Goodbye 09

Well it's been a LONG year to say the least. A lot has happened in the past year. Many big perspective moments to reflect on. Here is what I can piece together:

January - Chris retained job at A-B under much stress as others were let go, begins first term as an elder at our church
February - Couples weekend at the lake with friends, fun getaway
March - Gall bladder surgery
March - Sadly, we lost Fran. Her pain was finally ended and she joined Her Savior for eternity.
April - Busy month, NO growth hormones for Peanut, ended April with much needed family vacation to the cabin
May - Peanut got her echocardiogram with no sedation, go Peanut! Everything check out and no more meds
June - Gymnastics for both kids :-) Start work on backyard...bye bye pool
July - V.B.S.....need I say more?
August - Toby starts soccer, what fun! Hubby begins application process for the sem, woah
September - T-man starts preschool and Peanut starts CDO, wow they are SO big; Backyard is done, and beautiful!
October - Family and friends weekend at the cabin! Chris goes on men's retreat
November - Chris decides to wait to go to the seminary; Abby starts taking dance classes
December - Can we possibly squeeze in one more activity? All fun stuff to celebrate our Savior's birth....next up - start planning a family vacation to the beach!

It was a good year, every day we have is a gift....but definitely one of the harder ones. Thank God for our family, our health, and the prospect of another year!

Am I crazy?

I committed a couple of months ago to starting an exercise class (dance aerobics) at my church. One quality God gave me was enthusiasm, which is great, and it does produce fruit.....right now though, it's producing panic. I guess with Christmas and activities well I just didn't buckle down and get ready, plus I thought, I can do it, it will be a snap. Well that balloon just popped.

Several women, of all ages, are starting to let me know they'll be coming to the class and I am starting to freak. Will they like the music? will the moves be too hard? should I rethink this whole thing? What do I do for a devotional? Help, God, Help! I thought this was going to be a snap?

It will be fine, I know. I am choreographing and praying, and it will be what it will be. I am hoping the women make it about them and what God wants to do with them so hopefully it will evolve into whatever they need it to be. I just have to be open to that.

If you are interested in taking the class, send me an email. It will be Tuesday at 8:45am and Thursday at 6:15pm at my church.

Otherwise, please say a little prayer that it goes well and I keep an open mind.

Fun Stuff

Ok, we are nerds, I know......but it is "our thing" ;-). Chris and I exchanged presents already and one of mine was the new Weezer CD Raditude. I love it. They are just fun, not explicit or offensive, just fun. Here is the video from the single on the CD. It's just goofy fun in Weezerville:

Drummer Boy

I just saw the most amazing FREE concert last night called Drummer Boy at Grace church in Maryland Heights (www.gracestl.org). To say it was spectacular would be an understatement. The write up in the paper said it had hints of Transiberian Orchestra, Blue Man Group, and others. You just can't imagine the dynamics of it unless you see it. It was awesome. This pic is a part of the show where they lowered drums from the ceiling and they played them from the audience. Too cool! The kids loved it, and as the pastor said "It's amazing what happens when people give God their best". Word to the wise, get there when the doors open an hour prior or you could end up in the overflow room and this is just something you have to see live. There are a few shows left Tues and Wed. Thanks to our friends for inviting us!

Serious Business

I was listening to Chip Ingram (Living On The Edge Ministries http://www.lote.org) give a talk called "Why I Believe in Life After Death" yesterday. I thought it was intriguing for a variety of reasons. Here are the ones I can remember:

• It spoke to a broad audience including non-Christians about what proves there is life after death (cycle of new life, near-death experiences, majority of religions believe this, etc.)
• It told how Jesus was the only prophet to have made the claim to have risen from the dead
• It told about how Jesus talked about hell more than any other figure in the Bible
• It talked about that the reason there is a hell, because God is a loving God who demands justice for evildoers, but also loved all of us so much He sent Jesus to pay the penalties of sin for us so we could be with Him in eternity
• It said hell is not a "good ole boys" club with beer, it is more like solitary confinement, and that the gnashing of teeth is the regret those have for not choosing to be with God
• It said that upon death, there is a judgement before God, in which, we get the chance to extend the deepest desires of our heart
• It said after the judgement, with a tear in God's eye, He lets those go that have been ignoring His nudges for a lifetime

Someone said to me recently, "you take your religion very seriously", to which I would have to respond.....life after death is serious business.

Land's End

Dang you Land's End for tempting me with your classy cardigans and your stylin' shoes, not to mention the many sales, coupons, and free shipping for Christmas.

I will resist!

My baby sis

Today I am thankful for such a loving and giving baby sister! Thanks for all you do Maynerd, you are the best!

Love it

I love everything about this dance........the dancers, the music, the costumes, the scene, it's all just so lovely!

Thank you Jesus!

The kids have been along great lately! They really

have fun playing together. I am so thankful :-)

A Mom's Version of 1 Corinthians 13

A Mom's Version of 1 Corinthians 13

And now these three remain: faith, hope and love.

But the greatest of these is love. (1 Corinthians 13:13)

Though I lecture and harp at my children and have not love, I will be background noise to rebellious thoughts.

And though I wisely warn them not to use the street as a playground, or they'll be killed; and though I patiently explain why snails live in mobile homes, and I give endless answers to life's other mysteries; and though I have faith that can remove mountains of ignorance—yet never hug my children—I have taught nothing.

And though I slave over a steaming stove with balanced diets and complicated recipes and even burn my fingers—yet never smiles as I serve—I have not really fed them.

A truly loving mother suffers through unfinished sentences, clutter, nicks on furniture, sleepless nights and adolescent insults, and is kind enough to think her kids are the greatest. A loving mother tries not to resent her children for being free like she used to be, and she doesn't brag about how she never talked to her mom that way.

Real love considers a childish nightmare more urgent than her need for sleep; is not shattered by the title "Meanest Mom"; doesn't shame a toddler who breaks training or a teen who still spills milk; steadfastly refuses to entertain visions of escape; and does not smirk as her child trips over the toy she refused to put away (but with silent wisdom rejoices in the effective lessons of the experience).

Mother-love has arms strong from lifting, a heart large with believing, a mind stretched with hoping, shoulders soft with enduring, and knees bent with committing.

True mother-love never fails to point her child to the Author of Love

When the Handwriting on the Wall Is in….Brown Crayon

Susan L. Lenzkes

Love The Sinner

Quote from a murder mystery I just read that I liked:

Life is like that, even when we aren't giving birth. It is messy and glorious and awful all at the same time and God is always there to walk with us if we let Him. And sometimes, when we're the most fortunate, He sends people like this to walk alongside us and remind us that we're not alone.

From Love the Sinner by Lynn Bulock

Leaf Wreaths

I am not a crafty or creative person, but inspired by some pretty leaves we found in the backyard and a MOPS email, we decided to do a project. All we needed was leaves, sticks, paper, scissors, and tacky glue and we have leaf wreaths! T-man was more inspired by the sticks and bark.

Kids movies aren't always for kids

Warning parents, just because they made a movie out of a beloved children's book does not mean it is OK for your kids to watch. Case in point:

Chris taped The Cat in the Hat movie for us to watch which we thought would be seemingly innocent and did not read a review before watching with the kiddos. Well we thought wrong.

We actually turned it off after about 30 minutes in. In that short amount of time we saw: The Cat ogle a supposedly racey picture of their mother, The Cat pretend to be a mechanic with more than a little crack showing, the boyfriend belch and call one of the children a suck-up, and The Cat bleep curse (but still!). The children didn't enjoy it either. I think they were actually scared of The Cat.

I learned my lesson, always review movies first at http://pluggedinonline.com Sheesh!

The secret ingredient

I discovered the secret ingredient to holiday cooking. Do you already know what it is? Yep, its BUTTER. We took a holiday cooking class at Dierberg's last night and oh the butter, butter, and more butter. Chris and I cooked the mashed potatoes and green beans and used almost two sticks. We also had turkey breast w/ cranberry/apple compote, rolls, and bread pudding (OMG!) and you guessed it, they all had loads of butter. The one exception was the appetizer but it had cream cheese, sharp cheddar, and BACON among the main ingredients. It was all extremely tasty though and my second meal of the night........I rolled all the way home.

If we ever do the cooking class again we will probably do the observation instead of the participation class. We had fun but I would really like to see how all of the dishes are made and we redefined the phrase "too many cooks in the kitchen". In addition, let's face it, on a Friday night I would much rather sit back, have a glass of wine, and watch someone else cook.........and of course EAT!

New creation

Well it's new to me. I tried a baked mostaccioli with chicken and it was YUMMY! Definitely a keeper. Here is what I did:

Ingredients: 6 chicken breasts (about 2 lbs), 1 jar red pepper and onion Ragu, 1 jar light Parmesan Alfredo Ragu, 1 12 ou box Penne, 8 ou (at least) shredded mozzerella, green pepper, onion, garlic, chicken broth (just a little), Italian Seasoning, and some Parmesan and pecorino romano sprinkled on top (just because I had it on hand)....btw the Ragu is on sale for $1.86 a jar at Dierberg's this week ;-)

1) Sprinkle the chicken with cajun seasoning and cook in a pan with olive oil for a few minutes on each side. Put pan in a 400 deg oven to bake for 15 minutes. Then remove, shred, and put back in pan.

2) Turn pan on low heat and add broth, green pepper, onion, garlic, and Italian Seasoning. Cook until chicken soaks up the broth. In the meantime, boil the Penne and drain.

3) Mix up the Penne, sauces, and chicken mixture and put in 9x13 pan. Top with mozzerella and other cheeses.

4) Bake for 25-30 min in 350 degrees oven.

The first rule of cookie baking

You must try at least one from each batch that goes in the oven, also including samples of the dough:

Check out my self-control today....I have not had ONE of those home-baked chocolate chip cookies today................yet.

Great Expectations

"Blessed is the man who expects nothing, for he shall never be disappointed" -Alexander Pope

***modified version for ML****"Blessed is the man who expects little, for he won't be as heartbroken with disappointment" -MS

I searched for this quote today after pondering this lately. I really want to be a laid back person who doesn't expect much and is delighted in most everything. I also am cementing the biblical principle in my mind that every experience is valuable whether good, bad, or indifferent.

I guess lately I have been involved in some grass roots efforts here and there and God is whispering to me "if it benefits at least one and pulls them towards me, it is worth the effort. Even if that person is you".

Stress

I was talking to my kids about the Fruits of the Spirit and the Holy Spirit the other day. One we emphasized was self-control. This week I am realizing stress and anxiety will diminish self-control pretty quickly. I know too, I need to keep up with exercise, because that burns that anxiety up and evens me out but with much work to do by the auction it falls on the priority list.

On that note, have you seen the new Street Strider Biggest Loser contestants are using? I want one!!! Maybe in a year or two I can find one on Craig's list. Too cool.

Fears piece

This piece is a great contemporary number about a woman conquering her fears. I never heard this song by Patti Labelle before but it is fantastic!

Quote

Every person's life is a fairy tale written by God's fingers. -Hans Christian Anderson

A Good Reason To Skip The Gym

From my favorite RealAge docs a reason to skip the gym, which I couldn't agree with more:

http://www.realage.com/blogs/doctor-oz-roizen/a-good-reason-to-skip-the-gym-blog

I know the article above is true too. I have never worked out as consistently as I do now and everything I do (except the new Zumba class I am trying) is at home. It truly has become a habit for me, and it ALWAYS puts me in a better mood. I used to feel a little guilty for letting the children play while I accomplished my workouts but I am pretty sure it's for the better. I am a better mommy and hopefully I am setting a good example.

RealAge asked me to re-calculate on my birthday, fortunately I just went to the doctor and I had some good numbers. Drumroll please..........

I am 5 years younger than my biological age. Woohoo! Go to http://www.realage.com to check your realage.

Our pretty fall tree

Love this time of year!

Peanut sayings

I know she has to learn the proper way but "I'm firsty", "My fumb", and "I wuv you" are just so precious!

Good devotion and verse

In James 1:2-4, we are told, Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything

Full devotion at: http://www.christnotes.org/ww.php?d=2009-10-19

The mad face

Fun At the Cabin

Fears

My son has been developing some fears lately. Of course that is natural but also a little sad for me. His fears are of things that can eat him, like lions and monsters. Of course a lion could eat him but it is highly unlikely. A monster could not, and though we have explained monsters are imaginary, he doesn't quite believe us. In fact, as I was reading him "Where the Wild Things Are" recently, he looked pretty scared and almost tearful, and it is a very innocent book.

I think the reason this makes me a little sad because I have battled fears myself, only to realize most fears are conjured up in my brain. I am my own worst enemy and I let Satan play me for a fool. Fortunately, though, God is building my spirit and is determined not to let my fears cripple me. I am already starting to sense more peace in my life and realize worrying won't give me any more control over life than I already have. All I can really do is live in the moment, for today, and trust that God has the answers. Also, I am going to teach my son to pray for peace when he is scared.

Psalm 4:8 I will lie down and sleep in peace, for you alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety.

Bungee Jumping

I finished a good book this weekend that gave me two profound points to ponder.

#1) The Christian life can be a lot like bungee jumping. Lately, I would say definitely. God is definitely telling our family to jump off a cliff and trust Him, he will be our safety cords and make sure we don't crash.

#2) The climax of the book is when the main character is walking down the aisle to be married and it was a long time coming and a lot of heartache endured to get to that point and she sends up this prayer "God, if in the future I ever question if you know what you're doing, remind me of this moment." I have three very special people and many moments with them to remind me God knows what he is doing.

Dear God, I do not like bungee jumping!!!

The book: Picket Fence Promises by Kathryn Springer

I like this one

Hosea 4:6 My people are destroyed from a lack of knowledge.

I want to be a sponge.......or maybe spongy clay?

She's three!

Peanut on Peanut's birthday: I love my presidents!!!

Partners in Crime #7...."How to make them eat"

Mom: Would you guys like a grilled cheese for lunch?

Partners: Nope, we will just eat trail mix.

Mom: Ok.

Mom walks into the kitchen and makes herself a grilled cheese. Then proceeds to sit, enjoy the grilled cheese, and peruse the paper. Enter children.

Partners: Can I have a bite of your grilled cheese mom?

Mrs. Proverbs 31

And she smiles at the future. -Proverbs 31:25

Checkout Front Porch Princess by Kathryn Springer. Great read.


Front Porch Princess by
Kathryn Springer

My rating: 5 of 5 stars Loved this book and could relate to the main character. So loved the part about dreams changing like clouds to reflect what God has planned for us.
View all my reviews >>

Heaven is the face

Yesterday I spent a good part of the day chatting with a woman. She was a lovely woman, very energetic, smiled a lot, and loved talking about her teenager daughter. If I didn't know a little bit about this woman I would have never guessed that she lost her youngest daughter to cancer just three years ago.

Ironically on my way home I heard the new Steven Curtis Chapman song "Heaven is the face" and listening to the lyrics I let go and let the tears flow.

The two thoughts I had running through my head were 1) How God's grace and hope shined through this woman and Steven in his song and 2) How I don't know if I could bare losing my daughter like those two did and still be able to smile.

Like many moments in my life it was a healthy dose of perspective that whatever God has planned He will be there with me every step of the way and His grace will shine through. That's why that woman smiled, she has hope that her little girl is waiting for her.

Here's the song. It's amazing. Stop the music at the bottom and grab a tissue:

And he can decorate a birthday cake....

God has certainly blessed me with a wonderful man. He is funny, smart, loving, and a really good dad. He does yoga with me, will watch movies I like (sometimes), he checks on the kiddos after they are asleep, and he does this:

Yup, he decorated these cakes. I really can't take any credit. I was nervous and crabby about it and he stayed to help, and said he enjoyed it. Thank God.

Yay shoeman!

Here is a positive news story for ya. It's about a guy who collects shoes, sells them by the pound and buys drills to drill for fresh water in Kenya. What a mission!

http://www.stltoday.com/stltoday/news/columnists.nsf/susanweich/story/1FD21C9742FA305A862576320071A2E0?OpenDocument


It was nice to see this today after the front page brouhaha about a crucifix at the new Schnucks downtown. Gimme a break people:

http://www.stltoday.com/stltoday/news/stories.nsf/religion/story/63C5936DF7DC18EE862576330010EF45?OpenDocument

The boss is sensitive

T-man (looking through binoculars the wrong way): Everything is so small. "Peanut" you are so small.

Peanut: No I'm not small, I AM A BIIIIIGGGG girl!!!

Breast Cancer Piece

I love watching these pieces over again but this one was particularly inspirational. Featuring SYTYCD's ballerina girl Melissa and Ade. 

First Soccer Practice

Poor Peanut really wanted to play and was literally climbing the fence. T-man did great listening to his coach and running after the ball......or so I was told, I wasn't there due to a seminar I had already signed up for, bad mommy! In the video, Toby gets a breakaway right at the end :-)

Yes!

I cannot stand still and listen to this new Weezer single, and neither can my family. Their lyrics are just fun too, maybe a drift of meaning hear and there but not too much to think about.

I love it! Yes!!!!

Good literature

So I have not hidden it, I am now a fan of the Twilight books by Stephenie Meyer. After declaring I would not read a vampire book I ended up loving them and read all 2,000+ pages of the series this summer. So for those who felt like I did, I want to give a taste of what you're missing, just in case you decide to try them. If you like fiction, I don't think these are something you want to miss.

Here is a list of things the books hold dear:

• True love
• Life is precious
• Abstinence
• Selflessness
• Family is important
• Overcoming evil natures
• The existence of a creator and a life thereafter
• Happy ever after (even though you will never fathom the outcome!)

In addition to that, Stephenie Meyer is one of the most creative and imaginative authors I have ever read! I am amazed at her talent and these being her first books ever. It all started when this stay at home mom of three boys had a dream. She loves classic literature too (being a literature/english major), and the names of great books are littered throughout Twilight. I was inspired enough to look for some classic titles I had not read at the book fair. I LOVE her taste in music too (www.stepheniemeyer.com). 

Little obsessed much......maybe. If there is anything to be obsessed with, though, I think books isn't too bad. Not that I could help it, it runs in my blood.

Things I am thankful for today

1. My iPod
2. My home
3. This beautiful cool and breezy weather
4. A new prospect
5. Hope

A Fine Art

For a few years I have been training in a very fine art. I am getting better but have not perfected it yet......and am only now starting to realize the importance of this art. You want to hear what it is? Well I am going to tell you anyway. To be blunt it is the art of keeping your mouth shut. To put it with more finesse: to know when it is appropriate to add your thoughts to a particular situation/conversation or to keep them to yourself. 

Words can be a powerful thing. They are remembered for a very long time, even if you apologize or offer to take them back. Especially if said to a person that respects and likes you. They are almost permanent. Thoughts and perspectives (especially judgements and opinions), though, change, pretty fleetingly, even when you are not expecting them too. 

Don't get me wrong there are sometimes things that need to be said, to help, for the best interest and care for others, but more often it's more important what you don't say than what you do. IMO. 

The great news is that this art reflects wonderfully on your relationships and on building those around you up. 

Anyway, that's my thoughts for the day and a few quotes ;-)

Preach the Gospel at all times and sometimes use words. 
Francis of Assisi 

Ephesians 4:29 Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. (NIV)

The Office

If anyone is dying for the season premiere of The Office like I am, here is a teaser (don't watch if you missed season 5, there are spoilers!):




Also, can't wait for Biggest Loser and So You Think You Can Dance. Oh no, I am going to turn into a couch potato.

Amen!

I tell people all the time, I work out consistently because it makes me feel good. So after reading this article in Parade this weekend, I had to pass it on, and say a wholehearted "Amen!" 

Get a better mood fast:

http://www.parade.com/health/2009/08/23-get-a-better-mood-fast.html

Which one am I today?

The optimist: Yay, T-man goes potty, flushes, and turns out the light!

The pessimist: Ugh, he forgets to wash his hands.

The optimist: Yah, Peanut pooped on the potty before nap!

The pessimist: Ugh, we had to ALL sit in the bathroom for a half hour. 

The optimist: Peace and quiet, the children are sleeping :-)

The pessimist: Why can't I be more productive when I have the chance???

Progress!

Now just waiting for fall and the mosquitos to take a hike!

I want to be clay

I am reading this cute book....it's called "All I Need is Jesus and a Good Pair of Jeans" by Susanna Foth Aughtmon. I actually read a little of this author's writing in a magazine and thought I would really like her book. It is great, easy to read, relatable, and spiritually practical (if that is even a thing). 

Here are some of the chapter titles: 1) I am oh so tired 2) I am not a supermodel 3) I have pride issues 4) I worry about things 5) I forget there is no more condemnation in Christ 6) I want chocolate to solve my problems.........17) I am not sure of my purpose in life. I skipped to 17 because it related to "I want to be clay". Chapter 17 talks about how Susanna, the author, struggled to find her calling, and even when she finally did, didn't really feel confident about it. However, it was because she wasn't asking God what He had planned. So finally she realized WHAT God really wants from us is for us to be clay.......to be moldable, flexible, and teachable. To listen and to put into action where he is calling us to be. Which, I think, sometimes can be very simple when we take our own agenda out of the equation. 

She is funny too. I laughed out loud at some of the things she said because I had been there, done that. There was one time I teared up when she said this: "I'm not sure how I became aware of all the sin in my life, but the craziest thing is the more I move toward God, the more I am in his presence, the more aware I am of how sinful I am." (Chapter 7 - I sin a lot). I teared up because it was a relief to hear someone else say that. I have had that run through my head, and think, "This stinks! Why does it have to be this way?" but then I remember the WHOLE point, Chapter 5) There is no more condemnation in Christ..........and as Susanna states too, it takes us a lot of times to get it and A LOT of forgiveness too. 

So I recommend this read (I am almost done, you can borrow mine if you call dibbs). I also highly recommend people getting on Good Reads so we can swap books or ask questions about good reads. 

Partners in Crime #6

two words.....dirt angels. 

Partners in Crime #5

It has been a while since I wrote about Partners in Crime and the reason is this, we have had a constant crime wave in our house. The good news again is that they enjoy each other, have lots of imaginative play, and are getting close. The bad news is their imaginative play means a BIG mess or they fight. 

So though I could write all day about their cohorts, and the overwhelming mess that is my house....I will tell you about the most recent off campus offense which happened at our favorite grocer Trader Joe's. 

So, you know those Kid Carts that make you think "How cute, my kids can help shop!", no no no, these, are a nightmare. Though being the naive mother at times, I let them EACH get a Kid Cart the last few times, and every time it ends in DISASTER. Even though each time we have a long talk about the laws of the Kid Cart, and how breaking them will result in NO Kid Cart, well what can I say, I am the queen of empty threats. 

So they are running, ramming the kid cart into each other, not watching where they are going, trying to stick non-approved items in the cart..... Basically raising my blood pressure at every turn to the point of boiling. You can picture it can't you? Say it with me "Been there, done that."

Sometimes I think the kids plot against me like when one doesn't take a nap one day and the other skips the next day. Yes, I think they are that smart. The point is, one of them, at any given time, was acting up in the store. The cherry on top was when they helped put the items on the conveyor for check out. Of course, the lady thinks my kids are angels and that I am nutty. She must have missed Abby biting a stranger kids head off in the Kid Corner. 

What was I thinking??? Or more importantly, what was the Kid Cart Inventor thinking, I'd like to talk to him or her. I bet they don't have kids. 

In short, the three of us are together ALL the time and though I wouldn't change that there are pitfalls. They know I break and have empty threats at times which is why they push the monster mommy button, over and over again. However, I know how they roll and that sometimes they play me (or gang up on me) to get what they want. 

Pass the discipline book and the tylenol please. Prayers are also welcome.

Bye bye tree

Well in our efforts to re-constuct the crater that is our back yard, we discovered that our big beautiful canopy in the middle of our backyard was rotting, dangerously so. So today, we said bye bye. This is what it looked like inside, although you can't see the hundred of carpenter ants that were eating it. Ugh. It is quite a sunbath back there in the PM now. Also, here is a picture of the babies watching the tree come down. 

They did it!

The kids finished their first real gymnastics classes and I got to watch, and beam, at how much they had learned. It was neat to see them persist until they got something and they had a lot of fun. The cutest thing was the walk across the "Olympic" looking podium but the funniest was when they put on the upbeat music for the kids to walk across to. It was like a reenactment of Night at the Roxbury. My son just couldn't stop boppin his head, and he got in another little boys face until there was two boppin heads. It lasted the duration of the music and I was cracking up out loud at him from the stands! If your speakers are on you are listening to the song, isn't it funny just to picture it! Also, T-man got a special ribbon for the balance beam. 

 

 

I am getting it....I think

Well I made it through VBS, barely. All in all it was good for the kids and good to do a service for church.  I spent this week crashing at home until yesterday.....I threw my back out. So just when I was ready to get out and do something God sends me a reminder "Take it easy". I truly feel through readings this is what He is telling me to do. So I am trying to be very persistent in taking on no new commitments and just focus on my family and home. I am looking forward to this fall too. T-man starts preschool and Peanut starts CDO. I am looking forward to the routine this will put us in and to the alone time with Peanut. I think she needs some deliberate attention on certain things and it will be good just to bond, her and I, too. 

Chris for the third time

Maybe it is the weather, but life just seems really good the last couple of days... or it might be the fact that we did not have the children last night.  Yesterday I took a short notice vacation day and we went to The Butterfly House, which if you have not been there could also be termed "The butterfly and disgustingly-large-roach-exhibit house."  Don't get me wrong...  I loved the Butterfly House, the part where there were actual live butterflies; but I was a little surprised when one of the more prominent exhibits was a large, open-top display with no less than one billion roaches, the average of which was about 13 inches long.  I would not be surprised if they held events where the children could actually ride the roaches.  For a split second I lost sight of Abby and I immediately assumed she was swallowed whole by one of them.  These were not the cute roaches like from the movie Wall-E.  These were the gross kind that likely moved there from a dirty restaurant, and by moved, I mean they probably drove a car.  

Anyway, we went there, then last night Mary and I went and saw Harry Potter at the theater, or if you are rich, the theatre.  I have come to the conclusion that 35 year old males do not belong at the theatre at 8:30 on a Friday night during the summer.  The only people that belong there are:

• people between the ages of 13 and 13-and-a-half
  
• people with more than 2 things pierced
• people with some type of hearing deficit, whose "whispers" during the movie are heard by other movie-goers (at other theaters)
• people who have recently won the lottery and can afford the concessions  (for $18, my meal-deal better come with a side of crack)

So needless to say I no longer feel comfortable at the movies, or the mall, or any other place without the word "depot" in the name.  Nonetheless, we had a good time going out last night and sleeping in this morning without the kids, but you know the old saying,  "Absence makes the heart grow fonder... for more absence."

VBS

Well we are almost there. I picked up all the tees today which turned out beautifully. I am starting to settle down but my mind still races at times, especially when I am laying down to sleep. I am starting to come to the realization of what the hardest part will be, and it has little to do with the actual VBS. 

The hardest part will be getting my kids out of bed, dressed, fed, and up to church by 8:30, actually 8:15 would be better since I am the Director. Sadly, my hubby can't make it this year due to the business at work. Last year, he not only volunteered at VBS and supported me, he got the children ready to go and there by 9. 

Even though it has been a lot of work and details, I know in the end it will be so awesome. God is going to work on some little hearts next week, including my two little hearts. They are so excited. They put on their cool robot VBS tees as soon as we get home (Peanut's looks more like a dress) and they have been singing the songs already. Good stuff :-)

Good helpers

We are teaching the children to do chores and even though some things are like pulling teeth (i.e. picking up the playroom), for the most part they are eager to help

King Corn

We watched a very interesting docudrama called King Corn yesterday. It's about two friends who learn more about the gigantic corn industry in Iowa after finding corn in their hair. Corn products (i.e. corn syrup, corn oil, corn starch, corn fed beef, etc.) are in so many of our food products now that they joke if you were born in the last 30 years, you are made of corn! The sad thing is even though it makes for cheap food it is not nutritious and can have disastrous effects on your body. Btw, I checked this one out from the library for free :-)

Don't Worry, Be Happy

Sometimes all you need is a healthy dose of perspective. It cures stress and frustration real quick. 

Things to be thankful for today: 1) Our family  2) Our health  3) That heaven is a place without illness or tragedy

Things I can learn from my current situation: Today is all you know you have. Make the best/most of it and choose to be happy.

Matthew 6:34  Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

MJ and JC

Well I'll admit it, I taped and watched the Michael Jackson memorial. I did it reluctantly but in the end I am glad I did. I guess my cold unforgiving heart just thought of Michael Jackson as lying, drug abusing pedophile. Yes, yes, the music is awesome but still.

Then I heard Lionel Richie perform "Jesus is Love". I have heard this one before and it was very beautiful this time too. It made me think, yes, Jesus would celebrate this man and the good that he did for people. He would forgive him. So, what a blessing that so many people are forgiving too. He did do a lot of good for people inside and outside of the music......and wouldn't we all want to be judged on the good and not the bad?

An 11th idea

My son used the crater as a baseball diamond last night. I should have known.

Burger....head

My children are learning to vent their frustrations by name calling. Since we won't let them use actually mean names: "Idiot", "Stupid", etc. they have started coming up with their own. It started out with the little man, he calls us "Burger" or just adds "head" to the end of any common word and there you go. 

Him: Can I have candy?

Me: No, not for breakfast.

Him: You Burger!.......cheesehead!

My daughter is even more original as she uses names that are not even words. 

Her:  You "biddy" "beady".........

Me: What???

They think, and I do too, that it is kind of funny. I try not to laugh in the moment though, don't want to encourage them. Occasionally they will throw in a "bad Mama" but I am just going to start responding with "bad kid". LOL.

Things I am thankful for today

1) My iPod

2) The kids playing nice, no fighting

3) Peanut pooping on the potty, I may throw her a party

4) A nice day

5) Trader Joe's

6) My hubby

Thing I can learn from my current circumstances: you only REALLY change from challenging circumstances, otherwise everybody would change really quickly (thanks KS). 

Votes please

I am taking votes on what should be done with the giant crater in our back yard. Here are my top ten ideas:

10) Fill it with salt water and buy a giant turtle.

9) World's largest sand box

8) Helicopter landing pad

7) Fill it with chocolate pudding and have a play date, I can just picture it :-)

6) World's largest bowl of cereal.

5) Merry-go-round.

4) Bomb shelter.

3) Biosphere.

2) Giant bird cage..............and the number one thing I would

 love to do and I know the kids would love too......

1) Two words: Bumper cars. 

"It's So Good You Can't Stop Eating It" Bean Dip

I got this recipe from my mom and it is SO good. You really can't stop eating it, it has such a good flavor to it. It does make a whole BIG salad bowls worth though so you might want to half it. 

It's So Good You Can't Stop Eating It Bean Dip

2 cans black beans drained

2 cans shopeg corn drained

3 cans rotel tomatoes with chilies (I forgot one and it was still great!)

4 tbsp lime juice

1 red onion chopped

1/2 cup cilantro chopped

1 1/2 tsp salt

1/2 tsp cumin

Mix, chill, serve with chips.

Be grateful, be teachable

You gotta love Chip Ingram (www.lote.org) , he usually hits it right on the head. I was listening to him today talk about contentment and the when/then syndrome. For example, "when I am", "when I have", or "when this happens", I will be content... but it never works. There is always another when/then and you are never content. So he talked about cures for the when/then syndrome and what I remember most were two things God wants from  you: 

1) be thankful in all circumstances for what you have, instead of focusing on what you don't  

2) be teachable and learn something from whatever circumstances you are in. 

So here it goes:

Three things I am grateful for today: 1) Being at home 2) My two sweet kids and 3) Peace

One thing I can learn from my current circumstances: 1) I need to pray more (talking and listening)

I have been here before......

Tense, yelling, short tempered, nail biting, and heartBURN, ugh. I recognize this in my life well now, I am anxious, stressed, and not leaning on God as much as I should. We are just a little over three weeks until VBS (GASP, just looked I thought I still had 4, EEK) and my mind is whirling with to do's and what if's. I know it is going to be great, I just need to pray and remain calm, cool and focused which today I think I hit a low. 

Case in point: I warned T-man twice (and disciplined him twice) for hurting his sister, the third time I lost it... yelled, spanked, and dragged him to time out, then yelled some more. Then got even angrier at his reaction and attiTUDE. Then I had the light bulb come on (again) that this child is mirroring me. It's that cliche "do as I say not as I do". I have been apologizing to them A LOT lately and today was no exception. We did have a better day after that and I could see they were mirroring the calm, cool, and focused me again but remorse has set in.

I don't know why I do this to myself but a wise chicka once told me sometimes things have to fall or hit bottom for God to (or for us to let Him) pick us back up again. It is a tough lesson to learn, over and over again. Hopefully, I will get it this time and maybe my children won't need too much therapy. 

Father's Day Treats

I have not been cooking many meals lately.....been a little busy, but I made a nice lunch today for a Father's Day celebration. Boy, I did not know how hard it was to get the pits out of cherries to use in a recipe! Also, THANK YOU ladies who scolded me for thinking of throwing out  leftover ham from Easter. It came in handy today in this pie.

Incredibly Easy (and incredibly good) Ham and Cheese Pie

1 1/2 cups cooked and chopped ham

1 cup shredded swiss cheese

1/4 cup chopped onion

1/2 cup Bisquick (or TJ's Buttermilk Pancake Mix!)

1 cup milk or half and half (I used the h/h)

2 eggs

pinch salt

pinch pepper

garnish with sliced green pepper and tomato (optional)

Heat oven to 400 degrees. Sprinkle ham, cheese, and onion in greased pie plate. Beat remaining ingredients with fork and pour into pie plate. Bake 35 to 40 minutes until knife comes out clean. Let stand 5 minutes and garnish. 

Also, finally used our Williams Sonoma Desserts cookbook (gift from our wedding) to make a cobbler. I modified a bit because I didn't have enough cherries but then had too much topping, so it was thicker and more cake-like then crunchy cobbler, but still very good. Even better topped with vanilla ice cream.

Cherry Cobbler (originally blackberry cobbler)

Filling: 6 cups blackberries/cherries (I only had 4), 1/3 cup sugar (I used 1/4), 1 tbsp all purpose flour, 1 tsp finely grated lemon zest (omitted), pinch of salt

Topping: 1 1/4 cups all purpose flour, 1/3 cup sugar, 2 tsps baking powder, 1/2 tsp cinnamon, 1/4 tsp salt, 1 large egg, 1/2 cup buttermilk (I used h/h), 6 tbsp unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled, 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Toss the filling ingredients in bowl and pour in greased 2 qt baking dish. Whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt in bowl. In separate bowl whisk together egg, milk, butter, and vanilla. With spatula combine wet with dry until you have a smooth dough. Drop in spoonfuls over filling and bake about 45 minutes, until fruit is bubbling and toothpick comes out of topping clean. 

One thing to love about summer

So You Think You Can Dance! Go ballerina girl, you are the best!

Soulard Farmer's Market

I made my first trip to Soulard Farmer's Market this weekend and was amazed at how large it was! Probably 8 times as big as any of the other local markets I have been to. The sign posted said it originated in 1779, holy cow! Since there were so many vendors I got great deals too:

Watermelon (nice size): $3.00

Pineapple: $1.50

2 lbs cherries: $4.00 (am going to have to try a new dessert!)

2 small ripe avocados: $1

4 limes: $1

Monster homegrown zucchini: $1.25

Quart strawberries: $2

I can't believe I have lived in St. Louis my whole life and never been there. Also, one non food purchase: a pink "My First Cardinals Tee" for $10. 

Oh my!

Did you hear about the mommy blogger who's family picture ended up on a billboard in the Czech Republic for a grocery store ad? Very odd indeed. 

http://www.stltoday.com/stltoday/news/stories.nsf/stlouiscitycounty/story/998EF1A4F78B6B55862575D200026198?OpenDocument

On the bandwagon

Yep, I finally joined the Twilight bandwagon, I know, pathetic. It really is great writing though. The movie of course was not quite as good but how do you possibly squeeze a 500 page book into 2 hours? I love the soundtrack too. I must take a break before I go for #2 though, will not be able to focus otherwise. 

So who wants to bet Bella becomes a vamp before the end of the series? Even though I am really hoping she doesn't!

Most telling line at the end of book #1:

Edward: I will stay...as long as it makes you happy, as long as that's what's best for you.

Bella: S 'not the same thing.

Jars of Clay

I think my new favorite band is Jars of Clay. I cannot get enough of their song "Two Hands", great song and lyrics all around. Unfortunately, I can't add it to the playlist but you can listen on their website here: http://www.jarsofclay.com/tour.aspx

My favorite band of my youth is coming in September. At first I jumped to get tickets until I found out they were not the headliner (what!?!) and were playing at Verizon Ampitheater, which is my least favorite venue. Then, in addition to paying $29 to get a seat they tack on $18 for parking and ticket fees. Are they kidding? Maybe I am just getting to be a tired old lady, in the old days I wouldn't have missed them for anything. Argh.

What do you think?

I just finished a book called Real Food What to Eat and Why by Nina Planck. Though I enjoyed it and found her knowledge on food and farming very interesting and enlightening, at times I thought she was a little nutty. For example she made reference to her evolutionary beliefs, and referenced a theory that there is a "missing link" because humans were sea creatures for a time. Right. On the other hand, she also quoted the bible and it's references to food. Hmm.

I just started another book, called Twilight. I was very skeptical about reading this at first because it contains vampires and I do NOT like scary things. However, I heard so much about the beautiful love story, I had to check it out and it has definitely grabbed me. Great characters and the story is very captivating so far....the love story but also the bad guy wanting to be good, not evil.  I don't know the author's (Stephanie Meyer) beliefs but the first page before the preface has the following: 

But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: For in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die. Genesis 2:17. 

I don't believe she put it there in a mocking way, can't be sure, but it's there all the same. She later references Noah and the ark. 

If you ever care to notice, I do, references to the Bible appear very frequently in books, television, and movies and not necessarily in the Christian category (sometimes very anti). I just think it's interesting that in a society that denies God so much that references to His word appear so often. Is it because no matter how much we push Him away He is always there? Is it because we are created in His image and are His children? Is it because, since we are His children, whether we acknowledge it or not, He lives in us? Or is it because we know (consciously or subconsciously) that the Bible is from God and contains history and life lessons that can help us today? 

What do you think?