nimrod news

New recipe over at rebeccanimrod.com

2014-11-14T07:31:00.003-06:00

Toasted Holiday Quinoa -- YUM!

Every Bitter Thing is Sweet

2014-10-08T07:39:00.001-05:00

miles and love

2014-09-21T19:45:00.001-05:00

Some days you receive a message with a picture and feel deeply loved.

NYC High 5

2014-09-16T08:54:00.000-05:00

My sweet friend, Anna, sent this to me knowing I'd love it. She knows me well. Most certainly, I do. I hope you enjoy it too. It is worth a minute and a half of your day, I promise.

television and chocolate

2014-09-14T17:44:00.002-05:00

When I asked my boys what they wanted from a trip I took to NYC Elliott said, Momma, I want you to make a sign and go to the Today Show. Not really my idea of a gift, nor something I was planning while in town. Maybe run past, pause and continue on with my run. Not stop, make a sign and hang out trying to move to the front of the crowd.

Kids, they make you do the darndest things! Their pressing us out of our comfort zone as a person is a good thing, certainly. Weekly, daily sometimes, pressed into unfamiliar, uncomfortable spaces and leave it to my sweet E, to challenge me while I am away. With no intention of being on the show, I went for a run and met up with a classmate from IIN. I asked her if she knew where the studio was because I needed to make my way there the following day. She did, so we made a little detour on our way to Central Park for a walk.

We walked past and the plaza had very few people in the crowd. Yup, it was time. We cleared through security and the "Make a Sign" slots were empty and the markers put away. I asked if I could grab a paper and a marker from the cart which was clearly pushed aside for the day. Before I got an answer, I'd pulled out a paper and was into the marker bin. The security guard smiled at my friend and said something like...Well, she sure knew how to get what she wanted.

Yes sir. I do.

Sign made now, off to find a spot in front of the camera.

"Hello, Kenny. (giant smile) How's your morning going?"

Glance from Kenny the camera man.

Bigger smile -- Largest dimple I could make. Quick call to Jonathan to hit turn on the TV and hit record on the DVR.

"You got me. What's your sign say?"

"The only thing my son wanted from NYC was for me to be on the Today Show."

He walked over, zoomed in and out a few times and then said 1 minute...30 seconds...10...3...it was on and my heart sang. Only for a second, but that's all I needed.

This little adventure was nothing I'd ever do on my own, but absolutely something I'd do for my boys. We stayed to watch a cooking segment. Lester Holt, well he's a cute in person as on TV, but his voice better. As we walked away, I received a text from a friend at home, I just saw you on TV, but that record button...was hit a little too late and Elliott, well I hope he saw it in his dreams. He woke to a text with the picture below and called to say he missed it, then he changed his request to chocolate.

Fitting it in

2014-08-27T12:42:00.003-05:00

We are still here and each of us are well. Living a wild balance of life and play, soccer and school, work and dates and laughter and time around the table and rest. This morning is an example of how we are making it happen and most days doing it well.

After the amazing summer we had I will admit, I miss my boys...a little. Soccer started, then school and Jonathan's travel picked up. In one town last weekend for a tournament and another state all-together the next. I'll head to TX while Jonathan drives to see Ayanna. My work is picking up and I'm discovering more and more, this is what I am called to do. Being a wife and mom will always top the list, but before I can do that well, I must take care of myself. Finding time to meet my own needs can be a challenge. Anyone else experience this? How are you making time for yourself or are you?

The picture above is from this morning. I dropped Chas at school, then Elliott and I headed to the square for nearly an hour. I love the break between drop off and pick up most days. It allows 5 hours of one on one time with both of my boys every week. In the morning with Elliott and the afternoon with Chas. Although, I may need to build in a budget for coffee and hot cocoa and crepes.

While we waited for the coffee shop to open, so Elliott could get hot cocoa, he read The Outsiders and I studied for an exam I have this week at IIN. We did our school work together. We visited and shared. It was quiet, only the sound of the fountain and a few passing cars. When the open sign started glowing, he walked for his treat and I watched. He's becoming a young man, more independent each day. I dropped him at school and as he closed the door I heard, "I love you momma, have a good day." I love you too Elliott Jon, boy do I love you. And today I miss you.

Many times I have shared I know this one thing for sure -- God it Faithful. He is faithful to answer the prayers I have for my children --born to me and given through marriage and sweet Moses too. It is with this knowledge I am able to move forward with confidence. Trusting these crazy days we are living, somedays with I Love You's said after the door is closed and the car in drive and others snuggled all on one bed eating popcorn and watching a movie are the best of days. The very best of days.

my kind of math

2014-06-23T18:31:00.002-05:00

CREED KIDS + SPOUSES + COUSINS - 1 SPOUSE - 2 COUSINS - B&P = NEAR PERFECT*

*Perfect would have been with everyone there to celebrate. Missed Jonathan, Ayanna, Bodee, Pops and Roo

#NimrodSummer2014

2014-06-21T18:08:00.001-05:00

#NimrodSummer2014 officially began in true Nimrod fashion - ROAD TRIP! We were invited to visit friends in Oklahoma City, relaxing poolside at their new home. Because Jonathan used most of his vacation on our journey in April, he wasn't able to go with us.

The boys swam well past sunset, toasted marshmallows while the adults visited and commented over and over how grateful we were to love the life we live. There was no shortage of gratitude and joy.

OKC, who knew, you had a lighthouse and a beautiful lake, with otters on the shore and sailboats zigzagging from shore to shore?
Our first morning we, adults and boys, ran together. We paused under the lighthouse, boys throwing rocks and parents talking about the challenges of rearing children in a digital age. Again taking note of the moments we were living. Again grateful.

I woke early on Friday and ran to the lighthouse alone.When I arrived I paused and prayed. I talked to God about lack of understanding, misunderstanding and resentment. I shared with him I felt alone, then I was reminded I am not. God affirmed in me, his presence. He reminded me that he was my strength, but only if I allowed. Then this little otter popped his head through the rocks and started chattering while his pal swam below. Thanks, God.

I arrived to a still quiet home. A perfect time to cool off in the pool. I floated this flower in the water and swam.

I prepared for #NimrodSummer2014 with intention. By stepping in that direction the very first days felt like I was honoring myself, my purpose and my family. I'd stepped away from places and people I loved, making decisions which were difficult, but right. I stepped into the space where I knew I was to step: my home, my family and into me. As the water surrounded me, I felt supported and free. That heavy I'd felt as I prayed under the lighthouse a few miles back, it had disappeared. I felt light.

The boys woke, the pool was splashy and then it was time to head home. We left OKC at the very last minute so I'd make it home for a date with Jonathan at 6. {Squeezing all we can out of these days.} I took a wrong turn in Tulsa, ran out of toll change and at a toll booth got out of my car and walked back 5 cars to ask if people had extra they were willing to share. Strangers shared, Chas and Elliott slouched down below the windows and I won't receive a ticket in the mail.

Making Memories with my boys is at the top of my #NimrodSummer2014 list. I am quite sure they will never forget their mom walking car to car. We have laughed about it several times already.

Due to my scenic route around Tulsa, we arrived home late. I had 45 minutes to unpack, shower, fix dinner, start a load of laundry and get out the door for an evening with friends supporting a great cause. We spent an evening of dinner and dancing with friends at the Cancer Challenge Gala. I consider it an honor to be part of such a giving community.

We made it home a little after midnight, crashed and woke up early to pack and head out for Road Trip #2. Each summer I try to make time for our boys to spend with my parents. Most summers these days, we call Camp BodeePops, fall school has been dismissed for weeks and I'm out of entertainment ideas. This year due to camps and our longest Road Trip at the end of July, Camp BodeePops helps kick off the summer.

We made it out the door this morning before 8 with a pit stop at the Farmer's Market on the square of my hometown.

I am so fortunate to have a sister and brother whom I love like crazy. And I like them too. Their spouses have given me another brother and sister. They are fun and generous, great story tellers and life live-ers. They love my kids big and many days I wish there were not so many miles between the doors of our homes.

Tonight we will gather lakeside to celebrate the youngest Creed Cousin. On this longest day of the year last year, Bea Birdie joined the family and tonight we get to celebrate her life!

But first, since we have extra sunlight today, a little jump time and one last car selfie ~ me and my sister. We totally didn't plan the stripes and today Elliott said, "Gosh, you two loo alike." She's cute, I'll take that as a compliment, E, Thanks.

Spring to Summer!

2014-06-09T12:48:00.001-05:00

Do you head to the Farmer's Market on the weekend with a list? A recipe? Desire, but unsure what to buy and fix? With only a few more days of spring remaining and summer taking over, here is a link to 18 new recipes to try. You are sure to impress others at the next picnic or backyard gathering. Click on the picture below and IIN will send them your way. ENJOY!

frazzled to grin

2014-06-01T23:27:00.000-05:00

I have a new respect for the team managers for my boys' soccer teams. This is a picture of me trying to register 5 boys for a 3v3 tournament. How in the world could it have so many clicks and passwords and questions and do people really cheat on birth dates, so they must require proof of the child's' date of birth? Apparently.

For the summer I am the coach (kinda) for Elliott's 33 team. The parents have been highly encouraged to coach form the sidelines, as I'm not sure what I am doing. I am however going to make sure the players receive equal playing time and snacks. I think I'll bring the snacks.

Just after registering the team, I spent some time studying for my first exam at IIN. I'd taken the quizzes and listened to the lectures, but I was so nervous to take the exam. I lit a couple of candles and grabbed my lavender filled heart. Your surroundings during a study session count. (Like health snacks after a well played soccer game.)

Because IIN is online, I have new modules open each week and our exams are open for 2 weeks. I'd been granted access to my test last Monday. After studying, I though I'd give it a try. I jumped in with both procrastinating feet and gave it a shot.

YAY! I passed.

and my frazzled trying to register a team face turned to a grin.

WIN x 4

2014-05-26T19:51:00.000-05:00

Elliott's team has had some challenging weekends in the past, but their perseverance paid off and their hard work this year landed them a spot in the Championship game in the AR State Tournament last weekend. I have a very tender spot for these boys, as I had the honor of working with them this fall when I was a trainer at GPP. Three times each week, I'd burpee and squat, sit up, push up and run alongside them. I heard them grumble and watched them high 5 when they reached their goals. It was awesome to watch how each of them improved in speed, strength and endurance.

I had them each set individual goals and then goals as a team. One goal they set at the beginning of the year was to win state. If you checked out their record, you may have doubted, but I knew they'd make it and THEY DID! Not only did they land a spot in the championship game they won all 4 games last weekend -- the final game awarded them their division state title.

WAY TO GO BOYS, especially number 9! I am so proud of each of you!

Bringing it down the left side of the field, above and throw in below.

WIN!

The other team...

Lucky rainbow...

After receiving their medals and trophy.

Thank you Coach G and Coach Clayton. We are grateful for the 3 years Elliott has had with you all and will miss you as he moves forward under the instruction of a new coach. But what a way to end his time with you.

Our State Champion Keeper

2014-05-26T19:28:00.006-05:00

Last weekend was the Arkansas State Soccer tournament. Here are a few shots of our

ARKANSAS STATE CHAMP KEEPER!

WE love our coaches -- Coach Wagner and Coach Pettigrew above, Coach TD below. Grateful for their leadership and guidance. It's been a fantastic year and we are excited to have the again next year.

Sporting his championship medal. Super proud of you this year Chas. Congratulation on making the Strikers Black team again next year.

One proud daddy and excited son, taken by a melting heart soccer momma.

GPP, the after.

2014-05-14T22:06:00.001-05:00

The best part of GPP -- the after workout conversations & box talks. A few of my favorites...

Some of our 9am ladies. (Thanks Patty for the picture.)

Love this sweet family of kids. And of course, love those dread head boys!

Mother's Day Every

2014-05-11T19:30:00.002-05:00

Every year since I was given this gift I share it again. And every year it is more special and more dear to this boymom heart. Again, thanks to the LCC kids who made it and gave it to us. We continue to love you.

Happy Mother's Day to the village of momma's who have helped and continue to help rear my boys, but the happiest of day's to my momma.

I love you more than ever. Grateful for the foundation you laid for me. You made sure it was solid, but padded, so I'd be OK when I fell, only to get back up again and try harder. You guided me and encouraged me and played with me and made sure life was rich and fun and safe. Thank you.

100%

2014-04-30T13:49:00.000-05:00

AND he go a 100% on his post. Way to go Elliott. Proud of you kiddo.

Anthropocene -- Age of Man (A school project for Elliott)

2014-04-29T06:56:00.001-05:00

Age of man is amazing. We have dug things from the ground link dinosaur bones. The people who do that and study the layers are called Stratigraphers. Their job is to put together history from the earth's rock, which is millions of layers.

I have taken ten pictures to show what Stratigraphers could dig up in the future.

Pool Selfie
Excavate the pool.

Sideways the Trampoline
Someday they might be able to dig up the trampoline. I wonder if they'd jump?

In the classroom
I wonder what they'd find in the lunchroom?

Hotel Elevator made of Glass
I wonder if they'd find the building?

Chair Selfie
Will they find the green chairs in the future?

Starbucks
Fossilize or decompose?

In the Gym
Will the weights survive?

Dunk
Can they still use this in the future?

In the Car
Will they still travel by car?

TV
Will they still use them?

Future Geologists will find we traveled using mostly ground transportation. We had lots of squares (iPhones). They will also find out some of us were very active, enjoying sports and the outdoors. Another thing they might learn is we depended on electricity for many of our tools.

love

2014-04-23T12:27:00.001-05:00

from the place where I sit to the place you read, i'm sending it.

double digits.

2014-04-22T07:02:00.000-05:00

Yesterday he turned 10.
I had no words for it then, just as I have no real words for it today.

Moses, you will forever remain part of our family. Your brothers, Elliott and Chas, pray for you every night and love you. I do too. May you continue to grow in goodness and grace, may your mind be filled with knowledge of the world's wonders created for you to enjoy by our God. May your heart be full and rich and overflowing with the love of Christ.
We miss you.
We love you.
We pray for you.
Happy Birthday.

mindful moments

2014-04-15T14:22:00.001-05:00

As we continue our celebration of fifteen years of marriage,we are reflecting on the past and talking of the future. A common theme is the present. How will we move through the day with purpose & intention & love?

In the years together, we recognize our best days are the days lived mindfully in the moment, recognizing the Spirits presence. When we live the days in this way, our rewards are far beyond our own thoughts or expectations, as they are not our own, but belong to God.

Rainbow at Glacier Moreno, El Calafate, Argentina

end of the world

2014-04-08T07:34:00.001-05:00

Dreams really do come true when asked for with prayer, offered by an open heart. Both, Jonathan and I, have dreams to see the world. Today we are another step closer. Unbelievably grateful.

glacier sunrise

Ushuaia, Argentina

15 year old shirt.

2014-04-04T11:49:00.001-05:00

A couple of months after I met Jonathan, I began working at an outdoors shop where we sold the Patagoina line. The few items I purchased while working there I still own. Mountain Hardware and Patagonia absolutely hold up to the quality they claim.

100% organic cotton, worn around the edges, faded, with unintentional thumb holes, this shirt is the last item to be packed in my bag this morning.

Much like my marriage, it is a testimony of claimed quality, thoughtful design and care.

Today I will set off on an adventure of a lifetime with the most quality human I know. He's my partner and lover, the one who brings be back when my head is in the clouds and watches with a smile while I soar. He's my friend and my pal and daddy to my children. He's my consistant and my steady. The quiet to my loud and the introvert to my extrovert. Jonathan is my balance.

Our marriage is organic, fertilized by grace and love and smiles and dancing. Doses of rolled eyes and belly laughs, held hands and firm words grow us. Circumstances; they stretch us and have nearly broken us. With great care and a redesign, we grew this marriage. Bound by the One who loves greater than us, this marriage moves ahead.

It is a marriage for which I have faught.

It is a marriage I have at times neglected and taken for granted.

It is a marriage where I have felt loved and cherished, honored and equal.

This marriage is nothing like I expected and mostly everything I have dreamed.

It is a marriage where I have felt beautiful and ugly.

In this marriage my weakness has grown to courage and my lack of confidence, birthed intentional strong steps.

This marriage, it is right. It is good. It is whole.

Patagonia, you are a natural choice for a celebration of the best decision I've ever made. Here's to another day of choosing Jonathan and having him choose me.

So much

2014-03-29T15:19:00.001-05:00

Unannounced I find myself at home this afternoon alone. The bubble of left over Tom Kha on the cooktop and the occasional reposition of Dandy Doodle are the only sounds.

It's quiet and I need quiet. I didn't know that is what I needed, until I was 35 minutes into it.

The past week has exhausted me in all the good ways.

Physically, I have had less sleep, which isn't necessarily good, but the reasons for less sleep have been positive. I have found my way back to my bike the past few weeks (Thanks GPP!). I've discovered I need the repetitive motion of the pedal or feet on a trail for clarity and connection with God. I'm doing my best to meet that need on my bike. When the sun rises a bit earlier, Dandy and I will find our way back to the trails.

Mentally, I have been stretched to the point of frustration and tears. Unable to grasp what others see in me and why. I have decided their view needs to be my view and learning to see myself, as the one I have been created to be, is difficult. For the weekend, I am unable to retain another scientific process or new word. It is absolutely not a complaint. I'm nerdy and enjoy it, just full for the moment and need to process.

Socially, I am discovering people are hard and entering into relationships is often difficult. Where does one draw the line? Have I cast my pearls where they should not have been cast? On one side I am learning the hard way, trust must be earned and on the other I am learning the opposite. When people enter into a relationship with honest hearts, connected by spirit to the One who is greater, trust is natural. There is an ability to move beyond surface to a place of honor and depth. A place where it feels right. Experiencing both at the same time, in different circles, has challenged me to see the good when my flesh wants to move in the direction of negative. It is allowing me to give thanks in situations where it is difficult.

I relized last night and Thursday night and Monday morning I need more impromptu time with my friends. I need more laughter and time sitting on the porch. I need more random dance parties and clinks of wine glasses, celebrating the normal. This season may be busy, but not too busy.

Earlier this year when I shared my word for the year, courage, I do not believe I shared my prayer. My prayer has been something like this:

God, I'm ready. It's taken me quite a few years to arrive at this point. I know, I know, you have been so patient. So thanks for that. But really, I'm ready. I'm ready for what lies ahead. I know it's bigger than me. I know where I am to head and what I am to do, but I'm terrified. I am ready to be a world changer. I pray that over my kids at night, but I don't pray it for myself. So there you have it, God, I am ready to change the world I live in and ready to allow you to use me to bring people to their created capacity. Usine the Table as the physical object, I'm ready for whatever you have for me.

Amen.

PS I'm scared.

PPS I'm scared and so you have to be quick to answer when I call. Deal?

I'm not sure spiritually exhausted is the right word. Maybe mind-blown is a better phrase. Truly God is blowing my mind. I am grateful for a God who has answered tearful prayers and joyful praise within a moments notice. It is as if God is just seconds ahead of me, waiting to say -- 'becca, I've got this. You have nothing to worry about. I am in control, see _________________. Then he does His thing and again I'm brought to my knees. I told him this is what I needed right now, so my surprise should not be surprise, rather "Thanks, God. I knew I'd hear from you quickly."

This week I confessed this season is a season of busy. My balance has been thrown off a bit. In one year I have moved from volunteer momma and wife to working at GPP and Project Wellness, school at IIN and committing the next 18 -24 months to an apprenticeship. There are cooking classes and yoga classes and the opening of SixEight.

So much new.

So much full.

So much right and good and fun and yummy.

So much breath and so much prayer.

All of these So muches, makes a heart in this woman which is so much grateful and a right side dimple, which has grown so much deeper.

*the picture at the top is from the SE Asian cooking class John and I had yesterday.

Recipe Write Down

2014-03-24T12:41:00.001-05:00

This is my friend John and we play well together. It has been incredible to watch God's hand on every detal of his friendship with my family. The timeline of God is always perfect.

His company, Simple Real Food, and mine, SixEight, are partnering in some upcoming events and I'm crazy honored he's taken me under his wing. John knows more about nutrition and healing the body with food than any other I've met. He is willing to repeat 7 or maybe 77 times, "Nope, not Pro-ta-lace, Protease (Pro-tee-ace)" and understands my whiteboard way of thinking. His joy is conatgeous and 9 times out of 10 our conversations begin about nutrition, end in a discussion aobut a meal where grace abounds.

I have my first SixEight cooking class on Friday. I knew what I wanted to fix, but the recipes...well they were in my head and in John's head...they needed to make it to paper. So, yesterday afternoon we joined forces in my kitchen. The result was delicious and nutritious.

Because we both are similar in our way of thinking and making meals, I had a note on the fridge with the objectives for our time. Just before he headed out, he asked, "So did we acomplish all we were to accomplish?" I smiled, said Yes and my heart grew with excitement. It is a great feeling to know you are exactly where you are to be, doing exactly what you are called to do.

this week in pictures with some words

2014-03-20T22:31:00.001-05:00

Chas had his President Project Wax Museum this week. He was Jimmy Carter and dressed up as a young Jimmy. I didn't know President carter grew up on a peanut farm and ran around barefoot most of the time. Did you?

After ages I'm back on Facebook. I am not sure what happened while I was away, but it's not as easy to navigate as it was years ago. I needed to have it for school and realized for Six Eight it is necessary. If you are kind enough to "like" the Six Eight page, I'd be grateful. I promise not to blast your newsfeed.

I must be official, as I have a new name tag. Certainly an honor to have the opportunity to work with the kids at GPP.

Color matters. The blue ones are eaten first.

One of my most favorite family traditions comes at St. Patrick's day. For years Chas has been building a trap to catch Lucky. Each year he fails. Each year Lucky brings sugary cereal, which is gone in nearly 3 days (I guess what happens when they receive it but once a year) and other green treats. Each year he plans what he will do the following year. I pray he continues this tradition with his own children one day. Like, one day in 20 or 25 years.

Wildly excited to share Six Eight has its first cooking class next week. With my friend, John, of Simple Real Foods, we will teach a group of ladies how to make a fantastic Southeast Asian meal. I can't wait.

If you are in the area and are interested in hosting a class, let me know. We have Packing the Perfect Picnic in the works for May and Backyard BBQ Bash lining up for June. Grateful to watch God work when I step out of the way.

Jonathan has been out of town all week and got to be momma of 4 boys for a few days. It was always my dream to have 4 boys. If only for a few days, it happened.

How was your week? Did you celebrate the first day of Spring? Usually I give the boys new flips or shorts, but I didn't make it shopping this week. Instead, I dragged them all to Walmart to pick up milk, but before headed to the dairy case we stopped by the flips and shorts and they got to pick one. Three pair of matching shorts and 1 pair of sliders later, they had their HAPPY SPRING on!

-------

I am learning how to navigate through this season of growth and so much new. I had a freind share with me last week, they have been watching God work and stretch me and then they shared they were proud of me. When I revisited those words again alone, I cried. Good tears. Tears of affirmation. Tears of gratitude.

Indeed, it is a season of that and more. In less than a year I began working outside the home in a field I'd never worked, then added another job six months later. I enrolled and have started nutrition school and opened a business, Six Eight. When I stepped into 2014 with the word courage, I had no idea where God would lead. Currently I am blown away, absolutely, blown away. And grateful.

In the spirt of Spring, with new growth all around. May you be inspired, allowing new growth to sprout from within.

1000lbs & a clown nose

2014-03-16T18:35:00.001-05:00

Together friends cam accomplish much & be a part of raising hundreds of thousands of dollars for The American Diabetes Association. Yay NWA, grateful to call this community home.