tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-65845702169442311652024-03-12T19:26:41.635-07:00Joyous AccountsLizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08029527910813112061noreply@blogger.comBlogger46125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6584570216944231165.post-1025523147315357852009-06-15T05:15:00.000-07:002009-06-15T05:15:00.765-07:00June 1st & 15th Scripture MemorizationJust like in May, June's verses from Psalm 139 fit nicely together and would look and sound funny broken up. So therefore, I have combined the two.<br /><br /><em>Psalm 139: 11&12</em><br /><br /><em>11 If I say, "Surely the darkenss will hide me and the light become night around me," </em><br /><br /><em>12 even the darkness will not be dark to you; the night will shine like the day, for darkness is as light to you.</em>Lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08029527910813112061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6584570216944231165.post-73642434669519760072009-06-01T17:06:00.000-07:002009-06-01T17:10:13.766-07:00I'm Moving...I ThinkI have moved my blog over to Wordpress. I am not very happy with it at the moment though. I might be back on blogger if this whole Wordpress affair doesn't work out.<br /><a href="http://www.joyousaccounts.wordpress.com">www.joyousaccounts.wordpress.com</a>Lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08029527910813112061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6584570216944231165.post-25799089368746802122009-05-19T15:00:00.000-07:002009-05-22T17:10:18.094-07:00Andy's Birthday PartyTwo weeks ago we celebrated Andy's first birthday with a Mexican inspired party since his actual birthday is on Cinco De Mayo. We ate taco's, Mexican rice, and Fiesta beans. Chris made some great salsamole that is so good it is destined to be famous.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_81Ly0Q3pyBE/Shb2K0re2eI/AAAAAAAAAQU/-bhRdPlhvTA/s1600-h/IMG_1503.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_81Ly0Q3pyBE/Shb2K0re2eI/AAAAAAAAAQU/-bhRdPlhvTA/s400/IMG_1503.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5338725074094447074" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_81Ly0Q3pyBE/Shb2Szd7SVI/AAAAAAAAAQc/loIbZ_pvrr8/s1600-h/IMG_1497.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_81Ly0Q3pyBE/Shb2Szd7SVI/AAAAAAAAAQc/loIbZ_pvrr8/s400/IMG_1497.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5338725211208108370" border="0" /></a><br />The kids had a great time busting open the pinata. Josh ended up being the one to get it open but it was made so poorly that some others didn't get a chance to get a swing at it before it opened. There was a whole half of it that was still intact though so those kids were able to play too. Uncle Matt even got in on the action!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_81Ly0Q3pyBE/ShcfJU8ivbI/AAAAAAAAAS0/zq4M99VoSKo/s1600-h/IMG_1514.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 301px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_81Ly0Q3pyBE/ShcfJU8ivbI/AAAAAAAAAS0/zq4M99VoSKo/s400/IMG_1514.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5338770128372940210" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_81Ly0Q3pyBE/Shb2rWrE7VI/AAAAAAAAAQ0/BiCfln8Ckn8/s1600-h/IMG_1516.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 262px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_81Ly0Q3pyBE/Shb2rWrE7VI/AAAAAAAAAQ0/BiCfln8Ckn8/s400/IMG_1516.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5338725632975367506" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_81Ly0Q3pyBE/Shb2zc4WsgI/AAAAAAAAAQ8/SkZlz38uBwc/s1600-h/IMG_1518.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 284px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_81Ly0Q3pyBE/Shb2zc4WsgI/AAAAAAAAAQ8/SkZlz38uBwc/s400/IMG_1518.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5338725772080624130" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_81Ly0Q3pyBE/Shb29104iZI/AAAAAAAAARE/lmrdsSJWjCU/s1600-h/IMG_1519.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 296px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_81Ly0Q3pyBE/Shb29104iZI/AAAAAAAAARE/lmrdsSJWjCU/s400/IMG_1519.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5338725950575643026" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_81Ly0Q3pyBE/Shb3HPk8C0I/AAAAAAAAARM/VrZxstq6zeg/s1600-h/IMG_1520.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_81Ly0Q3pyBE/Shb3HPk8C0I/AAAAAAAAARM/VrZxstq6zeg/s400/IMG_1520.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5338726112106908482" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_81Ly0Q3pyBE/Shb3RQ7vw6I/AAAAAAAAARU/r7XSj34d70E/s1600-h/IMG_1522.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 313px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_81Ly0Q3pyBE/Shb3RQ7vw6I/AAAAAAAAARU/r7XSj34d70E/s400/IMG_1522.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5338726284269700002" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_81Ly0Q3pyBE/Shcfz4DwjyI/AAAAAAAAATE/zbR98mRvxI8/s1600-h/IMG_1523.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_81Ly0Q3pyBE/Shcfz4DwjyI/AAAAAAAAATE/zbR98mRvxI8/s400/IMG_1523.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5338770859352952610" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_81Ly0Q3pyBE/Shb3ieluCfI/AAAAAAAAARk/Am5uRQXnvPk/s1600-h/IMG_1526.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 278px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_81Ly0Q3pyBE/Shb3ieluCfI/AAAAAAAAARk/Am5uRQXnvPk/s400/IMG_1526.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5338726579993184754" border="0" /></a>Andy really enjoyed tearing into his gifts which included books, a personalized puzzle, a tricycle, Leap Frog's Fridge Phonics, a teaching Teddy Bear, some sand toys, a set of car keys and cell phone,and a "gumball machine" among other things. We gave Andy a Beanie Buddy Frog and a Five Little Monkeys book. Some of the other kids enjoyed his gifts too!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_81Ly0Q3pyBE/Shb3z_Rur-I/AAAAAAAAARs/83cTVoboCq4/s1600-h/IMG_1529.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 310px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_81Ly0Q3pyBE/Shb3z_Rur-I/AAAAAAAAARs/83cTVoboCq4/s400/IMG_1529.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5338726880825487330" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_81Ly0Q3pyBE/Shb4HNBfsUI/AAAAAAAAAR8/GTzgsJ_B5VQ/s1600-h/IMG_1541.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 394px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_81Ly0Q3pyBE/Shb4HNBfsUI/AAAAAAAAAR8/GTzgsJ_B5VQ/s400/IMG_1541.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5338727210933006658" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_81Ly0Q3pyBE/Shb39wRV3-I/AAAAAAAAAR0/kWcyKTlyAT0/s1600-h/IMG_1539.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 318px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_81Ly0Q3pyBE/Shb39wRV3-I/AAAAAAAAAR0/kWcyKTlyAT0/s400/IMG_1539.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5338727048596021218" border="0" /></a>Andy really took to heart the song "It's My Party And I'll Cry If I Want To!" He was getting tired by this point and overwhelmed with all the attention. We all crowded around him and sang "Happy Birthday" while he kept reaching for the candle. After I blew it out he savored every last bite. Well, maybe he missed a few.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_81Ly0Q3pyBE/Shb4QQxHZrI/AAAAAAAAASE/Zrk4BLHieio/s1600-h/IMG_1547.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_81Ly0Q3pyBE/Shb4QQxHZrI/AAAAAAAAASE/Zrk4BLHieio/s400/IMG_1547.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5338727366556870322" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_81Ly0Q3pyBE/Shb4YtcdQDI/AAAAAAAAASM/ZqfAecs-XoQ/s1600-h/IMG_1550.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 304px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_81Ly0Q3pyBE/Shb4YtcdQDI/AAAAAAAAASM/ZqfAecs-XoQ/s400/IMG_1550.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5338727511693803570" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_81Ly0Q3pyBE/Shb4hO8m0sI/AAAAAAAAASU/HZL7AZuQjXo/s1600-h/IMG_1554.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 301px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_81Ly0Q3pyBE/Shb4hO8m0sI/AAAAAAAAASU/HZL7AZuQjXo/s400/IMG_1554.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5338727658125972162" border="0" /></a>The birthday boy with his grandma. They seem to be deep in conversation by the way Andy is looking at her.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_81Ly0Q3pyBE/Shc75eP0i-I/AAAAAAAAATU/hjRFy6SR_KU/s1600-h/IMG_1510.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 308px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_81Ly0Q3pyBE/Shc75eP0i-I/AAAAAAAAATU/hjRFy6SR_KU/s400/IMG_1510.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5338801741829016546" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_81Ly0Q3pyBE/Shb2B78_zDI/AAAAAAAAAQM/1JBQxqb8HmE/s1600-h/IMG_1505.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 316px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_81Ly0Q3pyBE/Shb2B78_zDI/AAAAAAAAAQM/1JBQxqb8HmE/s400/IMG_1505.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5338724921428134962" border="0" /></a>The birthday boy and his daddy. Aren't they cute?<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_81Ly0Q3pyBE/Shb16sBIe0I/AAAAAAAAAQE/Mb9vSeHguiA/s1600-h/IMG_1500.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_81Ly0Q3pyBE/Shb16sBIe0I/AAAAAAAAAQE/Mb9vSeHguiA/s400/IMG_1500.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5338724796891429698" border="0" /></a><br />The kids pretty much spent the entire evening outside even though it was a bit chilly. They played in the light..<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_81Ly0Q3pyBE/Shb1xx8XKHI/AAAAAAAAAP8/ZyIu2iqoX0s/s1600-h/IMG_1488.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 292px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_81Ly0Q3pyBE/Shb1xx8XKHI/AAAAAAAAAP8/ZyIu2iqoX0s/s400/IMG_1488.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5338724643863210098" border="0" /></a><br />and in the dark.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_81Ly0Q3pyBE/Shb4pCM4nQI/AAAAAAAAASc/s_3pgmF6LZA/s1600-h/IMG_1559.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 270px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_81Ly0Q3pyBE/Shb4pCM4nQI/AAAAAAAAASc/s_3pgmF6LZA/s400/IMG_1559.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5338727792143539458" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Recipes:<br /><br /><br /><strong>Easy Mexican Rice</strong><br /><br /><div></div>1 1/2 cups uncooked brown rice<br /><div>3 cups water<br />1 (1 ounce) package taco seasoning mix<br />1 (15.25 ounce) can kidney beans, drained<br />1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce<br />1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, drained<br />salt and pepper to taste<br />1/2 cup shredded lettuce<br /><br />In a saucepan bring 3 cups water to a boil. Add rice and stir. Reduce heat, cover and simmer for 45 minutes. Remove from heat and let stand for 15 minutes.<br />Stir in taco seasoning, kidney beans, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, salt, pepper and lettuce.<br />Cook over medium heat until heated through. </div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div><strong>Easy Fiesta Beans</strong></div><br /><br /><div></div>1 can(s) fat-free re-fried beans, preferably spicy<br /><div>1 can(s) no-salt-added pinto beans, rinsed<br />1/2 cup(s) prepared salsa<br />2/3 cup(s) grated sharp Cheddar cheese, divided<br />4 scallions, sliced </div><br />Position rack in upper third of oven; preheat broiler.<br /><div>Combine re-fried beans, pinto beans, salsa and 1/3 cup cheese in a medium saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring, until the mixture is hot and the cheese is melted, 6 to 8 minutes.<br />Spoon the bean mixture into a 2-quart baking dish and sprinkle with the remaining 1/3 cup cheese and scallions. Broil until the cheese is lightly browned, about 2 minutes.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Tomato-Avocado Salsamole</span><br /><br />1/4 cup finely chopped red onion<br />1tsp minced jalapeno<br />1tbs lime juice<br />1tbs cider vinegar<br />1tsp minced garlic<br />1/4tsp salt<br />1 ripe avocado, peeled, pitted, and coarsely mashed<br />1 medium tomato, chopped<br />1/4 chopped cilantro<br /><br />Combine onion, jalapeno, lime juice, vinegar, garlic, and salt in bowl. Add avocado, tomato, and cilantro; stir well. Serve immediately, or, to store, reserve avocado pit, add to mixture to prevent browning, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. Serve with lightly toasted whole-wheat pita cut into triangles.<br /></div>Lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08029527910813112061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6584570216944231165.post-80092835228133883892009-05-19T00:00:00.000-07:002009-05-19T14:06:41.111-07:00A New Addition To Our FamilyFor the better part of a week we had been waiting on pins and needles to find out if Josh was going to win a lizard from school that the kids were studying in science class. Actually, I was hoping that he would not have his name drawn. I even half-joked to his teacher to try not to draw his name. Of course Josh was hoping that he would hear the sweet sound of his name being called so that he could become the proud new owner of a lizard. When I picked Josh up from school, the tell-tale sign of a boy gingerly carrying an ice-cream bucket told me all I needed to know.<br /><div><br />It turns out that this lizard is actually an anole, which was so rudely explained to me from the mouth of a nerdy, pimply teenager at the pet store when I went to get the anole some nummy crickets. The clerk told us that the anole will not eat for a few days since it is very easily stressed. I wish I could say the same. However, I eat like the dickens when I am stressed...or bored...or happy...or whenever I see food. I was definitely in need of a package of double-stuffed Oreo's after my lecture from Mr. Animal Know-it-all.</div><br /><div> </div>Anyway, we left the small pet store empty-handed and discussed the name of our new little critter on the way home.<br /><div> </div><br /><div>Me: <em>What are we going to call the new little critter?</em></div><br /><div> </div>Josh: <em>I don't know</em>.<br /><div> </div><br /><div>Me: <em>What about Bugger?</em></div><br /><div> </div>Josh: <em>Yeah! No, I don't like that.</em><br /><div> </div><br /><div>Me: <em>What about Geronimo?</em></div><br /><div> </div>Josh: <em>Yeah! Geromino! No, I can't pronounce it! What were some of the names you were going to name Andy?</em><br /><div> </div><br /><div>Me: <em>Alexander, Lucas, Ryan...</em></div><br /><div> </div>Josh: <em>Ryan! That's what we'll name him!</em><br /><div><em></em> </div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;">So Ryan had to spend the night in his bucket with some freshly cut branches but no dinner. The next day we went to a larger pet store and bought all the things that would keep Ryan happy, comfortable, and green.<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_81Ly0Q3pyBE/ShL9A-N2aEI/AAAAAAAAANs/tL8AjmzkyFs/s1600-h/IMG_1588.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_81Ly0Q3pyBE/ShL9A-N2aEI/AAAAAAAAANs/tL8AjmzkyFs/s320/IMG_1588.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337606701530376258" border="0" /></a>Ryan's last moments in the dreaded bucket. Can you spot him?<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_81Ly0Q3pyBE/ShL9v4krgHI/AAAAAAAAAOM/ISeuGZD8NwE/s1600-h/IMG_1578.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 190px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_81Ly0Q3pyBE/ShL9v4krgHI/AAAAAAAAAOM/ISeuGZD8NwE/s320/IMG_1578.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337607507469369458" border="0" /></a>Josh poured the coconut husk bedding on the bottom of the terrarium.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_81Ly0Q3pyBE/ShL9kB8oP1I/AAAAAAAAAOE/zWQGWx5sMSA/s1600-h/IMG_1580.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_81Ly0Q3pyBE/ShL9kB8oP1I/AAAAAAAAAOE/zWQGWx5sMSA/s320/IMG_1580.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337607303827308370" border="0" /></a>I hung a net and Josh placed a climbing/hiding log in just the right place.<br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_81Ly0Q3pyBE/ShMGTbPVXzI/AAAAAAAAAOU/nsLCnOk5rOw/s1600-h/IMG_1583.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 274px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_81Ly0Q3pyBE/ShMGTbPVXzI/AAAAAAAAAOU/nsLCnOk5rOw/s320/IMG_1583.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337616914163523378" border="0" /></a>Then it was time to hang the branches for Ryan to climb and catch some rays.<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_81Ly0Q3pyBE/ShL9N6FCFlI/AAAAAAAAAN0/tfnTBnbTNPg/s1600-h/IMG_1585.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 282px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_81Ly0Q3pyBE/ShL9N6FCFlI/AAAAAAAAAN0/tfnTBnbTNPg/s320/IMG_1585.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337606923757950546" border="0" /></a>Josh misted Ryan's home for proper humidity.<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_81Ly0Q3pyBE/ShL81sSN46I/AAAAAAAAANk/UDqSflBMO4s/s1600-h/IMG_1589.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 267px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_81Ly0Q3pyBE/ShL81sSN46I/AAAAAAAAANk/UDqSflBMO4s/s320/IMG_1589.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337606507738293154" border="0" /></a>Because Josh is a bit afraid of Ryan and I am just grossed out, Chris and his manly hands carefully introduced Ryan to his new home. O.K. I'm a little afraid of him too. Ryan, not Chris.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_81Ly0Q3pyBE/ShL8jy-6iAI/AAAAAAAAANc/hYG_jnsioz4/s1600-h/IMG_1600.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 196px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_81Ly0Q3pyBE/ShL8jy-6iAI/AAAAAAAAANc/hYG_jnsioz4/s320/IMG_1600.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337606200298735618" border="0" /></a>Chris dumped a few crickets in the terrarium and Ryan ate immediately even though Mr. Animal Know-it-all explained that he would not because he would be too stressed out. Apparently we have another stress eater on our hands.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_81Ly0Q3pyBE/ShL7yiPVLEI/AAAAAAAAANU/-qCC_o22Rfk/s1600-h/IMG_1601.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_81Ly0Q3pyBE/ShL7yiPVLEI/AAAAAAAAANU/-qCC_o22Rfk/s320/IMG_1601.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337605353990597698" border="0" /></a>In fact, he was so stressed out he chowed down six crickets in a matter of minutes. At least I don't have to cook for him. Cricket stew. Yum.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_81Ly0Q3pyBE/ShMI_-n3EAI/AAAAAAAAAOc/yDUkaVh1Bno/s1600-h/IMG_1603.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 177px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_81Ly0Q3pyBE/ShMI_-n3EAI/AAAAAAAAAOc/yDUkaVh1Bno/s320/IMG_1603.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337619878599135234" border="0" /></a>There's Ryan all happy and brilliantly green in his new home.<br />Except when Josh looks at him.<br />Then he turns brown.<br /></div><div> </div>Lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08029527910813112061noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6584570216944231165.post-62825125180414226272009-05-16T06:06:00.000-07:002009-05-17T06:23:07.512-07:00Souper Saturday AgainWith today being a chilly spring day, we made another hot soup. I got the recipe from a colleague of Chris's after he had eaten some of hers and really liked it. I made it a few weeks ago with one or two tweaks but today I made it true to the recipe using ground turkey. It is super easy and kid friendly. I made cornbread(from a package) in a cast iron skillet to go with the soup. Yummm.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_81Ly0Q3pyBE/ShAPP_nWNAI/AAAAAAAAANE/xV1_BQmr-ug/s1600-h/IMG_1574.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_81Ly0Q3pyBE/ShAPP_nWNAI/AAAAAAAAANE/xV1_BQmr-ug/s320/IMG_1574.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5336782325882958850" border="0" /></a>(I am still trying to figure out my camera!)<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Taco Soup</span><br /><br />1lb lean ground turkey or beef<br />1 large pkg Hidden Valley Ranch dressing mix<br />1 pkg taco seasoning mix<br />1 can black beans<br />1 can white beans<br />1 can whole kernel corn<br />1 can green beans<br />1 can diced tomatoes<br />1 can diced tomatoes (Mexican chile or spicy)<br /><br />Brown meat and drain<br />Add Ranch and taco seasoning mix to meat and mix well<br />Add all the other ingredients without draining<br />Simmer for one hour<br /><br />Serves 12 1cup servings<br /></div><br /><br /></div>Lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08029527910813112061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6584570216944231165.post-37388822727936209812009-05-15T04:57:00.000-07:002009-05-15T05:14:42.607-07:00May 1st & 15th Scripture MemorizationI didn't post my May 1st verse on the 1st so I will combine the 1st and the 15th today. It works out well because verses 9&10 of Psalm 139 go together and would have looked and sounded funny broken up. They just need to be memorized together.<br /><br /><em>Psalm 139:9&10</em><br /><br /><em>9 If I rise on the wings of dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea,</em><br /><br /><em>10 even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast.</em>Lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08029527910813112061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6584570216944231165.post-53259217079479191822009-05-12T03:50:00.000-07:002009-05-12T10:05:15.968-07:00In Our News<div align="center"><strong>A Nephew Is Born</strong></div><br />Sunday, May 10 (Mother's Day) Calin was born to Matt and Amy. He is my first nephew and he will probably be my only nephew. He is very cute with dark blue eyes and lots of dark hair. If he is anything like his older sister though, his eyes will turn a lighter shade of blue and his hair will turn blonde. He is very loved and I look forward to watching him grow up and witnessing him and Andy form a cousin bond being that they are only one year apart. I have to admit when I was holding Calin I had a small wave of baby fever intrude upon my heart. Not enough to make me want a baby at this very moment but the thought has, uninvited, crept into my mind. We will have to really think and pray hard about adding another child to our family. We can hardly keep up with the small child in our home as it is. I would like to have a girl but that is up to God.<br /><div align="left">Another thought I had while I was holding Calin is how I remember wanting time to stop for just a little while after both my boys were born. There was so much controlled chaos going on during the births that I just wanted some time afterwards to soak up the monumental gift that I had just been given. Time to study their little faces and count their fingers and toes. But the seconds kept ticking into minutes and their little lives began the growing process independently from my body. Hours passed then days and now years have gone by with something new to learn at each moment. And time just seems to be going by much faster.<br /></div><br /><br /><br /><div align="left"></div><br /><div align="center"><strong>Gramps Well Despite Chemotherapy And Radiation Treatment</strong></div><br />Gramps finished his daily Radiation treatment late last week and has persevered through it with grit and stamina. He has two more Chemotherapy treatments left, one coming up next Monday and the last one in mid-June. Gramps will have more scans to determine how much of the cancer has been eradicated and I do believe his oncologists and surgeons will then decide if and when surgery will be performed. He has maintained nutrition and hydration so well that he is only required to have blood drawn once a week and some weeks he doesn't have to have it drawn at all. My mom has gone to Illinois to be with him when he receives his Chemotherapy and next week will be no exception.<br />I remember my grandma's last Christmas when she was dying from cancer. I had no idea what to say or how to act so I ended up ignoring her, but watching in morbid fascination at what was happening to her. It was just too out of the ordinary for me. I felt like she was a stranger. It wasn't obvious that I was ignoring her and I didn't even realize that's what I was doing at the time. I didn't recognize the feelings that I was experiencing. I just wanted her to be back to normal with her notorious energy and not dragging around an oxygen tank to help her breathe. I find myself fighting the same stupid behavior with Gramps. I have to force myself to call him and acknowledge the brevity of the situation. I don't want to dwell on it but I need him to know that I am aware that he is fighting for his life. I need him to know that he has my support. So instead of pretending nothing is wrong I will pray for him and reach out to him with sympathy and compassion.<br />Anyway, Gramps so misses his beloved Cubs that he is planning on trekking to Wrigley Field to see a game next weekend before his Chemotherapy treatment. My mom will move Heaven and Earth to go with him. I wish I could too. My Gramps is full of understated stubborn tenacity. He is my hero and I love him dearly.<br /><br /><div align="left"></div><br /><br /><div align="center"><strong>Soldier Mick In Iraq</strong></div><br />Back in February when I tearfully watched from my desk at work the troops ride away on buses to begin their tour of duty, I committed to step out of my own little world and get to know someone who is serving our country in Iraq. Little did I know that commitment would be in the form of my third cousin Mick. As I was doing some research as to how to get in touch with someone in Iraq, forming a pen-pal situation of sorts, Mick found me on Facebook. I read a comment on his page that he wished that he would get letters from home which got me thinking and praying. I wasn't expecting God to choose someone I already knew to send encouraging words and thoughts to but I do know that God is chiseling away at my hard, judgemental heart so I wasn't surprised by His plan. I began a letter and three pages later signed it and sent it off. It wasn't long before I got a letter in the mail from Mick. He answered all my questions and told me some things about Iraq. Even though it has been weeks since I received his letter, I still haven't written him back. I will take the time soon though because it is important to me. And I suspect it is important to him to know that somebody cares.<br /><br /><div align="left"> </div><br /><div align="center"><strong><br />Hostess Cupcake Really Is Russell Tradition!</strong></div><br /><div align="center"><strong></strong> </div>This past weekend Chris's parents, Barb and Bob, came up from Wisconsin to celebrate Andy's first birthday. Barb brought along Chris's baby books in which I read that he joyfully devoured a Hostess Cupcake on his own first birthday. Ok, the whole 'joyfully devoured' part wasn't really in the book but he did have a Hostess Cupcake.<br />Also in the book was a picture of Chris when he was one and, I must say, Andy looks an awful lot like his daddy.Lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08029527910813112061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6584570216944231165.post-85598678656308883172009-05-06T04:02:00.000-07:002009-05-06T18:03:25.813-07:00Cupcake TraditionApparently there is a first birthday tradition among the Russell family that I was not aware of until last night when Chris came home and declared that he had stopped by the <strong>gas station</strong> to get Andy something for his birthday. Need I say more?<br /><div> </div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_81Ly0Q3pyBE/SgIx_5WpN_I/AAAAAAAAAM0/K8_dLGDHDRU/s1600-h/IMG_1461.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_81Ly0Q3pyBE/SgIx_5WpN_I/AAAAAAAAAM0/K8_dLGDHDRU/s320/IMG_1461.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5332879882557405170" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_81Ly0Q3pyBE/SgIyNtzM6qI/AAAAAAAAAM8/rbgdaFpy63E/s1600-h/IMG_1460.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_81Ly0Q3pyBE/SgIyNtzM6qI/AAAAAAAAAM8/rbgdaFpy63E/s320/IMG_1460.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5332880119974128290" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_81Ly0Q3pyBE/SgIx1Bhg_KI/AAAAAAAAAMs/6BmezbnhH70/s1600-h/IMG_1464.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_81Ly0Q3pyBE/SgIx1Bhg_KI/AAAAAAAAAMs/6BmezbnhH70/s320/IMG_1464.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5332879695771925666" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_81Ly0Q3pyBE/SgIxp_-kp4I/AAAAAAAAAMk/tah6a_rYup4/s1600-h/IMG_1473.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_81Ly0Q3pyBE/SgIxp_-kp4I/AAAAAAAAAMk/tah6a_rYup4/s320/IMG_1473.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5332879506378368898" border="0" /></a><div>Oh, I need to say more. There is nothing like instilling the love of Hostess Cupcakes early on in life. Chris has pictures of himself eating a Hostess Cupcake on his first birthday. I have not seen these pictures so, quite frankly, I'm not sure if the tradition lived before he did or if this is just something that he wants to continue for the second generation. I mean, how long has Hostess been making cupcakes anyway? As you can tell, Andy did seem to enjoy the treat and that's all that matters!</div><br /><div> </div>We are having a birthday party on Saturday where there will be even more cupcake fun and even more pictures taken to capture the celebration of Andy's birthday. This boy must be loved!</div>Lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08029527910813112061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6584570216944231165.post-27186145509267921622009-05-05T04:30:00.000-07:002009-05-05T13:10:22.976-07:00Happy Birthday Andy!Today is Andy's 1st birthday! I am so excited despite the fact that there is what seems like a monsoon outside. Never mind the fact that we live in an entirely different part of the world where monsoons don't actually occur. The day I went into labor with Andy was a beautiful, warm spring day...<br /><div> </div><br /><div>Saturday May 3rd<br /></div><br /><div> </div>I had to work an insanely busy Saturday morning shift at Anchor Bank. By the time the four hours were over I was ready for a long nap and a relaxing day. But instead, I threw a baby shower for my friend Stefani who was due in June. So I trudged my large belly and swollen feet over to the party host's home and began to prepare the food and games for all the guests. I threw a successfully fun baby shower and waddled my way home, but there was no time for relaxing. We had relatives (maybe it was just Dan and Gramps) in town and dinner was planned at my parent's home for any of us that could make it, which was pretty much all of us, Dennis included. After an evening of eating, talking, joking, and laughing hysterically Chris and Josh took my weary body home where we all (ok, maybe it was just me) fell into bed since it was late and we wanted to get up for church the next morning.<br /><div> </div><br /><div>Sunday May 4th</div><br /><div> </div>After spending many months attending different churches and deciding that our family's best "fit" was at Five Oaks, Chris and I signed up to take the Discovery class which happened to fall on that Sunday. He had already been a member of Five Oaks in the past but he attended the class with me so that I could get the information I needed about the church. We enjoyed the class and the lunch following and discussed what we should do with the rest of the day. I was in need of a little weight relief so we decided to head to the pool at the community center and it felt wonderful to let the water take some of the pressure off my body. As I was floating around the edge of the pool Chris asked if I would be able to feel if my water broke while I was in the water. I answered that I wasn't sure but that it would be really crazy if it did. We may have mentioned that it would be kind of gross and possibly laughed about it.<br /><div>I was soon ready to get out of the water so I watched Josh play as I dried off. Chris took off for the men's room to sit in the sauna. I hadn't even dried off completely when I felt a small gush. I stopped and thought to myself, "Is that what I think it is or did I just pee on myself?" I began walking back to our chairs when I felt that telltale gush again. And again. I quickly gathered our towels and toys, called Josh, and told him to go into the men's room and ask Chris to come out. As soon as Chris appeared I explained to him that my water had broken adding, "Ironic, huh?"<br />His response was, "We've gotta go!" That was at around 6pm.<br />We went home and as I packed up my suitcase, Chris packed up the refrigerator. We had just prepared some meals and didn't want to waste them. Soon we were on our way to the hospital after dropping Josh off at my parents. The IV was inserted to deliver antibiotics for Group B Strep and we waited for the contractions to get harder and closer together. It didn't take long before I became very uncomfortable.<br /><br />Monday May 5<br /><br />I decided to take a warm bath but I wasn't in there long before Andy decided he was ready to come out. And if you ask Chris, there is a discrepancy in our stories that I treated him poorly when he couldn't understand my whispering that I didn't want any more water and I shoved the shower head out of his hand. He also freaked out when I squeezed his thumb and groaned that I needed help. He thought I was dying but I just wanted drugs.<br />Anyway, I made it to the delivery bed but let's just say Andy was close to being born in the bathtub. At least I was at the hospital and not at home!<br />Andy was born at 12:48am weighing 7lb 4oz and 19 1/4 inches long. We found out he was a boy at that moment but we didn't have a name picked out for him yet. In fact, we didn't choose his name for at least 12 hours or longer. There were too many to choose from. We liked Alexander, Lucas, and Ryan as well but we gave him the name Andrew John.<br />If you go back to <a href="http://joyousaccounts.blogspot.com/2008/12/happy-birthday-josh.html">this post</a>, you will notice that there seems to be a common denominator that sends me into labor every time (well, only twice, but still!). Dan and Dennis inducing fits of hysterical laughter mere hours before I go into labor. Coincidence? I think not! I think it's all part of God's humor.<br /><br />Andy has redefined my role as a mom since he became another "firstborn" in my life. Andy is very active and doesn't sit still for anything. He is full of joy and laughter and loves music and singing. He sings with Daddy and sings with the radio in my car when I pick him up from Grandma's. He loves throwing his toys on the floor and saying, "Uh-Oh."<br />This first year has been a challenge but also a joy as we have watched his little personality emerge and and as he starts the journey to become the person God created him to be.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Lord, thank you for the sweet blessing of Andy. Thank you for making me his mommy. Help me to be a light that leads him to You. Thank You for all you have done for Andy and for all the plans and blessings You have stored up for him. My most earnest prayer is that he chooses to follow You for the rest of his days. Please watch over him and make Yourself real to him. Thank You Lord.<br /><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_81Ly0Q3pyBE/SgCb51aaLLI/AAAAAAAAAMc/eYd2rxZSXG8/s1600-h/IMG_1283.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_81Ly0Q3pyBE/SgCb51aaLLI/AAAAAAAAAMc/eYd2rxZSXG8/s320/IMG_1283.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5332433376699362482" border="0" /></a><br />Andy shares a birthday with his Great-Uncle Dennis and his second cousin Isaiah who was born on the exact same day. Happy Birthday Dennis and Isaiah! Happy Birthday Andy!<br /></div>Lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08029527910813112061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6584570216944231165.post-77323047694642871422009-04-26T05:25:00.000-07:002009-04-26T15:38:26.050-07:00Walking Away"<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">C'mon</span> Andy! You can do it! Come to Momma!" I coaxed Andy with a sing-song voice and eager arms as he took wobbly, tentative steps towards me. As he fell into my arms I exclaimed with pride, "<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Yay</span>! What a big boy!" Then I turned him around and sent him back to wobble a few steps to Chris's eagerly outstretched arms. We went back and forth, day after day until one day Andy, unbidden, walked away from the couch to explore the world on his own two feet.<br /><br />That one day was four weeks ago; March 30<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">th</span> to be exact. The day that most parents look forward to and dread at the same time. The day that marked a major milestone even more than rolling over, sitting up, and trying solid food for the first time.<br /><br />Before we know it, Andy will be walking away from us into his kindergarten classroom, then to baseball practice and Boy Scout meetings. He will soon be holding a set of keys as he walks out our front door to drive to high school and his first job.<br /><br />All too soon he will finish college and walk away to begin the rest of his life and to explore the world on his own two feet.<br /><br />How do I know this? Because I have a nine-year-old who is growing up in the blink of an eye. I have cheered on his first steps and sent him to kindergarten (and first and second and third grade) and watched him karate chop his way to a black belt (coming in January!). He will also hold a set of keys and a first job and a college degree.<br /><br />Witnessing the natural evolution of changes in our children is inevitable so as I watch my children walk away to explore the world on <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">their</span> own two feet I will proudly proclaim, "What a big boy!"Lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08029527910813112061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6584570216944231165.post-16099521894251898992009-04-23T11:04:00.000-07:002009-04-23T12:18:24.522-07:00Signs of Spring<div style="text-align: center;">What makes you think of Spring?<br /><br />Is it the vibrant buds on the tree branches promising new life and a warm summer?<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_81Ly0Q3pyBE/SfC21esxPLI/AAAAAAAAAME/PIhI3Cd48xY/s1600-h/IMG_1297.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_81Ly0Q3pyBE/SfC21esxPLI/AAAAAAAAAME/PIhI3Cd48xY/s320/IMG_1297.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5327959389069458610" border="0" /></a>Is it those beautifully pesky dandelions growing in your yard before the first colors of your lovingly planted flowers shoot through your carefully sowed soil?<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_81Ly0Q3pyBE/SfC2Vj5pxwI/AAAAAAAAAL0/M4Hwaf4KyKM/s1600-h/IMG_1300.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 221px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_81Ly0Q3pyBE/SfC2Vj5pxwI/AAAAAAAAAL0/M4Hwaf4KyKM/s320/IMG_1300.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5327958840709859074" border="0" /></a>Perhaps it's the small creatures that come out in droves to annoy and frighten us all.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_81Ly0Q3pyBE/SfC2McRl1BI/AAAAAAAAALs/qka6Oi2sJQA/s1600-h/IMG_1306.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 227px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_81Ly0Q3pyBE/SfC2McRl1BI/AAAAAAAAALs/qka6Oi2sJQA/s320/IMG_1306.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5327958684043957266" border="0" /></a>My favorite sign of Spring, the one that elicits a sigh of relief from my thawing lungs after living through another long, cold winter is...<br /><br /><br />The Street Sweeper!<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_81Ly0Q3pyBE/SfC2COy1ebI/AAAAAAAAALk/WuDrL_NmM-Y/s1600-h/IMG_1142.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 246px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_81Ly0Q3pyBE/SfC2COy1ebI/AAAAAAAAALk/WuDrL_NmM-Y/s320/IMG_1142.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5327958508626606514" border="0" /></a>Yes. The street sweeper. At the first sighting of a local street sweeper, I called Chris with this very important news (which probably interrupted him as he taught his students) and loudly announced that the sweepers were out in full force and that SPRING IS HERE!<br />I vowed to capture the moment they came to sweep our street and demanded that my family keep listening to hear when they were coming. Chris, the darling that he is, heard the low hum of the sweeper crawling down our street and declared that I better get outside with the camera. With no hesitation and maybe a little embarrassment, I stood on our front steps and clicked away hoping for a good shot. I'm fairly certain the street sweeper driver thought I was crazy.<br />Every year I look forward to the street sweepers and give them them an extra wide berth and some patience as they clear away the last traces of winter and usher in the season of Spring.<br /></div>Lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08029527910813112061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6584570216944231165.post-86397313338879301952009-04-20T11:43:00.000-07:002009-04-20T11:54:36.945-07:00Better Late Than NeverI am a little late in posting the 8<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">th</span> verse for the year. Better late than never, right?<br /><br />Psalm 139:1-8<br />1O LORD, you have searched me and you know me<br />2You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar.<br />3You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways.<br />4Before a word is on my tongue you know it completely, O LORD.<br />5You hem me in-behind and before; you have laid your hand upon me.<br />6Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too lofty for me to attain.<br />7 Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence?<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">8If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there.</span><br /><br /><br />This will be really short because, between pulling Andy away from the plants before he shovels handfuls of dirt into his mouth and chasing him around the house retrieving various toys belonging to a certain 9-year-old before he either strangles or impales himself, I find myself with little time to blog.Lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08029527910813112061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6584570216944231165.post-54992033145388867232009-04-18T05:47:00.000-07:002009-04-18T06:16:01.046-07:00Beautiful DayI have been thanking God all week for our beautiful weather. It has been gorgeous! This weekend will be cooler with some rain but I am thankful for that also since we need the rain too.<br /><br />In years past I have always waited until June when the Summer Solstice began to really enjoy summer and even then I didn't take full advantage of my favorite season. Around here, summers are short and meant to be savored, pleaded for in the thick of winter when we are up to our necks in snow and nearly frozen from the cold.<br /><br />This year I have decided to take advantage of Spring and enjoy every warm day we are given. Even the not so warm but sunny enough to fool one into thinking it's warm days. I spent time outside everyday this week whether it was taking a walk with my family, playing at the park, or cozying up in a chair in the dark at the drive-in movie theater (which Josh and I did last night with Angela, Kristen, and Jamie).<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_81Ly0Q3pyBE/SenP-ok1FpI/AAAAAAAAALc/-Rt3-X-53GE/s1600-h/IMG_1202.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_81Ly0Q3pyBE/SenP-ok1FpI/AAAAAAAAALc/-Rt3-X-53GE/s320/IMG_1202.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326016709293053586" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_81Ly0Q3pyBE/SenPycszheI/AAAAAAAAALU/0X4-VYDOP2Y/s1600-h/IMG_1200.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_81Ly0Q3pyBE/SenPycszheI/AAAAAAAAALU/0X4-VYDOP2Y/s320/IMG_1200.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326016499946849762" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_81Ly0Q3pyBE/SenPlffiMFI/AAAAAAAAALM/GkRc7VPOwwQ/s1600-h/IMG_1178.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_81Ly0Q3pyBE/SenPlffiMFI/AAAAAAAAALM/GkRc7VPOwwQ/s320/IMG_1178.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326016277358194770" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_81Ly0Q3pyBE/SenPUq7t9GI/AAAAAAAAALE/KOdlCqv3o74/s1600-h/IMG_1174.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_81Ly0Q3pyBE/SenPUq7t9GI/AAAAAAAAALE/KOdlCqv3o74/s320/IMG_1174.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326015988371420258" border="0" /></a>I had mentioned in an earlier post that I couldn't wait to introduce Andy to the slides and swings at the playground. So I didn't. It turns out that Andy is a huge fan of the swing! The higher it goes the harder he laughs! And if Josh is pushing him? Well, that is just heaven on earth!Lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08029527910813112061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6584570216944231165.post-51105935481314573962009-04-11T07:46:00.000-07:002009-04-20T12:09:05.465-07:00The Reason for the SeasonInstead of going to church and reflecting on the sacrificial death of our Savior last night, we decided to head to Minneapolis and attend the Easter Celebration at the <a href="http://midtownglobalmarket.org/">Midtown Global Market</a>. There was no mention of Jesus Christ or the reason why we celebrate Easter but there was a band playing banjos and such and dancing. And there was an Easter Bunny. So we took a picture.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_81Ly0Q3pyBE/SeCvuszQxFI/AAAAAAAAAKQ/tMS4uEkMLic/s1600-h/IMG_1150.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_81Ly0Q3pyBE/SeCvuszQxFI/AAAAAAAAAKQ/tMS4uEkMLic/s320/IMG_1150.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5323447976386937938" border="0" /></a>Josh was much too cool to take a picture with the Easter Bunny but I did subject Andy to the torture and he did surprisingly well. I expected tears but he was too busy trying to figure out why he was on the lap of an overgrown rabbit.<br /><br />Then there was the candy hunt. Some but not all of the vendors were handing out candy to kids with Easter baskets so we hauled our Easter bucket around searching for the tell-tale signs of candy. I finally persuaded Josh to carry the bucket after he begged me to carry it because he is too cool and would look like a little kid carrying it around. He was trying to be as invisible as possible with his bright green Easter bucket so I took a picture.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_81Ly0Q3pyBE/SeCxt63sPhI/AAAAAAAAAKg/SEgSnDgsUbg/s1600-h/IMG_1145.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_81Ly0Q3pyBE/SeCxt63sPhI/AAAAAAAAAKg/SEgSnDgsUbg/s320/IMG_1145.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5323450162006998546" border="0" /></a><br />We ate a ton of authentic Mexican food and bought some foods for home like Middle Eastern pita bread and some Mexican tamales. Josh decided to partake of some American fare(i.e. hot dog and chips) and chose Andy's Garage. So we took a picture.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_81Ly0Q3pyBE/SeCy_1CQ0BI/AAAAAAAAAKo/yLoYUfyngxo/s1600-h/IMG_1155.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 244px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_81Ly0Q3pyBE/SeCy_1CQ0BI/AAAAAAAAAKo/yLoYUfyngxo/s320/IMG_1155.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5323451569189998610" border="0" /></a><br />Shopping is high on my to-do list at the Midtown Global Market so we browsed through the shops featuring African musical instruments, Norwegian lace, Asian embroidery, South American beads, local farmer's market produce, and lots of pottery and clothing and toys. At a Latin American shop we bought some Mexican candy and a pinata to smash open at Andy's 1st birthday party since he is a Cinco de Mayo baby. The brilliant plan to make it a tradition came to me in that very shop. So we took a picture.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_81Ly0Q3pyBE/SeC3OIS5caI/AAAAAAAAAK4/3ftzqrCr51I/s1600-h/IMG_1158.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 264px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_81Ly0Q3pyBE/SeC3OIS5caI/AAAAAAAAAK4/3ftzqrCr51I/s320/IMG_1158.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5323456212924723618" border="0" /></a>We reserved a special place for the sun pinata. Especially since Andy hates to ride in his stroller. And Josh managed to talk us into getting him a Nacho Libre mask as a plan to wear it as part of a Halloween costume this year. Never mind that it is six months away and I will probably forget about it and get him another costume anyway.<br /><br />The evening turned out fabulous despite harboring a little guilt that we didn't go to church. However, we did discuss the importance of Good Friday with Josh and we plan to celebrate Jesus' resurrection on Easter Sunday and praising God for what He and His Son did for us so that we can be saved from eternal death. For that is the reason for this season.Lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08029527910813112061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6584570216944231165.post-90912108638542522952009-04-04T17:48:00.000-07:002009-04-04T19:37:43.504-07:00JeansTwo weeks ago I had the privilege of taking Josh shopping for new jeans. And when I say privilege, I mean the tear-out-my-hair-and-pluck-out-my-own-eyes-instead-of-taking-that-boy-shopping kind of privilege.<br /><br />It was sorely evident that he needed new jeans when the ones he put on that morning cut off the circulation to the bottom half of his body and made it hard to breathe. He was forced to wear them all day until we were able to go shopping.<br /><br />Our first stop was Old Navy where we had previously had success. Immediately Josh spied a "cool" pair of gray jeans. We searched through all the jeans and when I finally emerged from the mountain of everything-but-gray-jeans we were still empty-handed because, of course, they didn't have his size. That would be way too easy.<br /><br />Well, this started a hysterical fit because nothing but the gray jeans would do. I mean, what does this boy think I did? Does he think I called the store beforehand and asked them to put away all the gray jeans in his size because I wanted to torture myself by inciting a hysterical fit?<br /><br />And me being the exceptional mom that I am, I asked him exactly that. Through clenched teeth.<br />And suppressing a scream.<br /><br />Wonder of all wonders, Josh's scowl turned into a smile! I think my little boy is growing up! There is something to be said for a little perspective.<br /><br />In better spirits, we left Old Navy and headed to another store that didn't even carry boys jeans. So off to the Mall of America we went. The MOA has an Old Navy so we stopped there first to see if they had any of the coveted gray jeans. They didn't. Again, that would be way too easy.<br /><br />After searching the better part of the mall's 3859 stores, deciding I didn't want to pay about that much for some chintzy denim, and slurping a couple smoothies, I finally convinced Josh to try The Children's Place. That store is for babies according to Josh. He refused to even look at any jeans but I finally persuaded, ok, forced him to try some on. They were a dark shade of blueish gray but still gray. And guess what? He liked them! We bought two pair and happily skipped away hand in hand. Not really. Josh wouldn't be caught dead holding my hand in public and I would feel too silly skipping in public.<br /><br />On the way home I thought to myself "Target! Why didn't we just go to Target?" So we took a detour to Target and dragged our exhausted bodies to the jeans section. Josh spied them first; the coveted pair of gray jeans. We quickly bought them after trying them on, of course, and finally made our way home.<br /><br />It was then that I realized that I had a really good time shopping with Josh, barring the one bout of bad attitude and all. But we had some great important and not-so-important conversations and a lot of laughs. We spent good, quality time together that I believe has pushed us forward in the evolution of our relationship. I really enjoy being his mom (most days) and I am so thankful to God for giving me this exact child.<br /><br />It turns out that the shopping trip that I was resisting ended up being a privilege after all.Lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08029527910813112061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6584570216944231165.post-6113483097116240322009-04-01T16:57:00.001-07:002009-04-04T07:08:14.391-07:00It's Time to Memorize Another Verse<span style="font-style: italic;">This post was originally started 4 days ago. We are finishing up Spring Break so I just couldn't get to it. I had such a great time with my family this week and I can't wait until summer when we can hang out all day everyday again. I am excited to go biking and swimming and introducing Andy to swings and playgrounds and watching him and Josh play together outside splashing in the kiddie pool. I am looking forward to getting my garden built, plotted, and growing. It will go by really fast so I want to enjoy and savor each day.</span><br /><br />Psalm 139 (NIV)<br />O LORD, you have searched me and you know me 2You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar.<br /><br />3You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways. 4Before a word is on my tongue you know it completely, O LORD.<br /><br />5You hem me in-behind and before; you have laid your hand upon me. 6Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too lofty for me to attain.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">7 Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? </span><br /><br />_______________________________________<br /><br /><div>This week Gramps began chemotherapy and radiation therapy to help shrink his tumor. He seems to be handling it fine and was sent home with some anti-nausea medication if he needs it. His spirits are good and he still has some energy. </div><br /><div> </div>Last Thursday, my cousin BreAnna gave birth to twins; a girl named Erin and a boy named Eli. They were very healthy and able to go home in a matter of days. BreAnna also has a 17 month old girl named Adi. She is going to be one busy mama! I don't envy her at all. Well, truthfully, I am jealous that she has twins but I'm not sure that I would want to be in her position as a single mom with three in diapers. Heck, I wouldn't want to be in her position as a married mom with a supportive husband. I have my hands full already!<br /><br />Sometime last week, as I was cleaning up the kitchen, I heard the absence of noise from our rather noisy baby and I thought to myself "Uh oh. What's going on in the living room?"<br />This is what I found when I went to investigate. Andy had removed a lot of dirt from the pot behind him and heaped a big pile of it onto the floor. As you can see, he helped himself to a little bit of it too. He is such a mess!<br /><div style="text-align: left;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_81Ly0Q3pyBE/SdddUuOy8lI/AAAAAAAAAJw/v6qgNhIn5mM/s1600-h/IMG_1010.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_81Ly0Q3pyBE/SdddUuOy8lI/AAAAAAAAAJw/v6qgNhIn5mM/s320/IMG_1010.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5320824095350387282" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_81Ly0Q3pyBE/SddmfuwAFSI/AAAAAAAAAJ4/w9ugs3qKGDk/s1600-h/IMG_1010.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_81Ly0Q3pyBE/SddmfuwAFSI/AAAAAAAAAJ4/w9ugs3qKGDk/s320/IMG_1010.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5320834180072871202" border="0" /></a>I have been playing around with the iPhoto editing features on my MacBook but when I download the photos to my blog they don't seem to look any different. I finally figured out that I have to click on the "Done" button when I have finished editing them. Amazing concept! Thus the same picture twice for my own viewing pleasure. I am puffed up with pride for myself right now because I managed to finally notice the "Done" button! I know. It doesn't take much.<br /></div>Lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08029527910813112061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6584570216944231165.post-6270768364565045152009-03-26T04:16:00.001-07:002009-03-26T14:03:46.166-07:00Employment Limbo<div>Just like many other people in our alledgedly disintegrating economy, we have been enduring layoffs in the City of Inver Grove Heights. At the community center, I technically go by the title Guest Service Specialist. My direct supervisor, who worked very hard for our members and her employees, was laid off last week along with another woman who carries the same title as myself. Since I have been here for only six months and we are part of a union she has the opportunity to take my position and bump me out because she has seniority over me. </div><br /><div> </div>In the end she chose not to take my position, therefore, I am officially still employed...<br /><div> </div><br /><div>Until the layoffs were not approved by the city council after the fact.</div><br /><div> </div>Apparently someone jumped the gun and escorted these women out of the building before the actual layoffs were approved. These women are sitting at home on paid administrative leave and my job is up in the air again for another two weeks. It kind of sounds like I am upset but I'm not. To be honest, I don't really understand what is happening. I have never been in a union and I have never been through the layoff process so I am not sure what the proper procedure is and if it's the same across the board regarding union and non-union companies.<br /><div> </div><br /><div>I have been assured by a few fellow employees that this woman will not take my position because she doesn't want to work these particular hours (4:45am until 8:45am). I do not feel anxious that I potentially may be unemployed soon because I know that my family could survive on Chris's salary alone, albeit rather frugally, and that the whole situation is all in God's hands. He knows our needs and desires before we do. He carries us and sustains us. </div><br /><div> </div>So here I am in what I call "employment limbo" and very grateful to have a job, however long it lasts.<br /><div> </div><br /><div><em>Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might.</em></div><em>Ecclesiastes 9:10a</em>Lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08029527910813112061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6584570216944231165.post-60350696955795796242009-03-19T05:59:00.001-07:002009-03-20T09:07:39.803-07:00Real LoveThere are times when I am critical of my husband. There, I said it. Just call me Missrude. Unfortunately I am not critical in a nice, loving, constructive way, but in a way that offends and discourages him. And if I am honest with myself, I probably do it way more often than I realize because, sadly, I don't even recognize my critical attitude most of the time. It just shows up, ugly, mean, and downright vicious sometimes.<br /><br /><div></div><div>Just a couple of days ago Missrude showed up yet again when my husband was putting his shoes on and was getting dirt on our hardwood front room floor. Of course, I made a comment that sounded something like "Nice" and immediately felt bad when I noticed that it offended him. It should be noted that one of the reasons he was putting on his shoes was to go to the store to pick up some cereal that I asked him to get for Andy. It turns out Andy loves the new Jumbo Rice Krispies. It's a great finger-food snack for little ones. </div><br /><div> </div><br /><div>Anyway, I digress.</div><br /><div> </div><br /><div>In my defense, I was partially kidding but I did want to bring the dirt to his attention. I was</div>annoyed because I knew that I would be cleaning it up if I didn't say anything. I know he didn't do it on purpose but I'm not sure that he realized what he was doing. It really isn't a big deal but I tend to get critical when someone does something different than I would. Apparently, I have the most common sense so everyone should just do things my way.<br /><div> </div><br /><div>Well, we exchanged words and one of us could have said something along the lines of "I don't know how I am going to survive the next fifty years of this marriage." Of course we will survive however long God gives us with each other because we made a commitment to God and to each other to not only survive but thrive in our marriage. </div><br /><div> </div><br /><div>When Chris came home from the gym and the store with a bag full of stuff, I asked him what he got. He calmly announced that he bought some flowers. Knowing that he was upset with me when he left, I asked him why he got flowers. If I remember right, he said he got them because he was mad at me but he loves me still. I need to mention that these flowers are my most favorite flower and he picked a shade close to one of my favorite colors.<br /><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_81Ly0Q3pyBE/ScO-bbpDOlI/AAAAAAAAAJo/m5m9natITS0/s1600-h/IMG_0984.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_81Ly0Q3pyBE/ScO-bbpDOlI/AAAAAAAAAJo/m5m9natITS0/s320/IMG_0984.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5315301363712997970" border="0" /></a><div> </div><br /><div>Chris demonstrated what real love is all about: Choosing to love and showing that love even when we may feel like harboring a grudge instead.</div><br /><div> </div>Thank you, Chris, for choosing to love me even when I am unlovable. Thank you for showing what it means to love. Those precious boys have an important example of a husband who <span style="font-style: italic;">chooses</span> to love his wife.<br /><div><br />And hopefully Missrude will take a long walk off a short pier. Gosh, I don't think anyone says that anymore but it was very popular when I was a teenager. Ugh, I'm dating myself so I think I'll stop now.<br /></div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div></div><div></div>Lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08029527910813112061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6584570216944231165.post-7890974512949313732009-03-15T13:31:00.002-07:002009-03-15T14:44:19.119-07:00Verse 6It's time to add another verse to the year-long scripture memorization.<br /><br /><br />Psalm 139 (NIV)<br /><br />O LORD, you have searched me and you know me<br /><br />2You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar.<br /><br />3You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways.<br /><br />4Before a word is on my tongue you know it completely, O LORD.<br /><br />5You hem me in-behind and before; you have laid your hand upon me. <span style="font-style: italic;"><br /><br />6Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too lofty for me to attain.</span><br /><br /><br />Beth Moore, the one who came up with this challenge, has arranged a get-together at her home church in Texas next January for those of us who can complete this challenge.<br /><br />Can I just say, I am going to Texas next January! I told Chris about it and now I just have to save up my money. And maybe find someone to travel with to share a hotel room and car.<br /><br />OK, it's time to wake up from this little dream. I want to go but I'm not sure that it will be possible. For now I will keep memorizing and bathing my brain in God's Word.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">(And keeping the dream alive!)</span>Lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08029527910813112061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6584570216944231165.post-71398948207882036142009-03-12T05:37:00.000-07:002009-03-12T15:34:37.714-07:00Eighth Anniversary<div>Why haven't I put up a post lately?</div><br /><div> </div><br /><div>Could it be that I am really boring with nothing exciting going on in my life?</div><br /><div> </div><br /><div>Or maybe there has been what seems like never-ending sickness invading my home and I just don't have the energy to blog.</div><br /><div> </div><br /><div>Perhaps I have so many deep and disjointed issues floating around in my head.</div><br /><div> </div><br /><div>Actually, all of the above.</div><br /><div> </div><br /><div>When I began this blog about four months ago, the purpose was to simply document the days and happenings of my family; a kind of journal/scrapbook of sorts. At this point I have one official follower and I know of one other reader(my husband). And although I am very close with the rest of my family, I haven't thrown out my blog address for all to read. I don't have the intention to be a popular blog read by thousands. Would that be cool? Yes, in a way. But that is not my goal. I am not super smart nor do I have amazing insight, but even if I did, I just don't have a witty and clever way with words.<br /><br />I originally thought that I would publish this blog in book form periodically for my children to read and look at someday. So, should I write about my deepest issues that may or may not directly affect my children? I don't want to hide who I am and what I've been through from them but is it an unnecessary burden to allow them to view the deepest part of my soul even when those circumstances are long over? Or would it help them to someday understand my actions and reactions to the different events in our lives? I think that this is the place I can go for a sense of therapy to unload my burdens and pain.<br /><br />My prayer is that God will use me and my blog for <span style="font-style: italic;">His</span> purpose despite my agenda as I relate my life to anyone who cares to read about it.<br /><br />This month marks the eighth anniversary of the miscarriage of my second baby. This year I find myself deeply saddened when in years past it has seemed like a distant memory of another life. I was married to Josh's dad, D, and Josh had just turned one year old when we decided to try for another baby. I became pregnant right away but my body was not ready to carry a baby. The baby had stopped growing at around six to eight weeks and I was fourteen weeks along when I miscarried. I never found out the gender of the baby but I am almost certain that it was a girl. Call it mother's intuition. I had even already picked out an adorable pink romper to bring her home from the hospital in. She was due to be born September 2, 2001 and I was really excited for her arrival. I know that God knew what I was about to face in the coming months and years with her father and knew the best thing for me was to call her to Him.<br /><br />I am not sure that I ever really grieved the loss of my baby since the circumstances surrounding the miscarriage carry such tremendous physical and emotional pain that have seemed to overshadow the actual event of losing a baby.<br /><br />It was late on a Thursday evening when I began hemorrhaging. I called the hospital numerous times to speak with the doctor on call and was told to keep waiting. D was there through it all and to his credit, was very supportive and helpful. I spent a lot of time in the bathroom covered in blood when we finally decided to ignore the doctor's orders and head to the hospital. As I was getting out of the tub, with D's help, I fainted. D could not wake me so he called an ambulance which then transported me to the hospital. I underwent an emergency D&C without much pain management. Usually a general anesthetic is used but the emergency doctor was afraid I would go into a coma so she opted to use a cervical pain block.<br /><br />I was admitted to the hospital overnight for observation and to keep fluids pumping through two IVs in my arms since I lost so much blood. I did not sleep at all but cried all night long. I had many vitals checks and a cuff taking my blood pressure every fifteen minutes. I was visited by a grief counselor early in the morning and was finally seen by a doctor so that I could be released.<br /><br />I called D to come and get me since he had to be at our home with Josh. As I was waiting for him to get there, my roommate asked me if she could play her music. Of course I agreed and she instantly began to play some praise music. I wish I could remember the song but it has escaped my memory. It turns out that she had breast cancer and was recovering from surgery. Her sweet, calming voice dried my tears.<br /><br />I went home and promptly fell asleep on the couch. D made me some lunch and I slept some more. I was extremely weak, very sore, and physically drained. Josh came home from his grandma's and D took off with his friends to, admittedly, do drugs and sleep it off on some body's couch. I was completely unable to care for Josh so my sister-in-law, Angela, came to my house with her two girls to take care of us both. She fed and bathed Josh and put him to bed. I am sure she asked how I was feeling emotionally about the miscarriage, but to be honest, I was more hurt by D's desertion. I was not fully aware at that time of his behavior but I was certain that he was completely selfish and uncaring. He did not come home that night or for the entire next day and his mom had to come take care of Josh.<br /><br />Five days later, when I was still very ill, he told me that he wanted a divorce and that he wanted me moved out by the end of the month. He retracted the request later that day but it fermented in the recesses of my mind for the rest of our marriage and maybe for the rest of my life. I do believe that he felt trapped and that he was finally able to end our miserable marriage when we were no longer expecting our baby. Truthfully, our marriage and relationship were in trouble since the day it started and perhaps I will blog about that someday.<br /><br />For now, I am thankful that D had the guts to tell me he was miserable, albeit in a none-too-gentle way. It changed the course of my life. I am thankful for Angela who helped me emotionally and physically through one of the toughest challenges I have faced so far. But mostly, as a daughter of divorced parents, I am thankful that God called that baby Home and that she didn't have to survive the divorce of her parents. I grieve the fact that I never got to know her and that she wasn't able to be a part of all the fun things that Josh and I have done together and now as a part of a new family. But she is waiting for me in the presence of Jesus and I know that I will meet her someday. Meanwhile, she and my grandma are singing the Lord's praises together and for that I am glad.<br /></div>Lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08029527910813112061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6584570216944231165.post-38253595433128911052009-03-02T12:38:00.000-08:002009-03-02T14:08:00.611-08:00ScriptureIt's time to add a verse to the memorization project. Since I am doing the entire passage from Psalm 139, I will add verse 5:<br /><br />1 O LORD, you have searched me and you know me 2You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar.<br /><br />3You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways. 4Before a word is on my tongue you know it completely, O LORD.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">5You hem me in-behind and before; you have laid your hand upon me.</span><br /><br />________________________________________________________<br /><br />So much has happened this last week or so...<br /><br />We've canceled our membership to the community center. We got a Wii and a Wii Fit about a month ago so I plan on doing my workouts from Yoga to Aerobics with it. It was getting really hard to get back to the community center to workout when I was there working in the morning so it will be easier to play on the Wii at home. Chris plans on joining a local fitness center which is a bit cheaper and much closer. We will also visit sometimes to play in the pool but just pay the day rate.<br /><br />We've also canceled our telephone service since we don't use it very often. In fact, we go for days without a call. We are now using our iPhones exclusively but we were almost doing that already. The iPhone has been so nice to have. I have been able to look up directions and phone numbers to various places when I am lost or need some extra information. I have access to recipes on the go and I can even make my grocery list on it according to how the aisles in my grocery store are set up. Amazing time-saving stuff! Umm...I guess now I have to actually figure out how to set that up.<br /><br />One more thing we canceled was our cable. We still have the basic cable so that we can get reception and, from what I understand, we need it for the new digital streaming. Oh, now I'm pretending to be technical? I really have absolutely no idea about any of it! Anyway, Josh was spending so much time in front of the TV and I know I am responsible for turning it off and asking him to find something else to do but, honestly, I don't have the energy to fight that battle. We now can order shows and movies online so I can better control what he is watching and how much. In fact, he watched a mom-approved movie on my laptop yesterday instead of watching a gazillion hours of Sponge Bob which is questionable at best and downright obnoxious at worst.<br /><br />So since we have cancelled all of these we are saving over $130 a month and plan to put that in savings and pay off some debt.<br /><br />(insert screeching halt noise)<br /><br />On Wednesday, with our best laid plans to save money and pay some bills, my car broke down on my way to work. At 4:30 in the morning. It turns out that the motor needs to be taken apart and the lifter replaced and some threads re-threaded and some strong chemicals poured in or over something but all I could manage to understand of car-speak is that it is going to cost around $750. Yikes! And that is with the HOPE that it will work. HOPE people! Well, I am hoping <span style="font-style: italic;">and</span> praying!<br /><br />But that is nothing. Only material and trivial.<br /><br />On Monday of last week my grandfather was diagnosed with esophageal cancer. He was having trouble eating and went to the doctor to have his esophagus expanded. The doctor inserted the tool down his throat and ran into a mass. It was unexpected but it seems as though it was caught early and can be removed with surgery and radiation if they can't get it all out. It has been scary and sad. I am not sure how to explain it, but if his time on earth were through and God was to call him Home, I would be excited for him. The love of his life has gone before him and he would be able to meet Jesus face to face. I have no doubt God would gaze upon him and proclaim "Well done, My good and faithful servant!" But right now the outcome looks good. <br />Gramps turned 78 on the day of his diagnosis but has always seemed much younger. He works as an usher for the Chicago Cubs (his all-time favorite team since he was a whipper-snapper), runs a contracting business with my uncle, and loves to work on projects around our homes. He personally built our deck, laid our kitchen and bathroom floors, installed our kitchen cupboards and appliances, and is currently drawing up plans to finish and remodel our basement, all within the last three years. And that is only my home! I dearly love the man and hope that he has at least 20 more healthy years with us here, but it really is in God's hands and He has the ultimate best-laid plans for Gramps, and the rest of us for that matter.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_81Ly0Q3pyBE/SaxUmGZ1HlI/AAAAAAAAAJg/xfhMgiCYfrc/s1600-h/P5050151.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_81Ly0Q3pyBE/SaxUmGZ1HlI/AAAAAAAAAJg/xfhMgiCYfrc/s320/P5050151.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5308711074293685842" border="0" /></a>This is Gramps holding Andy in the hospital. Handsome fellas!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Speaking of Andy, he's had a nasty cold and cough for a couple of weeks now so I decided to take him in today to see if there was something more to it and, sure enough, he has developed a double ear infection. Poor little guy! So hopefully he will start to feel better once we get some antibiotics in his system. He did manage to charm all the ladies in the office, though, despite feeling miserable. <span style="font-style: italic;">Lord, please help us all!</span><br /></div></div></div>Lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08029527910813112061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6584570216944231165.post-56826505198837585612009-02-23T11:53:00.000-08:002009-02-23T17:49:24.046-08:00TributeThe other day my friend Amy blogged about me. Yep. Little ol' me. It was totally unexpected and very flattering. But the really cool thing about the post is that it got me thinking about our friendship and what an amazing influence Amy has been in my life. We met in 1989 when we were 12 and in 7th grade. I still lived in Shoreview but my mom was dating Keith and we would go to his church on Sunday nights, the same church Amy attended. My mom married Keith as I was entering 8th grade and we moved to his town. I started attending the same small private school that Amy went to. What's really funny is that we could get together for coffee, say, this weekend, and call it our 15 year high-school reunion since we were the only two in our class. Anyway, we soon moved to a new house and I was delighted to discover that it pretty much backed up to Amy's house. We spent a lot of time at each other's homes and she became a part of my family. One of my favorite memories ever is the tradition that after every school Christmas program we would go to her house and make gingerbread houses. Ask Amy about Todd Proctor in the window! Riot!<br />Amy and I would talk about school and church and youth group and boys but I was, admittedly, much more boy-crazy than she was. We also talked a lot about spiritual "stuff". I grew up in a household of believers in Christ and knew all about God. One day, though, as Amy and I were chatting in her room, I mentioned that I had never had that conversation with Jesus that I wanted to start a relationship with Him. Amy made it very clear that I can ask Jesus into my heart at anytime (even when you are 14 years old), so there, on her bed, I asked Jesus to live in me and through me. Amy bowed her head and prayed for me too.<br />Even though Amy has faced some really challenging trials from typical teenage angst to losing her mother, Amy has always had a heart for God and an amazing faith. Amy has always been a fabulous friend even when life has taken us on very different paths. Amy is a wonderful mother and delights in her children. I believe Amy enjoys scrapbooking. She <span style="font-style: italic;">is</span> insanely creative. She's always had a knack for writing and making me laugh. I think she may possibly like trying new recipes too so I will post a really easy and kid-friendly recipe at the bottom, since she asked so nicely! One more thing about Amy: She has incredible blue eyes and really straight teeth. I've always envied those traits of hers.<br />Amy, I don't think that I have ever taken the time to look beyond myself to ever thank you for being such a great friend so this is my "Thank You" tribute. I'm sorry I don't have any traffic to send your way other than my husband. But if anyone is reading this, check <a href="http://www.thefritzes.net/">Amy</a> out. You won't be sorry.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Baked Garlic Parmesan Chicken</span><br /><br />2 tbls olive oil<br />1 clove garlic, minced<br />1 c dry bread crumbs<br />2/3 c Parmesan cheese, grated<br />1 tsp dried basil<br />1/4 tsp pepper<br />6 chicken breasts<br /><br />Preheat oven to 350 degrees.<br />Lightly grease a 9x13 baking pan.<br />In a bowl, mix the olive oil and garlic.<br />In another bowl, mix the bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, basil and pepper.<br />Dip each chicken breast in the oil mixture then the bread crumb mixture.<br />Arrange the coated chicken breasts in the prepared baking pan and top with any remaining bread crumb mixture.<br />Bake 30 minutes, or until chicken is no longer pink and juices run clear.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Roasted Potato Wedges</span><br /><br />4 large potatoes<br />2 tsp garlic powder<br />1 tsp paprika<br />1 tsp dry mustard<br />1/2 tsp dried rosemary<br />1/4 tsp sugar<br />1/4 c water<br />2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil<br />salt and pepper to taste<br /><br />Preheat oven to 425 degrees.<br />Cover the bottom of a 9x13 baking sheet with parchment paper<br />Cut potatoes into wedges (each potato should make 8 wedges)<br />In a small bowl, mix garlic powder, paprika, dry mustard, salt, pepper, rosemary, and sugar with a whisk.<br />In a large bowl, place potato wedges and water.<br />Pour oil and seasoning mix over potato wedges and mix to coat.<br />Place potato wedges in a single layer onto baking sheet and pour any remaining mixture over them.<br />Bake potato wedges 35-40 minutes until tender and golden brown.<br />Serve immediately and enjoy!Lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08029527910813112061noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6584570216944231165.post-68296040659368204172009-02-19T14:24:00.000-08:002009-02-19T14:55:48.107-08:00"Yummo!"Last night for dinner we ate tacos with the normal toppings; lettuce, tomatoes, taco blend shredded cheese, and sour cream. Instead of ground beef, we make the taco meat with ground turkey and a low sodium mix. It's really difficult to tell the difference. We do eat whole wheat tortillas but we happened to have some flour tortillas so Josh and I ate those. I love to put guacamole on my tacos but I couldn't find an avocado when I went grocery shopping. Bummer.<br />We also had whole grain tortilla chips with all natural salsa.<br />Dinner was delish and I felt very proud of myself as I fed my family a healthy meal.<br /><br />Then it was dessert time!<br /><br />This is one of Josh's and my favorite desserts.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_81Ly0Q3pyBE/SZ3cVQG-GEI/AAAAAAAAAJY/1X_pAbjG4Gs/s1600-h/IMG_0617.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_81Ly0Q3pyBE/SZ3cVQG-GEI/AAAAAAAAAJY/1X_pAbjG4Gs/s320/IMG_0617.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304638193771878466" border="0" /></a>I can take back all the pride in my healthy meal and indulge in a little bit of heaven on earth that I call Sopapilla Sundae.<br /><br />It is a fried tortilla sprinkled with cinnamon and sugar, topped with a healthy scoop of vanilla ice cream, drizzled with chocolate and caramel syrups, and surrounded with a few dollops of Redi-Whip.<br /><br />Just the perfect ending to a taco dinner and I ate every last bite! Josh even licked his plate.<br /><br />In the words of Rachael Ray, "Yummo!"Lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08029527910813112061noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6584570216944231165.post-15233020712260782472009-02-18T13:25:00.000-08:002009-02-18T14:09:10.650-08:00Winter Wonderland<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_81Ly0Q3pyBE/SZx-gs9CmeI/AAAAAAAAAIo/dyyd06xTA6Q/s1600-h/IMG_0589.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_81Ly0Q3pyBE/SZx-gs9CmeI/AAAAAAAAAIo/dyyd06xTA6Q/s320/IMG_0589.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304253561423698402" border="0" /></a>We were reminded this morning that winter<br />is not over. It started snowing last night and went through the morning. It was a heavy, sticky snow because of the warmer temperatures. Perfect for snowmen! Or snowballs!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_81Ly0Q3pyBE/SZx-4WZJPhI/AAAAAAAAAIw/TjYsd4YfOuI/s1600-h/IMG_0599.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_81Ly0Q3pyBE/SZx-4WZJPhI/AAAAAAAAAIw/TjYsd4YfOuI/s320/IMG_0599.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304253967684419090" border="0" /></a>Our woodpile is covered in snow waiting until we can use it for our summer bonfires. I am ready for all the snow to melt away and for spring to arrive with the promise of a hot, sunny summer.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_81Ly0Q3pyBE/SZx_RqY9S_I/AAAAAAAAAJA/9dXnpwxzAvE/s1600-h/IMG_0608.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_81Ly0Q3pyBE/SZx_RqY9S_I/AAAAAAAAAJA/9dXnpwxzAvE/s320/IMG_0608.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304254402549074930" border="0" /></a>The little critters made tracks in the snow through our yard. This one is a bunny track (or two). There is an abundance of those pesky garden-eaters in our neighborhood! I am looking forward to a garden filled with tomatoes, cucumbers, lettuce and maybe some sunflowers this year. I just have to figure out a way to keep those pesky little garden-eaters out!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_81Ly0Q3pyBE/SZyDTJuzqlI/AAAAAAAAAJI/Hv_ez19KUpc/s1600-h/IMG_0601.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_81Ly0Q3pyBE/SZyDTJuzqlI/AAAAAAAAAJI/Hv_ez19KUpc/s320/IMG_0601.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304258826188597842" border="0" /></a> The clouds rolled away revealing a beautiful blue sky and a warm sun to melt away the snow. Did I mention that I am looking forward to some warmer weather?Lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08029527910813112061noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6584570216944231165.post-83782496765830467842009-02-15T15:02:00.000-08:002009-02-15T15:56:58.686-08:00MemorizationLast December, Angie Smith had a scripture memorization "challenge" on her <a href="http://www.audreycaroline.blogspot.com/">blog</a>. I was so excited to be a part and to "hide" God's Word in my heart.<br /><br />I made it through verse 8.<br /><br />Out of 24.<br /><br />Then I gave up. I'm not sure why but I think it's because I didn't make the passage readily available and I got lazy about looking it up. I fell behind and became discouraged with myself.<br /><br />Beth Moore is conducting a year long Scripture memorization "program" on her <a href="http://livingproofministries.blogspot.com/">blog</a>. You choose a verse to memorize on the 1st and 15th of every month and record it.I am a bit late in starting it for the year but I plan on catching up these next two weeks with the first 4 verses.<br /><br />I will memorize Psalm 139 (NIV) which was the passage that Angie had chosen. It has 24 verses which is perfect for the year and it is very affirming of God's love for me.<br /><br />So here we go! I mean, here <span style="font-style: italic;">I</span> go!<br /><br />Psalm 139:1-4(NIV)<br />1O Lord, You have searched me and You know me<br />2You know when I sit and when I rise: You perceive my thoughts from afar<br />3You discern my going out and my lying down; You are familiar with all my ways<br />4Before a word is on my tongue You know it completely, O Lord<br /><br />This should be very doable and there will be reminders on her blog to keep me on track. I am excited to learn what God has to teach me through His Word.Lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08029527910813112061noreply@blogger.com0