1. Nick got his wisdom teeth out Friday. In case you missed my comments on FB, he had four huge impacted teeth that took them a full hour to get out. He also needed a bone graft behind one of them to make sure he didn't lose the next molar. Then, when they took one of his top teeth out, there was no bone between the tooth and his sinus. So he had a hole through to his sinus that they filled with collagen. So, all that to say, he's been one miserable dude the past three days. He felt quite a bit better this morning, and went to work. Hopefully he has a good day.
2. Taking care of everybody was more work than I think I've ever done. I am very blessed to have such an attentive, hard-working husband who does so much for my kids and me. I have new found compassion for single parents, that's for sure!
3. The brand of bread I usually buy (free of yeast, dairy, soy, gluten, egg - Nick says not many people have figured out how to make bread without ingredients. Ha!) has been back-ordered at our grocery store for weeks, so I've been looking for alternatives. This worked pretty well this week, even with egg replacer. Not incredible flavor, but decent texture and definitely filling and full of fiber.
4. Still messing around with the sourdough thing. I'm getting closer with the starter. But, I'm finding no recipes for gluten free sourdough bread online that use real sourdough starter rather than one started with yeast packets that have allergens in them. I may have to create my own...which sounds a little scary and expensive.
5. Down to two (well, really three) students. It's a tradeoff - money or free time?
6. I found this super neat website, full of sewing projects and crafts. I found a stuffed bunny and a stuffed kitty that I'm making for the girls, after finding my sewing machine manual online, and cleaning and oiling my machine so it actually works right. I think they'll love them. :) I actually took I think two years of sewing lessons when I was homeschooled...I think I was 12. It amazes me how much comes back to me when I start working!
7. Thanksgiving - I'm excited. This is probably my favorite holiday. Good food, laughing with family around the table, remembering all the things God has blessed us with, and very little commercialism. Funny how being grateful doesn't really sell much... I chatted with my mom last night about our big family meal, and we're going to stuff the turkey with GF stuffing and make some other minor changes that will make dinner easy for us without changing it a ton for the others. On Friday I will make our own gluten free feast at our house. I really enjoy this! Cooking has become such an outlet for me lately. It's funny...I never would have guessed that would happen.
8. Was at Walmart for diapers the other night (Walmart has much better off-brand diapers than Target, so I have resigned myself), and found one of those wide scarves for $5. I was excited. I made one of our clients show me how she ties hers the other night, and I wore my scarf yesterday and was warm. :) It's the little things...
Alright. Boring myself, so I'll go. What's going on in your world?
Monday, November 24, 2008
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
The Importance of Our Job as Mothers
"Children are a public trust - Now, that work which is of most importance to society is the bringing-up and instruction of the children - in the school, certainly, but far more in the home, because it is more that anything else the home influences brought to bear upon the child that determine the character and career of the future man or woman. It is a great thing to be a parent: there is no promotion, no dignity, to compare with it."
-Charlotte Mason, "Home Education, Vol. 1" p. 1
It is often difficult, especially for those of us who stay at home with our kids, to feel purposeful, needed, useful as a mother. I'm not sure why this is, because it seems that even two generations ago it was not the case. But I have already established here in the past that I will make no impact larger than the one I make on my own children, my own family. So what if my training in music (or your training in...fill in the blank) is intended not to fill my own heart, or change the world as a whole, but ultimately to make an eternal impact on my own children and our home life? What if I create an atmosphere in my home where my children learn to live lives of worship? How much more impact will children who live lives of worship make, more than the person for whom I can facilitate a few minutes of encounter with God during a worship service (not to discount that, but obviously the impact will be less). What if this applies to all of our trades that we learned B.C. (before children)? Education, music, healthcare, business - whatever we did can be passed as a strength to our children through our willingness to give them those gifts...
Just something I'm thinking about...
-Charlotte Mason, "Home Education, Vol. 1" p. 1
It is often difficult, especially for those of us who stay at home with our kids, to feel purposeful, needed, useful as a mother. I'm not sure why this is, because it seems that even two generations ago it was not the case. But I have already established here in the past that I will make no impact larger than the one I make on my own children, my own family. So what if my training in music (or your training in...fill in the blank) is intended not to fill my own heart, or change the world as a whole, but ultimately to make an eternal impact on my own children and our home life? What if I create an atmosphere in my home where my children learn to live lives of worship? How much more impact will children who live lives of worship make, more than the person for whom I can facilitate a few minutes of encounter with God during a worship service (not to discount that, but obviously the impact will be less). What if this applies to all of our trades that we learned B.C. (before children)? Education, music, healthcare, business - whatever we did can be passed as a strength to our children through our willingness to give them those gifts...
Just something I'm thinking about...
Phone Call with a Vaccine Maker
Dr. Mercola has a recorded phone call with an employee of a flu vaccine maker. Very interesting...
Monday, November 17, 2008
Weekly Update
Wow...it feels like forever since I did this!
1. 2nd fitting tonight for Tarah. Her dress has a low backed strapless corset, and we're a little concerned about the fit... I hope it will work well. I actually ordered some of that dress tape they use on red carpet gowns to try with it.
2. Nick worked until almost 4 on Saturday, so our weekend felt pretty short. He had hours to catch up on, so he worked like 58 hours last week, I think. Whew.
3. Thanksgiving...I'm starting to think about our menu. We will spend Thanksgiving with my family, but I usually do a complete gluten free meal of our own on Friday. I really enjoy doing it each year! I am finding cooking to be a creative outlet for me lately.
4. On cooking - I am still working with the sourdough starter. This is the third attempt. :) It is supposed to double in size after feeding, within 3-6 hours. It takes more like 12 hours, and it never really doubles. I made a delicious pizza crust/foccacia bread thing with it the other night, but I have been scared to try a whole loaf of bread because I hate for it to turn out like a brick. :)
5. Hannah is doing a new reward system for potty-training. Every time she goes potty she gets a sticker, and when she gets 15, she gets to go on a "date" with mommy or daddy. So, our first date was last night. She wanted to go to Wahoo's for dinner, and then we played around at Target. She seemed really indifferent to the whole thing and I was a little disappointed, honestly. I hoped she would be excited and open up. That said, she does seem really positive with me this morning, like she does feel more connected. She just has a really different way of showing that than I do. I so badly want to "get" her. I'm praying about that a lot right now.
6. Made these Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins over the weekend. I have made these several times, and they turn out so yummy! This is also one of the few cakey recipes I've found that allow for egg replacer without falling in the middle. Yum.
7. Nick's getting his wisdom teeth out on Friday. He's kind of nervous about it. He did such a good job taking care of me with mine. Now it's my turn! If anyone needs me, I'll be single-handedly running the house next weekend. :)
8. Doesn't this look cute and fairly easy? I really want to make something for my kids for Christmas. Maybe this?
9. I got Volume One of Charlotte Mason's writings from Paperbackswap the other day. Oh my goodness. This is how we homeschooled when I was a kid! It's so funny to me that my mom has never heard of her, because she did so much by her teachings. I am finding it to be incredible encouraging and challenging at the same time. The other thing that makes it enjoyable is the style of writing - reminds me so much of a Jane Austen novel. Mason lived around the turn of last century. Thoroughly entertaining.
10. (Are you tired of me yet? I have lots to say today.) This is the last week of lessons for school of worship, which means I go from five students to two. Know anyone who needs lessons?
OK. My house is a wreck. I better get busy!
1. 2nd fitting tonight for Tarah. Her dress has a low backed strapless corset, and we're a little concerned about the fit... I hope it will work well. I actually ordered some of that dress tape they use on red carpet gowns to try with it.
2. Nick worked until almost 4 on Saturday, so our weekend felt pretty short. He had hours to catch up on, so he worked like 58 hours last week, I think. Whew.
3. Thanksgiving...I'm starting to think about our menu. We will spend Thanksgiving with my family, but I usually do a complete gluten free meal of our own on Friday. I really enjoy doing it each year! I am finding cooking to be a creative outlet for me lately.
4. On cooking - I am still working with the sourdough starter. This is the third attempt. :) It is supposed to double in size after feeding, within 3-6 hours. It takes more like 12 hours, and it never really doubles. I made a delicious pizza crust/foccacia bread thing with it the other night, but I have been scared to try a whole loaf of bread because I hate for it to turn out like a brick. :)
5. Hannah is doing a new reward system for potty-training. Every time she goes potty she gets a sticker, and when she gets 15, she gets to go on a "date" with mommy or daddy. So, our first date was last night. She wanted to go to Wahoo's for dinner, and then we played around at Target. She seemed really indifferent to the whole thing and I was a little disappointed, honestly. I hoped she would be excited and open up. That said, she does seem really positive with me this morning, like she does feel more connected. She just has a really different way of showing that than I do. I so badly want to "get" her. I'm praying about that a lot right now.
6. Made these Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins over the weekend. I have made these several times, and they turn out so yummy! This is also one of the few cakey recipes I've found that allow for egg replacer without falling in the middle. Yum.
7. Nick's getting his wisdom teeth out on Friday. He's kind of nervous about it. He did such a good job taking care of me with mine. Now it's my turn! If anyone needs me, I'll be single-handedly running the house next weekend. :)
8. Doesn't this look cute and fairly easy? I really want to make something for my kids for Christmas. Maybe this?
9. I got Volume One of Charlotte Mason's writings from Paperbackswap the other day. Oh my goodness. This is how we homeschooled when I was a kid! It's so funny to me that my mom has never heard of her, because she did so much by her teachings. I am finding it to be incredible encouraging and challenging at the same time. The other thing that makes it enjoyable is the style of writing - reminds me so much of a Jane Austen novel. Mason lived around the turn of last century. Thoroughly entertaining.
10. (Are you tired of me yet? I have lots to say today.) This is the last week of lessons for school of worship, which means I go from five students to two. Know anyone who needs lessons?
OK. My house is a wreck. I better get busy!
Sunday, November 16, 2008
Saturday, November 15, 2008
Testing...
So, on Wednesday of last week, our 6 year old laptop finally bit the dust. Through the huge generosity of TWO people I love, we now have a brand-spanking new computer. Well, the computer part is new. The monitor is the old HUGE one that Nick bought in 2000 that weighs more than both of our children...put together. But, it works! The first thing we did was try watching video on youtube - a frustrating experience on the old computer, to put it mildly. I have to admit to crying a little at the clear, steady image. I feel so thankful. Actually, what we watched was good too. Have you seen the new Weepies video that is muppets? SO great. Audrey sat on my lap and watched it over and over.
Therefore, I have been without a computer for a week and a half. I'm amazed at several things:
1. How much you can get done when you are not absorbed in reading 349 million blogs per day.
2. How quiet the house seems when there is no computer yelling at you
3. That the world continues, with or without you
4. That emails do not have to be answered within 30 minutes or less. People generally don't notice if it's 30 minutes or 3 days...or more.
5. That when I choose my reading material, rather than reading whatever Google Reader or Facebook puts in front of me, I learn a lot more and am much more encouraged.
6. That phone calls are much more effective for real connection that anything computer related. 3 1/2 hour dinners are even better. ;)
7. That my children absolutely, positively did not miss the computer one bit. Having mommy more mentally available was huge.
Now. To remember these things and make the appropriate changes.
Oh, and read this post by Glenn. Great reminder and perspective, from someone who loves the U.S., can't vote, and has some thoughts we all need to remember about our citizenship.
Therefore, I have been without a computer for a week and a half. I'm amazed at several things:
1. How much you can get done when you are not absorbed in reading 349 million blogs per day.
2. How quiet the house seems when there is no computer yelling at you
3. That the world continues, with or without you
4. That emails do not have to be answered within 30 minutes or less. People generally don't notice if it's 30 minutes or 3 days...or more.
5. That when I choose my reading material, rather than reading whatever Google Reader or Facebook puts in front of me, I learn a lot more and am much more encouraged.
6. That phone calls are much more effective for real connection that anything computer related. 3 1/2 hour dinners are even better. ;)
7. That my children absolutely, positively did not miss the computer one bit. Having mommy more mentally available was huge.
Now. To remember these things and make the appropriate changes.
Oh, and read this post by Glenn. Great reminder and perspective, from someone who loves the U.S., can't vote, and has some thoughts we all need to remember about our citizenship.
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
An excellent post
I've read lots of great posts today, but this one by my pastor took the cake. SO good...
Reminders...
...to you, but mostly to me. :) God has lots to say about authority - it's a topic of huge importance to Him. If you can't live in submission to authority, there are many, many not-so-nice things promised to you. And WHO the authority is doesn't seem to matter. If I'm not mistaken, the "governing authorities" referred to in Romans was the emperor Nero, who was arguably the most brutal killer of Christians who has ever existed.
So no, I didn't want Obama to win. But now it's my job to submit and pay him the respect and honor I owe him.
Romans 8:28
28And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
Exodus 22:28
28 Do not blaspheme God or curse the ruler of your people.
Titus 3:1
1Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good, 2to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and to show true humility toward all men.
1 Timothy 2:1,2
1I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone— 2for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.
Col 2:10
10and you have been given fullness in Christ, who is the head over every power and authority
Heb 13:17
17Obey your leaders and submit to their authority. They keep watch over you as men who must give an account. Obey them so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no advantage to you.
1 Peter 2:11-15
So no, I didn't want Obama to win. But now it's my job to submit and pay him the respect and honor I owe him.
Romans 13
1Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. 2Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. 3For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and he will commend you. 4For he is God's servant to do you good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword for nothing. He is God's servant, an agent of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. 5Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also because of conscience. 6This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God's servants, who give their full time to governing. 7Give everyone what you owe him: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor.Romans 8:28
28And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
Exodus 22:28
28 Do not blaspheme God or curse the ruler of your people.
Titus 3:1
1Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good, 2to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and to show true humility toward all men.
1 Timothy 2:1,2
1I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone— 2for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.
Col 2:10
10and you have been given fullness in Christ, who is the head over every power and authority
Heb 13:17
17Obey your leaders and submit to their authority. They keep watch over you as men who must give an account. Obey them so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no advantage to you.
1 Peter 2:11-15
11Dear friends, I urge you, as aliens and strangers in the world, to abstain from sinful desires, which war against your soul. 12Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us. 13Submit yourselves for the Lord's sake to every authority instituted among men: whether to the king, as the supreme authority, 14or to governors, who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right. 15For it is God's will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish men.
2 Peter 2:9,10
9if this is so, then the Lord knows how to rescue godly men from trials and to hold the unrighteous for the day of judgment, while continuing their punishment.[c] 10This is especially true of those who follow the corrupt desire of the sinful nature[d] and despise authority.
Jude 1:8
8In the very same way, these dreamers pollute their own bodies, reject authority and slander celestial beings.
Monday, November 3, 2008
Weekly Update
1. Just another reminder, if you haven't heard it already: pray for the election today. Pray that God's will will be done... (If anybody here wants to go see Palin at 5:15 tonight, you can RSVP here.)
2. The Jetta is not yet fixed. It starts, which is improvement, but now it smells bad and we suspect that's the battery...
3. This was not a very restful weekend for us...but it's a long story that I don't feel like telling here.
Whew. This is just a rough point for us. I could tell several more stories...of the bad business decision I made when I didn't get anything in writing from a girl who wanted us to make some clothes for her, and now has moved and lost interest completely and doesn't want to pay for them...of the cold symptoms Hannah can't get rid of that I guess must be allergies...of the lack of Christmas money...of my concern for the election...of Nick's friend who is moving back where his parents live this week after his wife left him... What can I say?
One thing I can say: my hope is in God. I learned some things this summer about what God thinks about me, and about what He promises. Today, I'll be mostly staying off the computer, and staying immersed in worship, prayer and truth from the Word. (In between piano lessons) :) Pray for us, if you think of it. We need strength and wisdom.
2. The Jetta is not yet fixed. It starts, which is improvement, but now it smells bad and we suspect that's the battery...
3. This was not a very restful weekend for us...but it's a long story that I don't feel like telling here.
Whew. This is just a rough point for us. I could tell several more stories...of the bad business decision I made when I didn't get anything in writing from a girl who wanted us to make some clothes for her, and now has moved and lost interest completely and doesn't want to pay for them...of the cold symptoms Hannah can't get rid of that I guess must be allergies...of the lack of Christmas money...of my concern for the election...of Nick's friend who is moving back where his parents live this week after his wife left him... What can I say?
One thing I can say: my hope is in God. I learned some things this summer about what God thinks about me, and about what He promises. Today, I'll be mostly staying off the computer, and staying immersed in worship, prayer and truth from the Word. (In between piano lessons) :) Pray for us, if you think of it. We need strength and wisdom.
Saturday, November 1, 2008
More pics
Audrey refusing to have her picture taken. ;)
The girls with my sister Amy - who is 17 and still LOVES going trick-or-treating with her friends. :)
Our small group met up at church, which was so nice! In the midst of the hysteria, friends! :) (Robby and Joanna got there right after this and I'm so sad they're not in the picture! We had to take it quick before we lost all the kiddos!)
Thursday, October 30, 2008
How to quit nagging
I loved this post today too, about how to teach habits. Now to implement...THAT is the hard part! :)
Two Posts
Here are two posts that I appreciated in the past couple days:
Kim's post about simplifying Christmas and helping our children truly appreciate and enjoy it. It's always somewhat of a gamble when you buy presents for kids. It does seem like they are often tossed aside, even the "flashy" ones that are designed to catch and keep their attention. After 10 minutes, the thing doesn't do anything more than what it already did, and the fascination is over forever. We've been trying to choose things that will encourage more imaginative play...good to hear these thoughts about it.
Glenn's post about how you can't love the whole world, you've really gotta love just a few people (incidentally, this is a portion of his book, and I highly recommend it). I think this is very applicable to moms who are focused on their children. We all went to those youth conferences as teenagers, where they encouraged and inspired us to change our world. But can you really do that? Does it last? I have been frustrated looking back, because I don't remember one time those events placed a high value on raising Godly households. I know one thing - the lives of our kids are deeply changed by our involvement with them. If we can raise children who know God, who are not bound by their own insecurities and faults, who love other people more than themselves, and who are highly imaginative and intelligent...sounds pretty world-changing to me... Arrows in the hands of a warrior, like Ps. 127 says...
Kim's post about simplifying Christmas and helping our children truly appreciate and enjoy it. It's always somewhat of a gamble when you buy presents for kids. It does seem like they are often tossed aside, even the "flashy" ones that are designed to catch and keep their attention. After 10 minutes, the thing doesn't do anything more than what it already did, and the fascination is over forever. We've been trying to choose things that will encourage more imaginative play...good to hear these thoughts about it.
Glenn's post about how you can't love the whole world, you've really gotta love just a few people (incidentally, this is a portion of his book, and I highly recommend it). I think this is very applicable to moms who are focused on their children. We all went to those youth conferences as teenagers, where they encouraged and inspired us to change our world. But can you really do that? Does it last? I have been frustrated looking back, because I don't remember one time those events placed a high value on raising Godly households. I know one thing - the lives of our kids are deeply changed by our involvement with them. If we can raise children who know God, who are not bound by their own insecurities and faults, who love other people more than themselves, and who are highly imaginative and intelligent...sounds pretty world-changing to me... Arrows in the hands of a warrior, like Ps. 127 says...
Monday, October 27, 2008
Weekly Update
1. Halloween on Friday. Hannah is going to be Cinderella and Audrey is going to be Sleeping Beauty. I have to keep reminding Audrey that's what it's called. She likes to say "Sleeping Goady." It's really funny. She can say it right, she just doesn't unless I remind her. We'll probably take them to my parents' and then to church's HUGE "Fall Fest." It's usually too cold here to Trick-or-Treat, especially when you live in a rural area like we do. My parents used to drive us around in the van. My kids don't know any better, so far. :)
2. Really liked this post on parenting this morning. Nick and I also went to a parenting class at church last night. (On Sunday nights they have "New Life U" where pretty much every week you can choose from around 5 or 6 different mini seminars. They are an hour long and usually three consecutive weeks. The Marriage and Family pastors are doing a parenting one. The third and final meeting is two weeks from yesterday.) Anyway, SO encouraging and challenging. I've always wanted to do more than survive parenting, feeling direction and purpose about what we're working toward with our children. The Grothe's have 4 fantastic grown kids, and hearing about their parenting ideas, it was not an accident. Still pondering on this one...
3. Nick and I started going to a marriage conference they had at church Friday night and Saturday, but after the 2 hour Friday session, decided to skip the conference and have a date on Saturday. (The conference was free anyway.) The content of the conference was terrific, but felt like it was geared toward couples who were really struggling. ("Here's why you should not cuss each other out.") By the grace of God, that's not where we're at. Instead, we went and had breakfast at Whole Foods, and then wandered around town, chatting and enjoying the morning. It was a great way to start the weekend. Fun to have a date during the day!
4. The Jetta is getting fixed today! Yay! Hopefully it won't cost too much and will run well...
5. We had a couple of cooking adventures the past week. I made this pumpkin ice cream. It tastes a bit like frozen pumpkin pie filling. Hannah said it was yucky and then ate it all. :) It's good, strangely so... I also made Runzas for dinner, mainly for Nick. Runza is a fast food place that is mostly in Nebraska. Nick grew up eating these pocket sandwiches, and prior to my gluten free life, I really liked them too. I used dough from this company that Gluten-Free Girl recommended a while back, and made the filling according to the recipe online. I needed to bake them a bit less (the crust got hard), but the flavor was great! We'll have to do those again, and maybe freeze some to heat up later?
6. Things with Maeve are pretty slow right now. We're working on a new project though - boutique clothing! Maeve Bridal is set up under the parent company Maeve Designs, because we wanted to keep our options open to design things other than bridal gowns. So, we're trying it! If you have any contacts that might be helpful, I'd love to have them. I'm guessing we'll have a summer line, which will be ready in the next few months for buyers to look at.
7. Food budget. Um, yeah. We have always prioritized enough money in our budget to buy organic, gluten free food. It's just our way of life. We choose our cars and home accordingly so we can afford it. But lately? $100-$130 more than the budget per WEEK! Prices have gone up so dramatically that it's incredible. Honestly, I'm not sure what to do. I try to keep dinners at $15 or less, with leftovers. Even just oil and maple syrup and things that seem like basics are so much more expensive... I read lots of those frugal blogs, but their solutions are usually to cut back on protein and eat more carbs. While that is definitely cheaper, it's not a good idea for people with blood sugar issues (us) or we'll have bigger problems than being over budget. So, we can't really follow lots of the advice. Arg. Budgeting is so hard... Surely the prices will come back down, right? That whole supply and demand thing? The gas prices followed it...
Alright. Audrey just came to sit on my lap and cuddle, and it's time for yoga (you should see Hannah do yoga with me - SO funny!). And the girls just had a little battle. Gotta help Audrey say she's sorry - this is a process right now... :) Have a great week!
2. Really liked this post on parenting this morning. Nick and I also went to a parenting class at church last night. (On Sunday nights they have "New Life U" where pretty much every week you can choose from around 5 or 6 different mini seminars. They are an hour long and usually three consecutive weeks. The Marriage and Family pastors are doing a parenting one. The third and final meeting is two weeks from yesterday.) Anyway, SO encouraging and challenging. I've always wanted to do more than survive parenting, feeling direction and purpose about what we're working toward with our children. The Grothe's have 4 fantastic grown kids, and hearing about their parenting ideas, it was not an accident. Still pondering on this one...
3. Nick and I started going to a marriage conference they had at church Friday night and Saturday, but after the 2 hour Friday session, decided to skip the conference and have a date on Saturday. (The conference was free anyway.) The content of the conference was terrific, but felt like it was geared toward couples who were really struggling. ("Here's why you should not cuss each other out.") By the grace of God, that's not where we're at. Instead, we went and had breakfast at Whole Foods, and then wandered around town, chatting and enjoying the morning. It was a great way to start the weekend. Fun to have a date during the day!
4. The Jetta is getting fixed today! Yay! Hopefully it won't cost too much and will run well...
5. We had a couple of cooking adventures the past week. I made this pumpkin ice cream. It tastes a bit like frozen pumpkin pie filling. Hannah said it was yucky and then ate it all. :) It's good, strangely so... I also made Runzas for dinner, mainly for Nick. Runza is a fast food place that is mostly in Nebraska. Nick grew up eating these pocket sandwiches, and prior to my gluten free life, I really liked them too. I used dough from this company that Gluten-Free Girl recommended a while back, and made the filling according to the recipe online. I needed to bake them a bit less (the crust got hard), but the flavor was great! We'll have to do those again, and maybe freeze some to heat up later?
6. Things with Maeve are pretty slow right now. We're working on a new project though - boutique clothing! Maeve Bridal is set up under the parent company Maeve Designs, because we wanted to keep our options open to design things other than bridal gowns. So, we're trying it! If you have any contacts that might be helpful, I'd love to have them. I'm guessing we'll have a summer line, which will be ready in the next few months for buyers to look at.
7. Food budget. Um, yeah. We have always prioritized enough money in our budget to buy organic, gluten free food. It's just our way of life. We choose our cars and home accordingly so we can afford it. But lately? $100-$130 more than the budget per WEEK! Prices have gone up so dramatically that it's incredible. Honestly, I'm not sure what to do. I try to keep dinners at $15 or less, with leftovers. Even just oil and maple syrup and things that seem like basics are so much more expensive... I read lots of those frugal blogs, but their solutions are usually to cut back on protein and eat more carbs. While that is definitely cheaper, it's not a good idea for people with blood sugar issues (us) or we'll have bigger problems than being over budget. So, we can't really follow lots of the advice. Arg. Budgeting is so hard... Surely the prices will come back down, right? That whole supply and demand thing? The gas prices followed it...
Alright. Audrey just came to sit on my lap and cuddle, and it's time for yoga (you should see Hannah do yoga with me - SO funny!). And the girls just had a little battle. Gotta help Audrey say she's sorry - this is a process right now... :) Have a great week!
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Monday, October 20, 2008
GF Pumpkin Cookies
Sometimes you gotta have a cookie.
Danielle brought some mouth-watering looking pumpkin cookies to small group a few weeks ago. We asked her to post the recipe and she did. Of course since they were made with gluten, I could only sit and have my mouth water. :)
So, I adapted the recipe. I laughed as I did it, because ultimately the recipe looked nothing like hers. But, the cookies actually came out looking similar, and they are very tasty! I was afraid to make the huge amount her recipe makes, until I knew if it would work. So, I halved the recipe first. Here's my adaptation:
GF Pumpkin Cookies
Combine and set aside:
1 c Teff flour (brown rice flour or sorghum flour would probably work too)
1/2 c Tapioca flour
1/2 c Sweet rice flour
1 c Quinoa flakes (or certified GF oats)
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp allspice (it was a nice touch, I thought)
1/2 tsp salt
Whisk together:
1/2 c virgin coconut oil
1/4 c canola oil (or grapeseed oil)
3/4 c agave nectar
1 1/2 tsp egg replacer powder (no need to add the water)
1 tsp vanilla
1 16 oz can of pumpkin
Add wet ingredients to dry ingredients and mix until combined. Add 1 - 1 1/2 cups chocolate chips (optional)
Drop by tablespoon onto lightly greased pan (I used parchment paper on my pans) and bake at 350 degrees for 15-18 minutes. Makes about 2 1/2 dozen cookies.
Danielle brought some mouth-watering looking pumpkin cookies to small group a few weeks ago. We asked her to post the recipe and she did. Of course since they were made with gluten, I could only sit and have my mouth water. :)
So, I adapted the recipe. I laughed as I did it, because ultimately the recipe looked nothing like hers. But, the cookies actually came out looking similar, and they are very tasty! I was afraid to make the huge amount her recipe makes, until I knew if it would work. So, I halved the recipe first. Here's my adaptation:
GF Pumpkin Cookies
Combine and set aside:
1 c Teff flour (brown rice flour or sorghum flour would probably work too)
1/2 c Tapioca flour
1/2 c Sweet rice flour
1 c Quinoa flakes (or certified GF oats)
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp allspice (it was a nice touch, I thought)
1/2 tsp salt
Whisk together:
1/2 c virgin coconut oil
1/4 c canola oil (or grapeseed oil)
3/4 c agave nectar
1 1/2 tsp egg replacer powder (no need to add the water)
1 tsp vanilla
1 16 oz can of pumpkin
Add wet ingredients to dry ingredients and mix until combined. Add 1 - 1 1/2 cups chocolate chips (optional)
Drop by tablespoon onto lightly greased pan (I used parchment paper on my pans) and bake at 350 degrees for 15-18 minutes. Makes about 2 1/2 dozen cookies.
The Blessing of Children
I enjoyed this post from Kim today. Although I seriously doubt we will ever get to 10 (never say never on this kind of thing!), this is something I've been giving a lot of thought to lately.
While talking to my Gramma on the phone a week or so ago, she was talking about the many things she wishes she could still do. Dance, was one of them. (My Gramma always was a feisty one!) :) I said to her, "Look at how many people came from your family though, and how many of them love God and take care of each other. You have a great legacy." (They had 6 children, and they have 25 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren) Her response surprised me. "Yes, I would have had 10 children if I had known how much joy they would bring us." I asked her if she really meant that, and she really did. My Gramma was a nurse for many, many years, helping women deliver their babies, and also working in ICU for a long time. She had the chance to serve and help lots of people, but none of it meant what her kids did and do... They've had many struggles over the years, but their children still mean more than anything else to them.
My Grampa's family can trace their heritage back to the 1400's. We have a family historian who has spent countless hours putting our family tree together, and we have a "family website." On that site, many of my relatives have posted OLD pictures from as far back as the 1880's. The thing that struck me is people are all that really lasts. We can do huge amounts of great work, and it will make a difference. But our children, and their children, and their children are the ones who will remember us, ask about what we were like, want to know what was important to us, and treasure the memory of us. No one I make a wedding dress for will do that. Most people I have or will lead worship for or teach will not do that, although I'd like to think there would be a few I would make an impact on. There are many dear friends whose pictures made it on the family website too, which I found interesting, so friends definitely matter a huge amount as well. But, PEOPLE! People are all that is important in the long run.
I have no brilliant conclusion to this post yet. What are your thoughts?
While talking to my Gramma on the phone a week or so ago, she was talking about the many things she wishes she could still do. Dance, was one of them. (My Gramma always was a feisty one!) :) I said to her, "Look at how many people came from your family though, and how many of them love God and take care of each other. You have a great legacy." (They had 6 children, and they have 25 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren) Her response surprised me. "Yes, I would have had 10 children if I had known how much joy they would bring us." I asked her if she really meant that, and she really did. My Gramma was a nurse for many, many years, helping women deliver their babies, and also working in ICU for a long time. She had the chance to serve and help lots of people, but none of it meant what her kids did and do... They've had many struggles over the years, but their children still mean more than anything else to them.
My Grampa's family can trace their heritage back to the 1400's. We have a family historian who has spent countless hours putting our family tree together, and we have a "family website." On that site, many of my relatives have posted OLD pictures from as far back as the 1880's. The thing that struck me is people are all that really lasts. We can do huge amounts of great work, and it will make a difference. But our children, and their children, and their children are the ones who will remember us, ask about what we were like, want to know what was important to us, and treasure the memory of us. No one I make a wedding dress for will do that. Most people I have or will lead worship for or teach will not do that, although I'd like to think there would be a few I would make an impact on. There are many dear friends whose pictures made it on the family website too, which I found interesting, so friends definitely matter a huge amount as well. But, PEOPLE! People are all that is important in the long run.
I have no brilliant conclusion to this post yet. What are your thoughts?
Weekly Update
1. It's a foggy day here. Hannah told me at breakfast that we needed to get rid of the fog so we can see the sun. "But how will we get up there? We need a ladder." You betcha.
2. We spent most of the weekend sitting around here. We did finally make it to church last night, keeping Hannah with us since her cough sounds awful, but other than that we stayed home. Kind of nice to do that once in a while. Wish Hannah felt better though.
3. Another fairly quiet week around here. There's a free marriage seminar at church Friday and Saturday that we're hoping to get to. You're supposed to register, and no childcare is available, but you can't beat free.
4. I'm starting Flylady again. Our house had gotten completely out of control. I always come back full circle to her system. It's not perfect, but your house does get and stay clean. Hannah in particular has such a need for order in her surroundings. She actually behaves better when the house is clean. It's important for me to give her that chance.
5. Honestly, not sure what else to talk about. Money is incredibly tight around here. I set a new record this week for money spent on groceries for the week, just for the normal stuff. The prices keep going up. At least gas is down, especially when you only have one functioning car! :) I've been spending a lot of time thinking about how big God is, and how he promises to take care of us. If the money issues start to seem bigger than God, my perspective is out of whack. God has to be big enough to take care of us, or what we confess to believe is phony. And ultimately, my desire to be close to God has to outweigh my desire for the comforts money can buy. My ultimate comfort comes from intimacy with Him.
There's my sermon for the day...well, I'm teaching school of worship today, so it's probably not the only one, but it's the one for you. And me. :)
2. We spent most of the weekend sitting around here. We did finally make it to church last night, keeping Hannah with us since her cough sounds awful, but other than that we stayed home. Kind of nice to do that once in a while. Wish Hannah felt better though.
3. Another fairly quiet week around here. There's a free marriage seminar at church Friday and Saturday that we're hoping to get to. You're supposed to register, and no childcare is available, but you can't beat free.
4. I'm starting Flylady again. Our house had gotten completely out of control. I always come back full circle to her system. It's not perfect, but your house does get and stay clean. Hannah in particular has such a need for order in her surroundings. She actually behaves better when the house is clean. It's important for me to give her that chance.
5. Honestly, not sure what else to talk about. Money is incredibly tight around here. I set a new record this week for money spent on groceries for the week, just for the normal stuff. The prices keep going up. At least gas is down, especially when you only have one functioning car! :) I've been spending a lot of time thinking about how big God is, and how he promises to take care of us. If the money issues start to seem bigger than God, my perspective is out of whack. God has to be big enough to take care of us, or what we confess to believe is phony. And ultimately, my desire to be close to God has to outweigh my desire for the comforts money can buy. My ultimate comfort comes from intimacy with Him.
There's my sermon for the day...well, I'm teaching school of worship today, so it's probably not the only one, but it's the one for you. And me. :)
Saturday, October 18, 2008
Frustrating Day...
This post is for my own therapy...feel free to skip.
We got home from dinner and errands at 8:30 last night. Nick left right away to go out with his best guy friend (I'm his best friend. Teehee), who is about to move back to Ohio. They totally needed to hang out before he leaves, so I got the girls to bed by myself. Then I laid down and was OUT. Nick got home at 11:30, and got up again at 4am because he had a bunch of hours of work to do before we could go to the memorial service today. Meanwhile, I had terrible dreams all night, and ended up laying awake the better part of the night. At 6:55am, Hannah came and got in bed with me. She was coughing and stuffy and miserable. She kept randomly yelling because she was so frustrated with her stuffy nose. This, while I'm trying to get the little sleep I actually got last night. At 7:30 I finally called Nick and he came home from work so I could get a couple of hours of sleep. When I woke up my head was buzzing. That's the best way I can describe it. We had planned to leave the girls with my mom so we could go to the service, but didn't want to do that since Hannah was sick, and someone with a seizure disorder (me) cannot drive when their head is buzzing.
So we skipped it. All of it. The service which there is no replay for, and the farm with the pumpkins. I finally woke up at 1, feeling somewhat groggy, but normal, and very disappointed. The house is a disaster, the girls were wiped out and Hannah is sick (at least they went down for naps easily), Nick is sitting on the couch watching football, and I'm pouting, I must admit. Can I have a do-over?
We got home from dinner and errands at 8:30 last night. Nick left right away to go out with his best guy friend (I'm his best friend. Teehee), who is about to move back to Ohio. They totally needed to hang out before he leaves, so I got the girls to bed by myself. Then I laid down and was OUT. Nick got home at 11:30, and got up again at 4am because he had a bunch of hours of work to do before we could go to the memorial service today. Meanwhile, I had terrible dreams all night, and ended up laying awake the better part of the night. At 6:55am, Hannah came and got in bed with me. She was coughing and stuffy and miserable. She kept randomly yelling because she was so frustrated with her stuffy nose. This, while I'm trying to get the little sleep I actually got last night. At 7:30 I finally called Nick and he came home from work so I could get a couple of hours of sleep. When I woke up my head was buzzing. That's the best way I can describe it. We had planned to leave the girls with my mom so we could go to the service, but didn't want to do that since Hannah was sick, and someone with a seizure disorder (me) cannot drive when their head is buzzing.
So we skipped it. All of it. The service which there is no replay for, and the farm with the pumpkins. I finally woke up at 1, feeling somewhat groggy, but normal, and very disappointed. The house is a disaster, the girls were wiped out and Hannah is sick (at least they went down for naps easily), Nick is sitting on the couch watching football, and I'm pouting, I must admit. Can I have a do-over?
ADHD Treatment
This is an article I found today, talking about alternative treatment of ADHD. I have no personal experience with ADHD, so I'm putting this out for discussion purposes only. What do you think?
Friday, October 17, 2008
Politics in American History
Just came across this site today. David Barton, the head of this organization attended ORU, and they used to show us his videos in my Christian high school. Very interesting historical information that often is left out of textbooks edited by non-Christians. There are also lots of voting resources on the site. I will be looking it over in the next few days - check it out!
End of the week Update
1. I've been home a lot this week, due largely to the fact that the Jetta has quit working. It has needed a new oxygen sensor for about a year and a half, and it's worse in the cold. So, we have cold nights now, and it's done starting unless we jump it. Not sure when we'll have the money to fix it, so for now it's parked.
2. I played for Prayer Shield again yesterday. When I picked the girls up from childcare, Hannah informed me that she found an animal cracker on the ground and hid under the table from the teacher while she ate it. This after the raisin incident last week. Hannah has been a pretty cranky little girl for the past few weeks. Whew.
3. In spite of that, Hannah is finally potty-training! She stayed dry all evening while we ran errands two nights ago, and even during childcare yesterday! When we're at home she still lays on the floor and cries when I tell her it's time to go potty, but, you know, who's counting that? ;) I just wonder why she thinks it's such a chore to do. But I'm glad we're making progress!
4. We had a first fitting for Tarah on Monday night. It was just the corset of her gown, but it looked great! Her wedding is December 20th, which is right around the corner in our world. I put up pics of Safiya's gown on our website this week, in case you haven't seen them and wanted to. It's looking like we're going to be getting an office in the next couple of weeks, so that's exciting too. No more fittings in Holly's basement or consultations at Starbucks. ;)
5. Sunday night we went to Group Leader Training at church. We are all taking the DISC test, and this Sunday night we're analyzing what the results mean. When I lead small groups, I am an ID, in case anyone cares. I think I become a DI at home...which I have to temper with S in order to not drive my kids nuts. Anyway, enough rambling about that.
6. Thus far, not a single contact from the Bridal Fair. I think it will be several months before we know for sure if we got business from it, but I had expected at least a few inquiries. Oh well. Other vendors there told us in the future, not to waste our time with shows in the fall. Apparently everyone gets engaged over the holidays.
7. Tomorrow we're headed to this little farm about an hour away to pick pumpkins. I think we're going to bring the dog since they allow that, and make an afternoon out of it. They have a general store, a tractor ride to the field, homemade treats (not that we can eat any of them!), and other fun stuff.
8. In the morning though, Jon Hutchison's memorial service first. Though this is incredibly hard, I'm sure it will be a beautiful celebration of his life, and I look forward to giving my friend Melody a big hug. We do not grieve as those who have no hope...thank God.
9. We were headed to the grocery store the other night, and passed by a toy set out on the road. I asked Nick to turn around, and lo and behold, it was a First Steps kitchen - a very expensive toy! Some of the stickers are worn off and it's missing the coffee pot, but other than that it's in terrific shape and super neat! As soon as I get it cleaned up my kids are going to absolutely love it. I guess it's discontinued, because I can't find anything remotely like it online. It's probably 10 years old. Heh. Oh well. It has a fridge, a dishwasher, a light we can try to put batteries in, a fold out table, and the usual stove, sink, cabinets...and it's really sturdy. Plus, Step2 is made in the U.S., so no fear of lead paint! :) Not bad for free, huh?
Alright this is getting super long, so I'll go. What's going on in all your worlds? It's quiet online this week!
2. I played for Prayer Shield again yesterday. When I picked the girls up from childcare, Hannah informed me that she found an animal cracker on the ground and hid under the table from the teacher while she ate it. This after the raisin incident last week. Hannah has been a pretty cranky little girl for the past few weeks. Whew.
3. In spite of that, Hannah is finally potty-training! She stayed dry all evening while we ran errands two nights ago, and even during childcare yesterday! When we're at home she still lays on the floor and cries when I tell her it's time to go potty, but, you know, who's counting that? ;) I just wonder why she thinks it's such a chore to do. But I'm glad we're making progress!
4. We had a first fitting for Tarah on Monday night. It was just the corset of her gown, but it looked great! Her wedding is December 20th, which is right around the corner in our world. I put up pics of Safiya's gown on our website this week, in case you haven't seen them and wanted to. It's looking like we're going to be getting an office in the next couple of weeks, so that's exciting too. No more fittings in Holly's basement or consultations at Starbucks. ;)
5. Sunday night we went to Group Leader Training at church. We are all taking the DISC test, and this Sunday night we're analyzing what the results mean. When I lead small groups, I am an ID, in case anyone cares. I think I become a DI at home...which I have to temper with S in order to not drive my kids nuts. Anyway, enough rambling about that.
6. Thus far, not a single contact from the Bridal Fair. I think it will be several months before we know for sure if we got business from it, but I had expected at least a few inquiries. Oh well. Other vendors there told us in the future, not to waste our time with shows in the fall. Apparently everyone gets engaged over the holidays.
7. Tomorrow we're headed to this little farm about an hour away to pick pumpkins. I think we're going to bring the dog since they allow that, and make an afternoon out of it. They have a general store, a tractor ride to the field, homemade treats (not that we can eat any of them!), and other fun stuff.
8. In the morning though, Jon Hutchison's memorial service first. Though this is incredibly hard, I'm sure it will be a beautiful celebration of his life, and I look forward to giving my friend Melody a big hug. We do not grieve as those who have no hope...thank God.
9. We were headed to the grocery store the other night, and passed by a toy set out on the road. I asked Nick to turn around, and lo and behold, it was a First Steps kitchen - a very expensive toy! Some of the stickers are worn off and it's missing the coffee pot, but other than that it's in terrific shape and super neat! As soon as I get it cleaned up my kids are going to absolutely love it. I guess it's discontinued, because I can't find anything remotely like it online. It's probably 10 years old. Heh. Oh well. It has a fridge, a dishwasher, a light we can try to put batteries in, a fold out table, and the usual stove, sink, cabinets...and it's really sturdy. Plus, Step2 is made in the U.S., so no fear of lead paint! :) Not bad for free, huh?
Alright this is getting super long, so I'll go. What's going on in all your worlds? It's quiet online this week!
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Homemaking Article
Funny how people that would have once been anti- women staying at home, are coming around to understand what lots of women have been saying all along! Wall Street Journal article...
Monday, October 13, 2008
Grieving
Our friend Melody Hutchison's brother Jon went to be with Jesus yesterday morning, after a two year battle with cancer. Though we grieve with hope, it seems trite to give you a list of what's going on in my life right now.
When Hannah woke in the middle of the night last night, I went to go lay down and snuggle with her for a little while, rather than require that she go back to sleep alone. We're going through a bit of a tough discipline time around here, but I'm gonna do my best to treasure my little girls today and in the future, just a little bit more. We never know what life will bring. I want to be fully present enough to notice more.
When Hannah woke in the middle of the night last night, I went to go lay down and snuggle with her for a little while, rather than require that she go back to sleep alone. We're going through a bit of a tough discipline time around here, but I'm gonna do my best to treasure my little girls today and in the future, just a little bit more. We never know what life will bring. I want to be fully present enough to notice more.
Sunday, October 12, 2008
What Caused the Economic Crisis?
I am basically done talking about politics at this point. Can't wait for the election to be over, and we'll all just deal with the results. If you can handle one last thing though, check out this video. It describes in great detail what the economic crisis is all about. I find this kind of stuff interesting from an intellectual standpoint, beyond the politics. Frankly, I don't care whose fault the whole thing is, I just want to understand why it happened, and therefore maybe understand what is being done to fix it.
Friday, October 10, 2008
Futher...
Staci has written another excellent post, without which this conversation would not be complete. She makes a terrific point - neither side can currently trust what they hear in the media, or from any one of a dozen website that claim to be unbiased. We must do our own research if we are to be sure that our information is correct.
I wish we could elect politicians who did not bend the truth for their own gain, but currently it does not seem possible to get elected while functioning that way, and someone MUST be president. So, what we must look for, is someone who matches up with our principles of government and life. The only way to really know that is to check out who they were before they became famous. The only way to find real facts about that kind of record, is to check out things like how they voted at senate.org. We cannot take people at face value when they have an agenda to promote. The future of our country is too valuable.
I wish we could elect politicians who did not bend the truth for their own gain, but currently it does not seem possible to get elected while functioning that way, and someone MUST be president. So, what we must look for, is someone who matches up with our principles of government and life. The only way to really know that is to check out who they were before they became famous. The only way to find real facts about that kind of record, is to check out things like how they voted at senate.org. We cannot take people at face value when they have an agenda to promote. The future of our country is too valuable.
Why I Can't Support Obama...and will do what I can to keep him from being elected
I don't love everything about McCain myself. But, I feel that many of Obama's opinions are downright dangerous. Maybe with McCain we would get more of the same in some areas. But change is only good if it's GOOD CHANGE! Here are my reasons that I cannot and will not support Obama in any way:
-He doesn't seem to understand that there are evil people in the world. Islamic terrorists WANT TO KILL AMERICANS. You can't make deals with people who are evil. They lie. And then they kill more people.
-If Obama is elected, he WILL tax small businesses. He says it's only businesses that make over $250,000. Um, those ARE small. My dad's business only supports three people...barely. And that affects us, personally. Do we seem wealthy to you? Have you been to our house and seen the cars we drive? Obama talks about McCain not having a concept of how normal people live. Well, we are normal middle class, the people Obama claims he's trying to help. His taxes would drastically affect us.
-Taking more taxes from people who make lots of money and giving it to poor people never works. That's called Socialism/Communism. There's a reason poor people are poor, and it's because they don't know how to manage money, and/or they don't or can't work hard. That doesn't mean you give them handouts and their lives get better. Jesus even told the disciples they would always have the poor with them. Yes, we should be compassionate and help care for their needs, but that's not the government's job - it's the job of individual citizens. The government trying to do that job will only foul things up. FORCING people to care for those less fortunate will not make them more compassionate and generous.
-Healthcare...the problem with healthcare is twofold: ridiculous lawsuits that drive up the price of practicing medicine and therefore of receiving care, and the fact that drug companies control everything medical-related in this country. Fix those two things, the price of insurance plummets, and voila'! people can afford healthcare again. The government taking over health insurance is treating a symptom of a problem. Plus, if you are under government healthcare, do you think you're going to be able to decide when/if you want to have a certain test or vaccine or medication? Why would you be able to do that? They will want to cover their tail and make sure you never have an "unnecessary" illness. You will have to get every test in the book, every vaccine, every medication they prescribe. I guarantee it. If it doesn't happen right away, it will.
-Obama has talked about encouraging teachers who do well, and helping teachers who don't teach well to find another line of work. OK, where do I even start with this one? We've all had terrible teachers. But what he's talking about is giving the federal government power to decide which teachers go and which teachers stay. Isn't that the job of school administrators? If that's not their job, what is? This kind of rhetoric sounds awesome - like it would fix some of the things that private citizens just can't seem to fix. But in reality, it gives the federal government a HUGE amount of input into my everyday life. Recently there was a bill in Congress that would have required government employees to go to every house where there was a child under the age of 5, to "teach" the parents how to parent. This is so scary. I have nothing to be ashamed of, but I'm also not a robot. Who decides the standards by which we raise our children - the parents, or the government? I believe based on his beliefs about other things, that Obama would support a bill like this. I have no proof, but I don't want to find out.
People, the economy is in bad shape. The current President has nothing to do with that. Economic geniuses have been explaining for months that the culture of debt in this country would eventually catch up with us. We have to live on what we make, simple as that. The Republicans or the Democrats did not do this to us, we did it to ourselves by spending more money than we had. It should have no bearing on who we vote for.
The war is a terrible, terrible thing. War always is. But we don't know all the details of what led our leaders to make the decisions they did. They carry a burden we will never understand. Treating people who are evil in their every intention as if they are logical, reasonable people will not work - they don't behave in logical, reasonable ways. McCain, just like Obama, will not make all right decisions. He's human. He's not God. But he understands that evil exists. Obama can't even bring himself to say that.
I don't know if this will change anyone's mind about anything. But I feel it's time for me to say it. So many of Obama's ideas sound great until you follow them to their logical conclusion. Change isn't worth that.
Note: We're headed out for family time this afternoon, and tomorrow is my Sabbath, so I'm closing comments. Thanks, everyone.
-He doesn't seem to understand that there are evil people in the world. Islamic terrorists WANT TO KILL AMERICANS. You can't make deals with people who are evil. They lie. And then they kill more people.
-If Obama is elected, he WILL tax small businesses. He says it's only businesses that make over $250,000. Um, those ARE small. My dad's business only supports three people...barely. And that affects us, personally. Do we seem wealthy to you? Have you been to our house and seen the cars we drive? Obama talks about McCain not having a concept of how normal people live. Well, we are normal middle class, the people Obama claims he's trying to help. His taxes would drastically affect us.
-Taking more taxes from people who make lots of money and giving it to poor people never works. That's called Socialism/Communism. There's a reason poor people are poor, and it's because they don't know how to manage money, and/or they don't or can't work hard. That doesn't mean you give them handouts and their lives get better. Jesus even told the disciples they would always have the poor with them. Yes, we should be compassionate and help care for their needs, but that's not the government's job - it's the job of individual citizens. The government trying to do that job will only foul things up. FORCING people to care for those less fortunate will not make them more compassionate and generous.
-Healthcare...the problem with healthcare is twofold: ridiculous lawsuits that drive up the price of practicing medicine and therefore of receiving care, and the fact that drug companies control everything medical-related in this country. Fix those two things, the price of insurance plummets, and voila'! people can afford healthcare again. The government taking over health insurance is treating a symptom of a problem. Plus, if you are under government healthcare, do you think you're going to be able to decide when/if you want to have a certain test or vaccine or medication? Why would you be able to do that? They will want to cover their tail and make sure you never have an "unnecessary" illness. You will have to get every test in the book, every vaccine, every medication they prescribe. I guarantee it. If it doesn't happen right away, it will.
-Obama has talked about encouraging teachers who do well, and helping teachers who don't teach well to find another line of work. OK, where do I even start with this one? We've all had terrible teachers. But what he's talking about is giving the federal government power to decide which teachers go and which teachers stay. Isn't that the job of school administrators? If that's not their job, what is? This kind of rhetoric sounds awesome - like it would fix some of the things that private citizens just can't seem to fix. But in reality, it gives the federal government a HUGE amount of input into my everyday life. Recently there was a bill in Congress that would have required government employees to go to every house where there was a child under the age of 5, to "teach" the parents how to parent. This is so scary. I have nothing to be ashamed of, but I'm also not a robot. Who decides the standards by which we raise our children - the parents, or the government? I believe based on his beliefs about other things, that Obama would support a bill like this. I have no proof, but I don't want to find out.
People, the economy is in bad shape. The current President has nothing to do with that. Economic geniuses have been explaining for months that the culture of debt in this country would eventually catch up with us. We have to live on what we make, simple as that. The Republicans or the Democrats did not do this to us, we did it to ourselves by spending more money than we had. It should have no bearing on who we vote for.
The war is a terrible, terrible thing. War always is. But we don't know all the details of what led our leaders to make the decisions they did. They carry a burden we will never understand. Treating people who are evil in their every intention as if they are logical, reasonable people will not work - they don't behave in logical, reasonable ways. McCain, just like Obama, will not make all right decisions. He's human. He's not God. But he understands that evil exists. Obama can't even bring himself to say that.
I don't know if this will change anyone's mind about anything. But I feel it's time for me to say it. So many of Obama's ideas sound great until you follow them to their logical conclusion. Change isn't worth that.
Note: We're headed out for family time this afternoon, and tomorrow is my Sabbath, so I'm closing comments. Thanks, everyone.
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
I'm up late...again. I tried to go to bed at 10 with Nick, I really did. Except that I just laid there and thought about stuff anyway. Finally I gave up and came to finish a few more things on the computer. I've been posting lots of snippets and bulleted lists lately, and not much else. Oh well, here's another one.
-Holly and I are making lots of decisions about Maeve. I know God will guide us because I continually ask Him to, but it's scary to start to take small risks with the hope that it will grow. We have no reason to think it won't grow, but we also had nothing to lose to this point. If you think of us, pray for wisdom and guidance!
-I made cinnamon raisin bar cookies a couple of days ago, and started to be suspicious today that they were making the girls and me sick. Tonight I realized it must be the new brand of raisins I bought. Duh. There on the wrapper "processed in a facility that also processes wheat." I should know to check labels by now. Duh again! So we're all doing the gluten thing this week. My stomach is killing me, and the girls have fought constantly for three days. Again, duh! Course correction...back on track. This is the life of a gluten free person!
-Nick and I get to go on a date tomorrow night. This is way overdue, and the first night in awhile we even have available to do that. Joanna's mom's group is doing mom's night out tomorrow night too, and I am torn, but date night is going to have to take priority this time. I'll miss all you guys! Have fun!
-I have been reading the Today's Lessons blog for literally YEARS. Her most recent post is a beautiful documentation of her garden heading toward fall, and she invites anyone interested to email and request seeds from her garden. Well, I emailed, and yesterday I received a whole thick envelope full of flower seeds! I am so very excited. Except now I have to wait all winter to plant them! :) Our lease is up at this house June 1st, which means I will practically have to put a garden in before I unpack the house, but I WILL be gardening next summer. I am determined.
-This post by New Life's college ministry pastor sums up my feelings about the election. (In my reader it's full of question marks - everywhere. Weird. But the content's good!) I vote based on a political party only so far as that party usually agrees with my worldview. But when I ask the questions Aaron Stern presents, I inevitably end up with the republican candidate. I know several of you are Obama supporters. If you are willing to humor me, I would honestly, seriously love to understand why. What is it about what he believes that resonates with you? Whenever I hear him talk I find myself saying, "but I don't WANT the government to do that for me." Surely we can all be adults here and chat about this, kindly. I'm tired of politics too, and I can't wait until the election is over and we can all just deal with the results. But I'm also very curious about this.
Alright. I'm making myself go to bed now. Discuss. ;)
-Holly and I are making lots of decisions about Maeve. I know God will guide us because I continually ask Him to, but it's scary to start to take small risks with the hope that it will grow. We have no reason to think it won't grow, but we also had nothing to lose to this point. If you think of us, pray for wisdom and guidance!
-I made cinnamon raisin bar cookies a couple of days ago, and started to be suspicious today that they were making the girls and me sick. Tonight I realized it must be the new brand of raisins I bought. Duh. There on the wrapper "processed in a facility that also processes wheat." I should know to check labels by now. Duh again! So we're all doing the gluten thing this week. My stomach is killing me, and the girls have fought constantly for three days. Again, duh! Course correction...back on track. This is the life of a gluten free person!
-Nick and I get to go on a date tomorrow night. This is way overdue, and the first night in awhile we even have available to do that. Joanna's mom's group is doing mom's night out tomorrow night too, and I am torn, but date night is going to have to take priority this time. I'll miss all you guys! Have fun!
-I have been reading the Today's Lessons blog for literally YEARS. Her most recent post is a beautiful documentation of her garden heading toward fall, and she invites anyone interested to email and request seeds from her garden. Well, I emailed, and yesterday I received a whole thick envelope full of flower seeds! I am so very excited. Except now I have to wait all winter to plant them! :) Our lease is up at this house June 1st, which means I will practically have to put a garden in before I unpack the house, but I WILL be gardening next summer. I am determined.
-This post by New Life's college ministry pastor sums up my feelings about the election. (In my reader it's full of question marks - everywhere. Weird. But the content's good!) I vote based on a political party only so far as that party usually agrees with my worldview. But when I ask the questions Aaron Stern presents, I inevitably end up with the republican candidate. I know several of you are Obama supporters. If you are willing to humor me, I would honestly, seriously love to understand why. What is it about what he believes that resonates with you? Whenever I hear him talk I find myself saying, "but I don't WANT the government to do that for me." Surely we can all be adults here and chat about this, kindly. I'm tired of politics too, and I can't wait until the election is over and we can all just deal with the results. But I'm also very curious about this.
Alright. I'm making myself go to bed now. Discuss. ;)
Critical Thinking
Staci wrote an awesome post today about how to analyze those "news" articles. You know, the ones that appear to discredit organic food or some other thing that it just doesn't take any brains to know is better. :) Let's see...feed my kids food covered in chemicals, or not covered in chemicals. If I can afford organic, uh...let's see...
Now if we could just get everyone to apply those thinking skills to the election. But, that's another story. ;)
Now if we could just get everyone to apply those thinking skills to the election. But, that's another story. ;)
Monday, October 6, 2008
Weekly Update
1. My kids are watching Barney. I used to swear I would never allow this. Oh well.
2. The bridal fair went well. Holly and I felt a little like we were still playing business. There were lots of big companies, and people with lots of experience. The caterer next to us was almost cranky. The laser hair removal person on the other side of us was a super aggressive salesperson. There were multi-level marketing people across the aisle from us. It was interesting, to say the least. We got quite a bit of interest though, and a couple of girls enthusiastically told us, "Oh! I've seen your website and I'm so excited!" Really? Really? That amazes us a little. I suspect it will be worth it, but oh, were we tired by the end!
3. We are interviewing a seamstress tonight, and I'm looking for additional illustrators through Craig's list. I'm already amazed at how many talented people live here.
4. I'm keeping this a quiet week as far as plans. I'll have lots of follow-up work to do for Maeve, and we need a break.
5. Friday night we went to Ted's Montana Grill with my parents. It was SO yummy. But apparently I got some gluten and spent all day Saturday on the couch, aching so badly I couldn't function. I even took Advil - it doesn't seem to help in that case. My incredible husband ran the household almost single-handedly all weekend between that and the bridal fair. The house was clean, the dishes were done, meals were made...he's pretty much incredible. :) Love you, Nick!
6. Nick also fixed the heater fan in our Jeep yesterday while the girls napped. It's been broken...a long time. He really is amazing. :)
That's about all I got. Lots to do today...better get to it!
2. The bridal fair went well. Holly and I felt a little like we were still playing business. There were lots of big companies, and people with lots of experience. The caterer next to us was almost cranky. The laser hair removal person on the other side of us was a super aggressive salesperson. There were multi-level marketing people across the aisle from us. It was interesting, to say the least. We got quite a bit of interest though, and a couple of girls enthusiastically told us, "Oh! I've seen your website and I'm so excited!" Really? Really? That amazes us a little. I suspect it will be worth it, but oh, were we tired by the end!
3. We are interviewing a seamstress tonight, and I'm looking for additional illustrators through Craig's list. I'm already amazed at how many talented people live here.
4. I'm keeping this a quiet week as far as plans. I'll have lots of follow-up work to do for Maeve, and we need a break.
5. Friday night we went to Ted's Montana Grill with my parents. It was SO yummy. But apparently I got some gluten and spent all day Saturday on the couch, aching so badly I couldn't function. I even took Advil - it doesn't seem to help in that case. My incredible husband ran the household almost single-handedly all weekend between that and the bridal fair. The house was clean, the dishes were done, meals were made...he's pretty much incredible. :) Love you, Nick!
6. Nick also fixed the heater fan in our Jeep yesterday while the girls napped. It's been broken...a long time. He really is amazing. :)
That's about all I got. Lots to do today...better get to it!
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
Well, I Tried
Conversation at breakfast this morning:
Me: (Reading the handout they gave us at church last night) Did you guys learn about the Good Samaritan in your class last night?
Hannah: No!
Audrey: No!
Me: Oh. Did you learn about a guy that was hurt, and some people didn't help him, and then one guy did?
Hannah: No.
Audrey: No.
Me: Oh. Well, did you learn about how you should love your neighbor as yourself?
Hannah: no.
Audrey: no.
Me: Oh.
Is it just me, or does it already seem like I have teenagers?
Me: (Reading the handout they gave us at church last night) Did you guys learn about the Good Samaritan in your class last night?
Hannah: No!
Audrey: No!
Me: Oh. Did you learn about a guy that was hurt, and some people didn't help him, and then one guy did?
Hannah: No.
Audrey: No.
Me: Oh. Well, did you learn about how you should love your neighbor as yourself?
Hannah: no.
Audrey: no.
Me: Oh.
Is it just me, or does it already seem like I have teenagers?
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Moses, the acrobatic kitty
This is what Moses does when he sees a bird outside. He's about 4 or more feet off the ground here. :)
Cute Pictures
She just kills me!
Hannah took this, of Toby in his favorite position on the kitchen floor.
Post birthday excitement. :)
Monday, September 29, 2008
Weekly Update
Whew. What a week that was...
1. I gotta say..I'm tired. Lately I've been functioning on somewhat of a cycle - work and play really hard, crash, defend rest time with a vengeance for the next week or two, repeat. I'm not sure I actually have time for the crash this week, but maybe a mini-crash. Next week can be the real crash...maybe.
2. Saturday my parents invited us and all of my siblings to go to the Denver Aquarium. It is so neat! I gotta say, Denver isn't really a place I think of when I think of water. However, they did a pretty good job. Huge indoor waterfalls, a surprising amount of variety, and a real live tiger thrown in for good measure. Afterward we ate at the Hard Rock Cafe (yelling over the music - don't think my parents really thought through that restaurant choice), and walked around 16th Street some. Fun stuff!
3. Sunday consisted of church and more church, when we went back Sunday night for a "family meeting." Pastor Brady discussed a very interesting project - mobilizing the churches of Colorado to adopt all of the children available for adoption in Colorado (there are only 800 in the foster care system in all of Colorado). They're hosting a huge adoption fair on November 22nd. Foster Care adoptions cost $300-400 if you go through an agency, and it's free through the state. Most of the children seem to be 3-17. Children younger than that are quickly adopted. They plan to provide a huge amount of support for families willing to take children into their homes. Very interesting... Not sure the timing is right for us yet, but we are definitely open to adoption in the future. What a cool thing!
4. Sunday is the bridal fair for Maeve. Our sign should arrive Tuesday, I have a few little paperwork things to throw together, have to get prints of pictures to show, we need to figure out follow-up stuff for afterward. Pretty simple stuff, really. Why does thinking about it make me freak out? It's not that big a deal...except it cost a lot to do, and I really really really hope we get clients out of it.
5. Nick and I are doing an instrumental audition at New Life on Wednesday night. I have no idea what will come of it, but they're having it, so we're going, trusting that God will lead us where we're supposed to be serving. We would love to re-enter the worship ministry world, if it's God's timing. Trying to keep it in perspective and not get nervous. Anyone want to sing My Savior Lives and Here In Your Presence with me? Because I could play and sing them in my sleep.
6. Um, it's October on Wednesday. Why?
7. Our small group is doing girls and guys' night out on Tuesday - the girls are getting pedicures. Oh, am I looking forward to this.
8. God is so faithful. There is so much behind that statement, but I will leave it at that for now. It amazes me how He reaches each one of us in a totally different way, but still manages to blow us all away if we will seek Him. He has been faithful to me, faithful in my marriage, faithful in my church, faithful in the lives of people I know...in any situation we face, we as Christians can fully rely on Him to work it out for our good. Sometimes that doesn't mean our comfort, but His love never fails through any circumstance. Just a reminder, in case you needed it today, and because I'm excited about what He's doing in my heart. :)
Have a great Monday today - do more than survive!!
1. I gotta say..I'm tired. Lately I've been functioning on somewhat of a cycle - work and play really hard, crash, defend rest time with a vengeance for the next week or two, repeat. I'm not sure I actually have time for the crash this week, but maybe a mini-crash. Next week can be the real crash...maybe.
2. Saturday my parents invited us and all of my siblings to go to the Denver Aquarium. It is so neat! I gotta say, Denver isn't really a place I think of when I think of water. However, they did a pretty good job. Huge indoor waterfalls, a surprising amount of variety, and a real live tiger thrown in for good measure. Afterward we ate at the Hard Rock Cafe (yelling over the music - don't think my parents really thought through that restaurant choice), and walked around 16th Street some. Fun stuff!
3. Sunday consisted of church and more church, when we went back Sunday night for a "family meeting." Pastor Brady discussed a very interesting project - mobilizing the churches of Colorado to adopt all of the children available for adoption in Colorado (there are only 800 in the foster care system in all of Colorado). They're hosting a huge adoption fair on November 22nd. Foster Care adoptions cost $300-400 if you go through an agency, and it's free through the state. Most of the children seem to be 3-17. Children younger than that are quickly adopted. They plan to provide a huge amount of support for families willing to take children into their homes. Very interesting... Not sure the timing is right for us yet, but we are definitely open to adoption in the future. What a cool thing!
4. Sunday is the bridal fair for Maeve. Our sign should arrive Tuesday, I have a few little paperwork things to throw together, have to get prints of pictures to show, we need to figure out follow-up stuff for afterward. Pretty simple stuff, really. Why does thinking about it make me freak out? It's not that big a deal...except it cost a lot to do, and I really really really hope we get clients out of it.
5. Nick and I are doing an instrumental audition at New Life on Wednesday night. I have no idea what will come of it, but they're having it, so we're going, trusting that God will lead us where we're supposed to be serving. We would love to re-enter the worship ministry world, if it's God's timing. Trying to keep it in perspective and not get nervous. Anyone want to sing My Savior Lives and Here In Your Presence with me? Because I could play and sing them in my sleep.
6. Um, it's October on Wednesday. Why?
7. Our small group is doing girls and guys' night out on Tuesday - the girls are getting pedicures. Oh, am I looking forward to this.
8. God is so faithful. There is so much behind that statement, but I will leave it at that for now. It amazes me how He reaches each one of us in a totally different way, but still manages to blow us all away if we will seek Him. He has been faithful to me, faithful in my marriage, faithful in my church, faithful in the lives of people I know...in any situation we face, we as Christians can fully rely on Him to work it out for our good. Sometimes that doesn't mean our comfort, but His love never fails through any circumstance. Just a reminder, in case you needed it today, and because I'm excited about what He's doing in my heart. :)
Have a great Monday today - do more than survive!!
Saturday, September 27, 2008
Thursday, September 25, 2008
Flu Shots
Hey everybody,
It's that time of year again - time for them to start pushing flu shots. Obviously everyone has to make their own choices about this. However, I'm going to share my reasons for avoiding this one. I highly encourage you to do your research before spending your $15...
1. Most of the vaccines contain mercury and aluminum preservatives. Some studies have found these to be harmless. I hope they are. However, we know mercury is a toxic substance. Remember all the scare over mercury thermometers? Even if it is a tiny amount, I don't want it injected into my children. Dr. Sears wrote an article for Mothering magazine a few months back about aluminum toxicity.
2. The vaccines are grown on egg protein, and my children and I have egg allergies. If you've never been tested for allergies, you may allergic to egg as well and just not know it. Egg allergy can cause severe gastrointestinal issues.
3. Last year's flu shot was reportedly only 44% effective anyway. This article goes into depth about the efficacy testing. Sounds pretty flawed to me. Every year the strain they put into the vaccine is a guess, because they never know for sure what strain of the flu (there are hundreds) will actually be active and make people sick. Usually the vaccine you receive contains two or three strains. Not good odds. I do have to hand it to the vaccine makers - obviously they guess pretty well, if they can get it anywhere close to 44% effective...
4. The nasal vaccine contains live virus, as opposed to the dead virus in the shot. Um, does anyone remember how live Polio vaccine actually CAUSED polio? No thanks. It's a money-maker for the drug industry, I'm tellin' ya. It sounds easy and more pleasant than a shot...no thanks.
5. Cutting out cane sugar would probably keep you from getting the flu anyway. White sugar is poison for your body. The sugar in one can of coke is enough to deplete your immune system for 24 hours, according to Dr P.
6. If you do get sick, alternative medicine treatments will help you recover quickly. Taking Oscillococcinum when you first start to feel yucky sometimes wipes out the flu altogether. We rarely are sick for more than 2-3 days around here. Black Elderberry is another thing we keep on hand, and take at the first sign of symptoms. You can take mega amounts of vitamin C - far more than the RDA, to help your body wipe out sickness. There are various homeopathic remedies depending on your symptoms, to help you be more comfortable without the dangerous side effects of cold/flu medicines. (Tamiflu, by the way, is incredibly dangerous. Scroll down to the "Observed During Clinical Practice" part. Is a chance of those things worth a day less flu to you?)
7. Vaccinating children doesn't really protect the elderly from the flu, though drug companies would like you think it does.
So, there's some of my research. If you have solid information against any of this, I would be happy to see it. My only request is that you keep to the facts. Any attacks of a personal nature will be deleted and ignored. :)
It's that time of year again - time for them to start pushing flu shots. Obviously everyone has to make their own choices about this. However, I'm going to share my reasons for avoiding this one. I highly encourage you to do your research before spending your $15...
1. Most of the vaccines contain mercury and aluminum preservatives. Some studies have found these to be harmless. I hope they are. However, we know mercury is a toxic substance. Remember all the scare over mercury thermometers? Even if it is a tiny amount, I don't want it injected into my children. Dr. Sears wrote an article for Mothering magazine a few months back about aluminum toxicity.
2. The vaccines are grown on egg protein, and my children and I have egg allergies. If you've never been tested for allergies, you may allergic to egg as well and just not know it. Egg allergy can cause severe gastrointestinal issues.
3. Last year's flu shot was reportedly only 44% effective anyway. This article goes into depth about the efficacy testing. Sounds pretty flawed to me. Every year the strain they put into the vaccine is a guess, because they never know for sure what strain of the flu (there are hundreds) will actually be active and make people sick. Usually the vaccine you receive contains two or three strains. Not good odds. I do have to hand it to the vaccine makers - obviously they guess pretty well, if they can get it anywhere close to 44% effective...
4. The nasal vaccine contains live virus, as opposed to the dead virus in the shot. Um, does anyone remember how live Polio vaccine actually CAUSED polio? No thanks. It's a money-maker for the drug industry, I'm tellin' ya. It sounds easy and more pleasant than a shot...no thanks.
5. Cutting out cane sugar would probably keep you from getting the flu anyway. White sugar is poison for your body. The sugar in one can of coke is enough to deplete your immune system for 24 hours, according to Dr P.
6. If you do get sick, alternative medicine treatments will help you recover quickly. Taking Oscillococcinum when you first start to feel yucky sometimes wipes out the flu altogether. We rarely are sick for more than 2-3 days around here. Black Elderberry is another thing we keep on hand, and take at the first sign of symptoms. You can take mega amounts of vitamin C - far more than the RDA, to help your body wipe out sickness. There are various homeopathic remedies depending on your symptoms, to help you be more comfortable without the dangerous side effects of cold/flu medicines. (Tamiflu, by the way, is incredibly dangerous. Scroll down to the "Observed During Clinical Practice" part. Is a chance of those things worth a day less flu to you?)
7. Vaccinating children doesn't really protect the elderly from the flu, though drug companies would like you think it does.
So, there's some of my research. If you have solid information against any of this, I would be happy to see it. My only request is that you keep to the facts. Any attacks of a personal nature will be deleted and ignored. :)
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Though the mountains fall...
This chapter is on my heart today, in light of the financial/political/war crises in the world. In The Message translation it's even more poignant.
Psalm 46
A Song of the Sons of Korah
1-3 God is a safe place to hide, ready to help when we need him.
We stand fearless at the cliff-edge of doom,
courageous in seastorm and earthquake,
Before the rush and roar of oceans,
the tremors that shift mountains.
Jacob-wrestling God fights for us,
God-of-Angel-Armies protects us.
4-6 River fountains splash joy, cooling God's city,
this sacred haunt of the Most High.
God lives here, the streets are safe,
God at your service from crack of dawn.
Godless nations rant and rave, kings and kingdoms threaten,
but Earth does anything he says.
7 Jacob-wrestling God fights for us,
God-of-Angel-Armies protects us.
8-10 Attention, all! See the marvels of God!
He plants flowers and trees all over the earth,
Bans war from pole to pole,
breaks all the weapons across his knee.
"Step out of the traffic! Take a long,
loving look at me, your High God,
above politics, above everything."
11 Jacob-wrestling God fights for us,
God-of-Angel-Armies protects us.
Psalm 46
A Song of the Sons of Korah
1-3 God is a safe place to hide, ready to help when we need him.
We stand fearless at the cliff-edge of doom,
courageous in seastorm and earthquake,
Before the rush and roar of oceans,
the tremors that shift mountains.
Jacob-wrestling God fights for us,
God-of-Angel-Armies protects us.
4-6 River fountains splash joy, cooling God's city,
this sacred haunt of the Most High.
God lives here, the streets are safe,
God at your service from crack of dawn.
Godless nations rant and rave, kings and kingdoms threaten,
but Earth does anything he says.
7 Jacob-wrestling God fights for us,
God-of-Angel-Armies protects us.
8-10 Attention, all! See the marvels of God!
He plants flowers and trees all over the earth,
Bans war from pole to pole,
breaks all the weapons across his knee.
"Step out of the traffic! Take a long,
loving look at me, your High God,
above politics, above everything."
11 Jacob-wrestling God fights for us,
God-of-Angel-Armies protects us.
Artificial Fragrances
Do you get headaches often? Susceptible to rashes? Occasionally feel nauseous for no good reason? It could be the artificial fragrances in your air freshener, candles, or soaps. They actually contain toxic chemicals, and are not tested for safety - shockingly.
This is an interesting site (or scary, depending on how you look at it!). I have selected a Bath and Body Works product. They list the ingredients of the product, and you can click on each ingredient, and then click on the possible effects of each ingredient. Carcinogenic (cancer-causing) compounds, skin irritants...now why would you put that in a body lotion?
So what do you do to keep your home smelling fresh? Here are some great suggestions. If you are used to using chemical air fresheners, you may have to rethink your idea of what smells "clean."
There are many personal care products (lotions, soaps, etc.) that do not use chemical fragrances - they are easy to find at health food stores and online.
Over time, I have rid our house of any of these artificial products (it does take time!), and I have found something interesting: my nose is MORE sensitive now than it was. I pick up on things I never would have noticed before. My children each have their own smell. I can often tell at the grocery store if something will taste good, because I can smell it while it's still packaged! Were those chemicals burning my sense of smell? I can't help but wonder.
This is an interesting site (or scary, depending on how you look at it!). I have selected a Bath and Body Works product. They list the ingredients of the product, and you can click on each ingredient, and then click on the possible effects of each ingredient. Carcinogenic (cancer-causing) compounds, skin irritants...now why would you put that in a body lotion?
So what do you do to keep your home smelling fresh? Here are some great suggestions. If you are used to using chemical air fresheners, you may have to rethink your idea of what smells "clean."
There are many personal care products (lotions, soaps, etc.) that do not use chemical fragrances - they are easy to find at health food stores and online.
Over time, I have rid our house of any of these artificial products (it does take time!), and I have found something interesting: my nose is MORE sensitive now than it was. I pick up on things I never would have noticed before. My children each have their own smell. I can often tell at the grocery store if something will taste good, because I can smell it while it's still packaged! Were those chemicals burning my sense of smell? I can't help but wonder.
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Monday, September 22, 2008
Weekly Update
I contemplated writing a really witty post about why I didn't get this done this morning, using the Emergency Broadcast System Test recitation that I'm rather proud of. (Yes, I am a geek, I can recite the entire EBS Test thingy, along with the beeps. I watched too much tv as a child.) But, I was too lazy. It WOULD have been funny. Except I didn't do it.
NUMBER one: 10 year high school reunion this weekend was a huge hit, I have to say. There were several little kinks, but everyone seemed to enjoy each other, and I even have to hand it to my classmates - they let go of the cliques for the most part. Overall I found my old classmates to be beautiful, successful, down to earth, and loving God. Kinda makes me smile. You hope for that, for people... Now, I'm so glad it's over.
2. Oh, my goodness. I had so much to do this morning. Everything from Maeve stuff that literally could not wait another day, to cleaning the house for students, to fighting with my very old computer. Now I've thrown most of it into someone else's court - not that it's done, just that I can't do any more until someone else does. Waiting on other people to do stuff...this is what my job at Maeve consists of...
3. Friends. If you ever have marriage issues, please, PLEASE don't be afraid to seek out help. I've said it before and I'll say it again. Yes, this is cryptic, and no, I won't be able to explain myself. Our hearts are with not just one couple, but multiple friends of ours. -End of public service announcement-
4. Did you know that today is the Autumnal Equinox? Neato. Bit of trivia for you. Not that you really care that much.
5. Just finished reading Lost Women of the Bible. I was a little wary - sounds like Christian feminist lit. But it isn't. It is a solid Biblical survey of the way God relates to women throughout the Bible. I loved it. And I'll tell you a little secret, in case you didn't know: we're not second-class citizens. He likes us a lot. :) Definitely going to look up this author again.
That's about all I got today. This week=The Reunion, so pretty much everything else has been on the back-burner. Hope you have a great week!
NUMBER one: 10 year high school reunion this weekend was a huge hit, I have to say. There were several little kinks, but everyone seemed to enjoy each other, and I even have to hand it to my classmates - they let go of the cliques for the most part. Overall I found my old classmates to be beautiful, successful, down to earth, and loving God. Kinda makes me smile. You hope for that, for people... Now, I'm so glad it's over.
2. Oh, my goodness. I had so much to do this morning. Everything from Maeve stuff that literally could not wait another day, to cleaning the house for students, to fighting with my very old computer. Now I've thrown most of it into someone else's court - not that it's done, just that I can't do any more until someone else does. Waiting on other people to do stuff...this is what my job at Maeve consists of...
3. Friends. If you ever have marriage issues, please, PLEASE don't be afraid to seek out help. I've said it before and I'll say it again. Yes, this is cryptic, and no, I won't be able to explain myself. Our hearts are with not just one couple, but multiple friends of ours. -End of public service announcement-
4. Did you know that today is the Autumnal Equinox? Neato. Bit of trivia for you. Not that you really care that much.
5. Just finished reading Lost Women of the Bible. I was a little wary - sounds like Christian feminist lit. But it isn't. It is a solid Biblical survey of the way God relates to women throughout the Bible. I loved it. And I'll tell you a little secret, in case you didn't know: we're not second-class citizens. He likes us a lot. :) Definitely going to look up this author again.
That's about all I got today. This week=The Reunion, so pretty much everything else has been on the back-burner. Hope you have a great week!
Whew
Lots to do this morning, before piano lessons this afternoon. We will soon return you to your regularly scheduled Weekly Update.
Friday, September 19, 2008
Random thoughts
How do you like our new Maeve logo? We're having a sign printed for the bridal fair that will incorporate this with a gown illustration. I think it will look super classy. I'm excited. I'm also about to start redesigning our site. It's time for a new look, especially now that we have more pictures.
The first of two loads of dishes are washing at the moment (I never did get caught up from Tuesday this week - I've done one load a day and there have been dishes on the counter anyway, since then. Sick, I know), there are about three loads of laundry to be done, the house needs to be picked up and vacuumed, we're all in our jammies still at 10:30, and what am I doing? A combination of playing and working on the internet. Oh well. We'll get it turned around by naptime. And the girls are happy.
Hannah emptied the cabinet that has my baking pans and kitchen linens, and is using a cooling rack as a baby gate for her dolls, who are in the cabinet. Very funny.
Minor argument, resulting a 3 minute time out for a certain little girl.
The final fitting last night went okay. I wish we could not only dress people well, but make them feel good about their own body. One thing that did go very well, I felt, was the pairing of that bride with Heather, our photographer for the night. I try to choose which photographer to use for which bride very thoughtfully, matching personalities in a way that will make everybody comfortable. Can't wait to see the pictures, in spite of the quickly failing light we had!
We have got to start going to bed at night. I must admit we've seen 1am several times this week. The girls have been in bed on time, but Nick and I have been up chatting, watching political shows (an interest we share, at least to a point. :), working on finances, and/or watching football (him) and getting backrubs (me-I think I get the better end of the deal!). My kids sleep until 7 or 8, so it's not too bad, but naptime is calling to me!
Alright. I guess I'll head off to something more productive. :)
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Breastfeeding Vs. Formula
Came across this article today. I was fascinated.
I get so tired of arguments about important things that stray from the issue, to guilt or personal attack. This article sticks to the issues, and gives very interesting arguments for each side.
For me personally, I wouldn't trade the bonding I experienced with my kids through breastfeeding even for the relatively incredible freedom of bottle feeding. I personally would miss it too much. But I found what Joan Wolf had to say about the weight put on mothers to keep their children from any possible harm to be refreshing. By way of a tiny glimpse into what I'm thinking about right now, I do not believe that Christians need to live under a immense load of guilt and fear for their children. What if there are times when, in weighing the child's needs vs. the mother's needs (or the needs of a marriage), the mother (or the marriage) wins? Is there a place for that? I think maybe so.
I get so tired of arguments about important things that stray from the issue, to guilt or personal attack. This article sticks to the issues, and gives very interesting arguments for each side.
For me personally, I wouldn't trade the bonding I experienced with my kids through breastfeeding even for the relatively incredible freedom of bottle feeding. I personally would miss it too much. But I found what Joan Wolf had to say about the weight put on mothers to keep their children from any possible harm to be refreshing. By way of a tiny glimpse into what I'm thinking about right now, I do not believe that Christians need to live under a immense load of guilt and fear for their children. What if there are times when, in weighing the child's needs vs. the mother's needs (or the needs of a marriage), the mother (or the marriage) wins? Is there a place for that? I think maybe so.
Monday, September 15, 2008
Weekly Update
1. We had a pretty restful weekend, due in part to the fact that Hannah got sick Friday night and didn't feel like doing much Saturday. None of the rest of us got it, and we did lots of napping over the weekend. Not a bad deal...
2. My 10 year high school reunion is this weekend. We started planning this over 6 months ago. Can't believe it's finally here. Hope it ends up being fun. I'm a little nervous. Do people grow up enough to be friendly outside of their cliques?
3. Our small group is reading The Rest of God by Mark Buchanan this semester. Um, go get this book. Sorry guys, I think I'll actually be done with the book within a week or two. This is not over-achieving, this is demonstrating how badly I need rest!! Don't worry - I'll re-read the chapters when we actually get to them in the group. :)
4. Maeve - we're preparing for the bridal fair we're in on Oct 5th. Putting together a "look book" of our gowns with illustrations, having our logo readied for printing on a sign, having a sign made, printing pictures, bracing ourselves... What if we get like 20 people who are interested? Exciting, and a bit overwhelming.
5. The little weather thing on my browser says it's going to be 78 and sunny tomorrow. This makes me happy.
6. The sourdough starter is not working so well so far. That's probably partially because I keep forgetting to feed it every day. I also had missed the part about not stirring it with a metal spoon, so I had to start over. Other people have done this, so I'm sure it can be done.
7. Somebody, probably my husband, will have to explain to me what the deal is with the stock market today. I don't want to concentrate hard enough to figure out what it means.
2. My 10 year high school reunion is this weekend. We started planning this over 6 months ago. Can't believe it's finally here. Hope it ends up being fun. I'm a little nervous. Do people grow up enough to be friendly outside of their cliques?
3. Our small group is reading The Rest of God by Mark Buchanan this semester. Um, go get this book. Sorry guys, I think I'll actually be done with the book within a week or two. This is not over-achieving, this is demonstrating how badly I need rest!! Don't worry - I'll re-read the chapters when we actually get to them in the group. :)
4. Maeve - we're preparing for the bridal fair we're in on Oct 5th. Putting together a "look book" of our gowns with illustrations, having our logo readied for printing on a sign, having a sign made, printing pictures, bracing ourselves... What if we get like 20 people who are interested? Exciting, and a bit overwhelming.
5. The little weather thing on my browser says it's going to be 78 and sunny tomorrow. This makes me happy.
6. The sourdough starter is not working so well so far. That's probably partially because I keep forgetting to feed it every day. I also had missed the part about not stirring it with a metal spoon, so I had to start over. Other people have done this, so I'm sure it can be done.
7. Somebody, probably my husband, will have to explain to me what the deal is with the stock market today. I don't want to concentrate hard enough to figure out what it means.
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Meeup Baby Carriers
Shelly just started selling her super-cute baby carrying pouches. If/when we have another baby, I'm definitely having her make me one of these! Fun to give as baby shower gifts too. :)
New Life Worship
This is the recording Nick and I had the honor of singing on with the choir. So excited for it to release!
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
5-6 Meals Per Day
By request, here's a typical day eating for me. (Check out the great discussion going on down on yesterday's post!):
8am - wake up, start breakfast
9am - sit down with the girls to eat (you actually digest when you're sitting!)
2 Turkey sausages and cooked rice cereal with rice milk and pure maple syrup
12pm - lunch, open faced sandwich with turkey deli meat (no preservatives, free range) with 1/4 avocado on 1 slice rice bread. Sometimes I have a handful of carrot sticks.
3pm - All natural beef hot dog in a paper towel, maybe a handful of raw macadamia nuts and/or a date or two for the sugar craving (eat on the go! :)
6pm - dinner, stir fried chicken and veggies in olive oil, brown rice
10pm - a piece of toast with raw almond butter
It's small amounts at a time. And I go for half carbs and half protein. Organic and raw is important, but if you can't start with that, don't worry about it. Start somewhere and move forward. Hope this helps!
8am - wake up, start breakfast
9am - sit down with the girls to eat (you actually digest when you're sitting!)
2 Turkey sausages and cooked rice cereal with rice milk and pure maple syrup
12pm - lunch, open faced sandwich with turkey deli meat (no preservatives, free range) with 1/4 avocado on 1 slice rice bread. Sometimes I have a handful of carrot sticks.
3pm - All natural beef hot dog in a paper towel, maybe a handful of raw macadamia nuts and/or a date or two for the sugar craving (eat on the go! :)
6pm - dinner, stir fried chicken and veggies in olive oil, brown rice
10pm - a piece of toast with raw almond butter
It's small amounts at a time. And I go for half carbs and half protein. Organic and raw is important, but if you can't start with that, don't worry about it. Start somewhere and move forward. Hope this helps!
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
You're so skinny - I hate you!
If I had a dollar for every time I had heard this from people who are actually friends, I would be...well, richer than I am. :) I think the most frustrating thing about people saying that, is they assume it's not a struggle for me and I wouldn't understand. Well, it's not a struggle, but that's not an accident.
They say if you want to be rich, hang out with rich people and figure out what they do differently. If you want to be skinny, figure out what skinny people do. Here's the thing: I understand how our bodies work. I gained 35-40 pounds with both pregnancies, eating everything I wanted - everything in sight! :) It literally fell off afterward. Today, I am 25 pounds thinner than I was at 18 years old. I even weigh 15 pounds less than I did when I got married 4 years ago, and I've had 2 babies since then.
A friend of mine is embarking on a "journey to a healthier" her. I'm so excited for her. I hope you all won't find it arrogant that I want to share what I know about being thin. I understand how painful it must be to struggle with weight you cannot lose, and I genuinely want to help in any way I can. Losing weight is not the mystery many have made it out to be. It doesn't even require daily strenuous exercise. If you want to be toned, you must work out. I confess that is the part I'm not so good at. But you need not carry around extra weight, if you just eat correctly.
Dr P is famous on my blog. He is my naturopathic doctor/chiropractor/nutritionist. I originally saw him when I was 17, to help treat my seizure disorder. That's a story for another day. But I've been following his advice for 11 years now, and seen amazing differences in my body and in the bodies of other people who took his advice. A good friend lost 70 pounds in about 6 months with almost no exercise. Nick lost 30 pounds in 3 months. It just works. So, with that background, here's some tips:
1. DON'T drink diet anything. I can give you a BAZILLION reasons. It will actually make it harder to lose weight. Seriously. People who are regular diet drinkers often lose 15 pounds when they switch to regular! Drink regular if you have to, and just limit yourself to one can a day, or something like that. If you need/want the reasons I'll give them to you. It's a whole blog post. The stuff is poisonous. I'm not even exaggurating. If regular is bad (and it is), diet is 10 times worse. Switch to tea or coffee. You'll look more cultured anyway. ;)
2. Eat protein and a whole-grain carb for breakfast every day. This is important.
3. Eat small amounts (preferably protein AND carbs) every 3 hours. This kick-starts your metabolism. Seriously. People who cannot get the weight off generally do not eat more than once or twice a day. Our bodies don't work that way.
4. Drink as much water as you can stand. Keep some in the fridge if you like it cold. Buy lemon to put in it if that helps. There's no substitute for water, and it flushes toxins from your body and helps you lose weight faster.
5. Try to eat your 5 fruit and veggie servings per day. It's insane, and I usually don't get there. But you need the fiber and vitamins. The closer you get, the better.
6. Work toward getting rid of the white stuff - white flour, white sugar, white carbs (like potatoes). Everything should be whole grain and unrefined. The fiber and vitamins are intact then.
7. Eat raw stuff that grows (fruits and veggies, nuts, seeds, etc.) whenever you have a chance. They contain enzymes that help your body break down food. Cleans out your digestive system, and gets rid of waste sitting in your gut. Yes, it's gross. It's also true.
8. Stop buying the junk you don't want to eat - don't even have it in the house. If it's there, you will eat it.
Start there. These things all affect each other, so they are all important. If you're doing this and it doesn't work, there are other things that may be affecting it:
-Food allergies. Most people have some. Do you have frequent headaches, stomachaches/digestion issues, achiness, acne, mood issues, etc.? It's very possible they would go away if you found out what your body just doesn't like and quit eating it. This is simple and profoundly hard at the same time. How badly do you want to be healthy? To figure this out, do an elimination diet. I can tell you how to do it if you're interested.
-Get as much sleep as you're able. Lack of sleep causes your body to produce cortisol, a stress hormone. Stress hormones keep weight on your body. Do what you can to lower your overall stress. If you're often stressed, sit down and think about what's causing it and see if there's some way to fix it. This kind of emotional maintenance is so important to our overall health.
-Food additives. There are so many chemicals in prepared foods. I know how much you coffee drinkers love your flavored creamer, but that stuff actually has aluminum in it, which has been directly linked to alzheimer's and other issues. It's super scary, actually. I don't understand why the FDA allows manufacturers to put that in foods. Food coloring, preservatives, and other chemicals are bad news. If you can't pronounce it or it has a number attached to it (Red #5, for example), don't eat it.
Food is a very private thing to many people. From the age of 14, I have had to share every detail of what I eat and how it affects me with a whole group of people. I have no sense of privacy about this subject left. :) I would be overjoyed to help anyone who wants help, to figure out what they can do to be healthier, even if it means discussing delicate details. :) If you don't want to talk to me about it, go see Dr P in Denver. I'll give you the number. It's not cheap, but if you do it, it will work. I promise.
Please take this post in the spirit it was intended. If we all share what we know about, we will all be better off. This is something you really can do - and your life will never be the same!
They say if you want to be rich, hang out with rich people and figure out what they do differently. If you want to be skinny, figure out what skinny people do. Here's the thing: I understand how our bodies work. I gained 35-40 pounds with both pregnancies, eating everything I wanted - everything in sight! :) It literally fell off afterward. Today, I am 25 pounds thinner than I was at 18 years old. I even weigh 15 pounds less than I did when I got married 4 years ago, and I've had 2 babies since then.
A friend of mine is embarking on a "journey to a healthier" her. I'm so excited for her. I hope you all won't find it arrogant that I want to share what I know about being thin. I understand how painful it must be to struggle with weight you cannot lose, and I genuinely want to help in any way I can. Losing weight is not the mystery many have made it out to be. It doesn't even require daily strenuous exercise. If you want to be toned, you must work out. I confess that is the part I'm not so good at. But you need not carry around extra weight, if you just eat correctly.
Dr P is famous on my blog. He is my naturopathic doctor/chiropractor/nutritionist. I originally saw him when I was 17, to help treat my seizure disorder. That's a story for another day. But I've been following his advice for 11 years now, and seen amazing differences in my body and in the bodies of other people who took his advice. A good friend lost 70 pounds in about 6 months with almost no exercise. Nick lost 30 pounds in 3 months. It just works. So, with that background, here's some tips:
1. DON'T drink diet anything. I can give you a BAZILLION reasons. It will actually make it harder to lose weight. Seriously. People who are regular diet drinkers often lose 15 pounds when they switch to regular! Drink regular if you have to, and just limit yourself to one can a day, or something like that. If you need/want the reasons I'll give them to you. It's a whole blog post. The stuff is poisonous. I'm not even exaggurating. If regular is bad (and it is), diet is 10 times worse. Switch to tea or coffee. You'll look more cultured anyway. ;)
2. Eat protein and a whole-grain carb for breakfast every day. This is important.
3. Eat small amounts (preferably protein AND carbs) every 3 hours. This kick-starts your metabolism. Seriously. People who cannot get the weight off generally do not eat more than once or twice a day. Our bodies don't work that way.
4. Drink as much water as you can stand. Keep some in the fridge if you like it cold. Buy lemon to put in it if that helps. There's no substitute for water, and it flushes toxins from your body and helps you lose weight faster.
5. Try to eat your 5 fruit and veggie servings per day. It's insane, and I usually don't get there. But you need the fiber and vitamins. The closer you get, the better.
6. Work toward getting rid of the white stuff - white flour, white sugar, white carbs (like potatoes). Everything should be whole grain and unrefined. The fiber and vitamins are intact then.
7. Eat raw stuff that grows (fruits and veggies, nuts, seeds, etc.) whenever you have a chance. They contain enzymes that help your body break down food. Cleans out your digestive system, and gets rid of waste sitting in your gut. Yes, it's gross. It's also true.
8. Stop buying the junk you don't want to eat - don't even have it in the house. If it's there, you will eat it.
Start there. These things all affect each other, so they are all important. If you're doing this and it doesn't work, there are other things that may be affecting it:
-Food allergies. Most people have some. Do you have frequent headaches, stomachaches/digestion issues, achiness, acne, mood issues, etc.? It's very possible they would go away if you found out what your body just doesn't like and quit eating it. This is simple and profoundly hard at the same time. How badly do you want to be healthy? To figure this out, do an elimination diet. I can tell you how to do it if you're interested.
-Get as much sleep as you're able. Lack of sleep causes your body to produce cortisol, a stress hormone. Stress hormones keep weight on your body. Do what you can to lower your overall stress. If you're often stressed, sit down and think about what's causing it and see if there's some way to fix it. This kind of emotional maintenance is so important to our overall health.
-Food additives. There are so many chemicals in prepared foods. I know how much you coffee drinkers love your flavored creamer, but that stuff actually has aluminum in it, which has been directly linked to alzheimer's and other issues. It's super scary, actually. I don't understand why the FDA allows manufacturers to put that in foods. Food coloring, preservatives, and other chemicals are bad news. If you can't pronounce it or it has a number attached to it (Red #5, for example), don't eat it.
Food is a very private thing to many people. From the age of 14, I have had to share every detail of what I eat and how it affects me with a whole group of people. I have no sense of privacy about this subject left. :) I would be overjoyed to help anyone who wants help, to figure out what they can do to be healthier, even if it means discussing delicate details. :) If you don't want to talk to me about it, go see Dr P in Denver. I'll give you the number. It's not cheap, but if you do it, it will work. I promise.
Please take this post in the spirit it was intended. If we all share what we know about, we will all be better off. This is something you really can do - and your life will never be the same!
Protect yourself against cancer
I asked for prayer last week for Melody's brother Jon who has been declared terminal with brain cancer. My heart goes out so deeply to people who have to fight that battle.
There is so much fear related to cancer, and sometimes it feels like there's little you can do to protect yourself and your family. This article has some good suggestions of ways to protect yourself and your family, as well as some interesting thoughts about the research being done to cure this frightening disease.
There is so much fear related to cancer, and sometimes it feels like there's little you can do to protect yourself and your family. This article has some good suggestions of ways to protect yourself and your family, as well as some interesting thoughts about the research being done to cure this frightening disease.
Monday, September 8, 2008
Weekly Update
Last night: Hannah didn't want to go to bed, and continued to get up and ask for various things for about two hours. Each time, we calmly picked her up, laid her back in bed, and told her to go to sleep. She would cry, and then be back in 15 minutes. Where does this child get her persistence? Then, in the course of all of that, the cat got in their room. At 2am, Hannah started screaming her head off. It looked like Moses had attempted to jump into the stuffed animal net that hangs over Hannah's bed, and had dumped half of its contents on her head while she was sleeping. I'd be screaming too. Then Audrey cried for at least 20 minutes because she was mad to be awake. I just don't find those nights very restful. At least Hannah agreed to lay in bed with me and watch Dora until I was ready to get up this morning. Regardless, I'm a little out of it so far. And, I'm very aware this doesn't even compare to those of you who have just had babies... :)
With that, here we go:
1. One new school of worship student starts this week. That's pretty neat.
2. I get to play again for worship for the women's prayer group I played for last year. Pretty excited about that.
3. Maeve got two deposits last week - dresses for April and June. Yay!
4. What a great sermon yesterday - if you go to New Life and missed it, definitely check it out online. :)
5. Been a while since I mentioned Paperbackswap.com.
Basically, click on the icon, list (I think) 10 books you wouldn't mind getting rid of, and you're ready to go. You immediately get 3 credits to order books from other people. You pay the postage to send your books when someone requests them, and you get a credit for each book, for only the cost of postage. It comes out to getting a book for about $2, total. And if you say I referred you, I get a credit! (my email is sara kay [at] gmail.com - remove the spaces, etc.) This has saved me literally hundreds over the past couple of years. I have a couple of books to mail now, that's what made me think of it. :)
6. Took the girls to the library on Friday. For myself, I picked up a book called, "Before Green Gables." Brand new book - had to finish it within a week. How about 2 days? :) It is the prequel to the Anne books. A sad story in many ways, but made me thankful for what I have. Even though it's just a novel (although for those of us who grew up with Anne, she almost seems like a person!), it's about the hope you can have regardless of circumstances. And about what makes people do the things they do. I really enjoyed it. And I rarely read fiction these days.
7. I was NOT ready for fall yet. Today it is gloomy, cloudy, and cold. My heater has been running all morning. Trying really hard to not be mad about this.
8. We went to another bridal fair yesterday. It was in Denver, run by the same people who are doing ours next month. We left much encouraged about our ability to pull it off well. This is not over our heads at all. Come see us October 5th!
9. Took a look around my house this past week, and realized STUFF is taking over once again. Being only 800 square feet, our house is less forgiving of clutter. There is no room for more than the essentials. Time to de-clutter and fix some things.
OK, am I boring you yet? I'm boring myself. Guess I'll end here. Have a great week!
With that, here we go:
1. One new school of worship student starts this week. That's pretty neat.
2. I get to play again for worship for the women's prayer group I played for last year. Pretty excited about that.
3. Maeve got two deposits last week - dresses for April and June. Yay!
4. What a great sermon yesterday - if you go to New Life and missed it, definitely check it out online. :)
5. Been a while since I mentioned Paperbackswap.com.
Basically, click on the icon, list (I think) 10 books you wouldn't mind getting rid of, and you're ready to go. You immediately get 3 credits to order books from other people. You pay the postage to send your books when someone requests them, and you get a credit for each book, for only the cost of postage. It comes out to getting a book for about $2, total. And if you say I referred you, I get a credit! (my email is sara kay [at] gmail.com - remove the spaces, etc.) This has saved me literally hundreds over the past couple of years. I have a couple of books to mail now, that's what made me think of it. :)
6. Took the girls to the library on Friday. For myself, I picked up a book called, "Before Green Gables." Brand new book - had to finish it within a week. How about 2 days? :) It is the prequel to the Anne books. A sad story in many ways, but made me thankful for what I have. Even though it's just a novel (although for those of us who grew up with Anne, she almost seems like a person!), it's about the hope you can have regardless of circumstances. And about what makes people do the things they do. I really enjoyed it. And I rarely read fiction these days.
7. I was NOT ready for fall yet. Today it is gloomy, cloudy, and cold. My heater has been running all morning. Trying really hard to not be mad about this.
8. We went to another bridal fair yesterday. It was in Denver, run by the same people who are doing ours next month. We left much encouraged about our ability to pull it off well. This is not over our heads at all. Come see us October 5th!
9. Took a look around my house this past week, and realized STUFF is taking over once again. Being only 800 square feet, our house is less forgiving of clutter. There is no room for more than the essentials. Time to de-clutter and fix some things.
OK, am I boring you yet? I'm boring myself. Guess I'll end here. Have a great week!
Thursday, September 4, 2008
Raw
Sometimes I wish I had thicker skin.
All the political talk wears on me after just a few days of it. I start to feel emotionally...raw. I haven't even had any arguments about it. But I'm amazed at how many different STRONG opinions there are about what our country needs in a leader, even among people who agree on almost everything else. And because it's such an emotional issue, it's scary to even try to talk about those differences.
If it could be a non-emotional conversation, I would love to discuss politics. I feel like discussing ideas actually means something, and you can learn a lot about other people by how they relate to ideas. But most of the time I feel too thin-skinned to be able to take it when someone else has a deeply held view that feels completely contrary to mine. It literally makes my stomach hurt and I feel all shaky. Why is that? Am I just needing to be liked by other people?
Here I go anyway...
I want the United States to be a great place for my children and their children. I want leaders who will govern with principles that line up with my other beliefs (not forcing religion on other people, but defending its freedom, since that's what our nation was founded on). I don't agree with legislating morality, I think taking care of abortion, for example, is a job better done with the love of God's people, but neither do I want to pay for someone's abortion with my taxes. I believe the government takes enough (or too much!) of my money in taxes and should be responsible with what they have, not ask for more. I believe churches do a better job taking care of people in need than the government does with programs. I believe foreign policy is best left to someone with a much better understanding of the world than I have, but I believe it's the job of the government to protect and defend its people - that's what the Bible says is its job. I do not like angry, victim mindset people, just in general. If someone is angry and not doing anything about it, they just really want to stay angry in my opinion. If I work hard, I want to see the fruit of my labor. If someone refuses (not where they can't work, that they refuse) to work hard, they should not live off my work. I want people to tell the truth, to live with integrity, and be no-nonsense about...nonsense.
That's what is important to me in a politician. So, here's my idea. Give us your list of what's important! Don't attack what I believe, tell me what you believe, because I'm interested. Follow the format I just set up, and tell me what you think a politician should do and be. No being mean! Remember, I'm thin-skinned. :)
All the political talk wears on me after just a few days of it. I start to feel emotionally...raw. I haven't even had any arguments about it. But I'm amazed at how many different STRONG opinions there are about what our country needs in a leader, even among people who agree on almost everything else. And because it's such an emotional issue, it's scary to even try to talk about those differences.
If it could be a non-emotional conversation, I would love to discuss politics. I feel like discussing ideas actually means something, and you can learn a lot about other people by how they relate to ideas. But most of the time I feel too thin-skinned to be able to take it when someone else has a deeply held view that feels completely contrary to mine. It literally makes my stomach hurt and I feel all shaky. Why is that? Am I just needing to be liked by other people?
Here I go anyway...
I want the United States to be a great place for my children and their children. I want leaders who will govern with principles that line up with my other beliefs (not forcing religion on other people, but defending its freedom, since that's what our nation was founded on). I don't agree with legislating morality, I think taking care of abortion, for example, is a job better done with the love of God's people, but neither do I want to pay for someone's abortion with my taxes. I believe the government takes enough (or too much!) of my money in taxes and should be responsible with what they have, not ask for more. I believe churches do a better job taking care of people in need than the government does with programs. I believe foreign policy is best left to someone with a much better understanding of the world than I have, but I believe it's the job of the government to protect and defend its people - that's what the Bible says is its job. I do not like angry, victim mindset people, just in general. If someone is angry and not doing anything about it, they just really want to stay angry in my opinion. If I work hard, I want to see the fruit of my labor. If someone refuses (not where they can't work, that they refuse) to work hard, they should not live off my work. I want people to tell the truth, to live with integrity, and be no-nonsense about...nonsense.
That's what is important to me in a politician. So, here's my idea. Give us your list of what's important! Don't attack what I believe, tell me what you believe, because I'm interested. Follow the format I just set up, and tell me what you think a politician should do and be. No being mean! Remember, I'm thin-skinned. :)
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
More on Palin
My husband wrote a post today that, for multiple reasons, deeply moved me. He wrote it as satire that could also strike you as funny, but that's not how it affected me personally. :) See what you think!
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
On Palin
This post said very eloquently what I'm feeling about making a judgment about the Sarah Palin deal. In addition to the reasons this blogger listed against Palin, I've also seen someone talk about Deborah in the Bible, and how it was an insult to Israel that there were no men willing to step up and lead. Then she quoted a passage from a minor prophet that talked about Israel's sin, and mentioned that women lead them. I'm unsure how much of that was related to culture, and how much is God's intended authority structure.
So for right now, I'm reserving judgment. Palin is an interesting person, for sure. She obviously stands up for what she believes while showing love and compassion for people (her daughter, for example) who make mistakes. I'm watching the whole thing carefully.
So for right now, I'm reserving judgment. Palin is an interesting person, for sure. She obviously stands up for what she believes while showing love and compassion for people (her daughter, for example) who make mistakes. I'm watching the whole thing carefully.
Monday, September 1, 2008
Illustration
I couldn't wait to share this with somebody... We just started working with a new illustrator for Maeve. Tell me, if you had a consultation with us, and then we sent you this, would you let us make your gown? :)
(Shhhh...the client hasn't seen it yet - I'm waiting on the back view.) :)
What a weird day
We really know how to celebrate around here... Nick felt terrible, so he went to bed, and I just put the girls down for naps. I wish I didn't feel a little disappointed when it feels like my days are all the same, even the ones that should be different.
Monday Headlines
1. Yay for Audrey's birthday! Still can't believe she's 2...
2. We had a good visit with Nick's parents this weekend. Friday night for dinner I made homemade fish sticks and steamed zucchini because they are Audrey's favorite. Nick's dad said, "I can tell why they are her favorite - they're really good!" That is a HUGE compliment coming from him. It was really nice. :)
3. Tried this recipe and made cupcakes for Audrey. They were really good and didn't even make me sick - my tolerance for eggs seems to be improving, thankfully. Hannah, on the other hand, was very sick. Wish I knew what bothered her so much all the time...
4. Went to the dentist on Wednesday, and I need a root canal now. Lovely. Here's a link to the information I have about root canals. This guy isn't the only one saying this, and my dentist (who is one of the best in the state) even told me that he's read studies confirming this. Therefore, I will eventually have the tooth pulled and once of two things will happen - I will get a bridge, or an implant. If I decide to go the implant direction, I will actually be without a tooth for several months while the implant heals. You will be able to see it. I'm 28 years old. Can you guess how I feel about this? Dr P says that now that I'm off gluten my teeth should stop decaying like that. They were doing it because I wasn't absorbing enough nutrients because of the gluten issue. Super weird. Super frustrating. I cried about it all Wednesday afternoon. By now I'm accepting the whole thing. It'll be okay, though not fun.
5. No students this week! Nice to have a break. Sure hope I get some school of worship student calls this week...money is always good. :)
6. Joanna is starting her mom's group this week! Yay!
7. I actually finished a row of my crocheting yesterday - Bek, you'll be proud of me. Maybe I'll be a crocheter yet!
I can't think of anything else. Quiet week this week. I'm glad life runs in cycles - we've had two insane weeks.
2. We had a good visit with Nick's parents this weekend. Friday night for dinner I made homemade fish sticks and steamed zucchini because they are Audrey's favorite. Nick's dad said, "I can tell why they are her favorite - they're really good!" That is a HUGE compliment coming from him. It was really nice. :)
3. Tried this recipe and made cupcakes for Audrey. They were really good and didn't even make me sick - my tolerance for eggs seems to be improving, thankfully. Hannah, on the other hand, was very sick. Wish I knew what bothered her so much all the time...
4. Went to the dentist on Wednesday, and I need a root canal now. Lovely. Here's a link to the information I have about root canals. This guy isn't the only one saying this, and my dentist (who is one of the best in the state) even told me that he's read studies confirming this. Therefore, I will eventually have the tooth pulled and once of two things will happen - I will get a bridge, or an implant. If I decide to go the implant direction, I will actually be without a tooth for several months while the implant heals. You will be able to see it. I'm 28 years old. Can you guess how I feel about this? Dr P says that now that I'm off gluten my teeth should stop decaying like that. They were doing it because I wasn't absorbing enough nutrients because of the gluten issue. Super weird. Super frustrating. I cried about it all Wednesday afternoon. By now I'm accepting the whole thing. It'll be okay, though not fun.
5. No students this week! Nice to have a break. Sure hope I get some school of worship student calls this week...money is always good. :)
6. Joanna is starting her mom's group this week! Yay!
7. I actually finished a row of my crocheting yesterday - Bek, you'll be proud of me. Maybe I'll be a crocheter yet!
I can't think of anything else. Quiet week this week. I'm glad life runs in cycles - we've had two insane weeks.
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