The Life of an Ordinary Hausfrau

Courtesty of Dietrich Bonhoeffer:

2012-01-27T09:15:00.002-06:00

I am still plowing through this book this week ... and LOVING IT!! Such wonderful insights on the state of the church (and the people and the political situation) in Germany before (and during) World War II (right now still reading about ca. 1934/35) and inspiration from those who stood up for The Truth (as in for Jesus: the Way, the Truth, and the Life!).

It is said that Dietrich Bonhoeffer read the Moravian Daily Texts each day .... and thus, I am having these daily devotionals delivered to my email box. There is always a Scripture from the Old Testament and from the New Testament and then a prayer that ties them together and applies them practically. Today's text is:

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.
Therefore we will not fear. Psalm 46:1-2

Paul wrote: Whenever I am weak, then I am strong. 2 Corinthians 12:10

Heavenly Protector, when we are threatened by the world around us, watch
over us. When our fears weaken us, be our strength. When discouragement
squelches the joy of life, shine your light into our lives and into your
world. Amen.

Psalm 18:1-6
Genesis 27:30-28:9; Matthew 10:17-25

The Moravian church has roots all the way back to 1457 as a result of the work of Czech Reformer John Hus (who had been martyred even before the church was "established"). The church was persecuted and exiled ... but then revived by Count von Zinzendorf (in his refuge of Herrnhut) in the mid 1700s when many of the congregants also came to America. Ultimately, they settled on George Whitfield's estate in Bethlehem, PA though they have spread all over by now, having reached out with the Gospel particularly to Native Americans around the time of World War II. You can read more about their history on their website.

Dietrich Bonhoeffer wasn't Moravian; he was part of the traditional German Lutheran state church until he began helping establish the "Confessing Church" (in the early-mid 1930s) when the state church began to be ruled by Hitler's leaders. This was also motivated by his own observations and his firm belief that the state church was entirely too rote and traditional, making Christ's death on the cross flippantly and generically for every one's sins, a "cheap grace" (not at all what Martin Luther intended when he taught, "The just shall live by faith."!). Yes, of course, Christ died for every one's sins, BUT it was an "expensive grace" - it cost Christ something ... and it will cost a believer something to follow Him! Christ gave us His all so we could have eternal life if we accept His redemption plan - but we should then give Him our all in return - even if it costs us our very lives.

I wonder what - on January 27, 1934 - Dietrich Bonhoeffer meditated on (and he was a huge advocate of reading a Scripture and MEDITATING on it until one gleans how this verse applies to you personally and to listen for God to speak through His Word) as he probably read the very text I copied above ... and how it comforted him as he saw the future of his country, Germany, following a very evil man and many of its "Christians" following right along ...

For me, I am reminded that I face my day as a weak, sinful human. To have a joyful day, I need to rely on God's strength.

Cooking Thursday: Salad Dressing

2012-01-26T12:07:00.000-06:00

Joining Sandra today for Cooking Thursday.

My Mother-in-Law's
FRENCH SALAD DRESSING

1 can condensed tomato soup
1 1/2 cup salad oil
3/4 cup vinegar
1 cup sugar
1 T. salt
1 T. prepared mustard
1 t. ground onion
1 t. pepper
Garlic salt to taste

Mix w/ hand mixer on low speed for 10 minutes.

When All Else Fails ... Go Shopping!

2012-01-25T22:36:00.000-06:00

So, today was the fateful day of my blood work (aka triglyceride check). As I entered the doctor's office, eating the last piece of my cinnamon-crunch bagel (my recent attempts at low-sugar dieting aren't working out too well - I have $10 in Panera gift cards to use up!), the receptionist immediately asked me if no one had told me I was supposed to FAST before this bloodwork? Well, apparently NOT! In fact, I don't think I fasted the last time ... which she said may explain why my triglyceride numbers didn't GO DOWN very much at last check! *sigh*

So, I have another appointment for February 1st. NOTE to SELF: no driving thru Panera Bread that morning!!

Since my doctor's office is located about 60 miles from home, I decided I may as well GO SHOPPING! :) Since Miriam had endured the long drive very nicely, only unbuckling her car seat harness ONCE (another dilemma with this child - she knows how to work the car seat chest harness buckle!!!), I first took her to Pet Smart, and we "talked to the animals".

At Marshall's I bought a wonderful, big suitcase (on mark-down) for our upcoming travels. I was kind of reminded of George Bailey in It's a Wonderful Life, seeing his suitcase from Mr. Gower after talking about his dreams for his future travels:

" I'm shakin' the dust of this crummy little town off my feet and I'm gonna see the world. Italy, Greece, the Parthenon, the Colosseum. Then, I'm comin' back here to go to college and see what they know. And then I'm gonna build things. I'm gonna build airfields, I'm gonna build skyscrapers a hundred stories high, I'm gonna build bridges a mile long... "

Actually, I've been to Italy, Greece, the Parthenon, and the Colosseum ... and I spent 4 years in college ... but I guess I was kind of thinking more in terms of my own son getting to travel internationally this Spring!

After a quick lunch, we went to Target. I had already printed out and planned my coupons for this stop - and while I'm no extreme couponer, I finally got a few things for free or practically FREE!! Not that they are that exciting - but for me, it is pretty good:

Band-aid coupon - $2 off 2 Band-aid brand items; got 2 $0.97 trial size Bandaid packs for free. :)

Bounty coupon - $1 off any Bounty Basics product; got 1 $0.97 roll for free. :)

Merona clothes - $3 off any item; found a clearance tshirt for $3.60 and got it for $0.60. :)

The rest of my couponing was less spectacular - but never the less I came home with toothbrushes, cleaning products/detergents, razors, and M&Ms ($1 off any M&M product!) among other things. :)

And thus I would say our day was successful afterall! And I'm always up for a good excuse to go up to my doctor's office again so I can get to this area for more shopping. ;)

SERIOUSLY, America??!

2012-01-24T11:35:00.002-06:00

Many of you by now know my story ... I was a fairly comfortably-situated, somewhat - though unwittingly - spoiled brat, too often ungrateful and selfish Army wife for the first 12 years of my marriage. I became a Christian at a young age and always wanted to - intended to - serve the Lord, but usually on my own terms and for my own convenience. Then God got a hold of my husband's heart while he was deployed to Iraq in 2003-04. He soon left the Army for an open door of ministry in a Christian school.

In these last 7 years in the ministry, while we have increased immensely in our faith (speaking probably more for me - as my husband has always had very sure trust in God's provision), we have done what many Americans would never ever ever consider doing - because it really isn't normal in the scheme of American thinking: we have gone financially backwards. It wasn't so different when I worked full-time for 3 years, but then my health and well-being required that I reduce my hours - and eventually I had a baby and now I work a few hours a week from home (and am incredibly thankful I can!!). Over time, we've given up our kids' college funds, contributing to our Roth IRA, and any extras we didn't absolutely "need". We decided to depend on God for those areas instead.

I don't regret our choice, and we did it willingly and knowingly. Well, I wasn't always willing - and much like the Israelites who after the Exodus dreamed of "going back to Egypt," I sometimes resented having to pinch pennies and try to live on a tight budget. BUT it has been so good for me -and I am so incredibly thankful for being allowed to see God provide our needs when we knew we couldn't! He has even provided so many of our "wants" over the last few years that I've been amazed at how personally God knows my heart.

That doesn't mean I have gotten everything I've wanted - in fact, I'm still waiting for God to answer my now over-2-years-in-waiting prayer for a minivan ... and sometimes going "shopping" is so frustrating because I feel horribly guilty when I buy something that I think we probably can't afford. But in the end, we have everything we need - plus many conveniences like a laptop computer with moderately-high-speed internet and electric heat that kicks on whenever the thermostat tells it to! I have a dishwasher and washing machine. And if I don't watch too many commercials on TV or look around at what my friends have that I don't, I am very content with my life as it is. Mostly I am thankful my children are learning their happiness should NOT come from material items. FAMILY TIME is more important than any gadget or video game - and that said, believe me, my kids don't lack for electronic devices such as a Wii, digital camera, DVDs, or hand-held video games ... while they don't have the MOST recent version, they are happy and thankful. (at least I tell them to be! ha!)

And so, we live contently without DVR on our bulky, old TV, without satellite radio, and my husband and I share one simple cell phone (non-smart-phone!). We still use many of the bath towels we got for our wedding 19 years ago, our bed sheets are very low thread count, and some things we have are hand-me-downs or bought at Goodwill. But I'm not saying that to complain. While I can let my mind go when I get on-line and wander to wishing I had a fancier home or a nicer vehicle ... I can honestly say I am thankful that we have as much as we do! Best of all, we have a happy marriage, healthy children who seem to have a heart for God, and a toddler in our home again who brings us so much joy and laughter each day ... We have extended family who support us and dear friends who have stuck by us for years and years! In the light of eternity it is the PEOPLE and the TIME spent with them that will last - not all the "stuff" we accumulate here on earth.

While I think as long as you can afford things, by all means, enjoy the modern conveniences this world provides. I don't think iPhones are wrong or having a fancy vehicle that practically drives itself - in fact, honestly, I'd love to someday experience both of those things!! But I realize by living with less that modern conveniences sure make for a spoiled generation of people! I saw it the clearest when I worked at a school office for 6 years ... it is AMAZING how pampered some children not only are (and I'm all for treating our children with kindness and surprising them with an occasional indulgence or treat!) but EXPECT their lives to be. I think there have been many studies done on how young people today are leaving their parents' homes much much later than they used to - or coming back to the family home after puttering aimlessly around - trying college, trying a job, "finding themselves" by traveling ...

Even in our church, if the temperature isn't just right, it is amazing how many people complain that they are too hot or too cold ... In fact, the rampant COMPLAINING in almost every situation is amazing and overwhelming to me!! Just work with people for a little while, and you will hear it.

So, before I step off my soap box for the day, I want to share with you what triggered my essay today ... It was a commercial I saw the other day for 3 PLY TOILET PAPER:

SERIOUSLY, AMERICA??

Are we THAT spoiled that we need 3 ply toilet paper!? Two ply isn't enough??? In fact, just a few years ago, our school purchased 1-ply toilet paper by accident - and the complaints we received left us with an excess of 1-ply t.p. that I brought several rolls of home with me because we were practically forced to replace it immediately! My kids didn't notice there was a difference.

And there are actually TOILET PAPER RESEARCHERS ... and there are marketing strategies in place for toilet paper!! In fact, I am almost at the target audience for 3-ply t.p. because supposedly this toilet paper is for "women 45 and older who view their bathroom as a 'sanctuary for quality time'." Of course, if my bathroom had a garden spa tub with jets, a shower with a TV in it and multiple, multi-faceted streams of water, and a heated tile floor with vanity table with just-so lighting and surround-sound stereo - yeah - maybe I'd consider my bathroom a sanctuary that required 3-ply toilet paper too??!!

What is it about me & diets?

2012-01-23T14:46:00.001-06:00

I can't blame my mother ... I can't blame my Oma ... I'm not so sure that I have anyone to blame except MYSELF ...

but I love chocolate. And I love homemade food. And I love comfort food. And I love restaurant food. And I really do love food that is good for you like most fruits and vegetables (even brussel sprouts and broccoli!).

I have often said my love language is food. At this point in my marriage, if my husband offered me a diamond necklace or a meal at some nice-ish restaurant, I'd pick the restaurant every time. When my friends and I go out, it usually includes lunch or dinner somewhere "nice". I just enjoy it - being served, eating something flavorful and delicious, and just sitting around a table with someone I love being with. Even though I know that in a few hours, I'll have absolutely nothing to show for the money we spent, it is so worth that experience and that pleasure of indulging in good food and good company!

I don't really cook well - but I am learning - and while I know we could offer a standard fare of "spaghetti, hamburgers, tacos, mac-n-cheese, repeat," I really enjoy a meal that tastes good and isn't just something processed out of a box. This is one of my inspirations in my quest to learn to cook - to make flavorful, preferably healthy, and cost effective meals for my family.

But my problem is that I also need to LOSE WEIGHT ... I need to get my triglycerides down (I had an appointment to get my blood drawn today but I chickened out and canceled it). I have a history of high blood pressure, insulin/glucose resistance, and thyroid problems. It is all culminated in what is called "poly-cystic ovarian syndrome" which has been the root of my infertility issues and the metabolic syndrome that I blame for the fat around my waist (though also exacerbated by stress and the bad hormones and chemical balances it aggrevates!).

I have been told numerous times by trainers and people I've exercised with - and most recently by my Wii Fit analysis - that I have a good "muscle core". That is probably the only thing that keeps me from being obese - this I can thank my genes for!! I am, however, overweight. My oldest 2 children are overweight (according to growth charts) - and my husband is borderline overweight though he has recently lost 30 pounds (in about 2 weeks, it seemed, which is why I hate him ... just kidding!!!!!).

Oh, and I forgot to mention, though I have tried various programs in the past and once joined a gym, I hate to exercise. The closest I've come to enjoying exercise was when I was a member of Curves (an exercise facility for women) or when I can walk - but around here, we don't have any really nice, close-by walking tracks like we've had in the past when my husband and I would walk in the evenings - which was also before our children started school and life got so busy that we prefer to sit on the couch at night instead of move our tired, old selves IF we are even HOME at all...

I keep hoping one day I'll get serious about my health and diet! I have tried Weight Watchers, Jenny Craig, NutriSystem, and Slim Fast with very little success. I have tried low carb diet - and am currently convinced that a low sugar diet would probably be very good for me. BUT I keep getting drawn in by cookies, chocolate, ice cream, and creamy, saucy pastas and buttery breads. How can I give those up? This is why I like the Weight Watchers concept - you don't have to give them up, you just have to eat them in MODERATION! But even then, like the Lay's potato chip slogan, I can't eat "just one."

So, I've tried not having sweet or my temptations in the house, but then I pick them up when I am at the store or go thru a drive-thru. Fast food is NOT really my love language - and I am thankful I don't have an attachment to salty foods or greasy things like french friends ... but I can always find something at our local Panera drive-thru!! A bagel, a pastry from their bakery (because I am a Panera Club member, I often have a discount!!) ... mmmmm!!

I am sad that at my age, I still have such a lack of self control in this area. I know my habits have been formed and indulged since I was a child ... I spent summers in Germany where my Oma let me eat practically whatever I wanted, thinking she was doing me a favor. My parents were more of the opinion that I should eat healthy -and they did not at all allow me to eat this way. Thinking that finding a balance between eating healthy and eating treats, I have allowed my children to have cookies and desserts and snacks along with the healthy stuff (they too love fruits and veggies) - but I've seen how that has backfired and isn't best for their health either.

And if you've read my blog for a while, you know I hate drinking water. I am a recovering diet coke addict, slowly weaning myself from the stuff because - yes - I do know how detrimental it is (google the effects of aspartame sometime and it won't take long to convince you the stuff is LETHAL!!!). AND YET: I don't do the right thing, I don't make good decisions. I've had friends offer to diet with me, keep me accountable - and it works for a while ... but in the end, I panic and return to my old habits.

Lately, I've decided that the only way I will finally conquer my eating habits and stop going down this pathway to ill health is with GOD'S HELP. I think for years I've tried to diet and exercise and be good on my own. I obviously can not. I need supernatural help! I need God's help. And prayerfully, each day, I am working on surrendering my flesh and its desires for food - and while I know I will never give up my love for a good meal at a nice restaurant with my husband or friends, I know it is time to STOP this "sin". While I don't think I am a glutton, I think my poor choices of food is sinful because it is not good for the "temple" of the body that God has given me.

I sometimes joke that I will die fat but happy ... but really, I don't want to be fat and unhealthy. If I am destined to be fat because of the sturdy German genes that I have been given, that's ok ... but I just want to be healthy. I want to be a better example for my children. I want to lose 20 lbs! Please say a prayer with me that - with God's help - I can do that over the next few months.

Happy Homemaker - 1/23/2012

2012-01-23T10:42:00.003-06:00

Today I'm linking up w/ Sandra at The Diary of a SAHMom

The weather:::

39 degrees and "overcast" according to weather.com - but I'm seeing some SUNSHINE! :)

On my reading pile:::
I'm smack-dab in the middle of Bonhoeffer by Eric Metaxas - Germany and the state of its churches in 1934 at this point. I think I'll have to write a review when I'm done - if just for myself. My Oma and Opa were young people in Germany in 1934 (my Opa was born in 1911 in Frankfurt, Germany and my Oma in 1918 in East Prussia). I wish they were still alive so we could talk about this time!!

On my TV:::

For a long time, Miriam watched Disney Junior in the mornings .... but she has ZERO interest in their new OCTONAUTs show, so we've switched to Nick - and watching DORA, which is one of the few shows I remember watching with Andrew and Anna so many years ago!

On the menu for this week:::
ONE DAY SOON I will post this!!!! Last week I put all my recipes in notebooks and scanned what was feasible to make soon ... This week I'm looking thru all the recipes I've pinned on Pinterest. THEN I will menu plan!

On my to do list:::
I need to soak-and-scrape the border off the wall in my bathroom so we can prep and PAINT some day ... I still need to find an ALMOND colored sink to replace the old sink in there (WHY are there only WHITE sinks in my area??!!).

I need to prepare the W2s and 1099s for our church and school staff. My computer basically does them for me, it is just a matter of TAKING TIME to print out all the copies and sort them and mail them off to the IRS.

Looking around the house:::

Even after everyone being home all weekend, my house is surprisingly calm and clean ... well, don't look at the cobwebs on the ceiling and dust in the corners. I am hoping to develop a simple cleaning schedule along with my menu plan - some day. soon.

From the camera:::
NOTHING RIGHT NOW ... but here's a pic of the sink (and its hardware) that I can't wait to REPLACE!!! (you can't see it in the pic, but there is a flawed spot by the little overflow hole)

Something fun to share:::

I have 2 plane tickets TO GERMANY for March!!!!!! After much contemplation and talking myself down from the mommy-guilt of leaving my girls and husband for 10 days (they will spend this time with my in-laws), I decided to take my 13 year old son to GERMANY over Spring Break - to visit my father, aunt, and several other relatives - and to show him where he was born at an Army hospital in Wuerzburg. We've applied for his passport - and I'm already packing suitcases in my mind ... Wow, I'm going to GERMANY!!!!!! :)

On my prayer list:::

A friend whose father's funeral is tomorrow (Tues)
A blogger whose son starts chemo this week.
Guidance for our family, day-by-day, step-by-step - for God to reveal His will clearly for some upcoming decisions
My daughter has had a stomach ache off and on for 3 days (she's back at school today; praying she's ok); my son has had a low grade fever off and on since Wednesday (he's back at school today too).

Bible verse, Devotional:::
For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, said the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.

Jeremiah 29:11

And the Winner is ....

2012-01-21T19:31:00.000-06:00

<p><br /> The numbers generated by this widget come from RANDOM.ORG's true random number generator.<br /> </p>
COMMENT #8 ( I don't think the result showed up in the widget above, so you have to trust me on this one!!).

CONGRATULATIONS to skoots1mom @ My Hands His Glory!! You have won a copy of the DVD "A Mile in His Shoes"!!
I wish I could have a copy sent to each of you ... thank you to all who entered the give-away!

Two Reminders:

2012-01-20T08:07:00.001-06:00

Two things on my mind this morning to share with you - one is more important than the other.

#1 - of lesser importance in the light of eternity is that my GIVEAWAY of a great family movie is still open for entries until midnight tonight (or 11:59 p.m. CST) - U.S. entries only. Check it out at the original blog post: GIVEAWAY

#2 - Just a reminder from Psalm 139 - it was my reading for today - this is one of my FAVORITE Scriptures.
Usually, I dwell on the miracle of life and how God knows us even before our bodies are completely formed in the womb; it reminds me of the sanctity of life - but today what struck me is that the God who we can know PERSONALLY and who knows us INTIMATELY has recorded us in HIS BOOK:

vs. 16, "Thine eyes have seen my unformed substance;
And in THY BOOK they were all written."

This thought led me to Psalm 56:8 - not only does God have a BOOK for us, but He also has a "Bottle" for us:
"Thou hast taken account of my wanderings;
Put my tears in THY BOTTLE;
Are they not in THY BOOK?"

As a "book person" I love these thoughts!! I can't say I totally understand God's books and bottles - is this figurative speech or does God really keep records of us on His shelf (somehow I'm thinking He doesn't NEED bookcases like we do!) - but it is the CONCEPT that amazes me - and challenges me. God is "writing down" everything about my life - recording every idle word and every ugly word and every edifying word!

One last thought from the prophesy of the book of Malachi - who is writing to a people who are in exile and reminding them of the blessings of doing right and the curse of doing wrong ... Malachi too speaks of God's BOOK:

Malachi 3:16, "Then those who feared the Lord spoke to one another, and the Lord gave attention and heard it, and a BOOK OF REMEMBRANCE was written before Him for those who fear the Lord and who esteem His name."

Let the words of my mouth - and the meditation of my heart - be acceptable in Thy sight, O God!" (Psalm 19:14)

Busy Hands

2012-01-18T23:42:00.000-06:00

As a mother to my 3rd child, I am older ... maybe wiser ... definitely more tired.

But I have learned a few things in my years as a mom - and now that I have a toddler in my house again along with my tween and my teen, I am remembering that I can direct her need for constant entertainment by giving her jobs to do with me as I putter around the house. Sometimes I give her paper and a pencil if I'm paying bills or stickers to put on construction paper as I work on the computer.

Today I gave her the basket of silverware from the dishwasher and a stool and let her "put the forks and spoons away" while I unloaded the dishwasher.

Who knew HOUSEWORK could be SO MUCH FUN?

And channeling her busy hands to do something constructive sure kept her from activities that are more destructive!!

(PLEASE NOTE: all supplement/vitamin bottles you see on the table have a properly sealed "child safe" cap!)

A Mile in His Shoes - Review and GIVE AWAY

2012-01-18T06:00:00.004-06:00

Last weekend, we had a family movie night and watched the new DVD release A MILE IN HIS SHOES which is based on the novel by Frank Nappi THE LEGEND OF MICKEY TUSSLER.

This baseball themed movie was well liked by everyone in our family: my 13 year old son, 11 year old daughter, and my husband (my 2 year old doesn't really count as a movie critic yet!). Based on the reviews from the Dove Foundation, I had no worries about showing this movie to my family without previewing it first.

The movie from the director of another film my family likes, Angels in the Outfield.  A Mile in His Shoes is an inspiring story about a teenager who has Asperger's Syndrome, a form of autism, and his relationship to minor league baseball coach Arthur "Murph" Murphy and the River Rats team. It is a story that includes faith and focuses on friendship and determination.

Personally, I enjoyed the movie because it was not too cheesy and the humor was appropriate and light (and I think the actors Dean Cain and Luke Schroder - yes, son of Rick(y) Schroder of the 1980's Silver Spoons acclaim - did a FANTASTIC job in their roles as Coach Murph and Mickey Tussler). It was one of those movies that sweeps you into another place and into someone else's story - where you find yourself cheering for the heroes and boo'ing the villains. And yet, there were lessons to be learned, and faith is encouraged through scenes that show prayer and the Bible incorporated.   My entire family gives this movie TWO THUMBS UP!

You can watch a trailer of this movie on YouTube

Like I said, this movie is now available on DVD - or you can win a copy for your family by entering my giveaway:
RULES for the giveaway:
U.S. entries only, please.

~ To receive ONE entry into this giveaway, just leave a comment - any comment - preferrably a positive comment - in the comments section of this post. Please make sure I can contact you in case you win - either through blogger or leave an email address.

~ To receive a SECOND entry for this giveaway, go to facebook and "LIKE" A Mile in His Shoes, then come back and leave a comment letting me know you did so.

NO ENTRIES AFTER Friday, January 20, 2012 after 11:59 p.m. CST will be considered.

A winner will be chosen on Saturday, January 21, 2012.

I am so pleased to offer you this chance because I really enjoyed this movie!   I so appreciate the chance I was given to review and give away this DVD.

DISCLOSURE of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 225: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsments and Testimonials in Advertising."

Hodge Podge - 1/18/2012

2012-01-17T23:24:00.000-06:00

Joining Joyce and Friends for Hodgepodge Wednesday!

1. A new Miss America was crowned on Saturday night-did you watch? If you were a contestant what would your talent be?

No. I used to watch when I was a little girl ... but haven't really paid attention since I decided that I could never attain to anything these girls looked like nor their talents. It just makes me feel self-conscious and sad.
My daughter in particular has often commented on my one big talent: typing fast! ha!! Wonder if there could be a wpm typing contest if I entered Miss America!

2. Do you have houseplants? Real or fake?

Some fake things here and there. I gave up on real houseplants a long time ago - when we moved 7 times in 12 years with the Army!! :) I did have a few real houseplants when we lived in Germany for 3 whole years - and our apartment was a wonderful, sunny, airy place - but obviously, I had to leave them behind.

3. When you were in school did you speak up or were you more of the hide your face, avoid eye contact, and pray the teacher didn't call on you type of student?

I rarely spoke up. ever. Not that I didn't know the answers ... I was just too quiet.

4. Next Monday marks the Chinese New Year...what do you order when someone suggests Chinese food?
Funny you mention it: I was just craving Chinese food today - but didn't get to get any. I love beef & broccoli ... but I really prefer Korean food (bulgogi, bip and bop) or japanese teriyaki.

5. How would you define a miracle? What would it take for you to consider something a miracle?

Miracles are events that can not be explained by logic.
I call my children miracles ... They are products of modern medicine but in my years of reading and studying about infertility, there are NO guarantees that even the most extensive infertility procedures will work. I know GOD gave me my babies because they are something that I should not have had - but now do!

6. What's your favorite Disney song? If you're stuck you'll find a list here.
Well, having lately listened to many videos of "Disney Sing-A-Long Songs" currently Miriam and my favorite is "Once Upon a Dream" from Sleeping Beauty.

7. I should have _____________ yesterday.

taken a nap

8. Insert your own random thought here.

I am hosting a give-away today (Wednesday, Jan 18) - if you enjoy a good family or feel-good movie night, check it out (see next blog post which should be up by 6 a.m.). Sorry for the shameless promotion - but I really enjoyed the movie I was allowed to review, and I get to give a copy of the DVD away!! :)

Saturday's Random Thoughts

2012-01-15T00:22:00.000-06:00

For no other reason other than to keep my online diary going and to share a few pictures of my lovely daughters, I am writing a little of what we have done/experienced in the last few days:

1. Thursday it snowed! On Friday afternoon, the girls went out and played in what was left of it. I've decided we NEED MORE SNOW - lots MORE SNOW ... and please some SNOW DAYS off school!! Maybe in February?!

2. Andrew came home from a 2 day basketball tournament on Friday evening. Our team was 0-4 ... but the boys had fun and losing gracefully builds character. If that is really true, our school's basketball team will have A LOT of character by the time this season is over. :)

3. On Wednesday Anna had a special treat. She'd gotten a gift certificate for a hair appointment for her birthday back in November ... and she finally got to use it. This child has masses of hair, layers and layers (she does NOT take after me!). After a shampoo and conditioning session, a trim, and a blow out, her hair was SO gorgeous, and she looked SO grown up! Since a friend was watching Miriam, Anna and I got to go out for ice cream and some "girl time". :)

4. Anna and I continued our "girl time" today ... however, not in such a fun way - but in cleaning out her room (again). This child could be on "Hoarders", I'm afraid. For example, there was a gift bag in the corner of her room with just a bunch of stuff in it: crumpled construction papers, broken head band, used sheets of stickers, pieces-parts to art/craft projects, broken pencils, etc. I asked her what in the world all this stuff was - and she said, "Junk, I guess." Ummm, yep - and it all went straight to the garbage. We carried out 3 (kindda small) bags of trash -and re-organized her bookcases and some other clutter areas like hair accessories and earrings. NOW, if only the room would stay this way ...

5. For dinner tonight we had our newest favorite meal - courtesy of Pioneer Woman:
CHEESEBURGER SALAD

Easy, yummy, includes veggies (points for eating "healthy") ... but then I went and added a little bit of crumbled BACON because bacon makes everything BETTER!! I'm surprised bacon wasn't in the original PW recipe ... but then we'd have to re-name it Bacon Cheeseburger Salad?!

Have a blessed Sunday ... and a nice Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday!!

Snowy-Non-Snow Day

2012-01-12T11:06:00.000-06:00

This morning we woke up to a light layer of SNOW!

Sadly, it wasn't enough to cancel school.

Because Andrew had to be at school super early to leave for a basketball tournament, I was responsible for getting Anna to school. We left extra early to get there on time - and thankfully traffic was light. I did slide just a little at the end of the interstate exit ramp - but I knew I would. Our vehicle(s) aren't made for snow AT ALL; my little Saturn Vue is particularly light and doesn't have good traction.

I think this is the first time Miriam has really realized what SNOW is, and it was quite the sensory experience as she checked out the fluffy white stuff this morning. It was pretty brrrrrr on her toes and mushy to touch (she tried to throw pieces of snow in the trash can!), but it tasted ok when she put some in her mouth.

Unfortunately, we've got lots of things on the schedule today - so we can't hunker down at home ... although my creamy (sugar free) hazelnut coffee tastes particularly yummy on this cold, snowy morning!

Pop-Overs (a Recipe)

2012-01-11T10:35:00.001-06:00

Editing this post to link up with Sandra for Cooking Thursday.

I'm no food photographer ... and I'm no cook or baker - but lately, I've been trying to learn to cook better (lately = the last 3 years!!). I have a ga-billion recipes printed, written down, or cut out of magazines.

Yesterday I took some time to look through them, put them in a binder, and write down the ones I want to try soon.

I happened to have all the ingredients for SECRETLY SIMPLE POPOVERS (from Real Simple magazine)

I made them last night - but I ate one this morning with a little NUTELLA on it - and it was STILL yummy!!

There are 4 eggs in this recipe, and I hoped that would help my husband as he is trying to do a "low carb" diet right now (and is losing weight at an amazing rate - I hate him!! j/k!).

SECRETLY SIMPLE POPOVERS

Hands-on Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
makes 12 popovers.

3 TBSP unsalted butter, melted - plus more for the pan
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
1 1/2 cups whole milk (I used 2% - no difference)
4 large eggs
1/2 tsp kosher salt

~ Heat oven to 400 degrees. Brush the cups of 12-non-stick muffin tin cups with butter.

~ In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, milk, eggs, butter, and salt until only a few lumps remain (do not overmix).

~ Divide the batter among the prepared muffin cups and bake until puffed, golden brown - 30-35 minutes. DO NOT open the oven door before 30 minutes are up or the popovers will collapse! Remove one popover to check the underside for brown-ness. SERVE IMMEDIATELY.

SO YUMMY just warm and plain - or with butter and honey - or reheated in the morning with NUTELLA!! :)

Hodge Podge - 1/11/2012

2012-01-11T10:12:00.000-06:00

This is the "Is It REALLY Wednesday AGAIN??!" version of Hodge Podge for me!! :)

Joining Joyce & Friends:

1. Lake Superior University has once again published a list of words/phrases they think should be banished from the Queen's English in 2012-
amazing, baby bump, shared sacrifice, occupy, blowback, man cave, the new normal, pet parent, win the future, trickeration, ginormous, and thank you in advance.

Which of these words/phrases would you most like to see banished from everyday speech and why? Go here to read more about how the words are chosen.

Not too many phrases bother me ... My husband is a teacher and over the years, he has come across many phrases he has found silly or annoying. A few years ago, the phrase to use was "snap!" or "oh, snap!" - to which my husband, to the utter groaning, non-amusement of his students would add: "crackle! pop!"
Currently it is not so much phrases or words that bother me but tones ... like when my daughter says, "Yeah, right." or "Ya think!" and there's "as if" and a few others ...
I guess that's not really keeping with the above list - but these things bother me more! :)

2. Are you easily embarrassed?

With the friends I hang around with ... I sure hope not!! (you KNOW who you are ...)

3. What is your go-to snack?

just ONE? I guess I'll admit I have an unhealthy love for poptarts ... :-O
I actually prefer Toaster Strudels, but I can't always justify buying them.

4. Have you ever been to Washington D.C.? If not do you have any desire to go? What site/attraction would you most want to see in that city? If you have been, what's your favorite site/attraction?

We lived outside of D.C. when I was a child. We lived in Alexandria, VA from 1975(?) until 1981 - and I guess I took it for granted that we lived right by OUR NATION'S CAPITOL Almost every year - from kindergarten to 5th grade, we took a field trip to some Smithsonian Museum or the other. It wasn't until we went back when I was an adult that I realized what TREASURES those museums are -my favorite is the Natural History one.

5. sit ups-planks-lunges-squats...which do you hate the least?

I'd have to say I hate ALL OF THEM equally ... but I think I hate abdominal exercises worst of all.

6. What's a small act of kindness you were shown that you've never forgotten?

There have been so many acts of kindness extended to us ... I think the most recent kindnesses I remember are those to us when we found out we were expecting Miriam - 9 years after our last baby and 5 years after I'd given away or sold all my baby things because I just never thought I'd have another child .... I don't think we had to buy very much at all for Miriam. Our church and our friends rallied around us - and we were given so many gifts to include a gorgeous, gently used crib and my parents provided the stroller/car seat. From the biggest things to the very tiniest - and even borrowed maternity clothes that were actually very cute - we had everything our baby girl (and we) needed!
7. Have you ever been a blood donor?

No, I'm too anemic to donate blood ... but I have been blessed to receive blood twice as I've needed 2 transfusions in the last 7 years.

8. Insert your own random thought here.

My mind is a swirling mess of upcoming trips that I am planning. I haven't traveled much in the last 7 years, but suddenly I am presented with 2 opportunities to go to 2 places I am SO EXCITED to go: a weekend in Chicago with my daughter in February AND a 10 day trip to GERMANY with my son in March!!!
I am researching tickets today - and trying NOT to think about how much this will all cost. But with my husband's blessing, I will proceed to PLAN for both trips - hopefully without too much guilt.

Happy Homemaker Monday - 1/9/2012

2012-01-09T12:22:00.001-06:00

Joining Sandra today!

The weather:::

It is 37 degrees outside at almost noon today. Brrrrrrr!!! Thankful for the throw-blanket on my couch as I type this blog entry!!
On my reading pile:::
Finishing CABINET OF CURIOSITIES and will start my Bonhoeffer book. (same as last week)
STILL in Psalms in my Read-Thru-the-Bible at my own pace - getting into the 120's. (Psalm 119 was long but such good reminders how important God's Word is!!)
On my TV:::
Not much ... just cartoons for Miriam. Today it is something NEW to her: Tom & Jerry.

On the menu for this week:::
oh dear ... still haven't gotten it together yet to menu plan. :(

On my to do list:::
Put away and organize my Christmas CDs. I have a new CD player in my kitchen and hope to keep a basket with CDs nearby. I am not a musical person, and often I just prefer SILENCE as I work ... but I have found my thoughts get away with me if I get too introspective so maybe music WILL help fill my brain with POSITIVE thoughts instead of endless ruminations.

What I am sewing, crocheting, knitting or creating:::

I did my mending last night (finally)!! Replaced a lost button, secured a few loose buttons, and sewed a tie back on Miriam's dress ... not too exciting but necessary!

Looking around the house:::
Cats sitting in the sunshine streaming in the window, Miriam wanting me to read a book RIGHT NOW because I'm obviously NOT paying attention TO HER!! The clutter is currently tamed - but I need to do some deep cleaning & serious organizing!!

From the camera:::

Something fun to share:::
My 13 year old son and I might get to go to GERMANY over his Spring Break in March!! I haven't been back since 2005; my son was born in Wuerzburg, Germany, but we left when he was 4 months old and he hasn't been back.

My aunt invited my son to come visit her - and I feel the need to go with him!! I just wish my whole family could go. :(

I researched plane tickets last night - and in March the price is SO MUCH LESS EXPENSIVE than if we were to go in the Summer. I can't believe we might actually get to go THIS SOON!! I already have my son's passport pictures - now I need to go apply for his passport! Mine is still good, thankfully. :)

On my prayer list:::
So many family and friends who are going through difficult times - divorce proceedings, divorce final, health issues, wayward children, etc etc ...
So many family members who do not have a personal relationship with Jesus as they face their trials. I don't know how I could live without HIM.
Bible verse, Devotional:::

Proverbs 11:3 - The integrity of the upright shall guide them: but the perverseness of transgressors shall destroy them.

The word perverseness here can be translated to mean DUPLICITY.
du·plic·i·ty (d-pls-t, dy-)

n. pl. du·plic·i·ties

a. Deliberate deceptiveness in behavior or speech.

b. An instance of deliberate deceptiveness; double-dealing.

2. The quality or state of being twofold or double.

Springtime in January

2012-01-08T18:00:00.000-06:00

On Friday, it got up to almost 70 degrees outside! It was the perfect day to try out Miriam's new-to-her pink Radio Flyer tricycle.

She got the hang of it pretty well ... but the most fun was just rolling down the driveway - freestyle! Pedaling was too complicated.

Before naptime, we spent some time at the local playground. What a treat to enjoy the slides and climbing around before the real cold winter weather sets in some time this coming week and keeps us indoors!

For now, the winter coats are still hung up in the closet. As someone said to me recently, this streak of nice weather and sunshine will hopefully make the winter seem shorter. Usually we've had some snow by now and are freezing.

What's the weather like in your neck of the woods?

Favorite Things: DISHES

2012-01-06T11:59:00.000-06:00

Sandra started a new feature today (well, she is reviving an old one). I'm joining in!

So what exactly is Friday Favorites?

If you have something special you would like to show, if you have a trinket which has a special meaning for you or maybe something you have just found and own or would like to have. It could be anything, a trinket, a book, a new cookware set, a necklace, a photograph, a project you're working on or finished....anything that you love and would like to show us all.

We have a pretty good Goodwill store in our area - in fact, we visit it several times a week as new things are always coming in, and it is located on the way home from our church/school/work.

My husband goes directly to the BOOK SECTION (big surprise!?) - the kids scatter to toys and books or clothes (Anna). I usually have my routine of scanning the clothes and then the dishes/kitchen stuff.

This week my efforts were rewarded!! I found this delicate little plate among the dishes - for 50 cents. I love china and (Czech) crystal and (Polish or Strassbourg/French) pottery. I don't really "collect" it, but I enjoy the few pieces that I do have.

This little plate would be perfect for holding something tiny like jewelry at the kitchen sink or tea bags by your cup or packets of sweetner/stevia by the coffee maker.

And I always make sure I turn pretty dishes over at the Goodwill - like this one - to see if there is a stamp or indication of where it is made, etc. This one is "Made in Germany"! :)

A while back I had found this other little dish at Goodwill - it holds my watch, some earrings, sometimes my contact lens case in the bathroom:

It is bone china - made in England! Another SCORE for me as I have been fascinated with all things British since we visited England and traveled there for 14 days in the summer of 1998 (when we were stationed in Germany).

My husband found this plate at Goodwill a while back for about $6, I think:

It is DELFT - made in Holland - and numbered since the plate is hand painted!

Someone didn't realize the TREASURE they had when they donated it to Goodwill, I'm afraid.

Their loss ... our gain!

I have some special dishes in my china cabinet such as my Oma's tea/coffee set, which I remember her using when I was a little girl. I also often played with her china and dishes, which she kept in a "Schrank" in her living room:

Among my FAVORITE china/dish treasures are also some plates that my Opa kept in his little garden hut - that was his get-away from the city life of Frankfurt. We actually occasionally ate off these beautiful plates when we had a grilled Bratwurst lunch or a Broetchen with Nutella snack ... because after all, dishes are meant to be USED:

Thank you for sharing in MY favorite things! [Note the pretty flowers from our 19th anniversary (on Dec 27) are still in pretty good shape - I'm so pleased that after "weeding" out some drooping blooms, I still have quite a lovely arrangement left to enjoy!]

Changes in 2012!

2012-01-06T00:53:00.000-06:00

Bloggers everywhere have been talking about the NEW YEAR - and the changes they want to make in 2012. Some have chosen a word or theme for their year. Others have posted their resolutions and goals publically.

I am not sure I'm ready to commit to anything like that this year ... but I will tell you about one change going on in our home right now:

DOWNSTAIRS BATHROOM RENOVATION

We have a standard 1988 oak cabinet - If I were a true DIYer ~~and rich~~, I'd ~~hire someone to~~ rip the whole thing out and put in something pretty with double sinks. Since I am not (nor is my husband), I am settling for painting the cabinet.

Good-bye boring light oak cabinet:

Adeiu gold and ivory hardware! Over the last weekend, I began to take off cabinet doors and remove drawer pulls.

I picked a color grouping that I liked from the paint section at the local home improvement store - and with a big GULP, I made my paint choice for the cabinet! Did you know there is such a thing as "Bath and Kitchen paint" - it is a semi-gloss paint that cures in about 4 weeks and then can be wiped down easily and can withstand moisture.

The cabinet color is the bottom one of this sample on the mirror above - it is called RASPBERRY TRUFFLE. It is brown with just a touch of burgandy/pink.

I like it!! In fact, I like it so much that I decided to paint the mirror frame the same color:

Right now, I'm working on re-assembling cabinet doors and drawers - complete with new silver hinges for each door ...

Completed bathroom pictures to follow.

Next planned projects:

Install a new sink with new, modern looking taps

and

remove the old wall paper border & paint walls (a color called wistful beige - keeping it neutral)

only after we

re-do the grout around the shower/tub.

Who says I don't have any goals!!? :)

Changes are in progress for 2012 at the HutchHaus!

Hodge Podge Wednesday - 1/4/2012

2012-01-04T10:06:00.000-06:00

Joining Joyce & friends for Hodge Podge Wednesday:

1. What are three words you would use to describe your 2011?
unexpected.
challenging.
blessed.

2. Do you like shrimp? What's your favorite way to have it prepared?

I do - even though someone recently shared with me what shrimp actually eat themselves!!!! I love them about any way - but probably best on my shrimp caprese at Olive Garden.

3. Is your house de-Christmased? If so when did you tackle job? If not, when will the decorations come down?

YES!! And it has been since December 30. I even sorted thru all my decoration bins and weeded out broken or insignificant ornaments this year. Yeah for de-cluttering!!

4. Do you like to watch scary movies?

Not really ... but they don't really bother me either. I am just too much of a realist to believe scary movies unless they are based on something "real life".

5. ice skating~sledding~skiing~snowboarding~of the four listed which wintertime activity do you most enjoy?

ice skating ... but haven't been in years and years.

6. Did you have a childhood hideout? Describe it.

I don't think so - my haven was my own room, which I spent a lot of time in.

7. What's a place or space that motivates you?

I guess since I don't get out much, I would have to say sitting on my comfy living room couch. I kind of have oversight of my house and can think about what all I need to do, want to do, and really should GET UP AND DO!!

8. Insert your own random thought here.

Circumstances change; people change; relationships change - sometimes for the best, sometimes it is painful. HOWEVER, in this ever-changing world, we can always trust that GOD remains immutable ... in other words, He never changes. I recently read 3 good reasons to explain why God absolutely CAN NOT change:

1. Change occurs in chronological order - which means the process has a beginning and an end. God is eternal. He had no beginning & will never have an end.

2. Change makes things better or worse. God does not add or lose anything from His character; He does not get better or worse.

3. Change often involves getting new information ... God knows EVERYTHING, He is omniscient ... He doesn't learn anything new nor does anything surprise Him.

This sounds like a God I can trust fully as I face 2012!!

"Numbers 23:19 is very clear, 'God is not a man, that He should lie, nor a son of man, that He should change His mind. Does He speak and then not act? Does He promise and not fulfill?' No, God does not change His mind. These verses affirm the doctrine of God’s immutability: He is unchanging and unchangeable."

Happy Homemaker Monday: 1/2/2012

2012-01-02T11:00:00.002-06:00

Sandra has redesigned HAPPY HOMEMAKER MONDAY - and I'm joining in today:

The weather:::

28 degrees ... but feels like 15 degrees.

On my reading pile:::

Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy by Eric Metaxas
and for "mindless" reading The Cabinet of Curiosities by Preston & Child

On my TV:::

a DVD we got from Vision Forum for Christmas - Pilgrim's Progress: Journey to Heaven

On the menu for this week:::

I'd really like to try menu planning more this year ... Unfortunately, as school starts up again tomorrow, so does the busy-ness that keeps us from being able to sit around the table & eat as a family. I'm really going to have to think more about our schedule and how our meals fit into it.

On my to do list:::
Finish painting my bathroom cabinet, replacing hardware, and taking down border/painting walls! I'm taking my 1988 bathroom into the 2000's!
BEFORE:

Looking around the house:::

My living room & dining room are actaully fairly picked up! I've caught up on laundry and dishes ... but that's only because we've been on a 2 week Christmas Break - and everyone has been home to help me out.

From the camera:::
my advent wreath on Christmas morning

Something fun to share:::

We had a nice Christmas ... and despite keeping things "simple" this year, I think everyone got something they really wanted as a present! We really made an effort to keep CHRIST in CHRISTmas - and I am hopeful that our focus remained on THE REASON FOR THE SEASON!

On my prayer list:::
Many families who are bereaved and hurting this holiday season:
a former member of our church was killed in a freak railroad accident on December 19. He left behind a wife and 5 daughters. He was my age, which really brings reality home that we just never know when God will choose to call us Home. We are thankful this man had a testimony that he had a personal relationship with Jesus!

A friend of my sister-in-law's had a brain tumor and died in surgery the week before Christmas ... She was not yet 40 years old and had 4 children.

Bible verse, Devotional:::
from Psalm 37

3 Trust in the LORD, and do good;

so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed.

4 Delight thyself also in the LORD;

and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.

5 Commit thy way unto the LORD;

trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass.

6 And he shall bring forth thy righteousness as the light,

and thy judgment as the noonday.

7 Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for him:

fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way,

because of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass.

8 Cease from anger, and forsake wrath:

fret not thyself in any wise to do evil.

A LooK Back - 2011

2011-12-31T03:24:00.001-06:00

So, 2011 is coming to a close ... in some ways I say GOOD RIDDANCE! I'm ready to move on - start over - get into that new year's recommitment to making things better, ever hopeful that 2012 will be THE YEAR that I *finally* get it together!!

My pessimist/realist side says 2011 wasn't such a great year for our family anyway. But honestly, I have to admit, we've had our health, our family's been together, opportunities have been abundant, experienced so many blessings we've since forgotten, and our bills have been paid, there isn't much I really can complain about. Sure, we had some challenges in 2011; yes, things went very differently than I ever imagined ... BUT God was SO GOOD to us - even through those challenges and some difficult times.

I think part of my problem is we were coming off a 2 year "high": in 2009, soon into the year, we found out we were expecting our unexpected blessing, Miriam -and a wonderful pregnancy followed with me getting to ultimately quit my job after 6+ years to work from home (a dream come true!) and culminating by Miriam's birth in December which was about as perfect as any birth could be.

2010 we spent cherishing every "first" with Miriam, watching our older kids interact with her, and holding on to each moment because we pretty much know for sure we will never have a newborn in our home again.

In 2011, reality set back in. Miriam has been a huge blessing - but a lousy sleeper. I spent much of the first part of the year happy but exhausted - and then our crazy, unpredictable schedule kept me from getting into a steady routine for naps and such. Other things happened in 2011 that kind of shook up our world in a more personal way - but in the end, it is all for the best: GOD IS SO GOOD!!

And so, I have browsed back over my blog and want to share the highlights of our 2011:

January - I started the year wanting to recommit to GOOD HEALTH: drinking more water, watching what I eat, etc. Well, I can just cross 2011 off that list of resolutions and put 2012 up there because I am still working in that!! I haven't lost the 20 lbs I wanted to lose - and I still have a horrible time drinking water like I should and making good food choices consistently.

February - For the first 14 days, I did a study on I Corinthians chapter 13. I am no Bible teacher by any means ... and I probably didn't share anything profound - however, I achieved my goal of personalizing those verses for myself and my marriage and in my relationships. I even had it printed into a little bound booklet for myself!

March - we had Spring Break. It was part fun, part a working vacation week. We went to Kansas City on Monday and Tuesday (indoor water park and WWI Memorial/Museum and American Girl doll store) - worked in the church office one day - and then spent Thursday and Friday catching up on errands, dental & eye appointments and other such like.

April - Recommitted to my Healthy Hausfrau lifestyle - and also executed the infamous "Narnia" DVD giveway - in which I mailed out 30+ Narnia DVDs at my own expense because I am CrAzY like that!! :-O

May - I got a little crafty - which doesn't happen very often - and made felt flower brooches, a banner for our teachers luncheon (that I don't think anyone noticed because there was an overabundance of FOOD underneath the banner that caught every one's attention first!) and cute marshmallow flower cupcakes. I worked in the school cafeteria quite a bit, substituting - and we had a field day. THEN SCHOOL WAS OUT!!!! I think I was happier than my kids were!! :)

June - We had our week of "vacation" - if you can call it that!! The first part of the week we worked at a home school convention for Doorposts. While I love Doorposts and all they stand for, working for 3 days in a little booth for 7-9 hours/day only to break even financially after hotel & meal expenses was a ONCE IN A LIFE TIME experience, for sure!! The last part of the week we took an ill-fated trip to Oklahoma for a wedding - which resulted in a flat tire (and buying 4 new tires to replace dry-rotting ones) and losing our vehicle's transmission somewhere in Tulsa ... and abandoning the car with a mechanic we had no idea if we could trust. Again, God was SO good to us - and 3 weeks later, we got our car back at a reasonable price! Let's just say next year, I plan to vacation in Tahiti ... ;) ha!!!!!

July - I found out why I felt so horrible for so long. While Miriam was FINALLY somewhat sleeping through the night and FINALLY weaned, my hormones were out of whack - and my triglycerides were at 489 ... not a good combination. Time to get serious about my diet - which I did for a week and felt SO MUCH BETTER!! THEN life got busy again with a Missions Conference at church, and my mom came to stay during that time - with some missionary friends who were a part of the conference. It was WONDERFUL to have them here though - and I was feeling SO MUCH BETTER at that point too.

August - a first for me: I got called for Jury Duty! And then, much to my dismay, school started before I felt ready to face a new school year.

September - Andrew turned 13!! I have a teenager!
We skipped school one day to go to a corn maze with some homeschooling friends - and enjoyed a bon fire, outdoor lunch, and some fun games. We then commenced to skip a whole week of school as Dan and I took 3 students and our own kids on a "college trip" to Knoxville (where we conveniently got to see my family!!) and Pensacola, Florida. :)

October - My triglycerides were down - but only to 304. :( Still have some work to do!
And I got dismissed from jury duty! :)

November - I held my annual 30 Days of Thanks on my blog. My Anna turned 11 years old - and I celebrated yet another birthday too. :)

December started out as a busy month with something to do almost every day for the first 2 1/2 weeks - and then CHRISTMAS BREAK!!!!! :) We had a nice time with friends, celebrating Miriam's 2nd birthday, with Dan's parents, and then with my parents who came for Christmas and stayed a week. Oh, and we celebrated 19 years of marriage too - no small feat these days!! I'm so thankful we have committed to stay together - forever, for always, no matter what.

Having written all that out, I guess I honestly have to say 2011 wasn't so bad after all ... :)

Between the Years

2011-12-30T01:42:00.001-06:00

In Germany, the time period between Christmas and the New Year is often called the time "between the years" ...

Christmas has come and gone - and we are preparing and anticipating for the NEW YEAR while closing out the OLD.

Somehow that is reflective of what is going on in my heart in these days as well.

But before I get too philosophical about my thoughts about old things and new beginnings, I want to share what we've been up to the last 2 weeks that has kept me from my blog:

My kids were invited to a Christmas party on December 20th with a group of friends ... complete with decorating gingerbread houses and playing lots of silly games and a gift exchange. Miriam sported her new hair-do (called "fountain head" or "the Pebbles Flintstone look") for the occasion:

Miriam turned 2 years old on December 22! This year she definitely got the hang of OPENING GIFTS!

We spent a few days with Dan's parents and that is where the celebration took place.

My parents arrived while we were still with Dan's parents ... so we came home to MORE grandparents!! I am so thankful my parents could make the long trip from Tennessee to here to spend Christmas with us.

The kids woke up in their new Christmas jammies on Sunday morning (well, actually, we just got Andrew a St. Louis Cardinals tshirt since he is getting too big for "jammies").

It was very special to have church on Christmas morning ... and then we came home to a turkey dinner. Anna helps so much in the kitchen now - and this year, she prepared special place cards for us all to help decorate our table:

Miriam found the whole Christmas experience to be EXHAUSTING:

2 days after Christmas, Dan and I celebrated our 19th anniversary!

Since my parents were still here, we asked them to babysit while we went to a very special dinner at an old mansion-turned-restaurant called Sybill's (named after the owners' daughter).

A few of Dan's teachers got together and gave us a very generous gift certificate and the recommendation to go. What a blessing to get away together for the evening, sit near a cozy fireplace in a beautifully decorated room, and eat a leisurely meal (that happened to be incredibly DELICIOUS!!!). We topped the night off by going to Goodwill, Big Lots, and Kmart because we're high falutin' like that ... ;)

My parents are leaving this morning ... and we'll be using the last few days of our vacation to get some things done around the house, tie up a few loose ends, and close out some issues we need to resolve from the OLD year. I do look forward to what 2012 will bring us - definitely some NEW beginnings and some NEW directions and some NEW resolutions and some reNEWED hope and strength from the Lord because we will need it every day.

Enjoy your time time "between the years" ... as we say good-bye 2011 and WELCOME 2012!

This, That, and the Other

2011-12-22T00:29:00.000-06:00

THIS movie:

I won a copy of CHRISTMAS LODGE from another blog ... and last night we had a chance to watch it. While the plot is incredibly predictable, it was nice to just sit down with my entire family (even my husband and son!) to watch a movie that was rated G so we didn't have to worry about its content. This movie actually included prayer, the Bible, and discussions about accepting God's will ... and at the end, we all sighed at how lovely it ended (well, not literally, but it WAS a happy ending).

Even better was that the folks I won this movie from have accepted me to review other family, faith-based products starting in January - and many will include GIVE AWAYS!! :)

2. THAT isn't all there is to share on my blog - but in keeping it short, I will share that Monday I finished my Christmas shopping, and Tuesday my kids and I went to a Christmas party at a friend's house and had a fun time. The kids decorated snow scenes, played lots of games, and had a gift exchange - and I got some encouraging, adult/mom interaction that always leaves me feeling refreshed (and hoping that I really am somewhat normal...).

Today I had some things to do all morning into the afternoon - but then I went into frantic cleaning mode as tomorrow we leave for my in-laws' house and by the time we get back on Saturday, my parents will be HERE!!!!! :)

3. THE OTHER thing I wanted to say is that Thursday is MIRIAM'S 2nd BIRTHDAY!! I will be in "the land of no internet" for the rest of the week, so I wanted to acknowledge her birthday now! These last two years have FLOWN BY - and I am so thankful for our little Christmas gift ...

Her birth story is on my blog - and I'm so glad I have that documentation of the events surrounding her arrival. Hard to believe my baby who came into this world at 7 lbs and 21 inches is now (as of today) almost 27 lbs and 33 inches!! :)
She's a running, talking, taking-apart-everything, singing, dancing, smiling, laughing, coloring, puzzle-doing, book-reading, happy girl who brings us all so much joy each day!
Happy Birthday, Miriam!!

redbox - 12 Days of Deals!

2011-12-20T01:06:00.001-06:00

Redbox is hosting 12 Days of Deals & Prizes and offering daily prizes from December 13 thru December 24. Text FUN to 727272 for instant savings of 25 cents - $1 off of your movie and game rentals, as well as a chance to be entered to win a daily prize from Redbox. Each day, a random drawing will select a winner with top prizes from Sony, Wii, Barnes & Noble, Activision and more.

Thanks to smiley360, I received a FREE movie rental from my nearest redbox ... and with more than 28,000 redbox kiosks nationwide, there is SURE to be one near you! Visit redbox to find out where!! ALSO: "like" redbox on facebook - and keep up-to-date on all the redbox news!

Not only can you rent MOVIES (we got Cars 2), you can also rent video games (my kids added Wii London Olympics 2012 for $2 more). You can now also RESERVE your DVDs and games ON LINE to be picked up at your nearest redbox kiosk - to be sure you aren't disappointed if a movie you want to watch is gone.

This is a smiley360 review. I was compensated for this review with a code to get a free redbox rental.