..... the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. Luke 2:6-7
Merry Christmas!
25 December, 2010
24 December, 2010
merry christmas
From our family to yours.
May you be blessed as you celebrate the birth of our Savior!
23 December, 2010
"Crips"
It took us about a week to decipher what on earth Levi meant when he said, "crips"... we finally realized it.
CHRISTMAS!
Remember that country christmas program we went to last week? That was when he first starting saying it... "crips, crips, crips" over and over again when santa came in at the end of the program. I, for the life of me, couldn't figure it out. It took several days, and that's when I realized it... Levi knows who "santa" is, and we haven't done anything to teach him about it.
Which brings up the current debate in our house. "santa or no santa?
Up to this point in little mans' life, we haven't really done santa. Last year he was so little, and quite frankly, christmas was less than christmasy, as mike's job was ending in a matter of days, and our life was in boxes. This year, we opted to not take him to see santa because it would basically have ended with him screaming, and I just would rather forgo that mess.
And then.. out of the blue... Levi is associating Santa with Christmas.
From where?
I don't know.
Mike and I have gone back and forth on what to do. Mike is leaning towards not doing santa, and I guess, for lack of a better word, I'm on the fence. I see Mike's point, and I want to honor that, I also love the idea of making Christmas magical, but that's all I've got on why I want to do it. (which doesn't necessarily seem valid) I think maybe because it was part of my childhood, I would love to pass that on to Levi. But this year... the presents are wrapped and under the tree, there will be no "santa".... and I dare say we need to decide by next year what we are doing.
So... what do you do in your family?
Santa or No Santa?
What traditions do you have?
I'm all ears.
CHRISTMAS!
Remember that country christmas program we went to last week? That was when he first starting saying it... "crips, crips, crips" over and over again when santa came in at the end of the program. I, for the life of me, couldn't figure it out. It took several days, and that's when I realized it... Levi knows who "santa" is, and we haven't done anything to teach him about it.
Which brings up the current debate in our house. "santa or no santa?
Up to this point in little mans' life, we haven't really done santa. Last year he was so little, and quite frankly, christmas was less than christmasy, as mike's job was ending in a matter of days, and our life was in boxes. This year, we opted to not take him to see santa because it would basically have ended with him screaming, and I just would rather forgo that mess.
And then.. out of the blue... Levi is associating Santa with Christmas.
From where?
I don't know.
Mike and I have gone back and forth on what to do. Mike is leaning towards not doing santa, and I guess, for lack of a better word, I'm on the fence. I see Mike's point, and I want to honor that, I also love the idea of making Christmas magical, but that's all I've got on why I want to do it. (which doesn't necessarily seem valid) I think maybe because it was part of my childhood, I would love to pass that on to Levi. But this year... the presents are wrapped and under the tree, there will be no "santa".... and I dare say we need to decide by next year what we are doing.
So... what do you do in your family?
Santa or No Santa?
What traditions do you have?
I'm all ears.
22 December, 2010
monkey see, monkey do
i think levi has learned a thing or two from his mama...
he does need to work on his finger technique though. :)
oh, and just because it's funnier, he actually pulls out the books i have, climbs up on the bench with them, opens them up, and "plays"
man, i love that kid!
he does need to work on his finger technique though. :)
oh, and just because it's funnier, he actually pulls out the books i have, climbs up on the bench with them, opens them up, and "plays"
man, i love that kid!
18 December, 2010
country christmas
Last night we were invited by some friends to go to a christmas program at this small country church. We decided, kind of a whim, to go...
First up: We received a history lesson. This tiny church was built in 1844. There was no plumbing in the church because plumbing didn't exist. A small heater sat in the back that had obviously been installed at some point. It reminded me of a one room schoolhouse setup. The pews were tiny, and straight-backed, one pew fit about 4 people. It was dimly lit, and had the faint smell of moth balls. They also had a large, what looked like a china cabinet, that had small cubicles in it, and inside were all of the hymnals, and it was definitely made for that purpose! I'd never seen anything like it. The inside was lined with wood paneling that had been put up throughout the years. There was an old upright piano that was so out of tune, when hit right notes, it sounded like wrong ones. There was also an old pump organ! There is normally a woman who is in her 90's who plays it, but she had broke her arm in a fall. This church is not an "active" church anymore. It sits closed, but once a year, they open the doors, dust off the cobwebs, and invite people in to celebrate the birth of Jesus!
Seriously it was the most delightful little program I have EVER been to. we walked in the door, found our place next to some friends. We hadn't more than sat down, and this lady comes up and says.. I hear you're a "professional" piano player.. would you like to play something for us? uh.... I guess I can... which basically meant I made it up because I didn't have music or anything with me... let's see what else was there... several duets of people who were the most tone deaf singers I'd EVER heard. at one point we all had to stand up and introduce ourselves. there was maybe 60? people in the church, and it was PACKED. though, the old-timers kept reminiscing about the time they had 99 people and 1 mouse. no joke. :) Most of them were related and lived about 2 miles or less from the church. oh it was so delightful.
Levi of course was uncooperative and didn't want to sit still. One time he escaped arms reach, and ran up to the front of the church, climbed up on the platform, and when everyone laughed.. he burst into a big belly laughter.. oh and there was the woman who played her cello.. the minute she started playing he laughed hysterically the entire time she played. it was so funny. Mike and I couldn't help but laugh which of course made him laugh even more... I think what was funny was that it truly was a I'm so delighted by her music, I'm laughing kind of deal. We were concerned about his crazy behavior, but everyone kept saying... oh let him run around, it's no big deal!
At the end a couple came in dressed as Santa and Mrs. Claus. All the kids came up and sat on his lap.... .. and when we left every person got a bag of freshly made caramel corn and some chocolates...
oh my. it was the funniest and most endearing program i have ever been to in my entire life, and i've seen many! The only thing that would have made it better was if I would have had my camera with me to document this lovely experience.
On the way home from our delightful adventure, Mike and I both commented, on, while these were not um... stellar musicians, this group of people were coming together to truly celebrate what Christmas is about, and share in each other's joy, laughter, and concern.... Mike said.. it's kind of what Paul talks about.. coming together, and whoever has a word may share it. That's what this tiny church was all about last night.
What a blessing!
First up: We received a history lesson. This tiny church was built in 1844. There was no plumbing in the church because plumbing didn't exist. A small heater sat in the back that had obviously been installed at some point. It reminded me of a one room schoolhouse setup. The pews were tiny, and straight-backed, one pew fit about 4 people. It was dimly lit, and had the faint smell of moth balls. They also had a large, what looked like a china cabinet, that had small cubicles in it, and inside were all of the hymnals, and it was definitely made for that purpose! I'd never seen anything like it. The inside was lined with wood paneling that had been put up throughout the years. There was an old upright piano that was so out of tune, when hit right notes, it sounded like wrong ones. There was also an old pump organ! There is normally a woman who is in her 90's who plays it, but she had broke her arm in a fall. This church is not an "active" church anymore. It sits closed, but once a year, they open the doors, dust off the cobwebs, and invite people in to celebrate the birth of Jesus!
Seriously it was the most delightful little program I have EVER been to. we walked in the door, found our place next to some friends. We hadn't more than sat down, and this lady comes up and says.. I hear you're a "professional" piano player.. would you like to play something for us? uh.... I guess I can... which basically meant I made it up because I didn't have music or anything with me... let's see what else was there... several duets of people who were the most tone deaf singers I'd EVER heard. at one point we all had to stand up and introduce ourselves. there was maybe 60? people in the church, and it was PACKED. though, the old-timers kept reminiscing about the time they had 99 people and 1 mouse. no joke. :) Most of them were related and lived about 2 miles or less from the church. oh it was so delightful.
Levi of course was uncooperative and didn't want to sit still. One time he escaped arms reach, and ran up to the front of the church, climbed up on the platform, and when everyone laughed.. he burst into a big belly laughter.. oh and there was the woman who played her cello.. the minute she started playing he laughed hysterically the entire time she played. it was so funny. Mike and I couldn't help but laugh which of course made him laugh even more... I think what was funny was that it truly was a I'm so delighted by her music, I'm laughing kind of deal. We were concerned about his crazy behavior, but everyone kept saying... oh let him run around, it's no big deal!
At the end a couple came in dressed as Santa and Mrs. Claus. All the kids came up and sat on his lap.... .. and when we left every person got a bag of freshly made caramel corn and some chocolates...
oh my. it was the funniest and most endearing program i have ever been to in my entire life, and i've seen many! The only thing that would have made it better was if I would have had my camera with me to document this lovely experience.
On the way home from our delightful adventure, Mike and I both commented, on, while these were not um... stellar musicians, this group of people were coming together to truly celebrate what Christmas is about, and share in each other's joy, laughter, and concern.... Mike said.. it's kind of what Paul talks about.. coming together, and whoever has a word may share it. That's what this tiny church was all about last night.
What a blessing!
17 December, 2010
FLEAS
does it kind of make you itchy all over?
about 3 weeks ago we found fleas on our little feline friend.
we went to war.
the fleas are winning, but rest assured..
they will not win the war..
we've moved on to a stronger agent for mr. cat and we've got a spray for the house to spray on basically everything.
oh, and cats also get worms from fleas because they eat them.
guess who has worms?
yup.
i won't tell you how i know that. you'll just have to trust me.
i seriously want to just throw out everything. it makes me feel like we're dirty people, which we're not, but you know, it's just how it feels. our vet said fleas are rampant this year and was not at all surprised by it.. i don't really care. i just want them OUT of our home!
blech!
about 3 weeks ago we found fleas on our little feline friend.
we went to war.
the fleas are winning, but rest assured..
they will not win the war..
we've moved on to a stronger agent for mr. cat and we've got a spray for the house to spray on basically everything.
oh, and cats also get worms from fleas because they eat them.
guess who has worms?
yup.
i won't tell you how i know that. you'll just have to trust me.
i seriously want to just throw out everything. it makes me feel like we're dirty people, which we're not, but you know, it's just how it feels. our vet said fleas are rampant this year and was not at all surprised by it.. i don't really care. i just want them OUT of our home!
blech!
14 December, 2010
so it begins....
levi "made" this ornament for me at church this week.
i love that we've entered the homemade christmas ornaments from your kids stage of our lives!
i love that we've entered the homemade christmas ornaments from your kids stage of our lives!
13 December, 2010
Mozzerella
I've been wanting to try making cheese for a while now...
It's okay. I'm coming to terms with the fact that we're a little odd.
Anyway, at my piano recital last week, one of my piano students moms (who is also kind of a crunchy granola type) gave me some of the ingredients needed to make cheese.. mainly Rennet, and Citric Acid.
Today, my friend, Cindy, stopped by, and delivered our milk to me. (they are a fantastic family who also happen to own a dairy farm) how handy!
This afternoon I set out to do it.
And to my utter amazement....
I turned milk into cheese!
If I didn't have chili in the crockpot we'd be having homemade pizza for dinner. I believe that will be dinner tomorrow night!
It's okay. I'm coming to terms with the fact that we're a little odd.
Anyway, at my piano recital last week, one of my piano students moms (who is also kind of a crunchy granola type) gave me some of the ingredients needed to make cheese.. mainly Rennet, and Citric Acid.
Today, my friend, Cindy, stopped by, and delivered our milk to me. (they are a fantastic family who also happen to own a dairy farm) how handy!
This afternoon I set out to do it.
And to my utter amazement....
I turned milk into cheese!
If I didn't have chili in the crockpot we'd be having homemade pizza for dinner. I believe that will be dinner tomorrow night!
12 December, 2010
08 December, 2010
christmas tree hunting
Saturday we headed out to find this years "perfect" Christmas tree. It's a big deal in my family. Rooted in deep tradition. Granted, it might be strange tradition, it's ours, and we love it.
It started with going to a little bakery in a small town north of us. It has the most delightful assortment of donuts and coffee you can imagine. These are the kind of donuts you bite into and say to yourself.. these were made at 6am today. oh my. they are heavenly.
Afterwards, we head to the Christmas tree farm. My parents, April and Brian, and Mike, myself and Levi, and the search begins. Mike and I found ours first this year. We don't have a preference normally on the kind of tree we get, we just have to "feel it". (I told you it's not necessarily great tradition)
Then..
we name it... but first we have to decide boy or girl.
then the name.
then the ceremonial... fam with the tree pic.
then, we cut it down.
in that order. and you must not deviate from it.
don't ask questions, it's just how it's done.
levi was getting a little tired of hanging out at the tree farm. we were there almost 2 hours.
perhaps my favorite picture of the day. mike carrying the tree back to the car, and pulling levi in his wagon.
charlotte.
the perfect christmas tree.
(at least for this year)
It started with going to a little bakery in a small town north of us. It has the most delightful assortment of donuts and coffee you can imagine. These are the kind of donuts you bite into and say to yourself.. these were made at 6am today. oh my. they are heavenly.
Afterwards, we head to the Christmas tree farm. My parents, April and Brian, and Mike, myself and Levi, and the search begins. Mike and I found ours first this year. We don't have a preference normally on the kind of tree we get, we just have to "feel it". (I told you it's not necessarily great tradition)
Then..
we name it... but first we have to decide boy or girl.
then the name.
then the ceremonial... fam with the tree pic.
then, we cut it down.
in that order. and you must not deviate from it.
don't ask questions, it's just how it's done.
levi was getting a little tired of hanging out at the tree farm. we were there almost 2 hours.
perhaps my favorite picture of the day. mike carrying the tree back to the car, and pulling levi in his wagon.
charlotte.
the perfect christmas tree.
(at least for this year)
07 December, 2010
charlotte
we picked out our christmas tree over the weekend.
her name is charlotte, because we name our trees, and yes, i realize that's strange.
more pics to come soon!
her name is charlotte, because we name our trees, and yes, i realize that's strange.
more pics to come soon!
02 December, 2010
TFG
dear blog.
we are in the midst of prepping for
Two From Galilee
our churches big christmas production.
shows fri\sat\sun.
friday and sunday are both sold out now.
we're exhausted and tired.
we will return to regularly scheduled programming soon...
so sorry for the inconvenience.
we are in the midst of prepping for
Two From Galilee
our churches big christmas production.
shows fri\sat\sun.
friday and sunday are both sold out now.
we're exhausted and tired.
we will return to regularly scheduled programming soon...
so sorry for the inconvenience.
30 November, 2010
yogurt!
I've been wanting to try making homemade yogurt for a while. I finally got up the gumption a couple of weeks ago and it was a major
FAIL.
I was disappointed, but decided I'd try again using a different method. I scoured the internet looking for a recipe I felt I could do and was s.p.e.l.l.e.d. out for this novice yogurt maker.
I finally found it and
www.kitchenstewardship.com
I printed it off, and Mike looked at me like I was crazy. It was 3 pages long, but I was SURE I could follow it and be okay.
I heated my milk to 185 in mason jars on the stove
*note I don't have a thermometer but she gave ways to do it without one*
I then let it cool to around 100 degrees on my counter. (it took about 90 minutes)
I added 2TB of natural yogurt to each mason jar and gently stirred.
meanwhile, I had my pot of water still boiling on the stove.
I yanked out our cooler, put towels in it
Put the lid on my pot and nestled it down in my cooler.
Once the yogurt was stirred in, I put the lids on, and nestled those inside the cooler as well. The recipe noted that the longer the yogurt sits the more tart it will become. Makes sense since your souring the milk. She suggested anywhere from 4-24 hours. I set my timer for 6 hours and went about cleaning up, chasing Levi etc.
After the timer went off, I took my trusty mason jars, and then put them in freezer for an hour.
And voila!
There was a layer of whey on top, I opted to scoop it off, and seriously, my crunchy, granola, yogurt making friends. this stuff is THICK. Thick and Yummy!
At 6 hours, I found it had a slightly sweet flavor, which I would prefer to the really tart yogurt.
Check out the recipe!
Let me know if you try it!
FAIL.
I was disappointed, but decided I'd try again using a different method. I scoured the internet looking for a recipe I felt I could do and was s.p.e.l.l.e.d. out for this novice yogurt maker.
I finally found it and
www.kitchenstewardship.com
I printed it off, and Mike looked at me like I was crazy. It was 3 pages long, but I was SURE I could follow it and be okay.
I heated my milk to 185 in mason jars on the stove
*note I don't have a thermometer but she gave ways to do it without one*
I then let it cool to around 100 degrees on my counter. (it took about 90 minutes)
I added 2TB of natural yogurt to each mason jar and gently stirred.
meanwhile, I had my pot of water still boiling on the stove.
I yanked out our cooler, put towels in it
Put the lid on my pot and nestled it down in my cooler.
Once the yogurt was stirred in, I put the lids on, and nestled those inside the cooler as well. The recipe noted that the longer the yogurt sits the more tart it will become. Makes sense since your souring the milk. She suggested anywhere from 4-24 hours. I set my timer for 6 hours and went about cleaning up, chasing Levi etc.
After the timer went off, I took my trusty mason jars, and then put them in freezer for an hour.
And voila!
There was a layer of whey on top, I opted to scoop it off, and seriously, my crunchy, granola, yogurt making friends. this stuff is THICK. Thick and Yummy!
At 6 hours, I found it had a slightly sweet flavor, which I would prefer to the really tart yogurt.
Check out the recipe!
Let me know if you try it!
25 November, 2010
24 November, 2010
Day 24
today, on this thanksgiving eve... i am thankful for the focus our family has had on thanksgiving this year. it has been refreshing for us, given us new perspective, pushed us to give beyond ourselves, more than all of that, we are thankful that we can live our lives knowing that the creator of this world holds us in the palm of His hand....
23 November, 2010
Day 23
today i'm thankful for doctors. we took levi in today after 2+ weeks of battling a nasty cough\cold. my little man has bronchitis and the beginning stages of pneumonia... they gave him antibiotics, some drops for his nasty icky eyes, and a breathing treatment in the office. the dr. didn't feel that he responded partiucularly well to the breathing treatment with the risks that are associated with the medicine, so no breathing treatments at home.
i'm so thankful we took him in NOW before it got worse, and before the long holiday weekend...
i'm so thankful we took him in NOW before it got worse, and before the long holiday weekend...
22 November, 2010
Day 22
Today I am thankful for the wonderful opportunity to listen to such great music last night from Spring Arbor University's Choirs, as well as Spring Arbor Free Methodist Church. Such a great way to start off this week of Thanksgiving. Reminding ourselves, that what we truly should be thankful for is what the Lord has done for us! What a blessing!
On a side note, Sometimes, I find it weird, standing in a circle of old music professors, and current people I work for, and think... when did I become part of this group? Sometimes I have to stop and remind myself that I'm doing what I wanted to do, and am truly a part of the music circle o' Jackson. What a blessing to be doing what I love every single day!
On a side note, Sometimes, I find it weird, standing in a circle of old music professors, and current people I work for, and think... when did I become part of this group? Sometimes I have to stop and remind myself that I'm doing what I wanted to do, and am truly a part of the music circle o' Jackson. What a blessing to be doing what I love every single day!
21 November, 2010
crisco and desitin
yup!
After fighting a MAJOR diaper rash with Levi for 3 weeks, I finally turned to the powers of facebook and issued a cry for help....
and it came.
I was given a TON of ideas on things to use etc. One friend, who also happens to be a nurse practioner, suggested crisco. I kind of scoffed at his idea, really?
But..
He is a NP...
After talking with him, and emailing him a couple pics of the said area, he confirmed that it was indeed not a yeast diaper rash, but a regular old nasty one.
He told me to find the highest zinc oxide butt cream I had, which happened to be Desitin Maximum Strength at 40%, smather it on his butt, and then cover it with crisco. (you know, that blue tub that you use to make pie crusts and what not?)Anyway, we did, and it REALLY works. Somehow the crisco keeps the other cream on.
You know how when normally changing a diaper, the cream is gone from when you applied it earlier? Well, this time.. IT WAS STILL THERE. 2 nights of the crisco trick and I think we are well on our way to healthy skin again!
I'm tucking this gem away for future use, and thought any of you mama's out there could use the tip as well!
After fighting a MAJOR diaper rash with Levi for 3 weeks, I finally turned to the powers of facebook and issued a cry for help....
and it came.
I was given a TON of ideas on things to use etc. One friend, who also happens to be a nurse practioner, suggested crisco. I kind of scoffed at his idea, really?
But..
He is a NP...
After talking with him, and emailing him a couple pics of the said area, he confirmed that it was indeed not a yeast diaper rash, but a regular old nasty one.
He told me to find the highest zinc oxide butt cream I had, which happened to be Desitin Maximum Strength at 40%, smather it on his butt, and then cover it with crisco. (you know, that blue tub that you use to make pie crusts and what not?)Anyway, we did, and it REALLY works. Somehow the crisco keeps the other cream on.
You know how when normally changing a diaper, the cream is gone from when you applied it earlier? Well, this time.. IT WAS STILL THERE. 2 nights of the crisco trick and I think we are well on our way to healthy skin again!
I'm tucking this gem away for future use, and thought any of you mama's out there could use the tip as well!
Day 21
Today I am thankful for family.
Yesterday Mike's whole family was here, and we arranged as a Christmas present for Mike's parents to have a family picture done. We trudged out to a local Park late afternoon, met up with the photographer, who actually is the one who photographed our weddings, and we tromped around taking pics. We had a great time. John had his work cut out for him, there were 4 kids 2 and under. Levi was the crazy one. He wasn't in a bad mood, but he just doesn't hold still for anything. John said, all the pictures will look really nice, except that Levi will be waving his arms all around. :) That's okay. That's our kiddo, He's crazy, and I wouldn't have it any other way.
Afterwards, everyone came back to our house for dinner and birthday celebrations.
Good times!
Yesterday Mike's whole family was here, and we arranged as a Christmas present for Mike's parents to have a family picture done. We trudged out to a local Park late afternoon, met up with the photographer, who actually is the one who photographed our weddings, and we tromped around taking pics. We had a great time. John had his work cut out for him, there were 4 kids 2 and under. Levi was the crazy one. He wasn't in a bad mood, but he just doesn't hold still for anything. John said, all the pictures will look really nice, except that Levi will be waving his arms all around. :) That's okay. That's our kiddo, He's crazy, and I wouldn't have it any other way.
Afterwards, everyone came back to our house for dinner and birthday celebrations.
Good times!
20 November, 2010
19 November, 2010
it's days like today...
where i've...
... swept the floor approximately 25 times
... given approximately just as many time outs, including one where we disobeyed me quite intentionally and walked himself directly to the timeout mat after said occurence...
... changed so many gross diapers i can't count
... cleaned the bedroom, while levi destroys the living room
these are the days, where i have to remind myself that it's about teaching little things like
... "please and thank you"
... that we also say thank you to Jesus before we eat our food
... that smacking animals is NOT okay. ;)
... that helping mama pick up toys is an EXCELLENT choice..
that that's what this season of life is about... teaching my kiddo that we are honoring God in EVERYTHING we do... even things like cleaning out the fridge which is where I'm headed next...
... swept the floor approximately 25 times
... given approximately just as many time outs, including one where we disobeyed me quite intentionally and walked himself directly to the timeout mat after said occurence...
... changed so many gross diapers i can't count
... cleaned the bedroom, while levi destroys the living room
these are the days, where i have to remind myself that it's about teaching little things like
... "please and thank you"
... that we also say thank you to Jesus before we eat our food
... that smacking animals is NOT okay. ;)
... that helping mama pick up toys is an EXCELLENT choice..
that that's what this season of life is about... teaching my kiddo that we are honoring God in EVERYTHING we do... even things like cleaning out the fridge which is where I'm headed next...
Day 19
Waking up to 28 degrees outside simply reminds me to be thankful for a warm safe home to wake up in, when so many go without....
18 November, 2010
Day 18
Blessed Be Your Name
In the land that is plentiful
Where Your streams of abundance flow
Blessed be Your name
Blessed Be Your name
When I'm found in the desert place
Though I walk through the wilderness
Blessed Be Your name
Every blessing You pour out
I'll turn back to praise
When the darkness closes in, Lord
Still I will say
Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be Your name
Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be Your glorious name
Blessed be Your name
When the sun's shining down on me
When the world's 'all as it should be'
Blessed be Your name
Blessed be Your name
On the road marked with suffering
Though there's pain in the offering
Blessed be Your name
Every blessing You pour out
I'll turn back to praise
When the darkness closes in, Lord
Still I will say
Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be Your name
Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be Your glorious name
Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be Your name
Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be Your glorious name
You give and take away
You give and take away
My heart will choose to say
Lord, blessed be Your name
The words from that song have been streaming through my head for the past 12 hours.
"When the darkness closes in, Lord... still I say will say... Blessed be Your name!"
Last night, we heard the news that our dear friends had lost their precious sweet baby boy. Christa was 27 weeks pregnant. They have 2 older boys, who were both born earlier than that, fought hard and survived. They were so elated that they had made it past the earlier point, thinking that maybe this time, she would have a more normal pregnancy. This time, the Lord chose a different path, and little Wesley Daniel was born and died Nov. 16, a small fleeting time on this earth, but forever changing the hearts of his parents.
It's in these moments that I'm so thankful for knowing that our Savior loves us, that He does have a plan, even if we often don't understand. I know that He is pouring His love down on Matt and Christa, and although we don't understand a small life being taken from this world, we can truly Bless His name.
Would you lift them up in prayer as well?
In the land that is plentiful
Where Your streams of abundance flow
Blessed be Your name
Blessed Be Your name
When I'm found in the desert place
Though I walk through the wilderness
Blessed Be Your name
Every blessing You pour out
I'll turn back to praise
When the darkness closes in, Lord
Still I will say
Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be Your name
Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be Your glorious name
Blessed be Your name
When the sun's shining down on me
When the world's 'all as it should be'
Blessed be Your name
Blessed be Your name
On the road marked with suffering
Though there's pain in the offering
Blessed be Your name
Every blessing You pour out
I'll turn back to praise
When the darkness closes in, Lord
Still I will say
Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be Your name
Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be Your glorious name
Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be Your name
Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be Your glorious name
You give and take away
You give and take away
My heart will choose to say
Lord, blessed be Your name
The words from that song have been streaming through my head for the past 12 hours.
"When the darkness closes in, Lord... still I say will say... Blessed be Your name!"
Last night, we heard the news that our dear friends had lost their precious sweet baby boy. Christa was 27 weeks pregnant. They have 2 older boys, who were both born earlier than that, fought hard and survived. They were so elated that they had made it past the earlier point, thinking that maybe this time, she would have a more normal pregnancy. This time, the Lord chose a different path, and little Wesley Daniel was born and died Nov. 16, a small fleeting time on this earth, but forever changing the hearts of his parents.
It's in these moments that I'm so thankful for knowing that our Savior loves us, that He does have a plan, even if we often don't understand. I know that He is pouring His love down on Matt and Christa, and although we don't understand a small life being taken from this world, we can truly Bless His name.
Would you lift them up in prayer as well?
17 November, 2010
Day 17
Today I am thankful for our good friends Emily and Adam. We've known Adam and Em since we were all music majors in college. They got married and moved away, but after a few years they ended up back in our home town, and we couldn't be happier. They are fantastic people, and Mike and I are incredibly blessed to call them friends. Adam and Mike can talk music and books for hours, and Em and I can talk just about anythign, but now days it's more wrangling kiddos together, but it's still fun... :) we love you guys!
16 November, 2010
Day 16
Today I am thankful for our Thursday night bible study group friends, the McClains, Bowmans, and Montagues. They are truly fantastic people, ones that I have grown to love immensely since we first decided to meet on that fateful thursday night 5 years ago. It doesn't even seem possible. Thanks friends, for being who you are, and making Thursday nights more enjoyable.
15 November, 2010
go-to quick-fix dessert
Fruit Filled Oatmeal Bars.
These are seriously so easy, I can throw them together with no time flat, and they always turn out great. Easy to put together for surprise company or that potluck you're heading out the door to attend. I cannot take credit, the recipe comes from my trusty red and white checked better homes and garden cookbook....
1 C flour
1 C quick oats
2\3 brown sugar
1\4 tsp baking powder.
mix well
add 1\2 C butter, mix with pastry blender....
reserve 1\2 C of mix, press the rest into a 9x9 pan...
meanwhile.. come up with a fruit sauce of some kind...
i've cooked down strawberries and made a compote...
threw in some jelly...
applesauce with some raisins or cranberries mixed in..
anything you can think of, really!
put it on top of the pressed mix, sprinkle the remainder of the flour mixture on top..
bake at 350 for 30 minutes...
ENJOY!
These are seriously so easy, I can throw them together with no time flat, and they always turn out great. Easy to put together for surprise company or that potluck you're heading out the door to attend. I cannot take credit, the recipe comes from my trusty red and white checked better homes and garden cookbook....
1 C flour
1 C quick oats
2\3 brown sugar
1\4 tsp baking powder.
mix well
add 1\2 C butter, mix with pastry blender....
reserve 1\2 C of mix, press the rest into a 9x9 pan...
meanwhile.. come up with a fruit sauce of some kind...
i've cooked down strawberries and made a compote...
threw in some jelly...
applesauce with some raisins or cranberries mixed in..
anything you can think of, really!
put it on top of the pressed mix, sprinkle the remainder of the flour mixture on top..
bake at 350 for 30 minutes...
ENJOY!
Day 15
Today I am thankful for our dear friends Russ and Murt Skinkle. I have known Russ and Murt for as long as I can remember. Murt is also a pianist, and was a tireless encourager to me as I worked towards making it my job. Also, after we got married, they opened up their home (and land) to us. Russ and Murt are big gardeners, and they are the ones who got us started into the crazy gardening world that we now are a part of. They encouraged us, gave us the space we needed to grow things. They are truly great friends of ours, and we count it a blessing to know them. They are such good stewards of what the Lord has given them, and in turn have given it back to other people. We love you both very much!
14 November, 2010
Day 14
today I am thankful that so many moons again when I said to my mom...
"I want to take piano lessons"
her and my dad found a way to make it happen
I'm thankful that I had the opportunity to grow and learn as a young musician,and even more so, allowed the opportunity to study music in college. what a blessing to be doing what I love... every.single.day.
"I want to take piano lessons"
her and my dad found a way to make it happen
I'm thankful that I had the opportunity to grow and learn as a young musician,and even more so, allowed the opportunity to study music in college. what a blessing to be doing what I love... every.single.day.
13 November, 2010
Day 13
is thankful that we all slept in until 7:30.. that's pretty much miraculous if you know our kiddo! :)
12 November, 2010
Day 12
today i am thankful that mike works for an understanding family business that is 10 minutes from home. yesterday afternoon, i came home, walked to the back door and discovered my house key is missing. i frantically search everywhere i could think of, car, purse, diaper bag, ground etc.. after about a 10 minute search i called mike. it was not 3:25. i had students coming to the house at 4 for lessons. he drove home and let me in the house. i am especially thankful that it was beautiful outside and we could comfortably play while we waited.
11 November, 2010
Day 11
in honor of veterans day and the fact that he's my grandpa...
today i am thankful for my grandpa, Philip Wood, not only is he an incredible man, he also served our country with honor. love you grandpa!
today i am thankful for my grandpa, Philip Wood, not only is he an incredible man, he also served our country with honor. love you grandpa!
09 November, 2010
08 November, 2010
greenhouse re-do
notice anything different?
guylines from our tent.
here's hoping for veggies this winter. we've got a few sprouts, but not as many as we did when we planted the first time. it's supposed to be warm the next few days, and we're hoping that will encourage those little seeds to finally make an apperance....
guylines from our tent.
here's hoping for veggies this winter. we've got a few sprouts, but not as many as we did when we planted the first time. it's supposed to be warm the next few days, and we're hoping that will encourage those little seeds to finally make an apperance....
Day 8
Today I am thankful..
for a warm house, a quiet morning, and a hot cup of coffee to start my day...
for a warm house, a quiet morning, and a hot cup of coffee to start my day...
06 November, 2010
Day 7
I know most people will argue with me, but I'm thankful for this..
On friday, (Nov 5) the first hint of winter arrived.. It was small, it was beautiful, and I loved every moment of it. Each time that the seasons change, I am reminded of the Lord's faithfulness to us, that He is steady and true, admist the chaos, admist the busyness of life... He is there... always.
Thank you Jesus for your faithfulness as the seasons change... and for snow... :)
On friday, (Nov 5) the first hint of winter arrived.. It was small, it was beautiful, and I loved every moment of it. Each time that the seasons change, I am reminded of the Lord's faithfulness to us, that He is steady and true, admist the chaos, admist the busyness of life... He is there... always.
Thank you Jesus for your faithfulness as the seasons change... and for snow... :)
pie crust
I finally found a pie crust recipe I was willing to try, and oh my friends....
Thank you Pioneer Woman It has changed my life.
Pie Crust
3 C flour
1 1\2 C crisco.
mix with your lovely pastry cutter
add
1 beaten egg
5 TB cold water
1 TB white vinegar
1 tsp salt
mix together gently
separate into 2 dough balls, put in freezer bag.
roll out slightly and throw it in your freezer for a while.
(I let it sit for an hour)
Roll it out.
Make your pie... I made an apple pie... yum!
enjoy the worlds best pie crust!
seriously, friends. i've been converted, and that's saying something... :)
Day 6
Today I am thankful...
for being able to go out to dinner kid free last night.
Thanks, Mom and Dad!
05 November, 2010
Day 5
I am thankful...
for my own mom and dad.
Having a kiddo certainly effects how you view your own parents...
thanks for loving me, and for raising me to be the person I am today!
04 November, 2010
Day 4
Day 4...
...I am thankful for...
my kiddo.
he is a constant joy, a constant challenge,
and constantly driving me into the arms of our Savior.
i love you little man!
03 November, 2010
Day 3
I am thankful for mike..
...for being my rock.
...for loving me with all my faults
...for praying for our family
...for seeking the Lord diligently
...for loving levi
...for being goofy
...for enjoying the same things i do
...for knowing when i need him to talk and when i need him to just listen
...for understanding when i need a break
...for giving hugs
...for being a hard worker
and so many more things...
i love you baby!
02 November, 2010
little monkey
let me present my happy little monkey...
errr....
please note the tears in his eyes
this went on for quite some time....
i asked him where the sky was....
mama trying to call him down
why the mad face?
he wanted to go inside.
yup.
mike finally trick or treated him with some fruit snacks.
he was finally appeased.
little monkey man
enjoying his snack
levi getting his first taste of candy.
little monkey man
enjoying his snack
levi getting his first taste of candy.
he received one small pack of m&m's as well as a sucker.
that will do for now.
my dad with levi
finally a happy kiddo!
my dad with levi
finally a happy kiddo!
day 2
I am thankful......
for a God who prepares my steps in advance,
who loves me more than I can understand or fathom...
01 November, 2010
thankfulness
I've been challenged by a friend on facebook to think more actively about being thankful. For the past 40 days, she has been posting each day on her status, something she is thankful for. I've been thinking about doing it for a while, so I've decided to start today with the intent of doing it through Thanksgiving.
It may be a small sentence of something I'm thankful for, or maybe a picture, but nonetheless, I think it's a fantastic idea, and I've decided to do it! I'm telling all of you, mostly so I can be held to it. I've got a couple of other ideas that I'm throwing around for thanksgiving this year.
It's a holiday we look over all too quickly.
So....
Day 1: I'm thankful for beautiful fall weather, and a mild evening last night to spend outside enjoying halloween
30 October, 2010
happy halloween
Hope it's a fun-filled day for you and your family.
P.S. I made my little banner in picnik again.
I'm really loving their stuff!
28 October, 2010
greenhouse re-do
today i planned to take pictures of our little seedlings growing in our greenhouse and write up a post about how happy we were everything was growing so nicely...
yesterday we had tremendous winds and one huge swirl
knocked our happy little greenhouse down...
there were no survivors.
we'll start over again this weekend.
sad sad day.
mike is going to figure out a way to anchor it
more securely to avoid further catastrophe.
21 October, 2010
17 October, 2010
green living...
what is that you ask??
a small greenhouse! this summer, we found this small treasure at a garage sale. mike had been wanting to get one to work towards starting our own seedlings in the spring for the garden, as well as trying a "cold" greenhouse to grow veggies through the winter...
so, this past weekend, we set everything, and we'll see what happens. we've done lots of research, and we're hoping that we've picked good solid cold weather veggies... we didn't too much as we aren't sure how it's going to go, but we're excited to try it!
on the menu is
cabbage
broccoli
carrots
beets
lettuce
it's small this year, but we're excited. we've purchased a heat lamp that we'll keep in the green house for warmth... and here's hoping for the best!
orchard and chicken
such a sweet face...
looking at pumpkins...
levi was very excited about all the "appas"
but what was most exciting about the orchard\pumpkin patch??
the free roaming chickens. it was seriously all he wanted to do. did he want to feed the goats, or look at the baby pigs that were born a day earlier? NO...
just this lone chick please, mama...
i chased him out of the store and found him here...
needless to say chicken didn't stick around..
needless to say chicken didn't stick around..
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