...was yesterday and we had a really great day! We were snowed in and didn't do much. Our day started early at 5am when we tripped our circuit breaker because of the space heater we were running extra hard that night. Eli woke up when everything shut off and he ended up in bed with us until I gave him the boot at 6am because he was still awake and just hogging my space. =) He went back to his bed but I don't think he ever did go back to sleep. Kevin had the day off, so we just hung around the house in our jammies all day. We had blueberry bagels, bacon, and scrambled eggs for brunch. We had a productive morning and got new shades put up in the kids' rooms, got the guest room tidied up again, and laundry folded and put away. In the afternoon while the kids were napping Kevin and I played a game (Ticket to Ride); it was a super close game but I won. We had a yummy candlelight dinner of lemon garlic pork tenderloin, seasoned green beans (I put garlic pepper on them this time along with the butter and it was GOOD!), cinnamon applesauce, fruit salad, and rolls. After dinner we watched the video of our wedding ceremony (I'm not sure we've ever watched it before and I thought it would be fun to share with the kids, though they kept asking where they were in the video.) While we watched the video we had cheesecake topped with homemade whipped cream for dessert. After kids were in bed Kevin and I watched an episode of Smallville and we too were off to sweet dreams. It was just a nice day and a great way to celebrate 5 years of marriage to my wonderful hubby!
Saturday, January 9, 2010
Friday, January 8, 2010
Thursday, January 7, 2010
Thankful Thursday
Wow, I didn't mean to do Thankful days for all of November and then quit altogether! Since Kevin doesn't have a Monday-Friday schedule and neither do the kids and I, mostly I just don't have much concept of what day it is and Thursdays pass me by! But today here I am, taking a moment to give thanks to the One who gives all things, including my very next breath.
* I am thankful for all the time I've had this week diving into God's word. It's not something I'm good at sitting down and doing, but this week I have, and it's been so encouraging.
* With our 5-year anniversary being tomorrow, I am thankful for this wonderful man who walks beside me through life. We've both grown so much in the 11 YEARS we've been together, and I'm so thankful for the work that God has been doing in our lives individually and as a couple. I can only look forward to all that is yet to come!
What are you thankful for today??
"Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ." Ephesians 5:19-20* First, I am thankful that Kevin was able to get home from work this morning. He left last night just after the winds and drifting had started. And I knew after a night of more blowing, the roads in the morning couldn't be good for his return. They weren't good at all and often he had to drive in the other lane because of drifts, but he made it to town where he could then walk the mile out to our house. He's really been through a lot the last month in his trek to work. Getting his truck stuck three or four times now and then spending all day trying to dig it out so he can get his truck off the road and make way for plows to come through. Walking the mile to and from town in cold, windy weather at times when we know that country roads aren't clear but highways probably are driveable. And shoveling through the 4-5 ft drifts that cover our sidewalks at the house. He sure is such a trooper and never once complains! And now I am thankful that he is snuggled up and warm in our cozy bed, last night was his last night of this shift, and we don't need to go anywhere for a couple days, allowing time for the roads and our lane to get cleared once again!
* I am thankful for all the time I've had this week diving into God's word. It's not something I'm good at sitting down and doing, but this week I have, and it's been so encouraging.
* With our 5-year anniversary being tomorrow, I am thankful for this wonderful man who walks beside me through life. We've both grown so much in the 11 YEARS we've been together, and I'm so thankful for the work that God has been doing in our lives individually and as a couple. I can only look forward to all that is yet to come!
What are you thankful for today??
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
My sleeping babies.
It's my favorite thing to watch a sleeping child, especially my own babies. They're so sweet and calm and at peace, and I'm reminded of just how young they are. The craziness of our day stops, and it gives me a moment to just look at them and see the blessings they truly are...
when Kevin's working nights and sleeping during the day, Eli often asks to sleep next to Daddy at nap time. it's so cute and they both love the snuggles.
In the middle of it.
In between days of blowing snow, growing drifts, closed roads, and treacherous weather we have short glimpses of really how beautiful it can all be! The kids and I were already running late to get to a meeting yesterday morning, but when I stepped outside and saw the tree branches coated in a beautiful layer of soft snow, I just had to turn back to grab my camera. I'm glad I did!
Throughout the day all that beautiful snow fell from the branches and covered the ground with these feathery flakes. I've lived in Iowa/Nebraska nearly all my life, but I don't think I've ever seen anything quite like it!
Throughout the day all that beautiful snow fell from the branches and covered the ground with these feathery flakes. I've lived in Iowa/Nebraska nearly all my life, but I don't think I've ever seen anything quite like it!
where's the sidewalk??
a speck of color!
B-Day prayer requests.
Baby Day that is. I had an appointment yesterday--went well, I'm 3 cm dilated already but I know it's common to sit that way for a couple weeks, I'm not effaced, so I'm not getting hyped about labor starting tomorrow or anything. But it is a reminder that the day is coming soon! Specific prayer requests regarding our upcoming delivery:
* Decent traveling weather. Having no snow removal for our country lane other than a shovel and friendly neighbors, we've been seriously snowed in several times in the last month, and I can't help but feel slightly concerned for what it could be like during baby time. Yes, we've delivered at home before but not by ourselves (thanks to paramedics!) and we certainly wouldn't choose to do that again! So pray that the roads are fine that day and we're able to get safely to the hospital 35 min away.
* Childcare. We have a few people in mind to watch the kids when it's "time", so we pray that when the time comes it all falls into place smoothly and quickly and our people are available.
* Labor itself. It's not a fun process, so I'm praying that it too will go smoothly and fairly quickly but not too quickly! Hoping that it will be a fairly fast labor, I'm going to try to do it without an epidural, just because it was so much "easier" to actually feel what was going on, as crappy as it hurts. I'm thankful for the epidural I had for Eli because his was such a LONG labor and I'd had NO sleep the night before, but if it's going to be a short deal then I'm going to try to tough it out. This time I'm going to drink a lot of nettle tea along with the regular raspberry leaf tea the week of labor and see if that helps diminish labor pains. Most importantly though we're praying for no complications and a safe delivery.
* The baby. A strong and healthy baby!
* Breastfeeding. Eli was terrible at nursing and it never did work for us, and Hannah was great, so I'm praying that this baby will latch on right away and breastfeeding will be a joy instead of a heart-wrenching battle.
* The kids. Praying that they will transition well to the new baby and Mommy's new demands.
* Me. Comfort during these final days, patience for the wait, strength to endure labor, and energy for all that is to come.
Again, I know that God has every detail worked out already. Good or bad, it is all for His glory. Thanks for praying, and if you know of any encouraging Bible verses for this time in life, I'd love to hear! You're such dear friends!
* Decent traveling weather. Having no snow removal for our country lane other than a shovel and friendly neighbors, we've been seriously snowed in several times in the last month, and I can't help but feel slightly concerned for what it could be like during baby time. Yes, we've delivered at home before but not by ourselves (thanks to paramedics!) and we certainly wouldn't choose to do that again! So pray that the roads are fine that day and we're able to get safely to the hospital 35 min away.
* Childcare. We have a few people in mind to watch the kids when it's "time", so we pray that when the time comes it all falls into place smoothly and quickly and our people are available.
* Labor itself. It's not a fun process, so I'm praying that it too will go smoothly and fairly quickly but not too quickly! Hoping that it will be a fairly fast labor, I'm going to try to do it without an epidural, just because it was so much "easier" to actually feel what was going on, as crappy as it hurts. I'm thankful for the epidural I had for Eli because his was such a LONG labor and I'd had NO sleep the night before, but if it's going to be a short deal then I'm going to try to tough it out. This time I'm going to drink a lot of nettle tea along with the regular raspberry leaf tea the week of labor and see if that helps diminish labor pains. Most importantly though we're praying for no complications and a safe delivery.
* The baby. A strong and healthy baby!
* Breastfeeding. Eli was terrible at nursing and it never did work for us, and Hannah was great, so I'm praying that this baby will latch on right away and breastfeeding will be a joy instead of a heart-wrenching battle.
* The kids. Praying that they will transition well to the new baby and Mommy's new demands.
* Me. Comfort during these final days, patience for the wait, strength to endure labor, and energy for all that is to come.
Again, I know that God has every detail worked out already. Good or bad, it is all for His glory. Thanks for praying, and if you know of any encouraging Bible verses for this time in life, I'd love to hear! You're such dear friends!
Added to my recipe book!
I tried a new recipe this week for Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Soup and let me tell you, it was GOOD and will definitely be added to my recipe binder! Both kids had THIRDS the night we had it and when we had it for lunch again the next day they both had seconds! That's certainly a good sign of a keeper!
Clink the link above for the recipe, but after looking at the reviews here's how I made it:
Ingredients:
4 c. chicken broth
2 c. water
2 cooked boneless chicken breast halves, shredded
1 (4.5 oz) package quick cooking long grain and wild rice w. seasoning packet (I used a box of Uncle Ben's Long Grain and Wild Rice Quick Cook)
1/2 cup butter
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper
1/2 cup flour
2 cup heavy cream (add in additional milk if soup is too thick)
Directions:
1. In 1 Tbl butter saute a clove of garlic and 1/2 cup each of onion, carrot, and celery (I didn't have celery so didn't add it. It was an extra anyway).
2. Add in broth, water, and chicken. Over medium heat bring just to boiling, then stir in rice, reserving seasoning packet. Cover and reduce heat.
3. In a small bowl, combine salt, pepper, and flour. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Stir in contents of seasoning packet until mixture is bubbly. Reduce heat to low, then stir in flour mixture by tablespoons, to form a roux. Whisk in cream, a little at a time, until fully incorporated and smooth. Cook until thickened. (mine was already super super thick so I didn't really continue cooking it)
4. Stir cream mixture into broth and rice. Cook over medium heat until heated through.
* Note: It thickened a lot after sitting in the fridge so when we reheated for lunch I just added in a little milk, and it was just right again!
Clink the link above for the recipe, but after looking at the reviews here's how I made it:
Ingredients:
4 c. chicken broth
2 c. water
2 cooked boneless chicken breast halves, shredded
1 (4.5 oz) package quick cooking long grain and wild rice w. seasoning packet (I used a box of Uncle Ben's Long Grain and Wild Rice Quick Cook)
1/2 cup butter
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper
1/2 cup flour
2 cup heavy cream (add in additional milk if soup is too thick)
Directions:
1. In 1 Tbl butter saute a clove of garlic and 1/2 cup each of onion, carrot, and celery (I didn't have celery so didn't add it. It was an extra anyway).
2. Add in broth, water, and chicken. Over medium heat bring just to boiling, then stir in rice, reserving seasoning packet. Cover and reduce heat.
3. In a small bowl, combine salt, pepper, and flour. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Stir in contents of seasoning packet until mixture is bubbly. Reduce heat to low, then stir in flour mixture by tablespoons, to form a roux. Whisk in cream, a little at a time, until fully incorporated and smooth. Cook until thickened. (mine was already super super thick so I didn't really continue cooking it)
4. Stir cream mixture into broth and rice. Cook over medium heat until heated through.
* Note: It thickened a lot after sitting in the fridge so when we reheated for lunch I just added in a little milk, and it was just right again!
Monday, January 4, 2010
Monday Meanderings - It's been awhile!!
Wow, with the holidays and crazy winter weather it's been forever since we've had a normal week! Time to get back to our routine!
Bible Study
word study on self-control/self-discipline
Memory Verse
Colossians 3:16 "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts toward God."
Husband Encouragement
* our anniversary is this week! so I'll plan a special meal of favorites
Train Them Up
* re-start kids' chore chart. we did it for a week and a half and now haven't done it at all for nearly a month!
* start reading Bible together at breakfast
* Bible verse: Luke 6:31 "Do to others as you would have them do to you."
Absolutely MUST Do
* Plan MOPS activities and send out postcards.
* Mail package.
* Finish hospital pre-registration forms.
Zone(s)
Basement - especially the laundry area. I want to wipe down the dryer that's covered with lint.
Menu - Kevin's going on nights tonight so I'm trying to plan some things that are easy for him to take in
Monday - creamy chicken and wild rice soup
Tuesday - sweet and sour meatballs, green beans, applesauce
Wednesday - goulash, pears
Thursday - chicken caesar wraps, apple
Friday - 5-yr anniversary! pork tenderloin, rolls, cooked carrots, fruit salad
Saturday - ??
Sunday - leftovers
Dessert of the week: cheesecake
FUN THINGS!
* Baby appointment today.
* MOPS planning meeting tomorrow. Not looking forward to the planning but excited to see everyone again!
* Our 5-yr anniversary on Friday. I think I want to get our wedding video to share with the kids.
* Kevin's work Christmas party is on Saturday, so we're hoping to go, but we'll see.
Join me with your meanderings! Have a great week, dear friends!
Bible Study
word study on self-control/self-discipline
Memory Verse
Colossians 3:16 "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts toward God."
Husband Encouragement
* our anniversary is this week! so I'll plan a special meal of favorites
Train Them Up
* re-start kids' chore chart. we did it for a week and a half and now haven't done it at all for nearly a month!
* start reading Bible together at breakfast
* Bible verse: Luke 6:31 "Do to others as you would have them do to you."
Absolutely MUST Do
* Plan MOPS activities and send out postcards.
* Mail package.
* Finish hospital pre-registration forms.
Zone(s)
Basement - especially the laundry area. I want to wipe down the dryer that's covered with lint.
Menu - Kevin's going on nights tonight so I'm trying to plan some things that are easy for him to take in
Monday - creamy chicken and wild rice soup
Tuesday - sweet and sour meatballs, green beans, applesauce
Wednesday - goulash, pears
Thursday - chicken caesar wraps, apple
Friday - 5-yr anniversary! pork tenderloin, rolls, cooked carrots, fruit salad
Saturday - ??
Sunday - leftovers
Dessert of the week: cheesecake
FUN THINGS!
* Baby appointment today.
* MOPS planning meeting tomorrow. Not looking forward to the planning but excited to see everyone again!
* Our 5-yr anniversary on Friday. I think I want to get our wedding video to share with the kids.
* Kevin's work Christmas party is on Saturday, so we're hoping to go, but we'll see.
Join me with your meanderings! Have a great week, dear friends!
New Year's Poem for Christians
This was in our church bulletin yesterday, and I thought I'd share...
Instead of making a New Year's resolution
Consider committing to a biblical solution
Your promises are easily broken
Empty words, though earnestly spoken
But God's Word transforms the soul
By His Holy Spirit making you whole
As you spend time alone with Him
He will change you from within
- Mary Fairchild
Instead of making a New Year's resolution
Consider committing to a biblical solution
Your promises are easily broken
Empty words, though earnestly spoken
But God's Word transforms the soul
By His Holy Spirit making you whole
As you spend time alone with Him
He will change you from within
- Mary Fairchild
Saturday, January 2, 2010
Wintry Pics
Just a few winter photos from last week's trip home for Christmas....
after the ice but before the snow
after the ice but before the snow
after the ice AND snow...
the ice-coated trees were sparkling beautifully in the sun, but it was impossible to capture
my dad's church
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