I've been hit early by no sleep nights--I still have three months of pregnancy before middle of the night feedings, and insomnia has hit hard. I've been waking up between 2 and 4 am, starving; I eat something (cereal or toast with something), but then I can't go back to sleep. That plus "back to school" stuff this week makes it imperative I actually plan what we eat this week--else we'll have a week like last week (hello Mexican restaurant, Pizza Hut and Steak & Shake!) The good news is we did a freezer food exchange, so the freezer is well stocked! I've also lost my daytimer (a very bad week for that), so I'll include what's up each day:
Monday (Harmony dance at 3:30; tea for women faculty, 3:30-5)
Lunch: Ham and cheese sandwiches, grapes, milk, monster cookies
Dinner: Salad, Bean and rice enchiladas (thanks Jen!), cucumbers from the garden
Tuesday (kids to dr at 3, reception for new faculty 5-7)
Lunch: Pancakes, yogurt, peaches
Dinner: Adults will eat at the reception, I don't know what we're doing with the kids yet!
Wednesday (lunch meeting, 2 pm meeting, opening picnic at the President's)
Lunch: Hot dog, mac & cheese, carrots, apple slices
Dinner: Kids at the Little Greenhouse; whatever they serve :)
Thursday (training all morning, grad school reunion dinner, Patrick out of town)
Lunch: Sandwiches, fruit, veggies, juice
Dinner: Kids at picnic with church friends???
Friday (grad school reunion, may have friends down for dinner, prep for garage sale)
Lunch: Clean out the fridge :)
Dinner: New favorite Italian sausage dish (see below), bread, salad, Cherries Jubiliee
Saturday(garage sale, students moving into apt upstairs, meet my freshman advisees)
Lunch: sandwiches, fruit, chips
Dinner: OUT!
Sunday (teach Kid's church, 15 freshmen advisees over for dinner)
Lunch: Either pack a picnic or out with friends
Dinner: Cumin lime pork tenderloin, salad, corn, stuffing, brownie sundaes
OK, I just realized how RIDICULOUS this week is. But I don't know what can go--all the school events are required, and the garage sale is to get rid of the stuff from the last set of tenants (so it needs to go before this set moves in!). I don't like weeks like this, with multiple evening events where kids aren't welcome--luckily those are a rarity. Advice and prayers are welcome, especially for sleep!
Italian Sausage Bake (variation on last Sunday's USA today recipe)
1.5 lbs italian sausage (or turkey sausage), cut into 1 inch slices
3 cups cherry tomatoes (ours are going crazy!)
1/2 Vidalia onion, chopped
1 red pepper (from our garden!)
4 cloves garlic, sliced
2 tsp thyme
1 T balsamic vinegar
1 T olive oil
2 cans white beans (I'm blanking on their names)
Toss all ingredients except beans in a roasting pan. Bake at 425 for 45 minutes. Stir and add beans and 1/4 c of the liquid from the beans. Roast 15 more minutes.
Sunday, August 17, 2008
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Thankful Thursday--Gifts
Ephesians 4:7, 11-16:
But to each one of us grace has been given as Christ apportioned it. It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to prepare God's people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.
This week I'm thankful for gifts--both spiritual and practical.
I'm thankful that Christ has given us all jobs to do--but not all the same job.
I'm thankful that the purpose of these gifts is to build up the body of Christ.
I'm thankful that someday, we'll reach unity in faith and knowledge, as well as maturity.
I'm thankful for how God has provided--He has diffused most of the "bombs" from a few weeks ago. My parents sent a birthday check that covers the IRS bill (which was lower than the amount they listed), we have a lead on a sub for me, and a couple of possibilities for childcare.
I'm thankful for the gift of my children. Six years has sure gone fast, and I know it'll only accelerate as we hit the school years.
And I'm thankful that Iris hosts Thankful Thursday!
But to each one of us grace has been given as Christ apportioned it. It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to prepare God's people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.
This week I'm thankful for gifts--both spiritual and practical.
I'm thankful that Christ has given us all jobs to do--but not all the same job.
I'm thankful that the purpose of these gifts is to build up the body of Christ.
I'm thankful that someday, we'll reach unity in faith and knowledge, as well as maturity.
I'm thankful for how God has provided--He has diffused most of the "bombs" from a few weeks ago. My parents sent a birthday check that covers the IRS bill (which was lower than the amount they listed), we have a lead on a sub for me, and a couple of possibilities for childcare.
I'm thankful for the gift of my children. Six years has sure gone fast, and I know it'll only accelerate as we hit the school years.
And I'm thankful that Iris hosts Thankful Thursday!
Henry's first day of school
It went great! He was up and out of bed (instead of the usual request to snuggle for a while) as soon as his alarm went off. He ate breakfast, got dressed, and brushed his teeth without any stalling--I think that's the fastest he's ever gotten ready in the morning! We all went to the bus stop to see him off--it was 15 minutes late, but better late than early.
School itself went well--he got a "good behavior" stamp on his hand, but all he could tell us about was the bus rides, lunch, and recess :) His teacher (and the principal) called to talk about moving him to the "readers" (A&E) class, and after talking with his originally assigned teacher, we're going to try it for the rest of the week. So it should all work out!
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Top Ten signs Henry is a boy to the core
10. He owns four light sabers...and likes to carry them all at once.
9. He is happiest doing anything physical outside.
8. He likes to go fast and do stunts on his his scooter.
7. Transformers decorate his walls, and regularly drive by our house.
6. His volume settings are loud, louder, and loudest.
5. Perpetual motion.
4. Give him a ball and he's happy for an hour.
3. Computer games are a great occupation too.
2. He's got a chocolate box full of cicada shells
1. He's learned how to make farting noises with his armpit.
(at least he doesn't pee on the trees outside, like one little boy did at school last week!)
Happy Birthday, Henry!
9. He is happiest doing anything physical outside.
8. He likes to go fast and do stunts on his his scooter.
7. Transformers decorate his walls, and regularly drive by our house.
6. His volume settings are loud, louder, and loudest.
5. Perpetual motion.
4. Give him a ball and he's happy for an hour.
3. Computer games are a great occupation too.
2. He's got a chocolate box full of cicada shells
1. He's learned how to make farting noises with his armpit.
(at least he doesn't pee on the trees outside, like one little boy did at school last week!)
Happy Birthday, Henry!
I cried at back to school night...
Ugh, even though I had an "extra" year, I don't think I'm ready! But now my qualms are about the school being ready for Henry, instead of Henry being ready for school.
Last Friday noon and Monday night we met all the other people I knew with kids going to that school (it's K-1 only) at the playground to play. Three of the Wabash parents had gotten post cards from the same teacher. There is one section of "A&E" (whatever that stands for) kindergarten, and I first thought they were in that section (since it tends to be populated with "faculty brats"), except the twins from Henry's preschool got the same teacher, and I know they aren't reading or as well behaved as Henry. I was ok with the idea that he wasn't in that section--I don't really want him labeled from the get go, or for school to be a pressure situation.
But tonight it really bugged me. We met his teacher--she was nice enough and had that "good kindergarten teacher" feel. But the room was decorated in stuff I know Henry can do (letters, numbers, colors) and the other kids couldn't write their names on their own, while Henry was reading the clues on his scavenger hunt on his own ("find your locker and practice opening it," "find the bathrooms across the hall; where is the nearest water fountain?" types of things). I knew in my head that 40% of the kids in our district come in not meeting basic expectations for entering K (knowing colors, shapes, numbers to 20, letters; being able to recognize and write your name), but it wasn't "real" until I saw the difference. How in the world can a teacher keep Henry occupied while working on those things with the rest of the class?? I know it's not a competition, but it just felt unfair that he was in this cass...and pregnancy hormones on an empty stomach are never useful(it was from 5-7 and we hadn't eaten dinner yet).
Patrick had a meeting at 7, so we dropped him off at home before going to Henry's choice of dinner (McD's). I didn't know it, but he went back and talked to the teacher and principal, so he might be switched. I know it shouldn't be a big deal, but I want him to have a good school experience, and this wasn't feeling like it!
The good news is that his teacher is a Christian and has kids his age. So prayers for a good experience for Henry and peace for me are appreciated :)
Last Friday noon and Monday night we met all the other people I knew with kids going to that school (it's K-1 only) at the playground to play. Three of the Wabash parents had gotten post cards from the same teacher. There is one section of "A&E" (whatever that stands for) kindergarten, and I first thought they were in that section (since it tends to be populated with "faculty brats"), except the twins from Henry's preschool got the same teacher, and I know they aren't reading or as well behaved as Henry. I was ok with the idea that he wasn't in that section--I don't really want him labeled from the get go, or for school to be a pressure situation.
But tonight it really bugged me. We met his teacher--she was nice enough and had that "good kindergarten teacher" feel. But the room was decorated in stuff I know Henry can do (letters, numbers, colors) and the other kids couldn't write their names on their own, while Henry was reading the clues on his scavenger hunt on his own ("find your locker and practice opening it," "find the bathrooms across the hall; where is the nearest water fountain?" types of things). I knew in my head that 40% of the kids in our district come in not meeting basic expectations for entering K (knowing colors, shapes, numbers to 20, letters; being able to recognize and write your name), but it wasn't "real" until I saw the difference. How in the world can a teacher keep Henry occupied while working on those things with the rest of the class?? I know it's not a competition, but it just felt unfair that he was in this cass...and pregnancy hormones on an empty stomach are never useful(it was from 5-7 and we hadn't eaten dinner yet).
Patrick had a meeting at 7, so we dropped him off at home before going to Henry's choice of dinner (McD's). I didn't know it, but he went back and talked to the teacher and principal, so he might be switched. I know it shouldn't be a big deal, but I want him to have a good school experience, and this wasn't feeling like it!
The good news is that his teacher is a Christian and has kids his age. So prayers for a good experience for Henry and peace for me are appreciated :)
Monday, August 11, 2008
Melodic Monday--Yellow Bus by Justin Roberts
In honor of Henry's first day of school on Wednesday...
Listen to it by clicking here
Chorus:
Yellow Bus, you're taking too long,
You're taking too long, my yellow bus
Yellow Bus, you're taking too long,
You're taking too long, my yellow bus
Well, it's only 7:30 and I know it's kinda early
But I drank my mama's coffee and I'm feeling kinda surly
CHORUS
Well it's 7:31 and I'm feeling kinda dumb
'Cause I waited this long for you to come
CHORUS
It's 7:33 and I drank a lot of tea
And I think I gotta take a little bitty ---
CHORUS
Well it's 8 o'clock, now it's 9 o'clock,
Now it's 10, 11, 12, and 1
And you still ain't come
CHORUS
It's 3 o'clock, 4 o'clock
Now it's 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
Boy you sure ain't on time
CHORUS
Well, it's dark out now and the stars are out now
And the moon is shining yellow just like you would, bus
If you were here, bus, but you're not
And I'm kinda mad about that, But I'm getting over it
And I've just one thing to say to you and that is
CHORUS
The mama ran out she began to shout
She said, "hey boy, what you doing out there?"
I said "I'm waiting for that bus you see."
She said, "you're gonna be waiting a long time, it's saturday."
CHORUS
Listen to it by clicking here
Chorus:
Yellow Bus, you're taking too long,
You're taking too long, my yellow bus
Yellow Bus, you're taking too long,
You're taking too long, my yellow bus
Well, it's only 7:30 and I know it's kinda early
But I drank my mama's coffee and I'm feeling kinda surly
CHORUS
Well it's 7:31 and I'm feeling kinda dumb
'Cause I waited this long for you to come
CHORUS
It's 7:33 and I drank a lot of tea
And I think I gotta take a little bitty ---
CHORUS
Well it's 8 o'clock, now it's 9 o'clock,
Now it's 10, 11, 12, and 1
And you still ain't come
CHORUS
It's 3 o'clock, 4 o'clock
Now it's 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
Boy you sure ain't on time
CHORUS
Well, it's dark out now and the stars are out now
And the moon is shining yellow just like you would, bus
If you were here, bus, but you're not
And I'm kinda mad about that, But I'm getting over it
And I've just one thing to say to you and that is
CHORUS
The mama ran out she began to shout
She said, "hey boy, what you doing out there?"
I said "I'm waiting for that bus you see."
She said, "you're gonna be waiting a long time, it's saturday."
CHORUS
Sunday, August 10, 2008
Henry's Birthday Party recap
We celebrated Henry's birthday on Saturday. My mom and I did our cake artistry on Friday night, creating Optimus Prime. We knew we had succeeded when the other little boys recognized who it was :)
We had ten kids at the party--six girls and four boys, ranging in age from almost 3 to 9. We divided them into two teams--red and blue. Looking back, this was a better idea than Autobots vs Decepticons--no one was the "bad guys". First we played "pop the other teams' all sparks (balloons tied to their ankles). Henry was the master of this game. In general, the boys loved it, and the girls cried when their balloons were popped.
We then had a scavenger hunt to find the All Spark (a cube pinata in our case). Each team had an adult reader and ten different clues to find. The teams tied, finding the All Spark in our car ("the Mazdatron"). Then we had a relay obstacle course, with the kids safely escorting the all spark (a much smaller cube than the pinata one). They had to crawl through a carboard house, under ropes tied between two chairs (the boys did some kind of football roll), between some 5 gallon buckets, across a balance beam (4x4 set on cement blocks). Not really a win or lose game, but they liked it, and we did it twice.
Then it was pinata time. After last year's adventure in paper mache, this one was a pull one. We had everyone grab a ribbon and pull at once, so there was no waiting.
Then it was inside for cake, ice cream, and gifts. Henry was THRILLED to get Transformers, Star Wars (especially a purple light saber--he now has four), and even beter, Star Wars Transformers. The girls ended up playing in the bedroom with Harmony, while the boys played transformers in the living room.
After the formal party was done, nine of the ten kids (and their parents, thankfully) headed to the indoor pool at the high school. I think by the end of the afternoon, there were lots of very tired but happy kids :)
Thursday, August 7, 2008
1 Corinthians 13 for Moms
I needed to read this today...
If I live in a house of spotless beauty with everything in its place,
but have not love,
I am a housekeeper, not a homemaker.
If I have time for waxing, polishing, and decorative achievements,
but have not love,
my children learn cleanliness, And not godliness.
If I scream at my children for every infraction,
and fault them for every mess they make,
but have not love,
my children become people-pleasers, not obedient children.
Love leaves the dust in search of a child's laugh.
Love smiles at the tiny fingerprints on a newly cleaned window.
Love wipes away the tears before it wipes up the spilled milk.
Love picks up the child before it picks up the toys.
Love accepts the fact that I am the ever-present "mommy,"
the taxi-driver to every childhood event,
the counselor when my children fail or are hurt.
Love crawls with the baby, walks with the toddler, and runs with the child,
then stands aside to let the youth walk into adulthood.
Before I became a mother I took glory in my house of perfection.
Now I glory in God's perfection of my child.
All the projections I had for my house and my children
have faded away into insignificance,
And what remain are the memories of my kids.
Now there abides in my home scratches on most of the furniture,
dishes with missing place settings,
and bedroom walls full of stickers, posters and markings,
But the greatest of all is the Love
that permeates my relationships with my children.
-Adapted by Jim Fowler
If I live in a house of spotless beauty with everything in its place,
but have not love,
I am a housekeeper, not a homemaker.
If I have time for waxing, polishing, and decorative achievements,
but have not love,
my children learn cleanliness, And not godliness.
If I scream at my children for every infraction,
and fault them for every mess they make,
but have not love,
my children become people-pleasers, not obedient children.
Love leaves the dust in search of a child's laugh.
Love smiles at the tiny fingerprints on a newly cleaned window.
Love wipes away the tears before it wipes up the spilled milk.
Love picks up the child before it picks up the toys.
Love accepts the fact that I am the ever-present "mommy,"
the taxi-driver to every childhood event,
the counselor when my children fail or are hurt.
Love crawls with the baby, walks with the toddler, and runs with the child,
then stands aside to let the youth walk into adulthood.
Before I became a mother I took glory in my house of perfection.
Now I glory in God's perfection of my child.
All the projections I had for my house and my children
have faded away into insignificance,
And what remain are the memories of my kids.
Now there abides in my home scratches on most of the furniture,
dishes with missing place settings,
and bedroom walls full of stickers, posters and markings,
But the greatest of all is the Love
that permeates my relationships with my children.
-Adapted by Jim Fowler
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
Thankful Thursday--Hope
Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.
Hebrews 11:1
This week, like Iris, I am thankful for HOPE.
I'm thankful that we don't have to see the solution to know that God has one. He knows this child, he knows my need for a sub at work, he knows my need for good childcare for the baby. He knows how everything will play out at church, work, and home.
I'm thankful that I can be CERTAIN of that, despite my circumstances.
I'm thankful that as much tumult there is around here, I can still have hope, because "My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus' blood and righteousness." It's not me or my doing, but God working in, around, and through me.
I'm thankful that Henry is learning to swim--both he and Harmony have made great strides this week in swimming lessons.
I'm thankful to have great, supportive, praying friends.
I'm thankful that faith gives us this certainty.
Hebrews 11:1
This week, like Iris, I am thankful for HOPE.
I'm thankful that we don't have to see the solution to know that God has one. He knows this child, he knows my need for a sub at work, he knows my need for good childcare for the baby. He knows how everything will play out at church, work, and home.
I'm thankful that I can be CERTAIN of that, despite my circumstances.
I'm thankful that as much tumult there is around here, I can still have hope, because "My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus' blood and righteousness." It's not me or my doing, but God working in, around, and through me.
I'm thankful that Henry is learning to swim--both he and Harmony have made great strides this week in swimming lessons.
I'm thankful to have great, supportive, praying friends.
I'm thankful that faith gives us this certainty.
Wordless Wednesday
Yes, that is a tomato in a tree. One of our tomatoes in a tree, to be precise. Anyone want to guess how it got there?
Back to School give a way!
5 Minutes for Mom is having a Back to School Giveaway! If you'd like the opportunity to win camera accessories, a label maker, or books (and whatever else they add between now and next Tuesday) please visit the contest.
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
Bargain hunting---lots of groceries for $30!
This was not my normal grocery trip for the week--we needed milk, and a few things for meals this week. (I already went and stocked up on chicken breasts ($1.99/lb) and pork loin ($1.97/lb). So while I was there, I decided to partake of some great deals...
2 boxes of Miniwheats (Patrick and Henry's favorite) $4
2 boxes of Raisin Bran @ $2 each $4
4 boxes of Nutrigrain bars @ $2.50 each $10
2 Keebler Cookies @ $2 each $4
2 boxes of Rice Crispies treats (PB& chocolate ) $3
2 Betty Crocker cookie mixes $3
2 Betty crocker frosting $3
2 BC Fruit snacks $4
1 Betty Crocker Mini Bowls $2
1 Welch's juice $2
1 Kroger Instant oatmeal brown sugar 10 pk $1.50
1 Welchs Twist Juice* $2
1 Lactaid milk w/extra calcium* $3.99
2 Kroger milk* 1/2 gallon $2.67
1 Kroger instant oatmeal (canister)* $2.39
1 Cran-grape juice* $2.49
1 Margarine* $0.86
1 pkg of fresh mozzarella (a very good price!)* $1.79
1 baking soda* $0.73
1 baking powder* $1.23
2 lbs cherries (I love cherries, and good price!)* $1.50
Total before coupons: $60.88
Minus:
2 Buy 10 get $5 off (Kellogg and BC items) -$10
-$1/2 Raisin bran (this week's Sunday coupons)
-$1/2 Nutrigrain bars (ditto)
-$1/2 Keebler cookies (ditto)
-$1/2 Rice Crispies treats (ditto)
-$1/2 -2x0.50 BC cookie mix (www.coupons.com)
-2x0.50 BC frosting (www.coupons.com)
-0.55 BC Warm Bowls
-0.50 doubled to $1 BC Fruit snacks (a couple week's ago paper)
Total after coupons: $43.88
Minus Kellogg's $10 off of 10 rebate from this week's paper: $33.88
And I used a Kroger gift card that I got in July, when they had a "buy a GC with $300, get it credited with $330" deal, so it was more like $30 of "real" money :)
The total from the things on my actual list (starred above) was $17.45, so comparatively, I spent more than sticking to my list. But the cereal and nutrigrain bars are staples around here, so getting 4 boxes of cereal and 4 boxes of bars for $4 (after coupon and rebate) was too good of a deal to pass up. The cookie mixes ended up being $0.50, cheaper than a batch of homemade (at least for the double chocolate chunk I got :)), and we'll use the frosting ($0.50 after coupon and buy 10 deal) for Henry's birthday cake. The Rice Crispie Treats and Keebler cookies were free :)
So lots of treats I wouldn't usually buy, but when an entire package is cheaper than a candy bar, it's hard to pass up.
If you want to see other bargain hunting conquests, check out www.moneysavingmom.com
2 boxes of Miniwheats (Patrick and Henry's favorite) $4
2 boxes of Raisin Bran @ $2 each $4
4 boxes of Nutrigrain bars @ $2.50 each $10
2 Keebler Cookies @ $2 each $4
2 boxes of Rice Crispies treats (PB& chocolate ) $3
2 Betty Crocker cookie mixes $3
2 Betty crocker frosting $3
2 BC Fruit snacks $4
1 Betty Crocker Mini Bowls $2
1 Welch's juice $2
1 Kroger Instant oatmeal brown sugar 10 pk $1.50
1 Welchs Twist Juice* $2
1 Lactaid milk w/extra calcium* $3.99
2 Kroger milk* 1/2 gallon $2.67
1 Kroger instant oatmeal (canister)* $2.39
1 Cran-grape juice* $2.49
1 Margarine* $0.86
1 pkg of fresh mozzarella (a very good price!)* $1.79
1 baking soda* $0.73
1 baking powder* $1.23
2 lbs cherries (I love cherries, and good price!)* $1.50
Total before coupons: $60.88
Minus:
2 Buy 10 get $5 off (Kellogg and BC items) -$10
-$1/2 Raisin bran (this week's Sunday coupons)
-$1/2 Nutrigrain bars (ditto)
-$1/2 Keebler cookies (ditto)
-$1/2 Rice Crispies treats (ditto)
-$1/2 -2x0.50 BC cookie mix (www.coupons.com)
-2x0.50 BC frosting (www.coupons.com)
-0.55 BC Warm Bowls
-0.50 doubled to $1 BC Fruit snacks (a couple week's ago paper)
Total after coupons: $43.88
Minus Kellogg's $10 off of 10 rebate from this week's paper: $33.88
And I used a Kroger gift card that I got in July, when they had a "buy a GC with $300, get it credited with $330" deal, so it was more like $30 of "real" money :)
The total from the things on my actual list (starred above) was $17.45, so comparatively, I spent more than sticking to my list. But the cereal and nutrigrain bars are staples around here, so getting 4 boxes of cereal and 4 boxes of bars for $4 (after coupon and rebate) was too good of a deal to pass up. The cookie mixes ended up being $0.50, cheaper than a batch of homemade (at least for the double chocolate chunk I got :)), and we'll use the frosting ($0.50 after coupon and buy 10 deal) for Henry's birthday cake. The Rice Crispie Treats and Keebler cookies were free :)
So lots of treats I wouldn't usually buy, but when an entire package is cheaper than a candy bar, it's hard to pass up.
If you want to see other bargain hunting conquests, check out www.moneysavingmom.com
Top ten Tuesday--Prayer requests
The choices today for "Top Ten" were books we've worn out or prayer requests. In the name of transparency, I'll go for the latter.
10. Healing for Jen's baby.
9. For Baby Burke to stay put, grow fast, and survive without major problems--mommy's water broke several weeks ago, and she's only 24.5 weeks.
8. For his mommy to be able to grow closer to you in a very long haul of bedrest.
7. For Henry to have a great experience in school, with a wonderful Christian teacher, peers who are good influences, and opportunities to share Christ with others.
6. For Harmony to adjust to Henry not being at school with her, and her not being the "baby" anymore (there are lots of requests for me to do things she's been able to do for a long time, like clear her dishes, dress her...)
5. For a great childcare for our baby.
4. For a replacement for me at work, so at least I have a normal load instead of an overload.
3. For a more positive attitude for me about this baby--for some reason I feel like since all the details we need to fall into place (very soon) aren't, the pregnancy isn't going to actually result in a live baby (despite all the tap dancing on my bladder right now).
2. For healing and comfort for those who have been hurt by a recent decision by our church leadership.
1. Unity in our church--for us (personally and our church) to look like Christ and point people to Him, instead of pointing at each other or things that distract us from Jesus.
No wonder life has felt heavy lately. Some weeks it's hard to figure out what the eighth through tenth items should be (usually placed in the middle of the list), but I could have kept going--for my classes, for my advisees adjusting to college life, for me to have witnessing opportunities at school this year, for colleagues, for new babies and their families adjustment period...there is just a lot going on right now.
Lord, thanks that we can bring everything to you. The list is long--but You're big. Give us vision for how (and that) You will work everything out for good.
10. Healing for Jen's baby.
9. For Baby Burke to stay put, grow fast, and survive without major problems--mommy's water broke several weeks ago, and she's only 24.5 weeks.
8. For his mommy to be able to grow closer to you in a very long haul of bedrest.
7. For Henry to have a great experience in school, with a wonderful Christian teacher, peers who are good influences, and opportunities to share Christ with others.
6. For Harmony to adjust to Henry not being at school with her, and her not being the "baby" anymore (there are lots of requests for me to do things she's been able to do for a long time, like clear her dishes, dress her...)
5. For a great childcare for our baby.
4. For a replacement for me at work, so at least I have a normal load instead of an overload.
3. For a more positive attitude for me about this baby--for some reason I feel like since all the details we need to fall into place (very soon) aren't, the pregnancy isn't going to actually result in a live baby (despite all the tap dancing on my bladder right now).
2. For healing and comfort for those who have been hurt by a recent decision by our church leadership.
1. Unity in our church--for us (personally and our church) to look like Christ and point people to Him, instead of pointing at each other or things that distract us from Jesus.
No wonder life has felt heavy lately. Some weeks it's hard to figure out what the eighth through tenth items should be (usually placed in the middle of the list), but I could have kept going--for my classes, for my advisees adjusting to college life, for me to have witnessing opportunities at school this year, for colleagues, for new babies and their families adjustment period...there is just a lot going on right now.
Lord, thanks that we can bring everything to you. The list is long--but You're big. Give us vision for how (and that) You will work everything out for good.
Monday, August 4, 2008
Wrong side of the tracks, er, street
I discovered at school registration today that we live on the wrong side of the street...the east side is on one bus route, the west on a different one. Henry literally has six friends from preschool who are on the route on the west side...and we live on the east side (with no one he knows). The kicker is that I know the other route picks up at our corner, just across the street! The head of transportation said that if there is room on the other route, we can switch, but we won't know that until a couple of days into school :(
100 days
There are 100 days until my due date! Scary. I think we're still in denial about the realities of having a newborn.
Option #5 for maternity leave said no today....after this the list is pretty thin. Please pray that the one remaining possibility will say yes, even if it's just to covering my labs in November and December. As it is, it looks like I'll be teaching a heavier than average load, both fall and spring semester, and we'll be scrambling to fill in while I'm gone. I feel guilty for putting this burden on my colleagues--with both of my other children I started either phasing back in (Henry) or being completely back in (Harmony) two weeks after childbirth. I'm older now, and I really don't think I could physically handle that again.
And while you're praying, pray for a good childcare option for this baby...we're not making any progress in that area either.
Option #5 for maternity leave said no today....after this the list is pretty thin. Please pray that the one remaining possibility will say yes, even if it's just to covering my labs in November and December. As it is, it looks like I'll be teaching a heavier than average load, both fall and spring semester, and we'll be scrambling to fill in while I'm gone. I feel guilty for putting this burden on my colleagues--with both of my other children I started either phasing back in (Henry) or being completely back in (Harmony) two weeks after childbirth. I'm older now, and I really don't think I could physically handle that again.
And while you're praying, pray for a good childcare option for this baby...we're not making any progress in that area either.
Friday, August 1, 2008
You know you're an adult when...
...you make your own birthday cake (and frosting)
...you do the dishes from the birthday cake
...no one busts you for sneaking some for breakfast :)
...you do the dishes from the birthday cake
...no one busts you for sneaking some for breakfast :)
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Thankful Thursday--a bombshelter
It's been quite the day. We got a bill from the IRS for over $1000, the last possible candidate for my maternity leave replacement declined (so no leave replacement for me), the babysitter we used with Henry and Harmony doesn't have any slots for infants this spring, and we found out about a very devisive issue brewing in our church.
And this was all before noon.
My first thought was, "I need a bomb shelter!" My second thought: "I have one--Jesus!"
Psalm 27:1-5, 14
The LORD is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life—of whom shall I be afraid?
When evil men advance against me to devour my flesh, when my enemies and my foes attack me, they will stumble and fall.
Though an army besiege me, my heart will not fear; though war break out against me, even then will I be confident.
One thing I ask of the LORD, this is what I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD and to seek him in his temple.
For in the day of trouble he will keep me safe in his dwelling; he will hide me in the shelter of his tabernacle and set me high upon a rock.
Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD.
So this week, I'm thankful that God is our Rock and our salvation, a stronghold in the time of trouble.
I'm thankful that we have no reason to fear or be afraid--if God is for us, who can be against us?
I'm thankful that we can be confident that the Lord will be on our side, even in the midst of trial.
I'm thankful that waiting is worth it.
And this was all before noon.
My first thought was, "I need a bomb shelter!" My second thought: "I have one--Jesus!"
Psalm 27:1-5, 14
The LORD is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life—of whom shall I be afraid?
When evil men advance against me to devour my flesh, when my enemies and my foes attack me, they will stumble and fall.
Though an army besiege me, my heart will not fear; though war break out against me, even then will I be confident.
One thing I ask of the LORD, this is what I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD and to seek him in his temple.
For in the day of trouble he will keep me safe in his dwelling; he will hide me in the shelter of his tabernacle and set me high upon a rock.
Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD.
So this week, I'm thankful that God is our Rock and our salvation, a stronghold in the time of trouble.
I'm thankful that we have no reason to fear or be afraid--if God is for us, who can be against us?
I'm thankful that we can be confident that the Lord will be on our side, even in the midst of trial.
I'm thankful that waiting is worth it.
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Top Ten Tuesday
Here are the top ten things my kids have argued about this week:
10. Whose turn it is to use the bee spoon.
9. Whose turn it is to take the last bath.
8. Whose turn it is to pray last. (Is it strange that my kids fight over being last?)
7. Whose turn it is to sit by mom. (sensing a turn taking trend?)
6. Whose turn it is to pick a movie for rest time.
5. Which movie to watch at rest time.
4. Which transformer has the most power.
3. Whether our cat would be a good mommy.
2. Whether Obi Won Kenobi is wearing "girl scout tights" or pants.
1. Whether Funshine bear is a boy or a girl.
Never a dull moment with preschoolers in the house :)
10. Whose turn it is to use the bee spoon.
9. Whose turn it is to take the last bath.
8. Whose turn it is to pray last. (Is it strange that my kids fight over being last?)
7. Whose turn it is to sit by mom. (sensing a turn taking trend?)
6. Whose turn it is to pick a movie for rest time.
5. Which movie to watch at rest time.
4. Which transformer has the most power.
3. Whether our cat would be a good mommy.
2. Whether Obi Won Kenobi is wearing "girl scout tights" or pants.
1. Whether Funshine bear is a boy or a girl.
Never a dull moment with preschoolers in the house :)
Monday, July 28, 2008
Melodic Monday--Everlasting God by Chris Tomlin
We sang this on Sunday, and I couldn't help but pray for several friends who are waiting on the Lord right now...
Strength will rise as we wait upon the Lord
We will wait upon the Lord
We will wait upon the Lord
Strength will rise as we wait upon the Lord
We will wait upon the Lord
We will wait upon the Lord
Our God, You reign forever
Our hope, our Strong Deliverer
You are the everlasting God
The everlasting God
You do not faint
You won't grow weary
You're the defender of the weak
You comfort those in need
You lift us up on wings like eagles
Strength will rise as we wait upon the Lord
We will wait upon the Lord
We will wait upon the Lord
Strength will rise as we wait upon the Lord
We will wait upon the Lord
We will wait upon the Lord
Our God, You reign forever
Our hope, our Strong Deliverer
You are the everlasting God
The everlasting God
You do not faint
You won't grow weary
You're the defender of the weak
You comfort those in need
You lift us up on wings like eagles
Our God, You reign forever
Our hope, our Strong Deliverer
You are the everlasting God
The everlasting God
You do not faint
You won't grow weary
You're the defender of the weak
You comfort those in need
You lift us up on wings like eagles
Strength will rise as we wait upon the Lord
We will wait upon the Lord
We will wait upon the Lord
Strength will rise as we wait upon the Lord
We will wait upon the Lord
We will wait upon the Lord
Our God, You reign forever
Our hope, our Strong Deliverer
You are the everlasting God
The everlasting God
You do not faint
You won't grow weary
You're the defender of the weak
You comfort those in need
You lift us up on wings like eagles
Strength will rise as we wait upon the Lord
We will wait upon the Lord
We will wait upon the Lord
Strength will rise as we wait upon the Lord
We will wait upon the Lord
We will wait upon the Lord
Our God, You reign forever
Our hope, our Strong Deliverer
You are the everlasting God
The everlasting God
You do not faint
You won't grow weary
You're the defender of the weak
You comfort those in need
You lift us up on wings like eagles
Our God, You reign forever
Our hope, our Strong Deliverer
You are the everlasting God
The everlasting God
You do not faint
You won't grow weary
You're the defender of the weak
You comfort those in need
You lift us up on wings like eagles
CVS trip
I got a $10 off of $50 coupon on my last transaction--why do the smaller coupons (like $4 off of $20) seem easier to work with? I did stick to my rule of only buying what we will use (like favorite deodorant brands and cents). It's not a killer oop, but is what we needed.
4 14 oz packs of M&M's $10 (to make Monster cookies)
2 Degree deodorants $3.98
1 Hello Kitty Bandaids $2.99 (for the queen of bumps, bruises and scrapes)
1 Charmin 12 double rolls $6.49
2 Stayfree maxi pads $9 (stocking up for when baby arrives)
1 Tylenol Extra Strength $6
Mylanta $5.50
1 CVS pantiliner $.99
1 20 oz deluxe nuts $4.99 (a favorite snack)
Plastic cups $2.99 (for a meeting tomorrow--original purpose of trip)
Total: 52.93
Minus: $10/$50
0.25 Charmin
1.00 Tylenol
4.50 BOGO Stayfree
1.00 off 2 Degree
1.00 off Bandaids
Total: 34.68 plus 2.41 tax: $34.09
Minus: 3.00 ECBS from previously
Earned Extra Care Bucks:
$5 (from $10 candy)
$10 (from buying $20 J&J products)
$2 (from Bandaids)
$0.99 (from CVS pantiliners)
Total: $18.10 (Total paid minus ECBs earned)
If I didn't have the $10 off of $50, and you wanted to do the $5 CVS challenge, you could do multiple transactions like this:
Transaction 1:
2 CVS pantiliners 1.98
1 Bandaid product 2.99
minus Bandaid coupon -1
total OOP: 3.97+tax
Earned ECBs: 3.97
Transaction 2:
2 Stayfree pads $9
J&J products totalling $11 (bath buddies are cheap ($1) and if you use the 2/$2 coupon, they're free)
BOGO coupon -4.50
J&J coupons from company website or here
ECBS -3.97
OOP: variable + 0.53 + tax
Earn $10 in ECBs
Transaction 3:
Photo DVD (think Christmas present!) $9.99
-$10 ECB
0 oop
Earn 9.99 ECB
Can repeat this transaction several times.
NB: I tried a photo deal last week, and it was kind of a pain. Definitely put all the pics you want on a single memory card, and upload the whole thing to save time.
4 14 oz packs of M&M's $10 (to make Monster cookies)
2 Degree deodorants $3.98
1 Hello Kitty Bandaids $2.99 (for the queen of bumps, bruises and scrapes)
1 Charmin 12 double rolls $6.49
2 Stayfree maxi pads $9 (stocking up for when baby arrives)
1 Tylenol Extra Strength $6
Mylanta $5.50
1 CVS pantiliner $.99
1 20 oz deluxe nuts $4.99 (a favorite snack)
Plastic cups $2.99 (for a meeting tomorrow--original purpose of trip)
Total: 52.93
Minus: $10/$50
0.25 Charmin
1.00 Tylenol
4.50 BOGO Stayfree
1.00 off 2 Degree
1.00 off Bandaids
Total: 34.68 plus 2.41 tax: $34.09
Minus: 3.00 ECBS from previously
Earned Extra Care Bucks:
$5 (from $10 candy)
$10 (from buying $20 J&J products)
$2 (from Bandaids)
$0.99 (from CVS pantiliners)
Total: $18.10 (Total paid minus ECBs earned)
If I didn't have the $10 off of $50, and you wanted to do the $5 CVS challenge, you could do multiple transactions like this:
Transaction 1:
2 CVS pantiliners 1.98
1 Bandaid product 2.99
minus Bandaid coupon -1
total OOP: 3.97+tax
Earned ECBs: 3.97
Transaction 2:
2 Stayfree pads $9
J&J products totalling $11 (bath buddies are cheap ($1) and if you use the 2/$2 coupon, they're free)
BOGO coupon -4.50
J&J coupons from company website or here
ECBS -3.97
OOP: variable + 0.53 + tax
Earn $10 in ECBs
Transaction 3:
Photo DVD (think Christmas present!) $9.99
-$10 ECB
0 oop
Earn 9.99 ECB
Can repeat this transaction several times.
NB: I tried a photo deal last week, and it was kind of a pain. Definitely put all the pics you want on a single memory card, and upload the whole thing to save time.
Saturday, July 26, 2008
Doing Life together
Our church calls our small groups "life groups"--the goal is for us to "do life together." It's one way we try to look like an Acts 4 church--sharing everything (time, resources, burdens...). For example, in the last couple of months our life group has helped a family in our group pack for a move, gone to a local water park, shared ice cream, prayed for each other, and studied Phillipians. One thing I struggle with is that it's hard to really "do life" (like the spontaneous "I need emergency childcare right now") when you live 30 miles away.
We've been doubly blessed, though--really, we have a second life group in the town we live, made up of a couple of families. While we don't all go to the same church on Sunday morning, we're part of one body. We pray for each other, hang out together, share meals, and just generally "do life" together. Like yesterday--our kids had a great play date while one of the moms had a stressful appointment, and we had a weinie roast at a second friend's house within walking distance. The kids had a great time playing, the adults got fellowship time and/or time to do what was necessary, and Jesus was definitely there. Everyone all around was blessed.
And in a wierd way, I have a third "Life Group"--through the blogosphere and a bulletin board I'm on. A way to share what's happening in each other's lives, and support one another in words and prayer.
Thanks, God for making us to be relational, and putting friendships in our lives.
We've been doubly blessed, though--really, we have a second life group in the town we live, made up of a couple of families. While we don't all go to the same church on Sunday morning, we're part of one body. We pray for each other, hang out together, share meals, and just generally "do life" together. Like yesterday--our kids had a great play date while one of the moms had a stressful appointment, and we had a weinie roast at a second friend's house within walking distance. The kids had a great time playing, the adults got fellowship time and/or time to do what was necessary, and Jesus was definitely there. Everyone all around was blessed.
And in a wierd way, I have a third "Life Group"--through the blogosphere and a bulletin board I'm on. A way to share what's happening in each other's lives, and support one another in words and prayer.
Thanks, God for making us to be relational, and putting friendships in our lives.
Thursday, July 24, 2008
Lessons from the tomatoes
We planted two, yes two, "100" cherry tomato plants. I have learned how they got their name--each one must have at LEAST 100 tomatoes on it! If anyone wants some, we're going to have a bumper crop for the next several weeks...
Jesus used several farming examples, and I'm definitely learning from our garden. For example:
--The flower has to fade for the fruit to come. (Maybe getting older and unattractive isn't such a bad thing.)
--Not all the flowers develop into fruit (good thing, or we'd have zucchini coming out of our ears too!)
--Some plants give tons of small fruit; others give a few, larger pieces. (It's ok that our life group has fewer but deeper relationships).
--Once you pick the first one, the others start to develop. (Maybe that's why God wants the first fruit).
--Fences and pruning are good both for getting more fruit and less rotten/bug filled fruit.
Jesus used several farming examples, and I'm definitely learning from our garden. For example:
--The flower has to fade for the fruit to come. (Maybe getting older and unattractive isn't such a bad thing.)
--Not all the flowers develop into fruit (good thing, or we'd have zucchini coming out of our ears too!)
--Some plants give tons of small fruit; others give a few, larger pieces. (It's ok that our life group has fewer but deeper relationships).
--Once you pick the first one, the others start to develop. (Maybe that's why God wants the first fruit).
--Fences and pruning are good both for getting more fruit and less rotten/bug filled fruit.
Amateur night (well, morning)
We missed church on Sunday because we were in Columbus. Bummer! We were finishing the book of James, and I was looking forward to learning about this passage. I will probably listen to John's sermon, but I want to start with what God shows me. So this morning I woke up earlier than normal, and did just that.
James 5:13-20
How fitting--it totally matches my "pray continually" verse! It totally fits for a 5W and an H...
Who should pray?
--the afflicted
--The happy
--the sick
--the elders
--for each other
What should we pray?
--Psalms/songs of praise
--in the name of the Lord
--Confessions
--for conversion
When should we pray?
--in troubles
--in good times
--in sickness
--in sin
--when someone wanders
Where should we pray?
--over the sick (in person)
How should we pray?
--over the person, with oil anointing for healing (14)
--with faith (15)
--fervently (16)
--ernestly
Why should we pray?
--To be healed
--To celebrate
--To be forgiven
--Because it’s effective (16)
--It’s fruitful
--It saves
--it hides a multitude of sins
Thanks for more details about the "pray continually." It's good to get specific instructions. Help me be a doer of the Word, and not just a hearer only.
James 5:13-20
Is any one of you in trouble? He should pray. Is anyone happy? Let him sing songs of praise. Is any one of you sick? He should call the elders of the church to pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise him up. If he has sinned, he will be forgiven. Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.
Elijah was a man just like us. He prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the land for three and a half years. Again he prayed, and the heavens gave rain, and the earth produced its crops. My brothers, if one of you should wander from the truth and someone should bring him back, remember this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of his way will save him from death and cover over a multitude of sins.
How fitting--it totally matches my "pray continually" verse! It totally fits for a 5W and an H...
Who should pray?
--the afflicted
--The happy
--the sick
--the elders
--for each other
What should we pray?
--Psalms/songs of praise
--in the name of the Lord
--Confessions
--for conversion
When should we pray?
--in troubles
--in good times
--in sickness
--in sin
--when someone wanders
Where should we pray?
--over the sick (in person)
How should we pray?
--over the person, with oil anointing for healing (14)
--with faith (15)
--fervently (16)
--ernestly
Why should we pray?
--To be healed
--To celebrate
--To be forgiven
--Because it’s effective (16)
--It’s fruitful
--It saves
--it hides a multitude of sins
Thanks for more details about the "pray continually." It's good to get specific instructions. Help me be a doer of the Word, and not just a hearer only.
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Thankful Thursday
Pray continually...or is it continuously?
I figured this week's two word Bible Memory verse would be a piece of cake...how hard can two words be?? Apparently, with typos and my really bad memory, at least three days on day 5 :)
But I'm thankful for spending the extra time on the verse. It's been a great one for this week--the reminder that in all things, in all places, what I need to be doing is praying--talking to the Father and listening for his response.
My kids are both at a stage where they both want to talk all the time, at the same time...how God can hear all our prayers is definitely a divine skill. I'm thankful for it, first, because they want to share their lives, interests, and thoughts with me, and second, because it reminds me how much God wants us to listen, both to Him and to others. I realize I'm not the best listener--that's something I definitely need to work on.
I'm also thankful for...
--a great family escape to Columbus and Fort Wayne
--Kim and Callie getting to go home
--Jen's baby waiting for an appearance, and that she got to go off of the medicine
--Fun times with our life group
--Henry's much improved swimming skills
And of course, Iris for hosting Thankful Thursdays!
Works for me Wednesday
One of the smartest things we brought on our weekend trip was water bottles.
Harmony's is Hello Kitty, and Henry's is Cars (I have a plain purple one from our doctor, and Patrick's is from a meeting). The night before we left, I half filled them with filtered water and froze them. In the morning, I topped them off with filtered water. Voila--drinks for in the car that are relatively kid proof! Every morning in the hotel we washed the lids, filled them to the brim with ice and then cold water.
We saved at least $40 on drinks, because everywhere we went, we had our own cold one. If we were going somewhere not appropriate to bring a water bottle (like the organ concert), we left them in an insulated bag in the car. We use them for local trips too--any drive over a mile, and the kids want them with us.
So that's what worked for me this week! Please join Shannon to share what works for you, or see what works for others!
Harmony's is Hello Kitty, and Henry's is Cars (I have a plain purple one from our doctor, and Patrick's is from a meeting). The night before we left, I half filled them with filtered water and froze them. In the morning, I topped them off with filtered water. Voila--drinks for in the car that are relatively kid proof! Every morning in the hotel we washed the lids, filled them to the brim with ice and then cold water.
We saved at least $40 on drinks, because everywhere we went, we had our own cold one. If we were going somewhere not appropriate to bring a water bottle (like the organ concert), we left them in an insulated bag in the car. We use them for local trips too--any drive over a mile, and the kids want them with us.
So that's what worked for me this week! Please join Shannon to share what works for you, or see what works for others!
Friday, July 18, 2008
Green lights
We went to an organ tour yesterday--a concert plus education (like learning about the organ and seeing it).
At one point, Henry turned to me and said, "Where's our green light?"
???
Our tour guide/organist had said she'd give us the green light when it was time for us to sing--really, the music just got louder.
I wonder if sometimes we're looking for a literal green light sometimes too!
Help us see your green lights, even when they're not literal green lights.
At one point, Henry turned to me and said, "Where's our green light?"
???
Our tour guide/organist had said she'd give us the green light when it was time for us to sing--really, the music just got louder.
I wonder if sometimes we're looking for a literal green light sometimes too!
Help us see your green lights, even when they're not literal green lights.
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Thankful Thursday
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and he will make straight your paths. Proverbs 3:5-6
The first verse was my "theme verse" for my pregnancy with Henry--seems appropriate for this week too.
Thanks, Lord, that we can trust you to be there when we don't understand.
Thanks for straightening our paths, especially when we get all turned around.
Thanks that we can trust you 100%, with ALL our heart.
Thanks that when we acknowledge You, you show up in great ways.
Thanks for being with Kim and Callie this week. Thanks for bringing Dave and Kim together through this ordeal, and for providing caring and competent medical attention (if not completely timing). Thanks that Kim is able to give thanks in the midst of this trial. We pray for complete and quick healing for Callie, and endurance for Kim, Dave and Noah this week.
Thanks for watching over pregant moms--for the safe arrival of Ava and for not bringing Jen's baby here yet (he needs to cook a few more weeks!). Thanks for an uncomplicated pregnancy for me, including no ulcerative colitis (it was miserable with Harmony)--hard to believe I'm 23 weeks! We pray for the safe arrival of Baby Ranvestel...soon!
Thanks for spontaneous travel plans, cooked sushi, laughter from the back seat, Priceline, and fun family times. Bless this trip and our time together.
Thanks that you hear our praises, and enjoy them. Thanks for Iris hosting Thankful Thursdays, so that we can share them, and each other's burdens.
The first verse was my "theme verse" for my pregnancy with Henry--seems appropriate for this week too.
Thanks, Lord, that we can trust you to be there when we don't understand.
Thanks for straightening our paths, especially when we get all turned around.
Thanks that we can trust you 100%, with ALL our heart.
Thanks that when we acknowledge You, you show up in great ways.
Thanks for being with Kim and Callie this week. Thanks for bringing Dave and Kim together through this ordeal, and for providing caring and competent medical attention (if not completely timing). Thanks that Kim is able to give thanks in the midst of this trial. We pray for complete and quick healing for Callie, and endurance for Kim, Dave and Noah this week.
Thanks for watching over pregant moms--for the safe arrival of Ava and for not bringing Jen's baby here yet (he needs to cook a few more weeks!). Thanks for an uncomplicated pregnancy for me, including no ulcerative colitis (it was miserable with Harmony)--hard to believe I'm 23 weeks! We pray for the safe arrival of Baby Ranvestel...soon!
Thanks for spontaneous travel plans, cooked sushi, laughter from the back seat, Priceline, and fun family times. Bless this trip and our time together.
Thanks that you hear our praises, and enjoy them. Thanks for Iris hosting Thankful Thursdays, so that we can share them, and each other's burdens.
Shortest Bible verse?
After being stuck on my last verse at Bible Memory for at least two weeks (I definitely needed to learn it! It's the little words--can vs should--that get me stuck), I think I should be able to master this one:
Pray continually 1 Thessalonians 5:17
I think I'll even be able to get the address :) I thought "Jesus wept" was the shortest verse; I guess this does have more letters.
But even though it's short, it still has power. I've been praying a lot for Kim and Callie (and Dave and Noah), and for my friend Jen too. But I need to pray more about what comes out of my mouth (or fingers) too.
Lord, help me filter my life through You, everything I say or do.
Pray continually 1 Thessalonians 5:17
I think I'll even be able to get the address :) I thought "Jesus wept" was the shortest verse; I guess this does have more letters.
But even though it's short, it still has power. I've been praying a lot for Kim and Callie (and Dave and Noah), and for my friend Jen too. But I need to pray more about what comes out of my mouth (or fingers) too.
Lord, help me filter my life through You, everything I say or do.
Monday, July 14, 2008
Conversations with Harmony
This is a very typical conversation with Harmony these days:
H: Mom?
Me: Yes?
H: Mom?
Me: Yes?
H: Mom, can I tell you something, Mom?
Me: Sure.
H: mmmmmmmm...I love you, Mom!
H: Mom?
Me: Yes?
H: Mom?
Me: Yes?
H: Mom, can I tell you something, Mom?
Me: Sure.
H: mmmmmmmm...I love you, Mom!
Melodic Monday: Everlasting Love by Bill Batstone
Henry has been singing this song and "Blessed be the name of the Lord" all weekend. The funny thing is the day Harmony and I went to sit in the back of sports camp, they sang this song, but Henry refused to sing or do the motions. Now he's singing it in his bed!
Your everlasting love is higher,
higher, higher than the sky
Your everlasting love is higher,
higher, higher than the sky
Higher than the sky
All the wonder of
Your everlasting love
Is higher than the sky
Your everlasting love is deeper,
deeper, deeper than the sea
Your everlasting love is deeper,
deeper, deeper than the sea
Deeper than the sea
All the wonder of
Your everlasting love
Is deeper than the sea
Higher than the heavens above
Is the glory of your wonderful love
I'm lost in the mystery of
Your everlasting love
Your everlasting love
Your everlasting love
Your everlasting love is reaching,
reaching, reaching out to me
Your everlasting love is reaching,
reaching, reaching out to me
Reaching out to me
All the wonder of
Your everlasting love
Is reaching out to me
Your everlasting love is higher,
higher, higher than the sky
Your everlasting love is higher,
higher, higher than the sky
Higher than the sky
All the wonder of
Your everlasting love
Is higher than the sky
Your everlasting love is deeper,
deeper, deeper than the sea
Your everlasting love is deeper,
deeper, deeper than the sea
Deeper than the sea
All the wonder of
Your everlasting love
Is deeper than the sea
Higher than the heavens above
Is the glory of your wonderful love
I'm lost in the mystery of
Your everlasting love
Your everlasting love
Your everlasting love
Your everlasting love is reaching,
reaching, reaching out to me
Your everlasting love is reaching,
reaching, reaching out to me
Reaching out to me
All the wonder of
Your everlasting love
Is reaching out to me
Sunday, July 13, 2008
Head knowledge vs heart knowledge
This last week Henry went to a local church's "sports camp" (their VBS). They played soccer, basketball, and football for a half hour each, with a half hour snack/story break and half hour opening and closing. They went with themes appropriate to sports--teamwork, perserverance, and kindness.
Harmony and I went and watched one night. The story for perserverance was about Noah and his sons. I was proud of Henry--he knew the names of Noah's sons (Ham, Shem and Japeth (sp?)), as well as the details of the other Bible stories.
I'm glad he has good "head knowledge". But how do you measure or "teach" heart knowledge? We try to bring in spiritual aspects into every day, and hope it sinks in, but really all you can do is pray.
Harmony and I went and watched one night. The story for perserverance was about Noah and his sons. I was proud of Henry--he knew the names of Noah's sons (Ham, Shem and Japeth (sp?)), as well as the details of the other Bible stories.
I'm glad he has good "head knowledge". But how do you measure or "teach" heart knowledge? We try to bring in spiritual aspects into every day, and hope it sinks in, but really all you can do is pray.
Walgreens deal
I tried shopping for bras this afternoon, and the score was bras: 10. Me: 0. How can a 38C be too small but a 40C (and 40B) be too big? And why don't they make 40As?
So I needed a shopping victory, so I went to Walgreens. Here's what I got:
Electrosol 12 pk $2.19
2 Quattro disposable razors, 5.99 each
2 pkgs of envelopes 0.99 each
2 crayola 10 pk markers 0.99 each
Chocolate chip granola bars 1.00
2 Colgate toothpastes 3.49
Loaded chocolate bar 0.99
Subtotal 37.80
Minus:
3.00 Colgate (walgreens ad coupon)
0.98 Envelopes (walgreens ad coupon)
$2/2 Colgate Easy Saver Walgreens coupon
$4.00 Quatro Easy Saver coupon
2 $1.50 Colgate coupons from All You (July and April?)
5.99 BOGO Quattro coupon (today's paper)
2.00 Electrosol paper (today's paper--listed at 2.25, but rang as $2??)
Grand out of pocket: 7.68 (after tax)
Rebate: 0.99 (chocolate bar)
So the electrosol was 0.19 (should have been free, but good enough), the candy bar was free after rebate, and I made a dollar on the toothpaste (anyone need some toothpaste? Even though I only get it when it's free, we have a ton). We're out of envelopes, and the markers are for school for Henry (I'm assuming--still don't have a list from school). I had a gift card for 7.69 from last month's rebates, so I really paid nothing! Defiitely made up for the bra shopping :)
So I needed a shopping victory, so I went to Walgreens. Here's what I got:
Electrosol 12 pk $2.19
2 Quattro disposable razors, 5.99 each
2 pkgs of envelopes 0.99 each
2 crayola 10 pk markers 0.99 each
Chocolate chip granola bars 1.00
2 Colgate toothpastes 3.49
Loaded chocolate bar 0.99
Subtotal 37.80
Minus:
3.00 Colgate (walgreens ad coupon)
0.98 Envelopes (walgreens ad coupon)
$2/2 Colgate Easy Saver Walgreens coupon
$4.00 Quatro Easy Saver coupon
2 $1.50 Colgate coupons from All You (July and April?)
5.99 BOGO Quattro coupon (today's paper)
2.00 Electrosol paper (today's paper--listed at 2.25, but rang as $2??)
Grand out of pocket: 7.68 (after tax)
Rebate: 0.99 (chocolate bar)
So the electrosol was 0.19 (should have been free, but good enough), the candy bar was free after rebate, and I made a dollar on the toothpaste (anyone need some toothpaste? Even though I only get it when it's free, we have a ton). We're out of envelopes, and the markers are for school for Henry (I'm assuming--still don't have a list from school). I had a gift card for 7.69 from last month's rebates, so I really paid nothing! Defiitely made up for the bra shopping :)
Saturday, July 12, 2008
Who is the donkey?
My memory verse this week is Numbers 23:19 (I really love BibleMemory.us!):
God is not a man, that he should lie, nor a son of man, that he should change his mind. Does He speak and then not act? Does He promise and not fulfill?
That's been a great verse for this week (well, we're probably well into week 2...). I love that we have a God that does what he says he will and keeps his promises. That's definitely something to hold onto this week, with friends in the hospital.
One of the best things about this verse is who said it. Balaam was hired by Balak, the king of the Moabs, to curse the Israelites. Balaam heard from God, and didn't want to go with Balak, because he knew he couldn't curse them. It was Balaam's donkey who saw an angel of the Lord and spoke to Balaam (gotta love Rich Mullin's lyrics). In fact, every time Balak set up a sacrifice so that Balaam could curse Israel (maybe God will let the Israelites be cursed *here*, Balaam ended up blessing Israel. (The whole story is here.)
I'm not sure why this resonated so much with me, but it was totally encouraging, getting me back in my Bible, doing some study. One day what struck me was how God can use anyone--a sorcerer from another country and even his donkey. Tonight what struck me was that it didn't matter where Balak took Balaam, God's word was still His unchanging word, and the Israelites were blessed.
Thanks, Lord, that your word is your word, and that you always follow through. It doesn't matter where we are or where we're facing, you will still bless your people. Thanks that you use even a donkey and a sorcerer--maybe even you and me.
God is not a man, that he should lie, nor a son of man, that he should change his mind. Does He speak and then not act? Does He promise and not fulfill?
That's been a great verse for this week (well, we're probably well into week 2...). I love that we have a God that does what he says he will and keeps his promises. That's definitely something to hold onto this week, with friends in the hospital.
One of the best things about this verse is who said it. Balaam was hired by Balak, the king of the Moabs, to curse the Israelites. Balaam heard from God, and didn't want to go with Balak, because he knew he couldn't curse them. It was Balaam's donkey who saw an angel of the Lord and spoke to Balaam (gotta love Rich Mullin's lyrics). In fact, every time Balak set up a sacrifice so that Balaam could curse Israel (maybe God will let the Israelites be cursed *here*, Balaam ended up blessing Israel. (The whole story is here.)
I'm not sure why this resonated so much with me, but it was totally encouraging, getting me back in my Bible, doing some study. One day what struck me was how God can use anyone--a sorcerer from another country and even his donkey. Tonight what struck me was that it didn't matter where Balak took Balaam, God's word was still His unchanging word, and the Israelites were blessed.
Thanks, Lord, that your word is your word, and that you always follow through. It doesn't matter where we are or where we're facing, you will still bless your people. Thanks that you use even a donkey and a sorcerer--maybe even you and me.
Thursday, July 10, 2008
Cute quote of the day
While we were hiking at Turkey Run, Henry was peering into a cave.
Henry: Oooh, Wow!
Harmony: What's in there?
Henry: Nothing.
(Harmony throws up her hands and gives me the "oh, brother" look)...
A second classic:
"This is a hiking trail, not a whining trail"
Henry: Oooh, Wow!
Harmony: What's in there?
Henry: Nothing.
(Harmony throws up her hands and gives me the "oh, brother" look)...
A second classic:
"This is a hiking trail, not a whining trail"
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
Prayer request
Please pray for my friend, Jen. She's been hospitalized for a bladder and uterine infection--she's on meds for both the infection and to stop the contractions. She's 28ish weeks...
And while your at it, Pray for Callie and Kim. Pray for wisdom for the doctors, the swelling to go down, complete healing and for it to be absolutely nothing worth worrying about.
Lord, heal Jen's body and protection for her baby. Heal Callie, and be with Callie and Kim (and Dave and Noah), and give the doctors wisdom.
And while your at it, Pray for Callie and Kim. Pray for wisdom for the doctors, the swelling to go down, complete healing and for it to be absolutely nothing worth worrying about.
Lord, heal Jen's body and protection for her baby. Heal Callie, and be with Callie and Kim (and Dave and Noah), and give the doctors wisdom.
Monday, July 7, 2008
My children are strange!
Guess what they were fighting about and begging for?
Not who got a Monster Cookie.
Not who got a piece of angel food cake (which was supposed to go to my parents' house for their anniversary, but we forgot).
Nope. What they were arguing about was...
who got the last pod of peas from the garden! (We ended up splitting it three ways...there is nothing better than peas, straight out of the garden! Too bad they're so hard to find...)
A close rival has been who got more blackberries with their French toast at dinnertime...(yeah, I know...my menu plan is more a menu guide--it was the only meal on the list I could make without a trip to the grocery store!)
Not who got a Monster Cookie.
Not who got a piece of angel food cake (which was supposed to go to my parents' house for their anniversary, but we forgot).
Nope. What they were arguing about was...
who got the last pod of peas from the garden! (We ended up splitting it three ways...there is nothing better than peas, straight out of the garden! Too bad they're so hard to find...)
A close rival has been who got more blackberries with their French toast at dinnertime...(yeah, I know...my menu plan is more a menu guide--it was the only meal on the list I could make without a trip to the grocery store!)
Sunday, July 6, 2008
Menu planning Monday
Gotta get back on track--we've been in "vacation mode"! I'm continuing to clean out the freezer--all of the meat is coming from there :) I can't guarantee the order, but here is the gist:
Lunches:
M: Waffles and apple slices
T: Grilled cheese, grapes, carrots
W: Hot dog for Henry, corn dog for Henry (the last of each!), yogurt, cantalope and blackberries
Th: Turkey and cheese or PBJ sandwich, whatever fruits and veggies are left :)
F: Left overs
Dinners:
M: Hamburgers, corn on the cob, watermelon
T: Pork in orange sauce with brown rice and spinach salad
W: French toast with bananas and apples
T: Curry chicken, veggies and couscous or curry chicken apple salad
F: Spaghetti carbonara, spinach salad, strawberry sorbet
For more ideas, see Menu Planning Monday!
Lunches:
M: Waffles and apple slices
T: Grilled cheese, grapes, carrots
W: Hot dog for Henry, corn dog for Henry (the last of each!), yogurt, cantalope and blackberries
Th: Turkey and cheese or PBJ sandwich, whatever fruits and veggies are left :)
F: Left overs
Dinners:
M: Hamburgers, corn on the cob, watermelon
T: Pork in orange sauce with brown rice and spinach salad
W: French toast with bananas and apples
T: Curry chicken, veggies and couscous or curry chicken apple salad
F: Spaghetti carbonara, spinach salad, strawberry sorbet
For more ideas, see Menu Planning Monday!
Curried Chicken four ways
Curried Chicken, Veggies and Couscous (from Best Loved Casseroles)
1 pkg frozen vegetable medley (16 oz)
1 lb chicken, cut into bite sized pieces
2 t curry powder, divided
¾ t garlic powder
2 T flour
1/8 t red pepper
1 T oil
1 can chicken broth
1 c uncooked couscous
Thaw veggies in microwave.
Mix 1 t curry powder, garlic powder, flour and red pepper in Ziploc bag or bowl. Toss chicken in mixture.
Heat oil in large skillet over medium high heat. Add chicken to hot oil. Cook 5-6 minutes, until chicken is no longer pink in the middle, turning occasionally.
Transfer chicken to plate and set aside. Add broth and remaining curry powder to skillet; bring to a boil.
Stir in thawed vegetables; return to a boil. Stir in couscous top with chicken. Cover and remove from heat. Let stand 5 minutes or until liquid is absorbed.
I like these alternative uses for the curry chicken: Coat and cook chicken as above. Mix with diced apples, pecans or walnuts, and plain yogurt. Serve either warm over rice, as a salad, or in a pita.
1 pkg frozen vegetable medley (16 oz)
1 lb chicken, cut into bite sized pieces
2 t curry powder, divided
¾ t garlic powder
2 T flour
1/8 t red pepper
1 T oil
1 can chicken broth
1 c uncooked couscous
Thaw veggies in microwave.
Mix 1 t curry powder, garlic powder, flour and red pepper in Ziploc bag or bowl. Toss chicken in mixture.
Heat oil in large skillet over medium high heat. Add chicken to hot oil. Cook 5-6 minutes, until chicken is no longer pink in the middle, turning occasionally.
Transfer chicken to plate and set aside. Add broth and remaining curry powder to skillet; bring to a boil.
Stir in thawed vegetables; return to a boil. Stir in couscous top with chicken. Cover and remove from heat. Let stand 5 minutes or until liquid is absorbed.
I like these alternative uses for the curry chicken: Coat and cook chicken as above. Mix with diced apples, pecans or walnuts, and plain yogurt. Serve either warm over rice, as a salad, or in a pita.
Pork in orange sauce
Pork in orange sauce (from The Tapas cookbook)
2 T olive oil
small onion, sliced fine
1 ½ lb pork, cut into 1 inch cubes
¾ c orange juice (preferably fresh)
grated rind of two oranges
¾ c chicken broth
2 green chiles, chopped, or 2 tsp chili paste
1 tsp garlic, crushed
1 T cilantro or parsley, chopped
2 tsp corn starch
1 T cold water
In a large skillet, heat the oil. Saute the onion until soft and golden. Place aside.
Add the pork to the pan and cook, turning until it is browned on all sides.
Combine the orange rind, orange juice, broth, chile, garlic, and cilantro or parsley, and pour over the pork. Bring to a boil and add the onion slices. Simmer for 10 minutes.
Mix the cornstarch and water; add to the sauce and allow to thicken.
Serve with brown rice.
2 T olive oil
small onion, sliced fine
1 ½ lb pork, cut into 1 inch cubes
¾ c orange juice (preferably fresh)
grated rind of two oranges
¾ c chicken broth
2 green chiles, chopped, or 2 tsp chili paste
1 tsp garlic, crushed
1 T cilantro or parsley, chopped
2 tsp corn starch
1 T cold water
In a large skillet, heat the oil. Saute the onion until soft and golden. Place aside.
Add the pork to the pan and cook, turning until it is browned on all sides.
Combine the orange rind, orange juice, broth, chile, garlic, and cilantro or parsley, and pour over the pork. Bring to a boil and add the onion slices. Simmer for 10 minutes.
Mix the cornstarch and water; add to the sauce and allow to thicken.
Serve with brown rice.
Friday, July 4, 2008
Thursday, July 3, 2008
Thankful Thursday
My Bible memory verse this week is Numbers 23:19:
God is not a man, that he should lie, nor a son of man, that he should change his mind. Does he speak and then not act? Does he promise and not fulfill?
Wow. That's amazing. I am so glad that God does not change his mind, is true to His word, and keeps his promises. That would definitely be the difference between God and man!
This week I am thankful for:
--incredible growth in our Children's Church. I pray for more teachers, so that we can divide the "older kids" (5-10) group into 5-7 and 8-10.
--My wonderful children, and who they are becoming in Christ.
--Fresh summer foods--can't beat blackberries and peas straight from the garden!
--My parents' 40th wedding anniversary
--A flexible work schedule, especially during the summer (though it's not as "off" as everyone expects)
--Our great vacation to Mexico
--Being home and seeing friends again!
For more thankfulness, please visit Iris...or post your own!
God is not a man, that he should lie, nor a son of man, that he should change his mind. Does he speak and then not act? Does he promise and not fulfill?
Wow. That's amazing. I am so glad that God does not change his mind, is true to His word, and keeps his promises. That would definitely be the difference between God and man!
This week I am thankful for:
--incredible growth in our Children's Church. I pray for more teachers, so that we can divide the "older kids" (5-10) group into 5-7 and 8-10.
--My wonderful children, and who they are becoming in Christ.
--Fresh summer foods--can't beat blackberries and peas straight from the garden!
--My parents' 40th wedding anniversary
--A flexible work schedule, especially during the summer (though it's not as "off" as everyone expects)
--Our great vacation to Mexico
--Being home and seeing friends again!
For more thankfulness, please visit Iris...or post your own!
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
CVS deal--0 out of pocket!
I don't think I've ever had a "pay nothing out of pocket" trip before--it's a bit of a trip! While in reality it cost me $4 (in ExtraCare Bucks), I'm still happy about providing for my family without much money being involved. I did get a $5 off of $25 coupon that I tried to figure out how to use, but in the end, I'm saving it for another week.
2 Chex mix, 2/$3
1 Kashi cereal and 1 Kashi granola bar, 2/$5
1 CVS pantiliner $0.99
1 gallon of milk, 2.99 (what I really came in for)
2 Sure deodorants, 5.98
Total: 17.97 plus tax
minus:
2 $1/1 Chex mix (printable)
2 $2/1 Kashi (from www.kashi.com; register, and use the back button to print a second)
$1 Sure deodorant (5/11 smartsource)
subtotal: 10.97
Minus: $10 ECBs from before, $1 ECB from spring spending
OOP: 0!
Earned: 3.99 ECBs
Plus Sure rebate (from 5/11 smartsource) for $3 (I ended up earning $1 minus postage for the deodorant!)
So all together, I spent $11 (in ECBs) and earned 3.99 ECB + $3 rebate. Not bad considering we were completely out of milk (which was $3 of the $4 I spent)!
2 Chex mix, 2/$3
1 Kashi cereal and 1 Kashi granola bar, 2/$5
1 CVS pantiliner $0.99
1 gallon of milk, 2.99 (what I really came in for)
2 Sure deodorants, 5.98
Total: 17.97 plus tax
minus:
2 $1/1 Chex mix (printable)
2 $2/1 Kashi (from www.kashi.com; register, and use the back button to print a second)
$1 Sure deodorant (5/11 smartsource)
subtotal: 10.97
Minus: $10 ECBs from before, $1 ECB from spring spending
OOP: 0!
Earned: 3.99 ECBs
Plus Sure rebate (from 5/11 smartsource) for $3 (I ended up earning $1 minus postage for the deodorant!)
So all together, I spent $11 (in ECBs) and earned 3.99 ECB + $3 rebate. Not bad considering we were completely out of milk (which was $3 of the $4 I spent)!
Monday, June 30, 2008
Keys to the kingdom
I'm glad Jesus gave Peter the keys to the kingdom and not us--we'd probably lose them!
Tonight the boys were playing "pizza delivery" on their scooters, with the back shed as the store. One of them pushed the button and locked the door behind them...and we have no idea where the key is for that door. It's probably inside the shed itself, as we've never had a reason to lock it. The irony is Patrick spent the day arranging and organizing the shed, and now we can't get in!
It makes me wonder, what else do I have keys for that I've locked myself out of, just by losing the keys? Jesus has promised us lots of great stuff, and sometimes, I think the biggest obstacle is myself.
Help us find the keys, Lord--both to the shed and to your Kingdom and its power here on earth.
Tonight the boys were playing "pizza delivery" on their scooters, with the back shed as the store. One of them pushed the button and locked the door behind them...and we have no idea where the key is for that door. It's probably inside the shed itself, as we've never had a reason to lock it. The irony is Patrick spent the day arranging and organizing the shed, and now we can't get in!
It makes me wonder, what else do I have keys for that I've locked myself out of, just by losing the keys? Jesus has promised us lots of great stuff, and sometimes, I think the biggest obstacle is myself.
Help us find the keys, Lord--both to the shed and to your Kingdom and its power here on earth.
Sunday, June 29, 2008
Travelogue part 2: Celestun
Saturday we went to Celestun, an estuary where flamingos, other birds and tons of seafoood live.
We were picked up by a tour van, then picked up three other individuals--another American and two women from Spain. The ride to Celestun was twisting and turning, but our tour guide Antonio did a good job of telling us about the towns we were going through (including his hometown, Uman). Antonio went on the boat ride with us, and did a great job telling us about what we were seeing, and it was fun to hear it in two different languages. Patrick was hooked at the cormorants in a row--he wasn't sure he wanted to go, but he was hooked. The flamingos were so graceful--they looked like they were skating through the water, and they were beautiful in flight.
We went through some mangroves too, first by boat and then on a small trail. There was a small cenote (natural spring) in the middle, but it was so mosquito ridden, that we all made a beeline back to the boat!
We then went into the small town and had lunch at one of the hotels on the beach. For "tour group food" it was great! Then we had some free time on the beach--there were TONS of shells--so many that it was hard to walk. We collected a bunch to bring home for the kids. The water was very shallow--in nearby Progresso, the pier goes out 5 miles to get to a depth where the cruise ships can navigate.
The return trip was uneventful, though Antonio told us about a free concert that evening that sounded interesting. So we returned to the B&B, showered, and went looking for the concert, without success. We had asked one of the assistants at the B&B for a dinner recommendation, and decided to try it out. The food was awful, but the singers were great! We did stop by an Oxxo (7-11 type) and got some snacks, then headed back to bed. A long but fun day!
We were picked up by a tour van, then picked up three other individuals--another American and two women from Spain. The ride to Celestun was twisting and turning, but our tour guide Antonio did a good job of telling us about the towns we were going through (including his hometown, Uman). Antonio went on the boat ride with us, and did a great job telling us about what we were seeing, and it was fun to hear it in two different languages. Patrick was hooked at the cormorants in a row--he wasn't sure he wanted to go, but he was hooked. The flamingos were so graceful--they looked like they were skating through the water, and they were beautiful in flight.
We went through some mangroves too, first by boat and then on a small trail. There was a small cenote (natural spring) in the middle, but it was so mosquito ridden, that we all made a beeline back to the boat!
We then went into the small town and had lunch at one of the hotels on the beach. For "tour group food" it was great! Then we had some free time on the beach--there were TONS of shells--so many that it was hard to walk. We collected a bunch to bring home for the kids. The water was very shallow--in nearby Progresso, the pier goes out 5 miles to get to a depth where the cruise ships can navigate.
The return trip was uneventful, though Antonio told us about a free concert that evening that sounded interesting. So we returned to the B&B, showered, and went looking for the concert, without success. We had asked one of the assistants at the B&B for a dinner recommendation, and decided to try it out. The food was awful, but the singers were great! We did stop by an Oxxo (7-11 type) and got some snacks, then headed back to bed. A long but fun day!
Island of misfit toys
We had an all church picnic today. In true RVC style, it threatened to rain (in the pre-service days, I think it rained or threatened to at every gathering!) Maybe it was because no one else from our life group was there (nap time + softball + vacation + moving), but I distinctly felt like we/I don't fit there. It's definitely a group of young, cool, beautiful people, and I'm none of the above.
So guess instead of Patrick and I having re-entry, I'm having church re-entry. It probably doesn't help that I haven't actually been to the service in several weeks (out of town last week, I was teaching this week and the two weeks before, and I couldn't get everyone out of the house on time for 1st service). Everyone is friendly, but I just don't fit. Not that I'd fit better anywhere else. I love doing kids' church and all the kids, but I'm not a toothpick, early twenties, "in group" person. We (at least I) should not be leading a life group--we have the slowest growing (currently a negative growth rate, with people moving) group.
Thanks for the reminder, God, that we're not supposed to fit anywhere here on earth.
So guess instead of Patrick and I having re-entry, I'm having church re-entry. It probably doesn't help that I haven't actually been to the service in several weeks (out of town last week, I was teaching this week and the two weeks before, and I couldn't get everyone out of the house on time for 1st service). Everyone is friendly, but I just don't fit. Not that I'd fit better anywhere else. I love doing kids' church and all the kids, but I'm not a toothpick, early twenties, "in group" person. We (at least I) should not be leading a life group--we have the slowest growing (currently a negative growth rate, with people moving) group.
Thanks for the reminder, God, that we're not supposed to fit anywhere here on earth.
Saturday, June 28, 2008
Travelogue, part 1
So a week ago Wednesday, we hung out with the kids in the morning (and finished packing), had their favorite lunch (Steak and Shake, on the barstools), then dropped them off at a friends' house. They've spent a lot of time there, so they pretty much said "bye, Mom" and were off playing.
We made it to the airport just on time and checked a couple of bags (a rare thing for us). Luckily we were flying on Continental, who is not charging for checked baggage. They also still serve food--we usually fly NW, who only serves beverages without charge.
We arrived in Merida around 10 pm, then waited in a huge line for Immigration. We were behind an American who has a vacation home there, so she gave us suggestions of what to do in Merida. Behind us was a group of teenagers on a mission trip. An hour later, we pushed the button to see if we'd be inspected at customs (nope), and went to find Roberto, the driver who was picking us up.
Roberto was easy to pick out--he was taller than most Mexicans...and he only has one arm :) He quickly recognized us and we were off to Casa Santiago. We chatted with Frank for a while, and discovered that his son went to the rival college! Small world...(it'll get smaller in a subsequent episode...)
Our room was nice, but it was a little disconcerting--totally unplugged! No TV, no internet, no radio, not even an alarm clock! Luckily (?) the birds were wide awake at 5:30, so there was no chance of oversleeping.
Friday morning we got up, enjoyed our continental breakfast, then set off to explore Merida. Dante, one of the assistants at the B&B, tried to help us get a SIM card for Patrick's phone--but even though we had it "unlocked" before we left, it didn't work. So limited phone time with the kids, since without a Mexican card, we were roaming at $0.99/min plus fees...
First we checked out our neighborhood, including changing money, Santiago Park
and some local shopping. Patrick bought a lightweight shirt called a "Guayabera", and I got a female version. We also got Panama hats after several stores, were very much well used. We checked out the Macay, a modern art museum,
as well as the Anthropological museum. By then it was raining (well, pouring), so after changing more money (did I mention it's a cash society? Credit card acceptance was rare.) and catching some of a Lord of the Rings movie(the line was very slow at the bank), we took a taxi back to our hotel (we were about two miles away by now).
For dinner, we hit Casa de Frida, and discovered a favorite--chilis en nogada. Basically it's a poblano (not spicy) pepper stuffed with meat, rice, and fruits with a pecan sauce. The duck in mole sauce was great too.
By then we were past tired (as I am now),
We made it to the airport just on time and checked a couple of bags (a rare thing for us). Luckily we were flying on Continental, who is not charging for checked baggage. They also still serve food--we usually fly NW, who only serves beverages without charge.
We arrived in Merida around 10 pm, then waited in a huge line for Immigration. We were behind an American who has a vacation home there, so she gave us suggestions of what to do in Merida. Behind us was a group of teenagers on a mission trip. An hour later, we pushed the button to see if we'd be inspected at customs (nope), and went to find Roberto, the driver who was picking us up.
Roberto was easy to pick out--he was taller than most Mexicans...and he only has one arm :) He quickly recognized us and we were off to Casa Santiago. We chatted with Frank for a while, and discovered that his son went to the rival college! Small world...(it'll get smaller in a subsequent episode...)
Our room was nice, but it was a little disconcerting--totally unplugged! No TV, no internet, no radio, not even an alarm clock! Luckily (?) the birds were wide awake at 5:30, so there was no chance of oversleeping.
Friday morning we got up, enjoyed our continental breakfast, then set off to explore Merida. Dante, one of the assistants at the B&B, tried to help us get a SIM card for Patrick's phone--but even though we had it "unlocked" before we left, it didn't work. So limited phone time with the kids, since without a Mexican card, we were roaming at $0.99/min plus fees...
First we checked out our neighborhood, including changing money, Santiago Park
and some local shopping. Patrick bought a lightweight shirt called a "Guayabera", and I got a female version. We also got Panama hats after several stores, were very much well used. We checked out the Macay, a modern art museum, as well as the Anthropological museum. By then it was raining (well, pouring), so after changing more money (did I mention it's a cash society? Credit card acceptance was rare.) and catching some of a Lord of the Rings movie(the line was very slow at the bank), we took a taxi back to our hotel (we were about two miles away by now).For dinner, we hit Casa de Frida, and discovered a favorite--chilis en nogada. Basically it's a poblano (not spicy) pepper stuffed with meat, rice, and fruits with a pecan sauce. The duck in mole sauce was great too.
By then we were past tired (as I am now),
Friday, June 27, 2008
We're back!
We're baaaaccckkkk....talk about an unplugged vacation! No phone, internet (except the 10 min limit at the conference twice), or even TV at the first B&B. It was very nice :) The kids had a great time, but were more than happy to see us. I'll probably do a travelogue over the next couple of weeks, but in the meantime, here are a few pics...
Monday, June 23, 2008
Bloggy break
We´re in Mexico, so I´ll be on bloggy break until June 30th (no internet, tv or phone where we´re staying; talk about unplugged!). I think I have enough wordless wednesdays for the next couple of years, though...
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Wordless Wednesday--Strawberry picking
Too bad they weren't very sweet (the strawberries, that is...)
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
Top ten signs my experiment today probably didn't work
I rarely talk about work on here, so for a change of pace, I will :) I've been trying to characterize how (or if??) two proteins interact with each other using a yeast two hybrid system. Basically, you put tags on the DNA for the two proteins you want to study, then put the DNA into yeast cells. *If* you feed the yeast the right food AND the proteins interact, the yeast turn blue. If they don't interact, the yeast stay white. I'm putting the second set of DNA in now. I'll try and translate into cooking terms...
1. I didn't have enough of one of the DNAs I want to test (I ran out of flour).
2. My buffered lithium acetate was missing the buffer.
3. The carrier DNA stuck together as a blob instead of mixing into the samples (the butter is still in a big chunk in the bottom of the bowl).
4. I ran out of plates (not enough cookie sheets).
5. I'm not sure how long I heat shocked them (I either over or underbaked them).
6. When I scaled back the experiment to accomodate #1 and #4, I forgot one of the controls (oops, forgot the chocolate chips...though I have some of that combo from a previous experiment).
7. H&H were "helping" me with the final step.
8. Four and a half hours of sleep is not enough for me.
9. I'm going on vacation and would like to be done with this before I leave. The more you want it to work, the less likely it is.
10. Most of the time, research just doesn't work!
But you have to be an optimist to be a scientist...and sometimes the "oops" experiments work out better than you expect!
1. I didn't have enough of one of the DNAs I want to test (I ran out of flour).
2. My buffered lithium acetate was missing the buffer.
3. The carrier DNA stuck together as a blob instead of mixing into the samples (the butter is still in a big chunk in the bottom of the bowl).
4. I ran out of plates (not enough cookie sheets).
5. I'm not sure how long I heat shocked them (I either over or underbaked them).
6. When I scaled back the experiment to accomodate #1 and #4, I forgot one of the controls (oops, forgot the chocolate chips...though I have some of that combo from a previous experiment).
7. H&H were "helping" me with the final step.
8. Four and a half hours of sleep is not enough for me.
9. I'm going on vacation and would like to be done with this before I leave. The more you want it to work, the less likely it is.
10. Most of the time, research just doesn't work!
But you have to be an optimist to be a scientist...and sometimes the "oops" experiments work out better than you expect!
Paperwork in order
Passports, meeting registration, e-tickets...check.
Will, medical release forms...check.
Reservations for places to stay...check.
Places for the kids to stay...check.
Itinerary...mostly check (somewhat flexible, but there is a general plan).
Packing...gotta do laundry first.
Being ready to go on a trip...not even close! It's as much mental as anything. It's a long time to be gone from the kids, and while I know they'll have a blast at friends' house and grandma's, I'm going to miss them! It's strange leaving all these permissions--medical release forms and making sure all the legal stuff is in order. Not the kind of stuff you want to think about, but need to.
And my calendar is completely out of whack, since Monday was "Sunday part II". Hope I don't forget to go to my haircut appt tomorrow afternoon!
So if the blogging is thin, that's why...I might schedule some posts, but we'll see how packing and everything else goes!
Will, medical release forms...check.
Reservations for places to stay...check.
Places for the kids to stay...check.
Itinerary...mostly check (somewhat flexible, but there is a general plan).
Packing...gotta do laundry first.
Being ready to go on a trip...not even close! It's as much mental as anything. It's a long time to be gone from the kids, and while I know they'll have a blast at friends' house and grandma's, I'm going to miss them! It's strange leaving all these permissions--medical release forms and making sure all the legal stuff is in order. Not the kind of stuff you want to think about, but need to.
And my calendar is completely out of whack, since Monday was "Sunday part II". Hope I don't forget to go to my haircut appt tomorrow afternoon!
So if the blogging is thin, that's why...I might schedule some posts, but we'll see how packing and everything else goes!
Friday, June 13, 2008
Ten things you should know about the Strawberry Festival
It's Strawberry Festival weekend! It's a fun time in the "big" city--if you live close, I hope you'll join us sometime--we're always up for another funnel cake :) I know it's not Tuesday, but here are some tips...
1. The best place to park is at our house. Pretty much you won't get closer without pain.
2. BYO water bottle. We'll have our fridge stocked if you need one!
3. Tickets for food are 50 cents each--prices range from 1 ticket (cheap drinks) to 24 tickets (a whole pumpkin roll).
4. If you don't want water, Mt. Zion has iced tea for 1 ticket, and Tri-Kappa has cans of soda for 1 ticket.
5. The grounds are non-smoking--yipee!
6. If you actually want to eat strawberries, try the tractor people's "the works"--cake, ice cream and strawberries for $4 (just outside the grounds, so it's cash). The ice cream is homemade, and cranked by an old time tractor--worth watching while you eat.
7. BYO chair if you want to enjoy the entertainment.
8. There are picnic tables and hand washing facilities.
9. One of the churches in town usually does a free drawing for a great playhouse. Definitely register.
10. If you only eat one thing, it should be Norvell's BBQ--it's what we ate 11 years ago tonight...at our wedding rehearsal dinner! We sent my uncle down here to pick it up. Somehow he found Norvell and got the food back...dinner was only an hour late :)
1. The best place to park is at our house. Pretty much you won't get closer without pain.
2. BYO water bottle. We'll have our fridge stocked if you need one!
3. Tickets for food are 50 cents each--prices range from 1 ticket (cheap drinks) to 24 tickets (a whole pumpkin roll).
4. If you don't want water, Mt. Zion has iced tea for 1 ticket, and Tri-Kappa has cans of soda for 1 ticket.
5. The grounds are non-smoking--yipee!
6. If you actually want to eat strawberries, try the tractor people's "the works"--cake, ice cream and strawberries for $4 (just outside the grounds, so it's cash). The ice cream is homemade, and cranked by an old time tractor--worth watching while you eat.
7. BYO chair if you want to enjoy the entertainment.
8. There are picnic tables and hand washing facilities.
9. One of the churches in town usually does a free drawing for a great playhouse. Definitely register.
10. If you only eat one thing, it should be Norvell's BBQ--it's what we ate 11 years ago tonight...at our wedding rehearsal dinner! We sent my uncle down here to pick it up. Somehow he found Norvell and got the food back...dinner was only an hour late :)
Thursday, June 12, 2008
Thankful Thursday
Lots to be thankful for this week:
--Our insurance is NOT dropping the local hospital (at least that's the word on the street). Yipee! That means not driving an hour for a 5 minute OB appt (or to deliver the baby) for the next five months!
--Henry has made fast friends with the boys upstairs.
--Henry is very excited about the summer reading program (at least he was until I got on him for drawing all over his record card). He's been wanting to read books left and right (so he can check off another box)--and they haven't all been easy readers. Yesterday morning it was a Bible story book, and the only words he got hung up on where Philistines and threw...not bad for not having started school yet!
--I got a new camera (with a lens that opens--mine died) and Patrick got a 3D lens to go on my work SLR camera.
--The kids (especially Harmony) are getting excited about going to Grandma's house while we're in Mexico.
--Jen's family had a good time on their vacation, and are back--we missed them!
--For a great strawberry crop this year.
--Harmony did a beautiful job in her dance recital (much better than the rehearsal). We'll definitely be sticking with that studio if she decides to continue--there were several pieces set to distinctly Christian music, and she prayed with the girls before the show.
--That Patrick and I have flexible jobs, so we can take time to go strawberry picking (pictures later :)) or just hang out with the kids.
--That even though Patrick has gone to part time work, somehow we're still able to afford everything--we haven't cut back our tithe, mortgage payment (we pay a payment and a half every month), or child care spending (the three biggest "chunks" of our budget--though we have been more careful with groceries, eating out and gas (woo hoo to not commuting as much!)).
Thanks, Lord for providing good friends, jobs, and abundantly giving to us. Help us be good stewards of all of it.
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
Works for Me Wednesday--Parenting
Parenting is hard. You're on 24/7, and the "instruction manual" is lacking details (I don't recall the Bible discussing potty training). And if you mess up, you mess up someone's life--not something to take lightly.
One thing that's helped us is parenting partners. When Henry was 2 and Harmony was a newborn (and for the next year or so), we regularly hung out with the neighbors across the street. Since we've been back from sabbatical, we've done a lot with Jen's family, and more recently, the family who lives upstairs.
What's great is that we have someone to share frustrations with, bounce ideas off of, and trade childcare. For example, last night we had seven kids at our house--our two plus Jen and Charlie's girls and the boys upstairs. The kids had a great time, and it allowed the parents to do important things without helpers. (Believe me, we've had our share of kid free time in return!) Sometimes kids will listen to another trusted adult more than their own parent, and if we can help foster those relationships with people we know and trust (instead of with a stranger down the street, who we may or may not agree with), all the better!
Things that help make it work:
1. Kids of similar age. They don't have to be *exactly* the same age, but similar enough that they play together.
2. Similar parenting philosophies and strategies. Once again, they don't have to be exactly the same, but they're similar enough and compatible enough that we have common ground rules.
3. Similar schedules. The family we used to hang out with, we don't spend as much time with them because their life is on an earlier schedule (they're heading to bed when we're heading out to play).
4. Geographic proximity. Henry is loving having the boys live upstairs (though it may be a little TOO close--they want to play every second of every day!)
So what works for you?
One thing that's helped us is parenting partners. When Henry was 2 and Harmony was a newborn (and for the next year or so), we regularly hung out with the neighbors across the street. Since we've been back from sabbatical, we've done a lot with Jen's family, and more recently, the family who lives upstairs.
What's great is that we have someone to share frustrations with, bounce ideas off of, and trade childcare. For example, last night we had seven kids at our house--our two plus Jen and Charlie's girls and the boys upstairs. The kids had a great time, and it allowed the parents to do important things without helpers. (Believe me, we've had our share of kid free time in return!) Sometimes kids will listen to another trusted adult more than their own parent, and if we can help foster those relationships with people we know and trust (instead of with a stranger down the street, who we may or may not agree with), all the better!
Things that help make it work:
1. Kids of similar age. They don't have to be *exactly* the same age, but similar enough that they play together.
2. Similar parenting philosophies and strategies. Once again, they don't have to be exactly the same, but they're similar enough and compatible enough that we have common ground rules.
3. Similar schedules. The family we used to hang out with, we don't spend as much time with them because their life is on an earlier schedule (they're heading to bed when we're heading out to play).
4. Geographic proximity. Henry is loving having the boys live upstairs (though it may be a little TOO close--they want to play every second of every day!)
So what works for you?
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
One more strike, and I'm outta here
Last night, I went to bed too late. Then I woke up at 4 because Patrick still wasn't in bed. Henry fell out of bed and hurt himself at 5:30, then crawled in with us...I never sleep well with three in the bed and the cat was climbing all over me, so at 6:15 I moved to Henry's bed. 7:20 and Henry's rarin' to go for the day...ugh.
When I'm tired I make stupid mistakes. I have a lot of experimental stuff planned for today, so that's a bad combo. My new policy is when I've made the third stupid mistake, I call it a day and go home...start over tomorrow.
I'm already on number 2...I forgot the kids' lunches when we went to school (strike 1!), then I forgot my keys (why do maternity clothes not have pockets?? Strike 2!) Wanna take bets on how much longer I last?
When I'm tired I make stupid mistakes. I have a lot of experimental stuff planned for today, so that's a bad combo. My new policy is when I've made the third stupid mistake, I call it a day and go home...start over tomorrow.
I'm already on number 2...I forgot the kids' lunches when we went to school (strike 1!), then I forgot my keys (why do maternity clothes not have pockets?? Strike 2!) Wanna take bets on how much longer I last?
Monday, June 9, 2008
CVS victory
So I may have failed Menu Planning this week, but I passed at CVS :)
I went this afternoon and got:
2 boxes of Honey Nut Cheerios (3/$9)
2 boxes of Lucky Charms (3/$9) (The kids will love me)
2 boxes of Fruity Cheerios (3/$9)
1 box of Nature Valley Almond bars (3/$9)
4 SoyJoy bars ($1 each)
Total: $25.00
Coupons:
$5 off of $25 (got on a previous order; I've also gotten from the machines)
2x0.60 off HN Cheerios (Printable here)
$1/3 GM cereals (From newspaper, I don't recall the dates)
$.65 off Nature Valley bars (Printable here)
BOGO SoyJoy from All You (March or April?)
After coupons: $15.15
Paid with: 11.97 of previously earned ECBs
Out of pocket: 3.18
Earned: $10 ECBs for later
So considering ECBs as real money, I got 7 boxes of cereal and a box plus four snack bars for 5.15. Less than a buck a box! You can see other people's CVS runs at www.moneysavingmom.com
I went this afternoon and got:
2 boxes of Honey Nut Cheerios (3/$9)
2 boxes of Lucky Charms (3/$9) (The kids will love me)
2 boxes of Fruity Cheerios (3/$9)
1 box of Nature Valley Almond bars (3/$9)
4 SoyJoy bars ($1 each)
Total: $25.00
Coupons:
$5 off of $25 (got on a previous order; I've also gotten from the machines)
2x0.60 off HN Cheerios (Printable here)
$1/3 GM cereals (From newspaper, I don't recall the dates)
$.65 off Nature Valley bars (Printable here)
BOGO SoyJoy from All You (March or April?)
After coupons: $15.15
Paid with: 11.97 of previously earned ECBs
Out of pocket: 3.18
Earned: $10 ECBs for later
So considering ECBs as real money, I got 7 boxes of cereal and a box plus four snack bars for 5.15. Less than a buck a box! You can see other people's CVS runs at www.moneysavingmom.com
Menu planning Monday....a failure
I know that if I don't have a plan, it spells bad news for the week. And I don't have a plan. There is tons of food in the house, but I have no clue what we're eating...other than working on stuff from the freezer and trying to not eat out.
So if you're inspired, send some my way!
Monday:
L: Harmony got leftover mac and cheese, Henry got a ham sandwich. They both got cantalope, strawberries, and chocolate milk.
D: Homemade Pizza (we made two, as we had two extra kids for dinner)
Tuesday:
L: Leftover pizza, fruit, veggies and milk
D: Breakfast (I have tons of eggs and bacon that needs to be used)
Wednesday: (Here's where we run into trouble...)
L: Grilled cheese, veggies
D: Curry chicken with veggies and couscous?
Thursday:
L: Remaining pizza
D: Some kind of pasta with salad
Friday:
L: ??
D: Strawberry festival!
Saturday:
L: Strawberry festival!
D: Middle eastern dinner party at a work colleague's
So if you're feeling inspired, send some my way...Though the Strawberry Festival gets us off the hook a little...we got $5 free per person from work, but that's not going to even be close. At least I know where our eating out budget is going this week :) I think I'll be reading everyone else's menu plans for some ideas!
Melodic Monday--The Ants go Marching
In honor/memory of the ants that tried to invade our kitchen (ha! I won! Vinegar works!), living room (it's not all out war yet) and bathroom (why are they in the bathroom??) to get out of the rain...
The ants go marching one by one, hurrah, hurrah
The ants go marching one by one, hurrah, hurrah
The ants go marching one by one,
The little one stops to suck his thumb
And they all go marching down to the ground
To get out of the rain, BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!
The ants go marching two by two, hurrah, hurrah
The ants go marching two by two, hurrah, hurrah
The ants go marching two by two,
The little one stops to tie his shoe
And they all go marching down to the ground
To get out of the rain, BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!
The ants go marching three by three, hurrah, hurrah
The ants go marching three by three, hurrah, hurrah
The ants go marching three by three,
The little one stops to climb a tree
And they all go marching down to the ground
To get out of the rain, BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!
The ants go marching four by four, hurrah, hurrah
The ants go marching four by four, hurrah, hurrah
The ants go marching four by four,
The little one stops to shut the door
And they all go marching down to the ground
To get out of the rain, BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!
The ants go marching five by five, hurrah, hurrah
The ants go marching five by five, hurrah, hurrah
The ants go marching five by five,
The little one stops to take a dive
And they all go marching down to the ground
To get out of the rain, BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!
The ants go marching six by six, hurrah, hurrah
The ants go marching six by six, hurrah, hurrah
The ants go marching six by six,
The little one stops to pick up sticks
And they all go marching down to the ground
To get out of the rain, BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!
The ants go marching seven by seven, hurrah, hurrah
The ants go marching seven by seven, hurrah, hurrah
The ants go marching seven by seven,
The little one stops to pray to heaven
And they all go marching down to the ground
To get out of the rain, BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!
The ants go marching eight by eight, hurrah, hurrah
The ants go marching eight by eight, hurrah, hurrah
The ants go marching eight by eight,
The little one stops to shut the gate
And they all go marching down to the ground
To get out of the rain, BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!
The ants go marching nine by nine, hurrah, hurrah
The ants go marching nine by nine, hurrah, hurrah
The ants go marching nine by nine,
The little one stops to check the time
And they all go marching down to the ground
To get out of the rain, BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!
The ants go marching ten by ten, hurrah, hurrah
The ants go marching ten by ten, hurrah, hurrah
The ants go marching ten by ten,
The little one stops to say "THE END"
The ants go marching one by one, hurrah, hurrah
The ants go marching one by one, hurrah, hurrah
The ants go marching one by one,
The little one stops to suck his thumb
And they all go marching down to the ground
To get out of the rain, BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!
The ants go marching two by two, hurrah, hurrah
The ants go marching two by two, hurrah, hurrah
The ants go marching two by two,
The little one stops to tie his shoe
And they all go marching down to the ground
To get out of the rain, BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!
The ants go marching three by three, hurrah, hurrah
The ants go marching three by three, hurrah, hurrah
The ants go marching three by three,
The little one stops to climb a tree
And they all go marching down to the ground
To get out of the rain, BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!
The ants go marching four by four, hurrah, hurrah
The ants go marching four by four, hurrah, hurrah
The ants go marching four by four,
The little one stops to shut the door
And they all go marching down to the ground
To get out of the rain, BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!
The ants go marching five by five, hurrah, hurrah
The ants go marching five by five, hurrah, hurrah
The ants go marching five by five,
The little one stops to take a dive
And they all go marching down to the ground
To get out of the rain, BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!
The ants go marching six by six, hurrah, hurrah
The ants go marching six by six, hurrah, hurrah
The ants go marching six by six,
The little one stops to pick up sticks
And they all go marching down to the ground
To get out of the rain, BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!
The ants go marching seven by seven, hurrah, hurrah
The ants go marching seven by seven, hurrah, hurrah
The ants go marching seven by seven,
The little one stops to pray to heaven
And they all go marching down to the ground
To get out of the rain, BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!
The ants go marching eight by eight, hurrah, hurrah
The ants go marching eight by eight, hurrah, hurrah
The ants go marching eight by eight,
The little one stops to shut the gate
And they all go marching down to the ground
To get out of the rain, BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!
The ants go marching nine by nine, hurrah, hurrah
The ants go marching nine by nine, hurrah, hurrah
The ants go marching nine by nine,
The little one stops to check the time
And they all go marching down to the ground
To get out of the rain, BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!
The ants go marching ten by ten, hurrah, hurrah
The ants go marching ten by ten, hurrah, hurrah
The ants go marching ten by ten,
The little one stops to say "THE END"
Sunday, June 8, 2008
Tag!
The rules of the game get posted at the beginning.
1. Each player answers the questions about themselves.
2. At the end of the post, the player then tags five people and posts their names, then goes to their blogs and leaves them a comment, letting them know they’ve been tagged and asking them to read the player’s blog.
3. Let the person who tagged you know when you’ve posted your answer.
Q. What were you doing 5 years ago today?
1. Doing research with summer students
2. Marveling that Henry could walk
3. Listening to Henry's first word, flower (wha-wha--very Boston)
4. Demoing what is now our bedroom (used to be a kitchen)
5. Wondering when I'd finish the quilt I'd started
Q. 5 things on your to do list today (well, Monday)
1- Finish the learning objectives for a case study I want to publish
2- Find some books I want to check out for my Freshman Tutorial on InterLibrary Loan
3- Start a bunch of stuff for my experiments on Tuesday
4- Go to Walgreens and CVS
5- Figure out a menu plan for the week
Q. 5 snacks you enjoy
1- Double chocolate oatmeal cookies
2- Peanut butter rice crispie bars with chocolate frosting
3- Take5 candy bars
4- my version of strawberry smoothies
5- popcorn (plain, airpopped if I'm being good; SmartFood if I'm not :))
Q. 5 things you would do if you were a billionaire
1- Build RVC a new church facility
2- Pay off our house and hire people to finish it
3- Set up an endowment for some favorite charities
4- Stay at home, home school (maybe in a coop) and write children's church curriculum
5- Have a lot of fun randomly giving money away
Q. 5 jobs you have had
1- Library aide
2- Community ed instructor (foods classes for kids)
3- Sample lady/costume character for a grocery store
4- Grant writer's assistant
5- Professor
Q. 5 people you want to tag
1- Jen/Blessings
2- Jen/Mexican Masala
3- Jan/Midsummer Meanderings
4- Kelsey
5- Mindy
1. Each player answers the questions about themselves.
2. At the end of the post, the player then tags five people and posts their names, then goes to their blogs and leaves them a comment, letting them know they’ve been tagged and asking them to read the player’s blog.
3. Let the person who tagged you know when you’ve posted your answer.
Q. What were you doing 5 years ago today?
1. Doing research with summer students
2. Marveling that Henry could walk
3. Listening to Henry's first word, flower (wha-wha--very Boston)
4. Demoing what is now our bedroom (used to be a kitchen)
5. Wondering when I'd finish the quilt I'd started
Q. 5 things on your to do list today (well, Monday)
1- Finish the learning objectives for a case study I want to publish
2- Find some books I want to check out for my Freshman Tutorial on InterLibrary Loan
3- Start a bunch of stuff for my experiments on Tuesday
4- Go to Walgreens and CVS
5- Figure out a menu plan for the week
Q. 5 snacks you enjoy
1- Double chocolate oatmeal cookies
2- Peanut butter rice crispie bars with chocolate frosting
3- Take5 candy bars
4- my version of strawberry smoothies
5- popcorn (plain, airpopped if I'm being good; SmartFood if I'm not :))
Q. 5 things you would do if you were a billionaire
1- Build RVC a new church facility
2- Pay off our house and hire people to finish it
3- Set up an endowment for some favorite charities
4- Stay at home, home school (maybe in a coop) and write children's church curriculum
5- Have a lot of fun randomly giving money away
Q. 5 jobs you have had
1- Library aide
2- Community ed instructor (foods classes for kids)
3- Sample lady/costume character for a grocery store
4- Grant writer's assistant
5- Professor
Q. 5 people you want to tag
1- Jen/Blessings
2- Jen/Mexican Masala
3- Jan/Midsummer Meanderings
4- Kelsey
5- Mindy
Friday, June 6, 2008
Harmony's dress rehearsal
It was the first time on the "big stage". They did well at the beginning, but lost it after the "running with ribbons" part...
Thursday, June 5, 2008
Learning another language
In less than two weeks, Patrick and I will be in Mexico, sans kids. I've had one semester of Spanish in college and two years of French in high school--just enough of both to confuse them. And Patrick knows enough Spanish to request the table by the window at our favorite Mexican restaurant.
But I don't think that's going to suffice for the three days we'll be touring on our own there, so I've been working on learning some more Spanish.
What I find interesting is that they teach you how to ask the question--"Donde esta el cuarto de baño?" but not how to understand the answer. I have no idea what the response would be--how do you say, "The third door down the hall, on the left hand side?" Maybe we'll need to hire a translator!
Isn't that true in our prayer life too--we're awfully good at asking for things, but pretty poor in hearing the answer. Good thing we've got a translator, the Holy Spirit.
Lord, help me to listen as well as talk when I pray. And thanks for sending us the "great translator", the Holy Spirit, who can speak our language as well as yours. Help us listen and obey.
But I don't think that's going to suffice for the three days we'll be touring on our own there, so I've been working on learning some more Spanish.
What I find interesting is that they teach you how to ask the question--"Donde esta el cuarto de baño?" but not how to understand the answer. I have no idea what the response would be--how do you say, "The third door down the hall, on the left hand side?" Maybe we'll need to hire a translator!
Isn't that true in our prayer life too--we're awfully good at asking for things, but pretty poor in hearing the answer. Good thing we've got a translator, the Holy Spirit.
Lord, help me to listen as well as talk when I pray. And thanks for sending us the "great translator", the Holy Spirit, who can speak our language as well as yours. Help us listen and obey.
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
Thankful Thursday--Protection
Psalm 5:11:
But let all who take refuge in you be glad;
let them ever sing for joy.
Spread your protection over them,
that those who love your name may rejoice in you.
This week I'm thankful for protection and provision.
Thanks for protection from the tornadoes and thunderstorms.
Thanks for Your protection, as we hiked on trails immediately after a storm.
Thanks for protecting this pregnancy.
Thanks that you will provide a substitute for me at work, so I can actually take a maternity leave (unlike the two weeks I took with both previous kids).
Thanks that you are working out where we can have this baby--if not here, at the place you want us to.
Thanks for the opportunity to share our house with another family--Henry has been so blessed by playing with their boys!
Thanks that Harmony is loving her dance class--help her to still love the idea of being on stage when she's on it next week.
Thanks for Iris and all the other praises raised through Thankful Thursday!
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
Top ten signs you might actually be pregnant
10. Your running pace goes down by a minute a mile every two or three weeks.
9. Strange foods suddenly sound great.
8. None of your summer shorts fit.
7. Snacks are a requirement, not an option.
6. Your shirts are suddenly too short.
5. The floor got further away.
4. You can't sleep on your stomach anymore.
3. You're not supposed to sleep on your back.
2. You have to get up in the middle of the night to use the bathroom.
1. Strangers ask when you're due.
Guess we better tell the kids soon :)
9. Strange foods suddenly sound great.
8. None of your summer shorts fit.
7. Snacks are a requirement, not an option.
6. Your shirts are suddenly too short.
5. The floor got further away.
4. You can't sleep on your stomach anymore.
3. You're not supposed to sleep on your back.
2. You have to get up in the middle of the night to use the bathroom.
1. Strangers ask when you're due.
Guess we better tell the kids soon :)
Monday, June 2, 2008
Menu planning Monday
Well, it's legally still Monday for a few more hours! And if I don't get a plan, we'll be in trouble soon. Right now we're dealing with hiking trip left overs--specifically bread and ham (the packages were open, so we couldn't donate them). We also have four open containers of peanut butter (I brought new jars from our stash at home to the hiking trip) and eighteen eggs. So mission #1 is to use up that stuff! We'll be eating lots of strawberries, since they're ripening right in our front yard!
Monday:
L: Ham sandwiches, watermelon (the end!) and pudding
D: French toast, bacon, strawberries and chocolate pudding
Tuesday:
L: Left over french toast, fruit, milk
D: Sausage, green beans and potatoes; salad; strawberries
Wednesday:
L: Mac cheese for Harmony, hot dogs, apples,
D: Monte Cristo sandwiches, strawberries,
Thursday:
L: Ham or PBJ sandwiches, salad, apples
D: Patrick's in charge :)
Friday:
L: Kid's choice
D: Pasta
Saturday (Harmony's recital)
L: Grilled cheese, salad, fruit
D: Probably out with the grandparents
What's on your menu? For ideas, visit MPM!
F/U to Melodic Monday
...and right after I typed the last post, I opened my e-mail, and the devotional from Proverbs31 started this way:
Thanks for the reminder, God, that you're looking at a much bigger picture than I am!
“She’s choking!” Juli’s precious little girl could not catch her breath, so with stealth-like maneuvering Juli pulled her from the high chair, and retrieved the goldfish cracker that was lodged in her throat. For the first eleven months of life this child had only known gentleness from her mother, but today’s crisis called for swift, if not exactly gentle, action. Juli spent the next 45 minutes consoling her quivering baby, all the while she trembled herself realizing how close she’d come to losing her.
Sometimes the Lord treats us the same way. He rescues us from certain danger and yet we see it as the most painful event of our lives! I look back on my life and see moments I deemed devastating, only to discover later they were actually life-giving.
Thanks for the reminder, God, that you're looking at a much bigger picture than I am!
Melodic Monday--Mighty to Save
Everyone needs compassion
A love that's never failing
Let mercy fall on me
Everyone needs forgiveness
A kindness of a Savior
The hope of nations
Savior
He can move the mountains
My God is Mighty to save
He is Mighty to save
Forever
Author of salvation
He rose and conquered the grave
Jesus conquered the grave
So take me as You find me
All my fears and failures
Fill my life again
I give my life to follow
Everything I believe in
Now I surrender
It's hard for me not to cry every time we sing this song. During the first, missed miscarriage we were studying the passage where Jesus says if you had faith as big as a mustard seed, you could move a mountain. We specifically prayed for a mountain to be moved, and it didn't budge.
That's still hard for me to process. Is my faith (and the faith of all the people in our life group at the time) really smaller than a mustard seed? Will God really show up when I need Him? Will He really conquer the grave for me?
It does just trigger a faith crisis for me. I know God has used the situation to grow me in lots of directions and He was very present in the process, blah, blah, blah. It still hurts. I'm having a hard time attaching to this pregnancy, and it's partially because I don't believe that it's really going to result in a live baby. Why should it? The last two haven't. This pregnancy has had a lot less prayer than either of those.
Guess that's why there is the last verse...all I can do is surrender.
Whatever, God. Whatever. Take me as you find me, all my fears and failures. Fill my life again.
A love that's never failing
Let mercy fall on me
Everyone needs forgiveness
A kindness of a Savior
The hope of nations
Savior
He can move the mountains
My God is Mighty to save
He is Mighty to save
Forever
Author of salvation
He rose and conquered the grave
Jesus conquered the grave
So take me as You find me
All my fears and failures
Fill my life again
I give my life to follow
Everything I believe in
Now I surrender
It's hard for me not to cry every time we sing this song. During the first, missed miscarriage we were studying the passage where Jesus says if you had faith as big as a mustard seed, you could move a mountain. We specifically prayed for a mountain to be moved, and it didn't budge.
That's still hard for me to process. Is my faith (and the faith of all the people in our life group at the time) really smaller than a mustard seed? Will God really show up when I need Him? Will He really conquer the grave for me?
It does just trigger a faith crisis for me. I know God has used the situation to grow me in lots of directions and He was very present in the process, blah, blah, blah. It still hurts. I'm having a hard time attaching to this pregnancy, and it's partially because I don't believe that it's really going to result in a live baby. Why should it? The last two haven't. This pregnancy has had a lot less prayer than either of those.
Guess that's why there is the last verse...all I can do is surrender.
Whatever, God. Whatever. Take me as you find me, all my fears and failures. Fill my life again.
Sunday, June 1, 2008
The "drugstore game"--rookie edition
I'm relatively new to the "drugstore game"--though I've been playing at Walgreens for a while. The "game" is by combining in store deals, like extra care bucks (ECB's; at CVS) or rebates and register rewards (RR's; at Walgreens), you can get household supplies, personal care items, and sometimes groceries for pennies. (For a great tutorial, check out this site.) The deals aren't quite as sweet at Walgreens, but I like that you get the money back on a gift card instead of as pieces of register paper, that you then need to keep track of and use before they expire (usually within a month--the gift cards are good for a year, I think).
But I started dabbling in CVS this week. I'm not a die-hard, "get out of the store for pennies" person--I'm mostly happy with getting a good deal on something I'd buy anyway.
So here are my two transactions tonight:
#1: Baby stuff (stocking up, both for us and for shower gifts):
2 size 1 Pampers, 56 ct, on sale for 7.99 each = 15.98
2 unscented Pampers wipes, on sale for 2.99 = 5.98
1 Huggies baby wash = 3.49
Total before anything: = 25.45
Plus tax 1.22
Grand total: 27.67
Minus:
$5 of $25 CVS coupon - 5.00
2 $2/2 pampers products coupons (today's paper) - 4.00
$1 Huggies baby wash coupon - 1.00
$3 ECB bucks from earlier - 3.00
Out of pocket (oop) total 13.67
Earned:
$5 ECB on $20 Pampers products - 5.00
$2 ECB on Huggies baby wash - 2.00
So including coupons and ECBs earned (prorated), I spent 10.25 for 112 diapers. That's a little cheaper than the generics I used for Henry, and are more attractive in a gift bag :) And the Baby wash ended up being only $0.50--some people would hold out for free, but I'm ok with a "good deal".
I then went back and used the ECBs I had just earned for a second transaction--Patrick desperately needs a new toothbrush, we're out of AA batteries and almost out of Charmin. I know we could get better prices with generic, but we do have some brand loyalty, especially to Charmin :)
3 Oral B toothbrushes (regularly 2.99) 1.77x3= 5.31
2 Charmin 9 packs (normally $6.99) 4.99*2= 9.98
1 16 pk AA batteries (same $/battery as the sale)11.99
Total before taxes 27.28
Tax 1.07
Grand total 28.35
Minus:
$5 off of $25 CVS coupon -5.00
Duracell peel off coupon -2.50
2 Charmin coupons -0.50
Buy 2 get one free Oral B coupon -1.77
ECBs from last transaction -7.00
OOP 11.58
Earned $10 ECBs
So although I spent $25.25 and $3 ECBs, I earned $10 in ECBs (net), and all the stuff I bought is stuff we can use. And $18 for all of that isn't bad at all, in my book...as long as I spend the $10 ECBs on stuff we need!
It's definitely a game--if you don't enjoy figuring out scenarios and being prepared to either show up at the crack of dawn (I actually went to Walgreens the other morning at 4 am...but it was because I couldn't sleep!) or have the really great deals be out, it's not for you. But it is a good way to save $$ on basic household supplies! If you'd like to see how the pros play, check out the Money Saving Mom's blog--she often has people report on their latest game strategies.
But I started dabbling in CVS this week. I'm not a die-hard, "get out of the store for pennies" person--I'm mostly happy with getting a good deal on something I'd buy anyway.
So here are my two transactions tonight:
#1: Baby stuff (stocking up, both for us and for shower gifts):
2 size 1 Pampers, 56 ct, on sale for 7.99 each = 15.98
2 unscented Pampers wipes, on sale for 2.99 = 5.98
1 Huggies baby wash = 3.49
Total before anything: = 25.45
Plus tax 1.22
Grand total: 27.67
Minus:
$5 of $25 CVS coupon - 5.00
2 $2/2 pampers products coupons (today's paper) - 4.00
$1 Huggies baby wash coupon - 1.00
$3 ECB bucks from earlier - 3.00
Out of pocket (oop) total 13.67
Earned:
$5 ECB on $20 Pampers products - 5.00
$2 ECB on Huggies baby wash - 2.00
So including coupons and ECBs earned (prorated), I spent 10.25 for 112 diapers. That's a little cheaper than the generics I used for Henry, and are more attractive in a gift bag :) And the Baby wash ended up being only $0.50--some people would hold out for free, but I'm ok with a "good deal".
I then went back and used the ECBs I had just earned for a second transaction--Patrick desperately needs a new toothbrush, we're out of AA batteries and almost out of Charmin. I know we could get better prices with generic, but we do have some brand loyalty, especially to Charmin :)
3 Oral B toothbrushes (regularly 2.99) 1.77x3= 5.31
2 Charmin 9 packs (normally $6.99) 4.99*2= 9.98
1 16 pk AA batteries (same $/battery as the sale)11.99
Total before taxes 27.28
Tax 1.07
Grand total 28.35
Minus:
$5 off of $25 CVS coupon -5.00
Duracell peel off coupon -2.50
2 Charmin coupons -0.50
Buy 2 get one free Oral B coupon -1.77
ECBs from last transaction -7.00
OOP 11.58
Earned $10 ECBs
So although I spent $25.25 and $3 ECBs, I earned $10 in ECBs (net), and all the stuff I bought is stuff we can use. And $18 for all of that isn't bad at all, in my book...as long as I spend the $10 ECBs on stuff we need!
It's definitely a game--if you don't enjoy figuring out scenarios and being prepared to either show up at the crack of dawn (I actually went to Walgreens the other morning at 4 am...but it was because I couldn't sleep!) or have the really great deals be out, it's not for you. But it is a good way to save $$ on basic household supplies! If you'd like to see how the pros play, check out the Money Saving Mom's blog--she often has people report on their latest game strategies.
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