-We had our Thanksgiving meal last night at church. I was really pleased at how many came. We had pretty much every chair spoken for and tons of food. All in all a great success! We are so thankful to you all! You are a blessing to our family and always seem to show us love and encouragement when we need it the most. Thank you!
-I am looking to sell my beloved Grand Caravan and replace it with an older, 03-04, (read cheap, yet dependable without ridiculous mileage) Suburban. Yes, that van. No worries, it will look like new before we actually list it. We want to have a vehicle that allows our boys not to have their knees to their ears and still have space for groceries without vehicle debt (or at least very little). If you know of such a suburban or know someone who'd be interested in our van or someone who wants to trade such a suburban for my van let me know! :)
-We are taking all of next week off of school. PAR-TAY!!! I'm very excited and ready for a break. I always look forward to Thanksgiving and Christmas for our wonderful breaks to sleep in and wear pj's all day and do a whole lotta nothing. YAY! The only real difference from our normal routine is the "whole lotta nothing" but still, YAY!
-Go to church. Please. First of all, its biblical Hebrews 10:25. Second, it's an encouragement to everyone there and it will be an encouragement to you as well. You under estimate what simply showing up does for all those involved. You are loved and missed. Come on Sunday and you'll see.
-I've been gluten free for about 6 weeks. It ain't so bad. Seeing sweet Raygen M. handle it with grace makes me feel pretty foolish for my private temper tantrums. I have been illness free since I've been eating this way. That's a pretty big deal and I'm thankful for it!
-Everyone (seemingly) on Facebook has been participating in a month of Thanksgiving name things daily that they are thankful for. I'm going to sum it up in a bullet point. Ready...Set...Go... I am thankful for a gracious God who loves me in spite of myself, I am thankful for a gracious husband and children who do the same. Without those I would be a very angry, lost, hopeless shell of a woman. Thank you Lord for your Son, and for my beloved family that has taught me what unconditional love truly is. God is good.
Thursday, November 15, 2012
Thursday, November 8, 2012
Random Post is Better Than No Post :)
-While my candidate did not win, I will support and pray for President Obama. It is important that we remember:
"We are not moving anywhere. This nation, with all of its imperfections, is the greatest, most free nation on the planet. Whatever the outcome, we will pray for our President (Romans 13), honor him with our words and actions (I Peter 2), obey him (Titus 3), and continue to speak God's truth which leads to true freedom (John 8). Willing to join us?"
-Micah Gellatt, Facebook status after the election was called. Couldn't have said it better. We will be known by our love.
-This whole Gluten Free thing is a frustrating beast. I have learned to wash my hands constantly. Cooking for a gluten eating family has been cross contaminating pretty much every thing I'm eating. I've also learned not to eat anything I haven't prepared myself. I ordered a GF pizza at the Sprint Center and while it tasted amazing, I suffered for it later. They tried, but it was cross contaminated some how. My vitamins have gluten in them and I didn't realize it until about a week ago. IT'S EVERYWHERE! The learning curve is high but I'm getting it.
My Favorite lunch:
4 corn tortillas (220 cals)
1/3 cup shredded cheese (110 cals)
3 oz of Aldi canned chx (120 cals)
Salsa and a touch of sour cream (60 cals)
I put two tortillas in a metal pan, add the chicken and cheese and then top with the remaining tortillas. Bake at 415 for about 10 minutes and then flip and cook another 5. Gluten free and super yummy and not high calorie. I'm finding it's hard to find gluten free that isn't high in calories. I'm working on making the two meld better.
-I want to skip the Holidays if that's OK with you. I'm super thankful and I love Jesus, but I really want to sleep through the eating part. Food has too close a tie to my emotions and this season is going to be really frustrating. I can't help but think that this whole thing is a way God plans to break that tie once a for all. Honestly, if that is the result of all this, there are worse things. God is good.
-I ran into a stationary metal post with my van. Yup, I got skilzzzz. In my defense, I was backing out of a very steep driveway and couldn't see it. The fact that I was on the phone with Jared means absolutely nothing. Isn't it pretty??? I'm in the process of getting bids. Normally I would just say, whatever...it's just a car. But this scratch is to the meal and it will rust, so I went ahead and turned it in. Hopefully we won't be without it too long. Thankfully we have two vans (I'm pretty sure I just heard Jared cringe from the church. Poor guy doesn't love driving a van).
"We are not moving anywhere. This nation, with all of its imperfections, is the greatest, most free nation on the planet. Whatever the outcome, we will pray for our President (Romans 13), honor him with our words and actions (I Peter 2), obey him (Titus 3), and continue to speak God's truth which leads to true freedom (John 8). Willing to join us?"
-Micah Gellatt, Facebook status after the election was called. Couldn't have said it better. We will be known by our love.
New Living Translation (NLT) John 13:35
35 Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.”
-This whole Gluten Free thing is a frustrating beast. I have learned to wash my hands constantly. Cooking for a gluten eating family has been cross contaminating pretty much every thing I'm eating. I've also learned not to eat anything I haven't prepared myself. I ordered a GF pizza at the Sprint Center and while it tasted amazing, I suffered for it later. They tried, but it was cross contaminated some how. My vitamins have gluten in them and I didn't realize it until about a week ago. IT'S EVERYWHERE! The learning curve is high but I'm getting it.
My Favorite lunch:
4 corn tortillas (220 cals)
1/3 cup shredded cheese (110 cals)
3 oz of Aldi canned chx (120 cals)
Salsa and a touch of sour cream (60 cals)
I put two tortillas in a metal pan, add the chicken and cheese and then top with the remaining tortillas. Bake at 415 for about 10 minutes and then flip and cook another 5. Gluten free and super yummy and not high calorie. I'm finding it's hard to find gluten free that isn't high in calories. I'm working on making the two meld better.
-I want to skip the Holidays if that's OK with you. I'm super thankful and I love Jesus, but I really want to sleep through the eating part. Food has too close a tie to my emotions and this season is going to be really frustrating. I can't help but think that this whole thing is a way God plans to break that tie once a for all. Honestly, if that is the result of all this, there are worse things. God is good.
-I ran into a stationary metal post with my van. Yup, I got skilzzzz. In my defense, I was backing out of a very steep driveway and couldn't see it. The fact that I was on the phone with Jared means absolutely nothing. Isn't it pretty??? I'm in the process of getting bids. Normally I would just say, whatever...it's just a car. But this scratch is to the meal and it will rust, so I went ahead and turned it in. Hopefully we won't be without it too long. Thankfully we have two vans (I'm pretty sure I just heard Jared cringe from the church. Poor guy doesn't love driving a van).
Monday, November 5, 2012
Santa is ALIVE
I have been a terrible blogger. Please accept my apologies and adorable story about our girl.
Jared and I never planned to encourage our children to believe in Santa. It wasn't an issue with the first four. In fact, until Brennan was 4 he referred to the rotund, rosy cheeked, cookie thief as "The Christmas Man."
My mom, of course, was sure this was illegal. She really struggled with the fact that we didn't encourage them to believe. By the time we had boy number 3 I think she gave up.
We have always told the kids that Santa is a tradition and a lot of small children believe him to be real and it is not our responsibility to prove otherwise. To my knowledge, they have not crushed the hopes and dreams of any sweet believing peers.
Until last week...
Anneliese, frustrated and indignant, came to me and proclaimed, "SANTA IS ALIVE!"
Umm what??
After some questioning I discovered that the boys told her "Santa isn't real." She informed them that he in fact is real, he is alive and doing well. After all, she has seen him.
Yesterday Jared started asking her questions about Santa. She told him "hims has deers, and Hims leaves pesents for kids unner da tree" (sic)
We asked her if he left presents for good kids. She nodded. We asked if he left presents for bad kids and she said, "no they naughty."
Just for fun we asked about our boys specifically. According to Anneliese Graham and Brennan are the only ones getting presents this year.
She had us cracking up! Too funny.
Jared and I never planned to encourage our children to believe in Santa. It wasn't an issue with the first four. In fact, until Brennan was 4 he referred to the rotund, rosy cheeked, cookie thief as "The Christmas Man."
My mom, of course, was sure this was illegal. She really struggled with the fact that we didn't encourage them to believe. By the time we had boy number 3 I think she gave up.
We have always told the kids that Santa is a tradition and a lot of small children believe him to be real and it is not our responsibility to prove otherwise. To my knowledge, they have not crushed the hopes and dreams of any sweet believing peers.
Until last week...
Anneliese, frustrated and indignant, came to me and proclaimed, "SANTA IS ALIVE!"
Umm what??
After some questioning I discovered that the boys told her "Santa isn't real." She informed them that he in fact is real, he is alive and doing well. After all, she has seen him.
Yesterday Jared started asking her questions about Santa. She told him "hims has deers, and Hims leaves pesents for kids unner da tree" (sic)
We asked her if he left presents for good kids. She nodded. We asked if he left presents for bad kids and she said, "no they naughty."
Just for fun we asked about our boys specifically. According to Anneliese Graham and Brennan are the only ones getting presents this year.
She had us cracking up! Too funny.
Thursday, November 1, 2012
This Post is Gluten Free
Hellloooo Blogland!
How have you been?
Me? Well I've been a bit of a sick mess honestly.
That's a big part of my lack of blogging. My life has had a bit of a turn over in the last couple weeks. I've dealt with some health issues off and on for a while and after going to an Endocrinologist we think we finally have a diagnosis.
I was convinced I had a thyroid disorder, hence the Endo appt. After giving the doctor my list of symptoms she simply said, you sound like you have Celiac sprue, or Celiac disease.
Umm, no I don't.
I know others with this and I'm not like them.
Without getting into too much gory detail, I don't have the two tell tale signs of Celiac.
I do however deal with, abdominal pain and ulcers in duodenum (small intestine). The abdominal pain has been so severe in the past that an ER visit was seriously considered since I thought I was dying. I have hair loss, fatigue, joint pain, bloating and other bowel issues along with bruising all over, depression, headaches and anxiety. Let alone the fact that I catch every cold, flu, sniffle, etc. I can't seem to stay well for more than a weeks time.
She drew a ton of lab and I went home very confused and little scared honestly. Doesn't eating Gluten Free mean I will never have a hot cinnamon roll again? Or my homemade rolls, or stuffing, or cookies, or or or or or.
I came up with a list as long as the Mississippi, all things I will never enjoy again! I decided to read all I could find on the internet because I was sure she was wrong. Unfortunately, everything I read only proved I really didn't know that much about it.
My doc put me on a Gluten free diet and told me that I would start to feel better within a couple weeks. At first I didn't feel better at all and was sure it was all for nothing.
Sure enough, within about a 3 weeks time my tummy issues have almost completely resolved. My joint pain is still there but she said it would take the longest to go. I'm so thankful for the turnaround and am eager to see if I continue to improve.
Next I've got to decide whether or not to have the kids tested. Brennan has some symptoms and seems to have an obvious reaction to a lot of foods. Plus the fact that he can't seem to gain any weight makes him an obvious candidate. After getting really sick on some Sam's club pizza today, he actually asked me if he could try Gluten free to see if he would feel better.
I am so thankful for such supportive friends! Jane, Alisa, and Dana have made this so much easier and I'm blessed beyond measure to have you all in my life. Today Gluten free pizza crusts were delivered to my front door from "a friend." Well thank you friend! Last night Alisa brought me some GF flour to try and I made delish pumpkin muffins today. Alisa encouraged me to work on GF cakes so I could offer them for Celiacs wanting a custom cake.
God is good!
How have you been?
Me? Well I've been a bit of a sick mess honestly.
That's a big part of my lack of blogging. My life has had a bit of a turn over in the last couple weeks. I've dealt with some health issues off and on for a while and after going to an Endocrinologist we think we finally have a diagnosis.
I was convinced I had a thyroid disorder, hence the Endo appt. After giving the doctor my list of symptoms she simply said, you sound like you have Celiac sprue, or Celiac disease.
Umm, no I don't.
I know others with this and I'm not like them.
Without getting into too much gory detail, I don't have the two tell tale signs of Celiac.
I do however deal with, abdominal pain and ulcers in duodenum (small intestine). The abdominal pain has been so severe in the past that an ER visit was seriously considered since I thought I was dying. I have hair loss, fatigue, joint pain, bloating and other bowel issues along with bruising all over, depression, headaches and anxiety. Let alone the fact that I catch every cold, flu, sniffle, etc. I can't seem to stay well for more than a weeks time.
She drew a ton of lab and I went home very confused and little scared honestly. Doesn't eating Gluten Free mean I will never have a hot cinnamon roll again? Or my homemade rolls, or stuffing, or cookies, or or or or or.
I came up with a list as long as the Mississippi, all things I will never enjoy again! I decided to read all I could find on the internet because I was sure she was wrong. Unfortunately, everything I read only proved I really didn't know that much about it.
My doc put me on a Gluten free diet and told me that I would start to feel better within a couple weeks. At first I didn't feel better at all and was sure it was all for nothing.
Sure enough, within about a 3 weeks time my tummy issues have almost completely resolved. My joint pain is still there but she said it would take the longest to go. I'm so thankful for the turnaround and am eager to see if I continue to improve.
Next I've got to decide whether or not to have the kids tested. Brennan has some symptoms and seems to have an obvious reaction to a lot of foods. Plus the fact that he can't seem to gain any weight makes him an obvious candidate. After getting really sick on some Sam's club pizza today, he actually asked me if he could try Gluten free to see if he would feel better.
I am so thankful for such supportive friends! Jane, Alisa, and Dana have made this so much easier and I'm blessed beyond measure to have you all in my life. Today Gluten free pizza crusts were delivered to my front door from "a friend." Well thank you friend! Last night Alisa brought me some GF flour to try and I made delish pumpkin muffins today. Alisa encouraged me to work on GF cakes so I could offer them for Celiacs wanting a custom cake.
God is good!
Wednesday, September 26, 2012
Happy Birthday Brennan!
Happy Birthday to my 12 year old that is a bit more hormonal, a bit more pimply, has a deeper voice and has a bit more lip fuzz.
Where has the time gone?
It seems like yesterday and now look at you:
Such a smart sweet little man. Love my Beebin so very much.
Where has the time gone?
It seems like yesterday and now look at you:
Such a smart sweet little man. Love my Beebin so very much.
Monday, September 24, 2012
Miracle Grow Kitchen Ed.
If you'll remember, the best thing about this house is it's pantry. It's massive and a room all it's own.
In our kitchen we have an "appliance garage." You know, that little door that rolls up to expose a corner stuffed full of everything and anything you didn't want actually on your counter any given day.
Here is ours:
I have daydreamed about removing this little beauty since we moved in. Why? because the granite goes clear back to the wall and the tiled back splash continues as well. And did I mention the enormous pantry? I don't have a need for an appliance garage, but I do desperately need counter space.
During school this morning I was eying this jaggy little counter top stealer. So I took my hammer to it and viola!
I exposed two plugins that were unused and unreachable. I moved the odds and ends into the pantry and gained a large section of beautiful granite! I plan to put the tiny piece of trim under the edge of the upper cabinet to make it blend with the other uppers. Until then, it really doesn't stand out at all since that corner cabinet sticks out further than the others by a few inches. I can't stop staring at it!
My kitchen grew in a matter of about 5 minutes!
In our kitchen we have an "appliance garage." You know, that little door that rolls up to expose a corner stuffed full of everything and anything you didn't want actually on your counter any given day.
Here is ours:
During school this morning I was eying this jaggy little counter top stealer. So I took my hammer to it and viola!
My kitchen grew in a matter of about 5 minutes!
Tuesday, September 18, 2012
Welcome!
Another project I have been wanting to attack is our stoop. It's an odd little entrance to our front door. Since we don't come in this way it's been neglected and I really wanted to do something inexpensive that made a big impact. So here's the before:
I started out by cleaning and priming the concrete. Once the primer was dry I marked out my pattern simply using a 12" tile I had on hand. I traced the tile with a pencil.
Once we had all our diamonds and the edging marked off I wrote a "B" or a "W" in each diamond just to ensure there wasn't any mistakes. Tanner and I painted the black first.
Then we added the gray. The fan was so I could ever so patiently do the next coat...
Once the gray was painted and dry I used a walnut stain and rubbed it on top to antique it a bit and take away a little of the sharpness of the pattern.
Complete! I added a fresh coat of black paint to the front door (inside and outside).
Total cost of project, $9. I couldn't be happier with the results!
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| Sorry about the glare, Inside |
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| Outside |
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