Category Archives: Family

Resolutions.

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Happy 2012.  

I was posed this question by a friend:  What was your best moment in 2011?  I truly had to stop and think.  In years past, the answer would have been easy:  the birth of one of my precious daughters, a milestone birthday, a new job, or even potty training success.

But this year was different.  

My sweet hubby and I sat up New Year’s Eve, reflecting on the past year, as is often customary for us each year.  (What sincere joy to share my life with this man.)


2011 was not a bad year, but it was marked by uncertainty and tested our endurance and faith as a family.  The year began with a series of significant health challenges for both me and my little Ladybug.  By summer all was mostly well, and we took our precious girls on a camping adventure in Wisconsin.  (Not an easy feat, but completely memorable.)  And then we moved.  

So when I think about it carefully, I simply cannot name a “best moment.”  This past year was more a series of faith-building moments that have collectively brought me to a better place.  

I am looking forward to a new year of fresh beginnings, treasured moments and wild adventures.  


Perhaps I will even fulfill my New Year’s Resolution this year!  I have made a few, mostly the usual ones like lose weight, eat well and exercise more.  Last year I also resolved to begin donating blood.  For anyone who knows me, this is really something.  I am notoriously queasy about all things needle and blood-related and have been known to faint once or twice (or more).  As a universal donor, I have had a guilty conscience about my cowardice towards blood donation.  Last year, I didn’t make it happen, but I think this will be the year…

Rest assured, the coffee will continue to flow, the kitchen will be open, and memories will be made.


What are your resolutions for 2012?

“No one’s ever seen or heard anything like this,
 Never so much as imagined anything quite like it—
 What God has arranged for those who love him.”
I Corinthians 2.9 (The Message)
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Back in the saddle.

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Life has a way of running away from me when I am not looking.  The “Intentional Christmas” I had envisioned for myself and my family was not what I planned, but it was meaningful and enrapturing just the same.  

I am a “Let’s-make-it-look-like-Christmas-threw-up-in-here-the-day-after-Thanksgiving” sort of girl.

That.  Didn’t.  Happen.  

For obvious reasons, moving in December didn’t accommodate that tradition.

Consequently, the Christmas season seemed abbreviated.  And simple.  That was sort of my intention, so perhaps God knew what was best after all. 

We were able to enjoy one full week of Christmas decor (which we wisely limited to the big tree, a small tree, the nativity scene and a wreath on the door).  Originally, my stellar hubby decreed that the tree, along with its accompanying decor would be up until the end of January since we’d hardly had time enjoy it.  However, thanks to my sweet princess (mostly my 2-year-old Lovey), I have a wiseman missing a hand, a wiseman missing his pointy hat, a box full of broken ornaments to fix and partridge in a pear tree.  


They will boxed up today.  With hubby’s hearty approval.


We are finally starting to feel settled.  There are many boxes tucked away in the basement to be gone through later.  A large bag of Christmas gifts remains missing, but what a surprise it will be when we find it (unless, of course, it was inadvertently thrown away with all the other trash that amounts during a big move.)

 Coffee in hand.  And a lovely book awaiting me on the coffee table.  Now if it would just snow…

In the nick of time…

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I’m back.
A few thoughts:
Moving this close to Christmas should be illegal.  (Still missing one large bag of Christmas gifts.  My sweet hubby asked if it could have been mistaken for trash.  Please, don’t even go there.)
The novelty of a laundry chute will consequently produce more laundry.  And invite temptation to do things like send a ball hurtling down at whomever’s head may be beneath aforementioned laundry chute.  (Here’s hoping that both of these things will lose their sparkle soon…)
I should always ask for help before moving a dresser up the stairs by myself.  (And that’s all I am going to say about that.)
I don’t believe I have ever been this tired in my entire life.  
One of the best decisions I made in the last two weeks was packing my coffee machine last and unpacking it first.  (Probably the one and only thing that went according to plan.)
I have the most incredibly fantabulous friends who have 100% spoiled me by helping me clean and pack, moving an endless assortment of boxes, bringing me dinner so I didn’t have to cook (more than once),  taking care of my kids and just letting me cry once in awhile, too. 

There has never been a better time for coffee…

Focus.

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Breathe in.  Breathe out.  Breathe in.  Breathe out.

“Hello, Monday.  How kind of you to drop by…”

I know full well that for me these next two weeks will be a challenge.  

I am:

a.  moving to a new house.
b.  directing a Children’s musical.
c.  preparing to host all my family for Christmas in the aforementioned new house.

Not to mention keeping up with all the regular things like having clean clothes to wear or feeding my family.  Or all the Christmas things like addressing cards and wrapping gifts.  

*sigh*

After the kids were in bed last night, my handsome hubby looked at me and directly told me I was not allowed to talk about anything stressful for the rest of the evening.  We have two weeks of that to look forward to.  So he played a video game while I watched Cake Boss and played on Pinterest with a cup of hot peppermint tea.  Wonderfully relaxing.

And today we will tackle a massive agenda that rivals Santa’s famous list.  At the top of that list is locating this:  Mocha Nog.  I love eggnog almost as much as I coffee.  Almost.  Anderson Erickson, an independent Iowa dairy, make the best eggnog.  Nothing comes close.  Last August, while attending the Iowa State Fair, I had the opportunity to sample this new creation.  Verdict?  Mocha Nog is pretty much heaven in a cup.  And it’s officially beginning to arrive in Iowa grocery stores.  


So armed with a steamy cup of coffee, an iPod full of fresh Christmas music (just downloaded this one for $5:  100 Classic Christmas Songs)  and hopefully a tall glass of Mocha Nog later… I am ready to go all Chuck Norris on my list.  


“Whatever I have, wherever I am, I can make it through anything in the One who makes me who I am”
Philippians 4.13 (MSG)
Think about this…

On the move.

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Well, I’m here.  And oh-so-tired.  As much as I am trying to keep things organized and relaxed during this Christmas season, I find myself completely worn out.  And December doesn’t even begin until tomorrow.  

My alarm clock’s snooze button has never experienced as much action as it has seen over the last several days.  Every morning for the last week, I have hit the snooze button incessantly and repeatedly, eating away my precious mornings… seven minutes at a time. I am just plain tired.

I ran into an acquaintance while out running errands a few days ago and she remarked, “You look tired.”  How kind.  Did she not realize I had just spent the better part of half an hour applying my makeup, styling my hair and selecting the perfect outfit that day?   I am not sure that it is ever appropriate to tell someone they “look tired.”  (Unless, perhaps they have just finished a marathon or are running around in their pajama pants at Walmart.  Two scenarios that will never happen for me.)

Everyone knows I am a planner.  And I have all those lists.  Gifts to make.  Goodies to bake.  Cards to write.  And on and on and on.  You might be thinking… “But you have nearly a month until Christmas.” 
That is certainly true, however, there is one little thing that came up rather quickly and unexpectedly.  We are moving.  Soon.  Before Christmas.

Not like cross-country moving, just across town, but moving none-the-less.  Our family is pretty well-versed when it comes to this.  I’d say we have it down to an art.  Because of the nature of hubby’s job, we have done a whole lot of it.  However, being good at moving doesn’t make it any less work.  Especially with three kids in tow.

I am happy (Yay.  New house.  And more bathrooms.), but I find myself delaying the days as long possible (hence the alarm clock incident), because I know how much work each day holds for me right now.  Purging is hard, but necessary and a bit exciting. (I already have piles of clothes, toys, and shoes for Good Will.)  The idea of a fresh start is always a thrill. 

The Great Christmas Plan of 2011 is still in place, albeit consequently altered and already off-schedule.  So forgive me if my Christmas cards are late and my goodies are less plentiful.  (Seriously, it’s just killing me to not have one single Christmas decoration up yet!)

Let’s just say, I’m glad that no matter where my family will be or what we are doing, we will all be together… and there will be coffee.

Why would you ever complain, O Jacob,
   or, whine, Israel, saying,
“God has lost track of me.
   He doesn’t care what happens to me”?
Don’t you know anything? Haven’t you been listening?
God doesn’t come and go. God lasts.
   He’s Creator of all you can see or imagine.
He doesn’t get tired out, doesn’t pause to catch his breath.
   And he knows everything, inside and out.
He energizes those who get tired,
   gives fresh strength to dropouts.
For even young people tire and drop out,
   young folk in their prime stumble and fall.
But those who wait upon God get fresh strength.
   They spread their wings and soar like eagles,
They run and don’t get tired,
   they walk and don’t lag behind.

Isaiah 40.27-31 (MSG)

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Holiday Rhythm.

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It’s Tuesday.  

After Thanksgiving.  

I am vigorously downing my coffee and still trying to get back into the swing of things.  It’s that time of year when things begin to race at me at a startling pace, but I am determined to remain calm and just enjoy every moment.  I am determined not to burn the candle at both ends this year.  I have a pretty good plan.

Recently my friend commented that I seem amazingly calm considering all that has been heaped onto my plate this year.  I am learning that most of the things I tend to get worked up over, really are not that important (especially when it comes to Christmas).  Influence the things you have control over and let God handle the rest.  It’s all anyone can do… and it works.

My little Lovey will only be 2 at Christmas time once.  And I want to savor it.  Peanut and Ladybug are old enough that they will remember the magic of this Christmas well so fostering lasting traditions is high on my priority list.  

Mostly, its about time.  People will make time for what’s most important to them.  And making memories with my sweet family is just that.  Very important.  

I am having an Intentional Christmas.


And it will be orchestrated to the tune of music.  Some of my best Christmas memories are eternally tied to the songs which seemed to be only background music at the time.  I have fond memories of decorating our tree, stringing lights and baking sugar cookies to the the rhythms of my father’s classic Christmas records.  Yeah, that’s right… vinyl.  (Sad to think that my children have no earthly what idea I am talking about.)

I am a sucker for good music.  Especially Christmas music.  And it’s pretty cool when you can get it free.  Not too long ago I posted about Amazon.com‘s free monthly mp3 list. (You can read about it here:  Music To My Ears.)  As Christmas approaches, they are rolling out even more free holiday tunes.  

My iPod is going to love me.


Here are some of my favorite Christmas songs available at Amazon.com right now:

The Bell Medley (Nice children’s choir version.)

Christmas Time Is Here (Awesome piano.)

Jingle Bells (Nice and jazzy.)

O Holy Night  (Pretty version of the classic song.)

O Little Town Of Bethelehem (A sassy saxophone rendition.)

I fully expect that as December approaches, Amazon will be spreading even more Christmas music love…

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This post is a part of Frugal Tip Tuesday and Simple Lives Thursday.

Dear Grandma.

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It is the one time a year I purchase processed cheese, (usually in the form of Velveeta), in a vain attempt to replicate your famous homemade mac & cheese. 

I am pretty organic and whole-grainey these days.  It goes against nearly all I believe in when it comes to food, yet Thanksgiving dinner isn’t quite the same without the creamy, indulgent richness of my favorite childhood dish.

My attempt has ended in utter failure yet again.  It has been 2 1/2 years since you passed and even longer since I’ve tasted such decadence.  (The dementia took you far too early…)  

I have followed your recipe with diligence and I have tweaked your recipe thinking something might be wrong and I just can’t get it right.  I admit, I don’t add all the food coloring you used to, but certainly that can’t be it.  I am inclined to believe there were secrets in your head that you never bothered to write down.  How I wish I had the chance to glean more kitchen wisdom from you before you went home.

Perhaps it’s just as well.  Maybe it’s time the macaroni and cheese becomes shelved as a beloved childhood memory.  Sometimes new traditions are worth establishing…


Rest assured, however, Grandma… I have definitely mastered your yeast rolls and in that fact, I rejoice.


Love you forever and always.

Many Thanks.

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Tomorrow’s goodies are prepped and I am tired in a good way.  The aroma of pumpkin spice and hot yeast rolls wafts throughout the house.  My kitchen is a wreck, but that’s okay for now.  

On this Thanksgiving Eve, I find myself taking a break, sipping a cozy cup of hot peppermint tea and counting the multitude of blessings in my life (none of which I  deserve).

There are far too many to list, but in particular, here are a few things I am thankful for:

1.  Restoration.  Nothing is ever truly set in stone.  Situations that at one time seemed impossible can irrevocably be changed.  I am blessed to see broken relationships mended and to experience true peace.  Stories are still being written…

2.  Good health.  After two major health scares in our little family this past spring, all seems to be well.  I could never put a price on the peace of mind that comes with health.  

3.  Family.  Immediate and extended.  Cliche, but pertinent.  I could not have asked for a more loving husband or sweeter daughters.  I am blessed to have two incredible parents who love and support me.  I have two beloved sisters whom I count as my dearest of friends.  I can’t imagine it to be any better (except that maybe we all lived just a little bit closer to each other).

And tomorrow we will all gather around a large, roasted bird, delighting in sweet fellowship, and carrying on as if hardly any time had passed since we last chanced to meet.  

And it will be beautiful.  
And inevitably too short.  
But good.  
Very.
Very.
Good.

Psalm 100 (The Message)

A Thanksgiving Psalm
 1-2 On your feet now—applaud God! Bring a gift of laughter,
      sing yourselves into his presence.
 3 Know this: God is God, and God, God.
      He made us; we didn’t make him.
      We’re his people, his well-tended sheep.
 4 Enter with the password: “Thank you!”
      Make yourselves at home, talking praise.
      Thank him. Worship him.
 5 For God is sheer beauty,
      all-generous in love,
      loyal always and ever. 
This post is a part of Simple Lives Thursday.

Talking Turkey.

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2 days and counting.  I am entirely giddy for the impending holiday.  The menu is set and grocery lists are made.  This is one of my top two favorite grocery shopping trips of the year (the other being Christmas, of course).

Normally, I would have my Thanksgiving goody shopping done by now, but planning my little Ladybug’s birthday party so late in November really threw me for a loop this year.  

(You can read more about the shindig here:  Pinkalicious.)

I did manage to purchase a turkey and presently the 22-pound bird is already thawing in my refrigerator.  (I know.  BIG bird.)  I don’t know why I don’t make roast turkey all year long… it’s entirely delectable, everyone in the family will actually eat it, and it’s usually quite economical.  Our family can feast for days, turkey freezes well, and I can make a load of turkey stock from the bones. 

I don’t think anyone really sets out to be wasteful and squandering the deliciousness of a Thanksgiving turkey should be completely criminal.  Thus… the list.

My Top Ten Ways to Use Leftover Turkey:

1.  Turkey Sandwiches.  Need I say more?  There is hardly anything better than a sandwich piled high with savory roast turkey.

2.  Salad.  A lettuce salad loaded with fresh veggies (and turkey!) is a light (and delicious) way to atone for Thanksgiving gluttony the next day.


3.  Turkey & Noodles.  Use turkey stock (I like to thicken mine with cornstarch), season and add egg noodles.  Serve over leftover mashed potatoes.  Comfort food at it’s finest.


4.  Turkey Glop.  A friend told me about this idea a few years ago and it’s perfect!  Take all the leftovers:  stuffing, mashed potatoes, turkeys, gravy, corn, green bean casserole, etc and layer it in a casserole dish.  Heat in the oven and voila!  Turkey Glop.


5.  Turkey Enchiladas.  Turkey is a good alternative to almost any chicken recipe.  


6.  Sloppy Joes.  Shred leftover turkey and add your favorite sloppy joe sauce.


7.  Turkey Pot Pie.  One of my favorite comfort foods on a cold day.  Here is my favorite recipe:  Turkey Pot Pie.


8.  Turkey Tetrazzini.  Another of our family favorites.  This recipe from Martha Stewart is incredible and makes enough to freeze some for later:  Turkey Tetrazzini.  (I swap the chicken for turkey.)

9.  Freeze.  I purchased a 22-pound turkey.  There will be leftovers.  And some cold day in January, I will be thrilled to be feasting on roast turkey that I didn’t have to cook.

And my favorite way to use leftover turkey…


10.  Bill & Tutu.  Bill is my 80-something-year-old, next-door neighbor.  He lives alone.  And he has a teensy, puff ball dog named Tutu.  Come Thanksgiving day (and well into Christmas), he will be showered with our kitchen concoctions.  Always gracious and well-deserving.  We love you, Bill.


One more coffee, and off to the market I go…

Our oak tree hanging on to the last of it’s leaves…

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Pinkalicious.

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That was the theme for my Ladybug’s 5th birthday party over the weekend.  

I just can’t help myself.  I love any excuse to throw a party.  And I like to party big.  And I love themes.  And my girlies’ birthdays are no exception.

If you are not already familiar with the story, Pinkalicous is a book about a girl who eats too many pink cupcakes and acquires a serious case of Pinkititis, meaning she turns pink.  The cure is to eat green food.  Anything.  As long as it is green. 

All my girlies are wild about Pinklalicous.  They have Pinkalicious dolls and we’ve read all the books about 187,000 times (roughly).

The party was perfectly pinkariffic and everyone seemed to have a good time.  


Mental note for next year:  Plan this party much earlier in November (her real birthday is November 9).  Much too close to Thanksgiving, but our schedule simply didn’t permit it any sooner…


A few highlights:
Setting up. 

Green food goodie bags.


Ladybug guarding her pink cupcakes.

Lola.  An unexpected guest, thanks to my sister and her family.
 Birthday girl working on her Pinkalicious crown.
Getting ready for “Pin the Cherry on the Cupcake.”   
(Which seems to be a staple at our parties.  In recent years we have also played “Pin the Nose on Larry the Cucumber” and “Pin the Heart on the Tinman.”  My girls really love this game…)
My sweet hubby is such a good sport about all the pink…
Party time.  Putting my game face on.

 And now that the party is over…
Grabbing a coffee, working on my grocery list and making a mental shift to turkey and pumpkin pie.  
Happy Monday, Friends.