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4.20.2015
April Showers Bring...Quick Dips
11.03.2014
It's a Cycle
I'm here, I'm gone.
I'm here. I'm gone.
There was a time in my life when my blog was my lifeline. I spent hours a week thinking up posts, responding to comments, sharing my heart a few times a week.
Not so much lately.
Funny things is, I probably have a lot more to say now than I ever did. See, I've been broken. Not broken like last year's Christmas toy, no longer able to work. More like broken like an egg--poured out, ready to be used.
Midlife.
Crisis.
Is it a real thing? Is a midlife crisis something you can put hands on? Wrap your mind around? Does it really exist?
I don't know, honestly.
But I can tell you something happened to me. Something catastrophic and cathartic. I began to question everything around me. And more than that, I became cynical about everything. That, as you can imagine, is not a very good recipe for positive things.
Will I be back to write more? I hope so. I've been lifted out of the pit, so to speak. The Lifter of my head also lifted my body from its state of despair.
More people need to hear about this. More Christians need to know about this. I am praying about being one of the messengers.
Til then...
I'm here. I'm gone.
There was a time in my life when my blog was my lifeline. I spent hours a week thinking up posts, responding to comments, sharing my heart a few times a week.
Not so much lately.
Funny things is, I probably have a lot more to say now than I ever did. See, I've been broken. Not broken like last year's Christmas toy, no longer able to work. More like broken like an egg--poured out, ready to be used.
Midlife.
Crisis.
Is it a real thing? Is a midlife crisis something you can put hands on? Wrap your mind around? Does it really exist?
I don't know, honestly.
But I can tell you something happened to me. Something catastrophic and cathartic. I began to question everything around me. And more than that, I became cynical about everything. That, as you can imagine, is not a very good recipe for positive things.
Will I be back to write more? I hope so. I've been lifted out of the pit, so to speak. The Lifter of my head also lifted my body from its state of despair.
More people need to hear about this. More Christians need to know about this. I am praying about being one of the messengers.
Til then...
3.23.2014
Countdown...
My first top ten of the year:
10. The...government... moves...slowly...We are in process of applying for emergency healthcare and unemployment, and other things to help during this season of unemployment, but this stuff takes SO LONG. If I were President, my first order of business would be to burn big dumpsters full of red tape.
9. Snow is relative. When you live in a mid-Atlantic state, you look forward to one or two sled-worthy snows. You bide your time for those very few snow days made for sipping hot cocoa by the fire and reading Little House on the Prairie books. But when you get snow after snow after snow, it gets old. Old and cold. That's where I am right now.
8. It's hard to spring-clean when they're calling for snow. My house is dirty. Enough said.
7. Having a dirty house is humbling. Today friends dropped off their son, and I was mortified that my house STUNK. Granted, we had a water leak that morphed into gunky, malodorous ceiling tiles. But still...stink stinks.
6. Health insurance is a racket. We are insurance-less right now, since hubby was laid-off and nothing else has kicked in. To pay $1800/month for coverage would wipe out our savings (aka living money) in a snap, and the new Affordable Care Act is soooo un-affordable. I don't have a clue about subsidies and aid, and the government...is...slow...
5. My older two children went to their first dance last night. They dressed up, I took photos, and then I grilled them this morning. So FUN! I can't wait to see some shots from my friend who chaperoned.
4. I wanted a peanut butter shake, I got a nose ring. Well, technically, two of my friends got nose rings while I held their hands and coached breathing. Note to self: Next time you drop off your kids at a dance, mention peanut butter shakes before your friends start driving to the tattoo parlor.
3. My body likes to hoard tension. My neck and upper back are pockets full of rocks. But my very talented, very generous massage therapist friend worked magic, and now I can move my neck and breathe normally. Big thanks to her!
2. I want to find some new outlets--paying outlets--for writing. I am working for a local magazine, which I love. But it's only quarterly, and I want more regular gigs. Any ideas?
1. Jesus is so GOOD. Today our pastor reminded us that He isn't on anyone's payroll, He doesn't operate according to political or philosophical fads, but He simply LOVES. That's it--that's His big plan to win the world: LOVE. Unconditional love.
3.03.2014
Whose Time is It Really?
I'm ashamed of my last post,
but I refuse to take it down in order to save face.
To preserve my own dignity in this case means covering up God's work in me.
My complaints bear testimony to my selfishness in the flesh,
and to erase their evidence takes away the opportunity to proclaim that
I serve a God who refused to leave me enslaved to my own flesh,
who would rather send His son to DIE than to see me in chains to selfishness and sin forever.
When I came to know Christ and take in personally the great work
He accomplished on the cross for the children He so loves (including me),
I was given the Holy Spirit as a seal to remind me I AM HIS.
The Spirit bears witness that my flesh has been annihilated.
The old ways of living and mustering up for myself a halfway decent existence are GONE.
I am a New Creation.
The old has passed away and the new has COME.
My flesh is no longer my master, and the
MASTER has overcome the trappings of my flesh.
No longer do I need to ferret out situations, try to find ways of looking at them anew,
because I AM NEW. I have new eyes and a new heart with which to see life.
Flesh, you cannot make me do what you will anymore--
It is His will that moves inside me.
So, flesh, to answer your question, "Whose Time is it Anyway?"
It is God's time.
He can do with it whatever He wants. Period.
He doesn't need to explain anything to me, and
He doesn't need permission from you, because
My MASTER has no master.
It's Your Time, Lord. Do with it what You will...
but I refuse to take it down in order to save face.
To preserve my own dignity in this case means covering up God's work in me.
My complaints bear testimony to my selfishness in the flesh,
and to erase their evidence takes away the opportunity to proclaim that
I serve a God who refused to leave me enslaved to my own flesh,
who would rather send His son to DIE than to see me in chains to selfishness and sin forever.
When I came to know Christ and take in personally the great work
He accomplished on the cross for the children He so loves (including me),
I was given the Holy Spirit as a seal to remind me I AM HIS.
The Spirit bears witness that my flesh has been annihilated.
The old ways of living and mustering up for myself a halfway decent existence are GONE.
I am a New Creation.
The old has passed away and the new has COME.
My flesh is no longer my master, and the
MASTER has overcome the trappings of my flesh.
No longer do I need to ferret out situations, try to find ways of looking at them anew,
because I AM NEW. I have new eyes and a new heart with which to see life.
Flesh, you cannot make me do what you will anymore--
It is His will that moves inside me.
So, flesh, to answer your question, "Whose Time is it Anyway?"
It is God's time.
He can do with it whatever He wants. Period.
He doesn't need to explain anything to me, and
He doesn't need permission from you, because
My MASTER has no master.
It's Your Time, Lord. Do with it what You will...
2.25.2014
Whose Time is it Anyway?
Do you remember that old show, "Whose Line is it Anyway?" A moderator would throw out a funny situation, and actors would just jump in with improv.
"Kid in a candy store gets his hand stuck in a jar...GO!"
"Your mother in law shows up on your honeymoon...GO!"
Each actor was at the mercy of the inner dialogue of his fellow actors, which made for crazy impromptu interactions. It really was hilarious!
Today we could have named our day, "Whose Time is it Anyway?" Hubby came home from his last few hours at his job and decided he wanted to spend the day with us.
"Time to go to PT, and hubby wants to join us...GO!"
"Visit mom and pick up dinner...GO!"
We were all at the mercy of each other's inner dialogue and personal pace. Well, "the kids and I" were at the mercy of hubby's racing inner dialogue.
We average a steady 45 mph most days, a good clip to get all our studies done and a few fun things or errands in. Not too many speed spurts, a little time set aside for idling (rest).
Hubby is a speed-demon. The man has no "slow" setting. He must be moving, thinking, talking aloud, doing, producing. If he idles, he stalls out (snoring).
I remember a few years back when he was unemployed, going through this very adjustment. God was able to keep me from forming a root of bitterness. That is my prayer now: Let me appreciate my husband's qualities as complements to my own; let me harness them for good; let me love him well, even while he's speeding by me in the middle of our school room.
This might just be the time to put a few more miles on my stationary bike, or schedule some lunches out with friends...
"Kid in a candy store gets his hand stuck in a jar...GO!"
"Your mother in law shows up on your honeymoon...GO!"
Each actor was at the mercy of the inner dialogue of his fellow actors, which made for crazy impromptu interactions. It really was hilarious!
Today we could have named our day, "Whose Time is it Anyway?" Hubby came home from his last few hours at his job and decided he wanted to spend the day with us.
"Time to go to PT, and hubby wants to join us...GO!"
"Visit mom and pick up dinner...GO!"
We were all at the mercy of each other's inner dialogue and personal pace. Well, "the kids and I" were at the mercy of hubby's racing inner dialogue.
We average a steady 45 mph most days, a good clip to get all our studies done and a few fun things or errands in. Not too many speed spurts, a little time set aside for idling (rest).
Hubby is a speed-demon. The man has no "slow" setting. He must be moving, thinking, talking aloud, doing, producing. If he idles, he stalls out (snoring).
I remember a few years back when he was unemployed, going through this very adjustment. God was able to keep me from forming a root of bitterness. That is my prayer now: Let me appreciate my husband's qualities as complements to my own; let me harness them for good; let me love him well, even while he's speeding by me in the middle of our school room.
This might just be the time to put a few more miles on my stationary bike, or schedule some lunches out with friends...
2.24.2014
A New Chapter
As cliche as it is, I'm going to say it...
we are starting a new chapter in our family.
My husband has been laid off, which means our financial picture is changing.
I need not be frightened because God is our Provider.
He has provided for us over the decades, whether through employment, friends, public assistance, and odd jobs.
I admit it--
I prefer stability.
I prefer for my husband to have a stable, high income job. It brings me a sense of security.
But God knows when I need to dethrone idols,
and He lovingly provides opportunities.
I need Him to remind me:
HE IS MY STABILITY.
HE IS MY SECURITY.
HE IS MY SUSTENANCE.
Sure, cliche again. But true.
we are starting a new chapter in our family.
My husband has been laid off, which means our financial picture is changing.
I need not be frightened because God is our Provider.
He has provided for us over the decades, whether through employment, friends, public assistance, and odd jobs.
I admit it--
I prefer stability.
I prefer for my husband to have a stable, high income job. It brings me a sense of security.
But God knows when I need to dethrone idols,
and He lovingly provides opportunities.
I need Him to remind me:
HE IS MY STABILITY.
HE IS MY SECURITY.
HE IS MY SUSTENANCE.
Sure, cliche again. But true.
1.30.2014
The Calf on My Back
It's incredibly frustrating to hear the same person whine about the same thing over and over and over, right? Recently a friend confided how hard it is for her to hold her tongue when listening to others, particularly if they've been complaining about the same things for a long time. I get it. It is frustrating to hear the same old whining. I wanted to tell her right then that sometimes people struggle with the same issues for a lifetime. I knew that was true. But why?
Why do we spend countless hour over decades complaining about the exact same things? What is it for you? Do you eat too much or hate your fat? Is your house not big or pretty enough? Does your husband drive you absolutely batty? Are you waiting (and waiting and waiting) for God to do something spectacular in the mundane of your life?
A couple years back another woman asked about how an old mutual friend had been. "How's Hannah? She's probably struggling with the same old things, right?" Funny how for some of us the struggle is with others who struggle with the same old things. Some of us struggle with watching others who seem weak, stuck, and not being able to change them.
Mine is relationships. For several years now, friendships. I've been deeply disappointed with others and the level of relationship they're willing to extend me. I've felt sad, alienated, excluded, and deeply sad. So I've complained about how no one is willing to reach back or take the time to really get to know me. I've been whining that I don't have close friends I can call to go shopping, chat about the kids, or cry to about my bad day. It's made for a really intense whining season.
Here's something that recently came to me. The reason I complain about the same thing over and over again is that what I'm complaining about isn't really the problem!
Did you hear that?
It's not really other people who are my problem. It's me. Rather, it's my idol. I've strapped a golden calf to my back, and then refused to admit it's there, preferring to wallow in the aches and pains it causes me.I'm carrying around this heavy burden on my back, and I can't even name it correctly!
I've idolized human relationships, convincing myself that if I could just get them "right," I'd be secure, never alone, filled with friend-love, and that would be enough for me. I've made friends with a golden calf, hoisted him up for the ride, and then hidden him from my own eyes. It wasn't until God revealed this idolatry in my heart that I was able to pull away from the altar and see it needed demolished entirely.
Fear accompanies giving up my complaints: Fear I'm not pulling my weight...when it wasn't a weight for me to carry. Fear I'm not doing "my part," before I give it to God...when all God wants is for it to be destroyed as it is, not polished first. Fear of not having a calf to blame for my aches and pains. See, I will still want and need relationship even after I have cast it down as an idol. Yet friendship will be a gift given freely, lightly into my hands, by its Creator.
The truth is that once I cast off that golden calf, I will be free to stand up. I will cease to have complaints. I will be able to lift my eyes toward Heaven.
In his teaching series on the names of God, Dr. Tony Evans discusses God as our Shepherd. He reminds us God is the Source, all the rest are re-sources. For me, that means relationship with God is what fills me full to overflowing, my cup running over. And all the beautiful people He gives me for fellowship are above-and-beyond blessings. I no longer have to claw and scratch and demand to have my needs met. He created me with those needs and He fills them...first with Himself, then with His other resources.
So, yes, friends, there are burdens we can carry our whole lives, that bend us over in submission to pain and complaint. But if we see them for what they really are, idols we have exalted above the Lord, Himself, in our lives, we can cast them off and stand up straight, hands open to receive the blessings He so longs to give us.
: peace :
Why do we spend countless hour over decades complaining about the exact same things? What is it for you? Do you eat too much or hate your fat? Is your house not big or pretty enough? Does your husband drive you absolutely batty? Are you waiting (and waiting and waiting) for God to do something spectacular in the mundane of your life?
A couple years back another woman asked about how an old mutual friend had been. "How's Hannah? She's probably struggling with the same old things, right?" Funny how for some of us the struggle is with others who struggle with the same old things. Some of us struggle with watching others who seem weak, stuck, and not being able to change them.
Mine is relationships. For several years now, friendships. I've been deeply disappointed with others and the level of relationship they're willing to extend me. I've felt sad, alienated, excluded, and deeply sad. So I've complained about how no one is willing to reach back or take the time to really get to know me. I've been whining that I don't have close friends I can call to go shopping, chat about the kids, or cry to about my bad day. It's made for a really intense whining season.
Here's something that recently came to me. The reason I complain about the same thing over and over again is that what I'm complaining about isn't really the problem!
Did you hear that?
It's not really other people who are my problem. It's me. Rather, it's my idol. I've strapped a golden calf to my back, and then refused to admit it's there, preferring to wallow in the aches and pains it causes me.I'm carrying around this heavy burden on my back, and I can't even name it correctly!
I've idolized human relationships, convincing myself that if I could just get them "right," I'd be secure, never alone, filled with friend-love, and that would be enough for me. I've made friends with a golden calf, hoisted him up for the ride, and then hidden him from my own eyes. It wasn't until God revealed this idolatry in my heart that I was able to pull away from the altar and see it needed demolished entirely.
Fear accompanies giving up my complaints: Fear I'm not pulling my weight...when it wasn't a weight for me to carry. Fear I'm not doing "my part," before I give it to God...when all God wants is for it to be destroyed as it is, not polished first. Fear of not having a calf to blame for my aches and pains. See, I will still want and need relationship even after I have cast it down as an idol. Yet friendship will be a gift given freely, lightly into my hands, by its Creator.
The truth is that once I cast off that golden calf, I will be free to stand up. I will cease to have complaints. I will be able to lift my eyes toward Heaven.
In his teaching series on the names of God, Dr. Tony Evans discusses God as our Shepherd. He reminds us God is the Source, all the rest are re-sources. For me, that means relationship with God is what fills me full to overflowing, my cup running over. And all the beautiful people He gives me for fellowship are above-and-beyond blessings. I no longer have to claw and scratch and demand to have my needs met. He created me with those needs and He fills them...first with Himself, then with His other resources.
So, yes, friends, there are burdens we can carry our whole lives, that bend us over in submission to pain and complaint. But if we see them for what they really are, idols we have exalted above the Lord, Himself, in our lives, we can cast them off and stand up straight, hands open to receive the blessings He so longs to give us.
: peace :
8.05.2013
Home Again
This week the weather dropped near to fall temps, and it's been hard not to long for walks in the fallen leaves and hot pumpkin spice tea.
But, it's still summer.
Let me rephrase that--YAY, it's still SUMMER!
I love summer. It's my favorite season. I love living in my bathing suit and reading novels on the patio. I love watching my children run from the river to the pool, the river to the pool. I love late nights on the deck, drinking sangria and playing gin rummy with my husband.
But this summer has
kicked
my
rear.
This summer we've been to day camp, Cub Scout camp, overnight camp, youth retreat camp, arts camp. The boys joined the local football team. Two children are in physical therapy. And then there were the few weeks between camps when I tried to shove in time with all our friends, so I'll call that Crazy Playdate camp!
Wonderful things? You betcha!
Am I exhausted? You double betcha!!
What am I going to do about it? Stay in my jammies all day today. I might clean my house that's in a state of disrepair from all our busyness. But I might just load a new novel on my Kindle and go hide on the patio. Or chat with a friend on the archaic home phone. Home. That word sounds so nice...
But, it's still summer.
Let me rephrase that--YAY, it's still SUMMER!
I love summer. It's my favorite season. I love living in my bathing suit and reading novels on the patio. I love watching my children run from the river to the pool, the river to the pool. I love late nights on the deck, drinking sangria and playing gin rummy with my husband.
But this summer has
kicked
my
rear.
This summer we've been to day camp, Cub Scout camp, overnight camp, youth retreat camp, arts camp. The boys joined the local football team. Two children are in physical therapy. And then there were the few weeks between camps when I tried to shove in time with all our friends, so I'll call that Crazy Playdate camp!
Wonderful things? You betcha!
Am I exhausted? You double betcha!!
What am I going to do about it? Stay in my jammies all day today. I might clean my house that's in a state of disrepair from all our busyness. But I might just load a new novel on my Kindle and go hide on the patio. Or chat with a friend on the archaic home phone. Home. That word sounds so nice...
3.06.2013
Do Your [Homeschooled] Kids Get Snow Days?
I get that question a lot. That's like asking "Do your [Christian] kids get Santa Claus?" Oh, wait. I get that question a lot too! The answer to both is YES.
Snow days are fun. They're exciting! They're something to look forward to. Snow days are mini vacations--with roaring family room fires and homemade hot cocoa. The night before snow days we get to stay up late watching weather coverage on the news, and we get our gloves and snow pants ready. We sleep like we're waiting, well, for Santa Claus.
Last winter and this have been DUDS. The year before that, we had enough snow for three years...Oh, I see. This year, we never even got enough to make a proper snowball. Don't get me wrong--I'm not a cold weather, snow loving gal. But just one exciting hour watching the magic out the window, one round of dressing my kids (rather, watching them dress themselves now that they're old enough) in their crazy puffy snow clothes, just one of those is all I look forward to.
I probably shouldn't admit this publicly--but we took a snow day today even though there's no snow! We expected to wake up to 12 inches of white fluff. We only have a little rain. No snow.The county cancelled school last night, so there's a neighborhood Wii party in my family room. Right next to the roaring fire.
And as for Santa Claus, well, he's not omniscient or omnipresent, he doesn't know if you're naughty or nice, he doesn't reward according to behavior. He's the great great great great...grandson of St. Nicholas, who loved to bless folks and threw money into the stockings of three sisters who needed dowries (according to legend). He loves to celebrate God's love for us by surprising us with little gifts in our stockings. And his son will take over when he gets too old to fly with reindeer.
Snow days are fun. They're exciting! They're something to look forward to. Snow days are mini vacations--with roaring family room fires and homemade hot cocoa. The night before snow days we get to stay up late watching weather coverage on the news, and we get our gloves and snow pants ready. We sleep like we're waiting, well, for Santa Claus.
Last winter and this have been DUDS. The year before that, we had enough snow for three years...Oh, I see. This year, we never even got enough to make a proper snowball. Don't get me wrong--I'm not a cold weather, snow loving gal. But just one exciting hour watching the magic out the window, one round of dressing my kids (rather, watching them dress themselves now that they're old enough) in their crazy puffy snow clothes, just one of those is all I look forward to.
I probably shouldn't admit this publicly--but we took a snow day today even though there's no snow! We expected to wake up to 12 inches of white fluff. We only have a little rain. No snow.The county cancelled school last night, so there's a neighborhood Wii party in my family room. Right next to the roaring fire.
And as for Santa Claus, well, he's not omniscient or omnipresent, he doesn't know if you're naughty or nice, he doesn't reward according to behavior. He's the great great great great...grandson of St. Nicholas, who loved to bless folks and threw money into the stockings of three sisters who needed dowries (according to legend). He loves to celebrate God's love for us by surprising us with little gifts in our stockings. And his son will take over when he gets too old to fly with reindeer.
3.03.2013
Food, Fractions and Fun
I've learned a few things recently.
5. No matter how great my idea is, I shouldn't mention it until I'm ready to take it on. I have many more ideas than hours to pursue them. I need to ask God to show me which ones are worthy of my time and attention, and table the rest.
4. I can't eat healthy if I don't shop healthy. Because when I open the frig, if there is nothing there, I will order crap. Then I will eat said crap. Then my jeans won't fit. Truth.
3. The state is not the boss of me. I get so wrapped up in how the state wants me to homeschool, and I miss the whole point of homeschooling--helping my children to pursue learning in active, dynamic ways according to their leanings.
2. Hormones are powerful things. Really. really. powerful. Enough said.
1. Birthdays are fun! We spent two days celebrating family and friends, and I'm still excited for the next party!
5. No matter how great my idea is, I shouldn't mention it until I'm ready to take it on. I have many more ideas than hours to pursue them. I need to ask God to show me which ones are worthy of my time and attention, and table the rest.
4. I can't eat healthy if I don't shop healthy. Because when I open the frig, if there is nothing there, I will order crap. Then I will eat said crap. Then my jeans won't fit. Truth.
3. The state is not the boss of me. I get so wrapped up in how the state wants me to homeschool, and I miss the whole point of homeschooling--helping my children to pursue learning in active, dynamic ways according to their leanings.
2. Hormones are powerful things. Really. really. powerful. Enough said.
1. Birthdays are fun! We spent two days celebrating family and friends, and I'm still excited for the next party!
2.18.2013
Turning IT On Its Head
A little while ago I told you our homeschool days were not going very well. I was tired of arguing all morning to get my kids to get their chores and morning routine done before the start of school. I had begun to dread mornings, which meant we were getting a late start to our day, which meant schooling into the evening, which meant one gradually insane mommy.
So, I decided to capitalize on our energy schedule. The kids are jumping beans after dinner, so I switched their housekeeping chores. Now, instead of tidying the house before school in the mornings, they tidy it after dinner in the evening.
I was also frustrated because I love teaching--and I wasn't getting to do any of it while I was happy. Really, after nagging over chores, and helping all four get through the dreaded math and language arts independent work, I was wiped. So our science and social studies, art and music and p.e. stunk! They were getting the facts, but not the fun.
I decided to turn that upside down, too. Now just after we get up to a clean house, we do yoga together (threw that in for some physical fun), and then Bible and a fun subject together--one where I get to really teach!
We're enjoying our homeschooling days much more! Thank you, GOD. And thank you to a very special friend who helped me to see this new possibility simply by listening to me complain about what WASN'T working for our family.
Happy Monday!
So, I decided to capitalize on our energy schedule. The kids are jumping beans after dinner, so I switched their housekeeping chores. Now, instead of tidying the house before school in the mornings, they tidy it after dinner in the evening.
I was also frustrated because I love teaching--and I wasn't getting to do any of it while I was happy. Really, after nagging over chores, and helping all four get through the dreaded math and language arts independent work, I was wiped. So our science and social studies, art and music and p.e. stunk! They were getting the facts, but not the fun.
I decided to turn that upside down, too. Now just after we get up to a clean house, we do yoga together (threw that in for some physical fun), and then Bible and a fun subject together--one where I get to really teach!
We're enjoying our homeschooling days much more! Thank you, GOD. And thank you to a very special friend who helped me to see this new possibility simply by listening to me complain about what WASN'T working for our family.
Happy Monday!
2.11.2013
The Week in Meals
Yesterday afternoon I sat down with my Kindle and my pen and paper and planned our meals for the week. I know, exciting, huh? But for me it's such a load off to have that done before we start our school week. So, in case you're needing a few ideas or a little inspiration, I'm sharing my plan:
Cereal with almond milk and fresh berries
GF Pancakes with pure maple syrup
Eggs and sausage
Applegate Farms natural lunchmeat ham and salami lettuce wraps
Applegate Farms natural hot dogs with GF mac and cheese
BLT lettuce wrap
Tuna salad lettuce wrap
Hard boiled eggs
Nachos with gf chips, rice cheese, lentil chili, and vegan sour cream
Food Should Taste Good chips and hummus
Nuts
Frozen Fruit Smoothies (with chia seeds and ground flaxseed)
Almond Crusted Mahi Mahi with Pineapple Salsa over brown rice, roasted garlic broccoli
Almost Alton Brown's GF Meatloaf, Pioneer Woman's Crash Hot Potatoes, Honeyed Carrots
Teriyaki Salmon, roasted balsamic brussells sprouts, salad
Old Bay Chicken, roasted sweet potato fries, salad
Beef roast with roasted root vegetables
I love new ideas! Share yours with me here or on my facebook page.
*For the most part, we are dairy free, gluten free and sugar free. But we break the rules every now and again. I'll never turn my nose up at a good recipe ;)
Breakfasts
GF oatmeal with dried bing cherriesCereal with almond milk and fresh berries
GF Pancakes with pure maple syrup
Eggs and sausage
Lunches
Egg salad lettuce wrapApplegate Farms natural lunchmeat ham and salami lettuce wraps
Applegate Farms natural hot dogs with GF mac and cheese
BLT lettuce wrap
Tuna salad lettuce wrap
Hard boiled eggs
Nachos with gf chips, rice cheese, lentil chili, and vegan sour cream
Snacks
Fresh fruit and veggiesFood Should Taste Good chips and hummus
Nuts
Frozen Fruit Smoothies (with chia seeds and ground flaxseed)
Dinners
Chicken and Avacado Soup, garden saladAlmost Alton Brown's GF Meatloaf, Pioneer Woman's Crash Hot Potatoes, Honeyed Carrots
Teriyaki Salmon, roasted balsamic brussells sprouts, salad
Old Bay Chicken, roasted sweet potato fries, salad
Beef roast with roasted root vegetables
I love new ideas! Share yours with me here or on my facebook page.
*For the most part, we are dairy free, gluten free and sugar free. But we break the rules every now and again. I'll never turn my nose up at a good recipe ;)
2.08.2013
Turning It on Its Head
It.
Home school.
Sometimes it gets rough and hairy.
Sometimes I can't see my way through the next year,
let alone the next month...
or week...
or day...
or hour...
if I'm honest.
I spent a season recently belly aching. A friend called to see how things were going. She really, genuinely wanted to know. So I told her. And she listened, and empathized, and shared her stories. I hung up feeling like I'd verbally vomited on her; I felt just terrible. But after our conversation, I realized her letting me just get it all out (with no condemnation or judgement, or even hastily prepared answers on her part) helped me to start pulling out the themes.
It's not that home schooling wasn't working for us. It wasn't even that I was in a rut. It was that I was beating my head up against the same situation over and over again, but expecting different results. Help me out here--isn't that the definition of insanity.
I was not frustrated.
Rather, I was insane.
Yep, that explained a lot.
So I thought of that old Lionel Kiddie City commercial jingle:
"Let Lionel Kiddie City turn your frown upside down."
I turned insanity on its head.
How did I do that?
You'll have to come tomorrow to find out...
Home school.
Sometimes it gets rough and hairy.
Sometimes I can't see my way through the next year,
let alone the next month...
or week...
or day...
or hour...
if I'm honest.
I spent a season recently belly aching. A friend called to see how things were going. She really, genuinely wanted to know. So I told her. And she listened, and empathized, and shared her stories. I hung up feeling like I'd verbally vomited on her; I felt just terrible. But after our conversation, I realized her letting me just get it all out (with no condemnation or judgement, or even hastily prepared answers on her part) helped me to start pulling out the themes.
It's not that home schooling wasn't working for us. It wasn't even that I was in a rut. It was that I was beating my head up against the same situation over and over again, but expecting different results. Help me out here--isn't that the definition of insanity.
I was not frustrated.
Rather, I was insane.
Yep, that explained a lot.
So I thought of that old Lionel Kiddie City commercial jingle:
"Let Lionel Kiddie City turn your frown upside down."
I turned insanity on its head.
How did I do that?
You'll have to come tomorrow to find out...
2.05.2013
This is My City
I'm not much of a football fan.
Gasp!
But I'm proud of my city.
Sometimes we get a bad rap...
But this Superbowl win has brought out the best in people.
Thanks, Ravens, for the excitement and the example.
1.29.2013
Spring Day
I'm deep cleaning right now.
Well, not quite right now, but today. I'm cleaning because it is warm outside and I want to pull the freshness inside my house.
I should be walking or biking or sitting in the sun soaking in Vitamin D. But I'm not. I'm stripping couch cushions and stain spotting the carpet. I'm wiping the fronts of cabinets and the pantry.
And I'm blogging.
Whoopie! I'm BLOGGING!!
I've been missing writing. I have no motivation to write for money right now, or for fame. Not to build up my portfolio or to practice. I have this feeling that I'm not doing what I've been called to do, and that creates a longing deep down in parts of me that lie dormant.
So you might see more of me. Might. Don't want to push it.
Besides, I need to get back to cleaning.
Well, not quite right now, but today. I'm cleaning because it is warm outside and I want to pull the freshness inside my house.
I should be walking or biking or sitting in the sun soaking in Vitamin D. But I'm not. I'm stripping couch cushions and stain spotting the carpet. I'm wiping the fronts of cabinets and the pantry.
And I'm blogging.
Whoopie! I'm BLOGGING!!
I've been missing writing. I have no motivation to write for money right now, or for fame. Not to build up my portfolio or to practice. I have this feeling that I'm not doing what I've been called to do, and that creates a longing deep down in parts of me that lie dormant.
So you might see more of me. Might. Don't want to push it.
Besides, I need to get back to cleaning.
1.19.2013
Grace
I'm wearing a silk shirt. I'm 40 years old and it's only the second silk shirt I've owned in my entire lifetime. The first, midnight blue and crushed into the softness of a week old hydrangea petal, was a gift from a friend nearly 25 years ago. She said I needed to feel how sophisticated I really am. This one, a yellow so pale you have to look twice to register its color, is from a consignment shop. It is somebody's castaway; a second chance sophisticate. It's the prettiest $10 I've ever owned.
It's taken me two and a half decades, lots of falls and sprains, and some real heartache to understand what my friend meant. She meant that this world will repeatedly throw me garbage and try to convince me that is all I am worth. It will tell me over and over, ad nauseum, that I am only as good as how I act, what I produce, who others think I am. But just a subtle reminder, thte softness against my skin, will be enough to remind me of my worth.
I'm not sure she even meant to say this, but she was the first to really tell me that I am fearfully and wonderfully made. I am a co-heir with Christ Himself--royalty. Worthy of the luxury of silk. The silk I wear is His grace alone. My sophistication is in knowing who I am by knowing Whose I am.
My silk reminds me of the Creator of the silkworm, Who fashioned the entire universe and every living thing in it. It points me back to His grace and love and everlasting kindness. It reminds me of the greatest form of sophistication I can display--my identity in Him.
I gently remove my blouse and lay it aside for a gentle swishing in warm water. I don a sweatshirt with a Maryland Terps logo, homage to my earthly life, red and rough and poorly fashioned. It makes me long for silk, just like this world makes me long for Heaven.
It's taken me two and a half decades, lots of falls and sprains, and some real heartache to understand what my friend meant. She meant that this world will repeatedly throw me garbage and try to convince me that is all I am worth. It will tell me over and over, ad nauseum, that I am only as good as how I act, what I produce, who others think I am. But just a subtle reminder, thte softness against my skin, will be enough to remind me of my worth.
I'm not sure she even meant to say this, but she was the first to really tell me that I am fearfully and wonderfully made. I am a co-heir with Christ Himself--royalty. Worthy of the luxury of silk. The silk I wear is His grace alone. My sophistication is in knowing who I am by knowing Whose I am.
My silk reminds me of the Creator of the silkworm, Who fashioned the entire universe and every living thing in it. It points me back to His grace and love and everlasting kindness. It reminds me of the greatest form of sophistication I can display--my identity in Him.
I gently remove my blouse and lay it aside for a gentle swishing in warm water. I don a sweatshirt with a Maryland Terps logo, homage to my earthly life, red and rough and poorly fashioned. It makes me long for silk, just like this world makes me long for Heaven.
1.15.2013
School Twice Today
Today. Was. Hard.
My friend lives by the motto, "Do it nice or do it twice."
Today we did school. Twice. All of it.
Well, minus the attitudes and arguing.
Almost minus the crazy mama shouting, "Silence!" over the din.
It started, this double day, early this morning.
Every once in a while I convince myself we can start our school day casually, thinking that if we just go along slowly and easily, it will be fun. Schooling in our pajamas on the couch is my idea of heaven on earth.
My kids see it as a chink in my armor, Mama lying down on the job, and they exploit the heck out of it.
They are the sweetest kids ever, but kids nonetheless.
Usurpers by nature.
So on the way out the door to visit their Grammy they erupted into the umpteenth argument of the day--ostensibly caused by a lack of formal instruction and structure--and I lost my mind.
I had my 12 year old call her Grammy and postpone until tomorrow. Which means tomorrow I have to wake up with a whip in hand, ready to smack the floor next to me to make them jump at the predesignated time.
How does a naturally unscheduled, laid back, herbal tea drinking, attachment parenting mama birth four kids who operate optimally within the confines of a routine and close supervision?
It's just gotta be God's way of refining us by fire. I don't say that sarcastically. Maybe I need to learn a bit of self discipline, they need to chill out a little, and the best way for us all to learn was to be stuck together in the same family, the same classroom/home every. single. day.
Gotta love refining.
9.26.2012
Time to Walk
There was a time when this was my quiet space, when I could come here to decompress and find a little piece of stillness. Over the years, my postings waned; and a few comebacks failed.
I'm wondering...if this...might...be a blogging season.
I'm not the best writer.
Or the best woman or mother or daughter or sister or wife or homeschooler or neighbor.
But I
must
write.
So maybe, just maybe, someone will join me As I Walk...
I'm wondering...if this...might...be a blogging season.
I'm not the best writer.
Or the best woman or mother or daughter or sister or wife or homeschooler or neighbor.
But I
must
write.
So maybe, just maybe, someone will join me As I Walk...
1.27.2012
My Studio
This is a time I wish I'd taken up photography seriously. I'd love to edit these pics so they look uber-professional and dreamy. But reality is all I have the skill for. Oh well.
This month I worked really hard to turn our Kidz Kave (hang out room) into the Studio (art studio). Hubby painted and moved furniture in. I worked at bringing in things I had around the house to create a space that brings a smile to my face. I have a few things I'll be adding and changing, but it's about 3/4 of the way done.
This is where I keep all my supplies. I ordered really pretty seashell themed papers to replace the funky bright papers. That will make a big difference. I like my mess to be behind closed doors. I wish you could see my cute little birdcage on top of the hatboxes. So charming.
I love my little sewing organizer. I bought the wooden box from my favorite consignment shop and covered over the painted flowers with that cute ribbon (I got from the same place) that says "Life's a Beach." I think I want to hang something I've actually sewn over the whole table. Guess I should get sewing :)
This month I worked really hard to turn our Kidz Kave (hang out room) into the Studio (art studio). Hubby painted and moved furniture in. I worked at bringing in things I had around the house to create a space that brings a smile to my face. I have a few things I'll be adding and changing, but it's about 3/4 of the way done.
This is where I keep all my supplies. I ordered really pretty seashell themed papers to replace the funky bright papers. That will make a big difference. I like my mess to be behind closed doors. I wish you could see my cute little birdcage on top of the hatboxes. So charming.
I love my little sewing organizer. I bought the wooden box from my favorite consignment shop and covered over the painted flowers with that cute ribbon (I got from the same place) that says "Life's a Beach." I think I want to hang something I've actually sewn over the whole table. Guess I should get sewing :)
This is the new Kidz Korner. I used a plant stand to organize all their papers, markers, canvases, etc. It's a fun place for them to go to get all their goodies. I realized after I snapped the pic that my favorite part--the white wooden carousel we store all the colored pencils and markers--was missing. It's being used by these cute kids making some awesome paper cities. I'll post about that later.
This is our cute little paint wall. I might eventually replace the paints with artwork we create. But for now, it's fun to see all the bright colors! The magnet board below the paints is temporarily bare. I have a feeling all the bare spots in the room will be filled soon enough.
This is a fun way to display my ribbons. I'd say I buy most of my ribbon either for Valentine's Day or for my girls, hence all the pink. I'm excited to see the messages the children plan to leave us for inspiration.
This is one thing I love love love. I'm sorry I can't photograph better. I got a frame I love from Goodwill and replace the glass with galvanized metal. Then I put all my embellishments, buttons, sequins, etc. in clear condiment containers from the local restaurant supply store and hot glued magnets on the back. I can see all those little things I've been saving for year, but not using because they were a mess in a drawer. The silver platters above are held up with DiscHangers and are from the dollar store. Cheap but cute.
This is my very favorite part of the room. I haven't decided if I'll leave her white or start embellishing her with all sorts of doodads. That could be really fun! She's on the wall I want to put my favorite inspiration pieces, and things I create. I will see this wall as I sit and create.
My boys have asked for me to not make things so "pretty." I gently reminded them that this is "my" room for this season, and I am sharing it with them. TeeHee.
The next room we'll tackle is my hubby's new model train room. It used to be a playroom.
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