Perspective From The Parsonage

My brother - Jamie

2012-02-03T12:37:00.000-08:00

I am doing a link up today with Kelly's Korner - a blog I have read for a couple of years, and today she is doing a link up for all the single people out there. So today - this post isn't about life in the parsonage, but about my younger brother, Jamie.

Jamie is 27, and lives in NW Tennessee. He has a college degree and currently works as an insurance agent. He gives 110% at the office and works hard to succeed. He makes friends easily and truly never meets a stranger! He has a great personality, and makes everyone laugh. Most importantly he is a Christian, and puts that relationship before any other. He is active in his church and small group. He has worked with Young Life, and worked at one of their summer camps as well.

Jamie enjoys working out and a healthy lifestyle. He plays all kinds of sports and will try just about anything. He lives life to the fullest, for sure - in fact, this weekend he and three friends are Indianapolis bound with plans to get in to watch the Super Bowl.

He is a great uncle to our three kids - they all just love spending time with them.

Goofing around with our oldest in 2009

With our youngest - Christmas 2011

taken sometime in 2011

I know he is looking for the right girl who shares his love of Christ to share his life with. I know we think he's a great catch! We'd love to see him settle down with someone special. If you're interested, just post a comment below, and I will get your information to him!

I'm back!!

2011-12-22T14:27:00.000-08:00

I know, I know, it's been an extremely long time since I last posted a blog entry. I have had all these grand blogging intentions that were pushed to the side by a very busy fall, computer issues, and life in general. But I am back up an running now with a new (to me) laptop that runs so much faster than our dinosaur of a desktop did on it's best day.

So, here's to a rekindled relationship with my blog!

i remember.

2011-09-11T17:47:00.000-07:00

Ten Years.

And like every American, I remember.
That September morning, nothing was out of the ordinary. My knee still aching from recent surgery, I was recovering at my parents' home. I rose from bed sometime just after 8:30 am, and noticed my brother had left the television on when he left for school an hour before. I remember Matt Lauer and Katie Couric talking about an accident at the World Trade Center.
What I saw was bothersome, but like many, I thought it was a freak accident. My dad was working in his office a few rooms away. I called for my dad to come and look at the screen, not knowing if he'd seen it already. As he walked into the room - a second plane. A second explosion. This was no accident. This was war. I remember the feeling of fear.
My dad called my mom at work to tell her. Then the Pentagon. Then a field in Pennsylvania. One collapse. Then another. I spent the most of the morning glued to the television, watching in horror as the America I knew changed forever. I remember praying and crying, broken by the images I saw. So many innocent lives lost, so many others that would never be the same.
Today, I am a wife and mother. Since that day, I have met 2 people who were at the Pentagon that day. Their stories have impacted my life, and I will remember them always. Our three children don't understand why the mood has been so somber today. They don't know what it felt like that day, the sense of helplessness and all of the sadness and fear and anger that we all were experiencing, but didn't know how to let out. I remember. And while we can try to explain it, in terms and ways that they can understand, it's not enough. So we do more. We will thank a soldier, or police officer or fireman when we see them out in uniform. We will show respect for our flag, and wave it proudly. We will be mindful that so many gave so much on that day for me, and my future family - whether they knew the impact it would have or not. We will be thankful.
And WE will remember.

Chalkboard Pocket Door - a Tutorial

2011-05-01T14:09:00.001-07:00

I have rediscovered my love for DIY projects - specifically those that repurpose/upcycle things I already own, and transform them into useful, stylish things for the home, or even my closet - like the T-Shirt scarf I recently posted about.
The latest projects I have tackled are a DIY beaded necklace (photos and tutorial coming soon) and this: transforming a pocket door into a chalkboard.

First I taped off the panel I wanted to paint with some blue painter's tape - I didn't trust myself enough to go without it.
I used Folk Art Acrylic Chalkboard Paint - found at Wal-Mart - and the bottle was less than $4.

I had to use 2 coats of the paint - This panel is maybe 1 1/2 feet by 3 feet - it took a full two coats, and probably could have used a third, but I was happy with the coverage after the second coat dried. I let the paint dry an hour in between paint coats - per package directions, and then let it "cure" for 24 hours. Before writing on it, the paint bottle says to drag a piece of chalk across the surface longways, which I did.

Here's the finished product. I love that it can go back in the wall when not in use, and I am loving the ways we can use it for school. Right now we have our current Scripture passage Olivia is memorizing on the door - so we get constant reminders!

This project was super easy, cost me less than $5, and I am happy with the results.

Frugal Fashion - T-shirt scarf!

2011-04-01T08:21:00.000-07:00

It's no secret to those who know me really well that while I like lots of options for clothes and shoes, I REALLY love jewelry and accessories. And as of late, my budget for such items has been non-existent! So, when I found an easy (and FREE!) way to upcycle an item in my closet into a trendy accessory - I knew I had to try it! I found the idea on Pinterest ( a whole other blog post about that jewel is coming!) - via the "Ms. Not So Perfect"blog I had an old black t-shirt that was actually in pretty good shape, just in the Goodwill box - and here's how I made my version of the T-shirt loopy scarf:

Here's the shirt I used: (Got it back when my husband and I used to teach abstinence to high schoolers - it got a lot of comments! Hated to see it go - but we're trying to de-clutter, and we had two of them!)

Using scissors ( or a rotary blade and cutting mat if you have it!), I cut off the bottom hem of the shirt, and cut 1 inch strips all the way up to just below the graphic on the front.

You should have a pile of loops like this when you're done.

Then I held one end of the loops in one hand and STRRRREEETTTTCHHHEEDDD them out to look like the photo above! Sorry it's sideways!

The photo at the top of the post is my finished product! I think it's really cute!

My strips were not quite 1 inch - they were a little bigger than that - so next time I will make my strips thinner - but I love the way it turned out.

I think you could make shorter ones using kids' t-shirts, for cowl style scarves... I mayhave to go through the girls' dresser this weekend... HA!

I also saw a really cute tutorial online for using a striped men's polo to make a scarf... definitely want to try that one!

Let's see your frugal creations!!

Parenting lesson #2653845 learned the hard way...

2011-03-03T13:44:00.000-08:00

When your 4 year old vomits on the kitchen floor, and both parents tell the poor dear to "go to the bathroom" when/if she feels like she is going to get sick again... don't forget to tell her that once in the bathroom, she should do said vomiting in the toilet.

Can I do this, really?

2011-02-21T14:40:00.000-08:00

Now that the boy is almost 8 months old, I can't use the "I just had a baby" card anymore. Time to get the weight off, for good. A couple weeks ago, I started going to Zumba classes with my friend, Brandy. The classes are so fun, and you really get a good workout. They also make me realize how terrible my sense of rhythm is. HA!
In addition, I am planning to start running on a regular basis. The last time I ran (on purpose!) 9 years ago. I am planning to do my first ever 5K road race the first weekend in April. If all goes well, I hope to also begin training for a half marathon. That's 13.1 miles people. That's the distance (give or take a little) to the closest Wal-Mart. And I hope to run that, using my two feet, in under three hours. For now I am focusing on the 3.2 miles that are in a 5K. Much more attainable at this point.
While I am excited, I am also a little scared. Can I do this? Can I run in a race and not have to be carried across the finish line?
Along with the discipline/endurance building I hope to gain from this, I hope to finally get this weight off, and keep it off. I hope to use these times of hearing my feet hit the pavement to hear God more clearly, to be a better wife, a better mother, a better Christian.
I will cling to Philippians 4:13 - I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

Give me 5am for 30 days...

2011-02-17T13:59:00.001-08:00

that's the phrase that's been tumbling around in my head since Tuesday morning.

"Give me 5am for 30 days."

As a stay-at-home mom, time to myself (for anything!) is rare. And unless I get up before everyone in the house, time alone with God is pretty much not gonna happen. I stay up too late. I also *heart* my sleep. A vicious cycle, no?

But I NEED that time with God. My day goes so much better when I do. I can definitely tell a difference.

Then I read this article in a devotional magazine.

I have been challenged to give HIM 5am for 30 days.

Will it be hard? Yes.
Will it be an exercise in discipline? Yes.
Will it be worth it? Absolutely.

Will you join me??

So much for that....

2011-02-13T13:48:00.001-08:00

I last blogged in DECEMBER. I had these grand plans for writing (at least twice a week) about how we "do" Christmas in our house, updates on the kids, homeschooling, money saving/coupons, and the "great parsonage de-cluttering."
Then came what I call "Flumageddeon."
We spent the last week of 2010 with family in NC. On New Years Eve, all 3 kids woke up with fevers. Usually when we travel to/from NC, someone gets the sniffles, etc, due to altitude change.
We were 600 miles from home. It was a holiday weekend.
Oh, and did I mention we were having family portraits done that day?
Lovely.
We ended up making the trip home over 2 days, staying in a hotel (with the dog!) and getting home on the evening of the 2nd. A precious friend brought us supper that night, so we didn't have to worry about that, at least!
Parker had an already scheduled dr's appt for the 3rd, so I changed it from a well baby check to a sick baby visit... to hear the dreaded words... "Your son has the flu." and "It's probably what your girls have, and if you and your husband get sick, that's what you'll have,too."
By that night, Michael and I both had fever, chills, aches, the whole bit....
We ALL FIVE had the flu.
We couldn't call for backup to help with the kids - as we were contagious.
Tamiflu was a no-go for me, since I am nursing, and a no-go for Parker, as he is too small.
The girls were past the 72 hour window, so no Tamiflu for them, either.
All I could take was Tylenol and Sudafed for my symptoms.
We were a sad, sickly bunch.
After about a week, we were all on the mend, except for Parker, who ended up with an ear infection - not surprising considering all the drainage and congestion he had with the flu.
We had the girls' birthday party on 1/16, and seemed to be on the upswing.
That night, a church member died and Michael did the funeral that week. Very thankful we were all healthy, as he needed lots of strength and mental stamina.
On Friday, 1/21, Parker woke up from his afternoon nap looking/sounding awful. Congested, barking like a seal when he coughed, etc.
He and I had a date to the ER that night.
Hello, RSV.
"He has to stay in for another week at least, he is highly contagious."
1/27 - I have congestion and a headache that won't quit - by 1/29, my head is hurting so badly that I am about in tears. Michael drives me to the urgent care clinic, where I get a shot, antibiotics, and pain meds for the worst sinus infection I have ever had. Seriously, I can't tell you how bad my head hurt. Thankfully, by the next night, I was feeling 100 times better.

We need a do-over for the month of January.
About all those grand blogging plans I had for the first month of 2011... so much for that.

Merry Christmas from The Julians

2010-12-14T07:17:00.001-08:00

Snowflake Bliss Christmas Card

Create beautiful photo Christmas cards at Shutterfly.com.

View the entire collection of cards.

Christmas in the Parsonage - Part 1

2010-12-01T08:06:00.000-08:00

This is the first in a multi-post series about how we "do" Christmas in our family. It is my hope that we're creating traditions our children will want to pass on to their own families - even if they aren't done just like Mom and Dad.

Usually, Christmas for our family begins in November, when we fill up 2 boxes for Operation Christmas Child. We fill a box for 2 girls the same ages as our own girls. Next year, we'll add a third box for a boy the same age as our little man. The girls love picking out an wrapped box for us to bring home and fill with goodies. This year our church sent 41 boxes through Samaritan's Purse for Operation Christmas Child.

Now that it's December 1 - the calendar has really started to fill up with Christmas events. We plan to get our tree up and decorated tomorrow night. This Friday is the Christmas parade in our little town. We love getting bundled up to stand on the sidewalk and watch it, then enjoy some hot chocolate and fresh baked goodies afterward.

We have really tried to instill in our girls that Christmas isn't about the gifts, but about the GREATEST gift of all - Jesus. I'll share in future posts things we do to keep Christ at the center of our holiday.

They say a picture is worth a thousand words...

2010-11-29T16:29:00.000-08:00

and for this parsonage family, it usually takes about a thousand tries to get that one perfect Christmas card photo.
The last 2 years we've given out photo Christmas cards to our church family. It's easy, budget friendly, and for this mom of (now) three kids - a definite time saver. We have them ready at our Christmas open house for the church (the Sunday before Christmas), and the girls love to hand them out.
When I heard about the great deal that Shutterfly was offering to bloggers - I signed right up. 50 photo cards for FREE?? Ummm, yes, please! :)

I love that Shutterfly has so many designs and styles to choose from. Our last 2 Christmas cards have been a single photo style - but this year, I would like to do something a little different - maybe one that allows for multiple photos - one of each kid, one of Michael and I, and one of the whole family.

Right now these are my top favorites... (all photos courtesy of Shutterfly)

I love this "Top Ten" list - so cute!

Top Ten Card

I love that this one holds a LOT of pictures!

Joy Love Story

This one is just simple and elegant. Love it!
Merry Modern Collage

I think this photo tree is adorable!
Picture Tree

It looks like deciding on a card is going to be almost as hard as getting some good pictures to put on it! HA! There were so many others to pick from - these are just a few of the ones I liked!

And even though I want to cry when I think about our baby boy's first birthday I just LOVE this birthday invitation! What a precious idea!!

Baby Boy Birthday Invite

If you'd like to participate in this promotion: go here

I am so excited about these cards!

Which ones are YOUR favorite!

Happy Picture-Taking!

Shameless cute baby picture post.

2010-11-28T20:17:00.000-08:00

Our boy resembles Charlie Brown a smidge in this sweater... no?

We are just in love with this precious baby boy who came into this world 5 months ago tomorrow.

It's beginning to look a lot like...

2010-11-28T20:03:00.000-08:00

Christmas! How has another year almost come and gone???

I will be writing several posts over the next couple of weeks about how we "do" Christmas around the parsonage. We try really hard to keep the focus on Jesus' birth - and the fact that it's the best gift of all - and one we can share all year.

I'd love to hear your Christmas traditions - what are some "musts" for your family?

Now... if I could just figure out how to get that ever elusive Christmas card photo......

8 years ago...

2010-10-20T08:21:00.000-07:00

on October 19, 2002
We said "I do."

8 years
7 different residences
6 (probably more!) hairstyles/colors for me
5 beach vacations
4 different vehicles
3 beautiful kids
2 ministry moves
1 crazy dog

And I'd do it all over again.

Being your wife has been the greatest adventure of my life. I love you, Michael!

Cinni-Minis!

2010-09-30T10:49:00.000-07:00

We had brunch at Community Bible Study this morning, and I whipped up these little yummies... It literally took about less than 10 minutes, plus bake time, to have them ready to go!

Mini Cinnamon Rolls

                                        Yield: 20 rolls
                                  

             Ingredients                        1                (8-ounce) can refrigerated crescent rolls
           1 1/2                 teaspoons           sugar
           1/2                 teaspoon           ground cinnamon
           1/3                 cup           sifted powdered sugar
           1                 teaspoon           milk
           1                drop vanilla extract
         

PreparationUnroll crescent roll dough, and separate into 4 rectangles; pinch seams to seal.
Stir together sugar and cinnamon; sprinkle evenly over rectangles.
Roll up, jellyroll fashion, starting with a long side; press edges to seal. Cut each log into 5 slices, and place in a lightly greased 8-inch round cakepan.
Bake at 350° for 12 minutes.
Combine powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla, stirring until smooth; drizzle over warm cinnamon rolls.

Southern Living, NOVEMBER 1997
*photo from www.myrecipes.com

Covered in cloth... diapers that is!

2010-09-28T08:40:00.000-07:00

Early in my pregnancy with our baby boy, I began to consider using cloth diapers. Actually, before I was even pregnant I was thinking about it.

Now, before you get all worried and start picturing Ma Ingalls and her washboard down by the creek - let me assure you - the cloth diapers of today are definitely NOT Ma Ingalls' diapers, and not even those that our own moms would have used. Cloth has come a LONG WAY, baby!
My girls were exclusively diapered in disposables, and I never really even thought of cloth as an option. Oh, to know then what I know now!

We're almost three months in with cloth diapering - and I love it. LOVE. IT.  We waited until he was two weeks old, to give his little navel and circumcision time to heal, and we were off!

I did a great deal of research online, and talking to my friend, Keri, who got me thinking of cloth in the first place - she had TWO in cloth till just recently. My two big concerns were:
Laundry - as a family of 4 (now 5), I do a lot of laundry as it is. Not to mention the amount of laundry a baby generates anyway... Would cloth diapering add so much laundry that I'd need my meals delivered to the laundry room?
Poop. That's everyone's big "EWWWW!!!" about cloth. What about the poop?
Both of those concerns are now non-issues. I have enough cloth diapers and covers to get me through 2 days of diapering before I need to wash. So we're talking 2, maybe 3 extra loads a week, and they are small loads at that. AS far as poop, since the boy is exclusively nursing, the cloth diaper absorbs a lot of the poop. We've only had two "blowout" diapers, and I don't think it would have mattered what kind of diaper the boy had on, it would have come out...

We ended up choosing Flip Diapers for our little guy, and my husband and I are both very pleased with them. The Stay-Dry insert really does stay dry, even overnight! I also have an Econobum cover which I use with the Flip inserts, and with prefolds. Keri also gave me 2 GoodMama diapers, which work well, too.
All of my diapers and covers were purchased from Cotton Babies.

I also love the money we've saved. All totaled, we have a little less than $200 invested in our cloth diapering supplies. Anyone can tell you that they probably spent way more than that on diapers in their child's first three months of life, especially if your child is like my older two, and the most expensive diapers were the only ones that didn't leak in the early weeks.

I can definitely say it's been worth it for us. I tell everyone about it, and how much we're enjoying it. Do you cloth diaper? If not,has my post inspired you to give it a try?

Hello, Blog. I've missed you.

2010-09-28T08:14:00.001-07:00

It's a smidge of an understatement to say the blog has been neglected.

I do, however, have what I consider to be a pretty good excuse.

See???

When I last posted, I was a little over mid-way through my pregnancy with this little guy.

Baby Parker was welcomed into the world on June 29, at 8:06pm, weighing in at a whopping 8lbs,13oz.
Apparently, as I suspected, he just ran out of room.

He was three weeks early. :)

He's what our pediatrician calls a "Mary Poppins baby."
Practically perfect in every way.

We're adjusting to life as a family of five, and the girls are just in LOVE with their baby brother.

Mom and Dad think he's pretty great, too!

Here are few pictures from our very eventful summer:

Carousel time at the county fair!

Love those little man polo onesies!

More fun on the carousel!

First look at their new baby brother!

Nothing says summer like big smiles and flip flops!

Long time coming...

2010-04-01T14:32:00.000-07:00

My friend Rachel brought to my attention that we've been "Snowed in," for almost 2 months. Apparently I have been slacking on the posting as of late.

Here is a much overdue update.

First, we're trucking right along through this pregnancy. I am currently 24 weeks, and feeling pretty good most of the time. I think the tiredness is here to stay, but I think that comes with the territory of being pregnant and a full time mom to 2 active girls!

Baby Bump @ 23.5 weeks

In mid-February, we found out we're having a BOY! It's been fun to switch gears when looking at clothing and bedding - different, but definitely fun!

We're in the process of moving the girls to a shared bedroom, and they're very excited about that. They're getting bunk beds, which is a big deal! As of late we've been in the process of going through mountains of too-small clothes, shoes, books and toys, consigning some, donating some, and saving some for our MOPS swap shop next week. It feels good to get that stuff out of here!

We're slowly accumulating lots of little boy clothes - we've got a new stroller and carseat, and we're thinking of cloth diapering this time around. I have a couple of friends who are doing it, and have told me it really is easier, and less messy, than you might think. We're considering the Flip Diapers to use, as they can go from a newborn all the way up till potty training.
Cotton Babies is a great website to check out if you're thinking of cloth diapering, too.

Hopefully today, we're going to get our garden plot tilled up and ready to go. We're looking forward to seeing the literal "fruits" of our labor this summer - both in the form of produce, and a baby boy!

Have a blessed Easter!

snowed in.

2010-02-01T13:49:00.000-08:00

My husband left for Puerto Rico on Thursday morning. We got a "blizzard" (by west TN standards - 8 inches of snow/ice) on Friday. We have been snowed in ever since. No Church. No MOPS, due to school closings tomorrow. My husband comes home on Saturday. Thankfully, we're at my parents, so I have had some help with the kids - but 4 days cooped up is beginning to wear on us. What a weekend!
I have cabin fever. BAD. I miss my husband. My girls miss their dad. Behavior is reflective. Please pray for this parsonage family!!

Birthdays, Baby, and Bags - OH MY!

2010-01-21T10:31:00.000-08:00

It's been a busy week here around the parsonage. On 1/15, Olivia celebrated her 6th birthday. Six years. Wow. I know it's so cliche, but where has the time gone??? She's lost 2 teeth, with 2 more loose ones, and she can read on her own. She is getting so grown up! We celebrated her day with dinner at a local Mexican restaurant. Of course, they brought out the sombrero & a dessert, and sang something in Spanish about a birthday - I don't know that she was too sure about all that this year.

The yesterday, 1/20, Allison celebrated birthday #3. That one is just hard to wrap my mind around as well. When we moved into the parsonage 2 years ago, she wasn't even walking - now she runs everywhere, yells everything, and is a full blown kid! We celebrated her day with lunch at a local pizza place.

Since the girls' birthdays are just days apart, we have had joint birthday parties for them the last two years. It works well for now, because most of their friends are the same, and they haven't really asked to have separate parties.

This year we had a tea party themed event, and asked all their friends to come dressed up if they wanted. Allison, being the rebel, insisted on a "puppy party" so we had tea party cupcakes and puppy cupcakes. The best of both worlds, I suppose.

We're in the process of moving them to the same room - something they asked for before we knew about baby #3 - so that will be a big change.

Speaking of baby #3 - I had a doctor visit yesterday, and we got to hear the little heartbeat for the first time. The girls got the most amazed look on their faces. I am 14 weeks now, feeling much better than I did a few weeks ago. I have the occasional waves of nausea, but nothing like they were. I am still waiting for that burst of energy the second trimester brings - my house and family will be thankful when it arrives, that is for sure! I did really like the doctor I saw yesterday, so that is another positive thing! The doctor I loved at the practice I am using moved away over the summer and I was so sad about that! We should find out in about 4 weeks if we'll be buying more pink, or if we get to buy blue. I really don't have a good guess.
.
Whichever gender this baby is - I do plan on buying a new diaper bag from Thirty One Have you heard of Thirty One? Do you love monogrammed purses, bags, and accessories? If s, then you need to see a Thirty One catalog! The new spring line, which releases Feb. 1 is awesome!! Lots of new products, and new prints on some old favorites! It's been an incredible blessing for me to be a Thirty One consultant. It's helping to pay for our new(to us) van, paid for our family's Christmas, and other things! I have 10 people on my team, and would love to have more! If you would like a catalog, let me know, and I will get one to you!

Photos coming of the birthday celebrations! Just don't have the time to get the card reader out right now. We have school to do, and I need to attempt to fix my hair and makeup before going to a meeting tonight.
Be blessed!

Make some noise.... and some room!

2010-01-04T14:07:00.001-08:00

What a year this will be for this parsonage family...

We're having a baby!!!

All is well so far, due mid-July. I get to have an ultrasound tomorrow - we'll get the first glimpse of this new little person!

The girls are excited - Olivia wants another sister, Allison wants a puppy.

Happy New Year!

Family Photos...

2009-11-08T17:34:00.000-08:00

Last week, my friend Treena took some family photos for us. We are so thrilled with how they turned out! Here are few from our session! I think the one @ the top of this post might be my favorite... it is so fun!

.
If you're in our area, I will be glad to give you her contact information! She is fabulous! Thank you, Treena!!!

Married to the Ministry Scavenger Hunt

2009-11-06T14:18:00.000-08:00

Thanks, Amber for posting this! I'm playing along with Lisa's Married to the Ministry Scavenger Hunt. Here are my answers to her questions:

1. First Name - Jennifer

2. State and Country of Residence - TN, USA

3. Husband’s Ministry Title - Senior Pastor

4. Length of time in Current Ministry Location - 2 years in January

5. Children? Yes. Olivia and Allison. They are almost 6 and 3, respectively.

6. Number of unique homes in which you’ve lived during your marriage - In our seven years of marriage, we have lived in several homes. We lived in an apartment while @ our first church. Our second church we lived in 2 different houses, one a rental, and the other the parsonage. In between churches 2 and 3 (where we are now) we lived with my parents. Yes. I know. It could have been a reality show. And, we also had a rental for a few months. We currently live in the church parsonage.

7. Cook Sunday lunch or eat out? It depends. I am big into meal planning and once a month shopping for the bulk of our groceries, and I usually factor in a time or two to eat out during the month. We eat at home a lot. Occasionally we are invited to someone's home to eat, too - which is always fun! We also go to my parents' every now and again for Sunday lunch since we live fairly close to them now.

8. Typically on time for Sunday School or not? No. We all go to church @ the same time. I ride with the pastor. I don't have an excuse. Now, it is humorous that while we were on our ministry break, we attended a church for a while and were almost NEVER on time to SS.

9. Favorite TV Show - The Biggest Loser. Clean House. Law and Order SVU. Any CSI. Cold Case. 18 Kids and Counting. The Dish. The Soup. What Not to Wear. Food Network. I also love me some ER and Little House on the Prairie reruns.

10. Something you watch/like/do that you would never tell the church people... I frequently get distracted in the checkout by the celebrity smut rags. I. Can't. Look. Away.

11. Most annoying church-related pet peeve - church politics. Also, the phrase/attitude "We've never done it that way before."

12. One thing you need to throw away but can’t bring yourself to do it - Looking around the room I am currently in, I can see a lot of things..... I have been on a purging kick as of late.

13. The one food you can not live without - Orange juice. Cereal. I have a bit of a dependency on both.

14. Parsonage or have your own home? La Parsonage.

15. Freak when the doorbell rings or always ready for a visitor? I don't really freak, but I also don't run to the door. I have a strategy. This strategy has gone to the wind somewhat now that both children can easily open the door. Not a good thing when you may not be wearing a well... you know where this is going.

in pictures...

2009-10-23T17:29:00.000-07:00

First - I made this wreath. Made it. So proud of myself! Our local library had a wreath class and I jumped at it. Hoping they do a Christmas one.

Anyway, here's the perspective from the parsonage over the last few months...

Miss A proving she is indeed tall enough - by half an inch - to ride everything @ the fair. It would have been an episode if she wasn't. Glad we didn't go last year for this very reason.

Miss A and Daddy on the Ferris Wheel.

We grew sunflowers. A project all summer in the making.

Miss O and Mommy on the Ferris Wheel. We all had a blast @ the fair this year.

With Lizzie - the parsonage mutt - at the dog show. She didn't win this year, however she won first prize last year. It was hot. Like, look out the window and sweat hot. Note the sweaty, dirty children.

Miss O graduated from preschool . So grown up.

Around the Parsonage... October

2009-10-21T09:37:00.000-07:00

Hello Blog. It has been a long time. I apologize. Lots to catch up on. For now, we'll start with this:

Got this from Sarah. Love the idea!

Around the House: October

Reading: Just finished the Tales of London series by Lawanna Blackwell. Really enjoyed them! Not sure what is next!

Enjoying: Family. Fall. Getting rid of stuff. My Thirty One business. Scarves. Homeschooling.

Learning: How to deal with hard issues of leadership. When you're a people pleaser and hate confrontation (fabulous combo, I know!), this can definitely stretch you! Also, learning how to balance all the roles in my life. And learning to love getting up at 4:45am to go to the gym and exercise.

Watching: The Biggest Loser. Love it. The stories are so inspiring. Clean House. Little House on the Prairie reruns.

Anticipating: Christmas. Actually, I anticipate fall all summer long... and once it gets here I start thinking on Thanksgiving and Christmas. We're planning to add more Jesus, less stuff to our holiday celebrations this year. We want our girls to see that it truly is better to give than receive.

Realizing: This extra weight didn't come on over night. It isn't going to come off overnight, either.

Pondering: How did my girls grow up so fast???

Studying: 1&2 Kings (with some minor prophets,too) on Thursday mornings @ Community Bible Study. Love my CBS group. My girls love it, too.

Wondering: If and when we'll have baby #3. I think I know about 10,000 people who are pregnant or just had a baby. This is fueling the fire. :) Haven't seen those 2 lines yet!

Remembering: HE IS. I am NOT.

Praying: that we all stay healthy. For revival, both personally and for our church.

"Show Us Where You Live Friday"

2009-05-01T14:51:00.000-07:00

One of the blogs I love to read is "Kelly's Korner." She is a true Southern girl, and she loves Jesus, and that little Harper is just precious!

She started Show Us Where You Live Friday - so I thought I would jump in on this.

This week's feature is the kitchen.

Here you have it, the parsonage kitchen. Which I admit - was taken just after I cleaned it "The House That Cleans Itself" style.

Our kitchen has WHITE. Lots of White. While it looks crisp and clean, I would love to have some ideas about how to add some color here and there. Directly to the right in the picture is our kitchen door that goes out into the carport/covered patio area. Directly to the left is what appears in the second photo.

Love my red cookbook stand. I love cookbooks, and the one on the stand is one I use a lot. The church purchased the new stove and fridge for us when we moved in last January.

If I can get the kitchen table cleaned off tonight, you can see the dining area of the kitchen. That's a big if. It's been a day.

I'd love to hear your suggestions about adding some color to our kitchen.

my new endeavor...

2009-04-14T13:41:00.000-07:00

Have you heard of Thirty One? If you haven't - I know you'll love their stuff!
I just signed on as a consultant - I had a party in March, and I was sold!
Love that they are a Christian company. Love their products. Love that I became a consultant for only $25!
Here's a link to my Thirty One website:
www.mythirtyone.com/jenniferjulian

Be sure to check out the new 31Kid line - the stuff is too cute!!

Farewell, ER.

2009-04-02T12:41:00.001-07:00

I am bummed about the end of the tv series ER. I have been a faithful fan since it's debut in 1994. That means I have been watching this show for half of my life, people. I even love to watch the reruns on TNT when I get the chance. I have last week's episode DVR'd, and will do the same with tonight's episode.
I wanted to share with you a couple of my favorite ER moments, courtesy of YouTube:

Love this one, but the video quality and sound quality isn't great.
allowfullscreen="true" width="445" height="364">

Are you an ER fan?

inside the mind of your pastor's wife...

2009-03-30T17:37:00.000-07:00

http://livingproofministries.blogspot.com/2009/03/life-of-ministers-wife.html

Take the time to watch all three segments. Seriously. You'll be glad you did.

throw it off...

2009-03-26T14:25:00.000-07:00

Along with the "Parsonage Purge of '09," comes an effort to get off that last 25 pounds. After our second daughter was born, I lost a whopping 50 pounds. It all stayed off for almost a year, until I stopped nursing. Then, before I knew it, about 15 had crept back on. Funny how the "nursing diet" of eating whatever you want, whenever you want doesn't really work when you're no longer a food source. That bowl of ice cream @ 11pm finds its way to your hips faster than you can fill a sippy cup. My weight has been something I have struggled with since I was a teenager. Couple that with the fact that I LOVE to cook, and don't make time for myself to exercise, it definitely makes for a battle..
One of my favorite shows is The Biggest Loser. I am so inspired by the transformations that take place, both inwardly, and outwardly with these contestants. Right now I am dead even(weight wise) with one of the female contestants. I am going to see if I can get the forst 15 off by the end of the season in May.
So I would love your prayers as I embark on this journey to get the last of the weight off. I want to throw off what hinders me, and quite frankly, the weight hinders me in many ways. I don't want to be held back by it anymore. I want to someday run a 5k, and maybe even a 10k and someday a halfmarathon, if my knees will let me.
No more excuses. Time to get this temple into shape!

time to clean house...

2009-03-24T11:15:00.000-07:00

Spring has sprung. And for this parsonage family, this year, that means some spring cleaning! I recently won a copy of a fabulous book "The House That Cleans Itself," over at Life in the Parsonage. Thanks, Sarah!!! It's written by Mindy Starns Clark, and while I am only a few chapters it, what I have read is wonderful!

First, let me say that I am reformed packrat. While I am not where I want to be, over the last 7 years or so, having moved 5+ times, a couple of those being across town, I have become much less attached to "stuff." Combine that with the natural amount of clothes, papers, toys, etc., that accumulate over the years as a family grows, it's really not hard to look around one day and find yourself - and your house - being overtaken by clutter! It affects every part of your life - when your house is in disarray, and cluttered, it often leaves you feeling discouraged and exhausted. Can I get a witness??

So, I am on a mission - declutter, simplify, and keep it clean. And I am not just talking about the house, girls. There's lots of spiritual truth there, too. When our lives are so cluttered with "stuff" - while it may be good, God-honoring stuff - we can often miss what He's really trying to show us.

Who is with me? I'd love to hear your thoughts on this!

overheard today in the parsonage...

2009-03-20T17:25:00.001-07:00

Olivia (5 years old) to Allison (2 years old):
"You never hit a princess. Now, you be my servant."

Priceless.

if i could write a letter to me...

2009-03-06T08:45:00.001-08:00

and send it back in time to myself at 17....

That's the title of a recent country song by Brad Paisley. What if you could? What would you say to your 17 year old self? . My bloggin' PW friend Lisa over at The Preacher's Wife blog, also addressed this in a post not to long ago.

I listen to a lot of country music, and I hear the above mentioned song occasionally. I heard it today, in fact. Every time I hear it, I do think about what I would say to myself.

Dear Jennifer,

It's your older, wiser self. Since I've got 11 years on you now, I want to pass along a little wisdom and advice - so that when you're here, you won't look back wishing you could get some do-overs.

First, know that while you are at a pivotal time in your life - 17 isn't as good as it gets. That heartbreak you're hanging onto - let it go. It isn't worth it. He's not the one for you. The one for you is so much better than anything you could imagine. Don't place your worth in the way you're viewed by boys, or how popular you are. You won't have a prom date, but it's okay, really. It might seem like social suicide now, but highly unlikely anyone will remember that at your 10 year reunion. If they do, they aren't going to mention it. I know this, because I went, and it never came up.

Love Jesus, and love others. in a few months time, you're going with 35 other teenagers on a trip to the Holy Land. Soak it all in. Treasure every moment that you walk where He walked. It will be something you look back on and wish you'd been more of a sponge to the whole experience.

Cherish your friends, but don't hold them so closely that you are slow to let others in. It might surprise you to know that a good majority of the close girlfriends you have at 28 won't be the ones you spend all your time with now.

Don't cut your hair short when you're a sophomore in college. It isn't a good look for you. Trust me.

Don't be quick to fall in love. When it's right, you'll know it.

Hug MeMe a lot. Go and see her often. The time is shorter than you might think.

Accept God's forgiveness, and forgive others. His grace covers a multitude of sins.

You won't believe the blessings God has in store for you. While it's been a bumpy ride getting here to almost 29, God's plan is perfect, and He is good. Trust Him to work out the details.

See you in 11 years!

PS: Really. I mean it. Don't get your hair cut short. Please.

Let's hear it - what would you say to the 17 year old you? Write your own post and let me know!

caught in the middle

2009-02-28T07:46:00.000-08:00

Last night, after the kids were in bed, thankful for a little peace and quiet, I sat down to catch up on a few blog reads and check my Facebook. To be quite honest, I was tired, frustrated, and a little mad. My 2 year old had squirted almost ALL of my liquid makeup on the bathroom floor. My 5 year old hadn't been listening very well. There had been several fits, trips to time out, and more yelling than I'd like to admit. Not my best day as a parent, by any estimation. It felt like my worst, to tell you the truth.
Anyway, one of my first stops after Facebook was Angie's blog - Bring the Rain. I didn't read any more blogs after that. Her post titled "In Between" left me with so much to chew on. So here it goes, my own personal in-between.

My husband is a pastor. I sometimes feel so unworthy of the role of "pastor's wife." I know I should read my Bible more. I struggle with having a daily personal quiet time. I always have the best of intentions regarding this, but they get pushed to the side in favor of other things way more than this PW would like people to know. I sometimes would like to sleep in on Sunday. I don't always have joy on Sunday mornings about going to church, and I often feel as though I am going through the motions. I want to be like Jesus, but I feel like I am caught in the middle.
I am so blessed that I get to be at home with my girls. I would not trade that for anything. I know that a lot of moms out there don't get to do that for one reason or another, and believe me when I say I don't take that lightly. There are days, like yesterday, when I really struggle. I don't show enough patience with the 500+ questions. I don't show enough patience with disobedience. I don't show grace when I should show grace. I am short with my husband for no reason at all. I am often a frustrated parent, something I don't desire to be. I think a lot of that is because I don't spend enough time in His Word, and covering my home and my children in prayer. I am caught in the middle.
Beginning this summer, I will become the coordinator for our local MOPS group. This is something I am so excited about, yet very intimidated by as well. I want this ministry to do well, and to be a blessing to the moms who are a part of it. I need to be on my face for our moms, and for our group, begging God to help us be His hands and feet to the mothers of preschoolers in our area. I want to be on my face for those things. The truth is, I want to be on my face about so many things. I want to be a woman of prayer. I want to get into the routine of having a daily personal time with Him that is a MUST-HAVE before I start my day with the girls. But I'm caught in the middle.
I like my sleep. I stay up too late. I enjoy watching TV. I am selfish at times. I don't always have the best attitude. Those things are on one side. On the other side is the personal time with God, prayer, and reading of His word. Writing notes of encouragement to moms that I know are struggling. Baking a loaf of bread for someone I know who has had a rough week, or just taking a little extra time to play with my girls rather than get them doing something on their own so that I can do what I want. Exercising, and getting up early so that I can do that, which takes discipline I don't know if I have in me. I am so caught in the middle.

Thank you Angie - for being so honest and real in your post. It has changed me. It is spurring me on to love and good deeds, and for that I am grateful. Today, I am starting on a new path. I want to be more on the side of things that are worth it. I don't want to sit down at night filled with conviction over how I have shown love or grace to those in my life. I want my home and family to be covered in prayer. I want our home to be a place that is clean, safe, and peaceful. Not full of stress and frustration. Most importantly, I want to be a student of the Lord Jesus - who is the only one who can keep me out of the middle.

new.

2009-02-23T08:01:00.001-08:00

I overhauled the blog this weekend. I thought it needed a new look, as did my photo - which showcases my new 'do - ;) Along with the new header I made over at Scrapblog.
I was thinking a lot this weekend about why I blog. I started this blog originally to keep family and friends updated while we were in transition 2 summers ago. Then I began to find other blogs that I loved and wanted to keep up with. I have been inspired, challenged, encouraged and convicted by bloggers like Angie, Amy Beth, Sarah, and Kathryn and Lisa , among counteless others. I have come to see blogs as a medium where our thoughts and the events in our lives - the good, the bad, and sometimes what appears to be the mundane - spill out onto the keyboard - and God uses them as part of His master plan.
So along with a new look for the blog, comes a new intent. Blogging with a Kingdom purpose. Yes, I will still post family updates and photos, and a good recipe from time to time, but I want the bulk of my posts to be about three things - marriage, motherhood, and ministry. I want the perspective from this parsonage to be on God at work all around us. And I don't want to be on the sidelines.

No Eating Out Challenge!

2009-02-04T13:38:00.000-08:00

ETA: Link to Kami's blog is now correct! Sorry about that!

I jumped in on the No Eating Out Challenge at Kami's blog - Home of Five. While I do menu plan for our family each month, eating out is something we could definitely do without to help our monthly income stretch more each month. So, Michael and I decided last weekend that we're going to eliminate eating out this month and see how it goes. Then today I saw Kami was doing this challenge - very cool!

Who else is with me?

Happy Birthday, Allison!

2009-01-20T20:19:00.000-08:00

Enjoying that birthday cupcake - 1/20/09

Written on Tuesday, January 20, 2009.

Two years ago tonight, we held you for the first time.

Two years ago tonight, our family of three became a family of four.

Two years ago tonight, you made Olivia a big sister.

How it has flown by...

Today you're quite the chatterbox, and you can spot a dessert a mile away...

We love you, our little princess. We are so thankful that God has given us you!

I have a video of Allison singing the "Bir-day" song - but Blogger wasn't cooperating last night... I will try again today!

Happy Birthday, Olivia!

2009-01-15T19:13:00.001-08:00

blowing out FIVE candles today @ preschool - 1/15/09

"rockin' out" with her Sharpay wig and Barbie guitar - 1/13/09

Our Olivia Kate - January 2004 - not even 24 hours old.

Five years ago tonight, you made us a mom and dad.

Five years ago tonight, a two became three.

Five years ago tonight, our world changed forever.

We are so proud of you! You light up our lives with your excitement for everything! You are our little artist, our princess, and our gift from God.

We love you, sweet girl!

Preach on...

2009-01-07T12:45:00.001-08:00

Amy Beth touched me again with another post from Ministry So Fabulous.
I'm passing it on...... and will do my best to take it to task.

http://ministrysofabulous.com/2009/01/05/practice-what-you-preach/

Please pray for Stellan...

2008-12-30T06:40:00.000-08:00

Please pray for baby Stellan. You can read more (and get updates!) @ his mama's blog: www.mycharmingkids.net
He's one sick little guy and needs our prayers.

Christmas in the parsonage...

2008-12-29T07:37:00.001-08:00

Just a few scenes from Christmas...

The whole family, including Lizzie the dog...

The reason for the season...

Our tree...

Christmas Eve in matching PJ's

Chex Mix made by Mommy and Olivia

Peppermint Bark made by Mommy and Olivia

Happy Birthday, Michael!

2008-12-27T15:32:00.000-08:00

Happy 36th Birthday to my wonderful husband!
I am thankful for you every day!
I love you!

Decorating Daddy's chocolate cake...

Happy Birthday to you!

Cake was decorated with love by Olivia.

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas...

2008-12-17T06:40:00.000-08:00

It's been brought to my attention by a certain person that my blog was in need of updating. And, there are lots of updates to share... so let's get to it!

It really is starting to look like Christmas here in NW Tennessee. Schools have been closed for 3 days now because of ice. I don't really understand Monday's closing, however, b/c the predicted ice didn't even start till the late afternoon. They could have gone half a day.... but I don't make those decisions. Anyway. Due to the school closing, that meant no preschool for Miss O - Monday or Tuesday, which meant NO Christmas program or Christmas party, or making gingerbread houses with her class on Tuesday. We were all really disappointed. I had hoped to share photos with you of those events, too.
Last weekend, we made the trip to Campbellsville, Kentucky (where we lived before moving to NW TN) to attend my brother's graduation from Campbellsville University. He now has a Bachelor's of Science in Physical Education. We are so proud of him!
While we were there, we got to see some old friends, which was SO nice.
This coming weekend, we're hosting an open house for the families in our church. Which means starting tomorrow, I have to get baking! The house is all decorated, and in the process of being cleaned, and we're excited about opening our home to the people who have made our first year in the parsonage so wonderful. This will be the first time many in the church have seen it since it was renovated, so I want everything to look really nice!

More to come on the parsonage Christmas happenings!

Totally worth reading...

2008-11-13T19:53:00.000-08:00

if you want to read something that will speak to your heart... then you need to read this post from Angie over at Bring the Rain - what a beautiful post.

The Glorious Hem

Get your kleenexes out first... don't say you weren't warned.

Such a good read.

October Photo Madness!

2008-11-02T13:22:00.000-08:00

Here are some photos of the events I mentioned in my last post...

Allison's new friend she made at the Halloween party we went to on 11/1 (he is a big baby!) - she kept saying "hug puppy" and wouldn't come with us to get in the car until she had hugged him goodbye.

The one decent photo I got of Allison in her puppy costume.

Olivia in her spider costume on Halloween

Our little scarecrows @ Harvest Day

Olivia walking Lizzie past the judges in the pet show...

Anniversary getaway... a rare picture of just the two of us!

Olivia with her ribbon and $10 prize for winning the dog show... note that the dog has run out of the picture...

A little of this, and a little of that...

2008-10-27T19:41:00.000-07:00

The last couple of weeks have gone by in such a blur! Revival at church, fall break from preschool, MOPS, the pumpkin patch, our anniversary getaway, Harvest Day, a Pastor appreciation lunch at church, our association's annual meeting, a wedding... whew!

Michael and I celebrated six years of marriage on October 19. We were able to have a short getaway to a place we found online, the Aire Castle Bed and Breakfast. The place is beautiful, and close to home... we're definitely planning a return trip! Mike and Anne, the innkeepers, were absolutely fabulous! Truly a precious couple with a heart for the Lord and for serving others. It was so nice just to have an evening to ourselves and sleep late the next morning - something that is a rarity these days, but needed every once in awhile.

Upon returning from our getaway, we went straight to pick up the girls and the dog and headed for our town's Harvest Day. Part of the Harvest Day events included a pet show and we had promised Olivia she could enter our dog... Lo and Behold - our Lizzie took first prize! Olivia (well, actually the dog, if you want to get technical...) got a blue ribbon and $10! She also got third prize in the pumpkin painting contest. I took Olivia to the movies on 10/26 to see High School Musical 3. We went with some others from church and had a great time!

Photos coming soon!

Allison's vocabulary continues to just explode. We are so thankful that her ears have remained fluid free since her surgery in June. Michael and I really think that the sweet little thing just couldn't hear much at all... within days of the surgery she was trying to say so many more things.
Lately her favorite words/sentences are "NO" (with a foot stomp!), "not like" "Hi Puppy" and "Light ON!" She also has a stuffed Clifford that goes everywhere, as well as a little white stuffed dog which she has named "Other One." I guess because we have always said to her "pick up Clifford, ok now pick up the other one!" They have to sleep beside her in bed too... The girl is dog crazy!

We're gearing up for our Fall Festival/Harvest Party @ church this week. Should be a fun time for the kids in town!

For the love of NKOTB...

2008-10-22T06:58:00.000-07:00

I posted earlier this year about the reuniting and subsequent concert tour of New Kids on the Block.
I read this hilarious recap of the Houston concert and thought I would pass it on...
If you ever loved NKOTB, or know someone who did, you will definitely appreciate!

http://www.ihategreenbeans.com/2008/10/20/ill-be-loving-themforever/

Pumpkin Patch!

2008-10-15T06:30:00.000-07:00

Yesterday we went with our MOPS group to a local pumpkin patch. The girls had so much fun. In addition to pumpkins/gourds, etc., this place has lots of animals - ranging from chickens to a camel to a kangaroo... as well as inflatable bouncers for the kids, a hay maze, and other play equipment.
We are planning to go back again before they close for the season so that Michael can go with us.

Allison wanted to get in the pen with the "roo"

Baby Chicks!

On the hay bales

I had to coax her with animal crackers to get her still enough for this photo...

We loved the camel!

Posing for the camera

Not too sure about the "peg" - although she wanted to keep touching the snout!

Cool story...

2008-09-30T19:32:00.000-07:00

Here's an interesting article about the house featured in the new movie "Nights in Rodanthe."

http://hamptonroads.com/node/481509

I remember reading the book years ago and loved it. The movie looks like a great adaptation.

Lots to chew on...

2008-09-29T19:23:00.000-07:00

mentally that is. Lots going on in my mind and heart tonight. Our MOPS group is in a state of transition right now, we're having to find a new location to meet. Not necessarily what we had planned, but we can definitely see the hand of God in the situation from many angles. We think we've got a home for our October meeting next week, but we will hopefully be able to secure a new permanent home by the time our steering team meets again in mid-October.
Today I also was filled with sadness for a family I only know by name, and for an expectant mom I have only seen in passing. She is a secretary @ the church where Olivia attends preschool, and over the weekend, she delivered a stillborn son who died in utero a couple of days before. She was just a few weeks from her due date. I cannot even imagine the pain. Today when I was in the line for pickup, the florist van pulled in behind me and began unloading the funeral sprays... it literally made me feel sick for that family.
I was told that a photographer from the Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep organization was planning to take some photographs for the family once they knew all of this was happening.
A word of caution - if you visit the NILMDTS website, be aware that while the photos are beautiful, they are also heartbreaking. I am so thankful though, for people willing to give of their time and talents to give grieving familes these precious keepsakes. What a tremendous ministry.
We are also preparing for revival at church next week - the first one since we've been at the church. We are praying for God to do a mighty work in the life of our church and in the lives of our members.

Breathe...

2008-09-25T12:55:00.000-07:00

I just read this amazing post over at Amy Beth's Ministry So Fabulous blog.
I can totally relate. And it completely blessed me.
Hope it blesses you today, too!

Fireproof

2008-09-25T11:10:00.000-07:00

Starting tomorrow, you have the opportunity to see a GREAT movie!
Created by Sherwood Baptist Church in Albany, GA -Fireproof releases in theaters nationwide!

We were able to go to an advance screening back in June while at the Southern Baptist Convention annual meeting. It is a fabulous story, and I think it is going to change marriages all over the country.

Additionally, Fireproof is getting some coverage on the Dr. Phil show today - 9.25.08.

We're planning to go see it again (and have our first date night out in AGES!) on Saturday.

Please make an effort to go out and see this movie this weekend - remember, the higher the sales are on opening weekend, it will open in additional places in the weeks to come.
Let's send Hollywood a message!

A side note - having seen it already, this film is probably most appropriate for adults, teens and late pre-teens. It has a PG rating.

Biggest Loser TONIGHT!

2008-09-16T12:51:00.000-07:00

Biggest Loser Families starts TONIGHT!
I am going to try my hardest not to sit down with a bowl of ice cream or other assorted junky goodness while I watch this season's episodes.
Kinda defeats the purpose, don't you think?
Now, I gotta find a hiding place for the Brach's Autumn Mix and Hershey's Caramel Apple Kisses...

I am so God's four year old...

2008-09-16T12:42:00.001-07:00

Totally stealing today's post title from Sarah. A while back she posted this and today I can totally relate.

I am so God's four year old, or almost 20 month old... depending on the day... I mean, depending on the minute... I can show one, some or all of the following traits...impatient, demanding, full or questions, and downright stubborn...

However, God loves me in spite of all of the above, and He continues to show me that through His Word, through other people, and through life in general
Thank you, Jesus, for not giving up on me!

Do you follow this blog?

2008-09-09T12:56:00.000-07:00

Click on the Follow tab on the sidebar and add yourself to the list...

Vacation!

2008-09-06T15:05:00.000-07:00

Beach House

We just returned from a great week on the Grand Strand, specifically Surfside Beach, SC. We stayed with all of Michael's family at Ocean Lakes Campground. I can't say enough good things about that place! It's become our entire family's favorite place! This is the 5th (out of 6 that we've been married) that we have vacationed here and we're SOLD! Very clean, very affordable, and very family friendly. The campground is owned by a Christian family, who had a vision for a place that families can come and feel safe, relax, and have a great time on the beach.
There's a link for Ocean Lakes on the sidebar. Definitely worth checking out!
It was also the girls' first time to fly on an airplane, and they did great!

Girls in their matching dresses on the beach. We also took some family photos, and I think my MIL actually got ONE where everyone is looking @ the camera... :)

Playing on the beach @ sunset

Watching the planes during our layover in Atlanta

On the plane

While we were there, we also saw a wedding on the beach - very cool! We spent lots of time riding on the golf cart around the campground, digging and playing in the sand, playing @ the pool, and playing dominoes @ night after the kiddos were in bed.
Such a fabulous week! More photos coming soon!

Difficulty Glorious...

2008-08-25T12:46:00.000-07:00

that's the name of a new blog by one of my BFF's, Kathryn. She is an AMAZING woman of insight, strenght, and she is a woman after God's heart. She has a way with words that paint such a picture of her journey with Christ. Plus, she's hopefully going to be moving to Tennessee early next year, which means we'll get to see each other without YEARS between visits.
I've added it to the blogroll.

Oh, my poor, neglected blog...

2008-08-16T14:38:00.000-07:00

I promise, I haven't forgotten you!
There has been so much going on around here to keep me busy, and the Olympic watching has monopolized our time after the kiddos are in bed. Go Team USA! The swimming and gymnastics have been amazing!
So much to tell you all...
Miss O is back in preschool, and has her first soccer practice on Monday!
Miss A got her first haircut this week, and an excellent report from the ENT regarding her ears on Thursday! All concerns we had about her hearing are gone - from what he can see, her hearing is perfect! Thank you Jesus!
We had an awesome MOPS meeting to kick off the year - THIRTY moms! So pumped about all that God is going to do this year through our group!
T-Minus 12 days and counting till we leave for the beach - super excited about that...
Had an awesome Pampered Chef cooking show @ my house a couple weeks ago, and got some fun goodies and gadgets. Tasty Tuesday is coming back with a bang!
We are LOVING all the fresh fruits and veggies that the local farmers have to offer. Particulary the cucumbers, peaches, squashand cantelope... and just last week I got my first bag of Honey Crisp Apples of the season. They are apple bliss, if there is such a thing...

Lots of pictures to post, too... if I can ever remember to have the camera here when I sit down to blog!

Tomorrow, tomorrow...

2008-07-17T15:01:00.000-07:00

I love ya, tomorrow....
Michael comes home tomorrow!

Can you tell we've missed him around here this week!

You're only a day away....

Four-Year-Old funny...

2008-07-16T06:47:00.000-07:00

The other day, while in the bathroom @ Wal-Mart (while sitting on the potty), Olivia says to me - "Momma, how do they get the milk out of cow gutters? Don't they have a machine to squeeze it out?"
Yes, Olivia, they sure do.
Cow gutters. Too funny.

Tasty Tuesday - Maple Banana Bread

2008-07-15T19:15:00.000-07:00

Maple Banana Bread

Got this one from Allrecipes.com too. I am making some more this week. It really is yummy!

Since it is sweetened with maple syrup, it's not chock full of sugar, just natural sweetness!

INGREDIENTS
1/2 cup butter, melted
1/2 cup maple syrup
1 egg
2 ripe bananas
1/2 teaspoon maple extract
3 tablespoons milk
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 cup chopped walnuts
3 tablespoons white sugar

DIRECTIONS
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).

Grease a 5x9 inch loaf pan.
In a large bowl, mix the melted butter and maple syrup. Beat in the egg and bananas, leaving a few small chunks.

Stir in the maple extract and milk. In a separate bowl, mix the flour, baking soda, and baking powder, and stir into the banana mixture just until moistened.

Transfer to the prepared loaf pan.

Mix the nuts and sugar, and sprinkle evenly over the batter.
Bake 50 minutes in the preheated oven, or until a knife inserted in the center of the loaf comes out clean.

News and Notes

2008-07-15T19:04:00.000-07:00

Well, I am flying solo this week. Michael is in the Midwest on a mission trip with our association. He left Saturday, and won't be home till Friday night! So far, we're doing ok, but I am ready to have my husband HOME! We all miss him lots!
It's been an itchy two weeks around here for me. Sometime before the 4th, I got poision oak on my foot, between my toes to be exact. First time in my life to ever have the stuff, and I hope I never have it again. Thankfully it's healing up well, and not itching anymore. But over the weekend I did get some kind of heat rash/contact dermatitis. I was clawing like you wouldn't believe - my legs, stomach, arms, everywhere! It has been unreal! I went to the urgent care place yesterday, and got some meds, but the antihistamine makes me so drowsy, and when you're the only parent at home for 6 days and 6 nights, drowsy ain't good, people. I took one pill last night, and I am still feeling the effects this evening! And to think the label directions said to take 2 or 3 a day! I wouldn't be itching, but I wouldn't be able to keep my eyes open either!

We're also in the throwes of potty training Lizzie (the dog, not the younger child!). It's been better this week, but we're still not there yet! If you have any tips I would love to hear them!

HUGE CONGRATS to my friend April (and Jonathan and the girls!) Little Justus Chandler was born on Sunday morning. When we can get our schedules in line, I get to fly out to Arizona and meet the little man (and see the rest of them, too, of course!). That was my Mother's Day and Birthday gift from Michael and the girls, a trip to Arizona to see my sweet friend!

It's also SUPER hot here. I am so ready for vacation. Just a little over a month till the beach, peeps. I can't wait!

Mark your calendars - Part 2

2008-07-09T07:11:00.001-07:00

Steven and Mary Beth Chapman will also be guests on Larry King Live - August 7, 2008

Read more HERE

MOPS

2008-07-09T06:53:00.000-07:00

I thought today I would post about my MOPS group. MOPS stands for Mothers of Preschoolers.
I am serving this year on the steering committee for our local group and I am SO excited! Can't wait for it to start up again next month!
I look forward to going to the meetings each month, and my girls enjoy going to the playgroup when we get a chance. Motherhood is a tough job, and having the comraderie of other moms who are in the same stage of life is so encouraging. It really helps knowing that there is someone who has "been there, done that" or "doing that right now."
Do you have a mom's group or other women's group that encourages and uplifts you?

Mark your calendars...

2008-07-07T17:13:00.000-07:00

I read today that Steven and Mary Beth Chapman will appear on ABC's Good Morning America program - AUGUST 4, 2008.

You can read more about it here.

I will definitely be watching, if not live, by way of DVR later that day.

May God bless their family.

Thank you JESUS!

2008-07-02T10:10:00.000-07:00

So I hit 50 posts yesterday, and I planned on doing a "50 things I am loving this Summer" post. Plans changed. Below is an email that I just sent out to some of our friends.

Most of you know our four year old, Olivia, definitely keeps us on our toes. She is full of life and joy and there is never a dull moment!

Anyway, yesterday afternoon, about 2:30pm, I was in the laundry room checking emails and had just finished changing out the laundry. Allison was napping, and Olivia was playing in the kitchen with the puppy.
I heard her playing with the screen door, and told her to close it. She said "ok Mommy," and I heard it shut. I thought at that time she went upstairs to her room. A couple of minutes later I called her name, b/c I had told her when I finished we were going to do something (can't even remember what, now, but I think it was make banana bread.)
When she didn't answer, I wasn't concerned, b/c sometimes it is hard to hear someone calling her if she's upstairs in her room (directly over where the laundry room is located). I called a coupld more times, still no answer.
So I went out in the living room where I knew she would be able to hear me and called again - still no answer. I still wasn't really concerned, thinking maybe she was playing hide and seek - which when she hides, she HIDES and becomes super silent.
I started searching for her, in every room, in every closet she could get it, under every bed, still nothing. I went outside and searched the yard, no sign of her.

It was at this point I got really scared and started crying. Our neighbor was out in her yard and I called across the street asking if she had seen Olivia. I knew if she had she would have brought her right back home. She saw the panic in my face and said she would help me look.

I then called Michael who was 15 miles away at a meeting, and told him I couldn't find her. He told me to stay on with him until he could get home. It had only been about 15 minutes since I last heard her in the kitchen at this point, I think.

At one point, Michael told me to hang up and call the POLICE, so at least they could be looking too. Right about the same time, the paper delivery people came by me. I flagged them down, told them what she looked like and her name and to bring her back to me if they saw her.
I did so, and I (by the grace of God) was able to remain calm enough to tell them all her stats, and what she had on. Once I got that info out, I started crying uncontrollably. She connected me to the sheriff's dept, and I stayed on the line with them. I continued to look outside around the house, thinking maybe she had come out of her hiding spot. Still nothing.

Another lady that we know in town (who we only knew b/c her granddaughter was in Olivia's preschool class this past year) saw me out in the yard and stopped. She asked if Olivia was at home, and when I told her no, that we were looking for her, she said that she had seen Olivia about a quarter mile up the road (headed in the direction of the church) and thought something was off about that. She immediately turned around and went back to get her.

Right as she drove away, I saw Michael driving toward the house. He made it home in like 8 minutes compared to the 15 (at least) that it normally takes. He was going to check by the pool (one street over) b/c we both thought that she might go there. I flagged him down and told him that this lady had just seen her, and was going to get her.
At this point it had been about 30 minutes, but felt like hours. After about another 5 minutes or so (maybe longer) the paper delivery people drove up with our little girl. I cannot tell you what a beautiful sight that was!

She was hot, tired, and really thirsty, but other than that completely unharmed. She ended up about 5 blocks from our house on a side street.
We are so thankful that she is safe and sound. It's hard not to let your minds wander to the what-if's in a situation like this. Not only for her being lost, but the road we live on is extremely busy, and not many people really acknowledge the speed limit. So many things could have happened.

Not knowing where she was was a feeling I hope I never experience again.
We have had a LONG discussion with her about never leaving the yard without Mommy or Daddy EVER again. We still don't know why she did it yesterday, she's never done anything like this before.

We are so so so grateful for His protection of our girl. And, we'll definitely be installing some deadbolt locks out of the reach of little hands!

So, maybe when I reach 60 posts, you'll get that list, but as for today I am thankful. Just so thankful.

Tasty Tuesday - Blueberry Muffins

2008-07-01T06:48:00.000-07:00

Since blueberries are in season and cheap @ our local grocery store, we've been eating a LOT of them 'round here lately!
I got today's recipe from allrecipes.com and it is a good one!

"To Die For" Blueberry Muffins

Ingredients:

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 cup white sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/3 cup vegetable oil
1 egg
1/3 cup milk
1 cup fresh blueberries
1/2 cup white sugar
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup butter, cubed
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

Directions:

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).

Grease muffin cups or line with muffin liners.

Combine 1 1/2 cups flour, 3/4 cup sugar, salt and baking powder.

Place vegetable oil into a 1 cup measuring cup; add the egg and enough milk to fill the cup.

Mix this with flour mixture. Fold in blueberries.

Fill muffin cups right to the top, and sprinkle with crumb topping mixture.

To Make Crumb Topping:

Mix together 1/2 cup sugar, 1/3 cup flour, 1/4 cup butter, and 1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon. Mix with fork, and sprinkle over muffins before baking.
Bake for 20 to 25 minutes in the preheated oven, or until done.

Enjoy!

One Word!

2008-06-30T12:34:00.000-07:00

Got this from Sarah over at Life in the Parsonage
So here's the rules: All of the answers must be just one word.
1. Where is your cell phone? kitchen
2. Your significant other? patient
3. Your hair? flat
4. Your mother? busy
5. Your father? grilling
6. Your favorite thing? scrapbooking
7. Your dream last night? concert
8. Your favorite drink? starbucks
9. Your dream/goal? debt-free
10. The room you’re in? laundry
11. Your church? VBS
12. Your fear? Pain
13. Where do you want to be in 6 years? debt-free
14. Where were you last night? pool
15. What you’re not? skinny
16. Muffins? blueberry
17. One of your wish list items? Cricut
18. Where you grew up? Tennessee
19. The last thing you did? ate
20. What are you wearing? Clothes
21. Your TV? paused
22. Your pets? snooping
23. Your computer? Dell
24. Your life? Joy
25. Your mood? impatient
26. Missing someone? Kathryn
27. Your car? Dirty
28. Something you’re not wearing? stirrup pants (amen!)
29. Favorite store? Goodwill
30. Your summer? Hectic
31. Like(love) someone? Lots
32. Your favorite color? Red
33. Last time you laughed? Yesterday
34. Last time you cried? can't remember
35. Who will re post this? April

You're all it! Let's see what you can do with this one!

Where has the month gone??

2008-06-30T07:21:00.000-07:00

I hope to resume regular posting this week, as the craziness of June seems to be over!
We had VBS prep week before last, then a week of VBS this past week, as well as a friend's wedding. We finished with VBS family night last night, and I am TIRED! It was a great week, but wore this VBS director out!
It's back to real life this week, with a trip to the vet with the dog, TONS of housecleaning and laundry, and cooking actual meals for my family instead of sandwiches and snacky stuff.
Lots of pictures coming this week too! Let's just say one or two involve me, Michael, and a pie in the face!

SBC Annual Meeting...

2008-06-16T20:12:00.001-07:00

So it's been almost a week since we returned home from Indianapolis, and I am just now getting a chance to sit down and post some photos and highlights!
Downtown Indy is a neat place. There are skywalks connecting the convention center to three hotels, and to the Circle Centre Mall - so you can go lots of places without ever having to go outside! Pretty cool! The weather (save the monsoon rainstorm on Monday afternoon) was great, so we did some walking outside.
While there, we ate some good stuff! Monday, we dined at Harry and Izzy's - a restaurant downtown that is partially owned by Peyton Manning. Pricey, but good food. That night we ate dinner @ the Weber Grill Restaurant, also downtown. Also pricey - but also good, maybe better than lunch.

Tuesday was the Minister's Wives' Luncheon. I was a table hostess this year, and it was so much fun!
We had a "girly meal" of chicken salad and egg salad sandwiches, fruit, potato salad, and yummy chocolate cake. Dr. Gary Chapman ("5 Love Languages" author) gave a wonderful talk on "How to Love a Leader." We all got these amazing "goody bags" of books, magazines, and other fun stuff to take home, as well as a copy of "The 5 Love Languages." For being a hostess, I also recieved an audio book of "For Women Only."
Here's the table setup for the luncheon:

Dr. Chapman speaking - couldn't turn the picture! Sorry!

Also on Tuesday, we got to see the Gaither Vocal Band during the morning business session:

The other highlight of Tuesday was the evening. We attended an ice cream reception for friends and alumni of Union University. Technically, we are "friends" since we attended in the place of a church member who asked us to go in his stead. After that we got to see a screening of the new movie from Sherwood Pictures (the church that did Facing the Giants). It is called Fireproof and will release in theaters in late September. It was AWESOME. It is a must see for anyone who is married, thinking about getting married, or knows someone who is married. Basically - everyone needs to see this movie. I will add a link to the movie site on my blogroll - you can watch trailers, and find out more about making sure it comes to your area.

All in all, the convention was great. We got to reconnect with some old friends we had not seen in years, and that was so nice. It was great to get away for a few days and recharge for a busy summer! We are thankful to our church for sending us!

Another bonus - the little car we rented to take to Indy got 37.5 miles to the gallon - a far cry from the 16 or so that our minivan gets...

More posts to come this week about the kids, the new puppy, and life in general!

And we're off...

2008-06-07T20:00:00.000-07:00

to our denomination's national convention! We're looking forward to attending for the first time! I will post a recap when we get home!

Tasty Tuesday - Creamy Chicken Enchiladas

2008-06-03T14:59:00.000-07:00

This week's recipe is a favorite around our house! I got it from our MOPS cookbook, but the original source is Kraft.com
I use more cheese on top than the recipe calls for, and you can vary the "heat" of the recipe by using Rotel rather than the tomatoes called for. I use a large baking pan, and we have at least one meal worth of leftovers!
Enjoy!

Creamy Chicken Enchiladas

Prep Time:15 min
Total Time:50 min
Makes:4 servings, two enchiladas each

2 cups chopped cooked chicken
1 can (10-3/4 oz.) reduced-sodium 98% fat-free condensed cream of chicken soup
8 TACO BELL® HOME ORIGINALS® Flour Tortillas
1 can (14-1/2 oz.) chili- or Mexican-flavored stewed tomatoes, undrained
1 cup KRAFT Mexican Style Shredded Cheese

PREHEAT oven to 350°F. Combine chicken and soup; spoon evenly down centers of tortillas. Roll up.
PLACE, seam-sides down, in 13x9-inch baking dish; top evenly with tomatoes with their liquid and cheese. Cover with foil.
BAKE 30 to 35 min. or until cheese is melted and enchiladas are heated through, removing the foil after 20 min.

Happy Birthday to ME!

2008-06-02T12:53:00.000-07:00

Today's my birthday! 28th, to be exact. Yesterday, my parents treated me, Michael, and the girls to a yummy lunch at a BBQ place, and then we had dessert @ their house. I got a much needed JC Penney gift card!
This morning, Michael and the girls surprised me with a card and a new pair of capri pants - Michael did a great job picking them out! He also is purchasing me a plane ticket to go and see April - my BFF who lives in Arizona. We haven't seen each other in FOUR years. That is TOO long. I will proabably head out for a weekend sometime in late July after her baby boy makes his appearance.
Maybe tonight there will be ice-cream cake...

Edited to add...
Today when I went to the mailbox I got like 7 cards from church families, and another church family dropped by with a plate of brownies - with ice cream and hot fudge to go on top! Our church really went out of the way makin' me feel special today!

School's Out for Summer!

2008-05-23T14:14:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was Miss O's last day of preschool until August. She has really enjoyed going, and has really learned a lot this year. She can write all her letters, and knows lots of songs, and new skills. Since she has now completed the three year old program (certificate and all), she is also a liscensed beautician.

I found this under the kitchen table last night before dinner....

Yes, those would be 3-4 inch pieces of her HAIR. Thankfully, it was in pigtails, so she didn't botch it too bad. I will know the full scope of the damage after her bath in a little while. Also, a couple of Cabbage Patch Kids were given "makeovers." We might have to restructure "quiet playtime" arund here, although she was really quiet!

Oh well, I was just commenting to a friend recently that she had never tried to cut her hair before... guess she was waiting for the certificate! :)

The Swingset Saga - Part 3... It's DONE!

2008-05-23T14:04:00.000-07:00

The playset is done, the playset is done!!
We have one small part to attach once we get a replacement board, but other than that it is ready for playing! YAHOO! Michael said if he were able to do a cartwheel, he would have done so to celebrate!
And now, a couple of photos...

Victory!

The finished product!

Prayers for the Chapman family...

2008-05-22T19:31:00.000-07:00

I am sure that most of you who read my blog have heard by now about the horrible tragedy that has hit the family of Steven Curtis Chapman.
If not, you can read more about it here:

Chapman Family Heartbreak

I know that most people don't know this family personally, but pretty much anyone who EVER listened to any Contemporary Christian music has been touched by his music in some way.
Please be in prayer for this family - they are in the midst of an awful storm. I am praying that the God of ALL comfort will be ever near to them.

Tasty Tuesday is back!

2008-05-20T13:31:00.000-07:00

So, last Tuesday, I was only able to eat things that were baby food consistency, and I wasn't really up for much cooking, Tasty Tuesday took a week off.
But, I am back this week with a recipe I made last Friday night for dinner. I got it from Kitchen Scrapbook - a great recipe blog that I visit frequently. Kay does a great job of posting lots of wonderful recipes - and she often puts "step by step" photos with them, too! I love that!

So, thanks, Kay - for a great recipe! My family loved it! I am linking directly to her post so you can see the pictures to go with them!

Beef Open Faced Sandwiches

Again, please let me know if you try any of these recipes - I would love to know what others think of them!

The Swingset Saga - Part 2

2008-05-19T04:54:00.001-07:00

Well, the swingset is coming along, slowly but surely. The past 2 Saturdays, Michael has worked a lot on it, and a couple people from church and my dad have helped him out. It rained several days last week, which also hindered the process somewhat. I have also provided some help when Miss A is taking her afternoon nap.
Hopefully by the weekend, the girls will be playing on their new swingset. Michael will be glad to have it done so he can get to the golf course, which is calling to him like the sirens in the Odyssey. And for what it's worth, after all this, our grandchildren are gonna play on this thing, too!

Get on the floor and do the New Kids dance!

2008-05-16T06:08:00.000-07:00

Yes, it's really true...New Kids on the Block are making a comeback. It's on the Today show this morning, concert and all... I did set the DVR to record this... I cannot believe I just admitted that - oh, well. There were few things that made my pre-teen heart swoon like NKOTB. I am embarrassed to admit that I still have a NKOTB digital watch - doesn't work anymore, unfortunately.

Now, to reminisce a little:

Love the crying girls in the video - It was just more than their teenage hearts could stand! I don't know if I ever got to cryin' over the NKOTB, but I know that some of my friends probably did.
I haven't heard their new single, but according to the interview they did on Today a few weeks ago, the little snippet I did hear was OK, nothing stellar, but OK.
Now that I have officially dated and embarrassed myself by posting this, I need to get on with the day. Laundry calls...

I heart Goodwill!

2008-05-15T12:15:00.000-07:00

Those that know me well know that I love a good bargain! I love garage sales, thrift stores, consignment stores, etc, but most of all I *heart* Goodwill! It's like a treasure hunt every time I go inside! I think it's in my genes - my grandma was a yard sale queen!
Today for example - I purchased 2 clothing items for myself, and a pair of shoes, ALL BRAND NEW, still with store tags on them - for less than $10 total. The shoes were something I had been needing to go with a new dress I bought, and I had searched several chain stores looking for the right pair, only to find them at Goodwill! YES!
I also picked up a few shirts for Miss O - one still with tags on! And a couple things for Miss A. Michael even got a shirt out of today's trip, too!
Goodwill is also a great place to find books - I have found several Christian Living/Theology books for Michael, as well as a TON of like new children's books for the girls.
Do you GOODWILL? If so, what's your favorite find?

The tooth, the whole tooth, and nothing but the tooth...

2008-05-12T04:51:00.000-07:00

and that's all they are getting. I am having a wisdom tooth extracted this morning. Not. Looking. Forward. To. This. AT. ALL.
Thankfully, it's only one tooth, and is already somewhat through the gumline, but still, not what I had hoped to be doing with my morning. I am taking my MP3 player, and taking the gas, and hoping that it is all over very quickly! Which I am sure it will be pretty fast, as I think I am first on deck at the office this morning
Say a prayer for me if you think about it, I have a little bit of "dentist phobia." I will update when I can after the pain meds wear off.
Thanks, friends!

Edited to add... The procedure went well, was over a lot faster than I thought, and I am glad it is OVER! I am really hungry, though - I want something crunchy, like chips and salsa... but no can do! I had a milkshake this AM and oatmeal tonight... and neither one sound very good right now.
I am not in too much pain, but I am uncomfortable.
Thanks so much for the prayers!

Mother's Day 2008

2008-05-11T19:44:00.000-07:00

Happy Mother's Day!
This is my 4th "official" year to celebrate as a mom. I am so thankful for my 2 precious girls! They are full of life, and there is never a dull moment in our house!
I am SO VERY thankful for the moms who are a huge part of my life - those in my family - my own mother, my mother-in-law, my 2 sisters-in-law. I am also thankful for the moms in my MOPS group, and in my Community Bible Study group. They challenge me and encourage me as well!
And my other mom girlfriends - April, Amy, Tammy, Dawn, Susan, Keri (who is celebrating her FIRST Mother's Day this year!), and Jill - man do I love these girls! Don't know what I would do without 'em!
In honor of Mother's Day, I am posting a picture of me with my two little darlings, well two pictures, actuall. The first is the "official" Mother's Day "mom with the kiddos" picture. The second is a photo that only a mother could love and appreciate.

Normally I don't publish, print, or even share bad photos of myself, but this was too hilarious to pass up.

Note the blue toy Cinderella cell phone in both photos. Note that in the second photo, the older darling has snatched the cell phone, and is daring the smaller darling to even think of trying to take it. Note the "bring it" look on the older darling's face. Sheesh, it's already started and they are only 4 and 1! HA!

Only bad thing about either picture is that you can't really see the super cute dress I am wearing. Oh well. I have several things I can wear it to this summer, so I am sure you will see it at some point!

Happy Mother's Day!

The Swingset Saga.... Part 1

2008-05-07T07:52:00.000-07:00

So when we moved here, as part of a welcome gift, some church members went in together and got us a gift card to put toward a swingset for the girls. When we got our tax refund back (Thank you, second child tax credit and being broke in 2007!) we decided to put a little extra with the gift card and buy a wooden playset, to get more years of use. Main reasons being, we have small kids now, and we're not done adding to the family, so we wanted something that would last for a long long time. After looking at lots of playsets, we decided on this one:

This is what we're supposed to have when we are finished... On Monday evening, we laid out all the boards, marked them with chalk, and did a quick inventory to make sure we had all the needed parts in the box. Yesterday we worked for three hours, and got the slide and ladder (partially visible behind the slide) assembled. In. Three. HOURS.
According to the instructions, it takes 2 people with moderate skill about 12 hours to assemble the playset. Figure in lots of interruptions, limited time each day, and drilling with one eye on the playset and one eye on the kiddos - it could potentially take DAYS.
I will keep you posted. We are really excited about the finished product, and we know that it will be lots of fun for the girls.

Tasty Tuesday - Mexicali Hamburger Casserole

2008-05-06T12:36:00.000-07:00

Got this week's recipe from the May 2008 issue of Better Homes and Gardens. We had this for dinner last night, and it was pretty good!

Note - don't know why Blogger included links throughout the recipe when I copied and pasted from the BHG website, so just ignore the blue hyperlinks! Sorry 'bout that!

I didn't have plain cornmeal on hand, so instead of the cornmeal mixture, I used prepared Jiffy cornbread mix per package directions, and then poured over the hamburger mixture. We don't eat olives, so I just topped the casserole with some cheese instead of the tomato/olive topping.

Mexicali Hamburger Casserole

1-1/2 lb. lean ground beef
1 15-oz. can Mexican-style diced tomatoes
1-1/2 cups frozen whole kernel corn, thawed
1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons finely shredded Mexican cheese blend, divided
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup yellow cornmeal
1 Tbsp. sugar
1-1/4 tsp. baking powder
1 egg, beaten
2/3 cup milk
2 Tbsp. cooking oil
1 Recipe Fresh Tomato Toss, (see recipe)

Directions
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. In 12-inch skillet cook and brown beef; drain off fat. Stir in undrained tomatoes and 1 cup of the corn; heat through. Transfer to greased 2-quart baking dish. Sprinkle with 1/2 cup of cheese.
2. For corn bread topping, in medium bowl combine flour, cornmeal, sugar, baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Stir in egg, milk, and oil. Evenly spread on beef mixture. Sprinkle remaining 2 tablespoons cheese. Bake, uncovered, 30 minutes or until topping is set. Let stand 5 minutes.
3. Fresh Tomato Toss: In bowl stir together 1 cup red grape tomatoes, halved, 1/4 cup coarsely chopped cilantro, remaining 1/2 cup corn, and if desired, 1/3 cup green olives, halved; spoon over servings. Serves 6.

Enjoy!

Over the weekend...

2008-05-05T13:04:00.001-07:00

Michael and I attended a ministers/wives retreat at a state park about 2 hours from where we live. It was for our local association and two others. The retreat was partially led by Mrs. Joyce Rogers, wife of the late Dr. Adrian Rogers. She is a beautiful, graceful lady, who gave us a wonderful picture of her life with her late husband, and some humorous insights into how he was when he wasn't behind the pulpit. I was inspired and challenged by the wisdom and advice she shared as one who was a pastor's wife for 54 years. She encouraged us to seek out our own unique gifts and find ways to use them alongside our spouses.
She shared this quote with us from Helen Shoemaker that I want to pass along:
"A successful minister's wife is one who not only tactfully and wholeheartedly supports her husband in his ministry without usurping in any way his function, but one who also complements him by daring to stir up the gifts that are within her."
That's a lot to digest, but definitely worth thinking on!

One Year Ago...

2008-05-05T13:00:00.000-07:00

the story of the Coble family in CA touched me in a profound way.
Please read this heartwarming update on their journey...

http://www.ocregister.com/articles/coble-children-born-2031842-lori-ladera

May God bless this family...

UGH!

2008-05-01T20:10:00.001-07:00

Today was one of THOSE days in the life of a SAHM. One where there is little listening, lots of time out, lots of snotty nose wiping, and one frazzled momma at the end of the day. Throw in a dentist visit for said momma, who finds out she has a wisdom tooth that "must come out." Read = oral surgery for someone with dentist phobia. Super fun. UGH!
Not to mention those annoying little black ants that STILL are trying to invade my home after the bug man has come and sprayed our house twice! I am now spraying them with carpet cleaner to try and discourage the little picnic invaders to find another place to be, like oustide...it seems to work till I can get them back over here - again. UGH!
I need some time to refocus, to read my Bible, and try not to beat myself up for probably not being the best parent today. By the time 6pm rolled around, I was just so tired of reinforcing! LOL
Thank you God for the grace of a new day tomorrow, and for the repeated servings of grace throughout the day. May I be as eager to give it as You are.

Tasty Tuesday!

2008-04-29T10:37:00.000-07:00

This week's recipe is a quick and easy side dish that is really delicious!
My friend gave it to me a long time ago, and I actually forgot about it until a few weeks ago when I was trying to think of a side dish for my mom's birthday dinner. I made it again over the weekend when we had some friends over Sunday night after church.

Quick and Easy Corn Casserole

Ingredients
1 box Jiffy Cornbread mix
1 can creamed corn
1 can regular whole kernel corn, drained
8 ounces sour cream (I used fat free and it didn't matter!)
1 stick of butter/1/2 cup butter spread, softened (I used heart-healthy Promise spread!)

Mix all ingredients in a casserole dish, and bake @ around 375 until top is lightly browned and center isn't jiggly. Depending on your oven, this will take at LEAST 30 minutes.

Enjoy!

Truly something worth watching...

2008-04-27T05:53:00.000-07:00

This might possibly be the most beautiful and powerful thing I have seen in a LONG time.
http://audreycaroline.blogspot.com/

Note - Take the time to read Audrey Caroline's story before reading the post called Slideshow that was posted on Saturday. There is a quick link on the main page of Angie's blog that tells how it all started.
Her dad is a part of the music group Selah, and the impact that this story is having is nothing short of a God given miracle.

Have a blessed Sunday.

Random stuff about me...

2008-04-23T09:28:00.000-07:00

Found this on another blog, and thought it might be fun...

1. What was I doing 10 years ago?
About to graduate from high school, and working at the local paper

2. Five Things on my To Do List Today
Make more coaster sets for the craft show this weekend
Laundry
Finish my Bible study lesson for tomorrow
Make lunch so we can take it to the park for a picnic
Make pasta salad to take to the above mentioned Bible study tomorrow

3. Five Snacks I enjoy
Popcorn
Fiber One Oats and Chocolate granola bars
Honey Crisp Apples
Trail mix
Chips and salsa

4. Five Things I would do if I were a Billionaire
Get out of debt
Buy Michael a car
Replace our van with a new one
Give to missions and our local crisis pregnancy center
Buy a beach house

5. Five Bad Habits
Eating late at night
Worrying about random stuff
Procrastinating (although I do work well under pressure)
Not exercising enough
Thinking about being more in the Word than actually being more in the Word

6. Five Places I've Lived
Tennessee
Georgia
Tennessee again
Kentucky
Tennessee again

7. Five Jobs I've Had
Newspaper reporter
JC Penney Men's Dept.
Nanny
Bank Teller
Stay-At-Home Mom

OK - I tag Amy and April

Introducing.... TASTY TUESDAYS!

2008-04-22T08:43:00.001-07:00

Since I have this newfound love of cooking, I am trying to attempt one new recipe each week. So far, I haven't tried any "duds," and pretty much everything has met with approval from the taste testers - mainly my husband and kids. So, in honor of that, every Tuesday, I am going to post a new recipe here on the blog, and would love to know if you try them out, too!
Last week, we had our spring MOPS brunch, and I made this yummy (and easy!) bread pudding. It came from the Cooking Light 2002 Recipe Annual. The cookbook was a Goodwill score - $4 (YES!)! Now, I don't know about the recipe being all that "light," but it was delish!
Here ya go!

Warm Chocolate Bread Pudding with Turtle Topping

2 1/2 cups 2% reduced-fat milk

2/3 cup sugar

1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa (such as Hershey's)

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

3 large eggs, lightly beaten

1 large egg white

5 cups (1-inch) cubed day-old French bread

Cooking spray

1/4 cup caramel sundae syrup (such as Hershey's)

1/4 cup chopped pecans

1/4 cup milk chocolate chips (such as Hershey's)

Preheat oven to 350°.

Combine first 6 ingredients in a large bowl, stirring with a whisk.

Add bread, pressing down with a spatula to soak.

Spoon bread mixture into a 2-quart baking dish coated with cooking spray.

Bake at 350° for 50 minutes.

Drizzle with caramel syrup, and sprinkle with nuts.

Bake an additional 5 minutes or until caramel syrup is bubbly.
Place chocolate chips in a small glass bowl or heavy-duty zip-top bag; microwave at high for 30 seconds or until melted.

Drizzle over the bread pudding. Serve warm.

Yield: 6 servings

CALORIES 403 (28% from fat); FAT 12.4g (sat 4.3g,mono 5.2g,poly 1.9g); PROTEIN 12.7g; CHOLESTEROL 116mg; CALCIUM 206mg; SODIUM 318mg; FIBER 3.2g; IRON 2.2mg; CARBOHYDRATE 61.8g

Cooking Light, DECEMBER 2001

Notes - I made mine the night before and baked the next morning. I used Skim milk, and day old sourdough bread I bought at a local Mennonite market. I made mine in a big glass dish and got about 10 servings instead of the 6 it says on the recipe.

Has it really been TEN years?

2008-04-21T14:05:00.000-07:00

***Disclaimer***
If you are still reading this at the end, and aren't bored to tears - you really must love me!

So, my high school reunion is coming up at the end of May. Other than getting the rest of this lingering weight off (or most of it anyway!), I have been doing a lot of thinking about my life over the last 10 years. Today in my email inbox there was a questionnaire for me to fill out and return to the reunion coordinators about my life to this point post-high school. Things like the places I have lived, what I have been doing, etc.
It got me thinking about if I view my last decade as "successful." Heaven knows I have made a LOT of mistakes, and I hope and pray that I have changed for the better. I think 10 years ago, I was consumed with being loved and viewed as "worthy" by the opposite sex. The fact that I went to my prom without a date (and without a group of other dateless friends to share the evening with) seemed to me the epitome of social failure (at least in high school). Looking back, it took me a long time to get over that. I never let on that it continued to bother me, but it did. To me, it was embarrassing that I didn't have one unattached male friend or aquaintance who valued my friendship and conversation outside of the classroom enough to take me to a silly dance. Being overweight also made me especially self-conscious about my lack of attention when it came to dates and dances. When your closest friends are thin, pretty, and never have trouble with being overlooked, to me it made me stand out all the more as "inferior." Gosh, that really is shallow!
On the postive, I have some memories from high school that really are pretty great - like driving, and getting a really cool job at the newspaper, and getting a pretty good score on my ACT. I had some great times @ church camp in the summers, and have some great (and really funny!) memories from my time in youth group. Then there was my trip to Israel in March of 1998, where I met April , and we've been close ever since. That trip changed me in so many ways, many of which I am still seeing today.
Beyond that, I did complete 2 years of college, lived out on my own for a year, working and doing the single, city girl thing. Good grief, I learned a LOT (good and bad) about myself during those years.
Do I have a college degree - NO. But I know now (at least I am pretty sure, anyway!) what I degree I do want to pursue, and when I go back to school, I will go with a clear goal in mind.
What I do have is an AMAZING husband, who loves me in spite of myself (and is probably glad I ramble more on my blog than I do at home - HA!). We've been married almost six years, and he's so much better than I could have ever dreamed up 10 years ago.
I have given birth to two beautiful girls, and I get to stay home with them every day and watch them grow up. A lot of women don't have that luxury. Now don't get me wrong, there are days when I think I am just another temper tantrum short of crazy, but I love that I get to be at home for their growing up years.
I also have an incredible group of women, scattered all over this country that I am privileged to call friends. They challenge me, encourage me, and help me to be a better me.
I might not have a list of accolades and honors when it comes to career, money, and education, but I am on an adventure with God that is teaching me something new every day.
Looking at it all typed out - that's pretty successful, at least I think so.

Great job, Ali!

2008-04-16T08:30:00.000-07:00

She's the first ever FEMALE "Biggest Loser!" Last nights finale was pretty cool! The physical transformations were incredible, but the confidence and sense of self-worth that all the contestants have aquired was pretty awesome, too!
Can't wait for next season!

Another Food Network gem...

2008-04-12T08:57:00.000-07:00

Saw Rachael Ray make these the other day, and we had them for dinner last night! Yummo!

Oatmeal Cookie Pancakes

1 cup old fashioned oats
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup brown sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 2 ounces,
1/4 cup, chopped walnuts
3/4 cup sour cream
3/4 cup whole milk
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 really ripe bananas, mashed up
3/4 cup raisins
1/2 stick butter, 1/4 cup, melted, plus additional for buttering skillet
Maple syrup or honey, for drizzling

Here's a great tip: if you cannot find really ripe bananas, just nuke them in the microwave for about 15 seconds and they will become super soft for mashing.
Mix dry ingredients, the first 7, in a bowl. In a another bowl, mix the wet ingredients, the next 4. Whisk the wet ingredients into the dry until just combined, then fold in the mashed up bananas and the raisins. Stir in the melted butter.
Heat a griddle over medium heat and brush with additional melted butter. Cook pancakes, each about 1/3 cup, until bubbles form on the top, then turn. Cakes will cook in about 2 minutes on each side. Keep pancakes tented with foil as they come off the griddle to keep them hot. Serve with drizzled honey or maple syrup over the top.

Thanks, Rachael!

Welcome to the world, Connor!

2008-04-12T08:54:00.001-07:00

Congrats to our dear friends, Keri and TJ. Baby Connor was born last night, 8 days late, but healthy, safe, and lookin' just like his daddy!
Welcome to the world, Little Man - you are LOVED!

One AMAZING story...

2008-04-10T20:21:00.000-07:00

I love to read blogs. Not just the ones of people I know, or "sorta" know, but even ones that come from complete strangers. Maybe that's odd, but I also think these glimpses into people's ordinary, everyday stuff can give us incredible glimpses of the Kingdom of God at work in people's lives. At least I find that to be true, anyway.
I just stumbled onto one of those particular blogs last week - Confessions of a CF Husband. Nate and Tricia and their baby girl have a truly miraculous story. His post from today gives a lot of background that catches you up to the present.
It really is a MUST read. VERY inspiring, and makes you just wanna shout YEAH GOD!!!
Check it out, pass it along, and say a prayer for this sweet family.

The Biggest Loser

2008-04-09T09:29:00.000-07:00

Does anyone else just LOVE this show? We watch it every week - well, we record it on the DVR, then watch it after the kiddos are in bed.
It really is so inspiring to see the life changes these people have made.
Having lost a substantial amount of weight last year, (49 pounds- with about 20 pounds more to go) I know all to well the struggle that comes with being overweight. Not just physically, but emotionally, too! Last night the final challenge for the remaining 4 contestants was really interesting. They had to don specially made bodysuits that were replicas of the way they looked 15 weeks ago when they arrived on campus. The suits were weighted with the exact amount of weight each contestant had lost since starting on BL. The transformations really are amazing when you see how far they have each come. It was so weird to see these (now) skinny people with these huge suits on them that represented what they looked like just weeks ago! They had to run down a long beach with the suits over their clothes, take off the bodysuits, then run UP to the top of a mountain. It really was liberating for them to reach the top and stake their flag at the summit - leaving the "old person" behind.
It also made me think of the scriptures that talk about becoming new creatures in Christ.We take off the "old man" and "put on" new life in Christ. Several of the contestants have spoken about the enormous emotional and spiritual changes that have come with the physical transformation, which I know have totally changed their lives.

Back in business!

2008-04-04T08:45:00.000-07:00

New (well, new to us!) computer! WOO HOO! No more virus, no more slow internet use...
YAY!
Hopefully we can finally get some Easter pictures uploaded!

Full Circle

2008-04-01T19:37:00.000-07:00

Today I did something amazing - well, maybe not to a lot of people, but it was to me. I shared (publicly!!) my personal struggle with postpartum depression with my Mothers of Preschoolers group (MOPS). It was something I have been feeling led to do for several months, and while I am not a public speaker by any means, I knew if God was leading me, then he would give me the words to say.
All in all, I think my presentation was okay, in the "presentation" sense. More important, I have been praying that if just one mom was helped by anything I had to say this morning, then all I went through with PPD last year would have been given some purpose.
After I finished speaking, several moms shared their own struggles, and how MOPS had been a God-send to them. It was so encouraging to me to see moms with kids of all different ages, and from all different backgrouds share the common struggle - that motherhood is hard, and we can't do it without the support, encouragement, and comraderie of other moms! THANK YOU GOD for the wonderful mission of MOPS!!!
I feel so blessed to have been able to share my very personal struggle with a group of women - most of which I don't know very well at all! One year ago I was in a pit of hopelessness so consuming that I can't even really begin to put it into words. In the last 12 months, God has brought me "full circle," because now I can share my experience with other moms, and hopefully show that there can be joy and hope after such darkness.
Another mom told me as we were picking up our kids - "You made a difference today." I hope so, but more importantly I am in awe of the Giver of hope. Thanks, God, for a great day!