Tuesday, May 6, 2008
Friday, March 21, 2008
Thursday, March 6, 2008
Happy Birthday Micah!
Happy Birthday, my sweet little one! Today you turn one year old. Last night as I put you to sleep, I cried tears over your sweet head. You're no longer my baby, but my big boy. Sure, you're still such a tiny baby boy, but the fact that we now count your age in years, rather than months, shows the passage of time. You have been nothing short of a JOY to have as a part of our family! You smile ALL THE TIME - everyone who is around you always comments on what a happy baby you are. You love your family and are quite content to follow your crazy loud siblings where ever they are in the house to join them in their activity. You have now been cruising very well around the furniture for a good 3 months - but still no walking on your own. Grandma took you "walking" in her fingers down our hall the other night - and rather than walk - you just ran like crazy! You were cracking up the whole time - and it was like in your little head, you were just saying "you folks have no idea what I'm capable of!"
You have blessed us this past week with your very first week of SLEEPING THROUGH THE NIGHT! You have worn us out, little guy - with wanting to continue being with your mama several times throughout the night - so we are giving God the praise for this newest development. But we are still holding our breath that this will last! Sleep - it does a mama and daddy good!
Micah, we just love you so much, and are continually thankful that God chose you to join our family! Happy Birthday, sweet boy! We can't wait to see what this next year of your life holds for us!
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
Life Lessons
My sister has recently done a post on lessons she's learned in her life - so I'm going to follow suit...
Five things I've learned in my lifetime, age 31 years...
1. Kindness for others trumps being right. Several years ago, after some rough experiences in ministry, I learned that it is just not worth it to try to be right. Rather, it's better to be kind to others, always considering their feelings first. As background - the situation that taught me this well...
I was on staff at a medium sized church, and the pastor really wanted me to have a good "program." Meaning that he wanted me to produce an excellent musical group - utilizing only volunteers. Well, being fresh out of college, and completely sure of my abilities, I treated those volunteers like students in high school, demanding perfect standards, attendance, and allowing no leeway for "life." Bottom line - I ended up really alienating many folks and now, years later have realized that feelings always need to be taken into consideration. Now, if I were in the same situation - I would use empathy and caring, rather than harshness and demands.
2. I value health! While being in ministry, one of the things that grated on me was when people were chronically sick. I guess in my mind - I felt that they needed to have a "cope and deal" attitude, rather than always complaining, or even talking about their issues. God used that in me, though, and allowed me to experience a chronic pain that has lasted years - and I now understand a bit better what people go through. I also never take my good health (that has now been restored) for granted! So even though I couldn't stand eating my veggies growing up, I willingly crave them now and eat as healthy as possible and take my vitamins, and have a chemical free household. Health is something that I do feel that we should never take for granted.
3. Being a mom is a great calling. I have always wanted to be a mother, and I am thankful that God has laid it on my heart to let that be my highest priority, next to being my husband's wife! I have never struggled or been conflicted over whether to work or to stay home - I know I'm right where I'm supposed to be! And it is wonderful to be right in the center of God's will for our family.
4. Marriage is hard work. But if you're willing to sacrifice and make a daily decision to love, it is all so very worth it. It's also something that shouldn't be taken for granted. I learned just this last year how very fragile relationships can be and through walking through a rough experience with a friend, it taught my husband and I that what we've got just really ain't all that bad! I'm so thankful to have been shown this perspective - right at a time when we desperately needed a breath of fresh air in our relationship. He is so my choice for me - every day, even when he is ornery or irritating!
5. I've learned that I really love to entertain and be hospitable. I thrive on it - even though it wears me out. I love the planning and preparing, hunting for recipes, cleaning the house, getting ready, having everything "just so..." and just the fellowship of chatting with friends. My dream house isn't really about me and my family wanting a larger space for us - we want a larger space in order to be able to give more to others! Someday!!!
Five things I've learned in my lifetime, age 31 years...
1. Kindness for others trumps being right. Several years ago, after some rough experiences in ministry, I learned that it is just not worth it to try to be right. Rather, it's better to be kind to others, always considering their feelings first. As background - the situation that taught me this well...
I was on staff at a medium sized church, and the pastor really wanted me to have a good "program." Meaning that he wanted me to produce an excellent musical group - utilizing only volunteers. Well, being fresh out of college, and completely sure of my abilities, I treated those volunteers like students in high school, demanding perfect standards, attendance, and allowing no leeway for "life." Bottom line - I ended up really alienating many folks and now, years later have realized that feelings always need to be taken into consideration. Now, if I were in the same situation - I would use empathy and caring, rather than harshness and demands.
2. I value health! While being in ministry, one of the things that grated on me was when people were chronically sick. I guess in my mind - I felt that they needed to have a "cope and deal" attitude, rather than always complaining, or even talking about their issues. God used that in me, though, and allowed me to experience a chronic pain that has lasted years - and I now understand a bit better what people go through. I also never take my good health (that has now been restored) for granted! So even though I couldn't stand eating my veggies growing up, I willingly crave them now and eat as healthy as possible and take my vitamins, and have a chemical free household. Health is something that I do feel that we should never take for granted.
3. Being a mom is a great calling. I have always wanted to be a mother, and I am thankful that God has laid it on my heart to let that be my highest priority, next to being my husband's wife! I have never struggled or been conflicted over whether to work or to stay home - I know I'm right where I'm supposed to be! And it is wonderful to be right in the center of God's will for our family.
4. Marriage is hard work. But if you're willing to sacrifice and make a daily decision to love, it is all so very worth it. It's also something that shouldn't be taken for granted. I learned just this last year how very fragile relationships can be and through walking through a rough experience with a friend, it taught my husband and I that what we've got just really ain't all that bad! I'm so thankful to have been shown this perspective - right at a time when we desperately needed a breath of fresh air in our relationship. He is so my choice for me - every day, even when he is ornery or irritating!
5. I've learned that I really love to entertain and be hospitable. I thrive on it - even though it wears me out. I love the planning and preparing, hunting for recipes, cleaning the house, getting ready, having everything "just so..." and just the fellowship of chatting with friends. My dream house isn't really about me and my family wanting a larger space for us - we want a larger space in order to be able to give more to others! Someday!!!
Monday, March 3, 2008
Under Construction....
My sister is currently doing some updates for me. She ROCKS!!! Use her to design YOUR next blog header...visit her at www.andieisinaz.blogspot.com
Saturday, December 15, 2007
A Christmas Meme!
I was tagged by my sis, so here's my answers! :)
1. When do you put up your tree? Usually around December 1st. I like to have it up as long as possible, yet still keep Thanksgiving and Christmas separate. The first weekend in December is usually when it happens.
2. Favorite Christmas Goodie? Russian teacakes. Hot Chocolate. Spiced Apple Cider.
3. Favorite Christmas Carol/Song?
Are you kidding me? There is noooo way I could limit it to just one...so here's some of the ones that come immediately to mind...
1. The Reason Why - off the Christmas Worship Down Under album from Hillsong.
2. Emmanuel, God with Us - off A Christmas Story by Point of Grace
3. Rose of Bethlehem - off the Selah album by the same title
4. Once Upon a Christmas - by Dolly Parton
5. Deck the Halls in 7/8 time
6. Oh Come Little Children
7. Hallelujah Chorus by Messiah (yes, I know it's not technically a Christmas song...)
4. Least favorite Christmas Carol/Song? anything way too fast and "commerically." A few weeks ago Kevin and I were in a restaurant and Jingle Bells came on - but it was super fast, and the singer was messing around with the meter - literally made me want to pull my ears off my head!
5. Do you like eggnog? YES! (the lowfat version is best - especially in a "Chog" - half Chai tea, half eggnog)
6. Oddest Christmas present you've ever received? ??
7. Best Christmas present you've ever received? My Willow Tree Nativity and angels. Kevin and my mom started the set several years ago at my birthday (Dec.4) and then I got the rest of it for Christmas. Now, Kevin has a tradition of getting me a new angel every Christmas. This year, I know that Shira had a hand in picking out one for me. She is SO excited for me to open it!
8. Most memorable childhood Christmas present? I can remember being super excited about getting my first "gold" watch in grade school. But, just like my sister, I can really remember being thankful for my purple boom box that I got around 4th grade. That thing sure did play a TON of Amy Grant and Michael W. Smith tapes!
9. Favorite color of Christmas lights? BLUE BLUE BLUE on the house! But Christmas is for kids - and so our tree really reflects that. There is nothing polished or perfect about our tree with it's eclectic ornament collection - and lots of multi-colored lights!
10. Tree - Real or Artificial? Always always always REAL. The pine tree scent has to be there - I'm an Oregon girl at heart and it just would not be Christmas without the real pine around.
11. Do you open presents on Christmas Eve or Christmas morning? On Christmas Eve, we open our gifts to each other that are, strategically, Christmas jammies and/or slippers. Then, we wear them to bed and our Christmas pics in the morning look great while we open everything else!
12. One of your family's Christmas traditions - past or present? I always loved the Christmas caroling...our kids haven't been big enough to do that yet, but really, the best tradition is just the chance to be together as a family.
1. When do you put up your tree? Usually around December 1st. I like to have it up as long as possible, yet still keep Thanksgiving and Christmas separate. The first weekend in December is usually when it happens.
2. Favorite Christmas Goodie? Russian teacakes. Hot Chocolate. Spiced Apple Cider.
3. Favorite Christmas Carol/Song?
Are you kidding me? There is noooo way I could limit it to just one...so here's some of the ones that come immediately to mind...
1. The Reason Why - off the Christmas Worship Down Under album from Hillsong.
2. Emmanuel, God with Us - off A Christmas Story by Point of Grace
3. Rose of Bethlehem - off the Selah album by the same title
4. Once Upon a Christmas - by Dolly Parton
5. Deck the Halls in 7/8 time
6. Oh Come Little Children
7. Hallelujah Chorus by Messiah (yes, I know it's not technically a Christmas song...)
4. Least favorite Christmas Carol/Song? anything way too fast and "commerically." A few weeks ago Kevin and I were in a restaurant and Jingle Bells came on - but it was super fast, and the singer was messing around with the meter - literally made me want to pull my ears off my head!
5. Do you like eggnog? YES! (the lowfat version is best - especially in a "Chog" - half Chai tea, half eggnog)
6. Oddest Christmas present you've ever received? ??
7. Best Christmas present you've ever received? My Willow Tree Nativity and angels. Kevin and my mom started the set several years ago at my birthday (Dec.4) and then I got the rest of it for Christmas. Now, Kevin has a tradition of getting me a new angel every Christmas. This year, I know that Shira had a hand in picking out one for me. She is SO excited for me to open it!
8. Most memorable childhood Christmas present? I can remember being super excited about getting my first "gold" watch in grade school. But, just like my sister, I can really remember being thankful for my purple boom box that I got around 4th grade. That thing sure did play a TON of Amy Grant and Michael W. Smith tapes!
9. Favorite color of Christmas lights? BLUE BLUE BLUE on the house! But Christmas is for kids - and so our tree really reflects that. There is nothing polished or perfect about our tree with it's eclectic ornament collection - and lots of multi-colored lights!
10. Tree - Real or Artificial? Always always always REAL. The pine tree scent has to be there - I'm an Oregon girl at heart and it just would not be Christmas without the real pine around.
11. Do you open presents on Christmas Eve or Christmas morning? On Christmas Eve, we open our gifts to each other that are, strategically, Christmas jammies and/or slippers. Then, we wear them to bed and our Christmas pics in the morning look great while we open everything else!
12. One of your family's Christmas traditions - past or present? I always loved the Christmas caroling...our kids haven't been big enough to do that yet, but really, the best tradition is just the chance to be together as a family.
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
Tuesday, September 4, 2007
Sweet baby boy
My sweet Micah,
Today you are 6 months old. I cannot even believe how quickly time has flown by. You are a precious little guy. From the day you arrived, you've done nothing but bring our family joy. I guess part of that comes from your birth order - being the 3rd kid, you've learned to adapt. No, we don't have you on a perfect schedule. No, you're not sleeping through the night. But yes, you are more than willing to flash your big ol' grin at anyone who simply looks at you. Everyone always comments about what a happy baby you are. This past week or two has brought some pretty big milestones for you, as well. You got dropped (bad momma) but you are OK! You cut your first tooth - starting rolling around like a pro - and lately, the "words" you say are becoming more prolific. I think for sure I heard a "mama" this morning - but we'll just wait and see on that one. You love all things corded - especially the phone cords at Gramma and Papa's offices. Momma's headset cord is a favorite for you, too. And as I type this - you're playing with daddy's network cable on the floor! Your big brother and sister adore you. They are so excited to peek into your crib each morning and talk to you. Tobin asks all the time when you get to sleep together in the bunk beds that you'll have in a year or so. And Shira - well, she's just a perfect little momma. She loves to hold you - and we've even let her carry you a time or two. You're just so easy going...and we are so thankful to have you as a part of our family. I love you, my sweet Micah boy. Grow strong!!! Love, Momma
just a few hours old
One Month old
about 6 or 7 weeks old - first smiles
3 months old
falling in love with his activity center and
Today you are 6 months old. I cannot even believe how quickly time has flown by. You are a precious little guy. From the day you arrived, you've done nothing but bring our family joy. I guess part of that comes from your birth order - being the 3rd kid, you've learned to adapt. No, we don't have you on a perfect schedule. No, you're not sleeping through the night. But yes, you are more than willing to flash your big ol' grin at anyone who simply looks at you. Everyone always comments about what a happy baby you are. This past week or two has brought some pretty big milestones for you, as well. You got dropped (bad momma) but you are OK! You cut your first tooth - starting rolling around like a pro - and lately, the "words" you say are becoming more prolific. I think for sure I heard a "mama" this morning - but we'll just wait and see on that one. You love all things corded - especially the phone cords at Gramma and Papa's offices. Momma's headset cord is a favorite for you, too. And as I type this - you're playing with daddy's network cable on the floor! Your big brother and sister adore you. They are so excited to peek into your crib each morning and talk to you. Tobin asks all the time when you get to sleep together in the bunk beds that you'll have in a year or so. And Shira - well, she's just a perfect little momma. She loves to hold you - and we've even let her carry you a time or two. You're just so easy going...and we are so thankful to have you as a part of our family. I love you, my sweet Micah boy. Grow strong!!! Love, Momma
just a few hours old 
One Month old
about 6 or 7 weeks old - first smiles
3 months old
falling in love with his activity center and falling asleep holding the toys hanging above him
5 months old - cracking up with daddy
6 months old - TODAY!!!
5 months old - cracking up with daddy6 months old - TODAY!!!Painting wavy lines is harder than you might think
It's been a whirlwind summer! For Shira's 6th birthday (back in June!) we told her that she could redo her room - so she chose the bedspread, and momma painted the room. The rest of the summer has been spent looking for co-ordinating accessories - so here's what it looks like so far:
That lamp you see sitting there all by it's lonesome will eventually go on the nightstand that Papa is making for her. She is totally excited about that lamp - because it's almost identical to the one that was in the picture that came on the comforter.
This is where she stores all her toys, books and just recently, my stereo that she bootlegged from our master bathroom. Seems like the girl's gotta have her tunes, no matter what!
When Shira was first born, we began collecting teddy bears, thinking that she'd be a sweet girl always carrying around a teddy bear. Not so much. But, they're too cute to waste, so Papa made these great shelves, and I think it looks great on top of her window!
We found the S-H-I-R-A letters at Hobby Lobby - and Shira loves them! I think they're really cute with the wavy rick-rack paint border that we did, too. All in all - a really fun project!
That lamp you see sitting there all by it's lonesome will eventually go on the nightstand that Papa is making for her. She is totally excited about that lamp - because it's almost identical to the one that was in the picture that came on the comforter.
This is where she stores all her toys, books and just recently, my stereo that she bootlegged from our master bathroom. Seems like the girl's gotta have her tunes, no matter what!
When Shira was first born, we began collecting teddy bears, thinking that she'd be a sweet girl always carrying around a teddy bear. Not so much. But, they're too cute to waste, so Papa made these great shelves, and I think it looks great on top of her window!
We found the S-H-I-R-A letters at Hobby Lobby - and Shira loves them! I think they're really cute with the wavy rick-rack paint border that we did, too. All in all - a really fun project!He said he wasn't tired...
But the hard days of going to school all morning long are really tough on a little big guy.
Sunday, August 26, 2007
K's birthday
What should I do for my husband's 41st birthday this coming Friday? I'd love to do something special - but my brain is fresh out of ideas. Suggestions???
Monday, August 20, 2007
Micah's new chew toy
Hi Momma! Boy, those toes sure do look pretty! 
What do you mean, I'm not supposed to chew on other peoples' toes? Why not?
Forget it! With toes that pretty, I'm just gonna have to have me a sample - just a little lick!
Tuesday, August 14, 2007
Monday, August 13, 2007
Meal Plan Monday
Here's my lineup for the next two weeks...
Saturday - Fruited Chicken Salad with Couscous / Breadsticks
Sunday - Garlic Herb Oven Fried Halibut, Charred Summer Vegetables
Monday - Parmesan Chicken Paillards with Cherry Tomato Sauce, Lemon Linguine, Green Beans
Tuesday - Anniversary dinner at Carraba's! (lunch will be Sesame Brown Rice Salad with Shredded Chicken and Peanuts)
Wednesday - Beef Stroganoff, Salad
Thursday - Cheese Blintzes, Sausage, eggs
Friday - Green Chile Chicken Casserole, Fiesta Rice
Saturday - BBQ Flank Steak Sandwiches, Coleslaw
Sunday - Moravian Chicken Pie
Monday - Don Pablos Chicken Tortilla Soup, Green Chile Cheese Cornbread
Tuesday - Japaneses Style Pork Cutlets, Iceberg Salad with Ginger Dressing
Wednesday - Fish Tacos with Big Mama's Green Sauce
Thursday - Corn Chowder, grilled ham and cheese sandwiches
Friday - Feta Herb SunDried Tomato stuffed Chicken, Orzo, Salad
Saturday - Mexican Soup
Sunday - Pork Loin Chops with Cinnamon Apples, Buttered Noodles
and at some point I'll be doing THIS dessert: Frozen Peanut Butter Pie
I'm thrilled that as I was putting the hyperlinks on each of these for the recipes to find that most recipes were recieving 4 or 5 stars - the highest reader ratings possible at www.cookinglight.com! I must have found some real winners! Most of these I've done before, but some are new...hope they're good!
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