Two major events happen tomorrow. The first one is tomorrow morning where MOMSnext will meet for the last time until the fall. Naturally, there will be a lot of food, laughter, food, fun, food, bonding with our fabulous chat groups and did I mention food?!? My gal pal Nicea assigned me to bring cupcakes so I made 72 mini Carrot Cake/Pineapple cupcakes. I made extra so I could also use a batch for our second event later tomorrow evening---our LOMSAA fundraiser dinner & variety show! It's going to be so much fun!!! For that, I'm making Chocolate Truffle Cookies (Michael had so much fun dipping them in the confectioner's sugar!) and Jam Thumbprint Cookies (which didn't turn out as nice as I would like them to since I wasn't sure about the jam and cookie ratio, but Krista and Michael liked them so at least I know they're edible!). I wasn't going to bake some more, but after washing out the mixing bowl for the fourth time (I had to make cream cheese frosting for my mini cupcakes), I decided to take a break. If I feel motivated tomorrow, then perhaps I will, but right now, I'm not feeling it!
We finished the last of the Pull-Ups (GASP!) and now Michael will be sleeping through the night (one can only hope!) with his training underpants (which by the way, do absolutely nothing to deter liquid from streaming through while emptying one's bladder) for the first time. I anticipate a few accidents because he has very limited bladder control so I'm kissing sleep goodbye. And it doesn't help that he loves to drink water so much!
I'm at such a not-so-good place with my skin and allergy issues that nothing Melaleuca is working. Although my skin is feeling fairly moisturized with Renew, those stubborn dry patches refuse to be moisturized even with continuous applications of Renew! So, that's my latest update on my Melaleuca Challenge. We'll see what happens tomorrow!
I love the verse from the New Living Translation version for today from Biblegateway.com: "But as for me, I know that my Redeemer lives, and he will stand upon the earth at last."
Got God?
Thursday, April 28, 2011
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Snack Restriction and Day 3 of my Melaleuca Challenge
Michael's been on snack restriction today. He made some poor choices and because we're teaching him that poor choices = poor consequences, he's been on snack and electronics restriction. All day, I've been hearing this from him...
"But why can't I exercise on the Wii?" That crazy child is addicted to exercising on the Wii! It's definitely not from my genes because me, on the other hand, has not been on the Wii since...ummm...ummm...let's not go there!!!
"Can I just have one snack for a treat?" If I got paid for every time he asked me that today, I would have been rich!
I love how he's developing selective amnesia already!
Melaleuca Challenge Day 3...
Well, I've been itchier than ever (which has been really annoying!), but my skin has been feeling pretty moisturized with Melaleuca's Renew. I meant to mention that yesterday, but since I forgot, I'll mention it today. Yes, even though I still have a few stubbornly dry and peely places on my face (this usually happens when the weather goes through drastic changes and unfortunately, those dry areas are on my face and not in a better area like behind my knees or under my feet or somewhere else less conspicuous!!!), I can feel the difference in other places on my body. I have to say I'm pretty impressed that Renew has lived up to it's claims! I had Krista try it tonight and she agreed---it's so nice for us to use it instead of feeling all greased up from AquaPhor and Vaseline! I still love my Dramatically Different but I'm only using Renew for now.
I haven't felt a difference yet from the vitamins I've been taking in the morning and at night (I love those handy little AM & PM vitamin pouches!). And the verdict is still out on the shampoo and the allergy meds. I still feel the same. Only itchier. I'm thinking it's the weirdo weather we've been having and I'm definitely hoping it's not a strange never-before-seen side effect from my new Melaleuca products!
It's why 2 Corinthians 5:1 encourages me so much! I love the Contemporary English Version of this verse: "Our bodies are like tents that we live in here on earth. But when these tents are destroyed, we know that God will give each of us a place to live. These homes will not be buildings that someone has made, but they are in heaven and will last forever."
We have a lot to look forward to, don't we?!? Spread the joy!!!
"But why can't I exercise on the Wii?" That crazy child is addicted to exercising on the Wii! It's definitely not from my genes because me, on the other hand, has not been on the Wii since...ummm...ummm...let's not go there!!!
"Can I just have one snack for a treat?" If I got paid for every time he asked me that today, I would have been rich!
I love how he's developing selective amnesia already!
Melaleuca Challenge Day 3...
Well, I've been itchier than ever (which has been really annoying!), but my skin has been feeling pretty moisturized with Melaleuca's Renew. I meant to mention that yesterday, but since I forgot, I'll mention it today. Yes, even though I still have a few stubbornly dry and peely places on my face (this usually happens when the weather goes through drastic changes and unfortunately, those dry areas are on my face and not in a better area like behind my knees or under my feet or somewhere else less conspicuous!!!), I can feel the difference in other places on my body. I have to say I'm pretty impressed that Renew has lived up to it's claims! I had Krista try it tonight and she agreed---it's so nice for us to use it instead of feeling all greased up from AquaPhor and Vaseline! I still love my Dramatically Different but I'm only using Renew for now.
I haven't felt a difference yet from the vitamins I've been taking in the morning and at night (I love those handy little AM & PM vitamin pouches!). And the verdict is still out on the shampoo and the allergy meds. I still feel the same. Only itchier. I'm thinking it's the weirdo weather we've been having and I'm definitely hoping it's not a strange never-before-seen side effect from my new Melaleuca products!
It's why 2 Corinthians 5:1 encourages me so much! I love the Contemporary English Version of this verse: "Our bodies are like tents that we live in here on earth. But when these tents are destroyed, we know that God will give each of us a place to live. These homes will not be buildings that someone has made, but they are in heaven and will last forever."
We have a lot to look forward to, don't we?!? Spread the joy!!!
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
A Green Sharpie. A Four Year Old. One Cranky Mom... and oh, my Melaleuca Challenge Day 2...
Melaleuca Challenge Day 2...
Hmmm, I was wide awake last night. And very itchy. It's the allergies and weather changes that make my body go nuts-o on me. I think I probably slept for about 3 hours. I should have just stayed up and read. It would have been more productive!
So far, I haven't felt any changes in my body...but it's only day 2 so I remain hopeful and partially skeptical :o)
In other news...
I'm a BIG fan of fine point Sharpies. I only use them for projects that require precision writing or design and neurotically careful about the points. I like them pointy! I love all the different colors they come out in now so I couldn't wait to use them for my big poster project I'm doing for Michael's teacher at MOMSnext (the lovely and creative Miss Muriel!!!). The woman is amazing---you should see the crafts they do in her class of 4's and 5's! She makes the Bible come alive with her teaching and craft projects (I could never imagine tackling some of those projects with small children but that's why she's teaching and I'm not!)---Her lessons are exciting and her crafts are time intensive, incredibly detailed and well thought out which is why Michael LOVES being with her in class!
Okay, so back to the poster. I wrote out a message in the middle of this foam poster so all the kids and maybe even the parents could sign their names around it. I decided to entrust Michael with my green Sharpie (he LOVES green) so he could write out his message and sign his name with his favorite color green. I showed him where to write everything so there would be room for everyone else to sign their names, too. Such a simple task, right? NOT!
I started doing something else and when I looked over to see how Michael was doing, I discovered that he had decided to take over the entire left side of the poster! He drew bunny ears and a super sized marshmallow peep! He was pressing so hard on the point that he nearly made holes in the f-o-a-m poster board!!! I quickly intervened when I saw him cross over to the other side and push the point of the Sharpie until the ink was bleeding into a nice sized circle! There was an indentation on the back of the poster which would have definitely made a hole through it while marking up the the carpet had I not caught him in time! Whew! I had been thinking of bringing the rest of the Sharpies to let the kids use them, but I've changed my mind about that! Crayola Markers will work just fine, too!
Naturally, I've come to realize that I should be nominated for "OC Neurotic Mother of the Year." The "OC" is for obsessive compulsive, of course! I mean, who cares about a marker, right?!? I can always replace it. And who cares about excessive artwork on a poster that's not in the "right" spot, right?!? Poor Michael was only trying to make "dots" with the marker and I went cranky mother on him! I had to ask him for forgiveness this afternoon (I'm praying he's not scarred for life over this!) because I was cranky with him. And you know what? He forgave me. And so did God. It's why I have comfort in 1 John 1:9. I like how the Amplified Bible puts it best..."If we [freely] admit that we have sinned and confess our sins, He is faithful and just (true to His own nature and promises) and will forgive our sins [dismiss our lawlessness] and [continuously] cleanse us from all unrighteousness [everything not in conformity to His will in purpose, thought, and action]." Ahhhh, confession is good for the soul.
Hmmm, I was wide awake last night. And very itchy. It's the allergies and weather changes that make my body go nuts-o on me. I think I probably slept for about 3 hours. I should have just stayed up and read. It would have been more productive!
So far, I haven't felt any changes in my body...but it's only day 2 so I remain hopeful and partially skeptical :o)
In other news...
I'm a BIG fan of fine point Sharpies. I only use them for projects that require precision writing or design and neurotically careful about the points. I like them pointy! I love all the different colors they come out in now so I couldn't wait to use them for my big poster project I'm doing for Michael's teacher at MOMSnext (the lovely and creative Miss Muriel!!!). The woman is amazing---you should see the crafts they do in her class of 4's and 5's! She makes the Bible come alive with her teaching and craft projects (I could never imagine tackling some of those projects with small children but that's why she's teaching and I'm not!)---Her lessons are exciting and her crafts are time intensive, incredibly detailed and well thought out which is why Michael LOVES being with her in class!
Okay, so back to the poster. I wrote out a message in the middle of this foam poster so all the kids and maybe even the parents could sign their names around it. I decided to entrust Michael with my green Sharpie (he LOVES green) so he could write out his message and sign his name with his favorite color green. I showed him where to write everything so there would be room for everyone else to sign their names, too. Such a simple task, right? NOT!
I started doing something else and when I looked over to see how Michael was doing, I discovered that he had decided to take over the entire left side of the poster! He drew bunny ears and a super sized marshmallow peep! He was pressing so hard on the point that he nearly made holes in the f-o-a-m poster board!!! I quickly intervened when I saw him cross over to the other side and push the point of the Sharpie until the ink was bleeding into a nice sized circle! There was an indentation on the back of the poster which would have definitely made a hole through it while marking up the the carpet had I not caught him in time! Whew! I had been thinking of bringing the rest of the Sharpies to let the kids use them, but I've changed my mind about that! Crayola Markers will work just fine, too!
Naturally, I've come to realize that I should be nominated for "OC Neurotic Mother of the Year." The "OC" is for obsessive compulsive, of course! I mean, who cares about a marker, right?!? I can always replace it. And who cares about excessive artwork on a poster that's not in the "right" spot, right?!? Poor Michael was only trying to make "dots" with the marker and I went cranky mother on him! I had to ask him for forgiveness this afternoon (I'm praying he's not scarred for life over this!) because I was cranky with him. And you know what? He forgave me. And so did God. It's why I have comfort in 1 John 1:9. I like how the Amplified Bible puts it best..."If we [freely] admit that we have sinned and confess our sins, He is faithful and just (true to His own nature and promises) and will forgive our sins [dismiss our lawlessness] and [continuously] cleanse us from all unrighteousness [everything not in conformity to His will in purpose, thought, and action]." Ahhhh, confession is good for the soul.
Monday, April 25, 2011
Melaleuca Challenge Day 1
I've had skin issues (chronic eczema) my whole life. okay, maybe not my "whole" life, but at least since age 4. I've tried every skin creme there is (after lots of experimentation thanks to professional opinions and otherwise, I find using "baby" vaseline b/c it smells so much better than the straight stuff and my Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion by Clinique helps) and my skin continues to be as dry as sandpaper and very peely when it comes to allergy season. It's so annoying! I've eaten every nasty Chinese medicine/food/etc. that supposedly would cure me of the itchiness and skin issues (hello, iguana soup and turtle soup are as nasty as they sound and they do DIDDLY-SQUAT!!!!) and NOTHING has worked. Sigh. There are worse things in life, so I can live with it and look forward to Heaven where I'll get a new body that's eczema free!!!
Recently, I heard a presentation about Melaleuca, a wellness company that specializes in amazing products that are safe for your body and your home. Terry G. did a great job explaining and answering all our questions (Deirdre and I had a ton!) and we both decided to try it as a part-time business. I was especially interested in Renew, their skin therapy treatment that has worked miraculous wonders in so many people. I purchased the Vitality 4 Essentials (AM & PM vitamins that are "scientifically proven to deliver maximum mineral availability and antioxidant protection," etc.) and I look forward to seeing if my body feels differently after taking them. If they can make me feel energized in the mornings instead of being so groggy and slow (I'm a night owl through and through. I am happy to stay up til 2am or longer, but it's the mornings that just slay me!!!), then you'll be the first to know about it!
I took my first set of vitamins today. I also purchased the Melaleuca Original Shampoo (it smells like gasoline to me but I think it's the strong herbal scent that I'm nasally sensitive to!) and am curious to see how effective it is compared to my other salon products. All I can say right now is that it sure is LESS expensive than the stuff from the beauty supply stores and that sounds great to me! It'll be a HUGE bonus if it works, too!!!
I normally take allergy meds so I'm trying out the Melaleuca ones and seeing how my allergies will be. Krista is going to go on the Melaleuca capsules for boosting her immune system. I would love to see her less sick and less prone to all the germs out there, so it will be very interesting. And, the final thing I purchased was the Melaleuca laundry detergent. Man, I wish my order came on Saturday so I could have tried it on the three loads of laundry I had to do! But no worries, the laundry basket is already getting full so I'll be able to test out the detergent soon enough.
I'm going to keep you posted everyday and let you know how Melaleuca is working for me. Part of me is really, really skeptical since I've tried so many other products that didn't help me (you should have seen all the Shaklee vitamins I had to take everyday to "help" my eczema and allergy issues which only trained me to swallow my pills quickly without gagging and that was about it!) and the other part of me is really, really hopeful that maybe, just maybe Melaleuca will be the missing link to all my itching and allergy issues! Well, I'm taking you on my Melaleuca journey and I will be brutally honest. Believe me, I won't be holding anything back either way!
The best thing is that the yearly membership is only $29 (there was a special going on when I signed up so I only had to pay $14 something) to purchase Melaleuca products (Oh my stars! They have everything from safe green cleaning supplies to fiber bars to make-up!) at a tremendous discount. After the first year, the membership fees go down to $12. And! If the product doesn't work for you, there are no repercussions. You'll get your money back (up to 60 days of trying everything out) and that's that. Of course there are a ton of other benefits, but this isn't the forum to go into all the details so if you're interested in being a customer under me (shameless plug!), let me know!
In other news...
Recently, I finished reading My Foolish Heart by Susan May Warren (loved the fact that Issy had her own radio show!), Nick of Time by Tim Downs (I love anything Tim Downs writes!!!) and Softly and Tenderly by Sara Evans and Rachel Hauck (Together, they make an amazing writing team! I loved the stories and it will pull a variety of emotions out of you that you're not expecting.). Now, I'm working on my downstairs book, Serendipity by Cathy Marie Hake. I haven't gotten around to finding an upstairs book yet because we've been busy setting up Michael's room (thank you, Kathy S. for your generosity!!!). I've cleared out a bunch of books from Krista's closet so now she'll have more room to organize her things. Hopefully, I haven't given her more room to throw her things around!
I've moved Michael's Legos and trains upstairs. His Duplos have been emptied into the bottom drawer, the Tinker Toys have been emptied into the middle drawer and the big boy Legos are all in the top drawer. Ahhh...our living room will no longer be overtaken by sprawling train tracks or Lego cars, garages or other Lego projects! The Lego Apple Tree House, the fire station set (poor Krista had to rebuild the entire thing!), the various vehicles and mobile police truck unit are now on the shelves for Michael to play with...in HIS room!And the big bin of Thomas & Friends and all the tracks and accessories are neatly stowed away in the closet (now that all the Duplos have been relocated!).
It's been a productive day :o) I want my children to live their lives by how the NASB version states 1 Corinthians 14:40, "But all things must be done properly and in an orderly manner."
Recently, I heard a presentation about Melaleuca, a wellness company that specializes in amazing products that are safe for your body and your home. Terry G. did a great job explaining and answering all our questions (Deirdre and I had a ton!) and we both decided to try it as a part-time business. I was especially interested in Renew, their skin therapy treatment that has worked miraculous wonders in so many people. I purchased the Vitality 4 Essentials (AM & PM vitamins that are "scientifically proven to deliver maximum mineral availability and antioxidant protection," etc.) and I look forward to seeing if my body feels differently after taking them. If they can make me feel energized in the mornings instead of being so groggy and slow (I'm a night owl through and through. I am happy to stay up til 2am or longer, but it's the mornings that just slay me!!!), then you'll be the first to know about it!
I took my first set of vitamins today. I also purchased the Melaleuca Original Shampoo (it smells like gasoline to me but I think it's the strong herbal scent that I'm nasally sensitive to!) and am curious to see how effective it is compared to my other salon products. All I can say right now is that it sure is LESS expensive than the stuff from the beauty supply stores and that sounds great to me! It'll be a HUGE bonus if it works, too!!!
I normally take allergy meds so I'm trying out the Melaleuca ones and seeing how my allergies will be. Krista is going to go on the Melaleuca capsules for boosting her immune system. I would love to see her less sick and less prone to all the germs out there, so it will be very interesting. And, the final thing I purchased was the Melaleuca laundry detergent. Man, I wish my order came on Saturday so I could have tried it on the three loads of laundry I had to do! But no worries, the laundry basket is already getting full so I'll be able to test out the detergent soon enough.
I'm going to keep you posted everyday and let you know how Melaleuca is working for me. Part of me is really, really skeptical since I've tried so many other products that didn't help me (you should have seen all the Shaklee vitamins I had to take everyday to "help" my eczema and allergy issues which only trained me to swallow my pills quickly without gagging and that was about it!) and the other part of me is really, really hopeful that maybe, just maybe Melaleuca will be the missing link to all my itching and allergy issues! Well, I'm taking you on my Melaleuca journey and I will be brutally honest. Believe me, I won't be holding anything back either way!
The best thing is that the yearly membership is only $29 (there was a special going on when I signed up so I only had to pay $14 something) to purchase Melaleuca products (Oh my stars! They have everything from safe green cleaning supplies to fiber bars to make-up!) at a tremendous discount. After the first year, the membership fees go down to $12. And! If the product doesn't work for you, there are no repercussions. You'll get your money back (up to 60 days of trying everything out) and that's that. Of course there are a ton of other benefits, but this isn't the forum to go into all the details so if you're interested in being a customer under me (shameless plug!), let me know!
In other news...
Recently, I finished reading My Foolish Heart by Susan May Warren (loved the fact that Issy had her own radio show!), Nick of Time by Tim Downs (I love anything Tim Downs writes!!!) and Softly and Tenderly by Sara Evans and Rachel Hauck (Together, they make an amazing writing team! I loved the stories and it will pull a variety of emotions out of you that you're not expecting.). Now, I'm working on my downstairs book, Serendipity by Cathy Marie Hake. I haven't gotten around to finding an upstairs book yet because we've been busy setting up Michael's room (thank you, Kathy S. for your generosity!!!). I've cleared out a bunch of books from Krista's closet so now she'll have more room to organize her things. Hopefully, I haven't given her more room to throw her things around!
I've moved Michael's Legos and trains upstairs. His Duplos have been emptied into the bottom drawer, the Tinker Toys have been emptied into the middle drawer and the big boy Legos are all in the top drawer. Ahhh...our living room will no longer be overtaken by sprawling train tracks or Lego cars, garages or other Lego projects! The Lego Apple Tree House, the fire station set (poor Krista had to rebuild the entire thing!), the various vehicles and mobile police truck unit are now on the shelves for Michael to play with...in HIS room!And the big bin of Thomas & Friends and all the tracks and accessories are neatly stowed away in the closet (now that all the Duplos have been relocated!).
It's been a productive day :o) I want my children to live their lives by how the NASB version states 1 Corinthians 14:40, "But all things must be done properly and in an orderly manner."
Sunday, April 24, 2011
Happy Easter!!!
This morning I tried to get Michael in his new outfit for Easter, but apparently, he liked it better on the hanger than on him (the shirt was not as soft as his other favorite shirts but it sure looked a lot more dressier---obviously he didn't get the memo about looks over comfort!) so I let him wear what was comfortable for him. There are some battles not that important---especially when Michael woke up with a cheerful, "Happy Easter! Jesus is alive!" Then we headed to church for the early 7:30am service. Yawn. I set my alarm for 5am because I was so afraid to oversleep! Plus, I knew Michael was looking forward to the pancake breakfast they served before the service at 6:30am (it was Michael's first taste of pancakes & he loved it!).
Okay, I don't know about your church, but our service was incredibly joyful and meaningful! The choirs and musicians made it so special and it was an amazing service for all of us! Hallelujah! He is risen, so why are we sweatin' the small stuff, right?!? I left church wishing we had church everyday!!!
When we got home, it was time for the Easter Boutique, our own little tradition since Krista was our only tiny child. Back then, I've always hid plastic eggs with paper money (so she could learn to count her money or make change to "purchase" things at the Easter Boutique) or math facts that she would have to answer in order to redeem them for product at the Easter Boutique (I know! Poor child!). I don't do Easter baskets. I never like what's in them and customizing one takes too much effort and is too easy. I want my children to work for their surprises! Besides, it's much more fun to "play store!"
Now that Krista is older, I've been putting in Scripture verse clues in the eggs. The clues have something to do with what they're going to be getting so it's fun to watch her try to figure out the clue. This year, we did it for Michael, too. We hid 24 eggs. Three of the green eggs had clues for Michael and of course, the clues for Krista were hidden in three blue eggs. Once the eggs were found (our children do not have good detective genes so they needed help from us otherwise they'd still be looking!) we all went upstairs to figure out the clues. Each clue had the Scripture reference and the version they needed to read the verse from.
Krista's clues were from these three passages: Ps 92:8 (CEV), Luke 12:48 (NLT), Daniel 12:3 (CEV)
Michael's clues were from these three passages: Heb 3:3 (NLT), Ps 119:103 (CEV), Genesis 22:17 (NLT)
Can you guess what they got at the Easter Boutique?!? This Easter was extra special because Krista wanted to help me make our special Easter dinner. Last night, we made a New York cheese cake together and it turned out super yummy! We made Michael some jello since he's not a cheesecake fan...yet! Krista made the perfect graham cracker crust. Thank God she didn't get my cooking genes! Today, we made stuffed chicken breast, mashed sweet potatoes and corn together. The home made rolls never came into fruition and we forgot the Caprice Salad because we made it earlier today and had some earlier! Preparing a meal with her is a lot more satisfying and enjoyable when I can do it with Krista.
This was such an amazing day (and weekend!). We're grateful because we can celebrate that He's alive!!!I love how the Amplified Bible puts I Peter 1:18-19... "18You must know (recognize) that you were redeemed (ransomed) from the useless (fruitless) way of living inherited by tradition from [your] forefathers, not with corruptible things [such as] silver and gold,
19But [you were purchased] with the precious blood of Christ (the Messiah), like that of a [sacrificial] lamb without blemish or spot."
Okay, I don't know about your church, but our service was incredibly joyful and meaningful! The choirs and musicians made it so special and it was an amazing service for all of us! Hallelujah! He is risen, so why are we sweatin' the small stuff, right?!? I left church wishing we had church everyday!!!
When we got home, it was time for the Easter Boutique, our own little tradition since Krista was our only tiny child. Back then, I've always hid plastic eggs with paper money (so she could learn to count her money or make change to "purchase" things at the Easter Boutique) or math facts that she would have to answer in order to redeem them for product at the Easter Boutique (I know! Poor child!). I don't do Easter baskets. I never like what's in them and customizing one takes too much effort and is too easy. I want my children to work for their surprises! Besides, it's much more fun to "play store!"
Now that Krista is older, I've been putting in Scripture verse clues in the eggs. The clues have something to do with what they're going to be getting so it's fun to watch her try to figure out the clue. This year, we did it for Michael, too. We hid 24 eggs. Three of the green eggs had clues for Michael and of course, the clues for Krista were hidden in three blue eggs. Once the eggs were found (our children do not have good detective genes so they needed help from us otherwise they'd still be looking!) we all went upstairs to figure out the clues. Each clue had the Scripture reference and the version they needed to read the verse from.
Krista's clues were from these three passages: Ps 92:8 (CEV), Luke 12:48 (NLT), Daniel 12:3 (CEV)
Michael's clues were from these three passages: Heb 3:3 (NLT), Ps 119:103 (CEV), Genesis 22:17 (NLT)
Can you guess what they got at the Easter Boutique?!? This Easter was extra special because Krista wanted to help me make our special Easter dinner. Last night, we made a New York cheese cake together and it turned out super yummy! We made Michael some jello since he's not a cheesecake fan...yet! Krista made the perfect graham cracker crust. Thank God she didn't get my cooking genes! Today, we made stuffed chicken breast, mashed sweet potatoes and corn together. The home made rolls never came into fruition and we forgot the Caprice Salad because we made it earlier today and had some earlier! Preparing a meal with her is a lot more satisfying and enjoyable when I can do it with Krista.
This was such an amazing day (and weekend!). We're grateful because we can celebrate that He's alive!!!I love how the Amplified Bible puts I Peter 1:18-19... "18You must know (recognize) that you were redeemed (ransomed) from the useless (fruitless) way of living inherited by tradition from [your] forefathers, not with corruptible things [such as] silver and gold,
19But [you were purchased] with the precious blood of Christ (the Messiah), like that of a [sacrificial] lamb without blemish or spot."
Friday, April 22, 2011
Inspired.
It's 12:15 am. Krista and I just returned from dropping my friend Keri home. The three of us went to see Soul Surfer (Keri and I cried our eyes out through the movie), I would definitely rank it as one of the most inspiring movies I've ever seen! I love how Bethany Hamilton's perspective changed after her trip to Thailand. I don't want to say anymore in case you haven't seen it...yet! So, go see it!!! Support this movie and check out Bethany's site http://bethanyhamilton.com/about/bio/.
I love how Bethany's light shines from the inside out---she's radiant! She reflects the verse from Matthew 5:16. The Amplified Bible puts it like this, "Let your light so shine before men that they may see your moral excellence and your praiseworthy, noble, and good deeds and recognize and honor and praise and glorify your Father Who is in heaven."
I love how Bethany's light shines from the inside out---she's radiant! She reflects the verse from Matthew 5:16. The Amplified Bible puts it like this, "Let your light so shine before men that they may see your moral excellence and your praiseworthy, noble, and good deeds and recognize and honor and praise and glorify your Father Who is in heaven."
Saturday, April 16, 2011
Oh. My. Stars.
Krista just got back from the Revolve Conference in Ontario, CA (thank you, Hauter family!) and told me about a weird encounter she had this morning that you are NOT going to believe...
This morning at the hotel, Krista was sitting at a table having breakfast when this lovely African-American family came in to the dining room. Krista told me they had 4 adorable little girls. As they passed her, one of the cute little girls said in a loud voice to her mom as she pointed to Krista, "Mommy, look! It's a Japanese person. But mommy, why is there a Japanese person here? Don't they live in Japan?" And her mom replied loud enough for Krista to hear, "Honey, don't point. Some Japanese people live in America but they should stay in Japan."
Are you for real?!? I asked Krista what she did (I was hoping she stood up straight and tall and politely informed the family she was NOT Japanese, but an American born Chinese and that she had the same rights to live in America as they did!) and she said she couldn't help but laugh over it. Then the little girl kept staring at her until Krista smiled, waved to her and said "Hi!" to her (shocking the poor child senseless, I'm sure!!!) and the little girl told her mom that the "Japanese person" waved to her! Krista didn't hear the mother's reply (probably a good thing!).
I'm thinking Krista's reaction (which would have been SO opposite of mine!!!) made me realize...
1. She needs to learn to defend herself verbally (learning a few quick Karate kicks wouldn't hurt, either!!!) or she'll be an easy target for bullies.
2. She probably protected herself from more verbal assaults by her non defensive manner. You can't change the opinion of prejudice people overnight.
I like how the Amplified Bible puts Proverbs 18:2 and Proverbs 10:18...
Prov 18:2 "A [self-confident] fool has no delight in understanding but only in revealing his personal opinions and himself."
Prov 10:18 "He who hides hatred is of lying lips, and he who utters slander is a [self-confident] fool."
Based on those two verses, I believe Krista had one of her first encounters with some self-confident fools.
And [Krista], I am not being mean. I'm just quoting what the Bible says about people who are full of prejudice and anger. Those two verses hit the nail on the head so I rest my case.
This morning at the hotel, Krista was sitting at a table having breakfast when this lovely African-American family came in to the dining room. Krista told me they had 4 adorable little girls. As they passed her, one of the cute little girls said in a loud voice to her mom as she pointed to Krista, "Mommy, look! It's a Japanese person. But mommy, why is there a Japanese person here? Don't they live in Japan?" And her mom replied loud enough for Krista to hear, "Honey, don't point. Some Japanese people live in America but they should stay in Japan."
Are you for real?!? I asked Krista what she did (I was hoping she stood up straight and tall and politely informed the family she was NOT Japanese, but an American born Chinese and that she had the same rights to live in America as they did!) and she said she couldn't help but laugh over it. Then the little girl kept staring at her until Krista smiled, waved to her and said "Hi!" to her (shocking the poor child senseless, I'm sure!!!) and the little girl told her mom that the "Japanese person" waved to her! Krista didn't hear the mother's reply (probably a good thing!).
I'm thinking Krista's reaction (which would have been SO opposite of mine!!!) made me realize...
1. She needs to learn to defend herself verbally (learning a few quick Karate kicks wouldn't hurt, either!!!) or she'll be an easy target for bullies.
2. She probably protected herself from more verbal assaults by her non defensive manner. You can't change the opinion of prejudice people overnight.
I like how the Amplified Bible puts Proverbs 18:2 and Proverbs 10:18...
Prov 18:2 "A [self-confident] fool has no delight in understanding but only in revealing his personal opinions and himself."
Prov 10:18 "He who hides hatred is of lying lips, and he who utters slander is a [self-confident] fool."
Based on those two verses, I believe Krista had one of her first encounters with some self-confident fools.
And [Krista], I am not being mean. I'm just quoting what the Bible says about people who are full of prejudice and anger. Those two verses hit the nail on the head so I rest my case.
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
The Helper and His Unconventional Cleaning Method
This morning, the Season All Seasoned Salt was still on the table from last night's baked potato dinner. We love seasoned salt! It goes great with cucumbers, pasta, and pretty much anything else! But every time you use the shaker, it leaves some of the seasoned salt on the top of the shaker part. No biggie since it doesn't really affect anything, right?
Well, Michael was eating his oatmeal this morning and I was working on my laptop. All of a sudden, he exclaimed, "Look, it's all cleaned now!" And it was! The blue shaker part (with all the little holes) was smooth and free of salt making it appear brand new. I thanked him and told him what a great cleaner her was and then a thought hit me...
Me: Michael, how did you get the top so clean? What did you wipe it with?
Michael: I didn't use anything except for my tongue! I licked it! [Big Smile]
Ahhhh...that's what I was afraid of!!! I had to explain why he needed to use a napkin to clean it next time because he was more than willing to do another quick demonstration for me...! Ya gotta love how their little brains solve the problems of the universe, right?!?
Our sins need to be cleansed completely from our hearts. It's possible because of Jesus and His sacrifice. In Romans 3:23-24, the New Living Translation puts it like this, “For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard. Yet God, with undeserved kindness, declares that we are righteous. He did this through Christ Jesus when he freed us from the penalty for our sins.”
Well, Michael was eating his oatmeal this morning and I was working on my laptop. All of a sudden, he exclaimed, "Look, it's all cleaned now!" And it was! The blue shaker part (with all the little holes) was smooth and free of salt making it appear brand new. I thanked him and told him what a great cleaner her was and then a thought hit me...
Me: Michael, how did you get the top so clean? What did you wipe it with?
Michael: I didn't use anything except for my tongue! I licked it! [Big Smile]
Ahhhh...that's what I was afraid of!!! I had to explain why he needed to use a napkin to clean it next time because he was more than willing to do another quick demonstration for me...! Ya gotta love how their little brains solve the problems of the universe, right?!?
Our sins need to be cleansed completely from our hearts. It's possible because of Jesus and His sacrifice. In Romans 3:23-24, the New Living Translation puts it like this, “For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard. Yet God, with undeserved kindness, declares that we are righteous. He did this through Christ Jesus when he freed us from the penalty for our sins.”
In Recovery Mode
This past weekend was my 8th grade girls Bible Study Sleep Over. I love these girls!!! We have the best discussions and their unlimited energy inspires me and reminds me that I'm... getting old!!! LOL!!! I would have loved to stay up past 4am (unfortunately, Michael was awaken by lots of squealing, laughter and noise!) and not feel the repercussions of that choice for the last couple of days...!
I'm thankful we were able to spend some time over the weekend with our friends who were in the area visiting from noCal. The time we have together is always too short. But, it's better to have a little time together than none at all, right?!?
Michael has been learning to sound out his letters and I'm so excited that he's beginning to read and learn some sight words!!! It's amazing to watch him sound out the letters to make the word he's trying to read!!! He has always loved to spell and write, so I'm looking forward to helping him learn to read all by himself. We are using Dr. Mary Mantz Simon's "The Hear-Me-Read Bible" and he LOVES it!!! I highly recommend anything Dr. Mary Mantz Simon!!!
I love the updated version of Soul Surfer by Bethany Hamilton with Sheryl Berk and Rick Bundschuh. It includes her personal thoughts on the ups and downs of her newfound celebrity status, some journaling from her days on the set while shooting the movie on her life (Soul Surfer is out in theaters everywhere!), more pictures and updates on what she's been up to in the last five years, etc.
I just finished Departures by Robin Jones Gunn (the rediscovered stories of Christy Miller and Sierra Jensen before they meet!) and Fairer than Morning by Rosslyn Elliott. It's a new series called The Saddler's Legacy and you'll read my reviews on both books in the May edition of Five Star Books & More by the Reading Mom newsletter. I'm currently about to start Robin's and Tricia Goyer's book, Praying for your Future Husband which is the next book I'm using for our 8th grade girls Bible study. Upstairs, I'm trying to find time to read Meg Moseley's When Sparrow Fall. It's a fascinating story so far! And, I've yet to finish Ted Dekker's The Bride Collector. I can only read it in the daytime (I'm too scared to read it at night!) and lately, I've been more busier than ever with yearbook, an exciting fundraiser dinner show, housing repairs (not that I'm personally involved in fixing anything...that would be way too scary to contemplate! I'm just making the calls and setting up estimate appointments, etc.), church things, etc.
I burned my hand while trying to retrieve a muffin tray of carrot & pineapple cake bites. As I look at my newly acquired burn scar (shaped like the metal bar in my oven!), I'm reminded of the verse in Isaiah 53:5. The Amplified Bible puts it this way:
"But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our guilt and iniquities; the chastisement [needful to obtain] peace and well-being for us was upon Him, and with the stripes [that wounded] Him we are healed and made whole."
As Easter gets closer, I want to read and re-read this chapter from Isaiah. Isn't it remarkable that we live because He died? Thank God for the Resurrection!!! Glory Hallelujah!!!
I'm thankful we were able to spend some time over the weekend with our friends who were in the area visiting from noCal. The time we have together is always too short. But, it's better to have a little time together than none at all, right?!?
Michael has been learning to sound out his letters and I'm so excited that he's beginning to read and learn some sight words!!! It's amazing to watch him sound out the letters to make the word he's trying to read!!! He has always loved to spell and write, so I'm looking forward to helping him learn to read all by himself. We are using Dr. Mary Mantz Simon's "The Hear-Me-Read Bible" and he LOVES it!!! I highly recommend anything Dr. Mary Mantz Simon!!!
I love the updated version of Soul Surfer by Bethany Hamilton with Sheryl Berk and Rick Bundschuh. It includes her personal thoughts on the ups and downs of her newfound celebrity status, some journaling from her days on the set while shooting the movie on her life (Soul Surfer is out in theaters everywhere!), more pictures and updates on what she's been up to in the last five years, etc.
I just finished Departures by Robin Jones Gunn (the rediscovered stories of Christy Miller and Sierra Jensen before they meet!) and Fairer than Morning by Rosslyn Elliott. It's a new series called The Saddler's Legacy and you'll read my reviews on both books in the May edition of Five Star Books & More by the Reading Mom newsletter. I'm currently about to start Robin's and Tricia Goyer's book, Praying for your Future Husband which is the next book I'm using for our 8th grade girls Bible study. Upstairs, I'm trying to find time to read Meg Moseley's When Sparrow Fall. It's a fascinating story so far! And, I've yet to finish Ted Dekker's The Bride Collector. I can only read it in the daytime (I'm too scared to read it at night!) and lately, I've been more busier than ever with yearbook, an exciting fundraiser dinner show, housing repairs (not that I'm personally involved in fixing anything...that would be way too scary to contemplate! I'm just making the calls and setting up estimate appointments, etc.), church things, etc.
I burned my hand while trying to retrieve a muffin tray of carrot & pineapple cake bites. As I look at my newly acquired burn scar (shaped like the metal bar in my oven!), I'm reminded of the verse in Isaiah 53:5. The Amplified Bible puts it this way:
"But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our guilt and iniquities; the chastisement [needful to obtain] peace and well-being for us was upon Him, and with the stripes [that wounded] Him we are healed and made whole."
As Easter gets closer, I want to read and re-read this chapter from Isaiah. Isn't it remarkable that we live because He died? Thank God for the Resurrection!!! Glory Hallelujah!!!
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
"I See You!!!" and "What Can I Help You With?" and "Do You Need Any Replacement Parts?"
Michael got to play with his DS while waiting for me to get my haircut this morning. When we came home, I told him he needed to play with something that didn't require batteries or anything that needed to be turned on. I watched him push the Lego box (we just finished building the Lego Creator House #5891 this past weekend) around on the floor while making little noises. Then, as I was working on the computer for MOMSnext stuff, I heard a voice from the direction of the stairs going, "I see you!" The Lego box was wedged between the spindles of the stairs (I'm not sure if that's the correct name for it, but it's the wooden thingys that hold up the hand rail on the stairs!) and he was using it as "my telescope."
As I was making some phone calls for a replacement part for our portable nebulizer, I watched him moving around on his stomach (it looked like he was trying to swim) while pushing the Lego box around. He told me he was going to "his house on the rock" (from the Bible story of The Wise Man and The Foolish Man).
When I was finished with my phone calls, he came up to me and asked, "Mommy, what can I help you with? Do you need any replacement parts?" Ha! Now, that's a loaded question!!!
Michael's been doing great. So far, his breathing issues are under control so I haven't had to nebulize him yet today. He's still taking his antibiotics (we call it his "milkshake medicine") and will be done with them on Monday. Woo Hoo!!! I'm ready for everyone to remain healthy for more than a week :o)
Except for some deadlines, this week is going to be very exciting! Our friends from noCal are arriving on Thursday and Teal (Krista and Teal are "kindred spirits") will get to stay over and see what Fridays are like at LOMSAA! After school we'll have our yearbook meeting and then later that evening, we're having the 8th grade girls over for our Bible Study Sleep Over 2!!! I'm so excited about spending time with the girls!!! Then it will be a weekend of friends and fun!!!
In the meantime, there's a house that needs cleaning (I just looked over and Michael is making "snow angels" on the carpet!!!), snacks to purchase, cookies to bake, etc. etc. etc.! I'm reading The Dawn of a Dream by Ann Shorey and Ted Dekker's creepy suspense The Bride Collector downstairs and upstairs, I'm reading Julie Carobini's Fade to Blue (book 3 in the Otter Bay series). I hope you've checked out the latest books I've reviewed in my newsletter here, Five Star Books & More by the Reading Mom. If you haven't, then be sure to check them out!
I would love to blog more, but Michael would like to email his Miss Muriel (he missed her class when he was sick two weeks ago) a "thank you" for the card she sent him.
I'll leave this verse with you (as requested by Michael)..."For God so loved the world, that He gave His only forgotten (it should be "begotten!") Son, that whosoever believes in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life." John 3:16 as quoted by Michael (age 4).
I've been invited to go aboard Michael's ship, so Bon Voyage (it seems to be the appropriate way to end this blog)!!!
As I was making some phone calls for a replacement part for our portable nebulizer, I watched him moving around on his stomach (it looked like he was trying to swim) while pushing the Lego box around. He told me he was going to "his house on the rock" (from the Bible story of The Wise Man and The Foolish Man).
When I was finished with my phone calls, he came up to me and asked, "Mommy, what can I help you with? Do you need any replacement parts?" Ha! Now, that's a loaded question!!!
Michael's been doing great. So far, his breathing issues are under control so I haven't had to nebulize him yet today. He's still taking his antibiotics (we call it his "milkshake medicine") and will be done with them on Monday. Woo Hoo!!! I'm ready for everyone to remain healthy for more than a week :o)
Except for some deadlines, this week is going to be very exciting! Our friends from noCal are arriving on Thursday and Teal (Krista and Teal are "kindred spirits") will get to stay over and see what Fridays are like at LOMSAA! After school we'll have our yearbook meeting and then later that evening, we're having the 8th grade girls over for our Bible Study Sleep Over 2!!! I'm so excited about spending time with the girls!!! Then it will be a weekend of friends and fun!!!
In the meantime, there's a house that needs cleaning (I just looked over and Michael is making "snow angels" on the carpet!!!), snacks to purchase, cookies to bake, etc. etc. etc.! I'm reading The Dawn of a Dream by Ann Shorey and Ted Dekker's creepy suspense The Bride Collector downstairs and upstairs, I'm reading Julie Carobini's Fade to Blue (book 3 in the Otter Bay series). I hope you've checked out the latest books I've reviewed in my newsletter here, Five Star Books & More by the Reading Mom. If you haven't, then be sure to check them out!
I would love to blog more, but Michael would like to email his Miss Muriel (he missed her class when he was sick two weeks ago) a "thank you" for the card she sent him.
I'll leave this verse with you (as requested by Michael)..."For God so loved the world, that He gave His only forgotten (it should be "begotten!") Son, that whosoever believes in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life." John 3:16 as quoted by Michael (age 4).
I've been invited to go aboard Michael's ship, so Bon Voyage (it seems to be the appropriate way to end this blog)!!!
Friday, April 1, 2011
"I Can Nebulize AND Do Rowing Squats!"
Last night we had dinner at Blue Stove and it was so great to see Michael eat his chicken, sweet potato frites and fruit! It's the little things in life, right?!? Michael is clearly on the road to recovery. His coughing has significantly decreased (last night was the first night he only woke up once which meant Jacob and I got to sleep for more than three hours...which is why I'm finally blogging since I can think coherently again), his energy has returned (this is manifested by the never ending chatter that's about to drive me over the brink of insanity because of the lack of...silence!!!) and so has his appetite! He's asking for food AND eating it!!! What a novelty since before feeling better, he was asking for food and then taking one bite or less.
Today, while Michael was doing his breathing treatment (the nebulizer works wonders!!!), he optimistically declared, "I can nebulize AND do rowing squats!" ummm...definitely NOT! I calmly told him he wouldn't be on the Wii Fit Plus until he was done with his antibiotics and finished with the breathing treatments which won't be until the 11th. yep, he's definitely feeling like himself again!
Thank you for praying for him!!! I can't even imagine a life without prayer. I'm so encouraged by the Amplified Bible's version of Ephesians 3:20-21. It goes like this...
"20Now to Him Who, by (in consequence of) the [action of His] power that is at work within us, is able to [carry out His purpose and] do superabundantly, far over and above all that we [dare] ask or think [infinitely beyond our highest prayers, desires, thoughts, hopes, or dreams]-- 21To Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations forever and ever. Amen (so be it)."
Today, while Michael was doing his breathing treatment (the nebulizer works wonders!!!), he optimistically declared, "I can nebulize AND do rowing squats!" ummm...definitely NOT! I calmly told him he wouldn't be on the Wii Fit Plus until he was done with his antibiotics and finished with the breathing treatments which won't be until the 11th. yep, he's definitely feeling like himself again!
Thank you for praying for him!!! I can't even imagine a life without prayer. I'm so encouraged by the Amplified Bible's version of Ephesians 3:20-21. It goes like this...
"20Now to Him Who, by (in consequence of) the [action of His] power that is at work within us, is able to [carry out His purpose and] do superabundantly, far over and above all that we [dare] ask or think [infinitely beyond our highest prayers, desires, thoughts, hopes, or dreams]-- 21To Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations forever and ever. Amen (so be it)."
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