Turning 40

Tomorrow will mark this milestone in my life. It's sure to be a fun celebration as the whole world celebrates with me. ;) I'm looking forward to seeing how I change in this next year. My kids keep me young; my life is still in constant change and static crisis mode; I think I'm perimenopausal now... the list of interesting things about my life keeps growing.

My Face Book fast has continued. There have been several times when I tried to come back and I just couldn't. I am not sure what to do about it as I do miss my connections there. I just don't miss all of them and it becomes very awkward to de-friend some and not offend them while I keep their connections... it just lends to paranoia on my part and is just easier to stay away. Perhaps I just need to create a secret personality and remain friends with those who I want to be friends with. If you're reading this, chances are that's you. ;)

So... I'll think some more about this and let you all know what I come up with.

Happy New Year! All the best to all of you in 2012!

Mermaid Soup

Mermaid Soup... this one took Kevin and I a few minutes to figure out.... Isabella asked for 'Mermaid Soup' and now that's what both girls call mushroom soup. Isn't that cute? :)

In the face of criticism...

“It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood, who strives valiantly; who errs and comes short again and again; because there is not effort without error and shortcomings; but who does actually strive to do the deed; who knows the great enthusiasm, the great devotion, who spends himself in a worthy cause, who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement and who at the worst, if he fails, at least he fails while daring greatly. So that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who know neither victory nor defeat.” - THEODORE ROOSEVELT

Thanks Erin! :) I need to keep reminding myself of the 'mud puddles' lesson!

I have tried to comment several times in the comments section of my mud puddle post; but something isn't working right. ugh. I am so not good with change.

In new news, we are going to be staying put in our home for now and hopefully I'll be able to include a wonderful update soon. For now, all prayer is most welcome. :)

My favorite things today: the giggles of my kids; C. helping to look after his sisters and remembering how he did B.'s hair for church yesterday (putting every single hair clip and doo-dad into it and then spraying it with his 'Monkey Farts' room mist... it was a sight to behold and smell! lol!) (and I was running late for church and didn't stop and take a picture before taking everything out! I wish I would have!); the blue jays that seem to be everywhere right now; Brinkley (our puppy we got at the end of August) and how he has added fun and laughter and life to our family; cuddles and hugs with A.; chili cookoff with friends for supper and how we decided that if we just mixed our two chilis together - we'd have the perfect tasting chili - so that's what we did; spending time reading with my husband and dreaming about the future together... these are just a few of my favorite things today.

Kid-ism's from today

Tonight while giving the girls a bath, B. asked me, "Can we have a 'Let's Be Naked Day'?"

Me: ???(stunned) "Nope!"

~~~
Tonight while cutting C.'s hair:
Me:"This is going to be sooo good that Daddy..."
Caleb: "...is going to say, "I should go on dates with Mom more!"

~~~
I just love the funny things that my kids are saying these days. I can't remember them all and I need to just go run and write them down as soon as they happen.

It's a beautiful Autumn here and I'm enjoying the deep blue skies, leaves turning colours, and the gradual change that happens in our area when the lake is getting ready for winter. It's quiet and everything slows down.

I can hardly wait for the first snowfall!

Life Lessons: Stay away from the mud puddles!

Lately, Caleb (9 yrs), has been having many difficult moments with a negative attitude. We have tried sending him to his room for quiet time. We've tried talking with him about having a good attitude; about choosing to have a good attitude. We've tried teasing/joking with him to try and pull him out of it. Nothing seems to have stuck with him.

Then today, I got a word picture in my head about it all...

"Caleb, what would happen if you saw a mud puddle? Let's say that you're walking along and all of a sudden, a huge muddy puddle was in front of you. What would happen if you walked into it?"

"I'd get muddy."

"Yes! And then you'd track mud all over the place until all of the mud had come off of you." (He smiled.) "What would happen if you walked around it?"

"I'd stay clean."

"Yes, you would!
Caleb, when we have a negative attitude about things, it's just like walking into a mud puddle. We get stuck and yucky, and we track that bad attitude all around with us until we run out of 'mud'."

(here I joked with him)" And I just cleaned up my floors and I don't want any mud getting tracked in here!" (He laughed.)

"So son, what are you going to choose to do? Are you going to walk into the mud puddle or around it?"

"Around it."

"Good choice, Caleb. Good choice."

How often we need to remind ourselves that we can choose to walk around those negative attitudes rather than drudging through them. We cannot keep bad things from happening in our lives, but we can choose how we will respond to them. Will we sulk and pout or accept and be thankful? I know that there have been times of extreme loss and grief in my life; and I'm not talking about 'put on a happy face' during those types of circumstances. I'm referring to the 'broken nails of life'; those things that irk you, but aren't issues of life and death.

Let's put these 'broken nails' into perspective the next time that we are tempted to throw a pity party for ourselves over trivial things. Let's choose to stay away from the mud puddles and keep our floors (and hearts) clean.


Psalm 40:2

He lifted me out of the slimy pit,
out of the mud and mire;
he set my feet on a rock
and gave me a firm place to stand.


Proverbs 23:15-19,22-26

My son, if your heart is wise,
then my heart will be glad;
my inmost being will rejoice
when your lips speak what is right.

Do not let your heart envy sinners,
but always be zealous for the fear of the LORD.
There is surely a future hope for you,
and your hope will not be cut off.

Listen, my son, and be wise,
and keep your heart on the right path.
Listen to your father, who gave you life,
and do not despise your mother when she is old.
Buy the truth and do not sell it;
get wisdom, discipline and understanding.
The father of a righteous man has great joy;
he who has a wise son delights in him.
May your father and mother be glad;
may she who gave you birth rejoice!

My son, give me your heart
and let your eyes keep to my ways...

The beauty of leaves changing colour; crisp mornings; walking our new puppy 'Brinkley' (who is 9 weeks old, we just got him about a week and a half ago) (named for Tom Hanks' character's dog in 'You've Got Mail'; which is similar to how Kevin and I met); talking with my 9 year old son (it doesn't seem possible that he's growing up as fast as he is!); hugs and kisses from my two beautiful fairy princess-daughters; teaching my children; celebrating 10 years of a wonderful marriage with my fabulous husband (who amazes me with the depth of his unconditional love for me); blooming flowers; bright blue skies; the lapping of water against the shore of the lake; making birthday plans for the upcoming birthdays; thinking ahead to Christmas (I still have 'Let it Snow, let it snow, let it snow', sung by Frank Sinatra as my cell phone ringtone and it's not going to change anytime soon. I LOVE that song! although I get interesting reactions from others when it goes off, ha!)... these are a few of my favorite things from this summer and early autumn!

sunny, blue skies; watching my children splash and jump on the trampoline with a sprinkler underneath (they had such giggles and smiles); reading a good book; Celestial Seasonings Madagascar Vanilla Roiboos Tea with sugar and cream; wearing sandals again; hugs and kisses from my husband; listening to my husband tell our children our story of how he proposed to me (almost 11 years ago now)(they were enthralled); my son saying how excited he is for his birthday (he's counting down daily); my friend Jenny's dill dip recipe with fresh veggies; my cell phone ring (Frank Sinatra singing 'Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow' HA! The looks I get now when my phone rings are hilarious! I'm not going to change it any time soon. ;) ).... these are a few of my favorite things today!

sunshine in a bright, blue sky; the strong breeze that kept the mosquitos at bay while I took the kids out for my walk and to play at the playground; the way A. talks in her precious baby-ish way (one of her funny phrases is saying 'Puppy-Duke' when she wants to watch the 'Marmaduke' movie); eating supper outside on the deck; finding out that I've lost 10.6 lbs since I started my 'healthy choices' lifestyle; watching the trees sway in the powerful wind tonight; seeing the birds soar high in the sky as the thunderstorm rolled in; teasing my husband.... these are a few of my favorite things today.

Somehow June has sprung into existence... somewhere between the swirling snow and rainstorms, my daisies and lilies and green garden fillers have been resurrected. The first deep pink rosebud is saucily getting ready to unfurl her petals and flirt with the honeybees. June... the month that I always wanted to be married in but for practical reasons did not. June... the month evokes childhood memories of sweetness, friendships, and almost being done the school year. I love June. It is the month that my firstborn was born in. Beautiful memories of June hide and peek out like the sun and shadows that play tag across my green lawn.

These are a few of my favorite things about June. I'd love to hear yours. :)

pale, silvery green tree buds, birds flitting about the branches, sunshine streaming in my windows, watching my girls play dress-up (one is Spider-Man, the other is a Ballerina), my son's grin, my husband vacuuming and helping clean the kitchen, my new magenta hoodie-shirt, the blooming geraniums that remind me of my Grandma Y's farmhouse, evergreens waving in the wind, the ice crashing in waves (earlier this week) which sounded like the wind blowing through a thousand trees right outside my window, the scent of my wedding dress as I placed so many of my beautiful dresses from high school into my steamer trunk with it, reminiscing about the times I wore each of those dresses and who I was with.... these are few of my favorite things today.

(but as an aside, I am definitely happier now than I was then!) :)

...the way you look tonight...

A week without my husband at home is just one week too long. So in my loneliness tonight, I'll just make a list of my favorite things about my wonderful husband...

the way his eyes crinkle when he smiles; when he twists his wedding band while he preaches; when he vacuums and mops the floors before we have company; when he plays tickle with our children; his hugs and kisses; when he whispers sweet somethings into my ear; laughing with him; dancing with him in our living room before/during/after supper while our children watch us from the dining room; he still opens doors for me; his prayers; his gentleness; his brokenness which keeps his heart tender and humble; his fabulous biceps; how he makes our bed up nearly every morning while I'm in the shower; he can cook a meal and makes better tortillas than me; how he usually folds and puts away the laundry mountains; he never, ever complains when I'm running late and he's got the kids buckled up waiting for me in the vehicle but instead, before driving, he looks at me, smiles, and says, "You look beautiful, my sweet princess." ... these are but a very few of my favorite things about my husband tonight.

green moss growing on tree trunks; the sound of water trickeling as it makes it way to the lake, bird song, the wind rushing through the thick branches of the old fir trees; my children's smiles; my husband's hugs; the helping hands of a friend; ... these are a few of my favorite things today.

poor neglected blog

have you missed me? :) I've been enjoying the beautiful sunshine lately and also enjoying the last snowstorms of the Spring... my husband told me that he wants to pack our winter gear up and I told him to wait until the middle of May at least. ;) I'm thinking that we're not quite done with winter yet... perhaps I'll be wrong. I'm sure that there are a few who live close by who hope that I am!

I've been walking lots since February and it's finally paying off. I'm enjoying getting out and though my body is so terribly out of shape that I have kinks and cramps and cracks and gimps, I'm still carrying on.

My favorite things today: song birds and winter birds and returning birds like geese soaring in the wind or chattering wildly in the trees; seeing the tips of trees change colour in preparation for budding leaves; sunshine; melting snow that trickles down the ditches in little waterfalls that bubble and gurgle their way to the lake; running shoes; clean water to drink and wash with; buying crackers for a really good price; singing a lullabye to A. and having her want to be held in my arms just like when she was a baby and we rocked and swayed with her yet-chubby arms holding and hugging me; watching my children play together so well; holding hands with my husband with his purr-fect scruffy-clean look that I find attractive; thinking about my mother's visit this next week and what meals to make and how to celebrate her (much belated) birthday while she's here...

walking in the sunshine; melting snow; setting up the patio set and eating lunch outside in a t-shirt (still with snow piled up all around!); watching my kids play so well together; cuddles with A.; C. coming to sit on my lap still; B. getting all 'boo-tiful' and 'pwetty' in her dress-up clothes; my husband making supper; my meeting with other pw's; friends... these are a few of my favorite things today.

melting snow, throwing snowballs at my husband and son, our church family, berries, the warmth of the fire, high fibre cereal that actually tastes good (Kashi), tea with cream and honey or sugar, doing my daughters hair for church, my new pink eyeshadow (takes me back to high school), private jokes with my husband, cuddles and kisses with my girls and son, God's Word ... these are a few of my favorite things today.

fog that is swept away into sunshine; having friends stay overnight and trying to pack so much into a small visit-space; 50%WW waffles with homemade yogurt and mixed berries; homemade turkey veggie soup that reminds me of my Aunt Colleen and Uncle Bruce's soup - and my Grandma Y's soup (is there anything more comforting for lunch than homemade soup??); 1-1 time with my youngest daughter; singing; having a clean kitchen; the ice that drips into stiff thickened fingers from my white icing roof as Spring laughs and teases Old Man Winter... these are a few of my favorite things today.

An Encouraging Article entitled, "Finding the Esther in You" ...

http://www.incourage.me/2011/03/finding-the-esther-in-you.html#comment-78273

A good reminder for me to remember that 'I am the woman for the job'. My family and I are anticipating some big changes in this next year. It is encouraging to read articles like this one; God has a plan and a purpose for my family and I. I can trust Him and be at peace. :)

My Favorite Things Today: reading by the fire, going for a brisk walk in snowflake-swirling weather, schooling my children, folding clean laundry with that freshly washed scent, hugs and kisses, giggling, A. choosing to potty-train on her own initiative, homemade tortillas, friends ...

Blessing of the Hands

Blessing of the Hands
by Rev. Daniel L. Harris

These are the hands of your best friend, young and strong and full of love for you, that are holding yours on your wedding day, as you promise to love each other today, tomorrow, and forever. These are the hands that will work alongside yours, as together you build your future. These are the hands that will passionately love you and cherish you through the years, and with the slightest touch, will comfort you like no other. These are the hands that will hold you when fear or grief fills your mind. These are the hands that will countless times wipe the tears from your eyes; tears of sorrow, and as in today, tears of joy. These are the hands that will tenderly hold your children, the hands that will help you to hold your family as one. These are the hands that will give you strength when you need it. And lastly, these are the hands that even when wrinkled and aged, will still be reaching for yours, still giving you the same unspoken tenderness with just a touch.

gathering with other women who have pastor-husbands too and sharing our hearts; going for a drive with my family and seeing the changes in our community; vanilla ice cream with angel food cake and strawberries; laundry soap in fun fragrances - especially the 'lavender vanilla' that matches my liquid fabric softener perfectly; starting a 'Spring Clean Contest' with the kids for fun and to help with teaching responsibility... these are a few of my favorite things today.

snow melting and water dripping off of the roof; having a fireplace that heats our home so well that the furnace isn't needed today; cuddles with my kids; kisses from my husband; seeing and hearing the return of birds; thinking about changes.... these are a few of my favorite things today.

mini-yellow daffodils from my husband; Gala apples; melting snow; birds chirping; squirrels out and about; a beautiful golden sunset; warmer weather; the helpfulness of my children; the colour gray in a nice, warm shirt; hugs and kisses with my family .... these are a few of my favorite things today.

An idea for using up leftover pasta meat sauce

Preheat oven to 350. Make Mac'n'Cheese according to package. Beat 2 eggs and stir into Mac'n'Cheese. Get a greased casserole dish or round pan for pizza. Put Mac'n'Cheese/egg mixture into greased dish/pan and bake for 10 mins.

Top with pasta meat sauce, put grated mozzarella over that, opt. put grated parmesian cheese on top. Bake additional 10-15 or so mins.

Slice into wedges like pizza and serve.

~~~ This is what the silent chewing with enjoyment comment was about yesterday. :) My 2 year old daughter had 4ths! :D

the crisp, crunch of snow beneath my feet on my morning walk; sunshine that makes the wind seem a little less biting; the smell of birch burning in the fireplace; dancing and singing with my children; Advil gel caps; new recipes that render everyone silent with enjoyment as they chew and swallow; warm clothes; almost-done laundry; making plans with friends to come visit this week; ... these are a few of my favorite things today.

peace and quiet; rambunctious running; tickles; cuddles; firewood stacked up outside the front door for easier access in a storm; how my husband cares for me in so many different ways; singing at the dining room table; dancing; the scent of clean laundry; tea; sleep ... these are a few of my favorite things today.

"Berry" means "Fairy"

It is so cute how my 4 year old says 'Berry-Bella' and "Berry-Mommy"... when actually she means to say "Fairy-Bella" and "Fairy-Mommy". I just figured it out this week when she wanted to dress up as a "berry" with her "berry-wings" and her "Berry-wand" and her "berry-crown" and her "berry-skirt" with the "berries all over it". :)

She's the cutest 'Berry' fairy that I know!

getting my blood drawn (not my fav. - after you've been pregnant 4 times, it gets old fast!) BUT my lab tech is AWESOME at it and I hardly feel a thing (!!!); the still, peaceful quiet of my village; having my kids all welcome me home when I got back (celebration!); massage from my husband; knowing that our firewood will be here before dark! (yay!!); looking forward to a cozy evening in front of the fire; homemade cinnamon buns; playing games; Family Fun Fridays with pizza for supper (our tradition!); making up a blues song about my 8 year old son on the spot at the lunch table and having my 4 year old daughter start doing 'air harmonica' with me (HA-HA-hilarious!!!); listening to my girls sing their rendition of 'Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star' at the top of their lungs complete with actions... these are a few of my favorite things today!

not freezing completely on my walk in -23 C windchill and beyond weather; sunshine and birds chirping on said walk; a good doctor who takes his time (they don't make them like that anymore!!); kids who are mostly healthy; hugs and kisses and "I luv you"'s and sweet little chubby arms that wrap around my neck so tight; a bubble bath; friends; my husband's kisses and his making both lunch and supper meals .... these are a few of my favorite things today.

March: Celebrating being Irish and welcoming Spring with Rainbow Cookies!

Today, one of my favorite things was making and eating rainbow cookies! The kids had a great time making them too. Maybe we'll make them again and get the colours right next time!

Rainbow Cookies Recipe

1 c sugar
1 c butter/margerine, softened
2 c flour
1 tsp vanilla
1 egg
Food colouring (at least the primary colours, so that you can make the other colours - you'll want to have 6, with one of them being red)

Directions:
1. Mix sugar, butter, egg and vanilla. (I like to cream my butter and sugar first; then add the egg and vanilla.) Add flour and mix well.
2. Divide the dough into 6 balls.
3. Add a different food colour to each ball and mix well.
4. Roll into 'snake shape'; form arch; layer up until rainbow is formed.

Bake at 350 for 8-15 mins. Enjoy your taste of the rainbow!

Sheri's Salmon Rolls

2 x 213 g Canned Pink Salmon; drained, skin and bones removed
2/3 c (or a little more) finely chopped celery
1/3 c (or a touch more) Mayo.
1/2 tsp Onion powder (I used some Mrs. Dash)
1 1/2 tsp chives

Biscuit Dough
2 c. flour
4 tsp. baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
1/8 tsp cayenne pepper (I omitted this)
1-2 tsp dried Dill

2 Tbsp veg. oil (I cut in 2 1/2 Tbsp or so margerine)
1 c (shy) milk

Topping:
Grated Cheddar Cheese to cover salmon mixture spread on biscuit square.

Directions:
Combine the first 5 ingredients in a bowl.

Biscuit Dough: Measure dry ingredients into a bowl. Cut in margerine or add oil. Add milk. Mix until soft ball forms. Knead on lightly floured surface 6-8 times. Roll out into square (12x12"). Spread with salmon mixture. Spread grated cheddar cheese over salmon mixture. Roll up like cinnamon roll. Cut into 12-15 slices. Spray baking sheet with cooking oil. Bake @ 400 F oven for 20-25 mins. until browned.

Results: We really enjoyed these; the girls didn't appreciate them; but they will learn to do so! They are very filling and go great with tomato soup and fresh cut veggies. You could omit the dill if you want too, but it does add some spring-like colour. These would be beautiful at a ladies luncheon or fancy brunch. They look fabulous and finicky without a lot of work! We plan on having them for our next Christmas Eve/New Year's Eve.

If you make them, let me know what you think!

painting with shades of green with my children; looking forward to making and baking rainbow cookies; the many different birds that come to visit us; singing 'O Canada' with great gusto as we begin our school day; reading to my kids; sitting with my husband; hugs; a great new recipe; wearing my 'new' apron; eating my canned peaches (summer in a jar); finally locating someone with birch firewood still available; dishwasher detergent that works well ..... these are a few of my favorite things today.

chickadees in the tree in our front yard; beautiful, huge, white snowflakes falling down this morning; the dusting of snow on the evergreens; crack'ling wood in the fireplace; the way my 2 year old daughter says, 'o-tay' for O.K.); sewing (I'm so excited to start sewing some aprons from an old sheet that I got from my Great-Grandma K. - I'm sure it's from the 1960's or 70's as it has the huge white and pink daisy-type flowers all over it and I just LOVE it!); playing board games; making delicious meals for my family ... these are a few of my favorite things today!

YOUR Favorite Things: Your turn to share with me!

It's challenging to find the blessings in everyday life when your kids are sick with bad colds and you are tired and feeling anxious about life in general. These are the days when I usually preach to myself through my blogging. This is the perfect day to pull myself up by the bootstraps and look at the positives; but I'm struggling. So, instead of ME sharing 'my favorite things' today; I'm asking you, my dear reader, to share YOUR favorite things about today with me.

I'll share 3 things that I'm thankful for today: sunshine, my family, and comfy clothes.

Your turn!

braids; smiles; a clean kitchen; chickadees flitting on the bare branches of the tree in my front yard; warm sunshine despite the bitter cold; my children playing happily together; the scent of my husband's cologne; freshly brushed teeth with minty-fresh breath; icicles; making a creative chore chart for our family; calendar pictures; shopping; ... these are a few of my favorite things today.

Homemade Ginger Ale science project (pretty yummy); Wii Fit; having tea and freshly made cherry pie with a friend at a local restaurant; sunshine; sleeping in; tickles and giggles; teaching my son; my husband; my new cream-coloured scarf made by my mother in law; trying out my newest fragrance oil blend in my 'Silk Bath Soak' recipe (I'm thinking of calling it 'Berry Christmas' as it is a Raspberry/Vanilla Bean/Mint blend - very refreshing - lots of different kinds of salts (Coarse/Dead Sea/Epsom/Dendritic; Milk powder; Cornstarch; SLSA (for the bubbles); and fragrance) - it is expensive to make so is definitely a luxury item -but oh, how lovely to soak in! Anyway, I need ideas for fragrance names for the rest of the year); sitting by the fire; quiet time ... these are a few of my favorite things today.

walking in the beautiful winter-wonderland of my 'summer' village; listening to the birds (it's beginning to sound like Spring!); the excited squeals when I walk in the front door; dress-up; chatting with my son; playing Wii games with my family; having all the dishes done; stir-fry with my yummy sweet&sour sauce for supper; talking with friends; hugs; Oreo Truffles .... these are a few of my favorite things today!

A Berry-Special Day

"Mommy, can you call me 'Berry-Bella'?" my four year old daughter asks me. "Of course!" I reply. "And can I call you 'Berry-Mommy'?" "Sure!" And so it begins, this season of pretend-play; imagining you can change your name and shape others into who you want them to be in order to create your princess-perfect world. I love every minute of her dreams and wishes. I love her dressing up as Snow White, Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty, and The Little Mermaid (with matching shoes of course!). I love the tiaras and sequins; the sparkles and feathers. I love the tulle and satin. The pinks, purples, yellows and blues. I love this season of tea parties and celebrations. Every day is 'berry-special' because my little girl is a part of it.

sunshine; hopefully enough wood to get us through the super cold spell we're in; thinking of Spring; dancing; watching family movies together; working on my family blanket (crochet); ice cream cones (my new favorite way to portion control a treat); my husband feeling better - well enough to begin folding our laundry mountain; my son's smiles; reading a story to my 4 year old daughter while she sits on my lap; singing 'Jesus loves me' with my 2 year old daughter; Oreo Cookie Truffles - a make-ahead treat for the unexpected surprise of company ... these are a few of my favorite things today.

my husband feeling better from the flu; my kids not getting sick; going for a walk today and getting some (extremely cold) fresh air and sunshine; birds and squirrels chattering and chirping in the trees; Silk Bubble Soak in 'Tinsel' (still to be experienced tonight); watching my girls wiggle and dance to music; spending 1-1 time with my son; playing games with my husband; a nice warm house to live in; homemade pizza; ice cream cones; prayer ... these are a few of my favorite things today.

Lakmé Flower Duet Erika Miklosa Bernadett Wiedemann

This is one of my favorite things to listen to today... a little supper music/bath music/fireplace music. Simply beautiful.

gathering together for a morning spent sharing, caring, and praying with fellow pastors' wives; the big hugs and "Mommy's Home!!!" happiness I got when I came home; my husband making lunch and supper; a working heater in the Yukon as it was terribly cold today; firewood stacked in the backyard and in our house; my husband bringing said firewood into our home everyday; honeydew melon; doing my little girls hair up with all kinds of goodies; my wedding rings; playing Wii with my son ... these are a few of my favorite things today.

snuggling with my children; watching C. and B. learn their lessons and all of the 'lightbulb' moments that bring joy to us all; A.'s little wiggle when she dances to music; hugs from my husband and his messages to me on our whiteboard (today's was that he is praying for me); peaches and golds and pinks in the sunset tonight cast a warm glow on the piles of snow around our home; the scent of clean laundry; making soap today ('Pink Sugar' and 'Orange Dream'); goodnight kisses; the warmth of the fire; making 'Egg McMuffins' - much better tasting than the original not only b/c of the ingredients but also because they are made with love for my family... these are a few of my favorite things today.

Happy Valentine's Day!

Pink waffles, pink dream whip; mixed berries; pink berry tea; pink strawberry dessert; homemade valentines; chocolate from my husband (70% - yummy!); a beautiful card from my husband; 'I love you's from my kids; kisses and hugs; a good book; wrapped up in my 2 favorite blankets on the couch (a fleece one about friendship from my mom and a cream wool crocheted one from one of my grandmas); sunshine... these are a few of my favorite things today!

We're "Pasta Rich"!

We stopped for groceries when returning home from our weekend get-a-way. I had paused in the pasta aisle and wondered outloud if we needed any more pasta at home. My 8 year old son piped up, 'No, we're 'pasta-rich'! :D

Spending time with family; playing games; watching my children bond with extended family; watching my children have so much fun sledding; hugs and smiles and kisses with my husband; the warmth of a down duvet (just like home!); kisses and hugs with my kids; seeing the moon tonight; pizza out of the box to make my life easier for supper; strawberries; canned black beans on sale; reading two good books from a loved one who also sent me a care package (Thank you so much! I felt so spoiled and loved!); low fat hot chocolate; these are a few of my favorite things today!

Life Lessons: The Gift of Presence

Yesterday the kids and I were making Valentine's Day cards. The table was covered in pink, red, and purple paper hearts and all sorts of things for decorating. We had a great time as the girls pretended to write love notes inside each one and my son dutifully signed his name on his. I was asking my 4 year old daughter what she wanted to write to her daddy and I on our card. Here is what she said:
"Dear Mommy and Daddy,
Thank you for visiting.
Happy Valentine's Day!
Love,
B."

It was very cute to hear her say 'Thank you for visiting.'; but I wondered if this was truly her perception of our parenting. We're always with our children. My husband is not working at this time and I'm at home full-time as well. Our children are homeschooled; so we're always together. Yet, how much of my presence do I give to my children? I school them and cuddle them and kiss them and read to them. I watch t.v. with them and play games with them. Their Daddy takes over the bath and bed routine most nights with them. We are with our children in our home all the time. When we go anywhere, we're near always all together. And yet, how much of my presence do I give my children?

That question is particularly piercing as I begin to make changes in my life to become healthier. I have let go of social networking sites; I have reduced my time spent online; I have begun getting out of the house to go walking with a friend 3x a week; I have reformed our daily schedule. Still I know that there is more that I can do to be fully present with my family.

Psalm 46:10 reads,"Be still and know that I am God." How many times have I read that verse, read the psalm, and yet remain unchanged? Listen to the entire psalm (it's short and beautiful):

Psalm 46
God is our refuge and strength,
an ever-present help in trouble.
Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way
and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea,
though its waters roar and foam
and the mountains quake with their surging.

There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God,
the holy place where the Most High dwells.
God is within her, she will not fall;
God will help her at break of day.
Nations are in uproar, kingdoms fall;
he lifts his voice, the earth melts.

The LORD Almighty is with us;
the God of Jacob is our fortress.

Come and see what the LORD has done,
the desolations he has brought on the earth.
He makes wars cease
to the ends of the earth.
He breaks the bow and shatters the spear;
he burns the shields with fire.
He says, “Be still, and know that I am God;
I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth.”

The LORD Almighty is with us;
the God of Jacob is our fortress.

God's gift to us in this psalm is the gift of his presence.

God is our refuge and strength.
God is an ever-present help.
God is with us.
God is our fortress.

In my failings as a parent, this is what I want my children to learn: that God is always with them. God will help them where I cannot. God will go with them where I cannot. God will provide for them what I cannot. I am just "visiting" this earth. One day I will await them in heaven with their sister and other loved ones; but God is always by their side.

My children are young and in need of me still; so I hope to 'visit' for a good long time. I hope that I will learn this lesson and practice the gift of presence in the day-to-day demands of home and family.

A Get-a-way

I just love get-a-ways for the weekend. The kids get strapped into their seats and choose movies to watch on the dvd player. My husband and I can talk and hold hands while driving - if the conditions and traffic allow. Sometimes I call my best friend and we can chat mostly undisturbed while flying along to our destination. And once we get where we are going; the kids are excited for their little holiday; getting to do things that they normally don't get to do. And my husband and I can enjoy the smiles on their faces. It's just a little get-a-way. A little bit away from home but not too far. A quick rest from the regular routine. A visit with family. A visit with friends. A quick trip to reconnect with each other in our own family unit. When was the last time you had a get-a-way?

The scent of clean laundry (my newest fav. is my 'Lavender & Vanilla' Laundry Love Soap!), a great walk with a friend in the sunshine, seeing my daughters flannel Christmas pj's, my son's giggle and funny dances, cookbooks, a crazy apron from my best friend one year for Christmas, clean water,... these are a few of my favorite things today!

The beauty and sweetness of words aptly spoken; the gentleness of my son with his babiest sister; the shared smiles at the antics of our precious children; snowsparkles; the 'key to my heart' pendant my husband gave me as a wedding present; the smell of woodsmoke on a cold winter's day; ... these are a few of my favorite things today.

watching my son complete his math test and grow in confidence; seeing my daughters looking so much alike in their 'two braids' hair style; making tortillas from scratch for lunch and hearing little but the sounds of crunching as everyone devoured their meal; red peppers; sunshine streaming in my windows... these are a few of my favorite things today.

Life Lessons: I'm 'live-able'! (not to be confused with livable)

We bought "Super Mario" for the Wii for Christmas. This has provided Kevin, Caleb and I with hours of fun frustration! A couple of weeks ago while playing, Caleb was complimenting us: "Dad, you're great!" "Mom, you're 'live-able'!"

What on earth is 'live-able', you ask? Ahem, well, it means that if the other two players die and are trapped in their bubbles, as long as I stay alive, there is hope they can come back into the game. I think it's an important trait; I mean, how many people do you know who are 'live-able'? ;)

So to translate that, 'live-able' means there is still hope.

Job 11:13-20
Yet if you devote your heart to him
and stretch out your hands to him,
if you put away the sin that is in your hand
and allow no evil to dwell in your tent,
then, free of fault, you will lift up your face;
you will stand firm and without fear.
You will surely forget your trouble,
recalling it only as waters gone by.
Life will be brighter than noonday,
and darkness will become like morning.
You will be secure, because there is hope;
you will look about you and take your rest in safety.
You will lie down, with no one to make you afraid,
and many will court your favor.
But the eyes of the wicked will fail,
and escape will elude them;
their hope will become a dying gasp.”

I just love that bolded portion, "You will be secure, because there is hope;" What a beautiful thought! This is what makes my son say that I am live-able: because he knows that as long as I stay alive; his life is secure too.

Isn't that what gives us hope when we face the darkness? Knowing that God never slumbers or sleeps; that he keeps watch over our coming and going both now and forevermore (Psalm 121); this is our God! We can continue to have hope because He is the "I AM". He is live-able to the extreme! Death cannot hold him down because he has conquered the grave. Nothing we do or fail to do makes him any less live-able; his live-ability exists independent of our frail existence. He is the embodiment of hope.

1 Peter 1:3-9
"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you, who through faith are shielded by God’s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the end result of your faith, the salvation of your souls."

watching my husband play 'vacuum tickle' with our children; giving my son 8 bedtime kisses - one for each year; teaching B. how to read and giving her high 5's when she gets a word right; oh-so-tight chubby baby/toddler hugs with A.; the birds singing in the trees on my morning walk; kindred-spirit friends... these are a few of my favorite things today. ♥