Fresh Bread

I made a loaf of bread today.
I hadn't sliced it yet.
Abe just got home and was hungry.
Now he is sitting across from the boy (who is still awake), eating a sandwich on the most wonderful sandwich-y textured bread.
This is a good day.

Frugal Friday-Frugal Candy

I'm a girl who loves chocolate. I'd say it's my favorite treat.

And, while on the subject of treats, I'm not a fan of halloween. I don't think there's much use in celebrating a "holiday" that glorifies evil when I want to teach my children to dwell on whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute.... I wouldn't say halloween is this.

It doesn't even make sense to me that so many nice, christian families would celebrate something so against God. The devil has certainly done his job in making this no big deal, so that many families who would never take part in demonic activities go along with this saying it is just fun. I just don't think it's as simple as that.

Anyway, enough about that.

My point here is, Hooray for after halloween candy sales. I won't go stock up, I'll just buy a package and stick it in the fridge, and you bet I'll be happy about my fifty cent bag of kisses...or whatever.

Faith Like a Child - LINK

Now, I found a blog to read! I was checking out Works for me Wednesday over at Rocks in My Dryer and I came across such a beautiful post.

It is soooo worth checking out. Just a beautiful post that I am beginning to relate to.

Enjoy.

Life

I kind of think it should say "*live* the one you got".
By the way, I don't know what/where this is from.

Menu Plan Monday

Well, getting ready to go on vacation and move, I'm not really going grocery shopping. I'll get some veggies and fruit, but other than that we'll use what we have. I do have some pork, a roast, and fish in the freezer; I'm not a huge fish fan, so I'll have to get a little creative with that.

M:
b- cereal- cheerios
l- ham and cheese shells
d- taco pizza

T:
b- mini wheats
l- cheeseburgers
d- sopapillas, beans, green chile, cilantro rice & rice crispy treats

W:
b-sausage and egg burritos
l- fried rice with Whiting and veggies
d- agape meal at church: take something with the small roast.

Th:
b- chilequillas
l- pork chops, mashed potatoes, carrots
d- bean burritos

F:
b- funnel cake and fresh fruit
l- fish and chips, raw veggies
d- leftovers

One-Year-Olds Are Fun

One year olds are funny.

Tonight I was putting my sweet little girlie to bed, and she just kept getting up.

First, I put her down pretty quick because the baby started crying and I wanted to go get him. Well, it was too quick for her, and she started crying, too. So, as soon as the baby was settled I hurried back in there, and she had thrown everything out of her bed. Yes. I mean everything. Blanket, pillow, pacifier and jammies. Yeah, Jamies! She unzipped her blanket sleeper, took it off, and threw it out of her bed--something she's never done before.

I got her back down, but not too much time passed before she cried out in a way that gets a mommy running for her baby. I thought she got scared or had a dream or something. No, I guess she just wanted her stuff back. Once again she had thrown out her blanket, pillow, paci, and jammies. Hmmm... I asked, "What's wrong?" and she answered, "Tummy hurts. I sick. Poo-poo." I picked her up and carried her out to the kitchen. Bedtime never takes this long, and I was starting to wonder if she's really not feeling well. I thought maybe she needed to go potty, so I sat down with her on my lap, and gave her a prune. Now the chit-chatting begins. She starts naming the parts of my face: "Eye. Nose. Mouth. Hair." Then she starts asking about all her friends, naming them one by one and asking "night-night?" I tell her "Yes, he's night-night." "Yes, she's night-night". Then she asks if I'm sitting in a chair and points out that I'm wearing a shirt. Now, at this point she is being so cute and charming, but I'm starting to realize that she has just totally worked the system.

I picked her up, told her it's time for bed and we went back to the rocking chair. This time I decided maybe she was too hot, so I left her jammie off. We rocked for a song then I put her back in bed. Back out in the living room I was sure she was settled. I had picked up toys and sat down to nurse the baby. Then I heard her fussing again. What. Is. Up? So, I got the baby settled and went back again. This time as soon as I entered the room I hear "diaper? diaper? diaper?" Yes. She's standing there totally nak*d. She had thrown out the blanket, pillow, paci, and diaper. Hmm.

So, I got her out, told her, "You have to keep your diaper on, okay?" "ok" she answered. I got her dressed, diaper, jammies and all, and put her bed back together and put her back down. This time it stuck.

I almost don't mind bedtime taking two hours when she's being so goofy and totally cute. (...I said ALMOST.) And she's just getting so big. I don't want to forget this.

Wow. Pretty soon I'm gonna be saying TWO year olds are funny....

It is Now Official

We're moving. We will pack this next week, go on vacation, then come back, load up the truck and leave on November 20th. I can hardly believe it. I'm gonna miss everyone. And I'm really gonna miss church. I love our church here. Hmm. I'm a little sad.

All Night Long

The baby boy was up ALL. NIGHT LONG. We have never had such a bad night.

I got a total of TWO and A HALF hours of sleep.

Total. Not consecutive. One hour from 9 to 10, and one and a half hours from 3:30 to 5.

It was a long night.

I feel pretty bad. He has really bad gas. He's the stinkiest little breastfed baby I've ever seen...or smelled. I think this is because I ate a could eggrolls the other day. What was I thinking? I'm swearing off eggrolls. Til he's much bigger, anyway.

I'm so tired. Gotta make it through today and Papa will be home tonight.

"Owie's ok"

Okay, kind of an embarrassing story, but here it is:

Just a minute ago my daughter was sitting on my lap and I noticed a little pimple blemish on my chest. I paused and poked at it inspected it, and my girlie asked "It's a owie?" and I said "Yeah, a little owie" she looked at it then looked up at me and said in her most compassionate 20-month-old way, "Yeah, it's ok." She then pointed out a scratch on her arm and said "Owie's ok."

What a sweetie.

Menu Plan Monday (on our own for a few days)

Well, Papa's going to Texas for a work confrence this week. He is leaving today and coming back Thursday evening. We are definately going to miss him, and I'm sure we will stick to our menu plan. We Need Simplicity! So, here goes:

Monday:
B- Pears, Bacon
L- Tuna/veggie Tostadas
D- Baked Potato (with leftover bacon, cheese, and who knows what else.)

Tuesday:
B- Sausage
L- Ramen, crackers, cucumber slices
D- Chicken, potato and cheese enchilada, refried beans and rice w/ veggies

Wednesday:
B- Cereal
L- Chilequillas
D- Agape Meal at church

Thursday:
B- French Toast
L- Grilled Turkey and Cheese, and carrots
D- Pizza w/ ham, peppers and pineapple

Friday:
B- Cereal
L- Fried Rice
D- Ribs, Papa's favorite Rice, veggies

We love Menu Plan Monday. Thank you Organizing Junkie Laura. For more great menu ideas or to join in th fun visit Menu Plan Monday.

Correct Me if I'm Wrong - linkity link

These are the funniest little blogs. I thought I'd post them in case anyone was interested, or just so I can remember where they are.

This one on quotation marks. Here's a bit of an explanation. You'll "love" it.

This one on the lOWERCASE L causing confusion by being placed where a capitol belongs.

Here's a little something for those of you who are bugged by apostrophe abuse.

And one devoted to Grammar and Syntax errors which I'm sure I make plenty of.

Just incase you need some guidance on correct punctuation here's a helpful little thing.

I hope I'm not the only one amused by this.

*UPDATED* What Moves Me?

We were offered a transfer with my husband's job again. His boss called yesterday afternoon, and said he's like to send us to Oklahoma City. Wow. Am I ready for another change already?

We have really gotten settled here the last year and a half. We LOVE our church. We've made wonderful friends. I just can't really imagine moving. I'm so into the adventure, though. My first inclination is to say "yes!", but I'm not just in it for the adventure. I need to follow my Lord.

A friend told us that back in the old days Pastor Chuck would say something to the effect of, "You'll move for a job, but will you move for ministry?" I know we can answer that a big Y-E-S. I know we're moving for a reason IF the Lord works it out. I know he's taking us to the next place.

It's hard to know sometimes what steps to take, but I know He's leading. Abe's gonna tell his boss that we have to take our vacation that is planned for two weeks from now, but we'd be willing to go after we get back if they're willing to hold the position. I guess that leaves an opportunity for God to shut the door or hold it open for us. We'll see.

* * *UPDATE* * * Abraham's boss said that's fine, they'll keep the position for him. So, I guess we're moving to Oklahoma.

Our Family, The Momma Job, and How Expensive are Kids, Anyway.

I am so blessed. I was just sitting back and thinking about how thankful I am that my husband and I have learned this early in our marriage: debt isn't for us. It's okay to be careful with our money. We have a running car (and it runs well with little up keep, though it is time for an oil change). We don't need that second car that sometimes we wish we had. We can do without some things, but make our choices so we can have a fun treat without it hurting us finacially.

You know, I'm so amazed by this because I don't think I ever expected it. I thought Two jobs, Two cars, Lots of debt, and strife over finances was just part of life. Well, the Lord has taught me it isn't. We are enjoying life with one job, one car, a little less money, but no real need. Our needs are definitely met! Even with two kids, and everyone talks about how expensive kids are. Well, that hasn't been my experience. We were given so much with the Girlie, and that was definitely a help. But over the last year and a half and adding another little one into the mix we haven't come across great expense. There are little things that add up, but we do the best we can, shopping sales and such, and really make it count when we have stuff to buy.

I'm so blessed, because this is what I always wanted. I wanted to stay home and raise kids, and know what they just learned, and teach them, and see every first, and meet their needs. I used to work in an infant/toddler center. I figured, if the parents had to work, I could give them the next best care possible. Well, I knew these kids. I knew what they were learning and what they were saying, but sadly not as well as someone could, as much as I tried. One sad thing about it was I saw so many firsts, and I won't remember them. I won't keep them written in my heart the way I keep my girlie's first words. I was called "Momma" so many times, and the kids didn't mean it. I learned that of course they would say this, I WAS doing the Momma job.

Anyway, I could not be more glad that my husband understands how important it is that we raise our kids, and not only supports, but almost insists, and I think a lot of the reason is because he loves me and knows this is what I want.

"Not that I am referring to being in need; for I have learned to be content with whatever I have. I know what it is to have little, and I know what it is to have plenty. In any and all circumstances I have learned the secret of being well-fed and of going hungry, of having plenty and of being in need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me." Philippians 4:11-13

Destination or Journey?

I'm not so interested in the destination. I know that. I absolutely know where I will end up. I'm concerned with the journey. How will I get there?

I heard something on the radio today. It was along the lines of: "The Church should be a lifeboat, not a cruise ship." To me this is simple and poignant. On a cruise, you leave from a dock, play with all your friends, do some fun activities, enjoy yourself, sleep, return to the dock. What else is there to do?

Upon leaving from a dock in a lifeboat you would be immediately busy, you would be looking for someone who needs help and you would help them. Then return to the dock with much celebration for those you had rescued.

This is important. We are called to live as on a lifeboat. We are told. "Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost." (Matt 28:19)

I feel like in some ways I have slacked off on this. I use excuses like, "There are seasons. This is a season for me to serve my family." Honestly, I have to say, this is an EXCUSE. I need to reach out. Going to the grocery store could be an event filled with prayer and evangelism! Who will God put in my path that I should share His love with?

Today a man approached my car and asked for twenty-six cents. I gave him some change, and he went on his way. I realized that I missed a perfect opportunity to tell him that Jesus loves him. I started to go after him, but didn't catch up. I know it will be different next time.

I'm not called to cruise through life just enjoying my family. I am on a rescue mission. I want to point them to the one who will save.

MPM

I'm not going shopping, so it's a use what you have week, but looks like a good week to me!

Monday
B Cereal
L shells with butter, apple.
D Tacos de Papas, rice

Tuesday
B Bread and Jelly
L leftovers
D Beef Roast, rice, carrots, garden turnips

Wednesday
B Blueberry Pancakes
L BLTs
D Agape Meal at church - take sweet potato??

Thursday
B Cereal
L Salmon cakes (Didn't do this last week), White rice
D Beans, cheese, bread

Friday
B Potatoes and eggs
L Tuna Melts, tots
D Beans, cheese, tortillas

Funnel Cloud in Philomath?

I lived in a little tiny Oregon town that, as far as I know never gets tornados. Lots and LOTS of rain, but not tornados. We moved to Nebraska, and are fairly used to the idea of tornados now, but not in Oregon.This happened in Philomath. I think the weather is getting strange.

Healthy Cookies?

Healthy Honey Oatmeal Cookies
3 tablespoons butter, room temperature
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup honey
1 egg
1 tablespoon water
1/2 cup whole-wheat flour (or all-purpose is fine)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1 1/2 cups rolled oats

Drop by heaping teaspoonfuls onto the cookie sheet. Bake at 350 for 12 to 15 minutes. Cool on a wire rack.

Happy Birthday Baby Finlee

My new little niece, Finlee, was born this morning.
I wish I lived closer and was able to see her myself, but I got to see lots of beautiful pictures, and in just a month I'll be there.
Love you, baby Fin!

WFMW - Toddler Bed

Well, for us, this little twist on Works for me Wednesday is just in time. My one-and-a-half year old is occupying our crib and I was hoping to avoid buying a second crib. She's smart (I realize just about everyone would say this about their child), so the transition to the toddler bed quickly became a game. For about a week, she did well, but then it started taking longer and longer to put her down, up to an hour and a half (before she was going down in her crib in about 5 minutes, no joke). She'd play all kinds of games making bedtime frustrating and exhausting for me and by the end she was going to sleep in tears. We only tried this for a couple weeks.

So, what works for you? At what age did you start kids in the toddler bed? Should I just go buy another crib? (The baby is gonna need to be in a crib in the next few weeks.) Do you have any success tips for helping her stay in her bed?

I'd love to hear it, and I'll certainly let you know how it turns out.

If you want to help other people by answering their questions about what works for you check out Rocks in my Dryer's Works for me Wednesday.

Menu Plan Monday-Cleaning out the Cupboards

This week will be a creative one. I'm not going shopping. I have plenty of food, I just need to put it together and make meals. I really enjoy having a week like this once in a while. I end up being more creative with what we have (like the fresh pork we were given last week), using random things we might have overlooked otherwise, and we eat a lot of beans, yum.

Monday:
B- Cereal
L- Grilled Cheese, Carrots and Apples
D- Ham Steaks, Mashed Potatoes, Carrots, French Bread

Tuesday:
B- Muffins
L- Tri-color Pasta Salad
D- Beans, Cheese, Homemade Flour Tortillas

Wednesday:
B- Sausage and pancakes
L- Tostadas
D- Agape meal- Green Chile Chicken Enchilada Casserole

Thursday:
B- Chilequilas
L- Pork Spare Ribs, Cilantro Rice
D- Leftovers

Friday:
B- Cinnamon Rolls from the Bread Machine
L- Pizza with Ham and Peppers, Salad
D- Salmon Cakes, Fried Potatoes

For more great menu ideas check out Menu Plan Monday