Photo Challenge Continued

Whew!!!  What a busy couple of weeks we have had.  Christmas is always my favorite time of year but I generally feel like I need a few days afterward to recover from all the craziness.  Not to mention this year we had a little bit of an upset with Emma getting an ear infection on Christmas day.  We had to leave early from our family celebrations and ended up spending the rest of the day sitting on the couch holding a heat pack to Emma’s ear while watching Disney’s Prep and Landing.  

But now I’m back and I have a couple more pictures to share with you from my photo challenge.  I have recently discovered a great photo editor called Adobe Photoshop Lightroom.  Currently it’s a little too expensive for my budget (running in at $300) but I downloaded the free 30 day trial.  I use is mainly for my black and white pictures since when you just use the setting on the camera they come out mostly grey and greyer and I have to say, the results are amazing.  So if you’re looking for a good photo software you can check it out. 

Back to my most recent photos…..

#6 Childhood Memory

Growing up my favorite Christmas ornament to put on the tree was of two robin birds sitting in their nest with Santa hats on.   I don’t know why I liked it so much, perhaps because it’s different than the traditional snowflakes, snowmen or Santas.  In any case, I found it hanging on my mom’s tree so I decided what better for a childhood memory picture.

 

 

#29 Purchased

       Aaaahhhh……  I absolutely love coffee.  Particularly my usual – double shot Snickers mocha with only half the flavors.  At least once a week I find myself driving up to the window at Jitterbugs to purchase my yummy drink and chat a bit with the gals who work there.  This Christmas I was very pleased to receive my own semi-auto pump espresso maker so I get to save a little cash and make my own.  However, every once in awhile I will have to drive by Jitterbugs to say hi to my ladies.  Buying coffee is more than just the drink, it’s a social event!

 

 

#27 After Dark

I have to admit, I wasn’t going to use this one.  Sedro Woolley is a small logging town so each year they find the biggest, best tree and put it in the center of town in a manhole.  (Yes, we are a bunch of rednecks)  I went out one night to get a picture of the tree.  Most of the photos turned out but when I took this one I accidently moved so it blurred the lights.  I thought of it as a mistake and was going to delete it but when Andrew saw it he thought it looked really neat and actually liked the picture.  So I kept it and am now using it for my “After Dark” photo.  A bit abstract I guess.

 

So there we have it!  10 photos down and 20 more to go.  I sure hope you are enjoying this challenge so far.   So far it’s been fun for me and have challenged my skills. 

Enjoy your day and be blessed!!

Christmas Traditions

As a kid we would sometimes spend Christmas at my grandparent’s house in Quincy, WA.  The highlight of my holiday would be on Christmas Eve after we would return from the Christmas Eve service at their church.  All the grandkids, aunts and uncles would gather around my grandpa who would sit in his big armchair with his old King James Bible and read the Christmas story out of Luke chapter 2. 

As a family we have adopted this tradition and before we open presents on Christmas morning my husband will sit and read to all of us the Christmas story out of Luke. 

So for all who enjoy reading this passage or for those who have not yet heard the story of Jesus’ birth, here it is:

Luke 2:1-19

And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed.  (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)  And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.  And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David)  To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. 

And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.  And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn. 

And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.  And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.  And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.   For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.  And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. 

And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,  Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. 

And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.  And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.  And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.  And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds. 

But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart

When Crystal Sings…..

My Great-Grandma Whitbeck passed away when I was three years old so I was never given the chance to know her.  However, a person’s memory or legacy is not necessarily what you experience first-hand but rather, what you experience through the generations of continuing with a certain routine or tradition.   In this case, my great-grandma’s legacy continues in my family with “singing” (as I call it) crystal glasses.

After the Thanksgiving or Christmas meal would be over my great grandma would begin to run her finger around and around the top edge of her glass until the steady, warm tone would ring.  To this day when my family is finished with a meal it is inevitable that someone will begin to “sing” their glass in the same way my great grandma did.  Usually it’s either myself or my brother.  In many cases, if one sees the other begin to circle the top of their glass with their finger the other will follow to see who can create the steady tone first.  Every time I hear crystal “sing” I think of my great grandma and the memory instilled in me by years of continued tradition. 

Today I came across this short video and since “singing” crystal is so dear to my heart I decided I would share it.  This it definitely “crystal-singing” taken to a whole new level than just around a kitchen table.  Extremely beautiful to listen to and I hope you enjoy!!

 

Trusting–Easier said than Done

This morning I was having a conversation with my mom about the size of my home and the fact that eventually my family will need a larger home to live in.  Frankly, with the economy and housing market the way it is right now it’s just not in the cards for us to move and, to be perfectly honest, I have no idea when the time will come for us to be able to afford a larger home.  But I know in my heart that God knows our need and He also knows exactly when and how we will be able to move.  I don’t have to worry about it because God has it all under control. 

It got me thinking that perhaps folks may think that trust comes naturally for me and that it’s easy for me to not worry about things because God has everything under control.  Let me tell you, I am quite possibly the biggest worry-wart you will ever meet!!  It’s true!  I like to have all my ducks in a row and I like to know how everything will turn out.  This is very obvious when it comes to how I read books.  If a book starts getting too dramatic or it’s not looking like it’s going to end the way I want it to, I will flip to the end to make sure everything turns out wonderfully and then finish reading the book with ease.  I can’t do this with life and at times it freaks me out. 

For the most part I am a really happy person and try to enjoy life.  But I was noticing that due to my chronic worrying there was a piece of my life that wasn’t joyful.  Inside I wasn’t the excited, carefree person that many people thought I was.  Inside I looked more like this………

On the outside I tried extremely hard to appear put together so no one would know just how messed up I was.  I would put on a smile every morning and reply with the classic, “fine” whenever someone would ask how I was doing. 

When I came to the realization that I was tired of living in the state of stress, fear, worry and the feeling of complete panic I had to come to the harsh reality that I felt all these things because I wasn’t trusting that God was in control.  I had become so guarded in my life that I felt like if something needed to be completed, changed or taken care of I had to do it myself.  But by having this mindset I was missing out on all the blessings God had been bestowing upon me the entire time! 

It was at this point that I had to make the decision to change.  I think some people have the idea of “well, if I’m supposed to be a certain way, think a certain way or act a certain way then it will either come with maturity or God will work on me”.  To a certain degree I think this is true but on a higher level I have to disagree.  God can only help change a heart and an attitude if the person is willing and wanting to change.  God couldn’t help me deal with my distrust and worry until I was ready to deal with it myself.  Once I made the decision that I was sick and tired of living with a dark cloud over me He stepped in and helped. 

Here’s what I did – I immersed myself in Scripture and prayer and made a conscious decision that I was going to trust God no matter what!  I got some notecards and wrote a verse down on each notecard and kept them on my desk.  Each time I felt myself begin to worry or get anxious I would grab my verses and read through them.  At times Andrew would see me start to panic and tell me, “you need to go ready your verses”.   Amazingly enough, whenever I did this I would feel such peace and a calmness come over me.  It got to where I was craving Scripture and I began diving into the Word more and more. 

Through this process, God really spoke to me His truths and showed me in obvious ways that even though life throws curves and things don’t go always the way we plan, God is always trustworthy and there is not a promise He doesn’t fulfill.  His Word is true and when we begin reading it more and more and feeding our Spirit we begin to recognize the work that God has been doing in our lives all along. 

 

I cling to my verses and I have made it a habit to read them over and over again and every once in awhile God brings new verses to add to my stack of notecards.  I know how to trust God in a way that I’ve never trusted before and I realize that our earthly trials will come but God knows our future and has everything under His control.  Now my happiness isn’t the mask hiding the stress.  My happiness is radiating from within.

Photo Challenge - Take 2

Woke up to another beautiful frost on the ground this morning and a bit of a fog so I decided to pack up the kids to head out for some picture-taking.  I’m beginning to learn that I need to just pack my camera with me wherever I go since it seems the best photo opportunities arise when I’m most unprepared. 

Here are a few more pictures in continuing with my 30-Day Photo Challenge.

                               #13 From a Distance

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Being winter time it’s difficult to find flowers to take a picture of (unless it’s the house down the street with the silk flowers stuck in the ground year round) so I took a picture of the flowers in my table centerpiece. 

#14 Flowers          

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

So here you get a glimpse of who my favorite author is!  About 6ish years ago a friend of mine let me borrow a couple books by Debbie Macomber and I was hooked.  Now my bookshelf is full of her books plus I’ve had lunch with her twice!! 

            #17 On the Shelf

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Another one while I was out this morning……

#22 Trees               

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Last one for today… this barn is located on the side of the road on the way into Clear Lake.  I have always thought it would be neat to get a picture of it but never have…… until now.

 

               #26 Something Old

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

There’s still more to come with my photo challenge!  Stay tuned and have a wonderful day!!

Cheese Ball Anyone?

Tonight is Girl’s Night at my house with the special feature being The Help (Great movie!).  I am in charge of making a cheese ball to accompany our movie so I thought I would share with you the recipe in case you are planning a get-together and need something easy and delicious to throw together. 

 

Cheese Ball

• 1 – 8oz package Cream Cheese
• 1 – 8oz container Kaukauna Sharp Cheddar Cheese Spread
• 1 tbls Butter
• 2 tsp Red Bell Pepper
• 2 tsp Onion
• 1 tsp Lemon Juice
• Crushed walnuts to coat (I didn’t add the walnuts this time)

 

Mix altogether in a bowl and form into a ball.  I like to use my hands for this process.  It just works better to mix everything nicely.  Don’t worry!  I wash them first!!! 

 

    

 

Put it into a bowl and into the fridge for a couple hours until serving.  I like to put mine into my nice candy dish.  Whatever works!! 

Remember if you want to coat the cheese ball in walnuts you can do this before putting it in the dish.  I just forgot to get some at the store.  oops!

 

 

Hope you enjoy and have a great evening!!

Duck, Duck, but no Goose

 

Every few weeks Andrew and I help out in Adam and Emma’s Cubbies class at AWANA.  Usually this merely entails helping with a craft, listening to the children tell about their week, and assisting with listening to each child recite their verse they diligently worked on throughout the previous week.  However, tonight brought a scene that I can only describe as unforgettable.

Picture with me if you will – 12 boys and girls ranging in ages from 3-5 sitting down to play a rousing game of ‘Duck Duck Goose’.  A young girl is chosen to be “it” and she sets out to chose the child who will be named Goose, chase her around in a circle and ultimately be given the position of her successor as “It”.  Let the game begin! 

“Duck……Duck……Duck”

I sit back in my seat thinking I had accomplished my job of organizing the perfect game and settle in to wait for the girl to chose a “Goose”, at which point I would cheer wildly as the chasing began.  Little did I realize just how long I was going to wait.

“Duck……Duck……Duck”

It wasn’t until about the fifth time around the circle that I really started to observe this situation that was unfolding in front of me.  Around and around she went, touching each child’s head as she called out the inevitable

“Duck…… Duck……Duck”. 

Every once in awhile a spurt of energy would overcome her and I would be sure the end was near!

“DuckDuckDuckDuck”  

But alas, the “ducking” would continue

“Duck……Duck……Duck”. 

Andrew began casting me looks and with a sigh would ask, “how long are you going to let this go on?” but my curiosity would get the better of me as I would reply, “I just want to see how long she’ll go”.  One by one the remaining children in the circle were beginning to find books and other toys to keep them occupied while they anxiously awaited the title of Goose to be generously given. 

“Duck……Duck……Duck”

As I sat there watching this scene unfold before me I had to ponder the question, was this young girl chronically indecisive?  In which case I have to pity anyone who is caught between her and a decision she has to make.  Or is this sweet young girl actually a tad bit malicious and purposefully tormenting these young kids by continually walking in circles around them, making them hang on her every word as they impatiently wait for the single word that would push the game from the momentary stand-still?  I still don’t really know the answer to this question but I will say this, I have never in my 7 years as a childcare teacher or my 5 years as a mom witnessed such a game -  Duck Duck, with no Goose. 

Craft Store Temptation

One of the most difficult things to accomplish in life is to walk through a craft store and walk out of the store with only purchasing the single item you were intending to buy when you first walked in.  I had to face this insurmountable struggle this afternoon.

Adam's birthday party is tomorrow and I was given the self-appointed task of going to Michael's to buy 5 wooden model kits for the kids to paint.  My budget was a mere $10 at most and I had a strict time limit of 15 minutes or less because I had somewhere else I was expected to be.  Hind sight being what it is, the small amount of time I had to spend in the store was probably my saving grace.  Otherwise my shopping list and budget would have been voluntarily forgotten.

Getting the kids out of the car, crossing the parking lot and reminding them for the millionth time in their very short lives how to act in a store went without a hitch.  Then came the daunting task of walking to the end of the store where the kits were located; past the scrapbooks and paper, stickers and ribbon, beads, embellishments, yarn, and all the other "must-haves" without succumbing to the voice in my head that says I need any of it.  At one point I found a packet of scrapbook paper perfect for Emma and Katie Jo's scrapbooks, complete with glitter, swirls and all the fun girlie colors.  I wanted so badly to pick up that book of paper and put it in my cart but resisted such temptation with the excuse of, "well, I can come back with a coupon and get it for much cheaper", which I more than likely will. 

Sometimes it is alarming to think of just how much money I could lay down in a craft store.  I could very easily see hundreds of dollars leaving my bank account with only the swipe of my debit card if left to purchase all the craft items I so desperately think I need to have.  But thankfully my frugal nature overpowers my sense of desire and I'm able to walk away with money still left in the bank.  

Don't we all have some type of guilty pleasure or wild fantasy?  Mine just happens to be about over-spending in a craft store. :-) 

Photo Challenge

Today I want to introduce you to one of my developing interests - photography.  I do not consider myself to be an accomplished photographer but it is something I have taken an interest in.  I'm constantly looking at other people's photographs and taking mental notes of how to better my own skills and someday I hope to be able to take a photography class; but as of right now I'm taking the class of "trial and error".  

All that to say, I found a 30 day photo challenge on Pinterest and have had it glaring me in the face for the past few months as if saying, "are you too chicken to try?"  A friend of mine found the same challenge and set out to complete it right away.  However, this friend is a talented photographer so picking up her camera to take incredible photos comes naturally to her whereas I am just not gifted in that way. But as I muddle my way through this challenge, and hopefully develop new skills in the process, I will post my progress for you all to see and hopefully enjoy.

The first picture was taken at a park a couple weeks ago.  Armed with my camera and a hot mocha, I sat down to feed Katie Jo while Adam and Emma ran and played.  I looked down and saw a little leaf resting on top of the wood chips in the playground so I grabbed my camera and snapped a picture.  I didn't have the list of photos for my challenge in hand so the first thing I did when I got home was to find where my new photo would fit.  Thankfully I found one that worked...

                           #12 CLOSE-UP

Looking at the list of 30 things to capture in photo I noticed one that said, "daily routine".  With our home not having a dishwasher, a common routine is washing the dishes by hand which leads me to present....

                                                                  

                                                                                            #28 DAILY ROUTINE                       

I will be sure to continue posting the photos of this challenge as I take them.  It will probably take longer than the stated 30 days and will continue to be out of order, but I have made a commitment for myself to complete the entire challenge.  The beauty of posting these photos to share is that now I am accountable to all my readers to post all 30!  

Have a wonderful, sunny day!!!

Giant Skillet Cookie

A while ago I was introduced to Pinterest and have found many new, fun recipes.  Today I decided to try one for Adam's birthday.  A giant chocolate chip cookie baked in a cast iron skillet.  YUM!!! 

(it was only after I started writing out this recipe that I realized I had forgotten to add the salt.  oops!) 

Giant Skillet Cookie

2 cups Flour
1 tsp Baking Soda
1/2 tsp Salt
3/4 cup butter; softened
3/4 cup light brown sugar
1/2 cup sugar
1 large egg
2 tsp vanilla
1 1/2 cup mixed milk chocolate and semi-sweet chocolate chips

Cream the butter with the sugars.  Add the egg and vanilla.  Then mix in the dry ingredients; flour, baking soda and salt.  Last add the chocolate chips.  

Put into a 10" cast iron skillet and bake at 350 degrees for 40-45 minutes.  (I have a 12" skillet so I baked it for 30 minutes)

ENJOY!!!!

Where Does The Time Go?

Adam is 5 years old today and once again I am struck by how fast the years seem to fly by.  Even when I try my hardest to savor every moment with my kids the days pass by so quickly.  Each birthday, at some point, I find myself in tears because my children are a year older and I feel the time slipping away.  But today, instead of dwelling on the fact that my son is growing so old so fast, I'm going to look at the highlights of his 5 years.  Join me on this journey.......  5 years with Adam.


Born on Nov. 30 weighing 9lb. 2oz Adam came into our lives and started the most incredible journey of my life..... motherhood.

All smiles and a playful attitude, he has made each day an adventure.  From emptying out the bathroom drawers during one of my piano lessons to trailing toilet paper throughout the house (while it was still attached in the bathroom) he brought tears from laughter to my eyes many times.

When Emma and Katie Jo came into our family Adam was always willing to lend a hand.  Even if it meant pouring an entire family size box of Cheerios on the highchair tray for Emma's snack or awkwardly carrying Katie Jo to put her in her car seat while I was in the other room, his helpful spirit is always appreciated.  

  

 Now he is growing into a handsome young boy who cares deeply for others and is always quick to lend a helping hand.  He's the best big brother Emma and Katie Jo could have ever asked for and yes, I do feel sorry for any boyfriends they may have someday.  He is the one who has been with me the longest and has had to endure all my mistakes as I try to figure out the job of parenthood.  I feel fortunate to have such a wonderful son who never ceases to bring a smile to my face and joy to my heart. 

Have a wonderfully blessed day!

The First of Many

Ever have one of those mornings when you wake up and think, "Yes!  It's Friday!!" only to realize a second later that it is, in fact, only Tuesday?  This was my morning.  But despite this semi-disappointing start to my day, I'm excited to be here blogging. 

I am the kind of person who loves to have people over to my home for dinners, game nights, parties or just to hang out and talk.  So think of this as my way of inviting you into my home and my family and welcoming you into this part of my life.  You can share in my joys as a wife and a mom and sometimes my struggles.  I hope you will laugh with me, cheer with me and there may be days where you cry with me.  But more importantly I hope I share with you in our journey through life.

So let me introduce you all to myself and my family.

This is my wonderful husband, Andrew, and myself. We are high school sweethearts and have been married for nearly 8 years.  Even after all these years we are closer than ever.  If you've ever listened to Tim McGraw's song "Best Friend" it sums us up perfectly. 

  

Together Andrew and I have three wonderful kids.  Adam is going to be 5 (tomorrow!!!), Emma is 3 and Katie Jo is nearly 6 months.  I'm sure I will be sharing many stories about them throughout my blogging experience.  

So that's my family in a nutshell.  I'm sure they will bring a smile to your face as they bring smiles to mine.  

I do hope you enjoy your non-Friday-Tuesday!!! :-)  Be blessed today!!!