Kristin Danielle

I have moved to....

2008-01-10T06:29:00.000-06:00

Tiny Talk Tuesday.

2008-01-08T20:47:00.000-06:00

We have had a thunder storm this evening, and my two boys that share a room responded very differently.

My two year old showed up in the hallway shortly after the thunder sounded, shaking and crying, obviously scared.

My five year old showed up in the hallway with a huge smile on his face, saying, "mama, when I clap, I make lightning!"

My two year old finally fell asleep clutching my sweatshirt and listening to soothing music, and when I peeked in, my five year old was sprawled out sound asleep.

*My baby has double ear infections, and is on antibiotics, sleeping soundly through the storm. Hopefully he feels better in the morning.

Another day, another basket...

2008-01-07T19:59:00.000-06:00

We find this little boy in baskets, and drawers of all shapes and sizes. He is loving his newly learned mobilization.

A harder update.

2008-01-07T07:59:00.000-06:00

One of my friends lost her friend Marcy to cancer yesterday afternoon. It has been a long battle, and a very difficult season of time for all those involved. She has left behind a husband, and two children, ages 7 and around 18 months. They will need many prayers of comfort, and support to get through this time.

Noticing Project

2008-01-06T19:45:00.000-06:00

I discovered this photo blog called the "Noticing Project,"

"The notion of the project is to look intently and observe the small or ephemeral moments around us.

We will post images daily {mon. - fri.} throughout 2008."

If you like looking at photos, check back there often.

Deceptively Delicious

2008-01-06T07:57:00.000-06:00

~I got this cookbook for Christmas, "Deceptively Delicious," and so far it is really good! The basic idea is to sneak vegetables into normal recipes, so that kids (and adults too I guess) will eat more of them. The recipes use pureed vegetables in dishes, so it's handy if you have babies too, because you can use that pureed food for them!
So far we have tried the rice krispie treats, that are baisically the same except you use brown rice cereal and add some flax seed. They taste the same to me, and the kids love them.

~Have you tried this cook book, or have another good one to recommend?

Are you a cool parent?

2008-01-05T20:30:00.000-06:00

Read the quiz here. It's pretty funny.
Here's how you can rate:

MOSTLY A
Congratulations! You are one cool parent! Enjoy it while you can because your children will hate you when they are teenagers and you are still trying to upstage them.
MOSTLY B
Congratulations! You are one uncool parent! Your children will only appreciate you, though, in about 20 years' time.
MOSTLY C's
"Congratulations! You are a complete eccentric and you don't get many of them to the pound these days. Your children are all set to have lucrative jobs as successful writers and broadcasters, cashing in on their bizarre childhoods. You'll probably be incredibly cool after you're dead, so make sure you take lots of photos and wobbly cine footage now. It'll do their careers no end of good."

Disappointment

2008-01-05T07:50:00.000-06:00

"We must accept finite disappointment, but we must never lose infinite hope."
- Martin Luther King

Don't let your kid push my kid.

2008-01-03T15:46:00.001-06:00

We were at a indoor playground today to let my kids get their energies out, and my two year old was standing near a slide. A little girl, (that looked a few years older than him) walked up behind him and pushed him into the slide. He stood there looking offended, and I kept my mouth shut, thinking it was an accident that looked intentional, and waiting for her mother to say something, or for the little girl to run off and play. The little girl looked at my son, and pushed him into the slide again. His face started to scrunch up, and I couldn't wait any longer, and asked the little girl, "please do not push him." She skipped off, as her mother sat there with pursed lips.
In these kinds of situations, I get pretty annoyed with the parents. Why did the mom just sit there and watch this situation unfold? Why did she not get up and intervene? Obviously the little girl was being a bully. Was the mom too tired to handle it? Did she think that my two year old and her four year old could work it out in a mature way? (I hope that she just didn't see it happen) Obviously, I realize that kids are going to do this to each other from time to time, and not play in perfect harmony, but when it's really young children, and the parents are sitting there watching, don't you think they should intervene, and teach them not to hurt other kids?
~What do you think?

The 20's

2008-01-02T19:23:00.001-06:00

My baby sitter is 16. She talks a lot, really fast, has big dangly earings, and says "totally" and "like" a lot. She just got into a fender bender, and she has boy troubles. 10 years ago, I was 16. It doesn't seem that long ago. Most of my friends here in TN are around the age of 36. They are very comfortable in life, and have been married for a good amount of time. They seem fairly secure and certain of who they are. That is 10 years from now, for me. There is a big difference between a 16 year old and a 36 year old, but I feel like at 26 I can easily relate to, and hang out with both.

It's kind of weird to be in this growing time of adulthood. (if that makes any sense) It seems like it's a time of searching, of figuring out who I am, and how I want to do life. I'm lingering between those years where I was out of control, and growing into the years where I am confident in the decisions I make, and comfortable with where I am.
It's a cool time of life, but kind of weird.

~Are the 20's a weird time for anyone else?

Thank you for your closet

2008-01-02T07:46:00.000-06:00

We got an e mail last night from our little friends that stayed with us last week. The oldest boy sent us a very polite and well written e mail, that was very sweet. He is a very sweet and smart boy, and we are glad he had a good time. Their little girl was so fun for me to have around, I loved seeing her very girly, outgoing, personality, and the outfits she'd come up with. Her e mail went something like this.

"You are my best friend and I really like to play in your room. I really
like your best and I like everything in your rooms.

I like your rooms with Aiden in it.

I like your beds and your rooms.

I like it in your closets. (the toys and books are in the closets...)

I like your stickers and when you go in the bathroom.

I like it in your room on your books.

And I like your books.

I like your potty.

I really like your everything.

Thank you."

Their little baby was the sweetest little girl, who smiled when she'd see our baby Cooper coming. I am sure they liked having someone their own size to play with. She makes sounds like a dove, which is why I think they've nick named her "Little Bird."

~Very Cute kids, very fun family.

Happy New Year!

2008-01-01T18:45:00.000-06:00

~We spent our New Years Eve, taking down our Christmas decorations, and hanging out with our neighbor friends, playing dance revolution and drinking hot chocolate.
Today we attempted to feed the birds by rolling our crushed pine cone ornaments in peanut butter and bird seed and hanging them on our Christmas tree out on the deck.

It was so cold outside that we could only be out there in a few minute increments. The evening ended with snow outside, and the high tomorrow is supposed to "feel like 17." (brrrrr)
Hopefully we'll wake up to snow!
Happy New Year to everyone.

Basket Sitting

2007-12-31T21:13:00.000-06:00

~It's the cool new thing to do.

Old and New..

2007-12-30T14:23:00.000-06:00

This week, we have been fortunate to spend with our old friends. Brody and Jessie have been friends since junior high, and she is the one who got my phone number for Brody when we were in high school. Her and her husband got married about a year before us, and we have all been great friends ever since. Our families have grown, and now we each have three kids, who have had a great time running around and playing this week. At night, us adults have had a good time catching up and playing a rented guitar hero. (which is a lot harder than I thought it would be)
This week, I also had the priveledge of meeting Kat who was passing through our area with her family. It was so great to finally meet someone that I'd only known through blogs. Kat and I chit chatted about our families, and how strange it is to meet someone that you know a lot about but haven't actually met face to face.
I wish I had pictures, but my husband has got them on his camera, and I forgot to take a picture with Kat.
All in all, it has been a great week, spending time with old friends, and meeting new ones!

2007 is almost gone...

2007-12-28T13:06:00.000-06:00

I decided at one point to stop making New Years resolutions, but instead was making "plans for the new year," which in reality is no different, yet somehow I am more comfortable with that title. It seems like if you make a plan, you can change the course of that along the way, but a resolution is so set in stone, that if it changes at all from the original goal, it feels like a failure. Nonetheless I do love the beginning of the New Year. It feels like a new beginning and a chance to become more of who I am supposed to be, a chance to live better, and a chance to start fresh with better intentions.
As the year closes, and the Christmas season passed (so quickly, didn't it?) I am starting to think about my plans, and what 2008 will be. I know it will be the year my oldest son starts "big school" and rides the bus. I know that it will consist of many changes, and so much is unknown, but for now, I am going to enjoy the last few days of the year, and think about the memories that have been created throughout these 365 days of 2007.
~What is your best 2007 memory?

Merry Christmas

2007-12-23T20:14:00.000-06:00

~"Labor of Love" by Andrew Peterson, performed by Jill Philips

Handmade gift tags! (Free!)

2007-12-22T07:42:00.000-06:00

Here are a few sites of artists who make their own gift tags, and make available to you for free through their blogs!
Follow the links, and print some out!

~Camilla Engman

~The small object
~ENJOY!

Crazy Story!

2007-12-20T09:14:00.000-06:00

PLAINFIELD TOWNSHIP, Mich. - Steve Flaig wasn't sure how to approach his co-worker with his big news. It would seem brash to walk up and say, "Hi, I'm Steve, your son." How would she react to that, he wondered.
Flaig's long search for his birth mother ended in early October when he learned that she was the woman he previously knew only as Chris, the head cashier at a Lowe's home-improvement store just outside Grand Rapids, in Kent County's Plainfield Township.
"I would walk by her, look at her from a distance, not knowing how to approach her," Flaig, 22, told The Grand Rapids Press for a story published Wednesday. "You don't come stocked with information on how to deal with this."
When Lowe's Cos. hired Christine Tallady to work at the store last April, she had no idea that the young delivery driver to whom she was introduced was her son."

*Read Entire Story Here

Forgetfulness

2007-12-19T14:25:00.000-06:00

It is so easy for me to get caught up in my to do list. It's so easy for my priorities to get shifted. This morning I read this verse, "Does a maiden forget her jewelry, a bride her wedding ornaments? Yet my people forget me, days without number." (Jeremiah 2:32)
I realized how my time with God lately has become a second thought. I never forget to put on deodorant, but some mornings I forget to pray. I don't forget to walk out of the house dressed and hair combed, and make up on, but I forget to give God my day, to acknowledge Him. I would never leave a guest sitting in my living room, while I ran about and did meaningless chores, yet I do that to God every day. I don't want God to be a second thought to me, I don't want to forget about Him.

(by the way... I know the picture of the to do list has nothing written on it, but it really matches my blog, doesn't it?)

Tiny Talk Tuesday.

2007-12-18T09:40:00.000-06:00

~This morning at breakfast, we were talking to our boys, joking with them, and asking them if they were going to take girls on dates. My five year old said, "no way!" and my two year old said, "no, I can't drive."

*For more tiny talk tuesday, visit Mary@notbefore7

Interpretation needed...

2007-12-16T19:44:00.000-06:00

I got a text message from a number I didn't know tonight. I only get text messages from my husband, usually, so it's always weird to me when it's a number with an area code that I don't recognize. I know that some people use shorter words for their texts, but I don't know those. Anyways so here was the series of text messages:

~weird number: was gud?
~me: What? who is this?
~weird number: B dis kadesha

It took me awhile, but I think I figured out what that meant. What is your interpretation?
In conclusion, I'm not a cool lingo texter. Maybe I shuld shrtn my wrds.

Star Wars and Oprah

2007-12-14T21:59:00.000-06:00

My son returned from a star wars theme birthday party tonight, where he went dressed as Anikin but he was really Luke, he said. When I arrived to pick him up all the boys at the party were light saber fighting and rolling all across the ground, and as they were leaving they got goodie bags in the shape of darth vaders head. My son asked in the car on the ride home, how come my birthday party didn't have plates from a movie, or why didn't we dress up? I laughed to myself as I started thinking about if adults had birthday party themes based around their current favorite movie or TV show. C.S.I., Jeopardy, Scrubs, Oprah, (can't you picture plates with Oprah's face on them?)The weather channel, The Office... What movie or TV show, would you have on your plates, or what is the best one you can think of?

Behold the Lamb of God...

2007-12-14T08:14:00.000-06:00

~Last night we were able to go to the "Behold the Lamb of God" concert by Andrew Peterson and a Group of other great musicians. I love the story of these songs, and that there are so many talented musicians performing. This is Brody's third year attending, and my second. We've made it our tradition to go every year. While the music was the same as last year, they changed up the artists that were performing. Last year Derek Webb and his wife Sandra Mc Craken were apart of the show, and his voice in particular adds so much emotion and passion to the performance, so I was a little sad that they were not apart of it this year. It was still so good though, and I was thrilled to see Jill Philips perform, her voice is by far one of my favorites. Sara Groves was there again this year, along with her husband, on percussion. Bebo Norman was also apart of the show this year, so that was a nice treat, he's been a long time favorite in our house.
All in all it is a great show, a really good Christmas story, songs that take you throughout the bible. I fully recommend the CD to add to your Christmas collection.

More updates...

2007-12-11T20:11:00.000-06:00

~Remember those women I talked about on a previous post? ...and also the update in November?
Well, I received another update, from a friend, about these two women.

~The one woman who had had cancer throughout her body, and then returned to only have them find it in part of her body, went to Disney world with her family for Thanksgiving, and is now back on chemotherapy and doing well.

~The other woman, was looking like she only had about a week left, about a month ago, but is doing better, and was even able to ride a horse recently!
It will be so wonderful for these women to be able to spend Christmas with their families. I am convinced that God is blessing them day by day, so keep praying!

In the details.

2007-12-10T07:56:00.000-06:00

When Blue and I were flying home, we saw so much beautiful landscape. From the wide green stretches of land and rivers in CA, to the rocky red land, and grand canyon over Arizona. The world is so big, that even from that height we could not see all of it, but we were not close enough to see a human being. As we flew into Nashville at night, we saw the many lights of the city, too many to count. I was reminded once again, at how massive this world is, and on top of that, how many people are in it. I thought about my own personal life, and how complex it is, I thought of the stack of Christmas cards to send out, and how each of those represented more lives that are also very complex. I was in awe once again at God's involvement in all of our lives. How does He do it? How does God have so much patience with me? How does He teach me lessons through mundane tasks? How does He weave together these stories of our lives?
I was reminded of the verse, "what is man that you are mindful of him, the son of man that you care for him?" (Psalm 8:4)
I am in awe of God's ability to be in the intricate details of our lives, and I am making an effort to recognize Him in those details, and trusting Him with them. This season is about wonder, not about busyness, not about list making, not about gift buying. This season is about the realization of God's ability to do the unthinkable, to marvel that He cares, to rejoice, and remember the beginning when Jesus entered this world, and to sit back and realize what He accomplished for us. Even when life seems to distract me from my effort to marvel, I am trying to remember that He is there, in the details, weaving together the story for good. There is so much to be in wonder of with God.

~What are you in wonder of this season?

~Generosity~

2007-12-08T08:38:00.000-06:00

I have an etsy store, and it is called, generosity. I have had this idea to sell things I make in order to be able to give more financially to various organizations, and the people around me that need help. The time has gotten away from me, and Dec. 7th has happened upon me quickly, and I have been working on this idea for months now. So I decided to go ahead and post what I do have, and I'll continue to add more as things are made.
I have attached an organization to each item, so that you may know where your money will be going.
Right now there are four scarfs, and I am currently making some more. I have a few cute aprons that are waiting to be finished up, and some paintings that are drying. I will continue to add things as I make them, so check back regularly!
~For now, check it out!

Check this out...

2007-12-08T08:27:00.000-06:00

~My friend Jessie just returned from Burkina Faso, with her friend Journey Mama. You must read her account"When you go to West Africa," and follow up later at the LJ urban blog to hear more about what they did over there!

A good reminder

2007-12-06T23:32:00.001-06:00

"To understand the heart and mind of a person, look not at what he has already achieved, but at what he aspires to."
- Kahlil Gibran

Christmas Traditions.

2007-12-04T23:44:00.000-06:00

~My mother in law is very good at having traditions. One of her traditions is having ornaments for every family member specific for that year. For instance, if they played baseball that year, they would have a baseball ornament. It always amazes me at what kinds of ornaments she is able to find. Tonight I was able to be apart of the tradition of hanging them onto the tree, as I have in the past when we lived closer by. I loved the memories that came forth as I hung my families' ornaments. The pregnant bear that symbolized my pregnancy with my first son, the little house for our first home, the gardener lady for the year my grandmother passed away. I know that every ornament brings back memories for each of us individually, and as we hung them, had our personal memories, and personal ways of placing the ornaments on the tree. Then we stood back and looked at the now full tree, and it represented a family, full of diversity and seasons of life, but each ornament together created a beautiful symbol of what we are. I love that tradition, and I love that she takes the time every year, all year long to find the perfect ornament for each of us. It means a lot to me, to be apart of this family.
I want to start some traditions with my kids, and I think ornaments are a fun thing to do.

~What are some of your favorite Christmas traditions?

Time Flies when your filing.

2007-12-03T23:13:00.000-06:00

Today I bought some files, and filed a lot of papers.
I had dinner, and "christmas" with my mom, and we both laughed harder than either of us have in awhile, at Blue making a frog face.
Tomorrow is all about goodbyes, that is always the hard day at the end of the trip. I am so ready to be home though, I miss my husband and boys too much.

CA church.

2007-12-03T00:22:00.000-06:00

I love our church here in CA. This was the church I began my relationship with Jesus in, the church where my husband and I dated in, and married in. It's where we grew the beginning stages of our family in. It's a place where familiar faces are all around me, and arms are continually enwrapping me. I soak up the teachings of the pastor like a sponge, and I enjoy his family and their friendship. The church has grown over the years, and it's grown a lot over the two years that our family has been gone. With that growth, new and amazing people have entered the congregation, and it continues to carry the feel of family. They do so much for their community, and are in the current stages of building a park, softball field, and soccer field as an extension of their church. It's such a great church, and I am so grateful to be able to come back here, and get rejuvenated again.

Small Town Things.

2007-12-02T01:42:00.000-06:00

~I spent half the day in a busy city, in traffic, in and out of lines, and I spent the evening at a small town light parade. It's amazing how different the two are. There is an appeal in both to me, I think. I like that in the city, there's things to do a short distance away, I like that its exciting, and moving.
I like that in this small town light parade, I could pick out my high school teacher as he walked past, that I noticed people I knew in the crowd, and that knew me. I liked to hear the kids yell out to their friends as they passed. I liked that people were happy to be where they were, not eager to leave, or to have you get out of their way. I like the idiosyncrasies of small town people, that there is a uniqueness to nearly everyone around you.
I have grown up most of my life in small towns, and I've dreamed of living in cities. I like both. I don't think one is better than the other, I think they both serve a purpose. I like going to cities, visiting, walking through, hanging out in them, but I like that to come home, whether here or at my home in TN, it is to a small town.

Whoa.

2007-12-01T02:21:00.000-06:00

~These days have been so long. I am so tired, and it is late. I didn't think I'd blog, but here I am.
Part of the reason I have come out here is to offer my help to my friend and family, that both need some of my time. Today has been incredibly full. We started the day with breakfast with family at the best little small town omlet place. My son went with his Grandma and Auntie to spend the rest of the weekend with them. I then spent the rest of the day, until about 11 pm, running errands, visiting offices, setting up appointments, and painting a living room. Tomorrow holds another full schedule, so I need to get to sleep. I think I may be able to sleep in tomorrow, because my little boy won't be there to tell me that it's "turning light blue outside."
~I miss my kids way too much, it's really hard to be away from them, I am not sure I am cut out for it.

Flights, Head Injuries, Babies and Mexican Food

2007-11-29T23:48:00.000-06:00

If I could sum up my trip so far, these are what the highlights and low points would be. It has been a total whirlwind since I stepped foot out of my car in Nashville.

The Flight: The first flight was four hours straight, with my energetic 5 year old, it was all about distraction, snacks, story making, drawing, and teaching the importance of why not to lower his tray table with his feet. It went well and we had a good time over all.

The Head Injury: Not as bad as it sounds, but hurt terribly. I jumped out of the car to close my son's door, then jumped back in, with full body weight and slammed my head into the side of the car. (If you chuckled then, don't feel bad, so did my husband) I immediately felt like I was going to throw up, and couldn't focus my eyes for most of the car ride. I still have a dull headache, but have been taking medicine.

Babies: I spent most of the day today cuddling my friends new born baby girl, while she rested and cleaned up. It made me miss my baby boys so bad. I am already ready to be back home with them.

Mexican food: California Mexican food is the best. I don't care what anyone else says, it is sooo good. Tonight I had green enchiladas with shrimp, and I'm pretty sure it was the best thing I've had in awhile.
We finished our night with a quick round of miniature golf, and my boy cashed out in the back seat on the way back.
I'm off again first thing in the morning, and hoping to get all done and see everyone while I am here!

Here we go..

2007-11-28T06:48:00.000-06:00

My oldest son and I are heading to CA today. My husband is staying home with my two year old and one year old. It's hard to leave my little ones, but I have full confidence in my husband, and I realize that it's not for that long of time. Stay tuned on his blog, as he will account his stay- at- home daddy adventures! I hope to bond with my oldest son, as we travel together and get to spend some time just the two of us.

Busy busy busy

2007-11-26T12:51:00.000-06:00

~I can't ever believe how busy this time of year is. Last year I thought way ahead, probably because I was having a baby and wanted to be prepared. Last year I had all my Christmas shopping done, my Christmas cards ready, and the house ready to welcome a newborn....all by the first of November. That was last year.

~This year I have some christmas shopping done, I have no idea what I'm doing for Christmas cards, and I have trips and projects scheduled and laundry piling around me. It's a great time of year, I love these holiday seasons, I even love being busy. I can just plainly see the difference between these two years, and for me I can honestly say that it is worth it to think ahead, and have things done and ready ahead of time so that every day isn't consumed with a crazy schedule!

~Are you a plan ahead type of person, or a wait until the last minute type of person? OR do you filp flop between the two like me?

His Birthday Cake

2007-11-24T21:00:00.000-06:00

He finally had his first birthday cake, and he loved it, as you can see.

Thanksgiving update

2007-11-24T20:06:00.000-06:00

~We spent the weekend with our friends that we had not seen, in too long. Our boys were instant friends, and seemed to have a great time playing. They had matching shoes, which my 2 year old absolutely loved, and wanted to sit next to his "friend with the same shoes."
On Thanksgiving day, my baby woke up feeling very hot, and was not his usual happy self. I stayed in the hotel room while he slept nearly the whole day, while everyone else went out to a movie and hot coco. I was a little bored, there aren't many times you can clean up a hotel room, so I chatted with the housekeeping lady in the hallway, and watched the Thanksgiving day parade.
We went to Cracker Barrel that night for dinner, and ate dinner amongst a few couples, who kept staring at our table of 10 comprised mostly of boys. My friend and I spent the rest of the evening catching up, and hanging out with the little ones, while the big boys went on a walk through the christmas light lit up park outside our hotel.

The next day we got up and headed out to the Aquarium, which I had no idea would be so popular the day after
Thanksgiving. It seemed as if everyone in that city had the same idea as us, as we filtered through many lines and many people the whole time. Nonetheless, it was a very fun time, and a very cool aquarium.
~It was a great trip, and one that ended too quickly. There is something refreshing about being around old friends, picking back up, where we left off, yet grown and changed all the same. They are a really sweet couple, that love each other deeply, and stand beside each other. Their children are beautiful and so sweet. They are some of those friends that you completely love the priviledge of knowing them.

UnTraditional is our Tradition

2007-11-19T19:03:00.000-06:00

~My husband and I have been married for 7 years, and every year our Thanksgiving has been different, and gotten more unique as the years have gone by.
We've had the traditional Thanksgiving dinners with family, which is a very enjoyable experience. We've gone to a resort where our friend was cooking a wonderful feast. We've eaten in a restaurant after picking up family from the airport, and we've shared Thanksgiving dessert with friends, after a quiet meal together.
This year, to continue our traditon of having an un traditional Thanksgiving, we are heading to Atlanta, GA to meet up with friends of ours who just moved to Florida. They have 3 boys as well, around the same ages as our boys, so there will be a lot of fun had by all. We are staying in the same hotel, and going to go to the fun, kid friendly attractions around the town. It will be a good time, and fun to see where we end up eating our Thanksgiving feast!

~So, what are your thanksgiving plans?

Happy Thanksgiving to everyone!

My weekend

2007-11-19T06:39:00.000-06:00

~I had an amazing weekend with my husband. I had a hard time leaving my kids, my oldest son really did not want me to go. He had said he'd rather be with me than go to Toys r us, have ice cream, or sleep in the tent we had set up. That felt good to know how much he loves me, but made it a lot harder to leave.
It was a long drive to Atlanta, but I was entertained by the many phone calls from my best friend back home in CA who was in labor with her baby girl. It was hard not to be there with her, as I was with her first daughter, but was glad to stay updated throughout. My faithful, borrowed, GPS system, (whom I named Janice) kept me on track, and got me there without getting lost.
My husband had only good things to say about each of the people he'd worked with, and I quickly saw what he had meant. The atmosphere was extremely friendly and all the people were wonderful.
The show started with The Myriad who set a really good vibe, and were very entertaining to watch. Phil Whickam was up next, and he captured the audience with his powerful voice, and beautiful songs. David Crowder Band was headlining, and they put on a very entertaining, fun, worshipful, amazing show! They also did so much for the communities they were passing through, which I have talked more about on the Inspired To Action site.
We slept in until 11 am the next day, which for me is huge, since I am normally awake by 6 every morning. I felt out of it all the next day. We had a long drive home to talk, laugh, and catch up.
I found my boys completely well taken care of, and happy to see us. It was a good weekend all around. I am glad my husband does what he does, and enjoys it, I am glad that there are fun privileges I get to experience because of it, and I am glad that when he's home, he's home for a concentrated amount of time.

Check it out!

2007-11-16T07:00:00.000-06:00

~Check out the Inspired to Action site this week, for ideas, and inspirations to make the holidays count this year! There are some great articles ranging from ideas to give to your community, to gifts that make a difference.
~Please check back daily for new posts from a wide variety of authors, and leave a comment to get involved in discussions!

Off to retreive my husband...

2007-11-15T21:27:00.000-06:00

I'm off tomorrow, to go and pick up my husband from the last day of the tour! I'll get to spend some time alone in the car, just listening to music, (not veggie tales). Then I get to see the show with him, and go on a date afterwards. This will be the first night that we've had away sans children since before my 5 year old was born! I am grateful to family and friends for being willing to watch my kids for a couple days. I thought it would be pretty hard to leave all my kids overnight, but honestly, after having a couple months with my husband away, and shouldering all the responsibiblity I am really looking forward to being able to walk into a building without shepherding kids, and sleeping in as long as I want to. One night will be enough, usually a couple hours is enough of a break for me, before I start really missing them. We are thrilled to be getting our husband and daddy back home for awhile, it's been a long time! The boys want to wrestle with him, and do things that only daddies are really good at.
~To see what he's been up to, check out his amazing photos!
Have a good weekend everyone!

Happy 1st Birthday!

2007-11-14T19:43:00.001-06:00

~My sweet baby Cooper turned one year old today! He had a good day playing at a science exploration place, eating his first pancake and saying, "uh oh" for the first time when he threw it on the floor.
Cooper is the most perfect surprise. He's added so much to our family, and he brings us so much joy. With all of our kids, Brody and I end up calling them by different and sometimes strange nick names. With Cooper, there's the obvious "Coop," or we call him "CT", we call him "Trey" and "Coop- pe- doop." The nick name that describes him best to me, is "My sunshine boy."

Tiny Talk Tuesday

2007-11-12T07:04:00.000-06:00

All Aiden.
~He has been calling me "sir," lately. "Thank you sir, here you go sir..."
~We rented "Handy Manny," and he calls it "Hanny Nanny."
~While playing hide and seek, I overheard him counting, "one, two, three, cuatro, fourteen, twenty, five..."
~After I took his temperature, I said, "well It looks like you have a fever," and he says, "can't want a fever."

All Blue:
~He's been playing mountain climbing, putting on a backpack and climbing up the stairs. Yesterday we were headed out the door, and he didn't have shoes on. "You need to go get your shoes on," I said, and he replied, " I can't hike the mountain again, that takes days!"
~ We were in a store, and I couldn't find him all of a sudden, (not so funny) I wandered around, and found him taking his blood pressure at the pharmacy. I told him, "don't ever wander off by yourself, it's dangerous." He told me, "It's not dangerous, it's healthy, I was taking my pressure."

~For more Tiny Talk Tuesday, visit mary@notbefore7

Quick and Easy potatoes

2007-11-12T06:53:00.001-06:00

~This was a yummy dinner that was quick, along with a salad, it was plenty for me and the kids!

Broccoli Cheese Soup Potatoes

~Baked Potatoes, or microwaved
~Can of cream of broccoli cheese soup
~1/2 cup of milk
~green onions, or diced onions

*Heat soup and milk over stove, stir. Pour over baked potato top with onions!

This is...

2007-11-09T20:13:00.001-06:00

... what happened when I thought my son was sleeping.... and he wasn't....... and he found a pen.

Just Thoughts

2007-11-08T07:59:00.000-06:00

"I paint objects as I think them, not as I see them."
Pablo Picasso

I have been thinking lately how paintings are like windows in which you can see how others view the world, not necessarily how they see it with their eyes. Which led me to realize, how different perspectives can be on a same situation. How a circumstance can hold so many different sides to it. We feel different things, we view it from different angles and perspectives. That same event can look so many different ways to so many different people. People can assume the worst in others or they can assume the best. Our assumptions bleed into our perspective and then how we treat those people, things and situations. People see and do things differently, and knowing them, gives us a privilege to see things from their perspective, putting ourselves in "their shoes," allows us to treat each other better.

Just a thought.

This is pretty funny

2007-11-07T14:38:00.000-06:00

Tiny Talk Tuesday

2007-11-06T07:03:00.000-06:00

A storm hit my house last night, and the house shook and the fire alarm went off. I called my neighbor asking if my house looked on fire, or if we'd been struck by lighting. We are pretty sure it got pretty close to both our houses, because when it hit her house, her coffee grinder started on it's own!
My two year old, who is very afraid of thunder, looked at me after the loud boom and fire alarm, and said through tears, "See, I told ya I was scared." While my baby stayed sound asleep through all the comotion. I think lots of noise actually comforts him, since the level of noise in my house is usually pretty loud!

Things said throughout the week:

~My 5 year old said, while wrestling with a group of boys, "Every man against himself!"
~2 year old to 5 year old, "You can't do that, it's the law."

*For more tiny talk tuesday, visit Mary@notbefore7

I'm a little jumpy

2007-11-04T22:06:00.000-06:00

~It all started when I was sitting in church this evening with my friends, when a mouse scurried across the floor and ran under the door into the cafeteria! I slipped my feet up onto the rung of my chair, and scooted out of that room quickly at the end of the service.
After getting home, and tucking my kids into bed, I noticed that my bedroom door was shut, and I don't ever shut that door. With my heart pounding, and calling my dog up next to me, I opened the door only a few inches until it stopped and wouldn't open any more, without pushing with more effort. I freaked, and ran down the hall. When I finally convinced myself that no one could possibly be in there, not with my big scary dog in the house, I went and tried again, pushing harder. There were two big pillows behind the door, that must have fallen from the top of the laundry hamper where I'd set them.

Later, while sitting on my computer tonight, I heard what I thought was an owl, and as I investigated the rhythmic "hoo hoo," sound, I actually thought, that one might be inside my house. I followed the sound, to my baby's door, where he was simply cooing in his sleep. (it seriously sounded like an owl, not a baby...)
I guess my imagination must still be very active, if I can think these simple things are such big deals, but at least I always have a good laugh at myself at the end of the day.

God is Good

2007-11-03T11:27:00.000-05:00

~I received an update on one of the women with cancer, who had been told that she'd only had a few months left. Now after a recent trip to the doctor, they could only find cancer in one part of her body, and told her she'd have a year! I believe that God is working, giving her more time, or even working on healing her completely. Now she will be able to spend the holidays with her family, and her spirits are lifted.

Happy Halloween...

2007-10-31T14:29:00.000-05:00

From the cutest puppy, frog and power ranger that there are!

Tiny talk Tuesday

2007-10-30T07:25:00.000-05:00

~The two boys were sitting at the kitchen table, my two year old looking intently at his fingers. He looks at his brother, holding up his hand and says, "so you are 5.....and I am 2." The 5 year old responds, "yep." My two year old looks back at his hands and says, "Dang!"

~For more tiny talk visit Mary@notbefore7

Pleaase pray for...

2007-10-30T07:07:00.000-05:00

~ There are two separate women dying of cancer now, in the area I live, and although I do not know either one very well, they are still on my heart and mind a lot lately. I know their friends, and after receiving the updates last night, I was saddened by the news and frustrated with my lack of being able to help in any way. It is hard to watch anyone die, young or old, but there is a greater confusion and sadness to the fact that these women are both in their thirties with young children. Please pray for them, for their families, and for their friends.

I really like this one...

2007-10-27T07:43:00.001-05:00

"To many people are not living their dreams because they are living their fears."
~Joyce Meyer

He's coming home!

2007-10-26T21:27:00.000-05:00

"A man travels the world over in search of what he needs and returns home to find it."
~George Moore

I've spent the last month single parenting my children, and missing my husband and best friend terribly. The kids and I had a good time, and my husband and I have stayed in touch pretty well over the distance. I don't know how I could handle not being able to talk to him a few times a day, and e mail, text message. It makes me think of military wives who go months and months without seeing their husband. They have to sit at home wondering if their husband is even still alive, let alone know how their day is going. I don't know how they do it.
I am glad that he's coming home for a few days.

~He'll return to find the kids are a little taller, the weather is a little cooler, the living room rearranged to suit a baby whose learning to stand up, (and fall) and there's a strange musty smell in this house I can't seem to get rid of.... but he'll find us very happy to have him home!

I wish I had a picture...

2007-10-24T13:43:00.000-05:00

~ Last night I went to check on my boys after they were asleep, like I do every night. This night was different, because at first glance, I couldn't see my 5 year old. Upon closer inspection, I realized that he was not under the balled up comforter, but inside it. Yes, buttoned up inside the duvet cover, fast asleep! Once I got the top unbuttoned, I carefully pulled him out, along with two pillows, my husband's sweatshirt, a baby blanket and a toy alligator.

Inspired to Action

2007-10-24T07:14:00.000-05:00

It is up! Go check it out.... here!

~Kat has been working hard on her idea of this Inspired to Action site. It is going to be a really great thing, so I encourage everyone to check it often, and to get involved!

Some new commandments.

2007-10-21T21:36:00.000-05:00

I asked my son what he learned in sunday school today, he said, "The 10 commandments."
I asked, "what are some of the 10 commandments?"
He said, "Like, no lying, and no whining, stuff like that."

This week...

2007-10-20T07:12:00.001-05:00

~This week I am spending time focusing on getting articles written and edited for..... this new site created by Kat! This will be an amazing site, (which launches the 24th!) Be sure to check it out, and if you'd like the button in your sidebar, go to Kat's to get the code.

Multi tasking

2007-10-20T06:47:00.000-05:00

I am a major multi-tasker. It's almost a challenge for me, I begin the day with a to do list and fill up an entire sheet of binder paper and try to highlight each thing off by the end of the day. I love to do craft projects, and try to squeeze those things in amongst all my other "to do's." The problem is, that the more kids I have the more things pop up, un-planned through out the day. I get frustrated that my things aren't getting done, or that I am up late into the night, and I end up having a lot of unfinished projects.

Someone told me the other day that they needed to have five paintings done for a show in a week. When I asked how that was going, they said that they'd started three. It was obvious to me, for them, that they should've been focusing on one at a time, because one finished painting is better than three half done ones.

It also hit me the other day, that when God created the world He did one thing each day. He didn't create part of the ocean, and part of an animal, instead He focused each day to a specific creation, and then took a full day to rest.

I have been trying very hard recently to focus on one thing at a time, and if that is my child talking to me, then I will stop what I am doing and look them in the eye, and I will listen. I am trying to look at the interruptions throughout the day, as opportunities, and that they have a point. Whether it's a chance to teach my kids a lesson, or hear something I would normally ignore. My point is, that I am trying to be more aware of my priorities, that crossing off the to do list is not more important than listening to my kids, and also that I am pointedly having less on my to do list in order to focus on one thing at a time.

Our Pumpkin Family

2007-10-18T21:22:00.000-05:00

Asian Noodle Bowl

2007-10-17T21:01:00.000-05:00

• 2 cups diced cooked chicken
• 2 cups thinly sliced bok choy
• ½ cup thinly sliced green onions with tops
• 8 oz. mushrooms sliced
• ½ cup julienne cut carrots, 1 inch long
• 1 inch piece peeled fresh gingerroot, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves pressed
• 3 cups water
• 1 can (14 oz.) 100% fat free veg. broth
• 2 TBSP reduced sodium soy sauce
• 1 package oriental flavor ramen noodles

➢ Put mushrooms, carrots, gingerroot and garlic pressed in 4 qt. casserole. Add water, broth, soy sauce and seasoning packet from ramen noodles; bring to a boil over medium high heat. Add chicken bok choy onions and noodles. Cover; remove from heat. Let stand 3 minutes, serve immediately.

~Yield 8 servings.

Hope

2007-10-16T23:54:00.000-05:00

"Hope is the thing with feathers that perches in the soul - and sings the tunes without the words - and never stops at all."

~Emily Dickinson

Tiny Talk Tuesday

2007-10-16T07:03:00.000-05:00

This week I have been in and out of the house, my wonderful in laws are here spending a lot of time with the kids, so I don't have much content on what they've been saying this week! But I received an e mail of kids talking about church related topics, and some are so funny, so I thought I'd share....

~"A little boy was overheard praying:

"Lord, if you can't make me a better boy,

don't worry about it.

I'm having a real good time like I am."

~A Sunday school teacher asked her children as

theywere on the way to church service,

"And why is it necessary to be quiet in church?"

One bright little girl replied,

"Because people are sleeping."

~A mother was preparing pancakes for her sons,

Kevin 5, and Ryan 3.

The boys began to argue over who would get the

first pancake.

Their mother saw the opportunity for a moral
lesson.

"If Jesus were sitting here, He would say,

'Let my brother have the first pancake, I can
wait.'

Kevin turned to his younger brother and said,

"Ryan, you be Jesus!"

~For more tiny talk Tuesday visit Mary@notbefore7

Letting Go..

2007-10-15T07:04:00.000-05:00

~ It is a lot harder to let go of worry over situations, than it seems, especially when you care about someone, or the relationship, or the thing, or whatever it is that you are worrying about. I know that the bible says not to worry, or fear, to give our burdens to God, but at times letting go of that worry and fear is so difficult. I am starting to realize that God works through our inadequacies. He tells us not to worry, because He's there, but He would not have to tell us that if it were not our natural tendency.

I worry about my husband, being away, and being sick, but it encourages me to pray for him more. I worry about my son not listening, and being rebellious, so it causes me to focus more and find ways to help that. I worry about why people treat me a certain way, but it causes a healthy detachment, and the realization that God loves me, even if they don't. I think that God works through my natural draw to worry, but He is always there telling me, "you don't need to worry, everything is in my Hand." So inevitably, I end up giving Him my worries, literally saying, "Here it is God, the outcome is yours." and this enables me to move on in action and peace.

Safety Alerts

2007-10-13T07:16:00.000-05:00

~ There are so many re calls going on right now for toys, mostly affected with lead paint. I checked out the list and found a few that my baby had been chewing on and got rid of them. Check out Consumer Product Safety for the list of toys, and they advise always allowing your doctor to test the child for lead.

~Also in the news is the recall of Infant Cough and Cold Medicines which at least is coming out before cold season is underway!

~Anything else anyone has heard about lately??

Quick Spinach Manicotti

2007-10-11T07:00:00.000-05:00

INGREDIENTS

1 box (8 oz) uncooked manicotti shells (14 shells)
2 cups shredded Italian cheese blend (8 oz)
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1 container (15 oz) ricotta cheese
1 box (10 oz) frozen cut spinach, thawed, drained, squeezed dry
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1 egg, slightly beaten
1 jar (25.5 oz) pasta sauce (any flavor)

DIRECTIONS

1. Heat oven to 375°F. Cook manicotti as directed on box. Rinse with cool water; drain well.
2. In medium bowl, stir together 1 1/2 cups of the Italian cheese blend, the red pepper, ricotta cheese, spinach, garlic and egg.
3. In bottom of ungreased 13x9-inch (3-quart) glass baking dish, spread 1 cup of the pasta sauce. Spoon ricotta mixture into manicotti; place over sauce in dish. Pour remaining sauce over manicotti.
4. Cover tightly with foil; bake about 30 minutes or until sauce is bubbling. Uncover dish; sprinkle with remaining 1/2 cup Italian cheese blend. Bake uncovered 5 minutes longer or until cheese is melted.

High Altitude (3500-6500 ft): Increase first bake time to about 45 minutes.

(Recipe from Betty Crocker)

....

2007-10-10T07:11:00.000-05:00

"There is nothing either good or bad, but thinking makes it so."

~William Shakespeare

Tiny Talk Tuesday

2007-10-09T06:47:00.000-05:00

~I was sitting (in the car) waiting to turn, and my 5 year old says, "Why are you just sitting here?"
I said, "Because if I turn too soon, those cars will hit me."
My 2 year old, (who is so precious) said, "Mama those cars don't want to hit you!"
So I turned when I got the chance, and we made it safely to the other side, and my two year old says, "See, told ya!"

~My two year old showing me his band aid- "It's Scooby dooby doobby dooby do."

~My two year old went potty on the potty, and my 5 year old was very encouraging, saying, "wow you are like a big boy, like a 10 year old!" My two year old replied, "yeah, I am like a cat!" (no our cat does not go on the potty!)

~To read more Tiny Talkers visit Mary@notbefore7

The Ham Festival

2007-10-08T07:19:00.000-05:00

.... is what we did this weekend! It was not as traumatic as last year and we had a lot of fun. The kids went on a pony ride, bounced in bounce houses, rode a train, got ice cream... The picture is the boys watching the bees on the hive (?) while I was buying some fresh honey.

~Are the fall festivities beginning in your area?

More of His Spirit!

2007-10-07T14:01:00.000-05:00

~ I helped in Sunday school today, have been running errands and am washing sheets and things today for my in laws coming for a visit! (yay!) So I don't have time to write much today, but am linking to a short devotional type article, or whatever you'd call it. It's by Beth Moore and about needing the Holy Spirit filling us up. Read it Here...

An excerpt:
"God gives His Spirit without measure! He has all that you need. Or more properly stated, He is that all you need. Our fulfillment and greatest joy are in the flooding of the Holy Spirit of God in our lives. He is how we understand God’s Word and will for our lives!"

Kid's Art

2007-10-06T06:50:00.000-05:00

Of course I think my kids have a natural talent to be artistic, because everything they do I think is amazing! I started realizing how much I love kids' art in general and checked out this book that is a design book for kids, and the creations are by kids. I think I love how unhindered children are with their art and designs, they are not thinking about what someone else wants to see, they are creating from their own imaginations.

~My favorite thing that my sons have made was a painting they worked on together, and I just sat and watched their different styles. My oldest had large and quick brush strokes taking up most of the canvas while my two year old stuck to a corner and painted little circles and dots. The end result was a collision of many colors and two satisfied little boys.

~What is your favorite creation by your kids?

Living in Gratitude instead of desire...

2007-10-05T07:53:00.000-05:00

~To be honest, knowing that my husband is gone for a month and a half, combinbed with my hormones doing something crazy due to the fact that I have been pregnant or nursing since April 2004 and have recently weaned my baby, combined with issues in my family, combined with daily life..... make (for me) a hard time, and it very easy to focus on what is "lacking" in my life. I have a natural tendency to be a pessimist, and be negative, and I hate it.

My grandparents, who were some of the only christians in my family, were the most positive people. Toward the end of my grandfather's life, I became a christian, and we had that common bond. One day I asked him how he could be so happy when he was dying of Leukimia, and had recently lost my grandma. He told me that he told himself "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." throughout the day, and he said, "all things, what else is there?" Simple, but hard for me somehow. He said, it took him a lot of practice, but eventually, happiness and faith were his nature. He was given 6 months to live after being diagnosed with Leukimia, saying that it was all through his body. He lived for a year after that, golfed up until 2 weeks before he died, and up until the day before he died, not once swayed from his faith that Jesus would heal him. He'd leave the doctor, only really absorbing the positive news, never really even hearing all the negative things they were saying. I believe that positive outlook, allowed him to have a very full life, even while dying of cancer.

I read this article about teaching yourself to focus your attention on things that make you happy. "happiness is all about the allocation of attention. Getting more pleasure out of life, and increasing happiness can be done in many ways: By savoring sensory experiences (really feeling the warmth of the sun or tasting sweetness of a strawberry), becoming more engaged in what you do (being in the moment and blocking out thoughts/feelings that are not relative to that moment), and by finding ways of making your life feel more meaningful (volunteering, meditating, reaching out to those in need)."

~I am trying to teach myself to be happy, and to appreciate all the people in life that I have relationships with, whether here or far away, instead of focusing on all that is rocky, difficult and lacking. "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." and I will focus on "whatever is pure, lovely, true...." (Philippians 4:8)

Turkey Burgers

2007-10-04T06:37:00.000-05:00

(It still feels like the end of summer here...so I am not much in the mood for fall recipes yet...)

Turkey Burgers with grated zucchini and carrot
(good way to sneak in extra veggies!)

¾ lb. turkey
1 med. Zucchini, grated
1 medium carrot, grated
2 cloves garlic finely chopped
¾ tsp. dried thyme (or oregano)
¾ tsp. kosher salt
¼ tsp. black pepper
1 large egg
3 TSP olive oil

In a large bowl, combine the turkey, zucchini, carrot, garlic, thyme, salt, pepper, and egg. Form the mixture into 4 patties
~Can bar b que (or grill) them, bake in oven, or in stir fry pan.

The lives we live...

2007-10-03T07:00:00.000-05:00

"The doors we open and close each day decide the lives we live."
~Flora Whittemore

Tiny Talk Tuesday

2007-10-02T09:12:00.000-05:00

~My sweet Aiden reminded me as I was leaving their room one night, "mama you got for, (forgot) to pray for Bluey."

~"I'm not an itty bitt..." says my 5 year old to my two year old as they were talking in their room

My husband to Blue, "Where'd my drink go?"
Blue: "I drank it."
My husband: "Your a stealer!"
Blue: "I'm not a stealer, I'm a finder!"

Me to Blue: "Are we playing restaurant?"
Blue: "Yes, what do you want for dinner?" he asks, holding a pad of paper.
Me: "Are you the waiter?"
Blue: "No you guys are the waiters!"

(for more Tiny Talk visit Mary@notbefore7)

Yumm.

2007-10-01T07:00:00.000-05:00

~ I love M&M's, I have not found a kind that I don't like. I couldn't pass up trying out the new Raspberry M&M's when I saw them, and I have to say, they are most likely the best thing ever. They may just be my favorite, though the peppermint ones around the holidays are a close second, and the peanut ones....it's hard to pick a favorite!

~What is your favorite M&M flavor?

My vision is blurry.

2007-09-30T02:17:00.001-05:00

~ My son thinks I can see behind me, and underneath the table. Somehow I always know what he's doing, or how many fingers he's holding up. I'm not a super hero to him, I just eat lots of carrots so I can see through tables, and grow eyes in the back of my head, he says. I think it may be some motherly instinct, or maybe just chalk it down to the fact that I know my son, I am around him, and know what he's up to by certain sounds he's making, and as far as guessing how many fingers he's holding up, thats just luck, and he still thinks I'm great even when I do make a mistake.

~I am begining to wonder if that is similar to God's presence in my life. That the closer I am to him, the more I notice his presence around me, even when I can't clearly see him, or know what He's doing. I know He's there, and up to something, and the closer I am to him, the more likely I know what it is He's doing.

So often, I get caught up in the "where are you God," that I am failing to see that He's not gone anywhere, my vision and focus on him has just gotten blurry, and I haven't been around Him to know Him well enough to recognize that He's near, or up to something. I once heard a speaker say, "He never lets go." and I got this mental picture of God holding my wrist, not my hand. I envisioned it that way, because it hit me, that it was my choice to hold him back, and at times I let my hand drop, or don't have the strength to hold on, but He's got me, by the wrist, and He's not letting go, even when I can't see Him clearly, or hear Him clearly, or know what He is doing. He is always there, and always holding on.

Worldwide day of Play!

2007-09-29T07:33:00.000-05:00

Today is worldwide day of play, promoting active healthy life styles for your kids. We are glad it's a nice day out today, because my kids want to play outside, go to the park, play board games.... who knows what else the day will bring us!

~What will you do for the day of play?

(HT: apartment therapy)

The Family Car

2007-09-29T07:07:00.000-05:00

~If you don't have kids, and would like to see what one part of your life would look like if you did, just lift up the seats of your car, take a bag of pretzels and throw them all over the place, followed by some cheerios and those "yogo" fruit snacks, (if you don't use those, make sure to get ones that melt when they get hot) and sprinkle with a little apple juice, (for that musty smell) and a little milk, (for that, "there's gotta be a poopy diaper in here," smell) Next, make sure you walk across the mess, and really grind it into the carpet, and leave for a month or so to get the full effect!

~Every car we get, we say "we aren't going to eat in this one, and we'll pick up every time we get out of it..." Inevitably life speeds up, and priorities shift away from the car, and we eat in it, and forget to pick up, and forget to vacuum, and it gets really nasty. As long as it's running good, and keeping us safe, who really cares? You can get really strong air fresheners to cover that smell, and if not, you get used to it after awhile.

Zucchini Patties

2007-09-27T06:57:00.000-05:00

INGREDIENTS
2 cups grated zucchini
2 eggs, beaten
1/4 cup chopped onion
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
salt to taste
2 tablespoons vegetable oil

DIRECTIONS
In a medium bowl, combine the zucchini, eggs, onion, flour, Parmesan cheese, mozzarella cheese, and salt. Stir well enough to distribute ingredients evenly.
Heat a small amount of oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Drop zucchini mixture by heaping tablespoonfuls, and cook for a few minutes on each side until golden.

~Serve with marinara for dipping.

(All Recipes)

Anthony Robbins

2007-09-26T10:17:00.000-05:00

"The only limit to your impact is your imagination and commitment."
~Anthony Robbins

Tiny Talk Tuesday

2007-09-25T06:38:00.000-05:00

~This week, my 5 year old has been the inventor and costume wearer, and back to his obsession with Tennessee Vols athletic uniforms. (which are a very offensive orange color) He invented a drink that when you drink it, you don't have to brush your teeth ever again, OR if you break your leg, it will heal it. It is called, "Waffle-ade-ee." (I think I pronounced that right)

~My 5 year old had a short stomach virus this weekend, and my two year old said enthusiastically, while hearing him in the bathroom, "Bluey puked up!"

I also overheard him arguing with a friend outside, and when I approached closer this is what I heard.
~ the friend-"The world is mine."
~Blue saying passionately, "Na Uhh- the world is yours, mine and Gods."
(and they continued to go back and forth, I decided to let them work that one out)

~ A neighbor girl was outside, and said to me, "Miss Kristin, watch what I can do," and she broke a crayon in half. I said, "wow..." and she replied "I don't even take Karate."

... I love how confident kids are of themselves, their inventions, and abilities.

(this one is into everything!!!)

...For more Tiny Talk Tuesday, visit Mary@not before7...

Changing things up...

2007-09-24T20:10:00.000-05:00

~ I did this schedule on my blog, to record (and share) the things that I had set out to learn more about. Some of you shared what you wanted to learn more about along with me, and going green was one of them. There is plenty more to learn about besides what I have posted on, but I am going to stop posting on this as regularly, primarily because Mondays are very busy days for me!

~So if you are still wanting to learn more, there is plenty of information out there, and I'll post new ideas I have found from time to time, and you can also keep an eye on my sidebar "Green Guide" and click on an article that interests you.

(Check out the article on Bagged Lettuce Recall).... in other news... I made a salad for my neighbors, out of organic bagged lettuce, and they found a worm on the leaf! Brody said, "Well at least you knew for sure that it was organic." I am just glad it was a worm, and not the ecoli virus!

From Psalm 112

2007-09-22T07:25:00.000-05:00

"Praise the LORD.
Blessed is the man who fears the LORD,
who finds great delight in his commands.
His children will be mighty in the land;
the generation of the upright will be blessed."

~Psalm 112:1-2

My movie review.

2007-09-20T21:01:00.000-05:00

~ I went out to a movie the other night with a friend I had not seen in awhile. So after we caught up over some coke's at a nearby restaurant, we headed to see The Brave One. She's got three teenage daughters, so she sees her share of the girly movies, and I have three little one's so I don't get out much, and love to go see any movies. When I asked her what she wanted to see, she said, "Let's go see Jodi Foster kick some butt." That she does in this movie. The story and the movie are very well done. Jodi Foster and Terrence Howard, do really good jobs acting. It keeps you on the edge of your seat, and makes you want to yell out a lot of the time, "what are you doing?" It is sad, and a tad bit scary. (I didn't want to go to the bathroom by myself during the movie, because I was jumpy, and we were glad to have each other to walk with to the car) Because of the scary parts, it made me want to tell Seth and Amber to not go out at night, or walk through park tunnels, or chase after their dog. (if they have one)

So if you like action/ drama, and not particularly happy endings, then you'd like this movie. The actors do a really good job.

~Have you seen this, or any good movies lately?

Greek Chicken

2007-09-20T06:38:00.000-05:00

~Ingredients:
Serves 4
1 pint cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
1/3 cup pitted Kalamata olives
4 ounces feta cheese, coarsely crumbled (1 cup)
1/2 cup fresh mint leaves
2 to 3 tablespoons olive oil
Coarse salt and ground pepper
1 1/2 pounds thin chicken cutlets (about 8)

~Directions:
In a medium bowl, combine tomatoes, olives, feta, mint, and 1 tablespoon oil. Season with salt and pepper; set aside.
Heat a grill pan over high; brush lightly with oil. Season cutlets with salt and pepper. Cook, working in batches as necessary, until chicken is cooked through, 1 to 2 minutes per side. Transfer to a plate, and cover with aluminum foil to keep warm. Top chicken with tomato mixture, and serve.

(from FOOD magazine)

Words and Actions

2007-09-19T16:24:00.000-05:00

"The Christian commitment is not an abstraction. It is a concrete, visible, courageous, and formidable way of being in the world, forged by daily choices consistent with the truth......... the one who talks, especially if he talks to God, can affect a great deal, but the one who acts really means business and has more claims on our attention."
~ Brennan Manning.

Tiny Talk Tuesday

2007-09-18T07:00:00.000-05:00

~ The day where I'll tell you about the cute and funny things my kids are saying!

~Today my 4 year old was poking his head out of our sun roof of our car, while we were sitting in the parking lot, yelling at anyone who walked by, " You wanna come in our car?"
~While picking the tomatoes from our deck, he tells me, "I don't like grape potatoes."

~My 2 year old, has been saying, " you got for, something." (meaning you forgot, something) and " cheese-la-weezy" (for jeeze la weeze)

~My baby has not begun to talk yet, except for the indiscriminate "mamma mamma" he says. But he does like to yell, "baa baa, yaaa, yaaa," every time we sit down to eat.

*For more Tiny talk tuesday, check out these

Fun ways to recycle your...

2007-09-17T06:56:00.000-05:00

... stained, or worn out baby blankets....Transform them into cute dusting rags! ( With the fleece ones, there's no need to sew, just cut up into smaller squares and snip the edges to make fringe.)

....old jeans, and t shirts....Can become a cute bag!

.... turn old pillow case and plastic shopping bags....
.....into a dog bed or cushions for the kids! (just fill a pillow case with the plastic bags, and sew shut.)

...audio cassete tapes....
into a wearable dress, that you can actually play!
(totally weird, but you have to read about this or watch a video on how to make one!)

~There's some fun things you can make from your old crap, if you use a little creativity!

Excerpt..

2007-09-16T07:14:00.000-05:00

"LIfe can sometimes make us feel like we're in over our heads, but the reality is that, without God, we're always in over our heads. For example, a little three year old girl felt secure in her father's arms as Dad stood in the middle of a swimming pool. But Dad, for fun, began walking slowly toward the deep end, as the water rose higher and higher on the child. The girl's face registered increasing degrees of panic, as she held all the more tightly to her father, who, of course easily touched the bottom. Had the little girl been able to analyze her situation, she'd have realized there was no reason for her increasing fear. The water's depth in ANY part of the pool was over her head. For her, safety anywhere in that pool depended on Dad.
At various points in our lives, all of us feel we're getting 'out of our depth,' or 'in over our heads.' There are problems all around....and our temptation is to panic, because we feel we've lost control. But think about it- just like the child in the pool, the truth is we've never been in control when it comes to life's most crucial elements." ~Joyce Meyer

~ The part of this that hit me, was the realization that the girl would've been in over her head at any part of the pool, that she needed her Dad to be holding her up even in the shallower waters. At times when life seems more peaceful, it seems easy to forget that God is there still holding my head above the waters, they just aren't as dark and tumultuous, so I don't notice my needs as greatly, or cling as tightly. The irony is that my need is just as great, and it is never myself that I can be depending on.

Still not in yet!

2007-09-15T22:17:00.000-05:00

... My poor baby boy is still cutting his bottom tooth and two top teeth. It's been about two weeks that he's been working on them, and they still aren't in even though you can see them right below his skin. It seems like every other day is hard for him. He's got about every teething symptom that there is, probably because he's getting all three at once. For my other boys, teething didn't last this long, or seem this hard on them, so it's new for me. We have been chilling his pacifiers, bottles, and teething rings in the fridge, letting him chew on frozen fruit and ice, and giving him tylenol. I don't know what more to do, except pray that they come in quicker!

Revelations at the Hair dresser.

2007-09-14T21:01:00.000-05:00

~I go to a hair dresser, who I love to go see. Not because she's amazing at doing hair, in fact she's the very one who Screwed up my husband's hair. I like to go see her, because going to see her, is like going to see an old friend, and frankly I don't care too much about having my hair just right. I walk into the basement of her southern home, and this Puerto Rican woman, with big hair and an equally big personality, greets me with a hug, and a genuine, "How are you?" She wants to know, because she's going to pray as she's washing my hair.

Today we talked about how grown ups need to act more like kids every once in awhile, slow things down to their pace, noticing the ants on the sidewalk, and laughing at the spilt water. To not plan too far ahead, because "today has enough troubles of it's own," and to enjoy little things, like the way our babies hands look now, because they'll not look that way again.

She finished up my hair, and after a long hug, I walked out with hair a little shorter than I wanted, and poofed to the sky, but with a smile on my face, and inspiration to enjoy and live within the moments of the day.

Fruit Salsa with Cinnamon Tortilla chips

2007-09-13T06:54:00.000-05:00

INGREDIENTS
1 apple - peeled, cored and diced
1 cup sliced fresh strawberries
2 kiwis, peeled and sliced
2 bananas, peeled and sliced
1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
2 tablespoons sugar
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 cup oil for frying
6 (10 inch) flour tortillas
3 tablespoons white sugar
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

DIRECTIONS
In a medium bowl, mix together Fuji apple, strawberries, kiwis, bananas, lime juice, white sugar, cinnamon and nutmeg. Cover and chill in the refrigerator approximately 20 minutes.
Heat oil in a medium heavy saucepan to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
Slice flour tortillas into triangles. Carefully place tortilla triangles into the hot oil and fry until golden brown, 2 to 4 minutes. Drain on paper towels.
Place white sugar and cinnamon in a large ziplock plastic bag. Drop fried tortilla triangles into the bag and shake to coat.
Serve the cinnamon chips warm with the chilled fruit salsa.

~Recipe from All Recipes

Damien Rice

2007-09-11T22:00:00.000-05:00

"Music washes away from the soul, the dust of everyday life."

— Berthold Auerbach

~ Brody and I don't go out much, we wait and save for something that we really want to do. When we saw that Damien Rice was coming to town, we decided we had to go. So, we get to go on a date, get out of the house for awhile, and listen to some music that we love.

101 ways to go green

2007-09-10T07:14:00.000-05:00

101 Ways To Live More Ecologically,may be you find something that applies to you

(I don't do all of these, but thought this was a good list!)

1. Avoid disposable in favor of reusable
items.
2. Avoid drying rags in a clothes dryer.
3. Avoid power appliances when hand power works.
4. Avoid highly processed foods.
5. Avoid using styro foam—it can't be recycled.
6. Avoid watering driveways and sidewalks.
7. Be responsible and creative with leftover foods.
8. Buy in bulk goods to reduce wasted packaging.
9. Buy energy efficient electric appliances.
10. Buy foods without additives.
11. Buy foods without preservatives.
12. Buy food and goods from sources you trust
13. Buy large quantities to reduce shopping trips.
14. Buy living Christmas trees.
15. Buy locally grown food and produce.
16. Buy organic, pesticide-free foods.
17. Compost your food scraps.
18. Discover and protect watersheds in your area,
19. Don't burn trash or other smoky materials.
20. Drain cooking grease onto paper bags, not paper towels.
21. Drive a fuel-efficient car.
22. Drive less: walk, bicycle, carpool and use public transportation.
23. Eat foods low on the food chain; avoid meat.
24. Eat more natural, nutritious foods.
25. Educate elected representatives on ecology.
26. Exercise regularly.
27. Explore and learn about your bioregion.
28. Grow your own food, even a small amount.
29. Hang dry some or all of your clothes.
30. Heat your home less and wear warmer clothes.
31. Heat your home more with renewable energies.
32. Hold a potluck dinner to discuss local ecology.
33. If you use a dishwasher, turn off the drying cycle.
34. Install a water-conserving device in your toilets.
35. Install a water-conserving shower head.
36. Insulate your home to maximum efficiency.
37. Invest for social responsibility as well as profit.
38. Invest in solar power, where practical.
39. Invest in well-made, long-lived clothing.
40. Keep hazardous chemicals in safe containers.
41. Keep appliance motors well adjusted for efficiency.
42. Mend and repair rather than discard and replace.
43. Oppose meddling in ecological balance.
44. Oppose private development of special areas.
45. Oppose roadside use of defoliants.
46. Organize or join a neighborhood toy exchange.
47. Pick up litter along streets and highways.
48. Plant native trees and shrubs around your home.
49. Plant trees throughout your community.
50. Plant your living Christmas tree.
51. Practice preventive health care.
52. Practice responsible family planning.
53. Prepare only as much food as will be eaten.
54. Protect your favorite distinctive natural areas.
55. Purchase goods in reusable/recyclable containers.
56. Put a catalytic converter on your wood stove.
57. Put toxic substances out of reach of children.
58. Recycle aluminum.
59. Recycle glass.
60. Recycle newspaper.
61. Recycle old clothes.
62. Recycle plastic.
63. Recycle used motor oil.
64. Recycle your unneeded items.
65. Re-use paper bags.
66. Re-use plastic bags for storage and waste.
67. Save up for full loads in clothes washers.
68. Save up for full loads in dishwasher.
69. Shop by phone, then go pick up your purchases.
70. Speak out about your values in community groups.
71. Support efficient energy sources in your bioregion.
72. Support elected representatives on ecological issues.
73. Support energy conservation in your bio region.

74. Support global ecological improvement efforts.
75. Support local credit unions.
76. Support local merchants before large chains.
77. Support neighborhood food cooperatives.
78. Support proper waste water and sewage treatment.
79. Support the cultural diversity in your bioregion.
80. Support the plants and animals in your community.
81. Take shorter showers.
82. Teach your children ecological wisdom.
83. Turn down the thermostat on your water heater.
84. Turn off the lights when not needed.
85. Turn off the water while you brush your teeth.
86. Use biodegradable soaps and detergents.
87. Use cloth diapers.
88. Use cloth table napkins.
89. Use less tapwater whenever possible.
90. Use non-toxic pest control.
91. Use only medications you trust/understand.
92. Use rags or towels instead of paper.
93. Use rechargeable batteries.
94. Use the second side of paper for scratch paper.
95. Use water from cooking vegetables to make soup.
96. Volunteer for work in a community garden.
97. Volunteer to maintain local parks and wilderness.
98. Wash clothes in cold water.
99. Wash dishes in still, not running water.
100. Weather-seal your home.
101. Work to unlearn poor ecological habits

Tapped out...

2007-09-09T20:24:00.000-05:00

~ I am having one of those weeks where I am not having many deep thoughts, and don't feel as though I am learning much spiritually, or maybe not listening well. I have, however been continuing my commitment with the 21 days to change, and getting up early to pray, and read. So if any of you have any specific prayer requests, I am praying every day, and will add you to my list! (and it would help my motivation!)

Stinker

2007-09-07T21:30:00.000-05:00

~This guy, is my sunshine. I am not a morning person, but when I pick this one out of his crib, and he starts dancing to my good morning song, I can't help but be instantly in a good mood.

He's had one tooth for about a month, just a cute little one on the bottom, but now three more are trying to poke their way through all at once, and he's not so happy in the middle of the night.

... The other night, when we were all sick, this little one spent nearly two hours straight, crying inconsolably. Finally, I woke up my husband to tell him that I couldn't get the baby to stop crying, and when Brody sat up and said "hi" to him, my baby stopped mid scream, looked over and smiled, and then started waving.

... "Stinker!".... was all i could say, handed him over and got back into bed.

Allowance

2007-09-07T21:03:00.000-05:00

~I started thinking about the possibility of giving my son some sort of allowance now that he's 5. I couldn't figure out how to do it, because I didn't want to tie it to his chores because I feel he needs to just grow up knowing he needs to do those things as apart of the household.

So we talked about saving, giving and spending, and what an allowance is. At the end of the conversation, that took a few "rabbit trails," he informed me that he was going to save his money until he was twenty so he could buy a plane, and then asked if he could have 500 dollars.

I am not sure that my "lesson" went as well as I'd hoped.

~Do you give your kids allowance?