Ahh - - the beginning of a brand new school year! I LOVE September. I love it for so many reasons... school is back in session and that means back to a "normal" or "semi-normal" routine, fall is nearing and leaves are beginning to fall off the trees, the air is a little crisper and of course new seasons of all my favorite shows are back (particularly CSI and House M.D.).
Chloe is in Second Grade this year! I can't believe it! When I dropped her off on last Monday, it seemed impossible that she is big enough to have her own locker and be in the big grade school wing! Simply impossible! But - she's growing up and it's happening right before my own eyes!
Can I just say - - what's with all the paperwork that comes home on a regular basis? It's like I am back in school! Almost every night she has papers that come home that I need to sort out. And it's not like I am one that can just push them aside. I have to take care of them AS they come in. So - - each night - there I sit, doing MY homework. Organizing school papers, managing homework that needs to be returned the next day, sorting out papers that she brings home that is already graded, keeping a calendar of all the events going on within the next few months. YIKES! AND of course, I'm always the mom that volunteers for any and everything. What's wrong with me? Seriously - I enjoy it. I tend to feel more guilty because of my hectic work week and not always being able to help within the classroom. I always try to help out where I can and how I can at home. :0)
Well - - I've gotta go - I'm sure there are papers I should be sorting or homework I should be reviewing...
Thursday, September 06, 2007
Friday, August 31, 2007
Recipe FRIDAY
Okay - so I tricked you. This isn't really a recipe.
I am the type of person who gets hooked on certain foods pretty quickly. Like this one time... I was SO hooked on Taco Salads from Wendy's. Literally - I ate there for lunch like every other day. Then there was the time I was hooked on S'mores cereal. Go figure! If I could have talked my family into sharing my obsession with me... would have eaten it for breakfast, lunch AND dinner! At other times throughout my life I have been known to be hooked on Tootsie Rolls, Triskets, Yoplait's Strawberry/Banana yogurt, Milano cookies and even once I was hooked on those brown and serve rolls... you know the ones you can easily find at Thanksgiving and Christmas? Those ones!
I go through these phases, spurts really, and it's weird. I'm not a big "variety" person. Typically either I like it - or I don't. No black and white there.
So - my new obsession is Subway's personal pizza's. I have seen them advertised for some time now, but never really got up the nerve to try them. Like, really, who goes to Subway for their "pizza"?? If you're going to Subway, it's typically because you want a healthy sub, right?
Well - I was in line last Friday afternoon at my local Subway shop and I saw 3 people in front of me order these pizza's. So - I thought, "They must be good, so I'll try one." Well - let me tell you - if you haven't had one yet - you at least owe it to yourself to try them out! They're surprisingly pretty good. And they're decently priced. $4 for a cheese pizza and then you can get any veggies you want on it for no extra cost. YUM-O! :) Then you get Parmesan cheese and oregano to top it off and WHAL-A - you have yourself a meal.
Try it, I think you'll like it! :)
I am the type of person who gets hooked on certain foods pretty quickly. Like this one time... I was SO hooked on Taco Salads from Wendy's. Literally - I ate there for lunch like every other day. Then there was the time I was hooked on S'mores cereal. Go figure! If I could have talked my family into sharing my obsession with me... would have eaten it for breakfast, lunch AND dinner! At other times throughout my life I have been known to be hooked on Tootsie Rolls, Triskets, Yoplait's Strawberry/Banana yogurt, Milano cookies and even once I was hooked on those brown and serve rolls... you know the ones you can easily find at Thanksgiving and Christmas? Those ones!
I go through these phases, spurts really, and it's weird. I'm not a big "variety" person. Typically either I like it - or I don't. No black and white there.
So - my new obsession is Subway's personal pizza's. I have seen them advertised for some time now, but never really got up the nerve to try them. Like, really, who goes to Subway for their "pizza"?? If you're going to Subway, it's typically because you want a healthy sub, right?
Well - I was in line last Friday afternoon at my local Subway shop and I saw 3 people in front of me order these pizza's. So - I thought, "They must be good, so I'll try one." Well - let me tell you - if you haven't had one yet - you at least owe it to yourself to try them out! They're surprisingly pretty good. And they're decently priced. $4 for a cheese pizza and then you can get any veggies you want on it for no extra cost. YUM-O! :) Then you get Parmesan cheese and oregano to top it off and WHAL-A - you have yourself a meal.
Try it, I think you'll like it! :)
Tuesday, August 28, 2007
My Board of Directors
I heard recently that everyone should have themselves a "Board of Directors". You know what I'm talking about? People in your life that advise you, support you, guide you, protect and defend you. People that you have given the authority to speak truth into your life - - even when it hurts.
I remember when I was in high school... I had this great friend; her name was Lena. Lena was one of those "really honest" people that would tell you what she wanted to tell you - not necessarily what you wanted to hear. You know the ones I'm talking about, right? Lena was famous for her honesty. I could ask her, "Do these jeans make my butt look big?" and sometimes she would reply, "Yes. Yes, Wendy, they do." WHAT? Are you kidding me? I wasn't expecting that. But Lena taught me something. She would always say, "I love you enough to be honest with you." Okay - so maybe at age 16 I really wanted her to tell me that my butt looked great in those jeans, but it's not what I NEEDED to hear. Years late, I'm leaning the lessons that my friend taught me about how to build myself a "Board of Directors".
I have GREAT friends! No kidding! I am one of the most blessed people on the planet earth. I have had some of my closest friends for more than 20 years and then there are those of my closest whom I've only known for a couple years. Each one of them blesses me beyond words! I have one friend who is so encouraging I don't know what I'd do without her. She's my rock. She's one of those friends who always tries to get me to see the other view point and turns everything into a postive. She's amazing. I have another friend who is constantly asking me, "Are you sure you want to do that?" This friend protects me and keeps me focused. I have yet another friend who always has my back. She's there whenever I need her. She's very self-less and I know, without a shadow of a doubt, that she'd be the first one to my rescue in my time of need.
All of these people add something different to my life and they are all people that I love and respect more than they will ever know. But more than that, I have give them authority to speak truth to me. I have allowed myself to be transparent with them and I depend on them to hold me accountable. They are my Board of Directors - they are my inner core.
I read recently that every Christ-follower needs a cabinet, a board of directors, an inner circle of people who breathe love and truth into their lives daily. It goes on to list important questions to ask yourself about your selection of board members:
Who’s giving you the go-ahead?
Who speaks encouragement into your life?
Who’s in your life positioning you for progress?
Who’s in your life bringing balance to it?
Who drags you kicking and screaming to important tasks?
Who’s steady in your life?
Who will give up anything for you?
Who’s got your back?
This is what I will be focusing on over the next several weeks. Developing my Board of Directors. Bottom line is - we all want to be loved and accepted and we all want to be part of something bigger than ourselves. I believe the first step is paying close attention to the people who will go the journey with you and the ones who will stay on the journey with you. Through thick and thin. The people who will support and encourage you and maybe even slap you upside the face once or twice asking the question, "What were you thinking?"
Do you have a Board of Directors? Who speaks love and truth into your life? Who holds you accountable? I encourage you to get some members together. Life was not meant to go it alone!
I remember when I was in high school... I had this great friend; her name was Lena. Lena was one of those "really honest" people that would tell you what she wanted to tell you - not necessarily what you wanted to hear. You know the ones I'm talking about, right? Lena was famous for her honesty. I could ask her, "Do these jeans make my butt look big?" and sometimes she would reply, "Yes. Yes, Wendy, they do." WHAT? Are you kidding me? I wasn't expecting that. But Lena taught me something. She would always say, "I love you enough to be honest with you." Okay - so maybe at age 16 I really wanted her to tell me that my butt looked great in those jeans, but it's not what I NEEDED to hear. Years late, I'm leaning the lessons that my friend taught me about how to build myself a "Board of Directors".
I have GREAT friends! No kidding! I am one of the most blessed people on the planet earth. I have had some of my closest friends for more than 20 years and then there are those of my closest whom I've only known for a couple years. Each one of them blesses me beyond words! I have one friend who is so encouraging I don't know what I'd do without her. She's my rock. She's one of those friends who always tries to get me to see the other view point and turns everything into a postive. She's amazing. I have another friend who is constantly asking me, "Are you sure you want to do that?" This friend protects me and keeps me focused. I have yet another friend who always has my back. She's there whenever I need her. She's very self-less and I know, without a shadow of a doubt, that she'd be the first one to my rescue in my time of need.
All of these people add something different to my life and they are all people that I love and respect more than they will ever know. But more than that, I have give them authority to speak truth to me. I have allowed myself to be transparent with them and I depend on them to hold me accountable. They are my Board of Directors - they are my inner core.
I read recently that every Christ-follower needs a cabinet, a board of directors, an inner circle of people who breathe love and truth into their lives daily. It goes on to list important questions to ask yourself about your selection of board members:
Who’s giving you the go-ahead?
Who speaks encouragement into your life?
Who’s in your life positioning you for progress?
Who’s in your life bringing balance to it?
Who drags you kicking and screaming to important tasks?
Who’s steady in your life?
Who will give up anything for you?
Who’s got your back?
This is what I will be focusing on over the next several weeks. Developing my Board of Directors. Bottom line is - we all want to be loved and accepted and we all want to be part of something bigger than ourselves. I believe the first step is paying close attention to the people who will go the journey with you and the ones who will stay on the journey with you. Through thick and thin. The people who will support and encourage you and maybe even slap you upside the face once or twice asking the question, "What were you thinking?"
Do you have a Board of Directors? Who speaks love and truth into your life? Who holds you accountable? I encourage you to get some members together. Life was not meant to go it alone!
Friday, August 24, 2007
Saying Goodbye...
Can I just say RIGHT NOW that I hate goodbyes?? They are never easy and I don't like them AT ALL! Here are some of my reflections as I say goodbye to two people who are near and dear to my heart...
I met Rick Mink back in November of 2004 when I applied for this position as Church Office Administrator for Crossroads. We instantly had a connection. I can't tell you what it was - but I just knew I was going to like him!
It's been a joy getting to know Rick and his lovely wife, JoAn. They have been like parents to me. They have supported me, affirmed me, guided me, loved and cared for me and taught me more than they will ever know. The things I have learned from them go far beyond just work-related lessons. Rick has taught me how to believe in myself and how to stand firm in what I believe in. He has taught me lesson after lesson about how to be a grace-filled person, even when it's hard. He's taught me about perseverance and determination. By sharing his life with me... by being completely transparent and open, he has taught be about honestly and humility and what it means to fully embrace every opportunity that comes... to seize the moment and how to take time to celebrate the wins in life.
Knowing Rick and JoAn has been an absolute joy for me. I am richer for having known them and I will forever be blessed by the legacy that they leave me. Although there is now a large void in my life, I will forever be grateful for the time we had together.
So... thank you Rick and JoAn. Thank you for sharing this journey with me. Thanks for your kindness, for your support and for your friendship. I will miss you more than you'll ever know.
I met Rick Mink back in November of 2004 when I applied for this position as Church Office Administrator for Crossroads. We instantly had a connection. I can't tell you what it was - but I just knew I was going to like him!
It's been a joy getting to know Rick and his lovely wife, JoAn. They have been like parents to me. They have supported me, affirmed me, guided me, loved and cared for me and taught me more than they will ever know. The things I have learned from them go far beyond just work-related lessons. Rick has taught me how to believe in myself and how to stand firm in what I believe in. He has taught me lesson after lesson about how to be a grace-filled person, even when it's hard. He's taught me about perseverance and determination. By sharing his life with me... by being completely transparent and open, he has taught be about honestly and humility and what it means to fully embrace every opportunity that comes... to seize the moment and how to take time to celebrate the wins in life.
Knowing Rick and JoAn has been an absolute joy for me. I am richer for having known them and I will forever be blessed by the legacy that they leave me. Although there is now a large void in my life, I will forever be grateful for the time we had together.
So... thank you Rick and JoAn. Thank you for sharing this journey with me. Thanks for your kindness, for your support and for your friendship. I will miss you more than you'll ever know.
Monday, August 20, 2007
An Afternoon To Remember
What do you get when you combine a beautiful Loch Erin Lake Frontage home, rain, two small canopies, rain, a basement full of yum-o desserts of all kinds, rain, a garbage-bag covered video camera, more rain and 17 people who have accepted Christ and want to make public their private confession of faith??? A WONDERFUL BAPTISM celebrating lives forever changed by Christ, that's what!
For those of you who couldn't make it out to the Baptism Celebration this past Sunday, August 19, boy did you MISS OUT on something big!
The day started out pretty bleak. I must admit I had my doubts about moving forward with an outdoor baptism in the pouring rain, but one thing I've learned about God - He is bigger than any problem we face. He knew the rain was coming long before we even planned this event and we weren't about to let a little water "rain" on this celebration!
Can I just say - we have the most incredible people in our church!!! I am constantly blown away by the support of those we serve Christ with every week! Time and again I am amazed by the countless ways our people step up to the plate to get things done! We can do what we do week in and week out because of the self-less acts of people helping to make a difference in the lives of those around them. To you, the people of Crossroads Community Church, I am honored to be doing life with you. I am honored to be able to serve Christ alongside of you. I am blessed by your love and count it a privilege to share this life journey with you.
Congratulations to all those who were baptized on a cold, rainy day in August. I know it will be an afternoon I will never forget!
For those of you who couldn't make it out to the Baptism Celebration this past Sunday, August 19, boy did you MISS OUT on something big!
The day started out pretty bleak. I must admit I had my doubts about moving forward with an outdoor baptism in the pouring rain, but one thing I've learned about God - He is bigger than any problem we face. He knew the rain was coming long before we even planned this event and we weren't about to let a little water "rain" on this celebration!
Can I just say - we have the most incredible people in our church!!! I am constantly blown away by the support of those we serve Christ with every week! Time and again I am amazed by the countless ways our people step up to the plate to get things done! We can do what we do week in and week out because of the self-less acts of people helping to make a difference in the lives of those around them. To you, the people of Crossroads Community Church, I am honored to be doing life with you. I am honored to be able to serve Christ alongside of you. I am blessed by your love and count it a privilege to share this life journey with you.
Congratulations to all those who were baptized on a cold, rainy day in August. I know it will be an afternoon I will never forget!
Friday, August 17, 2007
Sometimes I...
...cry when putting Chloe to be at night.
...sing in the shower. YES - I said SING!
...drive to Tecumseh just to eat Basil Boy bread for dinner! No lie! If you don't believe me, you've obviously never tried it! I'm a carb-a-holic!
...call my husband during the day at work just to hear his voice.
...ask for advice and then don't take it. I'm very stubborn!
...judge others too quickly and am overly critical of myself.
...see a chick-flick at the movie theatre alone (and eat a large popcorn by myself!)
...sing in the shower. YES - I said SING!
...drive to Tecumseh just to eat Basil Boy bread for dinner! No lie! If you don't believe me, you've obviously never tried it! I'm a carb-a-holic!
...call my husband during the day at work just to hear his voice.
...ask for advice and then don't take it. I'm very stubborn!
...judge others too quickly and am overly critical of myself.
...see a chick-flick at the movie theatre alone (and eat a large popcorn by myself!)
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
Who Am I?
I began thinking about this question this week and I wanted to share it with you. I don't know where I'm going with this, quite yet, but hang in there with me....
Am I who I say I am?
I mean, really... am I truly who I say I am? Here's what I would say about me...
I am a Christian.
Do I reflect the love of Christ in my life?
I am a good wife.
Does my love for my husband shine through?
I am a good mom.
Would my child say she is proud to have me as her mom?
I am a learner.
Do I make every effort to continuously learn new things and accept new challenges?
I am good friend.
Do my friends know how much I love them and how much they mean to me?
I am happy person.
Can I demonstrate joy even in the midst of pain and/or trying times?
I want to be able to truly BE who I say I AM. I want the world to look at me and see me the way I see myself. I pray for the ability to always be transparent to those who know and love me. I want to be known as someone who is who she says she is. Reliable, trustworthy, willing, gentle, kind and caring. Is what is in my heart reflected in who you see on the street? I hope so! With God's help I will continue to bridge the gap between who I say I am and who I know I am.
Thanks for letting me babble!
Am I who I say I am?
I mean, really... am I truly who I say I am? Here's what I would say about me...
I am a Christian.
Do I reflect the love of Christ in my life?
I am a good wife.
Does my love for my husband shine through?
I am a good mom.
Would my child say she is proud to have me as her mom?
I am a learner.
Do I make every effort to continuously learn new things and accept new challenges?
I am good friend.
Do my friends know how much I love them and how much they mean to me?
I am happy person.
Can I demonstrate joy even in the midst of pain and/or trying times?
I want to be able to truly BE who I say I AM. I want the world to look at me and see me the way I see myself. I pray for the ability to always be transparent to those who know and love me. I want to be known as someone who is who she says she is. Reliable, trustworthy, willing, gentle, kind and caring. Is what is in my heart reflected in who you see on the street? I hope so! With God's help I will continue to bridge the gap between who I say I am and who I know I am.
Thanks for letting me babble!
Tuesday, August 14, 2007
WHAT?!?!
Can ANYONE guess what this is??? Seriously - - there's a Weed Trimmer in it for whoever guesses right first!
:0 LOL!
Saturday, August 11, 2007
I Will Be Here
I think I have mentioned before that Trevor and I are part of the Marriage Mentor team at our church. It has been an exciting journey and we are down to our final 2 meetings. Today we will meet with our 3 other Mentor couples for training. We have all been asked to bring our wedding pictures to share with the group. This morning I pulled ours out of storage (even had to wipe the bottom of the box from the dust that has gathered on it) and we began looking through the book - - how funny! We have changed so much over the past 10 1/2 years! We look like kids... but then again, I guess we were!
Looking at these pictures reminded me of how much Trevor and I have changed - but mostly how much we have been changed on the inside. It's amazing how much we two have grown. Grown in our love and with Christ. The journey hasn't always been easy - but there is NO ONE I would rather share my life with than with Trevor. He is the absolute love of my life and I thank God daily for him!
Here is the words to the song that was played during the candlelight ceremony on our wedding day. These words are so appropriate. Time has not changed our love and I look forward to 50 more wonderful years with my husband...
I Will Be Here(Steven Curtis Chapman)
Tomorrow morning if you wake up
and the sun does not appear
I will be here
If in the dark, we lose sight of love
Hold my hand, and have no fear
'Cause I will be here
I will be here
When you feel like being quiet
When you need to speak your mind
I will listen
And I will be here
When the laughter turns to cryin'
Through the winning, losing and trying
We'll be together
I will be here
Tomorrow morning, if you wake up
And the future is unclear
I will be here
Just as sure as seasons were made for change
Our lifetimes were made for these years
So I will be here
I will be here
And you can cry on my shoulder
When the mirror tells us we're older
I will hold you
And I will be here
To watch you grow in beauty
And tell you all the things you are to me
I will be here
I will be true to the promise I have made
To you and to the One who gave you to me
Tomorrow morning, if you wake up
And the sun does not appear
I will be here
Oh, I will be here.
I love you, Trevor!
Looking at these pictures reminded me of how much Trevor and I have changed - but mostly how much we have been changed on the inside. It's amazing how much we two have grown. Grown in our love and with Christ. The journey hasn't always been easy - but there is NO ONE I would rather share my life with than with Trevor. He is the absolute love of my life and I thank God daily for him!
Here is the words to the song that was played during the candlelight ceremony on our wedding day. These words are so appropriate. Time has not changed our love and I look forward to 50 more wonderful years with my husband...
I Will Be Here(Steven Curtis Chapman)
Tomorrow morning if you wake up
and the sun does not appear
I will be here
If in the dark, we lose sight of love
Hold my hand, and have no fear
'Cause I will be here
I will be here
When you feel like being quiet
When you need to speak your mind
I will listen
And I will be here
When the laughter turns to cryin'
Through the winning, losing and trying
We'll be together
I will be here
Tomorrow morning, if you wake up
And the future is unclear
I will be here
Just as sure as seasons were made for change
Our lifetimes were made for these years
So I will be here
I will be here
And you can cry on my shoulder
When the mirror tells us we're older
I will hold you
And I will be here
To watch you grow in beauty
And tell you all the things you are to me
I will be here
I will be true to the promise I have made
To you and to the One who gave you to me
Tomorrow morning, if you wake up
And the sun does not appear
I will be here
Oh, I will be here.
I love you, Trevor!
Friday, August 10, 2007
Recipe FRIDAY!
My family loves pasta of just about any kind. My favorite is Bow Tie Pasta... Trevor's is Penne Pasta... and Chloe's is any kind of spiral or spaghetti noodle. This is a great recipe. Very filling and good for entertaining (which I love to do).
Five Cheese Penne Pasta
Kosher salt
2 cups heavy cream
1 cup crushed tomatoes in thick tomato puree
1/2 cup freshly grated Pecorino Romano (1 1/2 ounces)
1/2 cup shredded imported Italian fontina (1 1/2 ounces)
1/4 cup crumbled Italian Gorgonzola (1 1/2 ounces)
2 tablespoons ricotta cheese
1/4 pound fresh mozzarella, sliced
6 fresh basil leaves, chopped
1 pound imported penne rigate pasta
4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) unsalted butter
Preheat the oven to 500 degrees F.
Bring 5 quarts of salted water to a boil in a stockpot.
Combine all the ingredients except the penne and butter in a large mixing bowl. Mix well.
Drop the penne into the boiling water and parboil for 4 minutes. Drain well in a colander and add to the ingredients in the mixing bowl, tossing to combine.
Divide the pasta mixture among 6 shallow ceramic gratin dishes (1 1/2 to 2-cup capacity). Dot with the butter and bake until bubbly and brown on top, 7 to 10 minutes.
HINT: I would suggest getting the cheese at WHOLE FOODS in Ann Arbor. Great place. If you haven't been there - GO! NOW! It's a bit on the pricey side, but the selections are incredible!!
ENJOY!
Five Cheese Penne Pasta
Kosher salt
2 cups heavy cream
1 cup crushed tomatoes in thick tomato puree
1/2 cup freshly grated Pecorino Romano (1 1/2 ounces)
1/2 cup shredded imported Italian fontina (1 1/2 ounces)
1/4 cup crumbled Italian Gorgonzola (1 1/2 ounces)
2 tablespoons ricotta cheese
1/4 pound fresh mozzarella, sliced
6 fresh basil leaves, chopped
1 pound imported penne rigate pasta
4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) unsalted butter
Preheat the oven to 500 degrees F.
Bring 5 quarts of salted water to a boil in a stockpot.
Combine all the ingredients except the penne and butter in a large mixing bowl. Mix well.
Drop the penne into the boiling water and parboil for 4 minutes. Drain well in a colander and add to the ingredients in the mixing bowl, tossing to combine.
Divide the pasta mixture among 6 shallow ceramic gratin dishes (1 1/2 to 2-cup capacity). Dot with the butter and bake until bubbly and brown on top, 7 to 10 minutes.
HINT: I would suggest getting the cheese at WHOLE FOODS in Ann Arbor. Great place. If you haven't been there - GO! NOW! It's a bit on the pricey side, but the selections are incredible!!
ENJOY!
Wednesday, August 08, 2007
Loving Diego!
Meet Diego. He is one amazing little boy! We are truly blessed to have him in our lives! A little background on our friend... he was born with FAS (Fetal Alcohol Syndrome). He was adopted by my friend, Faythe and her husband, Joe, when he was just a baby. Diego has overcome several obstacles already in his young life. To know him, is to love him. From the moment I met him, I feel in love with him... and, oh yeah, by the way - so did my daughter! That's another story for another blog entry. :)
Today we had the privilege of watching Diego while his mom was at a meeting (can't wait to hear all about it, Faythe!) and his dad was at work. I love days with Diego. He is such a lovable, caring little boy. Spending time with him and being a recipient of Diego's love and affection reminds me of the simple, child-like love that Jesus wants for us to come to Him with. It's an honor to know you, my friend. And my prayer for you is that you will always know how much you are loved, and how much you mean to so many people whose lives you have forever touched.
Now - on to the funny part of this story (dry your eyes, now!)
Chloe was reading Diego a book on the way home tonight. She was very serious as she read about Shanna and her "animals". Diego, being Diego, delights in making people laugh. Literally, he CRACKS me up! This book is a simple rhyming book (most likely way below Diego's reading level as he is an excellent reader!) One of the parts in the book goes something like this... "I rhyme with money, hop, hop, hop... I am a ----" and of course it's bunny! Well - Diego thought it would be funny to say something different (not wanting to state the obvious) so he says... CHICKEN! If that wasn't funny enough (that one got a good snort laugh from me) he says, "Umm... Antelope!" Like what kid thinks of "Antelope!" (Just shows how smart this kid is!) Antelope! Okay - so it doesn't rhyme with money and it obviously was the incorrect answer - but I thought I would die from laughter from this dialog exchange between an eight-year-old and a seven-year old! PRICELESS - -simply PRICELESS.
These are the moments to remember!
Tuesday, August 07, 2007
Rain, Rain... Go AWAY!
Okay, can I just say it now that I can't stand it when my husband is right and has to say, "I told you so!" This was one of those mornings.
I am on vacation this week and have planned a bunch of day trips with Chloe, my 7-year-old daughter. One of those trips included visiting the waterpark in Ypsi today. It's a sad day because when I woke up this morning - it was POURING. So - no waterpark today. :( Maybe tomorrow.
I guess our grass needs it and our pond has been crying out for rain forever, so all-in-all it's a good thing. We'll just have to be a little more creative in our plans today is all.
I am on vacation this week and have planned a bunch of day trips with Chloe, my 7-year-old daughter. One of those trips included visiting the waterpark in Ypsi today. It's a sad day because when I woke up this morning - it was POURING. So - no waterpark today. :( Maybe tomorrow.
I guess our grass needs it and our pond has been crying out for rain forever, so all-in-all it's a good thing. We'll just have to be a little more creative in our plans today is all.
Friday, August 03, 2007
Recipe FRIDAY!
I keep forgetting about my 'Recipe Friday' entries! I guess the time just keep slippin' away from me! I can't believe another Friday is upon us! :)
Here is a recipe from one of my favorites, Rachael Ray! Although I haven't actually MADE this yet - - I plan to do so next week (when I am on VACATION!!) Looks delicious!
Flank Steak Pinwheels
1 large flank steak, butterflied along the grain
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
6 ounces Asiago, shredded
8 ounces curly loose spinach leaves, washed, patted dry, stems removed
6 ounces Gorgonzola, crumbled
4 scallions, left whole
8 to 10 wooden skewers, soaked in water
Preheat grill or grill pan to high.
To butterfly the flank steak, start with the meat grain running up and down in front of you. With your knife, begin cutting the meat in half. Essentially, you want a thinner, larger flank steak. Continue cutting the flank steak in half until you reach about 1 inch from completely cutting through. Lay the cut flank steak open and even out the middle so there is not a thicker piece in the center. Or just ask the butcher!
Spread the flank steak out so that the grain is running left to right. Begin layering the flank steak with salt and pepper, the Asiago, then the spinach, the Gorgonzola and scallions. Begin rolling the flank steak tightly and away from you. Evenly insert the skewers 1 to 2 inches along the seam of the pinwheel to hold it together on the grill. Cut in between each skewer but not against the skewer; you want the same amount of meat on either side of each skewer. Grill the pinwheels on each side for about 3 to 4 minutes or until your desired doneness.
As my good friend, Rachael, would say... YUM-O!
(Okay, I don't actually KNOW Rachael Ray - but I do know I want to be her when I grow up!) :)
Summer's almost over, people - - - this is a great one for the grill!
Here is a recipe from one of my favorites, Rachael Ray! Although I haven't actually MADE this yet - - I plan to do so next week (when I am on VACATION!!) Looks delicious!
Flank Steak Pinwheels
1 large flank steak, butterflied along the grain
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
6 ounces Asiago, shredded
8 ounces curly loose spinach leaves, washed, patted dry, stems removed
6 ounces Gorgonzola, crumbled
4 scallions, left whole
8 to 10 wooden skewers, soaked in water
Preheat grill or grill pan to high.
To butterfly the flank steak, start with the meat grain running up and down in front of you. With your knife, begin cutting the meat in half. Essentially, you want a thinner, larger flank steak. Continue cutting the flank steak in half until you reach about 1 inch from completely cutting through. Lay the cut flank steak open and even out the middle so there is not a thicker piece in the center. Or just ask the butcher!
Spread the flank steak out so that the grain is running left to right. Begin layering the flank steak with salt and pepper, the Asiago, then the spinach, the Gorgonzola and scallions. Begin rolling the flank steak tightly and away from you. Evenly insert the skewers 1 to 2 inches along the seam of the pinwheel to hold it together on the grill. Cut in between each skewer but not against the skewer; you want the same amount of meat on either side of each skewer. Grill the pinwheels on each side for about 3 to 4 minutes or until your desired doneness.
As my good friend, Rachael, would say... YUM-O!
(Okay, I don't actually KNOW Rachael Ray - but I do know I want to be her when I grow up!) :)
Summer's almost over, people - - - this is a great one for the grill!
Wednesday, August 01, 2007
Tooth Fairy - - where are you???
Okay - so I have to be the world's worst mom... ever! My daughter lost her third tooth last week. Well - it was actually on Friday and she wanted to put it under her pillow for the tooth fairy to find, but she was having a friend stay the night, so I didn't think it was a very good idea. So - we put it off to the next day - and then we forgot. Then last night we finally remembered -- THE TOOTH! It was still in her camp bag. We got it out, kissed the bag and put it immediately under her pillow. Surely we would wake to find a couple dollar bills under the pillow. :0
Well - can you believe it? The tooth fairy FORGOT US! ;) She just plum forgot the tooth was there and one sad mom had to "explain" to Chloe this morning that it must have been that she couldn't see it very well because it was in a rather larger plastic baggie.
Tonight before going to bed, I watched as Chloe taped the tooth in the baggie to the top of her bed post. "She's SURE to see it tonight!" I heard her say, getting tucked in for the night!
Nice going TOOTH FAIRY! Hopefully she WON'T forget tonight! A little girl is patiently waiting...
Well - can you believe it? The tooth fairy FORGOT US! ;) She just plum forgot the tooth was there and one sad mom had to "explain" to Chloe this morning that it must have been that she couldn't see it very well because it was in a rather larger plastic baggie.
Tonight before going to bed, I watched as Chloe taped the tooth in the baggie to the top of her bed post. "She's SURE to see it tonight!" I heard her say, getting tucked in for the night!
Nice going TOOTH FAIRY! Hopefully she WON'T forget tonight! A little girl is patiently waiting...
Thursday, July 26, 2007
When God Goes Silent!
I don't know how many other people struggle with this same thing, but I know I have had a hard time lately always hearing from God. I know in my heart that there are many reasons I don't always hear what God is telling me. For instance.. all the noise in our lives keeps us to hearing from God... the media, the busyness, the static, the gadgets, the music.. all of the demands of our hectic lives. And then there are some times when we just don't listen. Have you ever done this? Asked God repeatedly to "Show you a sign" or "Give you an answer" to a situation and you just don't seem to get a clear answer? I have always told God that I'm not very good with discernment. I mean, it's just not one of my God-given gifts. So I ask for a big, bold, blinking sign. You know - the big OPEN signs that are neon pink and flashing? THAT'S what I need, God! And yet sometimes, I believe He's prepared to answer, yet I won't KEEP QUIET or BE STILL long enough to let Him do the talking and truly listen.
So - I've been thinking a lot about this lately and read something yesterday that really hit home for me. It was this:
"It is possible that when God goes silent... it's because He's up to something!"
This illustration was given in a sermon that I was watching the other day online...
You have a two-year-old who is always breaking things around the house. He spends most every day running through the house screaming at the top of his lungs and breaking things whenever and wherever he can. But do you ever notice - it's when your two-year-old is "silent" that you actually have reason to be alarmed that it's because he's "up to something".
We need to think about this the next time God goes silent in our lives... just maybe it's because He's "up to something"... Get ready!
So - I've been thinking a lot about this lately and read something yesterday that really hit home for me. It was this:
"It is possible that when God goes silent... it's because He's up to something!"
This illustration was given in a sermon that I was watching the other day online...
You have a two-year-old who is always breaking things around the house. He spends most every day running through the house screaming at the top of his lungs and breaking things whenever and wherever he can. But do you ever notice - it's when your two-year-old is "silent" that you actually have reason to be alarmed that it's because he's "up to something".
We need to think about this the next time God goes silent in our lives... just maybe it's because He's "up to something"... Get ready!
Tuesday, July 24, 2007
Believe Me Now
So, I was at lunch today and decided to eat in my car. Needed time to sit and think and talk to God. Can I just say that God AMAZES ME! Every day - He amazes me! As I was praying and thinking over some things going on in my life right now, this song came on the radio and I was, once again, overtaken and simply amazed by His love...
I watch you looking out across the raging water
So sure your only hope lies on the other side
You hear the enemy that's closing in around you
And I know that you don't have the strength to fight
But do you have the faith to stand and...
Believe Me now
Believe Me here
Remember all the times
I've told you loud and clear
I am with you and I am for you
So believe Me now
Believe Me now
I am the One who waved my hand and split the ocean
I am the One who spoke the words and raised the dead
And I've loved you long before I set the world in motion
I know all the fears you're feeling now
But do you remember who I am? Do you..
Believe Me now
Believe Me here
Remember all the times I've told you loud and clear
I am with you
And I am for you
So believe Me now
Believe it's true
I never have, I never will abandon you
And the God that I have always been I will forever be
So believe Me now
I am the God who never wastes a single hurt that you endure
My words are true, and all My promises are sure
So believe Me now
Oh, believe Me now
I watch you looking out across the raging water
So sure your only hope lies on the other side
You hear the enemy that's closing in around you
And I know that you don't have the strength to fight
But do you have the faith to stand and...
Believe Me now
Believe Me here
Remember all the times
I've told you loud and clear
I am with you and I am for you
So believe Me now
Believe Me now
I am the One who waved my hand and split the ocean
I am the One who spoke the words and raised the dead
And I've loved you long before I set the world in motion
I know all the fears you're feeling now
But do you remember who I am? Do you..
Believe Me now
Believe Me here
Remember all the times I've told you loud and clear
I am with you
And I am for you
So believe Me now
Believe it's true
I never have, I never will abandon you
And the God that I have always been I will forever be
So believe Me now
I am the God who never wastes a single hurt that you endure
My words are true, and all My promises are sure
So believe Me now
Oh, believe Me now
Saturday, July 21, 2007
iPhone
My husband's new phone arrived today!! Let me just say - I am SO JEALOUS! This thing is awesome! I told him I was so jealous that he got one that I didn't even want to see what it could do. I lied. He's shown me all kinds of neat things. It's one COOL gadget! Now I want one!
Breaking Free: Cravings
So - this guy spoke during our worship experience last week and he rocked the house. He usually does. :) We are currently in a series entitled, Breaking Free, and he spoke on Cravings. It was really interesting to think about what ARE the things we crave and why? For some people it may be that their craving attention, for others, maybe material things and for some of us (me included), it could be more simple things - like coca cola.
Anyway - it got me thinking about all the things I crave. Here is the shortened down version of my longer list of cravings...
Chocolate
Coke (NOT diet, the fully-leaded stuff!)
Acceptance
Kitchen Gadgets (LOVE stores like IKEA, can't stay away!)
More hours in the day!
Grace
Ice Cream (Spotted Cow anyone?)
More time alone with God
Okay, there they are... just some of my personal cravings in no particular order.
What do you crave?
Anyway - it got me thinking about all the things I crave. Here is the shortened down version of my longer list of cravings...
Chocolate
Coke (NOT diet, the fully-leaded stuff!)
Acceptance
Kitchen Gadgets (LOVE stores like IKEA, can't stay away!)
More hours in the day!
Grace
Ice Cream (Spotted Cow anyone?)
More time alone with God
Okay, there they are... just some of my personal cravings in no particular order.
What do you crave?
Thursday, July 19, 2007
DNA Test
So, I took this test the other day and found out what my Personal DNA is.. I am an Advocating Visionary. If you have some time - take this test! It's a little lengthy, I've gotta warn ya, but it's fun. The results were pretty right on for me, I think!
Day Off!
Gotta love a day off in the middle of the week! Really breaks up the week. :)
Yesterday, I spent the day with my wonderful mom! We took a day off "just because"... mainly just because we needed some time together. Although she lives right here in my same hometown, we don't see each other as often as we should. Life gets busy and before you know it, weeks have passed and I realize I haven't seen her. Sure - we talk all the time and email back and forth a lot, but it was really nice to be able to connect with her and spend some good, quality time with her.
Our day began with a trip to IKEA. This place is awesome. I bought some things I am sure I didn't need - but wanted. :) Mom had never been there, so it was nice to see her experience IKEA for the first time. Then we headed to Ann Arbor for lunch at this place. Since my last visit here with Trevor back in May, it has now become my new favorite restaurant!!! YUM-O! Let me just tell you - if you plan to eat lunch there, don't plan dinner that night! I was still full at 7 p.m.! Definitely do the salad bar, too. It's SO worth it! The only down side to our visit here was that it was Ann Arbor's Art Fair - so traffic was pretty bad.
After lunch, we headed to Whole Foods. Love this place! But can I just say right now that I literally spent a small fortune on Michigan Sweet Cherries. $3.99 a pound! Now - they were the BEST cherries I have ever eaten - but I was in shock when it was the only thing in my cart and my total came to $10.93!! YIKES! My family thanked me when I got home, though, and we spent some time before bed relishing in their sweet goodness! :)
After Whole Foods Market, we visited Bed, Bath and Beyond. Please tell me how you can be a big shopper like my mom and have NEVER visited this glorious store before??? Another first for mom and again, spent money on things I am sure I didn't need. :0
What a great day! I so enjoyed having the opportunity to be with my mom and I'm ready for another day off like this again! :) Where are those darn Vacation Request Forms anyway...
Yesterday, I spent the day with my wonderful mom! We took a day off "just because"... mainly just because we needed some time together. Although she lives right here in my same hometown, we don't see each other as often as we should. Life gets busy and before you know it, weeks have passed and I realize I haven't seen her. Sure - we talk all the time and email back and forth a lot, but it was really nice to be able to connect with her and spend some good, quality time with her.
Our day began with a trip to IKEA. This place is awesome. I bought some things I am sure I didn't need - but wanted. :) Mom had never been there, so it was nice to see her experience IKEA for the first time. Then we headed to Ann Arbor for lunch at this place. Since my last visit here with Trevor back in May, it has now become my new favorite restaurant!!! YUM-O! Let me just tell you - if you plan to eat lunch there, don't plan dinner that night! I was still full at 7 p.m.! Definitely do the salad bar, too. It's SO worth it! The only down side to our visit here was that it was Ann Arbor's Art Fair - so traffic was pretty bad.
After lunch, we headed to Whole Foods. Love this place! But can I just say right now that I literally spent a small fortune on Michigan Sweet Cherries. $3.99 a pound! Now - they were the BEST cherries I have ever eaten - but I was in shock when it was the only thing in my cart and my total came to $10.93!! YIKES! My family thanked me when I got home, though, and we spent some time before bed relishing in their sweet goodness! :)
After Whole Foods Market, we visited Bed, Bath and Beyond. Please tell me how you can be a big shopper like my mom and have NEVER visited this glorious store before??? Another first for mom and again, spent money on things I am sure I didn't need. :0
What a great day! I so enjoyed having the opportunity to be with my mom and I'm ready for another day off like this again! :) Where are those darn Vacation Request Forms anyway...
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