese has spilled out} I rub it off and put it away. I figure...all that really touched the pan was butter...I'm just pre-greasing the pan...

I know.

You're totally judging me right now.

But just remember, whenever you point a finger...there's always three pointing back.

Just sayin'.

So give this gal a break, mmkay?

Oh.

And if you plan to come over to my house to eat dinner...then I totally don't do any of the things listed...like, at all.

Happy Friday's Eve, everyone!

Linked up today with Abbie over at:

fall family tree

2011-11-15T14:19:00.001-05:00

I found the tutorial for this fall family tree HERE.

And I'm as much in love with mine, as the first time I saw Abbie's {original} version.

It was SUPER easy to make. I had so much fun!

{btw, I got the canvas at JoAnn's for 50% off!!}

You should head on over to the tutorial and try making one for your home

because it's just so darn pretty once you do!

P.S. I just wish I wasn't a craft-schizophrenic! I bounce from one random project to the next!

Have fun!

Linked up here today...

chicken and rice soup

2011-11-15T11:38:00.001-05:00

Mike has caught Annaleigh's sinus infection.

{Of which she is on an anti-biotic for, and of which Mike is in the process of obtaining one.}

As a result, he is craving all things warm and cozy.

{Clothing, room temperature, bed, food....you get the idea}

So when I asked him the other day what he wanted for supper,

his reply was, in a cute-stuffed-up-nose-kinda-way,

"some kind of soup"

I began to search in cookbooks, on the web...

and I came across this blesséd concoction

{and gave it few of my own twists and tweeks}.

Honestly, it's one of the best soups I've ever eaten.

And Mike couldn't stop raving about it.

So I'm chocking it up to being {not choking it up...that would be gross} a success...

...and helping myself to another bowl...don't mind if do...

Chicken and Rice Soup

What you'll need

1 cup {before cooking} brown rice

2 whole chicken breasts

8 pieces chicken bouillon cubes

2 quarts water

1/4 cup onion

1/4 cup green bell pepper

1/4 cup jarred roasted red peppers (drained)

1/4 cup carrot

1/4 cup celery

6 Tbl unsalted butter

4 Tbl flour

Make it

Cook up some rice. Set aside.

Place 2 whole chicken breasts in a pot; cover with 2 quarts of water.

Add 8 bouillon cubes. Bring to a boil and then reduce heat to medium and cook until chicken is done {about 20 minutes}.

Remove chicken from the pot and let cool for a few minutes. Cut all the meat from the bones and chop into bite-sized pieces. Set aside.

Finely dice the vegetables. Set aside.

In a skillet, melt 4 Tbl of butter. When it is all melted, make a roux by adding 4 Tbl of flour. Stir until thickened and then add it to the pot of chicken broth. Stir well.

In a skillet, melt 2 Tbl of butter and throw in all of the diced veggies. Stir, then add the chicken. Sprinkle with a dash or two of salt. Cook for a couple of minutes and then add the chicken mixture to the broth.

Add in the cooked rice.

Let all the ingredients simmer in the pot for about 10 - 15 minutes.

Ladle into a bowl. Enjoy!

{yields 6 servings}

simple things...monday

2011-11-14T15:07:00.001-05:00

11.7.11 | matching band-aides

During a recent shopping trip, I remembered we were in need of band-aides in our house.

As I perused the "first-aid" aisle, a grubby little 2YO-hand seized a package of band-aides decorated with her heart-throb: Lightening McQueen.

That package of band-aides came home to live with us.

Who knew I would need a Lightening McQueen to make a boo-boo {or an "ouchie," as we call it here in the Weston household} feel better so soon?

Because, a few days later, while doing the dishes, I accidentally cut my thumb with a knife.

Ouch? umm...yeah.

Once my thumb was spotted by my 2YO, adorning her beloved McQueen, envy set in.

Leading to a burning desire to imitate.

{Coveting is what I think it's called?? No worries, friend, we'll set her straight some day...but for now it's just stinkin' cute...mmkay?}

And thus was born, the ever-so-adorable and heart-warming series of pictures above.

All I can do is smile.

Linking up.

You should too.

Because if there's still time for a procrastinator like me,

you'll fit right in...

today i'm taking the time to say THANK YOU

2011-11-11T15:39:00.001-05:00

this is a privilege

2011-11-09T10:46:00.003-05:00

My life.

Being a SAHM.

Teaching and loving my children daily.

Seeing them learn and grow before my eyes.

Filling my days as I see best.

Making my home a haven.

Sensing my God-given purpose

whenever I witness my daughter starting to understand the mechanics of prayer.

Knowing that whatever I do, whenever I do it, as long as it's for God's glory,

nothing is in vain.

CIA watching world online

2011-11-08T08:51:00.000-05:00

**An interesting article I read in our local Sunday newspaper**

McLean, Va. - In an anonymous industrial park, CIA analysts who jokingly call themselves the "ninja librarians" are mining the mass of information people publish about themselves overseas, tracking everything from common public opinion to revolutions.

The group's effort gives the White House a daily snapshot of the world built from tweets, newspaper articles and Facebook updates.

The agency's Open Source Center sometimes looks at 5 million tweets a day. The analysts are also checking out TV news channels, local radio stations, Internet chat rooms - anything overseas that people can access and contribute to openly.

The Associated Press got an apparently unprecedented view of the center's operations, including a tour of the main facility. The AP agreed not to reveal its exact location and to withhold the identities of some who work there because much of the center's work is secret.

From Arabic to Mandarin, from an angry tweet to a thoughtful blog, the analysts gather the information, often in native tongue. They cross-reference it with a local newspaper or a clandestinely intercepted phone conversation. From there, they build a picture sought by the highest levels at the White House. There might be a real-time peek, for example, at the mood of a region after the Navy SEAL raid that killed Osama bin Laden, or perhaps a prediction of which Mideast nation seems ripe for revolt.

Yes, they saw the uprising in Egypt coming; they just didn't know exactly when revolution might hit, say the center's director, Doug Naquin.

The center already had "predicted that social media in places like Egypt could be a game-changer and a threat to the regime," he said in an interview.

The CIA facility was set up in response to a recommendation by the 9/11 Commission, its first priority to focus on counterterrorism and counterproliferation. Its predecessor organization had its staff heavily cut in the 1990s - something the CIA's management has vowed to keep from happening again, with budget cuts looming across the national security spectrum.

The center's several hundred analysts - the actual number is classified - track a broad range of subjects, including Chinese Internet access and the mood on the street in Pakistan.

While most analysts are based in Virginia, they also are scattered throughout the U.S. embassies worldwide to get a step closer to their subjects.

The center's analysis ends up in President Barack Obama's daily intelligence briefing almost every day. The material is often used to answer questions he poses to his inner circle of intelligence advisers when they give him the morning rundown of threats and trouble spots.

"The OSC's focus is overseas, collecting against foreign intelligence issues," said CIA spokeswoman Jennifer Youngblood. "Looking at social media outlets overseas is just a small part of what this skilled organization does," she said. "There is no effort to collect on Americans."

The most successful open source analysts, Mr. Naquin said, are something like the heroine of the crime novel "The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo," a quirky, irreverent computer hacker who "knows how to find stuff other people don't know exists."

An analyst with a degree in library science and multiple languages, especially one who grew up speaking another language, makes "a powerful open source officer" Mr. Naquin said.

The center had started focusing on social media after watching the Twitter-sphere rock the Iranian regime during the Green Revolution of 2009, when thousands protested the results of the elections that kept Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad in power. "Farsi was the third-largest presence in social media blogs at the time on the Web," Mr. Naquin said.

After bin Laden was killed in Pakistan in May, the CIA followed Twitter to give the White House a snapshot of world public opinion. Since tweets can't necessarily be pegged to a geographic location, the analysts broke down reaction by language. The result: The majority of Urdu tweets, the language of Pakistan, and Chinese tweets, were negative. China is a close ally of Pakistan.

**Article taken from The Times Tribune**

Scranton, PA

Sunday, November 6, 2011

Written by Kimberly Dozier

Nation and World section, page B1

Our Photo Session with Amy Emily Photography

2011-11-07T08:00:00.000-05:00

Did you notice the updated pictures in the header?

Pretty schnazzy, ehh?

That's because Amy Emily is at it again.

Being amazing.

Amazing with her photography skills.

And taking high-quality pictures of my family and I.

I'm not only thankful for her ability to manipulate a camera,

but for her inspiration,

her creativity,

and her meek ability to be patient with a toddler who wishes to do anything else besides sit still and smile.

I wanted to be able to show you them all.

And came up with the notion to compile a video for your enjoyment and pleasure.

So...

...enjoy.

And go ahead...

....be envious.

If your envy has lead you to turn green,

and you wish to own the photos for yourself,

{of you and your own family, of course}

then head on over to

www.amyemilyphotography.wordpress.com

to check her goods.

'Cuz her goods are good.

For real.

And don't be afraid to like her.

On Facebook, that is.

Amy Emily Photography

is her handle.

But a disclaimer:

upon visiting her website and liking her Facebook page, you will immediately want to hire her.

So don't be afraid of that feeling. Go with it. Just go with it.
You'll be glad you did.

Amy Emily Photography is based in Scranton, Pennsylvania. She's a young woman with a camera and the entire world at her feet. She loves to create and inspire.

In her own words: "I live like a Gypsy. Most of my weekends are spent traveling from state to state letting my wanderlust take over. Translation: YES, I travel for pictures."

simple things sunday

2011-11-06T06:28:00.000-05:00

10.29.11 | Smiles

If you're new to this we'd sure love to have you join us for

{simple things sunday}

All you need to do is link up a photo of a simple thing or a simple moment that made you smile

during the week and share it with us here each Sunday.

annaleigh is a genius

2011-11-05T15:10:00.000-04:00

This kid cracks me up!

I know every mother feels that their child is highly intelligent.

I am no exception.

I can't help but feel she is wise beyond her years.

Each day is filled with new discoveries

and newly expressed {and oh! so adorable} behaviors!

For example,

today,

right before her nap-time,

we had reached our "book-reading-quota".

Meaning = I will not read her any more books due to the fact that she actually has to nap at some point. Otherwise, we'd read books continually, for the rest of our lives, until we died in that rocking chair.

With a last ditch-effort, she reaches across me, to finagle her fingers to find one last book.

She ever-so-sweetly asks me to read it to her.

Even attempting to manipulate my hand to hold it.

When I firmly, yet kindly, refuse,

she takes matters into her own hands.

She strategically parts the pages of the book,

Are You My Mother by P.D. Eastman,

and begins "reading" it aloud.

Her mouth starts stringing together sounds and babbles that resemble a form of language.

With an actual word sprinkled in the mix, here and there.

In the first few pages I can understand the word "mother".

She gets to the page with the kitten, and I clearly hear, "kitty".

But the best part:

we get to the page where the baby bird stops to think...

...she places her finger in the air and begins tapping her head...

...all the while saying, "hmmm...?"

She continues reading the book to herself.

When she finishes,

she gazes up to me with her big brown eyes as if to say,

"Aren't you so proud of me? Did you hear what I just did!"

I can do nothing else but laugh out loud,

kiss her forehead,

and squeeze her little body into my hug.

Yes, my sweet girl.

I did hear you.

And I'm more proud of you than you'll ever know.

organizing: the spice of life

2011-11-04T23:27:00.000-04:00

This is my spice drawer.

Where all my spices happily coexist.

When Mike and I first got married,

one of our wedding gifts was a spice rack.

It was cute and small.

Perfect for a counter-top.

Perfect for someone who had no idea when/where/how/or even why(???) anyone would need such variety.

You see, I didn't really know how to cook.

But I love learning new things.

So I took on the challenge of regularly trying new recipes in an effort to please my husband's palette

{and feed his stomach}.

{P.S. Mike can't cook a can of soup, so one of us had to start trying...and if I remember correctly, I was the one who drew the short straw...just call me lucky.}

As time went on and my knowledge increased,

so, too, did my spices begin to multiply beyond what my sweet little spice rack could handle.

Thus, an entire drawer was needed to contain my collection.

{I am now taking the time to apologize to the person who gave us that beautiful spice rack who may or may not be reading this post right now...so sorry}

But each time I go to use/find {ehem...frantically search, and grunt ,and moan, in vain futility, for the perfect spice to accompany my dinner dish, so the flavors will lovingly linger on your titillated taste buds, only to throw my arms up in frustrated angst, and ultimately feel forced to convince my husband to drive to the store to purchase that spice I can't seem to locate, UNTIL he walks through the door, leaving me to, now, own two of the same spices that I will, somehow, inevitably not be able to locate in the future, and thus, leading the situation to repeat itself....} I can't find what I'm looking for.

{Aren't we loving the run on sentences here...hmmm?...}

So I came up with a clever idea.

One that most would have thought of when they initially moved into their apartment 3-1/2 years ago...

Since the labels that come with the spices are located on the side of each bottle,

the labels become useless to me and my "spice-system" {stop laughing, Michael}.

Observe...

Before

Can you understand the uselessness??
And the frustrating futility??

So, I thought it would be brilliant to grab some self-adhesive mailing labels I had in our office,
cut each label into thirds,
creating cute little squares,

and use them to label the lids of my spices.

See?...

After

Clever, no?

Problem solved.

Done.

And now my cooking experiences are a lot more pleasant due to the less grunting and moaning...

...because animal noises are not usually received well by guests, especially when emitted by humans.

Psalm 145:5-10

2011-11-01T10:34:00.000-04:00

On the glorious splendor of Thy majesty, and on Thy wonderful works, I will meditate. And men shall speak of the power of Thine awesome acts; and I will tell of Thy greatness. They shall eagerly utter the memory of Thine abundant goodness, and shall shout joyfully of Thy righteousness. The LORD is gracious and merciful; slow to anger and great in loving-kindness. The LORD is good to all, and His mercies are all over His works. All Thy works shall give thanks to Thee, O LORD, and Thy godly ones shall bless Thee.

on the road again

2011-10-21T08:59:00.002-04:00

A sweet lil' collection of rejected nap-time socks.

Except this time, all of us get to go.

Sorta.

You see, Mike is traveling to San Diego on Sunday.

And seeing as I want to bless my family with a few more mouths to feed,

we are heading to Massachusetts today.

This way,

I'll spend time with my family and friends

while Mike soaks up the Cali sun.

Oh!

To add to our trip,

a bonus:

my friend Vanessa is getting married this Saturday to the love of her life, David.

That's a pretty spectacular bonus if you ask me...

Congrats, girl!

i'm irritated with you

2011-10-19T08:55:00.002-04:00

The Lord has really been challenging me lately. He has been teaching me a lot about my role as a wife and mother through many sources, avenues, books, and people. And that would be the reason for my lack of consistency on this here blog.

I love writing. There's something about getting your thoughts down in black and white. To see them materialize before your eyes. To understand, more clearly, what goes on inside. To be honest with yourself. To prove {or disprove} your sanity. To inspire others.

However, I don't love it more than my husband. Or my children.

And I've found myself becoming irritated when I cannot get to my blogger dashboard. I become consumed by blogging titles, subjects and content. Or, if I'm already there, I become annoyed with the endless interruptions due to their endless needs.

But are their 'endless needs' the problem?

The thought came to me the other day:

When I focus on my family as my main ministry to the Lord,
they no longer interfere with my to-do list, but BECOME my to-do list.

To answer the question: no.

It's my priorities that are my problem.

They aren't making the top of my list. And they should be. THEY are my ministry which God has given me to fulfill. And if I fail to fulfill those God-given roles...I've failed completely.

And if you've read any good portion of this blog, you'll soon realize I'm a {recovering} perfectionist. Failure is not an option.

My home should be a haven. And if I'm not expending most of my energy and resources to provide that for my family, then what is the point of my life. What's the point of this blog if I'm not actively engaged in enjoying the harvest?

It begins with me. My thoughts. And seeing those thoughts here, materialized, I can be completely honest with you. Blogging needs to take a back seat. I'll get to it when I can. But from this moment on, I'll be obsessing over them.

I'll see you around soon. Because right now, I'm feeling irritated by this blog.

There's a little person that needs some tending to....I can hear a sweet little voice, calling Mommy...and she needs me...

i can't smile without you...

2011-10-14T06:58:00.002-04:00

I miss you, babe.
I can't wait for you to come home...

staying alive?

2011-10-12T07:46:00.000-04:00

Mike is away on a business trip this week.

And JD has caught the cold Annaleigh just got rid of.

And I'm doing my best to keep my head above water,

as I attempt to tag-team without my tag-team partner.

So any activity that doesn't have to do with staying alive, I'm not participating in...

...this blog being one of them {and showers}.

Stay tuned.

I should be back soon.

If I don't throw myself off of a cliff first, in search of a little sanity, that is....

ninety-five...

2011-10-10T10:02:00.000-04:00

...is Daddy's new nickname for JD.

When filling in Mike about JD's recent appointment,

he was amused to discover that our son is in the

95th percentile for his weight.

Our little man is short and fat for a 7-week-old baby.

Basically, he's a porker.

Which thrills me.

Because I've always wanted a baby with chubby cheeks.

They are perfect for ~~eating~~ kissing.

Add a side of love, and you have yourself a complete meal.

Now, whenever Mike walks in the door after a days work,

you can be sure you'll hear him say,

"Hey, ninety-five! How was your day?"

Followed by a raspberry, strategically planted on one of JD's many chunky rolls...

... preferably, those edible cheeks.

***
P.S. Do you like the hat JD is wearing?
Well, I crocheted that marvelous creation!
Want the pattern?
Click HERE.

simple things sunday

2011-10-09T07:01:00.000-04:00

10.6.11 | pigtails

Linked up today with Rebecca...

18 ways a wife may be the glory of her husband

2011-10-06T13:28:00.000-04:00

Ask your husband, "What are your goals for the week?"
Ask your husband, "How can I help you to accomplish these goals?"
Ask your husband, "Is there anything I can do differently that would make it easier for you?"
Be organized with cleaning, grocery shopping, laundry and cooking. As you fulfill your God-given responsibilities, your husband is then free to do his work.
Save some of your energy everyday for him.
Put him first over the children, your parents, friends, jobs, ladies' Bible studies, etc.
Willingly and cheerfully rearrange your schedule for him when necessary.
Talk about him in a positive light to others. Do not slander him at all, even if what you are saying is true.
Do whatever you can to make him look good, to accomplish his goals. Some examples are offer to run errands for him, organize your day to be available to help him with projects, pray for him and make good suggestions. Give him the freedom not to use your suggestion, and do not be offended if he does not follow it.
Consider his work (job, goals, hobbies, work for the Lord) as more important than your own.
Think of specific ways that you can help him accomplish his goals. Examples are get up early in the mornings to help him get off to work having had a good breakfast, take care in recording telephone messages for him, anticipate any needs he may have in order to attain a specific goal, and keep careful records of money spent to keep up with the budget.
Consider the things that you are involved in. How do they glorify your husband (1 Corinthians 11:7-9)? Ask his guidance.
Be warm and gracious to his family and friends. Make your commitment to him obvious to them.
Do and say things that build him up instead of tear him down.
Dress and apply your makeup in an attractive manner that is pleasing to your husband.
When your husband sins, reprove him privately and gently, always giving him hope and pointing him to the Lord.
Encourage him to use his spiritual gifts in ministry.
Realize that just as God is glorified when man obeys Him, your husband is glorified when you obey your husband.

The question always comes up, what if your husband is not a Christian? What if he is not glorifying the Lord? I'm reminded of a story that my grandmother told me once about her parents. They were born around the time of the Civil War. Apparently, her mother was a Christian and her father was not. Reflecting back, my grandmother told how her mother always wanted to please him. In order to please her husband, she was gentle and kind, and cooperated in all of the many relocation moves they had made. Her usual answer when he requested something was, "Yes, Dad." She did not complain or grumble. She seemed to go gladly along with him in his plans. Even when she differed, she still respectfully supported him. I asked my grandmother, "How did your father treat your mother?" and she said, "He adored her." Well, my great-grandfather may not have glorified Christ but my great-grandmother did by magnifying her husband, by living out the role that God intended for her. A special blessing for her was how her husband treated her and loved her. You see, a Christian woman can do the right thing and fulfill her God-given role regardless of whether her husband fulfills his or not.

-Martha Peace, The Excellent Woman, pgs 55-56

walking, fighting, picking, and sleeping...

2011-10-03T14:59:00.002-04:00

What a wonderful weekend.

Chock-full of fall fun!

On Friday, I took a walk with my two babies.

The weather was perfect. Warm sun. Cool breeze.

That night, our neighbor gave us {free} tickets to go see the WBS Penguins play.

There were 2 goals scored during the hour we stayed {we have a 22 mos old and a 7 wk old...need I say more?} and multiple fights.

I was certain the players had really signed their contracts with WWE.

It was all very thrilling for Annaleigh, it being her first hockey game and all.

It got me out of the house, I was able to be near {and smell} the ice again, and I got a free Cherry-limeade from Sonic {yaye for coupons!}...so I was having the time of my life!

On Saturday,

we were able to go to Roba Family Farms, and have lots of fun, before it started to rain.

We fed the animals, we were wary of the real-life chickens, rode the "cow-train", played pumpkin tether ball, climbed the hay bales, shyly hid from the face-painters, we were fascinated by the singing chickens and fox, disturbed by the immense size of the Koi fish, picked our pumpkin from the patch, and bought the best tasting apple cider we've ever found.

Then on Sunday,

we just relaxed after church.

Took naps.

Ate.

Watched movies.

Cuddled under warm blankets.

And went shopping for cinnamon doughnuts to go with our apple cider.

All while the rain poured down outside.

Like I said...

...wonderful.

simple things sunday

2011-10-02T22:44:00.001-04:00

10.1.11 | holding hands

For one year, every Sunday, I plan to participate in 52 weeks of the simple things, hosted by Rebecca's blog, simple as that. It's a weekly photo challenge that encourages you to "set out to capture an image each week of the simple things in life that make [you] smile...the little things and little moments that make [you] happy."

Rebecca says...

There are few photos I enjoy capturing more than those of my own family, just living our completely ordinary {and oft times boring} little life. The simplest of moments made beautiful through my lens: a hug between siblings, a quiet evening dinner as a family or a beautiful, unexpected view through the kitchen window. Celebrating the everyday moments is what {Simple things Sunday}is all about...

I think it's going to help me keep a positive perspective on life each week. How can one be sad when you are always on the look-out for small moments that fill your heart with over-flowing joy?

It is the sweet

simple things

in life which are

the real ones after all.

-Laura Ingalls Wilder

Join me, won't you?

For a free printable of the

Laura Ingalls Wilder quote,

click HERE.

And to read more

about what

{simple things sunday}

means to Rebecca's followers,

click HERE.

the moon book

2011-09-30T16:40:00.004-04:00

Also known as Happy Birthday, Moon.
It is one of Annaleigh's favorite books these days.

And this is her favorite page...

Or maybe it's just the page that confuses her the most.

Because each time she comes across it, she turns the book so it looks like this...

And then she'll turn it again. And again....

The process will continue for some time.

Until she gets tired of entertaining herself

{or trying to figure it out}.

I like to think she's just clever.

Knowing that objects are suppose to look right side up.

Not upside down.

Or is it right side up?

Wait.

Upside...down?

Great. Now I'm confused.

embrace the camera: sept. 29

2011-09-29T09:37:00.002-04:00

This is the three of us...

on a normal weekday morning...

We are all still in our PJs.

We just finished eating freshly made banana bread topped with peanut butter.

JD has spit up all over the side of his shirt.

The living room is covered with toys.

The sink is full of dishes.

A load of laundry sits next to the washer, waiting for me to do something, anything, with it.

Ants have, yet once again, started taking over my kitchen.

The cat has, thoughtfully, left tufts of her long, thick, white hair on every carpet in every room.

I haven't showered since Tuesday.

My cup of coffee sits alone, cold and half-finished.

Our office floor is strewn and covered with my craft supplies.

My bed isn't made.

And the reason for the pouty face below is....

..."Finding Nemo" is playing on our TV

and Annaleigh would rather be watching that than taking a picture.

And probably nothing much will be accomplished today other than
full bellies
clean diapers
and a whole lot of kissing.

All that to say:

I'm not perfect.

I'm not superwoman.

I don't have it all together.

But...

...I'm happy.

I am blessed.
And I think my life is pretty much spectacular.

dear Krystal...

2011-09-27T09:27:00.004-04:00

I remember when we first met...

I was 11 and you were 10.

We were in your basement

drinking soda

jumping up and down

trying desperately to make ourselves belch.

I learned two things that day:

#1 You are the best belch-er in the world

{I've yet to meet someone who can match your skills}.

#2 You are a lifelong friend. My bestie.

From that day forward, our lives would never be the same.

In ways we could never have dreamed.

And for both of us, that meant a whole lot of bad.

But as we have lived our lives, we look back and see that there were threads of good, weaved throughout, as well.

One of those good strands has been our friendship.

No matter the paths it has taken {rocky, smooth, separate, together....}

you have been a constant presence in my life.

What an adventure we've shared!

I now know I can count on you.

My life is what it is as a result of your influence.

My life continues to benefit, even today.

Your...

strength

bravery

diligence

fight

refusal to give up

faith in God

endurance
unending joy
perspective

heart

...inspire me.

I want to be a better person because of you.

You have overcome SO MUCH.

And with each new day, as the sun rises to meet your beautiful face,

your determination is fortified.

You will win.

And you'll do it with a smile on your face and a practical joke in your pocket.

I can't tell you enough how proud I am to know you.
And how lucky I am to be your friend.

I love you, Crazy.

I hope you have a wonderfully HAPPY 30th Birthday today!

I wish I could be there to help you paint the town

and get kicked out of a fine establishment with you!

Until we meet again,

I will dream of us.

Belching.

Laughing.

Making fools of ourselves.

Matching outfits and all...

I'm Silly.
And you're just plain Crazy...

a family update

2011-09-26T15:04:00.001-04:00

John David

He's a smiley little guy these days.

And the smiles extend beyond his gas.

They are usually in direct response to touch, rocking,

and as soon as he has a nice, warm, fully tummy.

I brought down the play-mat from storage.

His hands are always waving around. Which means he unknowingly hits the lion, monkey, or tiger that dangles down. It causes him to coo and make all sorts of excited noises. The thing is, I can't tell if he's completely freaked out by the whole process or if he feels complete joy. At this stage of his expressions, one can't be sure. It makes me laugh, regardless.

Speaking of noises, his nick-name around our house is

"Mr. Squeaky."

He's the loudest baby I know when in a state of rest.

He makes squeaky noises that could potentially be categorized as "non-human."

And the best part about my little man
{other than him being the cutest baby on the planet, making him irresistibly kissable...}

is that he is starting to sleep at night!

We got a good 6 hour stretch out of him Saturday night!

I can see/feel the healing powers of sleep, again, on the horizon....

...but for now, I'll resort to my {ever-flowing} cups-o-joe...

Annaleigh

She is only a few months away from her 2nd birthday!

Where has the time gone, I ask you?!?

Her vocabulary is HUGE and she's learning new words everyday

{and repeats almost everything you say to her}.

My favorite is when she says, "It's OK" {and pats the closest body-part} whenever her brother {or I} cry.

She has the sweetest, most empathetic, and loving heart!

She climbs the stairs, standing upright, holding the railing, BY HERSELF now.

Who am I kidding? She climbs EVERYTHING now!

She loves, LOVES, to draw with crayons, markers, or pens {but not always in/on the proper places - Mike has had a few of his prized resources highlighted in a few unconventional places...}.

She holds the writing utensil properly {which BLOWS my mind, as a former teacher}and draws and endless amount of tiny circles {I can't get over her fine-motor skills as a 21-month-old!}.

She is constantly asking me to draw "a meow" {a kitty cat} for her. It's close to 100 times a day!!

Annaleigh is too big for size 12 month clothes and too small for 18 month clothes.

Same goes for her shoes. Size 4, too small. Size 5, too big.

She will just have to live with being "Raggedy-Ann" for a few more months.

But I LOVE the excuse of having to buy her all new clothes!

Potty training is not that far away for my big girl.

She is waking up from most of her naps, bone dry!

And she is VERY aware when she is wet/dirty.

We plan to buy her a potty-seat, soon.

Here we go!

Michael

He's back to school {seminary}.

The first day was about a month ago.

It's his LAST 1st-semester {of his Master's degree} ever! WAHOO!

He's back to writing and reading and studying like a {oh so handsome!} maniac.

But thankfully, he doesn't have many credits left to take, so that has freed up some of his time.

His job, as an usher for the Yankee's Farm Team has ended{I know! I can't believe it myself! I never dreamed of the day I'd allow the "Y-word" on my blog! Please be assured, I'm throwing up a little in my mouth right at this moment....bleck}. It's bittersweet. He had SO MUCH FUN doing that job and it brought in an extra paycheck {ka-ching!}. But, I'll be happy to have him home at night, now that their season is over {and I'll be happy that he's no longer working for that team...}

His traveling season begins.

{He's an admissions representative for the seminary, remember?}

Most of the places he's going this year are on the West Coast

{California, Oregon & Washington State, to name a few}.

I'm excited for the adventures, opportunities and resources he'll get to have while out there!

He is currently teaching through the book of Ecclesiastes in our ABF
{adult bible fellowship aka. Sunday School}.
I've learned SO much from him.
Like, that even though the book of Ecclesiastes appears to be a sad and depressing book,
it's not! It's packed full of optimism!
SERVE GOD and ENJOY LIFE is it's basic message!
His teaching confirms in my heart, each Sunday, of God's calling in our lives.
The Lord has blessed him, greatly!

Internship begins for us in less than one year.

I'm excited and nervous, all at once.

And, no, we do not have any ideas about our placement...

but we are placing our trust in our Lord that He will set us in the right spot!

Michelle

I'm currently reading four books:

New Parent Power!

The Excellent Wife

Being a Minister's Wife and Being Yourself

It's a Wonderful {Imperfect} Life

It makes me giggle to see what I'm reading.

Three of the books are to show me how to get better in particular areas of life,

while the fourth is teaching me not to expect perfection! ha!

I recently bought orange, yellow, and white fabric to try to make this.

I think it's wonderfully adorable and perfect for the Fall season!

Annaleigh's scheduled to get one {and me, too!}.

I'm doing my best to get back into a routine.

Seeing that written in black and white makes me laugh out loud!

Routine-shmoutine...

Tonight we have a free hot date, the hubs and I!

BBC&S throws a yearly Trustee Dinner for all it's employees and their spouses.

Dinner, dressing up, no kiddos, and a handsome date....HERE I COME!

We had our first SWF {seminary-wives-fellowship} meeting on September 15th.
Not only the ladies who attend {who are my dearest and closest friends},
but the teaching of God's Word encourages and challenges me in my walk with the Lord.

What a blessing it was to my heart! I'm glad to be a part of something so wonderful!

Along with the {hundreds} of other crafts I'm pursuing,
I've been a crocheting machine, lately.

I just completed this, for Annaleigh.

And this, for John David.

We're ready for the cooler weather!

Well...maybe not....

Happy Monday!

photography is as simple as that

2011-09-24T14:16:00.004-04:00

SOOC

I'm really interested in photography these days.

I was inspired by Amy. She's, quite literally, a-mazing.

She's encouraged me a few times to try it out for myself.

I became curious. Could I ever take quality pictures?

I mean, I like being creative. And I experimented now and then. But I've never taken it seriously. And I have NO dreams of being a professional. It just would be nice to be able to more-than-adequately capture my family, friends, and things I love.

My confidence has begun to strengthen.

I obtained a fancier camera.

And I'm experimenting more purposefully now.

I'm no where near the capabilities of Amy.

But it never hurts to practice.

As I partook in my daily blog hopping today, I came across this.

And it's perfect.

I ~~like~~ love lists.

Not only am I smitten {obsessed} with Rebecca's blog, but her photography as well.

She's always giving great photography tips and suggestions to regular-joes, like me.

Reading about her life is always an encouragement, too.

I can't wait to get started!

***

Oh! And if you want to see Amy and my family getting personal, click here and here.

***

just stay calm

2011-09-23T14:56:00.003-04:00

Ecclesiastes 10:4

If the anger of the ruler rises against you, do not leaveyour place, for calmness will lay great offenses to rest.

Another translation: Calmness can lay great errors (against you personally from an authority-figure) to rest.

“Sometimes I panic and first resort to belittling myself (orothers) when I’m faced with a problem or crisis.” - Joan C. Webb

I recently had a difficult time when an individual accusedme of being a “lesser Christian” because of a certain choice I had made. Did this make me a bad person? Do I not appear Christ-like? I thought my choices were innocent – however,this person was highly offended. Initially, I wasnot sure how to respond. But I knew that“blasting” that person was not the answer (no matter how good that would havefelt).

Processing the proper response tore me apart. Anger. Tears. Shame.

Was it OK? – Was it sin? – when one doesn’t want toinitially respond in the correct manner? Even though you knew you should respond right and you were doing yourbest to “get” there? Even Jesus wastempted to sin. He suffered as a result of that temptation. He understands that feeling of weakness. But because he didn’t choose to succumb to that temptation, itwas not sin.

For because he himself has suffered when tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted. Hebrews 2:18

For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Hebrews 4:15

Processing the correctresponse isn’t sin. It’s when you followthrough with the incorrect one, is when it becomes sin.

Another question I had: do all the “good” things I’ve done becomeinstantly erased by one, seemingly innocent, choice? Was thatchoice even really considered “bad”? Verse 10:1 says {paraphrased} that one bad apple spoils the whole bunch:

Dead flies make the perfumer's ointment give off a stench; so a little folly outweighs wisdom and honor.

I was reminded that I am a sinner. A part of the fallen creation. Therefore, I cannot make a proper evaluation as to what is "good" or "bad". God is the author of morality. His wisdom on these matters spans much farther than mine. Meaning that the choices I make {despite my opinion} may not be good. Because, who am I compared to an all-knowing God?

I concluded the correct way to respond was to simplyapologize to that person and leave it at that.

I gave no added explanation for the reasons behind mychoice.

I offered no defense.

No arguments.

No attempts to force them to understand my side.

--In spite of my {strong!} urge to “lay into” that person.--
Short and simple.
Calm as a summer breeze.

I am grateful for God's love.

I am grateful for Christ's redemption through the cross.

I am grateful for the the Holy Spirit and His constant work in my heart in order to help me to discern between right andwrong.

his grace is our basis

2011-09-22T10:15:00.004-04:00

Why should I love my husband?
Why should I love my children?
Why should I be sensible?
Why should I be pure?
Why should I be a worker at home?
Why should I be kind?
Why should I be subject to my own husband?

Why?

WHY?

Why???

To have those questions answered, you can go HERE.

my Christian life is hanging in the balance

2011-09-21T09:59:00.002-04:00

I feel as if I need to set the record straight.

Not that I've gotten angry people writing mean things to me explaining their deep protest against the things I've said, but I feel as if {quite possibly} the silence of my readers is worse...

Balance.

A word I do not have enough of in my life.

My "religious" background is one of LEGALISM.

Work. Do. Drive. Go. Get Better.
Take On More. Be Responsible. Don't Drop The Ball.

Or Else The Lord Will NOT Be Pleased With Your Service.

So the things I've been writing about Scripture lately have been FILLED TO THE BRIM with the idea of REST, RELIEF, RENEWAL, FREEDOM, IMPERFECTIONISM, BREATHING ROOM, ENJOYING LIFE, CONTENTMENT, ESCAPE, learning to say NO, and GOD'S GRACE.

This is not to say we are to never Work-Do-Drive-Go-Get Better. We are! I feel as if what I'm saying will be misinterpreted as sitting back and doing nothing. Never going to church. Never reading your Bible, Never praying. Never helping others. Etc... Because I'm not saying that at all! God's Word flourishes with commands on being the best Christian you could ever possibly be. Our goal {behind glorifying God} is to become like Christ. And He was PERFECT! So do me a favor, and get out there and do the work of the Lord! Do it heartily! Do it with all your might! Fight the good fight!!!!

Yet, at the same time, the Bible speaks about our inability to actually become like Christ! Ironic? Contradictory? I think not. Why? Because we are fallen creatures due to our sin. This makes it impossible to EVER TRULY be like Christ. Meaning? We are are NOT perfect. It's our nature! {shocking? I know. Breath. It was hard for me to admit, at first, too...}

This means, I'm starting to realize that the Bible is filled with just as much inaction as pro-action. And since I've practiced an abundance of pro-action throughout my life {which has lead to multiple burn-outs/melt-downs/tantrums}, I've decided it's good to become aware of all the "inactions" God has commanded us to do {...errrr...not do?}.

God knows we can't ever really be like Christ. {But praise the Lord, He never stops trying in spite of that knowledge! Amen!} And so, He fills His Word with those "inactions" to protect us {from things like burn-outs, melt-downs, and tantrums}. That deserves another "praise the Lord"!

So...

please, pLeAsE, PLEASE(!), do not take my posts about God's Word the wrong way.

Balance.

It's the word of your day.

In fact, it should be the word of your entire life.

It will be a struggle.

Trust me. I'm a recovering perfectionist. I should know.

Funny quote I recently said to my husband about this topic:

"I know I'm not perfect at it yet, but someday I'll learn to be imperfect..."

Like I said...I'm recovering...

I'm linked up again with Courtney!

Come join us!

apples and {trying not to go} bananas

2011-09-20T14:31:00.000-04:00

So...thanks for the prayers! Those and the antibiotics are getting the job done!!! Praise the Lord! I feel eons better than yesterday. No more pain! And the fever, chills, and general yuckiness is gone. Still feel run-down and in need of napping all day, but that's OK! And I have two beautiful friends who have offered to feed my family and I on Tuesday and Thursday {which helps with my napping}. Such blessings!

In other news, I've decided to start setting aside some time to 'have fun' with Annaleigh. {in other terms - I'll be pretending I'm a teacher again}. There's just too many hours in a day and not enough to fill them {from a toddler's perspective}. I think a little structured time is good...for all of us, really. I'm ransacking my old teaching files to find things for us to do. They'll be mostly arts-n-crafts type of things, but with a small educational twist. Our first one today went well, overall. But she definitely was more interested in "coloring" with the glue stick. I'm pretty sure she thought it was a really sticky marker. There was absolutely NO concept of the proper use of glue. Maybe that should have been our first lesson?

Not only is my daughter smart enough to begin higher education, but she's smart enough to disobey these days. Which has encouraged me to find a discipline system for her. Up until now, I'd simply re-direct OR ignore the negative behavior while praising the positive. But, that no longer works! She has me figured out. And uses her knowledge to her advantage. That smart, cute lil' stinker. So, we have a corner designated for "time-outs". As well as a timer set for 1min30sec. This will be enforced whenever she chooses not to obey. After, I will remind her why she was there, she will be required to apologize {sincerely}...non of this quick-sorry-that-doesn't-mean-anything-I'm-only-saying-it-to-get-you-off-my-back-type-of-sorry...and then we will pray together, I will forgive her, and finally: hugs & kisses. At least that's the plan. But you know what they say about plans, don't you?

Once I'm feeling 100% again, spend more time with my baby girl, and set up house rules, life will go much more smoothly.

Wait. Who am I kidding?

p.s. I'm absolutely in L-O-V-E with this card I made the other day...

pray for me

2011-09-19T17:54:00.001-04:00

Hello friends.

Please keep me in your prayers.

I have come down with a particular type of infection.

It's making me really sick.

I have obtained antibiotics and hoping they will do the trick.

But until then, I'm miserable.

And I still have to be a mommy to 2 of the most beautiful children in the world....

jd's {shutterfly} birth announcement

2011-09-19T09:21:00.001-04:00

Meet Mr Blue Birth Announcement

Announcements for all occasions: graduation, a new baby, or wedding.

View the entire collection of cards.

five minute friday: joy

2011-09-16T15:29:00.000-04:00

Today I'm linking up with the gypsy mama for five minute Friday.

The topic is: joy.

The method is: to write your out your thoughts in 5 minutes with NO editing.

Only the raw edges of the first draft are allowed. Pure, unadulterated thoughts. Straight from your heart, through your fingers and onto your screen.

So, head on over here. See what all the fuss is about. And link up!

Ready? Set. Go.
::
What first comes to mind when I hear the word joy are my children: Annaleigh (21 mos) and John David (4 wks).

Annaleigh has the best smile. My husband and I are smitten with it. It the most precious vision when you look over and see her grinning from ear to ear over the simplest thing. I love that innocence. Where life hasn't yet taken it's toll upon her heart, mind and soul.

John David was just born. Although he's moved out of newborn-sized diapers already! But the joy of our growing family is more than I could put into words. He's sweet, just like his Daddy. I feel so blessed to have this family...one I can call my very own.

To look in the rear-view mirror of my car while I drive and see those two beautiful children, the two amazing blessings from God, I am filled with joy. To the brim.

My cup simply runs over.
And over.
And wells into the corners of my eyes...
::
Stop.

olive garden's "zuppa toscana"

2011-09-15T15:42:00.001-04:00

When visiting my mother-in-law, she shared with me this recipe.

She obtained it from a recipe book that focuses on finding brand-named recipes and making them public (one of the recipes is how to make your own Twinkies!).

I was glad to accept. {Seeing as this soup is one of my husband's favorites.}

When visiting the restaurant, he easily downs 2 bowls of this stuff {if not 3} prior to his actual dinner.

With good reason.

It's amazing!

And an absolutely perfect dish for the fall.

It's a spicy potato and sausage soup. Serve it with salad and garlic bread and you have an all-out dinner meal {all while staying in}! Can you say "yum"?

Olive Garden's Zuppa Toscana

{serves 6}

You'll need:

1 Tbsp olive oil

1 lb. Italian sausage {w/ casing removed, crumbled}

1 onion, chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1/4 tsp crushed red pepper, more to taste

2-1/2 cups water

2 cans (14-1/2 ounces each) of chicken broth

3 large russet potatoes, peeled, halved lengthwise, sliced into 1/4" thick slices

1 tsp salt

1/2 tsp pepper

1/2 bunch kale, stems removed, chopped

1 cup whipping cream

Make it:

Place oil and sausage in large saucepan over med-high heat.

Cook until sausage renders fat and begins to shrink, about 5 min.

Remove sausage w/ slotted spoon to plate; set aside.

Add onion; cook, stirring occasionally, until translucent, about 5 min.

Add garlic and crushed red pepper; cook 1 min.

Add water and broth, stirring to dissolve any bits on bottom of pan.

Add potatoes, salt and pepper; heat to boiling; reduce heat; simmer 10 min.

Add kale and sausage; simmer until potatoes are tender, about 15 min.

Stir in whipping cream; heat to simmer over medium heat; cook 2 min.

Serve while hot.

Enjoy!

wordless wednesday

2011-09-14T09:44:00.002-04:00

the load bearer

2011-09-13T15:03:00.002-04:00

Galatians 6:2-5

Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law ofChrist. For if anyone thinks he issomething, when he is nothing, he deceives himself. But let each one test his own work, and thenhis reason to boast will be in himself alone and not in his neighbor. For each will have to bear his own load.

We are commanded to help others in the passage. When peoplehave “excessive difficulty,” it’s our job to assist in any way we can.

This passage also is saying we are not to take responsibility for otherpeople’s “day to day” issues. It’s notour job to “fix” those things for them. We are to be concerned with our own burdens so as not to neglectourselves. We can’t even compare ourburdens to that of another {whether better or worse}. The Lord is teaching us all different lessons= the burdens are specific to each lesson and if we are constantly involving ourselves with every one else's burdens, we stop/hinder them {and ourselves} from learning the God-givenlesson.

This is not to say we should never help anyone. We should! We are commanded, remember?? It's just to help you realize that God doesn't expect you to be everyone's hero and act like a know-it-all {that's what the verse is saying here, folks}. Because sometimes, it's OK to take care of {and focus} on your own self...and that, my friends, is something God does expect.

it's a wonderful {new-kind-of} life

2011-09-12T14:55:00.001-04:00

I'm doing my best to remain positive and count my {innumerable} blessings right now. It's hard, though. When you factor in the sleepless {I forgot how sleepless!} nights {who knew that a 4 hour stretch of sleep could make you feel like a new woman! But who really wants to start their day at 3AM??}, simultaneous crying, and the inability of your body being able to function normally {among other things}.

But in spite of it all, I truly am happy! {I just find myself ranting that mantra to remember my happiness in the midst of all this choas...}

For one, my baby boy is an amazing eater! Annaleigh could easily use up an entire hour as she attempted to fill her belly at that age. He can usually satisfy his hunger in 10 minutes! Crazy? Absolutely! But it also leaves me with oodles of extra time and I feel like I have a life {outside of being the household cow...} WAHOO!

At first, though, this concerned me: was he getting enough to eat? is it normal? or is he just 'snacking'? did he get a 'full-meal'? how do I know I'm not starving him???

But the proof is in the pudding...err...milk...

He has PLENTY of poopy diapers {as well as wet} {which is awesome for our budget...}

He easily makes it 2-1/2 to 3 hours between feedings.

And he's quickly turning into the cutest butterball turkey!

So it's safe to say...he's eating.

Our John David is also a great sleeper. As of this moment, he's napping with his sister. It was her usual time for her to go down for her nap. Not wanting to leave JD out-of-the-loop today {and to convince him to stop crying}, I set him down in his crib {which is in the same room as Annaleigh's} hoping my proximity would relax him until his big sister fell asleep. This is not my normal practice. The routine is he usually swings in his baby swing, bounces in his bouncy seat, or he's chillin' like a villian' on the couch, to name a few...until I finish convincing Annaleigh it's time to rest. But today, as I read Annaleigh her Little Einstein book about Nature, and sang "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star", he too, fell fast asleep. Score! So I just left him there. And now it's wonderfully peaceful and quiet. {relaxing sigh}....I think it's time to eat that last cupcake and then maybe hop in the shower!

He sleeps well at night, too. After he eats, he literally conks out like he just ate a Thanksgiving meal. And he stays asleep until he feels a rumbly in his tumbly.

And believe it or not, neither of their cries bother the other. {The first two nights, it did} Now they sleep through each other's screaming at night. This, my friends, is a huge blessing!

I'm glad there are positive things to find in life right now. Because all I can really see is the disaster of a house I'm currently living in and being behind in all my responsibilities. The biggest drawback is loosing my routine {along with my sanity...} somewhere between 8 months of pregnancy and right now. Mondays I no longer clean my bathroom. Tuesdays never see picked-up bedrooms. Wednesdays aren't for cleaning the kitchen. Thursdays never have errands to run. Fridays I don't vacuum or dust. And the laundry barely gets washed and dried. {I do, however, have an AMAZING husband who has been bathing our daughter, washing dishes daily, clearing and wiping down our counter-tops, helping me go grocery shopping, surprising me with yummy treats to eat/drink, entertaining our daughter and making her laugh, and so much more! I LOVE YOU sweetheart...THANK YOU! {muah!}

I had a good friend once tell me that 6 weeks postpartum is the magic number. It's true. I vividly remember that with Annaleigh. Someday, I will feel like myself again. And someday I will have a house that doesn't look like a tornado hit it....

It's just a bummer that today isn't someday.

move over, Van Gogh!

2011-09-09T09:43:00.000-04:00

she loves him so much

2011-09-08T15:20:00.000-04:00

You never ever really know how the older sibling is going to take having their "only-child-throne" usurped by a new little imp. I am happy to report that Annaleigh has fallen in love with John David just as deeply as Mike and I have. She spends about 25% of her day hugging, holding, kisses, stroking, cuddling, and just-plain-loving-all-over her little brother. Which thrills my heart!

However, she doesn't necessarily enjoy the situation that has been created as a result of the arrival of her new love-bug. She has been having some difficulty sharing her Mommy and Daddy. I am sure it's all part of the transition and soon the tantrums, whining, clingy-ness, crying, and the all-out-beat-'em-up-rolling-around-brawling-fits will end soon.

At least...I hope so...

Until then, I will take in these sweet moments

when her love abundantly pours out on him...

JD's Birth Story

2011-09-07T15:15:00.000-04:00

"Let's just go have a baby today...," were the words of my doctor on August 17, 2011.

What she meant was: repeat c-section.

I was really praying I'd be able to have a VBAC. Something inside this woman thought it would be an accomplishment to join the generations of women that have preceded her in the realm of classic-child-bearing. I wanted to know what it was like. Experience it. Have one last major role in bringing another life into this world. To be "normal."

I know. I know. I hear you asking, "but what's really normal?"

It's safe to say that there is no normal birth-story. All are unique. All are meaningful.

----

On the morning of August 17, 2011, I was still pregnant. And this made me depressed. I was hoping to have had a baby by then. Most of the pregnant women I knew that had due dates after me had already had their babies. And not via a c-section. And, I had given birth to Annaleigh the day before her due date. And, I was MOST uncomfortable at that point. I just want this baby OUT! were my daily (actually, my moment by moment) thoughts.

I arrive at my doctor's office for an ultrasound, prior to meeting with my doctor. To assess the baby's health.

Results? Our son was floating around in a "low-normal-fluid" level. As well as calcium being present on the placenta. She also discovered I was not "progressing". No dilation or change. At. All. Nothing too alarming, according to the doctor, but enough to make her question my ability to go into labor on my own within the week. And that, to her, was the risk. She had no desire to induce me, seeing as I had a previous c-sec, and would most likely will end up in labor for 2 days, and then end with another c-sec, despite it all.

"Let's just go have a baby today...," she says, "I'll call the hospital and tell them you are coming. It'll better this way."

I look toward my husband through tear filled eyes and he knows what I'm asking. As if we have a secret-sort of non-verbal-language. I look at him again and he knows the fear in my heart. And he nods his head in approval.

I trust my doctor with my life. I trust my husband even more.

So I reluctantly succumb to the divine-providential circumstances. Trusting the Lord more than any of it. Knowing, full well, that this is His plan.

Long story, short: I ended up having another c-section. But this time it was different. It was BETTER than the first!

I walked into the operation room.

No complications, at all.

I was awake.

I heard my baby's first cry.

I witnessed my son's birth.

I was able to kiss him almost immediately.

My husband sat by me, supporting me.

We were able to get pictures of our son's arrival.

I didn't have as many drugs pumped through my body.

I was walking by 8 o'clock the next morning.

I was in the shower by 10AM.

I was able to wear my own clothes.

Visitors were allowed (I had Annaleigh during the Swine-Flu Season = no visitors).

And much, much more!

All that to say:

I am blessed beyond measure!

I am still sorta sad I didn't get to experience a VBAC. And I'm sure I'll always be. But that feeling is shadowed by the brilliant glare of JOY pouring from my heart. My son, John David, is a perfect and healthy little baby boy. I am wonderfully healthy. I have an amazing husband and a sweet daughter. I really couldn't ask for more...

...well, maybe just one more. {wink, wink}

do you feel neglected?

2011-08-31T16:06:00.000-04:00

Our family of FOUR!

I know I've neglected my blog {and you}.

I promise that I'm doing my best to get back into the swing of things.

Hopefully, it will be soon!

Until then, hang in there...

i'm in love with a new man

2011-08-23T18:52:00.001-04:00

John David Weston

Born: August 17, 2011

7 lbs 9 oz

19-1/2 inches

Please pardon my recent hiatus. I'm sure you'll forgive me. You see, I've been busy hugging, kissing, and snuggling the new little man in my life. So has Mike and Annaleigh. We're just tickled...blue.

I'll be back as soon as I can to fill you all in on the wonderful details of his arrival into our lives...

who says three's a crowd??

2011-08-11T15:30:00.000-04:00

My sweet little Annaleigh has, not one, not two, but THREE lovies:

"Elmo"

"Me" = Lambie

"Me-Me" = Blankie

All must be in attendance during nap-time and bed-time.

And every once in a while, in-between those times.

I just love that kid.

this may be the last...

2011-08-10T12:53:00.002-04:00

...preggers picture I take this pregnancy.

yippee!

39 weeks

It may be the last week I get to be a part of a family of three.

Or the last moments I get to spend with my sweet little Annaleigh...just us girls.

The only thing I'm waiting on is my little man.

Everything else is ready! Nesting has slowed {because my energy has done the same}, bags are packed, in-laws have arrived, gifts for my doctor and the nurses are completed, our gift for Annaleigh is wrapped and ready to go, my out-of-the-home responsibilities have been transferred to other ~~suckers~~ people, and Mike won't have to work his 2nd job for 2 weeks. So, like I said, we're just waiting for John David!

I simply can't wait to hold our son in my arms. To have another little baby. To watch him grow. To pray for his salvation and pray that his life will glorify God!

What a gift. What a treasure. What an adventure that is to come!

One week to go! The countdown begins...

{well, it actually began a long, long, time ago...but it's nice that I won't have to count for that much longer...}

Side note: Now that I think about it...we still need to put in JDs car seat! whoops....add that to the list...

fresh from the Word

2011-08-09T12:18:00.003-04:00

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.

Philippians 4:8

Sometimes, we women believe, that in order to appear a loving Christian we should "be pleasant" and "agreeable." That we should ignore the painful matters in our lives.

Isn't that what this verse is saying?

Actually, no.

The Greek meaning of truth is "the reality lying clearly before your eyes."

So, yes, you are allowed to acknowledge unpleasant things in your life. You are allowed to think about those things - how else can they be worked out and "fixed" in order for them to ultimately be handled properly with a right response?

"...there is virtue in honestly growing through the pain to dwell on the true, just, pure, and lovely things..."

-Joan C. Webb

Linked up, today, with Darlene over at:

five minute friday: whole

2011-08-05T13:31:00.001-04:00

GO.

I don't have a whole lot of time. Not because of the timer I have sitting next to me. But because my daughter just went down for her nap. And I've been dreaming of a nap for the past week. You see, I'm a whole 38 weeks preggers and this nesting thing has got a hold of me big time. So I haven't had a whole lot of time to "rest" like they tell me to.

And I'm not patient with this whole pregnant-thing anymore. I want to have my baby. And it seems I've been doing a whole lot of complaining, too. I'm pretty sure it's annoying to whole lot of people. To hear me complain. Again. And again. And....again.

But it is what it is.

Oh, and one more thing. I want my whole body back to myself. I'm tired of sharing it. Please and thank you very much.

STOP.

Linked up (for my first time!) to:

What is 5 minute Friday?Let your words and your story breathe today. Take five minutes and just write without criticizing your words, yourself or your story. Just write without worrying if it’s just right or not.

Write your words without editing them.
Tell your readers you’re linking up here and invite them to come and share their unedited stories too.
And most importantly, go visit, read, and compliment the person who shared right before you.

Easy peasy. OK, are you ready? It's your turn now. Show us what you've got!