. . . Just a Thought ♥

Coffee to go Friday~

noreply@blogger.com (Katharine) — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 13:40:00 +0000

Good Morning,

I won't be here for coffee this morning! I am travelling to a University about an hour and a half away from here. Our oldest daughter, who graduates from her four year degree in June has applied there for next September, to continue her education. Today she has an interview and information session scheduled. I plan on finding a good coffee shop to wile away the time!

(Google images)

I'm not sure when I have been this glad to see a Friday roll around! I try hard not to live for weekends, and to take the days as they come, but the truth is that this week, I was counting days! I am looking forward to a bit more relaxed weekend!

Source

Whatever we find in our path this weekend, I hope it is full of rest, peace and Grace...

Have a fabulous Friday!

Today I'm joining:

Company Girls

Thanks to Rachel Anne, for hosting!

Thoughts for Thursday...

noreply@blogger.com (Katharine) — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 15:48:00 +0000

For Today...

Outside my window... Lives the definition of indecision! One day it snows, then it rains. Then it's a crazy wind! First you need a coat, then you could easily go with a light jacket. The only thing this weeks weather has decided, is that it will remain dark enough during the day to keep my light sensitive night-light glowing brightly!

I am thinking... which is a feat in itself, really. This week seems destined to be "the crazy week" you know, the week that is so busy and full of little surprises that you refer to other weeks as "not a crazy as that week!"
I am thankful... for kids who drive, finding half a bag of my favorite soy nuts at the back of the cupboard, electronic Korean/English translators, Advil, and Grace.

In the kitchen... The water line in the fridge is leaking, but I didn't do it...(this time) and there is chicken soup for supper!

I am creating... Valentine cards for the Kansas City Children's hospital. Melinda at Country Dreaming has a great Valentines day Challenge. Head over there and check it out! I've also abandoned the wood from the project I started Here... because it just wasn't working, but I started it on this instead. I think it looks great, or will when I get more of the letters that I ran out of... ~sigh~

I am wondering... If there are any bloggers in this corner of the world that have heard about... The (in)Courage, In real life (in)RL meet-up that is happening in April? I will be hosting a real life meet-up here, and would love to have you join me! The information is here... (in)RL and the link for the St. Catharines meet up is here... They are happening all over the world that weekend, so check it out!

I am looking forward to... Saturday, Spring, and Valentines Day ♥♥
I am hearing... The blissful sound of quiet, but only for a moment more. This is exam week and our teens have one more exam today!
Around the house... There are no signs of red and pink, or any lace! Time to pull out the bin that has my February decor and spruce things up a bit!
One of my favorite things... Surprises... little ones, like finding an extra loaf of bread in the freezer when I thought they were all gone, or glancing out the window at the exact moment the sun was going down in a blaze of orange and red. Little things that cause an intake of breath and an exhale of "oh" A card in the mailbox, or green shoots still poking through the soil in late January....

That's all for my Thursday,

I hope yours is wonderful!

Linking up with:

ifellowship; Seeds of Faith Women

Thanks to The Simple Woman's Daybook for inviting us to join in!

Drumming and Belonging...

noreply@blogger.com (Katharine) — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 16:14:00 +0000

His hands easily cover mine now, but I remember. I recall small, sweet toddler hands that tapped on pots, tables, toys. Keeping time with the music on the stereo, the car radio or the notes in his head. It never stopped. Sometimes I reach over and attempt to cover his gentle hands with mine, and he smiles. I need the break, but he never does. It's in him. It's part of who he is. It's beautiful.

We walk into the cafe and find seats easily. Later, it will fill to capacity and I love the feeling of music swirling around a packed Friday night crowd. He is part of the opener. His first acoustic gig. Hands on drum, heart pouring out through his fingertips.

My son.

My heart swells beyond where I think it can safely go and my throat constricts with the opening song.

I'm proud of him.

I love watching him learn who he was created to be.

I enjoy a mug of good coffee and pour out thanks to the one who created him.

I smile when I catch his eye, and put my hands together at the end of each song. When he comes back to the table we tell him how good it was, and remind him again how glad we are that he is ours. We order Chai tea and listen to the next set.

I let the music be the background for my thoughts... I wonder if this is anything like the way He feels-the God of the universe. When we're walking this journey, and we're learning the truth of who we were created to be. When we walk for a moment living loved, does He elbow an angel and say "That's my daughter!"

I smile between sips, because I know that He is always reminding me that I belong to Him, that I'm loved.

It's personal. It is real. It's relational.

He loves watching, healing and helping me uncover who I was created to be. It's His heart, and has been from the moment He saw all of me in only a spark of light. Beautiful.

Cold air catches my breath as we leave the cafe. Snow crunches under foot and stars create a canopy overhead.

His tapping on the van seat, breaks the silence and I smile...

"That's my son!"

I'm Giving Thanks today for....

~ Rain

~Another cup of quiet

~Friends

~ My drummer

~The things I cannot change

Blessings on your Monday!

I'm joining Jen and the beautiful women of:

And Ann at

Lost and Found Friday...

noreply@blogger.com (Katharine) — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 18:50:00 +0000

So, I'm wondering if anyone else does this. If you don't, I'm hoping there is grace for this...lots of Grace!
This morning when I started to write this post, I wanted to include a recipe for you, one that Cindy over at Notes in the Key of Life had posted last week.

I made the recipe last Saturday, and wow it was really good! Our Korean students liked it as well, (they know the word delicious) so I thought I would let you know so you could try it too! Only, I misplaced the paper that I had printed it on. So I went looking for it on my computer, but I couldn't find it. Somewhere in the recess's of my brain, this piece of info was floating around aimlessly, and I latched on...

"I saw the recipe on a Facebook page"

I searched every page, back at least two weeks. Nothing. I finally thought, I must be wrong, I must have seen it in someones blog post... and so the search began again.

If I had just been focused, it wouldn't have taken so long. Most weeks, I don't have time to read every post, by every blogger on my reader... so I got sidetracked when I saw something good I'd missed...

And time ticked on...

And then it happened. I saw a post about Pinterest, and it all came back to me...

I'd pinned it.

At Pinterest.

On my recipe board.

So that I WOULDN'T LOSE IT!!

Please tell me I'm not the only one who sometimes finds themselves making the long walk back from completely out in left field?

So without further ado, the recipe is from Kalyn's Kitchen via Skinnytaste.com and the above picture is as well. Both sites are great and have some wonderful recipes!

I changed a few things in my version because my kids aren't big cabbage fans, so I wanted to ease them in gently. My revisions are in red...

Stuffed Cabbage Casserole...

Ingredients:

1 1/2 T olive oil, divided (more or less, depending on your pan)
1 lb. lean ground beef (2lbs Ground Turkey)
1 large onion, chopped small (two onions, we like them!)
1 T finely minced garlic
1/2 tsp. dried thyme
1 tsp. sweet Hungarian Paprika (I just used 1 1/2 tsps. of Paprika I have in the cupboard and it doesn't say what kind it is)
1/2 tsp. sharp Hungarian Paprika
salt and fresh ground black pepper to taste (for seasoning meat mixture and cooked cabbage)
1 1/2 heads green cabbage, coarsely chopped (I used only 1 head)
1 can (14.5 oz.) petite dice tomatoes with juice
1 can (15 oz.) tomato sauce (I added a bit more sauce because I had extra meat, about 1/2 tin)
1/4 cup water (just enough to rinse out each of the cans)
2 cups cooked rice (I used brown rice)
2 cups low-fat cheese
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 350F/180C. Spray a large casserole dish with non-stick spray. (I used a dish that was 12" x 10".)
Heat 1-2 tsp. olive oil in a large frying pan; add ground beef and cook until it's done and nicely browned, breaking apart as it cooks. Remove ground beef to a bowl.
In the same pan, add a little more olive oil if needed, then add chopped onion and cook over medium heat until the onion is translucent and starting to brown, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic, dried thyme, and paprika and cook about 2 minutes more. Then add the diced tomatoes with juice, tomato sauce, and ground beef. Rinse each of the cans out with a little water (about 1/4 cup total) and add to the pan. Let mixture simmer until it's hot and slightly thickened, about 15-20 minutes.

While the meat mixture simmers, cut cabbage in half, cut out the core, and remove any wilted outer leaves, and then chop the cabbage coarsely into pieces. Heat about 2 tsp. olive oil in a large frying pan or dutch oven with high sides, add the cabbage and cook over medium-high heat until the cabbage is wilted and about half cooked, turning it over several times so it all wilts and cooks. Season cabbage with salt and fresh-ground black pepper.Stir the 2 cups of cooked rice into the meat mixture and gently combine.

In the casserole dish, layer half the cabbage, half the meat mixture, other half of cabbage, and other half of meat mixture. Cover tightly with foil and bake 40 minutes, or until the mixture is just starting to bubble on the edges. (I put half the cheese in the middle of the layers, and the other half on top, and it cooked fine, I did remove the foil for the cheese to brown as directed.(See, sometimes I follow directions!)
Remove foil and sprinkle on cheese. Bake uncovered an additional 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and starting to slightly brown. Serve hot.

It looks long, but it's really easy, and seriously delicious! Thanks to all three ladies for helping me with a dinner idea...

Whew... good thing it's the weekend!

I think that had better be all for my Friday, I hope yours is Fabulous!

Today I'm joining:

Company Girls

Thanks to Rachel Anne, for hosting!

Love is in the Air ♥

noreply@blogger.com (Katharine) — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 15:04:00 +0000

It is just the middle of January, but everywhere you look there are bits of red and pink surrounded by lace... Valentines day is around the corner! Even our local hardware store is sporting boxes of cards for those wanting to celebrate the day.

(These are fun to make, the details are Here~ )

I know its a divided camp. I am on the... "I love any reason to celebrate" side, plus it always seems that we need a bit of help to get through February! We take the opportunity to have a bit of fun, and to remind each other that we're loved. It's a family affair. Our children, who aren't married, engaged, or dating at this point... really look forward to the day. The girls know their dad will remind them how special they are and I will find a sweet way to bless our son. Early in the morning of the 14th, the best husband and our son will stealthily decorate the house in a blaze of red and pink... one year it looked like this... it has become a tradition!

Last year, I made this for the best husband to use as a countdown to the 14th. It's actually a great idea for any type of countdown... the tutorial is Here~

This is re-usable, but I am not bringing it out again this year, instead I want to find a new idea... (anyone have one?) Finding ideas that I would love are easy...choosing something that I know the best husband will love can be more difficult...

Loving,

Being loved,

Living Loved,

...whether we choose to celebrate the day or not, February can be a good reminder for us. Here is a wonderful way to read 1 Corinthians 13, the famous love chapter.

If God is love, then the words God and Love are interchangeable... Try reading it like this:

God is patient, God is kind. He does not envy, He does not boast. He is not proud. He does not dishonour others. He is not self-seeking. He is not easily angered, He keeps no record of wrongs. God does not delight in evil, but rejoices with the truth. He always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres...

Today, I'll be looking for ideas on Love primarily in the laundry room, and in a very large stack of dishes(now there's inspiration for you!)

Whatever your Wednesday looks like, I hope it is full of new ways to Love, be Loved and live in the enveloping Love of the God of the universe!

Have a Wonderful Wednesday!

Linking up with:

ifellowship; Seeds of Faith Women

Smiles and Thumbs up!

noreply@blogger.com (Katharine) — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 17:22:00 +0000

There is chicken stock bubbling on the stove, on this chilly morning. Music from our CD's float down the stairs and swirl around me as I type. It's Monday. We have managed to catch up on our lost hours of sleep, and so we're heading into a new week...(I really want to know who keeps pressing fast forward on the weekend?)

Our Korean students are settling in here, and spent some time outside this weekend exploring the snow and cold. They speak only a little English, but we are all figuring out how to use our own brand of "sign language," slow speech and if all else fails, an online translator. It is amazing to me how far a smile and a nod go. Thumbs up is a universal sign it seems, for "that's great." Patience is key.

I was thinking this morning as I was attempting to explain their lunches, that when it comes to communication I am not nearly as patient with others as I have been with John and Max. I often open the door to anger and impatience when think that the best husband isn't understanding me, or when I misunderstand my children. I am a recipient of so much grace and I want to be one who extends it in turn.

The sun is making a valiant effort of it's own this morning, to break through the clouds and brighten up our cold corner of the world! Like a smile from the sky, a "thumbs up" from the creator of universe... a reminder again to give thanks...

For...

...Max and John and their time here

...a son who likes football

...spicy noodles

...pine trees that dance in the wind

...the best husband's hug

A new week. A handful of new opportunities to walk with the God of the universe in patience, encouragement, and grace... Join me?

Blessings on your Monday!

I'm joining Jen and the beautiful women of:

And Ann at

The Arrivals...

noreply@blogger.com (Katharine) — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 15:28:00 +0000

Winter, who we thought had decided against visiting us, has arrived...
It snowed here last night. Our first major snow of the season. Why not. We already had two exhausted Korean students(John and Max), our youngest two (Emily and Evan) headed into exams and our two oldest(Meaghan and Hannah) transitioning into a new semester. Why not throw in some ice and snow just to make it interesting?

Actually it is beautiful, it covers everything with a beautiful, fluffly blanket!

John and Max were thrilled to experience snow for the first time! They couldn't believe how cold it was! They arrived on Thursday at 2am. after a long, delayed flight. Have I mentioned that I'm really, really, not good at getting up in the night? No amount of good coffee was going to fix being up from 1:30 till 3:30 and then getting up at 6:45 to get everyone off to school! I took a morning nap! We are trying to make them feel as comfortable as possible, and we're looking forward to the weekend when we can all relax and settle in. Trying to bridge the Korean/English language barrier is interesting, but we're getting there... when in doubt, act it out! If any of you have hosted international students and have any advice...feel free to pass it on.

The roads are slippery, and they are calling for continued snow for the rest of today, so I'm staying put! I have some laundry that needs doing, and maybe some baking. The wind howling around the windows makes me reach for another cup of good coffee in a great mug!

Looks like a cold but cozy weekend for us,

Hope you have a Fabulous Friday!

Today I'm joining:

Company Girls

Thanks to Rachel Anne, for hosting!

Wednesdays Thoughts and a Crockpot Recipe...

noreply@blogger.com (Katharine) — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 14:22:00 +0000

For Today

Outside my window... It's gone warm again... It looks more like Spring! I'm not complaining by any means, but I would like to be able to have just one coat out for the season!

I am thinking... About all that needs to be done today. Tonight, we have two Korean students joining us for four weeks. It will be an adventure for all of us!

I am thankful... For grace in each moment...

In the kitchen... The crock pot scalloped potatoes was a big hit(Thanks Carell) Many of you wrote to ask for the recipe, so I've included it at the end of this post... enjoy!

I am creating... A piece of art for our living room. I started it on the weekend, and in my head it looks amazing... in real life, well, that may be a different story... I'll keep you posted!

I am going... Grocery shopping to make sure we have lunch supplies. Starting tomorrow I will be making five lunches, plus snacks for everyone.

I am wondering... How the Korean students will like living with the six of us. I Wonder how their mother's are feeling today... it is a long way to send your twelve year old son!

I am reading.. On my Kindle! It was a Christmas gift from the kids, and so far I am loving it!

I am looking forward to... The weekend! This first week of back to school/work after the holiday seems so long!

I am hearing...The lovely sound of silence

Around the house... It's... well, Ok it needs work!

I am pondering... A new project, for a new year... And my word for the year...

One of my favorite things... Easy, delicious Crock Pot recipes... like this:

Crock Pot Scalloped Potatoes and Ham

6-8 slices ham (I used a ham steak)

8-10 medium potatoes peeled and thinly sliced

2 onions peeled and thinly sliced

1 cup grated cheddar or American cheese

1- 10 oz. can cream of celery or mushroom soup(I used the low sodium kind)

paprika

Put half of ham, layer of potatoes and onions in crock pot.

Sprinkle with salt and pepper, then grated cheese.

Repeat with remaining half.

Spoon undiluted soup over top.

Sprinkle with paprika.

Cover and cook on Low 10 to 12 hours. (High: 5hours)

That's it for my Wednesday... Hope yours is Wonderful!

Linking up with:

ifellowship; Seeds of Faith Women

January's quiet voice~

noreply@blogger.com (Katharine) — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 15:21:00 +0000

It is so very quiet. The kind of quiet that seeps into my being, like water rushing up and soaking into dry drift wood. I hadn't realized how much I have missed it, I drink deeply.

It has been a full, busy, holiday. Loud and boisterous. Always a someone there to be with, laugh, talk and celebrate with. Beautiful moments of life and love and grace.

And now, it's Monday. The rooms have been stripped bare, and suddenly I realize that there is no scent of pine in the living room, and I'm glad, because it's time. The room looks unfamiliar in her scant garments and open walls... time for a new month, different schedules, new memories.

Outside the window, the birds remark in loud voices that the cold has come. It took it's time. The warm breezes helped us entertain the thought that maybe this year we would escape winter's icy visit... even though we knew it had to come. It always does. The creator calls and seasons change... in our yards, and in our lives...

It is so very quiet, and I am thankful for...

~Intricate patterns of frost on the grass.

~January and it's cup of quiet

~Angry words, followed by grace, love and forgiveness

~ Enough food

~A daughter's laugh

~Good coffee in a great mug

~Hot soapy water

~Did I mention this luxurious cup of quiet?

Blessings on your Monday!

I'm joining Jen and the beautiful women of:

And Ann at

Stain, Onions, and Dreams...

noreply@blogger.com (Katharine) — Sat, 07 Jan 2012 20:54:00 +0000

I smell like stain. And onions. And a little like bathroom cleaner.(which I was using to help get the stain off my hands) I am not a great at multitasking.(I know, you're shocked) so for the past few days I have been busy with life, and things that don't allow me to blog at the same time. ~sigh~
Only another day or so and we will all be back to school and work. This realization prompted me to grab some wood from the shed and start work on a project. It's an idea I had a while ago and this thought crossed my mind... "That's a perfect project for over the Christmas break" Yes, I know what you're thinking, and you can stop laughing now. It is still break and I did start the project this morning...

The H is a clue... I'm excited to finish it, I think it will look great on our living room wall. As soon as I'm done I'll post pictures. I smell like onions because I made this earlier today (so I would have time to work on the project)

Crock pot Scalloped Potatoes and Ham! (The house smells great)

Because I am who I am, my thoughts were whirling about like leaves in a fall breeze while I was staining.

I had an idea, and I turned it into a prayer. I love when that happens, and you start dreaming and hoping and wondering... I love staining with the God of the universe! The idea is percolating,waiting to find some hands and feet... but the staining... it looks great!

Time for cleaning up and then back to the list of things that I can't do and type at the same time. Once they're done I'll be back with news, and an idea, and hopefully a finished project.

Blessings on your Saturday!

Of Otters and Love!

noreply@blogger.com (Katharine) — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 16:27:00 +0000

The tree is bare, and so are the walls. It feels good to have things clean and clear again! We are slowly moving into life in January 2012. We have a tradition of leaving our opened gifts and stockings under the tree after Christmas. Yesterday I was sending gifts to appropriate rooms, and remembering how delighted they were with this or that. Thanks to a phenomenally good sale, the best husband received this from the kids and I on Christmas morning.

It's a Blackberry Playbook, (tablet) At least once a day we have heard him comment on how much: he loves it, he likes it, it's awesome! It will be a great tool for him at home and at school. After Christmas, he went on line and ordered this:

It's called an Otter box (I speak as if I am knowledgeable on these things... I'm not, but I'm learning!) It's a case that protects the playbook. Its built so that if the tablet falls, the Otter box protects the screen from hitting the floor, and absorbs the shock. It has a screen protector as well, so that all the "touch" on the touch screen won't go too deep and cause permanent damage.

I can feel your eyes glazing over!

Wait, stay with me... there is a thought that emerged in the middle of all this!

This morning I was reading this...

Psalm 18:1,2

I love you, Lord. You are my strength. The Lord is my rock, my protection, my Savior. My God is my rock. I can run to him for safety. He is my shield and my saving strength, my defender.

My Otter Box!!

Then I turned to this(One of my favorite places)

Psalm 91:1,2

Those who go to God Most High for safety will be protected by the Almighty. I will say to the Lord, "You are my place of safety and protection. You are my God and I trust you."

No matter where I may find myself... He is there. My protector. He will help with the shock when I fall. The things that push against me, arrows that try and go deep...they hurt, but God says that they don't have to cause permanent damage, He will be my shield.

Of course!

He loves us, is delighted with us. He is for us, and with us...
He wants to protect and cover us...that's what you do for something that belongs to you!

There are carpets to clean, meals to cook and dishes to wash, and life carries on into a new year...

My heart is content knowing who I belong to and who covers me!

Blessings on your day!

The ongoing...Holidaze

noreply@blogger.com (Katharine) — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 18:03:00 +0000

Schedules, routine and any semblance of normality have flown the coop. Every other minute, someone asks: "What day is it?

We are staying up late, and waking up later.
We had pizza last night that had wayyy more than five ingredients.

There have been two rounds of decorate and demolish gingerbread houses...

It looked like a job for CSI...

Here in the cold north (it's seriously cold here today.. -8c/18f) we don't go back to school til January 9th.
We're still in holiday mode~
I have to say, that while I love the time off..I'm tired of stepping on stale gumdrops. The stockings hung by the fireplace with care...well they just don't hold that same appeal. I need a bit more normal to creep back in!

So,
It's time!
The decorations are going back in their boxes for one more year..
I'm resolved not to look at another Christmas cookie for...eleven months!
I expect to spend my afternoon vacuuming pine needles, and undecorating the house!
What day is it again?
Oh yeah,

Have a wonderful Wednesday!

Opening the door...

noreply@blogger.com (Katharine) — Sat, 31 Dec 2011 21:44:00 +0000

Years ago when our children were very small, we spent a very memorable New Years Eve. My in-laws were staying with us and graciously offered to watch our children while we went out for dinner. On the drive home, it began to snow. It was that soft, quiet snow that blankets everything, and changes the world to a sparkling beautiful place, if only for a few hours.
It wasn't midnight, so we didn't want to go in the house yet. Instead, we decided to go for a walk. Hand in hand in falling snow, we walked to the tiny cafe on the corner. It was the perfect place to stop for coffee.

The very pregnant hostess smiled and invited us in. There were only a handful of people, and later we apologised for being the only ones that weren't family, but they greeted us warmly and offered us champagne. Sitting in front of the window watching the snow, we talked about the coming year, our hopes and dreams. Music played, laughter rang out from the kitchen. As midnight approached, the owner propped open the front door with a brick. Cold air swirled around our feet. Turning to us, she explained
"It's our custom. We open the door to let the old year out, and celebrate the arrival of the new one."

She rubbed the top of her baby-full belly and smiled. The arrival of the new year would bring the arrival of their daughter. Many times that year we would pass on the street, each of us with a child in a stroller.
Midnight brought a rush of well wishes, a kiss from the best husband, and then we left them to finish their celebrations. I remember how warm and full it felt. How good to spend the start of the new year in that place, even though we only knew each other. We left our footprints in fresh snow, as we began walking into a new year...
There have been many years since then, when I have propped open the door. Some years I have been more anxious than others to see it leave...

(google)

Tonight we are going out to eat together, all six of us! We will talk, laugh, and watch fireworks. At some point near midnight, I will prop open the door... and the cold air that swirls around my feet will remind me that this year is leaving, and the new year is still unknown...but I am full of anticipation, and peace, and hope. I do not know where our footsteps will take us, but I know, perhaps more than I have ever known before...that we do not walk alone. He is and always will be...Emmanuel, God with us.

As we approach 2012...

May you be blessed this year with knowing more of who God is,and who you are to Him.

May it be a year of peace, light, truth and deep joy.

May every footstep you take, echo this truth;

You are loved wildly, unconditionally and completely by the God of the universe...

and He is delighted with you!

Blessings,

Merry, Merry Christmas week...

noreply@blogger.com (Katharine) — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 16:12:00 +0000

There are little bits of snow falling outside my window...and it is still Christmasy here at our house! I hope you all enjoyed wonderful Christmas and Boxing days! There was a lot of noise, and sounds new and old around here this year...
Our Christmas Eve had a little bit of this...

and a little bit of this....

Our Christmas day sounded like a new guitar...

And the sound of a mandolin filled the house...(this takes some getting used to!)

There was the lovely drip, drip, drip sound of this...

Ah yes... this lovely new friend now graces my counter!

It looks like this new year may be full of wonderful music, and lots more good coffee in a great mug!

We are still in rest and relaxation mode, and enjoying the time to spend together and with friends. It has been a peaceful, spirit nourishing, enjoyable Christmas. The best husband and I have been sifting through thoughts and unpacking reasons for the difference in this holiday. (While we sip Christmas blend,of course!) We always end up back at the God of universe, and all He has done in and around us this past year. We can't explain all of it, but we are thankful...

For...

our children's voices lifted in harmony

surprise and excitement

giving gifts from the heart

laughter

all the intangible gifts we have received this year

all the things we can't understand or fix

Emmanuel... with us!

Have a Wonderful Wednesday!

Here with us...

noreply@blogger.com (Katharine) — Sat, 24 Dec 2011 21:01:00 +0000

Merry Christmas Eve! I've had a lot of thoughts running through my head today while I baked, and cooked and prepared for tomorrow. None of them are as important, beautiful, or life giving, as this:

“The virgin will become pregnant and give birth to a son, and they will name him Emmanuel,” which means “God is with us.” Matthew 23:1

It is here. We have walked through advent. Each of us in our place have looked for hope, listened for joy, embraced peace and even though we often didn't recognise it...we have been enveloped in Love. We followed an infants cry to the greatest gift ever presented to mankind.

He is with us

Emmanuel

Not just once, thousands of years ago.

Now.

Here.

Always.

Pleased to dwell with us... because He loves us more than we will ever be able to comprehend.

Thank you to all of you who visit here and spend time at Just A Thought♥. You are kind, thoughtful, amazing, encourager's who have blessed me more than I thought possible. I pray for each of you this Christmas, the continued gift of knowing who God is, and who you are to Him!

I hope these coming days are full of love, laughter, peace, and light...and good coffee in a great mug!

Blessings on your Christmas,

Love,

Sleep in heavenly peace?

noreply@blogger.com (Katharine) — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 14:38:00 +0000

'Twas the night before, the night before, the night before Christmas(last night) and all through the house, not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse. The stockings were hung by the chimney with care, in hopes that St. Nicolas soon would be there!

Well, that's when the story took a very strange twist. At about 1:24am. I awoke, and decided to get a drink from the kitchen. Out of my warm bed, and down a short flight of stairs, in the dark. Just as my feet hit the tile floor, something caught my attention. The moon shining in the carport was illuminating a silhouette against the glass of the window in the front door, holding what appeared to be a flashlight, and trying to get in our front door!

Stifling a scream, I took the stairs two at a time, nightgown flapping. I landed on the bed, shaking the best husband and whispering loudly "Someone's in the carport, they're trying to get in the house!"
He sprang from the bed to see what was the matter! He grabbed the phone, and had just reached the landing when we heard a voice in the dark,

"Dad, it's just me!"

I didn't realize that anyone was still out, I thought Meaghan(our oldest) was already home. What I thought was a flashlight was her phone, she was using the light to unlock the door. Relieved, we headed back to bed, chuckling at the adventure. Within minutes the best husband was asleep again (how does he do that?) I, on the other hand was wide awake. It felt as if I'd been given an adrenaline shot, or a couple of energy drinks(I'm guessing, I've never had either one of those) I was wide awake! While I waited for my heart to return to its normal rhythm...

I sang in my head, Christmas carols, worship music, songs from commercials(♪ You are exactly one of a kind ♪) anyone else have that one stuck in their head?

I prayed. For family, friends, all of you by name...(or blog title)

I listened to the best husband snore and tried not be bitter or resentful...

I revisited the Christmas gift and planning list...

Nothing.

Nada.

Not even a yawn.

At 3:34 am I left the bed and fired up the computer.

I answered email.

I checked Facebook, and nobody was available to chat (go figure)

I read a lot of posts on my blog list...you are amazing writers(probably because you get sleep!)

At 5:30am I startled the best husband by greeting him when he got up to turn off the alarm....

"You're awake?"

~sigh~

I did manage to drift off between 5:40 and 7:45... and then I had to be up, apparently no one gave my schedule for today the memo that I would up all night... There has never been a better time for good coffee in a great mug!

It's Christmas Eve, Eve and our household is excited! It is the last day of school and work and we are so looking forward to break! I have one more post for tomorrow, and then I will be taking a few days off to celebrate with family and friends. Wherever today finds you.. I hope it is day filled with excitement, anticipation, and Love... (oh, and sleep!)
I know there is no link up today...but Merry, Merry Christmas Company Girls!

Have a Fabulous Friday!

Today I'm joining:

Caffinated Randomness

Thanks to Michelle for hosting!

Last minute gift idea...

noreply@blogger.com (Katharine) — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 02:35:00 +0000

Last weeks cold, turned into this weeks sinus infection, complete with antibiotics...lovely. Still, I was thankful today that I could use the down time to finish off lists and look forward to an illness free Christmas, (promised by my doctor.)

While I was sipping hot tea and making sure I had the menu for Christmas dinner... I realized two things. The first was that I had forgotten a gift! A quick trip out tonight remedied that and now...(drum roll please)... I'm finished! The second thing was that it is about this time every year that I finish up Christmas prep. Approximately three days before Christmas. It doesn't seem to matter if I start in August, or if I wait til well into December! I made a note to myself on my Christmas card list/planner that says this:
Don't stress or worry...remember that it usually takes till at least the 20th to get done...and it always works out fine.

While I was contemplating what that last gift would be, I remembered something that I had posted here last Christmas.... The Book Poem

I love, love, love, books! One of my favorite things to give is a book, and I have been known to include this poem. If you are looking for a last-minute gift for someone, copy the poem and slip it in the front of a book...(I wrote it so you have my permission)

The sound of children’s laughter, that floats on frosty air,
the candlelight and evergreen that decorate the stair.
The advent sound of carols that lead the heart to cheer.
So many bright reminders, that Christmastime is near.
And while you’re in this season, and schedules are tight,
I thought a reason to slow down, was something you might like.
A time to sit with tea in hand and find a quiet nook,
I think there is no better gift, than time spent with a book.
(K. Barrett)

Well my friends, we are almost there!
Blessings...

Making a list... Checking it twice!

noreply@blogger.com (Katharine) — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 18:54:00 +0000

Happy Monday!

My calm, cool, up 'til now laid back self is feeling a little... under pressure today. I pulled out the list and did the check, check, double check. Ahhh that's better.

Not everything is wrapped, but most everything has been purchased.

I've made more Christmas pretzels

I've made Salted Caramel Chocolate Cookies

I made fudge (the healthy recipe)

The house is fairly clean

Christmas music is filling the house... (the best way to do laundry)

I took a couple things off the list that weren't really a necessity...I can put them back on if there's time. Five more days, and I must say...I'm excited to sit with the people I love most in the world while they open gifts that were chosen just for them...and for us to spend time together. It's not about my world being perfect, it's about the perfect gift that came to our world...Emmanuel, God with us!

Merry, Merry Christmas to all the women of Soli Deo Gloria!

I Hope your days before Christmas are full of peace...

Blessings on your Monday!

I'm joining Jen and the beautiful women of:

Turn up the volume!

noreply@blogger.com (Katharine) — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 15:22:00 +0000

Seems everywhere you turn there is a flurry of activity! Just about a week left to finish up last minute things, and then it will be Christmas day.

Hark the Herald Angels sing

Yesterday at Costco the cashier and I exchanged glad smiles when they raised the volume on the sound system. For a moment, you could clearly hear the carols spilling out over the store. Then they turned it down again, to a level that you had to strain to hear.

Glory to the newborn king

Sometimes the clamour of the urgent... drowns out the message that struggles to be heard.

Peace on earth and mercy mild

Eight days. Lots to do, and say, give and receive. This season is a mixed one. Joy and festive smiles abound, but life with it's struggles is no respecter of persons. For all of those who celebrate in houses warm, with health and light: there are many, many more who sit in sadness. Loss, grief, sickness, and fear creep around their doorways. This is not an easy season for hearts all over the world.

God and sinners, reconciled

So, what do we do?

Turn up the volume

Joyful all ye nations rise

Join the triumph of the skies

Listen to the message. Hold on to it. Walk with it, in our homes, and neighborhoods and cities. Listen for His heart, follow where it leads.

With angelic hosts proclaim,

Christ is born in Bethlehem.

We are Loved, and called to Love... that is the message.

Wrapped in a baby, delivered to a manger, placed in our hearts...

Hark the herald angels sing,

Glory to the newborn king!

Have a Fabulous Friday!

Today I'm joining:

Company Girls

Thanks to Rachel Anne, for hosting!

Ginger Cookies, and Chocolate Peanut Butter Fudge...

noreply@blogger.com (Katharine) — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 14:09:00 +0000

I haven't done any Christmas baking. Yes, yes, I do realize that today is December 15th ~sigh~ I have plans, but I haven't put them in motion. Yet. We are still on our 100 day Real Food Challenge . We've detoured every once and a while, but for the most part we have stuck to the plan, and we notice a difference. I don't want to throw it all out the window because of Christmas! Instead of filling the freezer with baking that would primarily be eaten by us, I decided to bake a couple of things that we traditionally love, try a couple new, healthy recipes, and skip all the rest! This Ginger molasses cookie is one of those all time favorites!

3/4 c. butter, melted

Mix together:
2 c. flour
2 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. cloves
1/2 tsp. salt
1 heaping tsp. cinnamon
1/2 tsp. ginger

1/4 tsp.Nutmeg

Add 1 cup sugar to 1/4 cup molasses. Add 1 egg. Gradually add melted butter and flour mixture to sugar mix. Roll dough between hands into ball size about 3/4 inch.

Roll in granulated sugar(I think the organic sugar makes them sparkle more, maybe because it's course) and place on greased cookie sheet. Bake at 375 degrees for about 8 to 10 minutes.

We also love fudge, but seeing that we are trying to stick to healthy alternatives I've decided to try this new recipe. My raw honey order hasn't come in yet, but as soon as it does...we're making this!

Healthy Peanut butter Chocolate Fudge

Ingredients:

1/2 cup coconut oil (slightly melted, but not hot)
1/2 cup good quality cocoa powder
1/2 cup natural peanut butter
1/4 cup raw honey
1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract

Preparation:
Prepare a muffin pan with 10 muffin liners.
Put all ingredients in the bowl of your food processor. Pulse a few times until everything is smooth and nicely combined. (It will be very liquid-y.) Don’t over-mix.
Pour the liquid fudge into the prepared muffin liners dividing evenly between the ten of them. There will be about a half inch of fudge in each muffin liner.
Place the muffin pan in the refrigerator for 30 minutes or until the fudge has hardened. (Sometimes I use the freezer and it only takes about 10 minutes)
Remove the muffin liners from the pan and enjoy your delicious, healthy fudge! Store in the refrigerator.

This recipe is from The Purposed Heart it is a wonderful blog and worth the trip!

Hopefully this weekend my kitchen will be filled with the sounds and scents of Christmas.... What about yours? What favorites did you bake?

Linking up(late) with this great idea at :

This Good Steward (wow Wednesday)

What's on your list?

noreply@blogger.com (Katharine) — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 15:41:00 +0000

She was so sweet. She was sitting on the floor in the middle of a store. The best husband and I were meandering down the main aisle finishing up our Christmas shopping (almost done, yay!) This little girl with dark brown hair and big brown eyes was sitting on top of a box almost as big as she was. She slid down the side, but her hands never left the box. When we stopped at the end of a row, I watched her sit on the floor, little hands still clutching the box, staring at the label... it looked like a doll house. Her family was moving on to another section, but she wasn't going anywhere! We smiled, and the best husband said "Well, I guess she knows what she wants."

It is the season for lists. We asked our children to make us a list, and we are delighting in finding a gift for them that is something we know they would love. Socks and underwear can wait for another day, I want to get them something that reflects who they are, who they were created to be. It is different for each of them. We can't always get what's on the list, but sometimes, we find something even better!

Driving home from the mall, I had this thought... What's on my list? Not the perfume, ~~slippers~~, Keurig list. I mean the list that my heart and Spirit carry. The deep down desires of my heart. The ones that start as dreams and hopes and nudges from the God of the universe. While I watched the Christmas lights flit past the car window, something in my spirit whispered "Don't let go. Ask Him again, for the thing that your heart desires" We have been showered with gifts; adoption, redemption, forgiveness. He is constantly lavishing on us grace upon grace. He knows exactly what we were created to be, and what He gives and where He leads will reflect that...and Him.

Maybe today, we can take out that heart list. If the ink has faded, let's write again in bold strokes. We can, because we are His children. He wants us to ask. We may not get exactly what's on the list... it may be something better, but whatever He does is good!

Whatever your heart dreams of today... don't let go...ask Him again!

Have a wonderful Wednesday!

Linking up with

ifellowship; Seeds of Faith Women

Need a place to rest in today? Try Psalm 37

Yes, it is a tradition!

noreply@blogger.com (Katharine) — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 15:15:00 +0000

Traditions, I've learned, come and go. They change with life seasons and circumstances. We have come to realize that it is not about perfection, or expectation. Real life is not a Hallmark commercial. Our traditions can't be compared to others. They are ours. It doesn't matter what we choose, as long as it reflects who we are, what we value, and that we do it together! For example: we always have Chinese take-out on Christmas Eve. There is a story behind it, but suffice it to say...it is easy, fun and US!
About five years ago, a friend sent me this story... The best husband and I were so moved by it, that we decided to adopt this tradition as one of our own...

The Christmas Envelope

It's just a small, white envelope stuck among the branches of our Christmas tree. No name, no identification, no inscription. It has peeked through the branches of our tree for the past 10 years or so. It all began because my husband Mike hated Christmas... oh, not the true meaning of Christmas, but the commercial aspects of it - overspending... the gifts given in desperation because you couldn't think of anything else. Knowing he felt this way, I decided one year to bypass the usual shirts, ties, and so forth. I reached for something special just for Mike.

The inspiration came in an unusual way. Our son Kevin, who was 12 that year, was wrestling at the junior level at the school he attended; and shortly before Christmas, there was a non-league match against a team sponsored by an inner-city church, mostly black. These youngsters, dressed in sneakers so ragged that shoestrings seemed to be the only thing holding them together, presented a sharp contrast to our boys in their spiffy uniforms and new wrestling shoes. As the match began, I was alarmed to see that the other team was wrestling without headgear, a kind of light helmet designed to protect a wrestler's ears. Well, we ended up walloping them. Mike, seated beside me, shook his head sadly, "I wish just one of them could have won," he said. Mike loved kids - all kids - and he knew them, having coached little league football, baseball, and lacrosse.

That's when the idea for his present came. That afternoon, I went to a local sporting goods store and bought an assortment of wrestling headgear and shoes, and sent them anonymously to the inner-city church. On Christmas Eve, I placed the envelope on the tree, the note inside telling Mike what I had done and that this was his gift from me. His smile was the brightest thing about Christmas that year. Each Christmas, I followed the tradition... one year sending a group of mentally handicapped youngsters to a hockey game, another year a cheque to a pair of elderly brothers whose home had burned to the ground the week before Christmas, and on and on. The envelope became the highlight of our Christmas. It was always the last thing opened on Christmas morning, and our children, would stand with wide-eyed anticipation as their Dad lifted the envelope from the tree to reveal its contents. As the children grew, the toys gave way to more practical presents - but the envelope never lost its allure. The story doesn't end there.

You see, we lost Mike last year due to cancer. When Christmas rolled around, I was still so wrapped in grief that I barely got the tree up. But Christmas Eve found me placing an envelope on the tree, and in the morning, it was joined by three more. Each of our children, unbeknownst to the others, had placed an envelope on the tree for their Dad. The tradition has grown and someday will expand even further with our grand children standing around the tree with wide-eyed anticipation watching as their fathers take down the envelope...

This is our tree, and this year it is my turn to put the envelope on it! Others years, it has contained a note that stated : *3dozen pairs of socks had been purchased and dropped off at the homeless shelter

*Farm equipment and seeds had been purchased from world vision

*A donation had been made to a music program for underprivileged children, in honor of a brother who had passed away that year.

This year.... will remain a secret, until the last gift has been opened on Christmas morning. That's the tradition!

I hope this season is full of ways for all of us to bless and be blessed by traditions old and new! We love this tradition. What about you? What traditions reflect you, and will hold a special place in your home this Christmas?

I'm joining Jen and the beautiful women of:

Coffee and Colours...

noreply@blogger.com (Katharine) — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 14:39:00 +0000

Today I am joining

Write for 5 minutes flat – no editing, no over thinking, no backtracking. Today the prompt is Colour

GO

Colour...

It is the bluest of eyes that sparkle brilliantly while she decorates the tree, her nineteenth Christmas.

He is wearing a deep blue winter coat and when he hugs me I seem to disappear, and he is only fifteen.

My hazel-eyed seventeen year old beauty is stuffing a sweater of red and green hues into a magenta backpack...its ugly sweater day at school and they are raising money for children far away who live in the grey and black of sadness and poverty.

Her wise twenty-one year old head is bent over black coffee and university exam notes, and yet she still smiles that heart catching smile.

I love them

They light up their world with all the colours of good, kind, compassionate, and strong.

They light up Christmas with cherry red laughter, burgundy secrets and snow white excitement

Did I mention I love them?

They colour our Christmas magical, warm and wonderful!

Amazing gifts from the God of the universe...and we are thankful!

STOP (whew)

I hope your weekend is full of the beautiful colours of the season!
Have a Fabulous Friday!

Today I'm also joining:

Company Girls

Thanks to Rachel Anne, for hosting!

Ginger Tea ~ Ahhh~

noreply@blogger.com (Katharine) — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 18:21:00 +0000

Anyone else have an early winter cold? My head feels like it is stuffed with cotton wool. My ears are plugged. Puffs plus with lotion and Advil cold and sinus are vying for the position of my new best friend! I hate post nasal drip. Why is it called that anyway? Regular nasal drip,(the kind that makes you glad you're holding Kleenex when you bend over to tie your shoes) isn't called pre nasal drip. The kind that irritates your throat however, is called post. Did someone discover and name this while on the way to mail a letter? Standing outside against a post? Maybe they needed something shorter than: Down the back of your throat nasal drip.

Are you getting tired of my whining?

Me too.

Let's move on shall we?

I do in fact have a home remedy for colds that I believe really works. I made it for the best husband, and he's a believer! Its an old, tried and true recipe, said to have originated in England.

Ginger Tea

Fresh Ginger root

Fresh lemon juice

Honey

Boiling water

Grate some fresh ginger into a bowl. Place the pulp into a strainer and squeeze out the juice. Place two teaspoons of the ginger juice into a mug. Add boiling water, a teaspoon of honey, and lemon juice.

The original recipe didn't include the lemon juice, but I add the juice of about 1/2 a small lemon. It tempers the taste of the ginger and gives it a nice flavour. Stir and enjoy! It really helps!

That's it for my Wednesday, I hope yours is Wonderful!

Linking up with this great idea at :

This Good Steward (wow Wednesday)

and

ifellowship; Seeds of Faith Women

Coffee Friday...

noreply@blogger.com (Katharine) — Fri, 02 Dec 2011 15:56:00 +0000

Good Friday Morning!
Wow, It's been a while since I've sat down to Company girls coffee... too long! Come in and join me! I have good coffee in a great mug, and maybe we can convince Diane to bring some of that pie that she has, it sounds delicious! If you don't want pie, maybe I can tempt you with these. I made them earlier in the week, and I have two bags left...

Christmas Pretzels

December 2nd. No snow here yet, although the radio station announced yesterday there is a 57% chance that we will have snow on Christmas day. Hmmm, call me a sceptic, but where do these numbers come from?

Tonight we are going to choose a tree, and sometime this weekend, we will decorate it... The rest of the house has been decked with Christmas joy and looks great. This is the earliest we have ever had the house ready, and I quite like it! Now, if I was just as quick with buying and wrapping!

I really enjoy setting out this village... All of the pieces were given to me as Christmas gifts from my Mother-in- law, and my mom. It not only gives me a lovely display, but good and sweet memories as well.

The pace is picking up a bit. I can see it when I look at the calendar, feel it when we sit at the dinner table and discuss the probability of all being home at the same time to grace the tree with ornaments. It is inevitable that things will get busier, but at what cost? I was thinking that when I am tempted to add something new to our already busy days; a task, a dinner, another shopping trip, I want to ask myself these questions:

*1. Is it a should?(I should go _____, I should do____) If the word "should" is in there...let it go, it usually means we've picked up guilt for something we shouldn't be carrying.

*2. Does this expectation come from a good place?("The neighbors expect that my decorations will be perfect" is not a good expectation)

*3.Will this rob me of Joy? Not happy...Joy. Will this task push me into the place of being so busy that I find myself walking on my own. Forgetting to listen to the heart of the God who walks with me, and knows me so well. He created me, I am more than good enough for Him...

I won't always get it right, but as we walk through Advent, I want a heart that listens and walks in the ways set out for me..

These gentlemen are sitting on our wood box, waiting for the first fire of the season (still not cold enough) Maybe this weekend!

Well, my coffee cup is empty and the laundry room is calling my name! I hope your weekend is full of all the things that bring Joy as we walk into this Christmas Season.

Have a Fabulous Friday!

Today I'm joining:

Company Girls

Thanks to Rachel Anne, for hosting!