Do you ever stumble upon a song you HAVE TO hear OVER and OVER? That happens to me every now and then. A month or so ago, it was "Forever Reign". I sang it at the top of my lungs while driving to pick up my youngest from preschool. I sang it until I cried...the words were (still are) so powerful!
Today I've been listening to a variety of Christmas albums. "Glorious Impossible" (as performed by FFH) really touched me...I think I'm on my 10th repeat of the song (ok, so I found several other arrangements, one done by the Gaither Vocal Band, another by Carl Cartree, the writer of the song). I absolutely LOVE this song!!! Give it a listen, read the lyrics, see if you agree with me...
this is one beautiful song!
**side note...i just discovered another beautiful arrangement of this song, done by new-to-me duo, The Wiebes...gorgeous!
Here is their arrangement.
See the Virgin is delivered
In a cold and crowded stall
Mirror of the Father's glory
Lies beside her in the straw
He is Mercy's incarnation
Marvel at this miracle!
For the Virgin gently holds
The Glorious Impossible
Love has come to walk on water
Turn the water into wine
Touch the leper,
bless the children
Love both human and divine
Praise the wisdom of the Father
Who has spoken through His Son
Speaking still, He calls us to
The Glorious Impossible
Hallelujah
Hallelujah
Hallelujah
Glorious Impossible
He was bruised for our transgressions
And He bears eternal scars
He was raised for our salvation
And His righteousness is ours
Praise, oh praise Him, praise the glory
Of this lavish grace so full
Lift your souls now and receive
the
Glorious Impossible!
Hallelujah
Hallelujah
Hallelujah
Glorious Impossible
Hallelujah
Hallelujah
Hallelujah
Glorious Impossible
Glorious Impossible
Praise, oh praise Him, praise the glory
Of this lavish grace so full
Lift your souls now and receive
The Glorious Impossible
Tuesday, November 27, 2012
Saturday, November 17, 2012
a nothing day
Is your schedule jam-packed? Errands, appointments, people to shuttle here and there, endless lists of things to do, groceries to buy, meals to make, laundry to wash/dry/fold/put away, floors to mop, rugs to vacuum, beds to strip and remake, phew! Sounds like my life!!
Well, today was different...we didn't have anywhere we had to be. There was no to-do list. It has been lovely!!
It started with Saturday Sleep-In...whoever sleeps in the latest wins. (What's the prize? I never know...maybe a piece of gum?) Today I was the winner...and my prize was sleeping in itself!!
Everyone just puttered around the house,
kids doing a few job here and there,
hubby played a new video game,
I listened to Christmas music,
hubby and the boys ran a few errands and even got lunch out.
I started to meal-plan but I realized I only have to make a couple dinners this week!
I tried a new turkey chili crockpot recipe (it smells deelish!)
Later I made a ginger sugar cookie recipe I had been wanting to try for weeks (WAY too good...I better give the rest of these away!)
I did a Rev Abs workout (much needed after the cookie fest).
The girls played outside and made paper flowers to tape onto pencils.
I played the piano for awhile.
I did a little knitting.
Now it's almost dinner time and the kids already got themselves into jammies. They have been asking (begging) to watch "Elf" since yesterday afternoon. I stopped counting after the 20th request today. So it looks like we'll be watching "Elf" after dinner!
Gotta love a "nothing day"!
Well, today was different...we didn't have anywhere we had to be. There was no to-do list. It has been lovely!!
It started with Saturday Sleep-In...whoever sleeps in the latest wins. (What's the prize? I never know...maybe a piece of gum?) Today I was the winner...and my prize was sleeping in itself!!
Everyone just puttered around the house,
kids doing a few job here and there,
hubby played a new video game,
I listened to Christmas music,
hubby and the boys ran a few errands and even got lunch out.
I started to meal-plan but I realized I only have to make a couple dinners this week!
I tried a new turkey chili crockpot recipe (it smells deelish!)
Later I made a ginger sugar cookie recipe I had been wanting to try for weeks (WAY too good...I better give the rest of these away!)
I did a Rev Abs workout (much needed after the cookie fest).
The girls played outside and made paper flowers to tape onto pencils.
I played the piano for awhile.
I did a little knitting.
Now it's almost dinner time and the kids already got themselves into jammies. They have been asking (begging) to watch "Elf" since yesterday afternoon. I stopped counting after the 20th request today. So it looks like we'll be watching "Elf" after dinner!
Gotta love a "nothing day"!
Tuesday, November 13, 2012
Today
Today...
it was sleeting and freezing early on. later the sun was shining brightly, but there was still a chill in the air.
my youngest asked, "why are they saying it's 'the most wonderful time of the year'?" to which i got to share with him (again) about the true meaning of Christmas. how amazing is it that i get to do this? i get to drive my kiddo to preschool and hear the questions of his little heart!! later in the day, he asked me to turn off the "sad tears song" (that would be "Last Christmas", the Glee version...hahahaha!)
my youngest and i drove to school and waited 15 minutes to see my older daughter, to wish her well before her musical audition. i then hurried back home to beat the bus to greet the other two kids, fed them snack, started them on homework. then we all scooted back to school to get musical audition daughter. no one complained about being carted back and forth.
i caught my older son and my younger daughter reading together...she read her stack of 5 take home readers to him, and he assisted as needed and asked her comprehension questions!
that same older son is on top of the world lately. his teacher loves him...with all his little quirks and stuff that can sometimes drive a teacher crazy, she sees him, she gets him...i am thrilled!! he also proudly informed me that he was "the only kid in class to get 100 on the social studies test!" (um, what test? i don't recall seeing a study guide...or quizzing him?)
my older daughter loves the new $19 hand blender i bought at aldi. she used it as a microphone to sing "Rolling in the Deep". i had to turn away so she didn't see me smiling.
i hear musical instruments playing in the basement. which means the kids got into the storage room, climbed a shelf and took the box of instruments down. perhaps i should go check on them. except that no one is crying. no one is calling me.
so i will sit here munching on my leftover from two nights ago spinach salad, listening to "Unexpected Gifts: 12 New Sounds of Christmas" on spotify.
O tidings of comfort and joy...
it was sleeting and freezing early on. later the sun was shining brightly, but there was still a chill in the air.
my youngest asked, "why are they saying it's 'the most wonderful time of the year'?" to which i got to share with him (again) about the true meaning of Christmas. how amazing is it that i get to do this? i get to drive my kiddo to preschool and hear the questions of his little heart!! later in the day, he asked me to turn off the "sad tears song" (that would be "Last Christmas", the Glee version...hahahaha!)
my youngest and i drove to school and waited 15 minutes to see my older daughter, to wish her well before her musical audition. i then hurried back home to beat the bus to greet the other two kids, fed them snack, started them on homework. then we all scooted back to school to get musical audition daughter. no one complained about being carted back and forth.
i caught my older son and my younger daughter reading together...she read her stack of 5 take home readers to him, and he assisted as needed and asked her comprehension questions!
that same older son is on top of the world lately. his teacher loves him...with all his little quirks and stuff that can sometimes drive a teacher crazy, she sees him, she gets him...i am thrilled!! he also proudly informed me that he was "the only kid in class to get 100 on the social studies test!" (um, what test? i don't recall seeing a study guide...or quizzing him?)
my older daughter loves the new $19 hand blender i bought at aldi. she used it as a microphone to sing "Rolling in the Deep". i had to turn away so she didn't see me smiling.
i hear musical instruments playing in the basement. which means the kids got into the storage room, climbed a shelf and took the box of instruments down. perhaps i should go check on them. except that no one is crying. no one is calling me.
so i will sit here munching on my leftover from two nights ago spinach salad, listening to "Unexpected Gifts: 12 New Sounds of Christmas" on spotify.
O tidings of comfort and joy...
Friday, November 2, 2012
Time for Thanks
I was going to do a daily thankful post for the month of November, but I'm not sure I'll get on here every day. But today, I am incredibly thankful I get to be a stay-at-home-mom! Ten and a half years ago, I was just beginning my stay-at-home-mom journey. I was overwhelmed, sleep-deprived, exhausted, weary, and a mess! Of course I loved my new baby...I had prayed for a baby for a LONG time. When I was a child, all I wanted to do was be a mom when I grew up. I had visions of myself in a flowing nightgown smiling serenely as I nursed my little wonder. Um, reality looked more like a screaming newborn, a frazzled unshowered mom in stained sweats struggling to get her newborn to latch on, then trying desperately to keep that newborn awake to finish a feeding, then not moving for an hour while that newborn slept on me. It was a very difficult time! But here we are, ten and a half years later, with three more kiddos. They are now ages 10, 8, almost 7 and 5. And I have such a different perspective than I used to have! I enjoy moments more, I savor the little things. Of course there are still times I am overwhelmed. I don't always get to shower and I certainly am not the epitome of calm, cool and collected!! But making a point to stop and take a mental snapshot of a special moment is a part of my every day. I GET to be here with my babies...I GET to make them lunch, wash their clothes, watch them learn, grow, and explore. And I am so thankful.
Wednesday, October 31, 2012
Hiatus!
Wow, it's been quite some time since I've updated the old bloggity blog! For those who read my (endless) posts on Facebook, you know what I've been up to...nothing earth-shattering. Just the usual: a summer full of swimming and fun, kids healthy and growing, now onto fall fun, school stuff, Christmas gift-making, recipe-hunting and enjoying life as it speeds on by.
Today is Halloween (a "holiday" I loathe), but we have a Giants football fan, Hermione (of the Harry Potter series), a black cat, and a brave knight all eager for Trunk or Treat at church tonight. I've already exceeded my candy quota! But I am looking forward to turning the calendar tomorrow. November is such a great month for counting blessings, trying new recipes, baking, burning candles, crafting and just enjoying family time. I'll try to be a little more faithful with my blog updates, but no guarantees!
Today is Halloween (a "holiday" I loathe), but we have a Giants football fan, Hermione (of the Harry Potter series), a black cat, and a brave knight all eager for Trunk or Treat at church tonight. I've already exceeded my candy quota! But I am looking forward to turning the calendar tomorrow. November is such a great month for counting blessings, trying new recipes, baking, burning candles, crafting and just enjoying family time. I'll try to be a little more faithful with my blog updates, but no guarantees!
Monday, May 7, 2012
Grocery Shopping Online with (ahem) Free Delivery
Lately, all I've been hearing about is a local grocery store that offers FREE delivery!! Friends are raving about it...
the time they save,
the money they save,
how they feel so waited on,
so pampered,
so blah blah blah!!!!!!!!
Last night, I decided I would finally give it a try. Don't you think I would have been excited? Pleased? Delighted? Well, sorry, no...I was totally stressed out, to the point of my stomach hurting! Why? Several reasons I can think of: I like to SEE, FEEL, TOUCH my groceries. Controlling? Yep. So I've been told. But I really don't mind grocery shopping, especially since my children are older and I usually only take one or two at a time to help me shop. Another reason I wasn't totally comfortable: sometimes what I see in the store reminds me of something I need to buy. Sometimes I like to compare products, whether it's ingredients or nutrition information or price. Call me crazy, but I LOVE wandering around the wide clean aisles in Hannaford. It's pleasing to my eye to see the beautiful produce section.
Ok, moving on...so I finally got up the nerve and created an account online so I could do my online shopping. I clicked away, nervously hoping I could delete items if I selected incorrectly or changed my mind. I checked and double checked and after about an hour, I was ready to check out. That's when it got a little squirrely...although sale prices were showing correctly, my shopper club card savings were not being reflected. I logged out and in and out and in. I called customer service (which evidently closes at 9pm, and it was midnight). I checked the FAQs and clicked "help" and still had no answers. Finally I decided I better just place my order or I wouldn't receive it in time to make Monday night's dinner! I admit, I tossed and turned for awhile before I fell asleep...evidently I was a tad keyed up!
Today I glanced at the clock over and over...delivery was scheduled between 1-3pm. About 11:30 I received a call..."sorry, we don't have the ginger root or the jalapeno pepper." What??? How does a large grocery store not carry these items?? (Thursday's dinner requires the jalapenos, so it looks like I'll be hitting another grocery store before then! And tonight's dinner sufficed with ground ginger instead of fresh grated ginger root.)
Well, delivery time arrived and there was my order, carried right into my foyer, double bagged with paper inside/plastic outside! All I had to do was hand over my credit card and sign the receipt...but I was still wondering about the shopper club discount and there wasn't time to sit down and total everything...I got so flustered I forgot to give the deliveryman my $20 off coupon!!! (Oh, he was polite and everything was just fine with the order.) After the deliveryman left, I went through the whole order, looked at the prices from the list I had printed and compared it to the receipt. The totals were similar, but I was confused as to why the total I paid wasn't lower (with the shopper club discounts.) I decided to call customer service and got some answers: if you join the shopper club online, a card will come in the mail. When you order online, regular sales will show up, but shopper club sales won't show until the items are delivered (they are shown in bold on the receipt.) One other item I hadn't thought about: the price given online when you place the order COULD vary, if, for instance, the meat they select for you weighs more or less than what you ordered (the london broil was a tad lighter than what I ordered; the oven stuffer was slightly larger; and the lobster was the biggest difference, which did change my total.) This makes sense because they don't have everything prepackaged to a uniform weight. One more note: the delivery fee of $6.95 is waived on orders $100 or more. And coupons are to be given to the delivery person and then your account is credited back at the store. So, what do I think now? Would I do this again? Yes, I will try this again. I think it will be easier next time, now that I know what to expect and I understand the process better.
Tips to keep in mind:
1) they may not have everything on your list (they will call, but not everything has a substitution)
2) order $100 or more to get free delivery
3) shopper club discounts will show up on the delivery receipt but not online
4) meats and other weighed items may vary (causing your total to be slightly higher or lower)
5) have your coupons ready...they will not accept them by phone afterwards (boo!)
6) it doesn't have to be as complicated as I made it :)
a few other items i'm adding...
1) i usually shop at Aldi first, then hit Hannaford for those harder-to-find items, and for large purchases of meat - Fred the Butcher (10 pound bags of chicken breasts, ground beef, etc)
2) if i were physically restricted, if my kids or i were sick, if i had little babies, or if the weather were poor, then i would definitely use the home delivery service all the time!
the time they save,
the money they save,
how they feel so waited on,
so pampered,
so blah blah blah!!!!!!!!
Last night, I decided I would finally give it a try. Don't you think I would have been excited? Pleased? Delighted? Well, sorry, no...I was totally stressed out, to the point of my stomach hurting! Why? Several reasons I can think of: I like to SEE, FEEL, TOUCH my groceries. Controlling? Yep. So I've been told. But I really don't mind grocery shopping, especially since my children are older and I usually only take one or two at a time to help me shop. Another reason I wasn't totally comfortable: sometimes what I see in the store reminds me of something I need to buy. Sometimes I like to compare products, whether it's ingredients or nutrition information or price. Call me crazy, but I LOVE wandering around the wide clean aisles in Hannaford. It's pleasing to my eye to see the beautiful produce section.
Ok, moving on...so I finally got up the nerve and created an account online so I could do my online shopping. I clicked away, nervously hoping I could delete items if I selected incorrectly or changed my mind. I checked and double checked and after about an hour, I was ready to check out. That's when it got a little squirrely...although sale prices were showing correctly, my shopper club card savings were not being reflected. I logged out and in and out and in. I called customer service (which evidently closes at 9pm, and it was midnight). I checked the FAQs and clicked "help" and still had no answers. Finally I decided I better just place my order or I wouldn't receive it in time to make Monday night's dinner! I admit, I tossed and turned for awhile before I fell asleep...evidently I was a tad keyed up!
Today I glanced at the clock over and over...delivery was scheduled between 1-3pm. About 11:30 I received a call..."sorry, we don't have the ginger root or the jalapeno pepper." What??? How does a large grocery store not carry these items?? (Thursday's dinner requires the jalapenos, so it looks like I'll be hitting another grocery store before then! And tonight's dinner sufficed with ground ginger instead of fresh grated ginger root.)
Well, delivery time arrived and there was my order, carried right into my foyer, double bagged with paper inside/plastic outside! All I had to do was hand over my credit card and sign the receipt...but I was still wondering about the shopper club discount and there wasn't time to sit down and total everything...I got so flustered I forgot to give the deliveryman my $20 off coupon!!! (Oh, he was polite and everything was just fine with the order.) After the deliveryman left, I went through the whole order, looked at the prices from the list I had printed and compared it to the receipt. The totals were similar, but I was confused as to why the total I paid wasn't lower (with the shopper club discounts.) I decided to call customer service and got some answers: if you join the shopper club online, a card will come in the mail. When you order online, regular sales will show up, but shopper club sales won't show until the items are delivered (they are shown in bold on the receipt.) One other item I hadn't thought about: the price given online when you place the order COULD vary, if, for instance, the meat they select for you weighs more or less than what you ordered (the london broil was a tad lighter than what I ordered; the oven stuffer was slightly larger; and the lobster was the biggest difference, which did change my total.) This makes sense because they don't have everything prepackaged to a uniform weight. One more note: the delivery fee of $6.95 is waived on orders $100 or more. And coupons are to be given to the delivery person and then your account is credited back at the store. So, what do I think now? Would I do this again? Yes, I will try this again. I think it will be easier next time, now that I know what to expect and I understand the process better.
Tips to keep in mind:
1) they may not have everything on your list (they will call, but not everything has a substitution)
2) order $100 or more to get free delivery
3) shopper club discounts will show up on the delivery receipt but not online
4) meats and other weighed items may vary (causing your total to be slightly higher or lower)
5) have your coupons ready...they will not accept them by phone afterwards (boo!)
6) it doesn't have to be as complicated as I made it :)
a few other items i'm adding...
1) i usually shop at Aldi first, then hit Hannaford for those harder-to-find items, and for large purchases of meat - Fred the Butcher (10 pound bags of chicken breasts, ground beef, etc)
2) if i were physically restricted, if my kids or i were sick, if i had little babies, or if the weather were poor, then i would definitely use the home delivery service all the time!
Monday, April 16, 2012
I Get To...
I'm treasuring life...sitting outside, I had these thoughts.
I get to sit here in my yard on this gorgeous sunny day.
I get to watch my sweet little boy blow dandelion seed puffs around the yard.
I get to watch him enjoy his ice pop.
I get to watch his blonde hair get tossed gently by the wind.
I get to cheer for him as he plays "volley-vall" with a ball in the yard.
I get to smooch his sweaty head and his sun-kissed cheeks.
Truly treasuring these moments!
I get to sit here in my yard on this gorgeous sunny day.
I get to watch my sweet little boy blow dandelion seed puffs around the yard.
I get to watch him enjoy his ice pop.
I get to watch his blonde hair get tossed gently by the wind.
I get to cheer for him as he plays "volley-vall" with a ball in the yard.
I get to smooch his sweaty head and his sun-kissed cheeks.
Truly treasuring these moments!
Wednesday, April 11, 2012
Good Life, Mopping and Early America
So there I was, mopping my kitchen floor, not thinking about much at all. Suddenly "Good Life" by OneRepublic came on Pandora. And I was filled with thanksgiving!!! I looked around and started counting the blessings abounding all around me: I have a house, with floors. I have a family who can make messes. I have a mop and bucket and soap and hot water. I have a body able to scrub and clean. I have so much more than I can even name!!! And then I thought about the book I've been reading, "An Untamed Land" by Lauraine Snelling...about early settlers who came from Norway to the Dakota Territory...the way they lived in a covered wagon until their sod house was built, the way they had to hunt for food, not sure if they would survive the winter. Oh my goodness, do we have the "Good Life" or what?!! Mopping my kitchen floor never felt so good!
"Oh, this has gotta be the good life, this has gotta be the good life, this could really be a good life, good life...
please tell me what there is to complain about" - OneRepublic
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
Kids are saying...
Six year old daughter, to me, in the kitchen today: "Oooh, nice outfit, Mom!" I wasn't sure if she was being sarcastic...it was also the first time I had ever worn a "slimming tank" under a shirt...so I tilted my head and said, "You like this?" She replied, "Yes! When you outgrow it, I can have it, right?"
Ten year old son to me on his birthday: "This devotional is great! The first part was all about controlling your tongue." (Knock me over with a feather! SOOOO glad I picked up the devotional when I was at the Christian Bookstore a few weeks ago!!!)
Seven and a half year old daughter to me when I came to observe her music class during Music in our School Week: "Oh, Mama! I'm so glad you're here!!! Come dance with me!" (Melt. My. Heart!)
Four and a half year old son to me just now: "Don't worry about me, Mom. When I die, I'll be with you and Jesus. CAH (big sister) and I said some prayers together." Me, stunned: "Oh, really? That's great, buddy! So you asked Jesus to come into your heart and save you?" N: "Um, that's how you get to live with Jesus forever!"
Ten year old son to me on his birthday: "This devotional is great! The first part was all about controlling your tongue." (Knock me over with a feather! SOOOO glad I picked up the devotional when I was at the Christian Bookstore a few weeks ago!!!)
Seven and a half year old daughter to me when I came to observe her music class during Music in our School Week: "Oh, Mama! I'm so glad you're here!!! Come dance with me!" (Melt. My. Heart!)
Four and a half year old son to me just now: "Don't worry about me, Mom. When I die, I'll be with you and Jesus. CAH (big sister) and I said some prayers together." Me, stunned: "Oh, really? That's great, buddy! So you asked Jesus to come into your heart and save you?" N: "Um, that's how you get to live with Jesus forever!"
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
Pressing Pause
If I could, I would press "PAUSE" right now! Actually, this afternoon was truly the perfect pause moment:
my older three kiddos were at school, my youngest was playing happily in the sandbox, the temperature was near 80 degrees (yes, it's March in upstate New York!), there was not a cloud to be found, there was the gentlest of breezes, i had Pandora playing in the family room with the volume turned way up...The Story by Brandi Carlisle station was on, playing songs like Almost Lover, Hallelujah, Chasing Pavements, and Falling Slowly, and i was sipping the most delicious iced coffee.
i had more "pause" moments this evening...every scrap of chicken divan was devoured at dinner, my girls put on a poetry reading "show" for us after dinner, and my almost 10-year-old and i enjoyed some classic Relient K together.
Savoring every moment...
my older three kiddos were at school, my youngest was playing happily in the sandbox, the temperature was near 80 degrees (yes, it's March in upstate New York!), there was not a cloud to be found, there was the gentlest of breezes, i had Pandora playing in the family room with the volume turned way up...The Story by Brandi Carlisle station was on, playing songs like Almost Lover, Hallelujah, Chasing Pavements, and Falling Slowly, and i was sipping the most delicious iced coffee.
i had more "pause" moments this evening...every scrap of chicken divan was devoured at dinner, my girls put on a poetry reading "show" for us after dinner, and my almost 10-year-old and i enjoyed some classic Relient K together.
Savoring every moment...
Friday, February 17, 2012
they know i'm a sap!
oh my kiddos know me so well...
today, my oldest announced he would be interviewing me over the school break for a special writing project for school. i, of course, burst into tears, telling him i was honored he would pick me. he rolled his eyes, sighed, and shook his head.
just now, while watching the "creepy" version (Jim Carrey) of "The Grinch," a sweet and touching song came on, with a little child singing. my youngest immediately stated, "mom, cover your ears! right away! i don't want you crying over this song!!" to which my 7 year old responded, "but mom likes to cry, that's why she watches sad movies and listens to sad songs."
Hahahaha!
today, my oldest announced he would be interviewing me over the school break for a special writing project for school. i, of course, burst into tears, telling him i was honored he would pick me. he rolled his eyes, sighed, and shook his head.
just now, while watching the "creepy" version (Jim Carrey) of "The Grinch," a sweet and touching song came on, with a little child singing. my youngest immediately stated, "mom, cover your ears! right away! i don't want you crying over this song!!" to which my 7 year old responded, "but mom likes to cry, that's why she watches sad movies and listens to sad songs."
Hahahaha!
Monday, February 13, 2012
music & brownie bites, barbie, Bible verses & surprises
I know, I know, I promised to write an update on the Hill Happenings, but it's been so very busy around here!
Quick little blurb about recent stuff:
- i discovered the charlotte's web soundtrack today and i love it.
- i'm currently obsessed with the old hymn, "there is a fountain" (which is how i found the charlotte's web soundtrack: pandora "if i stand/rich mullins" station played "there is a fountain" performed by athena; i then searched spotify and listened to about 30 versions of "there is a fountain" which is included on the charlotte's web soundtrack)
- the kids and i are loving the "roaring like a lion" song by the newsboys...we crank it up in the van and sing at the top of our lungs.
- i knit 3 baby hats for knit pray love (via air1 radio station...the hats will go to babies in Afghanistan); my kids were so interested in the whole idea and my youngest thought we were going to bring one of the babies home to live with us! (maybe one day???)
- i just played "fun mom" and tried to make brownie bites with cream cheese frosting and strawberries for the kids for a valentine's day treat. but the brownie bites are more like brownie bits, as they did not easily pop out of the mini muffin tin!
- my 6 yr old's current movie obsession = barbie fairy secret, currently ours for the week from the library
- i'm still 2/3 of the way through fellowship of the ring...kind of pausing for the moment as i read a book about having "THE talk" with the kids...yes, our oldest is about to turn 10 and we've never had THE talk. according to the book i'm reading, we should have had some sort of talk with ALL the kids by now! yikes!!
- my favorite moment from the last week: my 7 year old and my 4 year old playing Sunday School together, looking up Bible verses, writing them in a notebook and reading them out loud!!
- most surprising moment: my oldest unpacking groceries today, without me asking or hinting in any way...i just turned around and he was putting things away!
- another pleasant surprise was watching all 4 kids scarf down dinner tonight, including quinoa and penang chicken!! my 6 year old was literally dipping her chicken in the leftover sauce, and would have licked the plate if i let her!
Quick little blurb about recent stuff:
- i discovered the charlotte's web soundtrack today and i love it.
- i'm currently obsessed with the old hymn, "there is a fountain" (which is how i found the charlotte's web soundtrack: pandora "if i stand/rich mullins" station played "there is a fountain" performed by athena; i then searched spotify and listened to about 30 versions of "there is a fountain" which is included on the charlotte's web soundtrack)
- the kids and i are loving the "roaring like a lion" song by the newsboys...we crank it up in the van and sing at the top of our lungs.
- i knit 3 baby hats for knit pray love (via air1 radio station...the hats will go to babies in Afghanistan); my kids were so interested in the whole idea and my youngest thought we were going to bring one of the babies home to live with us! (maybe one day???)
- i just played "fun mom" and tried to make brownie bites with cream cheese frosting and strawberries for the kids for a valentine's day treat. but the brownie bites are more like brownie bits, as they did not easily pop out of the mini muffin tin!
- my 6 yr old's current movie obsession = barbie fairy secret, currently ours for the week from the library
- i'm still 2/3 of the way through fellowship of the ring...kind of pausing for the moment as i read a book about having "THE talk" with the kids...yes, our oldest is about to turn 10 and we've never had THE talk. according to the book i'm reading, we should have had some sort of talk with ALL the kids by now! yikes!!
- my favorite moment from the last week: my 7 year old and my 4 year old playing Sunday School together, looking up Bible verses, writing them in a notebook and reading them out loud!!
- most surprising moment: my oldest unpacking groceries today, without me asking or hinting in any way...i just turned around and he was putting things away!
- another pleasant surprise was watching all 4 kids scarf down dinner tonight, including quinoa and penang chicken!! my 6 year old was literally dipping her chicken in the leftover sauce, and would have licked the plate if i let her!
Monday, February 6, 2012
Checking In
It's been a little quiet over here...what that means is my life outside of blog-land is busy. All great stuff, just busy. So I thought I'd check in and look at the list I made a month ago, and see how things are going:
1) Yell less. Hmm, I think this depends on the day. I am trying though!
2) Live the adage "if you don't have anything nice to say, say nothing at all." I think I'm doing better with this overall.
3) Get back to my weight watchers lifetime goal weight. AND MAINTAIN IT. ALL YEAR LONG. Actually, maintain it FOREVER! Did GREAT in January! Lost 6.6 pounds and 8 inches! Definitely want to keep going with this.
4) Finish the TurboFire program. Still going strong...loving the program!
5) When TurboFire is done, start another exercise plan and stick with it faithfully. Not done yet.
6) Continue trying to get out and run 3 miles, 3 times a week. Got out Friday and Sunday this past week...felt WONDERFUL!
7) Stick with the Women's Study on James (and complete level 4.) Sticking with it...and loving it!
8) Drink 8 glasses of water a day, minimum. Did well all month, then slacked the past week. A friend and I challenged one another to drink 80 ounces today and I've passed my goal!
9) Blog at least weekly. Whoops! ;)
10) Be aware of the quality moments with my family...and cherish them! Definitely! To the point where a few people have commented on the way I treasure the little things. :)
11) Meet friends for coffee more often. A couple last month, a couple more planned for this month.
12) Continue fun dates with my husband. One coming up this Saturday!
13) Model and foster the fruit of the Spirit in my children. Hmmm, we've been talking more about the Fruit and I think we're all more conscious of bearing Fruit.
14) Continue to play the piano and sing often. Perhaps rejoin the Worship Team?! Playing and singing often, played for an hour yesterday...and praying about Worship Team, talked with two pastors about it.
15) Learn to sew better...and sew projects, starting with making us fabric napkins to use at dinner each night. Boo! Didn't start the napkins yet! But I did knit 2 baby gifts, 3 hats for Knit Pray Love and am finishing a pair of socks. I WILL do the napkins next!!
16) Be braver trying new crafts...make the Jenna DeAngeles Antique Paper Wreath by Christmas, and make another yarn-wrapped wreath before Easter. I did purchase the materials to make a yarn-wrapped wreath for Valentine's Day...I started one night but got side-tracked by kiddos making Valentine cards!
Overall, I think things are going well...I have a blog update in the works about recent happenings with the kiddos.
1) Yell less. Hmm, I think this depends on the day. I am trying though!
2) Live the adage "if you don't have anything nice to say, say nothing at all." I think I'm doing better with this overall.
3) Get back to my weight watchers lifetime goal weight. AND MAINTAIN IT. ALL YEAR LONG. Actually, maintain it FOREVER! Did GREAT in January! Lost 6.6 pounds and 8 inches! Definitely want to keep going with this.
4) Finish the TurboFire program. Still going strong...loving the program!
5) When TurboFire is done, start another exercise plan and stick with it faithfully. Not done yet.
6) Continue trying to get out and run 3 miles, 3 times a week. Got out Friday and Sunday this past week...felt WONDERFUL!
7) Stick with the Women's Study on James (and complete level 4.) Sticking with it...and loving it!
8) Drink 8 glasses of water a day, minimum. Did well all month, then slacked the past week. A friend and I challenged one another to drink 80 ounces today and I've passed my goal!
9) Blog at least weekly. Whoops! ;)
10) Be aware of the quality moments with my family...and cherish them! Definitely! To the point where a few people have commented on the way I treasure the little things. :)
11) Meet friends for coffee more often. A couple last month, a couple more planned for this month.
12) Continue fun dates with my husband. One coming up this Saturday!
13) Model and foster the fruit of the Spirit in my children. Hmmm, we've been talking more about the Fruit and I think we're all more conscious of bearing Fruit.
14) Continue to play the piano and sing often. Perhaps rejoin the Worship Team?! Playing and singing often, played for an hour yesterday...and praying about Worship Team, talked with two pastors about it.
15) Learn to sew better...and sew projects, starting with making us fabric napkins to use at dinner each night. Boo! Didn't start the napkins yet! But I did knit 2 baby gifts, 3 hats for Knit Pray Love and am finishing a pair of socks. I WILL do the napkins next!!
16) Be braver trying new crafts...make the Jenna DeAngeles Antique Paper Wreath by Christmas, and make another yarn-wrapped wreath before Easter. I did purchase the materials to make a yarn-wrapped wreath for Valentine's Day...I started one night but got side-tracked by kiddos making Valentine cards!
Overall, I think things are going well...I have a blog update in the works about recent happenings with the kiddos.
Friday, January 20, 2012
Tea Party: pretty doesn't have to mean pricey!
My girls have been enjoying little tea parties with my mom...they get to use pretty tea cups and add their own milk and sugar. They snack on shortbread cookies or "crumpets." It's a wonderful memory I know they will always treasure. So when my younger daughter asked for a tea party-themed 6th birthday party, I was not surprised, and I was quite delighted! Right away, I began looking up ideas online. A few friends suggested visiting the pinterest website, so I made my way over...and after about three hours, my head was spinning and I was completely overwhelmed! I can knit and cross-stitch, but I am not otherwise creative or crafty. I saw many gorgeous professionally-taken photos of extravagant tea parties. One was for a one-year-old, and I am guessing at least $5000 was shelled out for cakes, favors, decorations, other food and exquisite photos. Lovely, but I'm sorry, I can't afford something like that! So I went back to my list of ideas and decided that would have to do. Especially since my daughter's list included 13 girls! So here is the story of our tea party:
We made our own invitations by googling teapot clip art, printing a picture of a teapot, tracing it on pastel colored heavy paper, and cutting each one out.
I typed the party info in a pretty font and printed it on white paper, used krinkle cut scissors to give a pretty edge, and glued the info to the middle of the teapot. Finally, we made little tea bag tags with additional information (wear gloves & dress up jewelry, bring a doll, etc) and attached the tag to the teapot with a piece of string. Since the invitations were rather large, we hand-delivered the them to each guest. All but one guest RSVP'd with a YES and they all commented on the cute invitations (which, by the way, my 6 and 7 year old daughters traced and glued on their own...I helped with a little cutting, but otherwise, the girls were responsible for these.)
For decorations, I found a pink and silver garland to hang across the dining room entranceway...$1 at a local dollar store. My biggest "splurge" was on balloons...$12 for 3 mylar and 4 pink latex balloons, and I realize now that 2 pink latex outside and 1 mylar inside would have been plenty!) I used a good white table cloth on the dining room table and another white linen cloth on a card table (set up touching the dining room table, to accommodate all the guests.)
I used crystal and silver and china: candle stick holders, plates and platters, figurines, etc. (My girls had fun helping me set up, even participating in polishing the silver.) I found a pink hyacinth and a pink tulip for $3 each. We made our own placecards. I set a little decorative coffee table with doilies and teacups. We went to the Salvation Army and found old white glass cups with handles, 5 for 99 cents!!
As the girls arrived, we took the coats and set them on the stairs ("preventing" escapees from going upstairs to play during the party). Gifts went on the piano bench in the living room, and the girls and their dolls were invited to the family room to color (classical Baroque music playing in the background.) We had printed four different types of tea party themed coloring pages for the girls and put them in a basket with crayons. This kept the girls busy while waiting for the other guests to arrive.
Once everyone arrived, we made sure each guest was introduced to one another and they made their own treat bags: paper bag, paper doily, glue, markers. Fold a doily in half, lay it over the edge of the bag and glue. Use markers to write name and decorate.
Next, they made paper fans: construction paper, doily, glue, scissors, 1/2 a pipe cleaner. Cut doily in half lay on paper at an angle with points touching top edge and glue down. Fan fold. Pinch end without doily and use 1/2 pipe cleaner piece to secure. Note: only 5 of the girls could make these on their own, the others needed help.
Next, we played "pin the crown on the princess" game...$1 at the dollar store. It came with the gameboard, 12 crowns, and a blindfold. All I needed was tape! They loved the game and insisted that I take a turn.
Next, I we sat in a circle on the floor and I read them "Miss Spider's Tea Party" by David Kirk. They were a wonderful audience and listened attentively. When the book was done, I used a very quiet voice to set the tone/mood before we headed into the dining room...this was a fancy, elegant party. We are all lovely ladies. I told them about some of the pieces on the dining room table, that they had belonged to my grandmothers and great-grandmothers. The girls were intrigued and couldn't wait to start the tea party!
I led the way to the dining room and had the girls find their placecard. They sat down and I explained that they could take home their own teacup, their placecard, the necklace, umbrella, star wand and napkin ring (a costume jewelry ring). Note: necklaces were 6 for $1, umbrellas 24 for $1, wands 12 for $1 and rings 8 for $1 all at the dollar store!!!
I showed them how to "steep" the tea...I showed them the teabags and the empty teapots. I filled the teapots with boiling water and they peeked at the water as it changed color as the tea steeped. We passed around a tray of fruit kabobs (my girls made these ahead with grapes, watermelon pieces and strawberries),
chocolate and pink marshmallow cookies ($1 for a box at the dollar store), pink sugar wafers, shortbread cookies (again $1 a box at the dollar store)...I arranged these on doilies on silver trays to look pretty. We also had pretzel rods which my girls had dipped in melted white chocolate and swirled in colorful sprinkles and "mousse" which was chocolate pudding we made and put into plastic parfait cups (I think these were $1 for a 5-pack at the dollar store). I gave the girls the option of whipped cream on top.
Then we poured the tea and the girls passed around two little creamer and sugar sets, one china and one silver.
We used sugar cubes to be extra fancy and the girls loved them! I also had a glass pitcher of apple juice for those who didn't care for tea.
Finally, I brought out a glass platter of mini heart-shaped cakes...I had made white single-layer cakes, frosted them with light pink frosting, decorated with a little layer of sugar sprinkles and then used a heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut 13 mini cakes. I put a candle in one and we sang happy birthday to my daughter. The girls oohed and ahhed over the little cakes (*idea taken from American Girl restaurant.) 
As the girls finished eating, I brought them their treat bags to collect their goodies. I rinsed and dried their teacups for them. Then they went to the basement to play for the last 7 minutes or so of the party.
My daughters said they had a lot of fun, and many of the guests made sweet comments during the party, from "This is the BEST tea party ever!" to "You have the loveliest house!"
I know it is a party my girls will always remember...and so will I! And I think my husband's favorite part is it cost $50 or less!!
Thursday, January 12, 2012
"The List" (at last!)
I've been pondering and mulling over that "list" for over a week now and I've finally come up with my "resolutions" or "goals" or for me, more of a "To Do in 2012" list:
1) Yell less. **
2) Live the adage "if you don't have anything nice to say, say nothing at all." **
3) Get back to my weight watchers lifetime goal weight. AND MAINTAIN IT. ALL YEAR LONG. Actually, maintain it FOREVER!
4) Finish the TurboFire program.
5) When TurboFire is done, start another exercise plan and stick with it faithfully.
6) Continue trying to get out and run 3 miles, 3 times a week.
7) Stick with the Women's Study on James (and complete level 4.)
8) Drink 8 glasses of water a day, minimum.
9) Blog at least weekly.
10) Be aware of the quality moments with my family...and cherish them!
11) Meet friends for coffee more often.
12) Continue fun dates with my husband.
13) Model and foster the fruit of the Spirit in my children. **
14) Continue to play the piano and sing often. Perhaps rejoin the Worship Team?!
15) Learn to sew better...and sew projects, starting with making us fabric napkins to use at dinner each night.
16) Be braver trying new crafts...make the Jenna DeAngeles Antique Paper Wreath by Christmas, and make another yarn-wrapped wreath before Easter.
** these are the items that will be more difficult for me!
So what do you think? Can I do it?!
What are your plans?
1) Yell less. **
2) Live the adage "if you don't have anything nice to say, say nothing at all." **
3) Get back to my weight watchers lifetime goal weight. AND MAINTAIN IT. ALL YEAR LONG. Actually, maintain it FOREVER!
4) Finish the TurboFire program.
5) When TurboFire is done, start another exercise plan and stick with it faithfully.
6) Continue trying to get out and run 3 miles, 3 times a week.
7) Stick with the Women's Study on James (and complete level 4.)
8) Drink 8 glasses of water a day, minimum.
9) Blog at least weekly.
10) Be aware of the quality moments with my family...and cherish them!
11) Meet friends for coffee more often.
12) Continue fun dates with my husband.
13) Model and foster the fruit of the Spirit in my children. **
14) Continue to play the piano and sing often. Perhaps rejoin the Worship Team?!
15) Learn to sew better...and sew projects, starting with making us fabric napkins to use at dinner each night.
16) Be braver trying new crafts...make the Jenna DeAngeles Antique Paper Wreath by Christmas, and make another yarn-wrapped wreath before Easter.
** these are the items that will be more difficult for me!
So what do you think? Can I do it?!
What are your plans?
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
Pondering
It feels strange not to be writing every day, after a month of thankfulness posts followed by a month of Christmas music posts. I had planned to list my "resolutions" or goals, but am still pondering them at the moment. I heard a statistic today that 50% of people who make New Year's Resolutions break them within THREE WEEKS! Yikes! I don't know...I'm a list person. I am very goal-oriented, so resolution lists aren't all that foreign to me. I just want to make my list attainable, valuable, and enjoyable.
Hmmm, still mulling it over.
Hmmm, still mulling it over.
Sunday, January 1, 2012
Happy New Year
I thought I'd post my "resolutions"/goal/plans for the year, but so many other thoughts have been swirling in my head all day, I think I'll save that list for another day.
Today we had a new worship pastor start at church...worship was beautiful! Just two guys and two acoustic guitars...what a terrific way to start the year. We also took the Lord's Supper at the conclusion of the service. My almost-six-year-old has been looking forward to this for a few weeks, since was just baptized a few weeks ago. She was literally jumping up and down this morning, shrieking, "I get to take the Lord's Supper today!"
After church, the girls helped me take down the outdoor Christmas decorations, a little earlier than I had planned, but the weather was quite balmy, so I thought we'd take advantage.
Later in the afternoon, I was looking through the kindergarten registration paperwork for my youngest, now 4. I burst into tears thinking about putting him on the bus in September...I really don't know if we should send him this year or wait until he is 5 turning 6! Anyway, he came looking for me and found me, all teary, and spent the next few hours running up to me with hugs and kisses. We spent some time dancing in the kitchen (nothing like old school Petra and Amy Grant!) and he helped me peel carrots, measure ingredients, and stir our soup for dinner.
During dinner, I decided we should start a new tradition and make family New Year's Resolutions. Here's the list we made:
1) Me - lost weight/be more fit
2) C - more family hikes
3) NC - snowboard
4) Me - be more patient/less yelling
5) K - ski
6) C - eat healthier
7) C - practice being honest
8) NC - save money
9) C - nightly family devotions
10) C - weekly family movie nights
11) Everyone - be more helpful
Well, it's a start! (Pretty clear C was the only one really "into" making the list!) I decided not to include NC's suggestion of "more video game time"!! I also decided it was time to read a passage on the fruit of the Spirit, from Galatians. I started to read and lo and behold, NC (age 9) started rattling off all 9 fruit!!!!! I had no idea he had them memorized! So we talked a bit about how when Jesus is in your heart, you should be "bearing fruit" like love, peace, joy, etc. The older 2 were listening closely, but the younger 2 were beginning to fade. I let everyone be excused, and the next thing I knew, C went and got her devotional book, brought it to the table and started reading aloud! My heart melted!
Looks like 2012 is off to a great start.
Today we had a new worship pastor start at church...worship was beautiful! Just two guys and two acoustic guitars...what a terrific way to start the year. We also took the Lord's Supper at the conclusion of the service. My almost-six-year-old has been looking forward to this for a few weeks, since was just baptized a few weeks ago. She was literally jumping up and down this morning, shrieking, "I get to take the Lord's Supper today!"
After church, the girls helped me take down the outdoor Christmas decorations, a little earlier than I had planned, but the weather was quite balmy, so I thought we'd take advantage.
Later in the afternoon, I was looking through the kindergarten registration paperwork for my youngest, now 4. I burst into tears thinking about putting him on the bus in September...I really don't know if we should send him this year or wait until he is 5 turning 6! Anyway, he came looking for me and found me, all teary, and spent the next few hours running up to me with hugs and kisses. We spent some time dancing in the kitchen (nothing like old school Petra and Amy Grant!) and he helped me peel carrots, measure ingredients, and stir our soup for dinner.
During dinner, I decided we should start a new tradition and make family New Year's Resolutions. Here's the list we made:
1) Me - lost weight/be more fit
2) C - more family hikes
3) NC - snowboard
4) Me - be more patient/less yelling
5) K - ski
6) C - eat healthier
7) C - practice being honest
8) NC - save money
9) C - nightly family devotions
10) C - weekly family movie nights
11) Everyone - be more helpful
Well, it's a start! (Pretty clear C was the only one really "into" making the list!) I decided not to include NC's suggestion of "more video game time"!! I also decided it was time to read a passage on the fruit of the Spirit, from Galatians. I started to read and lo and behold, NC (age 9) started rattling off all 9 fruit!!!!! I had no idea he had them memorized! So we talked a bit about how when Jesus is in your heart, you should be "bearing fruit" like love, peace, joy, etc. The older 2 were listening closely, but the younger 2 were beginning to fade. I let everyone be excused, and the next thing I knew, C went and got her devotional book, brought it to the table and started reading aloud! My heart melted!
Looks like 2012 is off to a great start.
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