Count It All Joy

Count it All Joy

2010-10-07T13:27:00.000-07:00

I've had to really think about counting it all joy. (It seems that I need to be reminded about it every now and then.) We continue to be excited about what God has brought us to New Mexico for! Just around every "corner" there is another reason we're finding of why we think we're really going to love it here.

Yet, even in the midst of good things, I've had my moments of frustration. Mostly, they've had to do with homeschool. I don't have anyone looking over my shoulder here, and I feel like I'm in uncharted territory. A territory called: FREEDOM. We've been homeschooling for 2 years and have just gotten into our 3rd year. Now, for the first time, I feel like I have no crutch. I have no support system here, and no end of the year testing or evaluation to look towards...no fellow homeschoolers who are doing the exact things that I'm doing. It's literally just us and the Lord right now. We answer only to Him. So, after a week or so of feeling overwhelmed and unmotivated, I felt that gentle smack from Him this weekend to just let go and trust Him. He reminded me that the trial I've been dealing with concerning homeschool is for our good...the testing of our faith to develop perseverance to lead to maturity and completetion. Okay. Lesson learned...hopefully. Curriculum changes abound, and I will trust Him that it will all end up good!

In other things, the fair is in town! On Monday, we watched the parade go down Main St. Yesterday, the girls and I got to go watch the sheep show during the morning. One of the boys from our church was showing his sheep, and it was fun to learn about the sheep show while we watched it. Tonight, we're going as a family to enjoy the fun! "A fair is a varitable smorgishboard, smorgishboard, smorgishboard..." (That is from Charlotte's Web.) :-) Libby and Clara particularly like the rabbit exhibit, and I can forsee a 4H pet coming into our lives one day soon.

As I sign off for today, I hope that if you are in a trial, no matter how big or small, that you will be reminded to count it all joy! Rest assured, God loves you more than you can ever imagine!

Temporary Dwellings

2010-09-26T01:44:00.000-07:00

I noticed my husband's Facebook status said something about us getting settled into our temporary dwelling place, and there's part of me that just kinda cringed as I thought about having to resettle into another place in the coming weeks. I wondered what that place would be called. We'll more than likely be moving into a rental home and could possibly even buy a home sometime. So, does that mean that we'll be moving into a long-term temporary dwelling place? Cringe. Again. Kinda want to be done with the whole moving thing. Settled seems better, don't you think? Permanent dwelling place, maybe?

As I think about permanent dwelling places, I'm reminded that Christ is our only permanent dwelling place. I think about Abraham and Sarah in Genesis and how they moved around so many times. Yet, they knew their home was in heaven and that God was with them wherever they went. In the midst of life's changes and challenges, I am so thankful to know hope...to know Him. Every place is in this life is temporary. Our home is in Him no matter where we are or how long we will be there. Whatever life's circumstances, He is to be our dwelling place.

In a short while, Brandon will officially begin his new job, and our ministry will begin in our 3rd church. We are miles away from things that are familiar, yet we are completely at home. It is my prayer that our hearts and minds will be focused on true "dwelling" as we fix our eyes on Jesus and run the race of life full throttle, simply and boldly loving people for Him and for His glory alone.

Life can be so hard sometimes, and each of us can become very overwhelmed by temporary things that can seem so permanent. Friend, may your temporary dwellings be just that as you, too, fix your gaze upon Him and live in the only truly permanent dwelling place, Jesus. His peace be with you.

Day 10

2010-09-24T20:21:00.001-07:00

We've arrived! There is great peace in our hearts, and we're so thankful for God answering prayers by blessing our trip. We had such a wonderful time visiting folks along the way! We're in awe at how many people have so loved on us...it's just so good to be loved!!!

We are staying at a guest apartment temporarily, and it is very cute and quaint. The girls are having a great time here...jumping on the trampoline, playing fetch with the dogs, and swinging on the tire swing. Libby hopes to do the zip line tomorrow, and we feel safe to let her have at it...it's low and slow. :-) We praise God for the wonderful family who is hosting us.

We will be looking for a more permanent living setup and ask for your prayers for that. We know God has His home for us!

Anticipating many "God things",
Kristen

Day 9

2010-09-23T21:39:00.001-07:00

It's been a great day of traveling and talking about children's ministry with Jonathan Cliff and his wife. (google him) He and Starr have an incredible passion for kid's ministry, and their family is precious! We've been blessed to spend time with them.

We will be arriving in our new city tomorrow! I will update for Day 10 of our journey, and that will be my last daily post regarding our trip. If you'd like to keep tabs on us, go ahead and subscribe to or follow the blog. I'll add some buttons in the side bar to try and make that easier for you.

See you tomorrow!

Day 8

2010-09-22T20:32:00.000-07:00

We've had a blast hanging out with our friends in Texas! Tonight, we were able to go and visit with our family in Christ at the first church we served in. Sweet times. Earlier in the day, we got to go over to Moses's house and see his new home. He has done a lot of work by putting in a lot of landscaping along with a koi pond. He even has chickens! It has been so good to visit with everyone!

Tomorrow, we'll be on the road, again. We will have leave here and travel to a fellow Children's Pastor's home. He serves in a church that is 3 hours from where we'll be serving, and we'll happen to be driving right through his town. We've been following he and his wife's blogs and have come to admire them in several ways. Getting to spend time with them hashing out all things childrens ministry is going to be priceless. It's like a grand field trip for us!

I think that reality is about to start setting in. Vacation will be over, and life will begin anew. We are thrilled and just humbled that God is taking us to be part of this new ministry. We will arrive in New Mexico on Friday!

Day 7

2010-09-21T20:43:00.000-07:00

Brandon again...sorry to disappoint you, but read it anyway.

I think everyone needs a Trisha....feel free to visit this one, she would welcome you in. It is just fun to be here.

As Kristen said, today we "got to" go to the American Girl Store and Bistro. The drive there was an event in itself, but I am not allowed to disclose details (however I will say that I was not driving). The girls were very excited to be there. The food was actually not awful and it was not completely demeaning as a man to eat there. The spinach dip was great. The girls loved the whole experience and I would say that it wasn't as bad as I thought it could have been.

We followed that up with a trip to Sam Moon, which is a wonderland of fake jewelry, purses, scarves and enough bedazzled wallets and lipstick holders to please a truckload of old ladies.

Needless to say, it was a great day for Kristen and the girls. I would say that I had fun too, but I do not want anyone to think less of me for saying it, so I won't

Our excitement level about our new ministry opportunity is growing with each new day. As we travel from stop to stop we get to answer similar questions and tell everyone about our new church. Each time I get to tell what we know, I get excited all over again about the work God is doing there and I am reminded of how humbling it is that He would call us there to serve Him.

Tomorrow we get to have lunch with Moses (yes, I said Moses). More on that in the next post.

Good Night

Day 6

2010-09-20T21:09:00.000-07:00

We've made it to Texas! We'll be here for a few days before heading to Lubbock on Thursday morning. For now, we are so glad to be staying with Art and Trisha while we get to visit with all of our great and wonderful friends in the area.

After leaving Alabama at 5:30 am, we had a long day of driving, and we thank you for your prayers! Neither of the girls got carsick, and they listened intently to C.S. Lewis's "The Horse and His Boy" on audio for the ENTIRE trip! It was perfect because it kept Brandon awake, the girls happy, and put me straight to sleep. :-) No fussing...no running off the road due to being tired. We made great timing and arrived to visit our friends from seminary for Texas stop #1. Amy and Jason welcomed us into their home and served us a homemade supper complete with Texas brownies. Our kiddos all had a blast playing together. It was sad to say good-bye, but we are happy to realize that we can see each other more often, hopefully. Texas stop #2 brought us to Art and Trisha's and we were greeted by lots of babies!! Since we moved away from here 5 years ago, several of our friends have had babies, and we were blessed to have them welcome us into town. We loved getting to see the precious little ones!

In the morning, we will be going to the American Girl store for lunch. Libby and Clara are very excited, and I know they will be delighted to get to go there. For now, we are up late and doing what we love to do while we're here...stay up until the wee hours, eat junk and just catch up on life. Feels like vacation to me.

Day 5

2010-09-19T18:32:00.001-07:00

Our time with my family is coming to an end, and we have been so blessed to be with them these past few days. The fellowship at Cowboy Church was sweet and real. I am honored to have a father who loves the Lord and serves Him as he does. My mother is right there alongside my dad and is such a precious example of a pastor's wife. They receive very little monetary compensation for what they do, and I feel guilty that we are in the same line of work and our financial well being looks so differently. Today, they were given 2 horses, and they have longed for horses! However, they don't have anywhere to keep them and will have a difficult time affording their care. I told my dad that if God has given them horses, surely He has the other provisions for them, too! It would be awesome for them to be able to fully receive the gift of these horses. It is my hope that they will get to have some land along with a nice home complete with horses this side of heaven, but I know that may not happen. There is always hope. Mostly, I'm just glad that they truck along in ministry always knowing that their reward is in Christ and their every need is truly met in Him. I thank God for there example...how perfect for us to see as we head towards the beginning of a new ministry ourselves.

We will pull out at 5 am, and we have a long day of driving ahead. We will stop in Texas for several days to see friends there. Please pray for us as we travel. The girls get car sick quite easily and are not able to do the normal things that kids usually do while traveling...watching movies, reading, coloring, etc. Car time is definitely a perfect time for working on those attributes of being merciful and gracious!

I hope that each of you had a great weekend! May your week be one of opportunity for loving on people and showing them Jesus.

Day 4

2010-09-18T18:55:00.000-07:00

Furniture delivered! It made it way before we will, and we're glad to have that taken care of. A sweet sister in Christ received it for us and will house everything in her storage "barn" until we're ready to move it into our home...wherever that will be. :-)

It's been another great day! We slept in and spent much of the morning in our p.j.s. Nice. Later, my mom and I were able to go out today and do some mother daughter shopping. It was nice to be out with just her. She is such a precious daughter of the King, and I'm grateful to call her my mom. Later in the afternoon, we all went to help set up for Cowboy Church. We had to move tables and chairs and sweep up in order to get everything ready for Sunday. After setting up, a few nice folks took us to their place in order to help feed their horses. They had several baby horses, and we all had a delightful time feeding them, petting them and watching them in the pastures. (Horses are really beautiful creatures.) We all went for dinner at our favorite Mexican restaurant. It has become tradition to eat there whenever we're in town. Yum. The girls just finished helping PawPaw rehearse his music for in the morning. They love listening to him sing and play the guitar while they dance and try to sing along.

Signing off for the night...love and hugs to everyone!

"Give You Glory"- Jeremy Camp

2010-09-17T20:28:00.000-07:00

Day 3

2010-09-17T19:43:00.000-07:00

Rest. I'm finally feeling it. I think we all are. It's not really about sleep but about our minds resting from all the thoughts that have flooded them for so many weeks now. Today is the first day that we really didn't have a lot to do. We just had fun hanging out and being together as a family...no agendas, no plans.

Even though we didn't have anything we had to do today, we found plenty to keep us busy. My dad and mom have come to know someone who owns several Clydesdale horses, and we were able to go see the horses up close and personal. We found some good 'ole southern cooking at a local dive in "town" and enjoyed some true comfort food. :-) Brandon was able to eat chicken and dressing before Thanksgiving, and you can imagine how happy he was! Libby and Clara especially enjoyed their dessert of banana pudding, but the adults quickly agreed that the caramel pie was superb. After a trip to Officemax, we finished off the day with some happy hour drinks from Sonic and a trip to the mall parking lot to feed the ducks. (The mall property backs up to the water to which a lot of ducks call home. You can tell they know where their food comes from because they began to waddle towards the car as soon as we pulled into the parking lot!) This evening, we've just been hanging out with nothing imparticular going on, and it has been so nice! The girls are cuddling in bed with Mimi and PawPaw and listening to PawPaw's wonderful bedtime stories.

The weekend will be a bit more eventful as we'll be helping to set up for Cowboy Church and then attending the service there Sunday. It will be a joy to hear my dad preach and be part of the ministry they serve in so faithfully.

I am thankful for your prayers. I pray that God blesses you as you pray for us and think of us. Your comments mean a lot, and it does our hearts good to read them...whether through the blog or Facebook. I've been able to feel the transistion from one ministry to the next begin to kick in, and I am really looking forward to being with our new church family very soon. This in no way detracts from the love I feel towards our previous church family, but rather, it is proof of the calling that God has given us for our new place of ministry...the next leg of our journey. Please continue to pray for our transistion to the task God has called us to and specifically for our housing. We do not know where we'll live, and we'll be staying in temporary housing when we arrive in town next week. (We are so blessed to have a guest apartment to stay in!)

Above (I think) you will find the soundtrack to most of our car rides lately. The girls have this song on a kids worship cd that they are learning for children's choir. They love to sing it as loud as possible...and I love to hear them. God is so good!

Day 2

2010-09-16T19:37:00.000-07:00

This is Brandon...we are all quite tired tonight. We had a good visit with Jandy, Keri and family. Laundry got caught up and we set out for the second leg of the journey. We discovered that only 2 of the 8 cd's I had made for the trip worked, which means that Kristen has to stay awake to keep me awake now. We had "lunch" at Priester's with samples of pecan log, divinity, fiddlesticks and fudge. We also managed to find one of the few gas stations left on the road where you have to go get a key inside the building to use the outside restroom. We decided to go next door in search of a more pleasant restroom experience and discovered the exact same setup. To add to the excitement, the little man working at the station was upset we didn't buy anything.

We are now with Kristen's parents for the weekend. I always enjoy our time here and am looking forward to being busy doing nothing in particular. We are going to bed.

PS.. Kristen had written a long and very good post for tonight but her brother's netbook magically deleted it before posting...so you are stuck with me. She should be back tomorrow, so don't quit reading yet.

Day 1

2010-09-15T20:34:00.000-07:00

We are officially homeless...or, as I like to say, "houseless". We, who are in Christ, are never homeless because our home is in Heaven. The movers had everything loaded in about 4 hours, and we are so thankful for their labor. A few things did come out of the car to get loaded onto the truck: a large rubbermaid of the girls clothes, our homeschool necessities and the dry erase board. Yes, the dry erase board. No worries, though. It should all arrive before we do. Which, leaves a somewhat unsettling feeling because that means someone else, precious person(s), will be receiving it for us...just hate to have to do that, but we are blessed to have such sweet friends be willing to do this.

We are visiting our first family on our way... Aunt Jandy, Keri, Jason & Avery. I just love being at my Aunt Jandy's home. She loves the Lord, and it's a peaceful respite to be her with her. Our girls are having a slumber party with their cousin Avery, while we are up late doing some laundry. After arriving at what is normally bedtime and chatting for a bit, we are looking forward to spending some time with them in the morning over a yummy breakfast.

Just a quick thank you for all of your prayers... we are truly feeling God's peace, protection and provision. Clara got car sick this morning, and we were "bumped" in a very minor fender bender later in the day. The car sickness put us behind schedule, but I totally needed to be humbled in the scheduling department. (No more schedules for the trip... unless absolutely necessary!) The fender bender was just an opportunity for me to be merciful to someone just as I've been shown so much mercy. It was just a scratch and the lady who "hit" me was so visibly upset. I got her name and number, gave her a huge hug as traffic whizzed by and assured her not to worry or be upset. There are too many other things in life to concern ourselves with, and being gracious and loving people are at the top of the list. I hope that I will remember to call her and share God's love with her sometime real soon.

Let the fun begin!

2010-09-14T21:04:00.001-07:00

We are officially out of the house. Just us...not our stuff. That's tomorrow. We are so tired, and I'm wondering if I can stay awake long enough to write this post!! :-)

It's been a long day...one of packing, sweeping, cleaning, hugging, swimming & more goodbyes. Our road trip has sort of begun as we are no longer sleeping in our own place. The van is packed to the brim, an uncomfortable brim. We're going to have to unload & put some on the moving truck instead. I hate having to do that, but it is somewhat important that the girls are actually able to buckle up...and that they don't get buried by all the stuff should we happen to slam on the breaks. Good parent award, huh? We try.

Finishing Up

2010-09-13T11:44:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was full of good-byes. Even though there were tears, it was truly good. We were loved on by so many people, and our hearts are full of thanks and praise to God for how He poured out His loving kindnesses to us through His people. I know that there are so many of you who have prayed for us, and that means so much. We certainly feel His presence and provision in so many ways. Thank you.

The girls and I are finishing up last minute details around the house and running those few errands that have to be done. There are a few more boxes to pack and goodbyes to be said. Tomorrow is Brandon's last day in the office, and he'll say a final farewell to the ministry he's served in for the past 5 years. God has grown us in so many ways! We're grateful for every trial and triumph along the path. We praise Him for every life that's been blessed because He chose to use us in some way. For all of those who have been part of our lives, we are honored that you call us friends.

If you are in the middle of "finishing up" something in life, I hope that you are able to thank God for all that He's done in your life during the journey. Perhaps you're in the middle right now and it's difficult to see God or the finish line at all. No matter what, hang tight to Him. Count it all joy. He'll never let you go.

Blogging on the go

2010-09-10T12:26:00.001-07:00

We are spending a few days with our family this weekend. Brandon's mom & dad live an hour from where we've been living the past 5 years. It has been a huge blessing to be so close! The many miles that will soon be between us are tough to think about, and we will all miss the fun-filled and relaxing family times we've had so frequently. We thank God for the blessing we've had.

I'm testing out a new blogging app for my iPod touch. Hopefully, this will work, and I'll be on my way to updating a bit more often! ;-)

A New Thing

2010-09-09T18:04:00.000-07:00

We are getting ready to make a huge change in our lives. There is, of course, so much excitement, but there is also that small bit of apprehension about what the future holds. I feel like our story is worth telling because, after all, it is God's story in us. To Him be all glory!

In a few days, a moving truck will come and be loaded with most of our material possessions. Within 2 weeks, we will be beginning a journey 5 states away from everything that is familiar to us. God has called us to serve Him in a new position, and we anticipate being part of an incredible ministry there. Is it a leap of faith? Well, let's just call it a step of obedience. He is doing a new thing.

We will be taking a 10 day trip as we travel to our new destination. So, in an effort to share our journey with family and friends, I hope to update our blog each day to chronicle our roadtrip. Also, I promise to try and find a more recent picture for the main photo of our blog. Here's to a new thing.

The Broken Ones

2010-05-24T14:05:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago, Clara and I had the chance to get away to the beach for an early morning walk. Libby and Brandon each woke up with a fever, and wanted to stay in their beds a bit longer. So, it was a rare and welcomed opportunity to get out of the house with just Clara.

As we walked along the water's edge, I asked Clara to help me look for shells. I wasn't really specific, and it became fun to watch a three year old examine the shells along the shore. She picked up several "diggers" which were still the shelled home to tiny creatures. I told her that they were still alive and that we should leave them right where they are. So, she pressed on.

There were hundreds of tiny shells that were leftover from high tide. They were arranged in a neat line all along the beach. Clara took time to examine many of them, and although there were plenty of whole shells, it seemed she was drawn to the broken ones. As she stooped down to pick up her new found treasure, she would hold it up proudly to me and ask, "Is it alive? Is it broken? Can I keep it?" This happened over and over, and she quickly learned to realize which were alive and which were not. However, she never wanted to put the broken ones back, and she never really even wanted to pick up the shells that were whole.

Our walk lasted about an hour, but the lesson Clara's shells taught me will stay with me awhile. You see, somewhere on our journey back towards our car, the Lord reminded me, in His gentle way, that we are like those broken shells. He came for the broken, not the whole. He longs to pick us up, to treasure us, to make us whole... because we are the broken ones.

Family Devotions

2010-03-29T09:23:00.000-07:00

Brandon has been teaching a new class at church. It is called "Parenting on Purpose", and we have been so blessed to get to know the families that are participating. Each week, we talk about raising our children for the Lord. There is some great conversation and lots of laughs! Brandon and I have mentioned that we have a family devotional, and in full disclosure, I thought I'd let everyone have a glimpse of our precious, serious, serene, calm, highly spiritual time of reading God's Word and memorizing scripture together...

We try to have our family devo during the end of our breakfast time. Breakfast is a time that we are usually all together each day, and it makes for the easiest time to grab a Bible and chat for a bit. Here's how this morning went: As Brandon leads us in our Scripture for the week, it reminds me of a song. I sing. Libby smiles and heads to her craft table which is covered with her's and Clara's various projects. Clara follows her whining, "I want to do MY stickers!!! Where are my stickers?!?" Brandon calmly tells them to get back in their seats. I finish singing. They are searching for stickers. Brandon tells them again to get back to the table. I tell Libby that she had better get that table cleaned up right after breakfast, and Clara is still whining about her stickers. Somewhere during all of this, we are still trying to recite our scripture for the day. I think we are all glad that it has something to do with gold and honey because we can relate to this much better than statutes and precepts. Our patience has thinned, and we are now commanding the girls to get back to their chairs. Clara is crying because she is sure her stickers have been thrown away. At last, we have said the scripture, and life can move on.

I told Brandon that we should really let people know that this is how our devos go sometimes...to which he responds, "Sometimes?" We all had a good laugh thinking about that one. Yes, it's true, there is sometimes more chaos than calmness during our family devo time. However, we are trying and are learning how to do this. It is precious, and God will use His word in all of us!

Hello, Blog... I've missed you!

2010-03-29T09:12:00.001-07:00

So, it has been AWHILE... but, who's counting. Today, I am saying no to excuse # 4,893,540,384, and I am updating my blog! I can hear the excitement. :-)

We've been busy like any other family, and I'm not going to bore you with many details. You can rest assured our girls have grown a ton, and we're all doing well. We are truly blessed.

In my attempt to keep this blog updated, I am telling myself that this is just for fun... I am not going to compare this blog to others...just say no to blog envy! Also, I am going to make time to write and not just read. Yes, I've been reading blogs and doing very little...well, okay, NO writing.

So, here's to more blogging from our home to yours!

Weekend Fun!

2009-06-06T14:58:00.000-07:00

We took the girls to and Indian museum and an old school house museum yesterday. We all had a really great time...and learned a few things, too! Today, we went and picked blackberries and blueberries. YUM! (Yes, the blackberry cobbler is in the oven even as my fingers type.) And, aren't you so blessed to see a picture of it, too?! Wish you were all here to enjoy it with us!

Daddy/Daughter Day

2009-04-25T11:37:00.001-07:00

Ok, this is my first attempt at blogging so bear with me.

Today Kristen is attending the Extraordinary Women's conference to become even more perfect. That means that the girls and I have the day together, so here is what we did today:

After the usual wake-up/good morning snuggles, they decided that they wanted chocolate cake for breakfast. Since we did not have any cake, it meant we got to make one. Now we had some success at Christmas making a cake, but today we did not have any sucanat, so the whole thing would have to be made with either honey or Agave Nectar, or both. We opted to go with one round and one square layer in order to make a heart shape. They then begged for icing, which I made with the little bit of powdered sugar we had. It was not near enough sugar, so I tried a trick I saw on Food Network. You put regular sugar in the food processor and in a minute you have powdered sugar. Sounds easy, but the small black N decker model obviously does not have the power to do this as we had "crunchy" icing as Libby called it. Then they wanted sprinkles, when I said "no" Libby said, "but it is what I have always longed for," and how to say no to that? After we were done "decorating" the cake, the girls decided to save it to surprise Mommy when she got home.

So we had eggs for breakfast. Here is the cake:

Next we played for a bit and then headed out to "town." We stopped by the Fort Walton Beach Free Zoo (aka Petland) and played with a Daschund puppy that retailed for like $1200, so I made sure Clara did not break it.

Libby is not in the pictures bacasue she stood on the bench the whole time convinced this viscious beast would bite her.

Then we read books in Books-A-Million and then headed to TGIFridays for lunch. We had a coupon for $8 off our meal, so guess what our bill was? $7.99..oh yeah...beat the system. I just opted not to eat until I got home, but the girls enjoyed their lunch.

Libby enjoyed so much that she ate the eniter bowl of pasta, a cup of Chocolate Milk, Mandarin Oranges, adn the patty of Clara's Hamburger. She is laying on the floor with a Tummy Ache (oops).

Now we are home again, awaiting Kristen's return so we can try this cake. I think I'll let them have the first bite. It's been a great day.

Brandon

Spring, so far

2009-04-17T11:21:00.000-07:00

We've had a busy and blessed Spring...so far! Here are a few pictures of our recent events. I ran in my first 5K, and had a blast. (Let's remember that TIME is not important...rather, focus on the fact that the verb RUN is part of my life!) The girls had a great time celebrating Easter! (I think they especially loved their handmade Easter baskets. I had a great time making them! I am forever grateful to the precious Mrs. Dot that taught me how to make the baskets and supplied everything I needed for a precious gift to my girls!) We got to all go to Camp Victory for Horsemanship Day and learn all about horses. Afterward, we stopped by the strawberry patch to pick strawberries and indulge in strawberry shortcake. Hope that you are having a great Spring, too!!

(So, the pictures are a bit out of order...but, since I've now been on here way too long...I just have to let them be as they may. One day, maybe I'll figure blogging out...and actually remember what I've figured out so as to be able to apply it!)

Whole Wheat Chocolate Chip Cookies made with Succanat

2009-04-10T12:30:00.000-07:00

Brandon and I have recently become big fans of Cooks Illustrated. A few friends highly recommended CI because they teach how to cook. On their website (which does require a membership fee), information abounds on recipe testing and product reviews, and they have lots of illustrations and how-to videos. (You can sign up for a 2 week trial membership, and of course, their books are wonderful resources as well.) We really appreciate the fact that they have tested so many recipes and techniques in order to deliver the best methods and recipes...ensuring less wasted time and money on our part. That is always a good thing!

Today, we decided to use their recipe for The Perfect Chocolate Chip Cookie. We adapted it just slightly because we use freshly ground whole wheat flour and succanat. If there seems to be some tedious steps involved, it is because CI found the steps necessary to deliver the perfect result, and trust me people, it is well worth it! (Ghirardelli's 60% cacao bittersweet chocolate chips was recommended by CI product reviews. That is what we used.) We were quite thrilled with our results...this being our first try making cookies with fresh whole wheat flour and succanat. Without further ado, I give you:

Brandon and Kristen's Perfect Chocolate Chip Cookies

(adapted from Cooks Illustrated)

2 1/4 c. whole wheat flour (soft white, freshly ground)

1/2 tsp. baking soda

14 TBSP butter (1 3/4 sticks)

1 whole egg

1 egg yolk

1 c. succanat

1 tsp. kosher salt

2 tsp. vanilla

1 3/4 c. chocolate chips

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.

2. Combine flour and baking soda. Set aside.

3. Melt 10 TBSP butter in 10 inch skillet over medium heat. Swirl the pan constantly for about 1-3 min. until the butter turns slightly brown and has a nutty smell. Using a stainless steel skillet will allow you see the butter turn in color.

4. Pour browned butter into a heat-proof bowl and add the remaining 4 TBSP butter. Stir until the remaining butter is melted. Add succanat, vanilla, and salt. Whisk together. Then, add egg and egg yolk. Whisk together for 30 sec. Let mixture sit for 3 min. Stir for 30 sec. Let mixture sit for 3 min. Stir for 30 sec. Let mixture sit for 3 min. (Don't skimp on this step.)

5. Combine flour mixture and butter/sugar mixture. Stir for 1 min.

6. Fold in chocolate chips and let cookie dough to set-up for 2 min. (The fresh whole wheat flour needs this time to completely hydrate.)

7. On a parchment lined baking sheet, use an ice-cream scoop to place 6 big scoops of cookie dough onto the baking sheet, leaving plenty of room for the dough to spread.

8. Bake for 5 min. Rotate baking sheet. Bake for 4 more min. (If your cookies don't seem done, add another minute.)

9. Let cookies cool on baking sheet for one minute before moving to a wire rack to cool completely.

On Hearing

2009-04-07T13:14:00.000-07:00

"I have no greater joy than to hear that my children

are walking in the truth."

3 John 4

There are many things I hear from my children. I love to hear them laugh, especially when it's that laugh from deep within their belly. I love to hear them sing. I love to hear them play. I love to hear them use their manners. I love to hear them say, "I love you." I love to hear their success when they are proud of their accomplishments. I love to just hear them. (Most of the time!) But, as much as I love hearing all these things, there will be no greater joy than hearing that my children walk with Jesus.

My New, Other, Blog

2009-04-06T12:24:00.000-07:00

In an effort to make my life even more complicated, I have started a new blog. I mean, I'm so good at updating this one that I just felt had to get another one going. No...really, I just needed a seperate space to write about my healthy living (rather my hopes for healthy living) ponderings. So much of my head is taken up with food choices, daily exercising (on a good day), struggling with my weight, etc. that I feel like all those thoughts just need their own place. It will be nice to put them somewhere neat and compact...where they're okay to be themselves. So, if you're inclined, come and see what that is all about. And, if you know someone who struggles along with me, I would love for them to do just that in blogosphere...send them on over to my new blog.

I will still be posting (hopefully more often) here regarding our family's journey through life. What a great journey it is!!

A Rainout, Camp-in, and Geocaching

2009-03-30T13:18:00.001-07:00

A week ago:

The weather proved to be a bit too much for our campout. However, in spite of the rain and hail...yes, hail...we still managed to have a great time with our family and friends. I never planned on sleeping outside when there was a perfectly wonderful bed and availible bathroom so close by, but the dads and 6 year olds braved the rain, thunder and lightning until 2:00am. That's when the hail started, and I'm pretty sure they would've stayed out there had we (the insiders) not been intent on the kids coming inside.

There were lots of fun moments of target practice with bows and arrows, 4-wheel rides, swinging on the rope swing, playing with the bunnies, chickens, and cat, cooking on the campfire, eating, raking leaves, and our first geocaching adventure.

Maybe one day I'll actually get the pics uploaded! :-)

Food Fight

2009-02-10T12:11:00.000-08:00

Today, as I was driving home from the YMCA, I saw a lady whom I haven't seen in a couple of years. In 2007, I met her as I was once again beginning to battle with my weight. She was a source of encouragement to me because she had recently lost a great deal of weight, and we shared the same faith in Christ. However, my heart sank as I saw her drive past today. From just the quick glance I got, I knew instantly that she has gained a significant about of her weight back. I tried to reason that this must be a case of mistaken identity...as I am still replaying the scene and wishing this were true, but I am far too familiar with the truth of this situation.

There is a fight going on for so many of us. It has nothing to do with the size that we are or a number that we weigh. It has everything to do with a real and actual battle against a very essential thing in this life.... FOOD. I've spent a good deal of the last two years focusing on losing weight and keeping my eye on the scale and my clothing size. These things represented success or failure to me. If I was succeeding in my health, my weight was dropping and so was the size of my clothing. However, these things are truly just temporary. They are seemingly fleeting, always coming and going!

Now, more than ever, I realize that the fight is on. Christ wants all of me, and for this, I must fight. Maybe you know what I mean, and you too, have to fight this food fight. Perhaps, you're where I've been and still think this is all about calories in vs. calories out. Can I tell you that Jesus is way more concerned about you than that? So, when you've done all your dieting, counted all your calories, worked out everyday of the week, and tried everything to boost your metabolism, the food will still be there. And so will Christ! He is beckoning to be your (and mine) stronghold in place of all else. This is the reality that I know: this food fight is really a heart fight. (Disclaimer: For those of you who struggle, you know exactly what I mean. For those of you who are blessed with a great metabolism, I hope that you are good stewards of your bodies and that you are pressing on in the fight for your heart...in whatever areas you struggle with.)

I hope that I don't quit for good in this battle, and I am so thankful that Jesus is my strength to push through moments of weakness with food and exercise. When I fail, I am thankful that He is there to love on me and remind me that this is about so much more than a food fight. He is after my heart. Yours too.

Weirdos

2009-01-22T13:25:00.000-08:00

It has been too long. Too long since I last wrote to you, my precious blogger friends. So, settle in, and get ready for my rambling randomness.

First off, we have all had a wonderful year, so far! It was hard getting back into the swing of things, and we've had a few minor fevers, coughs, etc. But, we've pressed on. Libby is doing well in homeschool and her other programs. She is loving her Upward Cheerleading season, and I am having a blast coaching her team! Clara is talking more and more all the time. She loves to color and play with her baby dolls...neither of which her older sister really took to. It's so neat how God makes everyone so unique!

Brandon and I have been focusing on good health this January...haven't you? We typically do this throughout our year...or at least try to! It was this time 2 years ago that we both began to work diligently to shed many unhealthy pounds. We praise God for the success He's given us. While it has been a wonderful journey of weightloss, we are becoming convinced more than ever about it being a journey of health. Last September, I began researching aspartame and its side effects. It didn't take much for me to realize the fact that I was poisoning myself and my family by eating all of the sugar free foods we'd come to love and even rely on. We were already well aware of the effects that food dyes have on our children and their eczema. Naturally, a thought process began to really roll. What is in our food? What is it doing to us? The very same week, God used a friend to help lead us to some resources to find answers to those questions. Some other friends had already been influencing us in this direction...we just didn't know it at the time because we weren't ready, I guess. Much thanks to you all!

So, now, I almost feel like officially announcing we are "weirdos" because that's typically how we humans tend to feel towards others we don't "get". Maybe that's just me...and now, I've confessed to you all that I think you're weird if you're not like me...and that whole comment above about God making us all unique really has no value... umm..., yeah, it does... We're just uniquely weird, maybe? Anyway, without further ado...we are weird now because: we are grinding our own wheat (making our own flour), drinking raw milk, trying to use unrefined ingredients in our cooking, etc. We can no longer grocery shop without thinking about where our food comes from and what's in it. Also, while in the grocery store, I can't help but think about how the majority of people eat food that's really not even food at all. (That's another blog, another day.) We have stepped into this new world of how we view, buy, cook and consume food. Yes, we do hope that we have good health and all that, but it's really something different for us right now. We just want to eat real food...perhaps...dare I say, the way that God made it? (And, yes, we're still pork eaters and no, we're not raw food foodies, either.) Please, all you fellow weirdos...accept my apology if my calling you weird is offensive...just accept your weirdness, people!! Good weird.

In other aspects of life, we've both been diligent in our exercise routines and have been using our YMCA membership regularly. I love to attend group fitness classes and am currently working on a Couch to 5K program. I hope to be able to run 2-3 miles without stopping soon. Brandon gets his runs in and works out on the machines as well. Also, we are excited to see God growing our church! So much of the growth is in our young married department...lots of young couples, their sweet children, and lots of babies on the way. So, our preschool is experiencing a full feeling that we hope is here to stay with more on the way! For Brandon, this means lots to do...lots of volunteer positions to fill. He is also busy working on starting Children's Church which means even more volunteers to find. We know that the Lord already has the workers because this is His work. Will you pray for those workers...that they will be obedient to His calling them? We covet your prayers.

Now, you've been officially updated. Be on the lookout for most posts pertaining to the topics of the weirdos.

The Happiest Season of All!

2009-01-07T14:46:00.000-08:00

The past few weeks have just been wonderful! We had a blessed Christmas celebration with our family. Everyone was well, and it was such a peaceful time. It was one of my favorite holiday seasons so far! On Christmas Eve, the Hutchinson side of the family gathered at our home for sharing gifts, dinner and birthday cake for Jesus. We all attended the Christmas Eve Candlelight service, which is tradition for us...especially since Brandon has a part in the service each year. After the service, we were able to hang out at the Live Nativity of a little bit.

Christmas morning, we enjoyed reading "What God Wants for Christmas" and opening presents. Libby was ecstatic to get a cupcake maker. Clara was thrilled with her jumbo tin of playdough and accessories. We headed over to Milton around lunch time and had a big family Christmas dinner with more of our family. It was a great day!

The day after Christmas, we left for North Alabama to spend some time with the Brasell side of the family. We were able to spend several days there and truly enjoyed our trip! I turned another year older while we where there and had a great birthday. (I love that I get to be with my family on my birthday most years! Didn't like a holiday time birthday so much when I was younger because I didn't get to see my friends.) On our way back home, we stopped to try out ice skating. (Not fun. I think a child should have a better grasp of balance before trying to ice skate...or at least know how to skate in general, maybe?) We did have a great time hanging out at the mall where the ice skating rink was, and Libby thinks ice skating was fun. That's all that matters, right?!?

We spent New Year's being lazy around here and trying to get back to some kind of normal...whatever that is! It is definetly hard getting back into a routine, and we were all a bit sad to say goodbye to Christmas 2008. It was the most Hap Happiest Season of All!

Merry Christmas!

2008-12-22T11:34:00.001-08:00

Wishing you all a blessed celebration of the Savior's birth!

Sharing a Memory, Sharing my Heart

2008-12-17T09:09:00.000-08:00

Night at the Nativity
Written by Kristen Hutchinson, December 2006

Last night, we had the opportunity to portray Mary, Joseph, Jesus, and an angel as a family. I must say that the anticipation was somewhat stressful for me. The baby was a bit fussy throughout the day, and my four year old needed me, too. When nap time rolled around, I was ready! However, it just didn't seem like a nap would come for the baby. I sleepily kept thinking while I rocked her, "maybe God is preparing her for her role tonight. It will be good for her to sleep then." Thankfully, rest did come for awhile.

When we awoke, my anxiousness was at a new level. How would the night go? A two month old playing Jesus is a lot more unpredictable than a baby doll Jesus. And a four year old, well she would just stand right there with us, dressed as an angel or shepherd, right? Our time slot was for an hour and a half. Could we do it? What if the baby was fussy the whole time? I doubtfully assured myself that it would be okay. Then, Daddy walked in from work, and the mad dash began. Get fed. Get dressed. Get there.

Once we arrived, I quickly surveyed the area. People already gathering, waiting for the 'cast' to get in place. Animals, lots of them. We quickly got into costume and wandered around taking it all in for a few minutes before we had to take our spot. I wrapped the baby up and tried to get her to sleep as I walked around looking at all of the animals. I didn't go in the pen. These were big animals...well, only donkeys, goats and their babies. But, my baby around dirty animals, I don't think so. Our four year old had quite the opposite reaction. She immediately loved on nearly every animal there! Okay, let her get it out of her system before she has to go be a good little angel.

Time to take our places. The weather was warm enough, but the hay, animals, dust, dirt...the smell...no place for my baby, I thought. Then, there was the manger filled with hay. Our four year old kept excitedly shouting, "Put her in the manger!" I kept saying, "No. She's fine with me." That manger was no place to lay my baby down. It didn't seem very comfy like all the things she lays on at home. However, I reluctantly agreed. People lined up and came in and had their pictures with us.

And there she laid. The perfect little person to pretend to be baby Jesus. It was truly precious, but it didn't last the whole time. The animals came in and went straight for the manger. I, being the protective mother, scooped the baby up. I didn't want them thinking she was food. A manger. A food trough. The animals' home. How strange it felt to have our precious baby there.

Was this how it might have been? Did Mary and Joseph feel discouraged that this was the best they had for their baby that night long ago? And He was no ordinary baby. He was a king, the King of Kings, the Lord of Lords, the Messiah, the Redeemer, Wonderful Counselor, the Prince of Peace, Immanuel... God with us! And He was laid in a manger! The dust, the dirt, the smell. All for us. Our dirt. Our smell. Our sin. What a night! And what a night for our family, too.

Crafty Turkeys

2008-11-23T12:51:00.000-08:00

We try to make these cute turkeys every year. They were so simple to make, and everyone got in on the fun! They are made by tracing each person's hands and feet. (Click here for directions to make your very own turkey.)

Fall Fun

2008-11-05T13:50:00.000-08:00

Here are some pictures from our recent fall fun! Happy Fall, yall!

The girls and the Pumpkin Patch

Matching dresses.

Brandon and the Libby carving the pumpkins. Clara holding her nose and saying

"Stinky puhkin."

Smellin good with the cucumber-melon candle inside!

Libby the cat and Clara the dog.

Farm Day Butterfly

Clara's butterfly

Libby feeding a little donkey.

Clara playing in the corn.

Wednesday nights and precious things

2008-11-05T13:04:00.000-08:00

It was a Wednesday night several weeks ago. The night before payday. Most people know the pinch. As we got in the car to leave church, I asked Brandon if he had any cash in his wallet. As I was rummaging through the ashtray for change, I mentioned that it would be a good thing to pick up a loaf of Bread and some fruit on the way home. (Sure we had some other food at the house, but I felt like having bread and fruit would get the girls and I through the next day before we went to the store on Thursday night. There are only so many things our kids will eat!) We quickly strode through Wal-mart and picked up our few items. After paying for them, we had some money leftover, which Libby made note of. As Libby and I were walking hand in hand back to our car, she looked to me and said something that I hope will stay with me forever. In her precious six year-old way, she said, "We should give some of our money to the poor people. After all, we are rich...aren't we, Mommy?" My first thought was to snicker and tell her that we are the poor people...didn't you notice us digging for change in the car?!? However, I know the truth. I know we are blessed much more than we can comprehend. I know that we have all that we need. I know that we are His. I know. So, after my emotions gathered and words could be uttered, I said, "Absolutely! We are rich!"

It was a Wednesday night two weeks ago. As we walked toward our car after church, a somewhat disheveled man stopped us on the sidewalk to ask if our church was the place he could get a meal. Brandon and I began loading the girls in the car while we told him about the times that our church does serve free meals to those who need it. He said he was really hungry and wondered if we were sure there wasn't a place he could get a bowl of grits, anything. Brandon told him about the Waterfront Rescue Mission several blocks away. It was dark already, and he would have to walk several blocks to find food anywhere...even if he had money. (He never asked for money, and we have decided to not give out money.) So, I spoke up and explained to him that if he would remain there, we would drive to pick him up some dinner and bring it right back. McDonald's seemed our closest option. Libby and I went in to pick up some food for him. I chose cheeseburgers, and she insisted on dessert. (There is something humbling about a child choosing to give ice cream to a hungry homeless man. Big heart, big compassion, perhaps a glimpse of what love really is.) So, burgers and ice cream in hand, Brandon drove back to the church to deliver dinner. I was wondering if the man would even be there, or had he gone on to find someone who would actually give him money? Yet, there he sat. He gratefully took the small bag, and asked Brandon to pray with him. Then, he began to pray, and thank God for us! Brandon prayed for him and talked with him before getting back in the car. I could hear everything that they said, and I just sat in my seat with my heart in my throat. Hearing someone so needy praise God is a humbling experience, and hearing my husband pray with him and for him was one of the most precious things. The man called himself Billy that night, but only God knows who he really is. All we knew is that God told us to feed him that night, and that ice cream sundaes are for homeless people, too.

There is a lot of learning in life. It is precious what can be learned from a six year-old.

Death to Baby (doll)

2008-10-21T14:24:00.001-07:00

Disclaimer: We really do watch our children...as difficult as that might be to believe based on my recent posts!

I couldn't resist sharing this video of what I found Clara doing yesterday. And yes, this is the 2nd baby doll to head to the trashcan this week! (It's a good thing they're a staple item at Wal-mart.) Oh, and Clara's hair do...that would be thanks to the bottle of hand soap sitting on the sink. :-)

Unclean! Unclean!

2008-10-21T13:38:00.000-07:00

NASB
Lev 13:45
45 "As for the leper who has the infection, his clothes shall be torn, and the hair of his head shall be uncovered, and he shall cover his mustache and cry, 'Unclean! Unclean!'

-
behold, there was a man covered with leprosy; and when he saw Jesus, he fell on his face and implored Him, saying, "Lord, if You are willing, You can make me clean."
Luke 5:12 (NASB)

13 And He stretched out His hand and touched him, saying, "I am willing; be cleansed." And immediately the leprosy left him.
Luke 5:13 (NASB)

And there he was, crying out as he neared Jesus, "Unclean! Unclean!" This leper. This unclean person. No one can touch him. (It was good that he was following the rules by yelling this so that everyone would know not to get near him.) Then, can you believe? He just falls on his face in front of Jesus, and with pure faith and humility asks Jesus for healing...if it is His will. He has come before the King of Kings, and he's yelling how unworthy he is to even be in his presence...can you hear it, "Unclean! Unclean!"? He wasn't considered worthy to be in anybody's presence. Can you see him...head covered, clothes torn... Yet, here he is, before the Alpha and Omega... And then, Jesus does the unthinkable... He reaches out His hand...and touches the man...who is COVERED with leprosy. And immediately, the man was healed.

I can't help but be blessed by this account. To realize that I, too, am a sinner...whose heart screams, "Unclean! Unclean!" in the presence of the Almighty... And yet, Jesus... He is my cover and my healer and the One who touched me, the same One who touched him... the leper so many years ago. Oh people, that we would realize what living and breathing is all about.

When All You Can Do Is Laugh

2008-10-18T08:59:00.000-07:00

Brandon left yesterday afternoon to go on an overnight campout with the RA's from church. He'll be home sometime today, but in the meantime, let me tell you all about MY adventures while he's been gone.

Last night, the girls and I baked homemade pizza (Brandon made and froze the crust last week.) Then, we snacked while watching the movie Fishtales. While the girl bonding time was quite fun, the movie was, well, NOT. It's not something I would've normally let Libby watch because of the content, but besides that...who in their right mind wants to endure a low-budget, poor acting, poor storyline, and just plain WEIRD movie that you actually had to pay to see? (Only $1 thanks to Redbox.) Bedtime was here before I knew it. We read some books, sang some songs, said our prayers, and hugged and kissed goodnight. I especially loved checking on them just before I went to bed. (Brandon usually does this.) Watching your children sleep is probably one of the best things in life. I got myself ready for bed and noticed that Brandon had put the new tube of toothpaste out. We weren't out of the other tube, but how nice of him to take that one with him and remember to put out the new one for me. I enjoyed staying up reading for a little bit longer.

Clara was up at 6:30 this morning. That should have been my clue right there. I quietly got her out of her bed and tried, to no avail, not to disturb Libby. So, needless to say, we were up and making breakfast by 7:00am. (Why doesn't anyone program children to sleep in on the days they are SUPPOSED to?!?) Thankfully, they each wanted cereal, which allowed me to spend time making Applesauce Bread for my breakfast while they ate theirs. (The house smelled soooo good while it baked.) Of course, when it was ready, we each sat down to have a piece. It was Bunny's 1 month birthday today, too. So, it fit quite nicely to call it cake and have her a little party. (Bunny is Libby's creation from Build-A-Bear. Libby shares her wonderfully with Clara, and she also has 2 hearts because they both put one in her while making her.)

With breakfast and 2nd breakfast over, it was time to prepare dinner. I, being so inspired by wonderful friends, actually menu planned for 2 weeks recently. I don't do much of the cooking because Brandon loves too, and I just don't like making the mess so much. Those little facts are important because had I realized that he wouldn't be here today, I wouldn't have planned to make Beef Stew today that had to cook for 8 hours...meaning... I would have to cook it. (I didn't really mind because I'm really looking forward to eating it!) So, get the meat out, season it, brown it, put it in the crockpot. And:

Major interruption 1: Clara shatters her new tea set all over the place by shaking it out of a bag and onto the floor at rapid arm swing, tea set slinging pace. STOP all other activities to secure barefoot children, sweep, and vacuum.

Back to cooking. Libby is now helping wash potatoes and carrots. She is having fun and taking her time. I continue to collect the other ingredients and take my time reading the recipe to make sure I'm getting it right. (It was a new recipe, after all.) I notice that Clara is quiet, and I assume she is just playing. I ask Libby to get me 2 onions from the pantry. And:

Major interruption 2:

Clara emerges. She is covered in toothpaste. My new tube of toothpaste. She is holding it her hands, and my first thought is to laugh and grab the camera! How cute, right? Well, on my way to the camera, I had to jump over a large toothpaste covered patch in the carpet...and next to it...a baby doll covered in more toothpaste. (I am really overjoyed that we splurged and bought the LARGE tube this time!) Oh well, laugh. It really was funny. So, I made Clara come and sit next to her masterpiece for her picture. Then, it was off to the bath for her. The baby doll didn't fare so well...it was more like farewell...as in, it's a good thing we have like 5 because this one is going in the trash! Just before taking Clara to the bath, I took the remaining tube of toothpaste to my sink and noticed her other masterpiece...all over my bathroom cabinets and tile...complete with precious little toothpaste footprints. And, yes, they did trail all the way across my bedroom carpet. How else would she have gotten to the baby doll? After her bath, I just closed my door so I could get the stew finished and cooking.

So, the stew is cooking, I've scrubbed the carpet, cabinet, and tile. I've cleaned up all the dishes from all our morning fun. And, I've given myself the privilege of sharing my joyous morning with you all. The house currently looks like a tornado has come through it, but all I feel like I've done is clean...sweep, vacuum, bathe child, wash dishes, scrub carpet, wipe some cabinets and tile. It seems there should be something to show for all my hard work, but all I currently have is a home filled with toys that smells like toothpaste despite all the other good things it could smell like since I've been cooking. These are moments when all you can do is laugh, and be thankful that you have precious children to make messes, a home to clean up, food to cook, and a half-full tube of toothpaste.

If only you could see the three dimensional glops and smell the fantastic minty scent!

Clara's 2!

2008-10-13T14:56:00.000-07:00

Here are some pictures from Clara's 2nd B'day events. We had a lot of fun! To celebrate, her friends came over on Friday to sing her favorite songs and read her favorite books. They danced and sang and then, danced and sang some more...it was too cute! For cake, each child decorated a twinkie to look like a "bus" because Clara loves the song "Wheels on the Bus". Later, Grammy and Pa came over to help celebrate and brought some presents, too! On Sunday, her actual b'day, she wore her "I'm 2!" tag to church. It was fun to see the adults and children all wishing her "Happy Birthday!" The 4 of us celebrated here at home and enjoyed our sweet Clara. We thank God for giving her to us!

Clara's "cake"

"No hands!" (see the video of Clara in previous post 'Swinging with Daddy')

"Yum."

Here is Clara showing off her $2.

A Rite of Passage

2008-10-06T18:07:00.000-07:00

Our first born just lost her first tooth. We've been anticipating it for days, and we've each had our share of turns pulling on it. Tonight was the night! Libby is a child in a pure state of wonderment and delight. I, the mother, am amazed at the feelings the tooth brought about in me. In the very instant of pulling her tooth, it seemed like the last 6 years of her life flashed before me. That tooth came to us when she was 10 months old...a time that seems so different, so long ago. A time when it seemed like she was forever a baby. Now, I'm quickly reminded how fast those 6 years have gone, and I catch a glimsp of how the next 6 will be here before we know it. Our baby, growing up.

It is a simple thing...a first lost tooth, but there are so many warm memories and joyful emotions that surround it. Brandon and I both spent time thanking God for who He's made Libby to be and asking that He continue to grow her in love for Him.

7 Things...

2008-10-04T18:22:00.000-07:00

I've been tagged by Shana to make a list of 7 things people may not know about me. So, here goes:

1) I can do a split. Yep. Dunno why. Defies logic, I'm sure.

2) My hair looks like a big afro if I brush out my curls. This, you should see.

3) Bologna with grape jelly on white bread is one of my favorite things in all the world to eat. (NOT something I have done in a LONG time or plan on doing any time too soon.)

4) I pick my lips A LOT...and I can't remember a time in life when I didn't have this bad habbit.

5) I HATE tea! Really...it is like what I imagine swallowing river water would be like.

6) I have a hard time finishing things... um... #7??? I just might be the queen of unfinished projects.

7) I love dancing.

I tag Melonie

Swinging with Daddy

2008-10-03T07:44:00.003-07:00

Clara is saying, "No hands! No hands!"

Week 12

2008-10-02T13:39:00.000-07:00

There are 12 weeks until Christmas. So, there are 11 more weeks beginning Oct. 5th for us all to get our shopping done, stockings hung, and cookies baked! For me, that means 11 more weeks to make my goal weight of 130 lbs. I know you are all just sitting on the edge of your seat with excitement over this...you know I am...NOT. This week has presented some challenges for me mentally. I usually weigh on Mondays for my official weigh in, but I generally weigh everyday. (You don't have to tell me that I shouldn't do that...Brandon says it enough for all of you.)

After losing so much weight previously, I still expect big numbers each week. Right now, I am settling for tenths of pounds! However, the mental trip is so different. (For all the readers that have been thin most of your life, please feel free to leave comments assuring me how difficult a 1 lb loss is!) In spite of a few moments of mental defeat and physical pain from an old exercise injury, I am pressing on. My diet has been good, and I've allowed myself 2 "dry" carbs...a 6 inch turkey Subway and a bowl of dry oats with skim milk and dried cranberries. (I crave dry oats with fruit and skim milk.)

As great as dieting and exercising is, I can assure you there have been much better things in life this week that are worthy of blogging about...but this is good for me to post about because I know that I have a small audience of acountability...who, of course, could care less about a number I weigh as long as I am healthy. (Love to you all!) So, without further ado:

Week 12 Stats:

Height: 4 ft 11 in (if you know of a way to grow taller, please comment)
Weight: 141 lbs (2 lb loss!)
Pant size: a looser 12p

O Blog, my blog!

2008-09-25T14:30:00.000-07:00

How I've missed blogging! I am so surpised to see that 3 weeks have come and gone since my last post. Where should this update begin? (I apologize for the random thoughts that are about to spew forth!)

For me, the last 3 weeks have been going really great. For starters, I am FINALLY back into a good Bible study through CBS. We are going through the book of Luke. Although, I never eagerly get into a group study, I always look back on them with good thoughts. It helps me spend time in God's word. That, in itself, is a feat! I do wish that I could say that I am disciplined to have good study each day, but brace yourself, I don't. Good to get that out! :-) I am excited about Luke and my weekly meeting with other sisters in Christ. I signed up for this because of the children's programs that Libby and Clara get to attend, too. They have age appropriate Bible study, and it is a great program! They each have children in their classes that we see at church or our other homeschooling group. So nice for them to build those relationships!

Homeschooling has been going wonderfully! I love it, and both girls are doing well with it. Libby seems to be such an easy and quick learner. She respects us as her teachers. While the daily responsiblity falls mostly to me, Brandon has been teaching her some lessons, too. He really enjoys it. I've always thought he is a wonderful Bible teacher to kids...why shouldn't he be good at reading and math, too? A child's mind is an amazing thing, and it is fascinating to watch it grow. I give all the glory to God.

Okay, here is where I open a big can of worms for me. The major thing that has been consuming my time and energy (literally) for the past 3 weeks has been weightloss. UGH. Well, so maybe not a can of worms...more like a window to my soul or something...but worms seems more appropriate considering the subject, don't you think? I ran across an article from Weight Watcher's (I don't do this program, but am sure it is one of the best.) It mentioned setting a goal of losing 10% of your body weight. Turns out, that's about all I have left to meet my first goal...drum roll... 130 lbs. I set that goal in Jan. 2007. So, I read the article, got all my mental ducks in a row and got to it! I decided that pounds off would be the best Christmas and birthday present (which is a few days after Christmas). The downfall... I'm the only person that can give myself that. Then, I got even crazier and started thinking that maybe, just maybe, I could even be a size 8 in '08. Get it?? It would just be nice to make that 130 goal before Jan. 1. (A quick recap for those who may not know...I weighed 230 in Oct. 2006 when I delievered Clara. No, that was not baby weight. I have been at 200 lbs most of my adult life...well, just all my life probably.)

So, I've been exercising 4 times a week at least and banning all dry carbs (pasta, bread, rice, flour) and of course, sugar from my diet. This works for me, and I'm so thankful to find something that does. I am going to post my stats, and I hope to blog about this more often. In the meantime, if you don't hear from me for another 3 weeks, just assume I've blown away b/c my hard work is paying off!! :-)

Stats:

height: 4 ft 11 in
weight: 143 lbs (muscle weighs more than fat, ya know! Laugh.)
pant size: a loose 12p

Libby and I in my size 22 jeans.

Free Chicken!

2008-09-02T12:01:00.001-07:00

Yesterday, Chick-fil-A was offering free chicken strips to anyone wearing team logos...like your favorite football team. Brandon has been talking about going since he saw the advertisement. Well, after a rainy day thanks to Gustav, we were not thinking of heading out. We spent the day picking up and organizing the house some...to no avail, I think. Then, late in the afternoon, Brandon reminds me of the free chicken day. We could only think of 2 clothing items we owned with a team on them...a slighty too big MS State t-shirt of Libby's and a MS State sweatshirt of Brandon's. We knew these things were hiding away in closets. So, just as he was planning to just take her with him, I remembered that I had an old Notre Dame sweatshirt (why?). Then, I was thinking of something to put Clara in and remembered that someone gave her a little FL State cheer outfit. So, with kids dressed and Brandon and I burning up in sweatshirts, we headed to Chick-fil-A...both of them! (Yeah, we have 2 in our city.) It was fun gathering our free chicken from around town! I also learned that Notre Dame is not in the NFL...rather, they are a university..."Just like your shirt says, Kristen", Brandon made sure to point out. Needless to say, it was yumminess with some fun, and there were pleny of leftovers for lunch today. Thanks Chick-fil-A!!

Beautiful weather, a DQ Dilly Bar, and a few good country songs

2008-08-27T11:45:00.000-07:00

Today has been such a fun day! Today, I am excited about being a "Teacher Mommy". We had orientation for Libby's tutor group this morning. I was a little nervous as to how we would fit into this group of homeschoolers. However, after getting out of the van, all my concerns just melted away. There was a precious family walking alongside ours whose little boy (1 of 7 children) didn't have any shoes. The mother began to explain that surely in all of the getting ready, the shoes had been forgotten and there were no "extras" floating around in her car. (YES! They even keep shoes in their car, too!) We fit in just fine...needless to say...at least we had shoes on...for this week, anyway! :-) I was so excited to be around other homeschooling families! Libby's teacher/tutor is so nice, and I look forward to what this year will bring.

After orientation, we went to the park to play with some friends of ours. Other than it being REALLY hot, we all had a blast! The kids played in the spray park most of the time. Next, I took the girls to DQ for lunch and a treat. It was fun to eat out with them by myself. Libby is getting to be so grown up at times, and she is such a big help. There were a few good songs that came on the radio while we were there. Something about "Waiting on Her" and "I saw God today". I really like both of them, and they make you reflect on some of the best things in life...your family and your faith. When we finished our food, we each got a Dilly Bar. I wasn't sure how it would turn out...2 kids, 1 adult, chocolate ice cream bars...the possibilities are endless. Seeing the pure delight spread across their faces made it all worth it. Somewhere between the chocolate and ice cream smiles, Clara says, "Soap!" Yes, indeed...we were gonna need some soap! It was a beautiful day.

Kindergarten and a Cottontail!

2008-08-19T11:18:00.000-07:00

Our first day of homeschool went great! Libby and Clara were both wonderful as we got our lessons done. Libby admitted to me that homeschool was MUCH more fun than she expected. She was so glad that she got to have some free time and t.v. time. I was very pleased with how everything went, too.

While Libby was playing, she put together some "food" on a tray for me. She brought it to me while I was working in my lesson book. I kinda didn't want the interruption, and I was halfway listening to her explain what everything was. My ears perked up when she said, "This is your Diet Coke." Wow! Thank you Libby, my favorite! Then, she says, "And this is the Cottontail! I'm just like Sandra Lee!" Roll on the floor, you guys!!! Laugh! Okay, well let me explain...Sandra Lee is host of a TV show on Food Network. She always makes a cocktail at the end of her show. Now, Libby's daddy is a Baptist minister...so, bartending is not the pretend play you want your child spending too much time on!!! :-) Hysterical. It was very funny to me. Maybe I looked like I needed a Cottontail!

Thankful

2008-08-12T15:02:00.000-07:00

Just wanted to post a little praise to my Heavenly Father... I am so thankful that He has helped me to stay rested after coming home from vacation. (Trust me, I was beyond stressed out before we went.) I am thankful to Him for the motivation to get to the Y for workouts and for the encouragement I receive while there. (The older people are just so cute and sweet or either completely funny.) I am thankful for all the people helping to get the church preschool and children's area back in order...it's going to ROCK! I am thankful that He is with me and that I have all that I need.

Rest

2008-08-10T13:51:00.000-07:00

Woo hoo! I think we had our first real family vacation. Well, real enough for us anyway. We managed to escape "normal" life for a few days and spend some time in a nearby beachside resort. (Don't let the glamorous description fool you.) Let's just say this place was PERFECT for us Beverly Hillbillies. I even discovered what I am now calling a perfect day. Time spent on a porch swing while blowing bubbles with your children can be a soothing balm. The cherry-vanilla ice cream was quite soothing, too! It was great to getaway.

We got back into town and immediately dug into planning Libby's Narnia party. (Oh, if only there had been plates, cups and napkins of the Narnia theme!) There were swords, sheilds and daggers to be made...games and decorations to come up with...food to be bought. Whew. Of course, we got it all together for the big day, and God blessed us with a wonderful celebration of Libby's 6th birthday.

I am so thankful for the rest we had, Libby's birthday, and the days ahead. Life is about to change as we plunge into homeschooling next week. I am excited about it all!