Joyfully Hand-Picked

2012-01-31T15:55:00.000-06:00

Sometimes when you're headed to Grandma and Grandpas house, you are delayed by cow-boys. No really. Cow-boys, cow-girls, and their trusty sidekick Fido.

Fido leads the way.

Cow-boys push from behind and the sides.

Cows are loud.

Oh how we were surprised to be stopped on the road for only but 10 minutes as these cow-boys, cow-girls, and fido worked these cows. They were moving fields. How grateful we are to be slowed down, and shown the site of funny cows running down the road. I think Mama enjoyed it the most!

January Days

2012-01-30T15:58:00.000-06:00

Who new at the beginning of January we would be:

Reading our library books out on the deck. With cocoa in hand, wrapped in blankets feeling the sun warm and bright. Good times.

Who new at the end of January we would be walking to the park:

shedding our coats and returning home to eat an Icee Pop.

Who new our sweet animal friends would get to play on a jungle gym built just for them?

Imaginations are a wonderful thing. January you have treated us well. Thank you for starting off our year with happy, fun, warm, bright, and encouraging days! Our year is just beginning and we are blessed by it. God is good, always good. He is teaching us everyday. Using us more than we could have thought. He is love and we are trying our best to show it to the world. Enjoy these last days of January for February is ready to start!

Mediterranean Lentil Soup

2012-01-27T15:05:00.000-06:00

It's recipe time!

If you know me you know my love of cooking. Almost a year ago some of our church folk blessed us with meal provisions after bringing home our second little love. One of those meals was an amazing lentil soup. And what do you know, she provided the recipe atop the soup container! We've talked and talked about that soup for almost a year. I've never cooked with lentils or any dried beans ever. But finally I mustered enough courage to purchase a pack and voila delicious soup was made! The best part, it's made in the crock-pot!

Mediterranean Lentil Soup

2 Tb. olive oil
1 lg.onion diced
1 stalk celery, chopped (I used 2)
2 lg. cloves of garlic, finely minced
1 can (28oz) whole plum tomatoes, drained
1 1/2 c. dried lentils, soaked in cold water 1 hour, rinsed and drained
1 Tb. tomato paste
1 1/2 tsp. dried thyme
6 c. beef broth
2 bay leaves

Vinaigrette:
3/4 c. packed fresh basil
1/3c. olive oil
2 Tb. minced fresh parsley
2 Tb. red wine vinegar
Salt and pepper to taste

Slow Cooker Directions:

Place all ingredients except vinaigrette in slow cooker. Stir to combine; cover and cook on LOW for 8 hours or until lentils are soft.

While soup in simmering, prepare vinaigrette. Combine basil, olive oil, parsley, and vinegar in blender or food processor. Process on high until smooth. Stir vinaigrette into soup just before serving.

Us. Growing. Love. Together.

2012-01-26T11:13:00.000-06:00

Evan. Character. Growing. Funny. Boy.

2012-01-26T10:51:00.000-06:00

Nadia. Beauty. Joy. Growing. Fun.

2012-01-26T10:39:00.000-06:00

Red Pepper Soup with Roasted Spaghetti Squash

2012-01-06T11:12:00.000-06:00

Only the best soup I've made this year. So granted we're only 6 days in and it was a new recipe, this soup even made Evan grin with a Yummm.

We paired it with some left over turkey and crescent rolls. A rotisserie chicken would be fabulous and easy!

What you need:

1 medium-large spaghetti squash
2 tsp olive oil
2 carrots chopped
1 yellow onion chopped
3 cloves garlic minced
3 red bell peppers chopped
1 tsp cumin powder
1 tsp fennel seeds ( I didn't have these so I just omitted and it was still great)
1 tsp dried thyme
4 cups of your favorite broth/stock
1 8oz can of tomato sauce + 1 can of water

Preheat oven to 350 Degrees.
Cut the spaghetti squash in half. Scoop out pulp and seeds. Lay each half cut side down on a aluminum foil lined baking sheet sprayed with cooking spray. Bake for an hour or until soft.

While squash is cooking start soup.

Heat oil in soup pot over medium-high heat.
Add onion, garlic, and carrots. Sprinkle with salt . Cook until onions are soft and begin to brown. Add peppers and cook a few minutes until they begin to soften. Add cumin, fennel, and thyme. Stir to combine all flavors.

Add the broth, tomato sauce and can of water. Bring to a boil. Cover and simmer at least 20 minutes until everything is soft. Once soft, puree with an immersion blender or transfer in batches to blender.

Return to pot and keep warm over low heat.

Once squash is done, use a fork to remove squash.

Add squash to bowl and top with soup. Enjoy!!

After our first bowls, we added a touch of sugar and cayenne to spice it up and it was amazing! Roni from Green Lite Bites even suggests to double the spices in the recipe. I'll try that next time.

Pictures courtesy from Green Lite Bites.

December 23

2011-12-24T14:16:00.000-06:00

A boy...

...and tinker toys.

Hours of fun!

December 22

2011-12-23T10:17:00.000-06:00

Cookie Day!

December 21

2011-12-23T10:06:00.000-06:00

Dentist Day!

December 20

2011-12-23T09:50:00.000-06:00

What did you find?

December 19

2011-12-23T09:42:00.000-06:00

Feed the birds.

We strung cranberries and popcorn for a yummy birdy treat.

Winter activity for young hands.

December 18

2011-12-23T09:32:00.000-06:00

Family time. Christmas celebrations.

I was there too. Always the photographer, barely in any photos.

December 17

2011-12-17T15:24:00.000-06:00

Dancer visited with Santa today.

December 16

2011-12-17T15:19:00.000-06:00

Waiting to eat with the family before a trek through Costco. Your kids bring their babies out with them too right?

December 15

2011-12-15T19:16:00.002-06:00

Great Grandma's chair.

Here is the runner up for the day:

Puzzle time with Great Grandma Helen.

December 14

2011-12-15T17:53:00.000-06:00

Such a sweet moment.
She was so excited.
Loves her bath-time.
Check out the cowlick and back dimple.

December 13

2011-12-13T20:32:00.001-06:00

Christmas Program at Community Bible Study. Evan pretty much stood there looking around the entire time. I think I saw his lips move once. Oh to be a boy.

Nadia took a little photo shoot with the poinsettias after the show.

Ok, here is video of the Jingle Bells. He sure was getting after them. Enjoy!

December 12

2011-12-13T20:24:00.002-06:00

December 11

2011-12-12T10:47:00.000-06:00

Were you getting worried? No I haven't forgotten to post my pics each day. Time just ran short and I thought my rest was more important. You are now updated and I am back on schedule. Enjoy!

A window box can bring joy.

December 10

2011-12-12T10:44:00.000-06:00

Santa came to Cabela's. We were so excited and even received a candy cane that came from the North Pole!

December 9

2011-12-12T10:42:00.000-06:00

Relaxing on Grandpa's chair watching Mickey Mouse!

December 8

2011-12-12T10:40:00.000-06:00

Sweet Nadia with Grandma Cathy.

Christmas With Jesus

2011-12-08T09:52:00.001-06:00

Love these Godtube videos.

December 7

2011-12-08T09:46:00.000-06:00

Hours of fun.

December 6

2011-12-06T17:40:00.000-06:00

Lets walk.

Capturing the Joy of Song.

2011-12-05T20:55:00.000-06:00

Deck the Halls by Evan Lucas.

...hey I see my reflection...

♥♥♥♥

December 5

2011-12-05T20:47:00.000-06:00

Nadia's first Christmas decorating party. She was joy filled, squealing and loving the freedom of roaming the carpet with Daddy snapping shots. Memories made.

December 4

2011-12-05T09:50:00.002-06:00

December 3

2011-12-03T22:10:00.000-06:00

He shovels.

December 2

2011-12-02T16:48:00.000-06:00

Fun discovery of Mama doing laundry!

December 1

2011-12-02T16:36:00.000-06:00

December has begun, thus the December Photo Project has as well. This is my second year joining in on the fun of capturing life and fun things we do, see, and love this holiday season. Join in.

Fun with the light shining though my water cup.

He helps

2011-11-22T18:07:00.000-06:00

...dress his Sister.

My loves. They are great friends. She adores. He protects. ♥

thanksgiving

2011-11-18T22:15:00.000-06:00

2011-11-15T14:12:00.000-06:00

Dirty dishes prove I feed my family, a full trash can shows I clean up after their messes, messy floors mean I let my children have fun, the pile of unfolded clothes mean I keep my family in clean clothes & wet bathroom floors mean I bathe my kids!!! So the next time you walk into my house & see a "mess" think twice before you judge me! If you come over to see me, come on in....If your coming over to see my house, make an appointment! Keep this going if you are a parent!!

Falls Rainbow

2011-11-09T17:15:00.000-06:00

We were blessed a few weeks ago with a Fall Rainbow.
We ran outside and were reminded of HIS promise.

Did you see it?
Were you excited?
Did you remember?

All's Grace!

disaster at house cleaning

2011-11-09T11:36:00.000-06:00

So here I am...AGAIN...working hard to clean my house. I really want to be playing and doing fun activities with my sweeties, but the house is a wreck. WHY CAN'T I KEEP MY HOUSE CLEAN?

By clean I mean:
1. Picked up.
2. Organized
3. Swept/Vacuumed

Why is this so difficult? Why do I feel like I am constantly working hard everyday and don't seem to see much progress? What am I doing wrong? Am I the only one with this problem? Is it because I have little ones?

Please share your strategies. What do you do to keep a tidy house? What are your routines? HELP ME!!!

♥ baby giggles ♥

2011-11-08T22:13:00.001-06:00

It just doesn't get old. Baby giggles. Her smile. Pure joy.
Big brother loves to entertain! Little sister loves to watch!

Snowfall

2011-11-02T17:45:00.001-05:00

They said it would.
And it did.
So we played.
Got wet.
Got cold.
Smiled big!

Made monster footprints.

Saw the radishes ready for pulling.

Sampled some fresh snow.

Bird baths full.

Colors bright.

Flowers hanging on.

Monster feet hung.

All's grace!

Enjoy each moment.

Remember

2011-10-27T08:07:00.000-05:00

Such an important truth for kids to know!

Hello?

2011-10-24T22:45:00.000-05:00

To my breastfeeding Mamas.

2011-10-24T11:04:00.001-05:00

Take time to laugh and be encouraged!

DEAR BREASTFEEDING MOMS (WHO FEEL LIKE GIVING UP)…

by Bethany Joy Galeotti

Dear Breastfeeding Moms About to Give Up,

So, you’re starting to feel like a cow, eh? All that baby weight is still sticking to you, your nipples are cracked and bleeding and every time your baby latches on, you silently scream and tears roll down your face. You look at the clock in dread and as the next feeding approaches, your stress levels shoot through the roof and you begin to anticipate the agony. Just when you have a moment to yourself, it’s time to feed the baby again. Just when you’ve begun to relax, the baby starts crying and your husband says “Can’t you just stick him on your boob?”

Yeah. Love that one.

On top of this, your breasts feel like someone filled them with lead and they’re gonna pop. “What’s this lump?” “Why do I have a fever?” “Oh, great, it’s just another bout of Mastitis. Awesome.” And maybe you’re one, like me, whose lump didn’t go away and needed surgery to have it removed (healing from which you had to nurse through to keep the milk out of the wound) because the milk crystalized and now we are boob-scar-sisters. That’s called a Galactocele, by the way. Sounds like a fruit from Jupiter, but it most definitely is not.

And then there’s breastfeeding in public… gotta make sure you’ve got that enormous sheet to cover yourself as your baby flails her arms trying to figure out why the hell she’s eating dinner under a blanket. Or maybe your babe is the focused kind who refuses to eat without complete silence. And forget sleeping through the night. If you don’t wake up every three hours to nurse, your sheets will be covered in milk, which sometimes soaks through to the mattress and then your whole bed just smells sour…

Ahh, the pleasures of breastfeeding. Sounds more like a nightmare, doesn’t it? And for those of you who are at the end of your rope and feel like giving up, I have a message for you…

You are AMAZING. You are a beautiful, strong, warrior woman and you are sacrificing yourself over and over and over for the sake of your child… for your child’s nourishment, bonding, emotional security and peace.

I know it’s hard. I know it’s the hardest thing you’ve ever done. I know you burst into tears on days because you just don’t think you can take it anymore. But you are stronger than you know. You will be SO SO SO grateful six and seven months down the line when you look back at your accomplishment of giving your baby the best possible nourishment she can receive. The bonding time you will have with him is unique and important. You are establishing a safety in your arms that will be the foundation for her growth.

And it DOES get easier. Your breasts eventually stop swelling and feeling like melons! Your hormones even out, the milk cysts disappear, you can eventually sleep for 6 hours at night or more without nursing or pumping, your baby’s latch gets better and you stop bleeding. What you’re left with is an EASY way to feed your little one and an emotional connection that goes beyond anything you can imagine.

This message is not intended to make mothers of formula-fed or pumped milk-fed babies feel guilty or less-than. There are unique bonding experiences available to every mother and her child. I am speaking specifically to women who want to continue to breastfeed but feel worn out, tired and hopeless.

I promise there is a light at the end of this tunnel. Keep going! You can do it! Talk to your partner and ask them to encourage you. You NEED people cheering you on! Pick up The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding from the bookstore – it will make you feel sane! Make sure you use the time between feedings wisely… this includes letting your partner take the baby for a while and you getting out of the house, even just to run to Starbucks. Take care of yourself, encourage yourself, and remember that you are not alone. Women have been doing this for thousands of years and spurring one another on. Just take it one day at a time… you can do this. You can do this.

I promise, you can do this…

Bethany Joy Galeotti is a wife & mom, as well as an actress, writer, director and musician by trade. She is currently seen as Haley James Scott on The CW's One Tree Hill and is one half of the indie-band Everly. She is also a Sci-Fi nerd, probably should have been around in the 40s and has a sewing room full of arts and crafts that she hardly ever gets. However, she has great and noble intentions to create many, many things, including more children and maybe a self-sustaining organic farm commune... maybe. You can read her blog at bethanyjoy.com.
See more posts from Bethany Joy

God's gifts:

2011-10-23T14:52:00.000-05:00

Gives me chills of excitement, thankfulness, hope, and love.

Happy Sunday to you all. May you feel replenished, rested, and filled!

Alls Grace!

Life Begins

2011-10-17T14:07:00.000-05:00

at the End of your Comfort Zone.

Yes yes yes! I feel this so strongly today. I think I've been staying too 'comfortable' lately. The fear of 'what if'creeps in. But the answer is 'Who Cares'. People love me and I can only give what I choose. But you see, I know I could be giving M-O-R-E. I have a lot of clutter weighing me down. It's keeping me in my comfort zone, in a bad way. I even fear it is affecting my family. So today. For the start of my Frumps to Pumps challenge. I will begin life by seeking to step out of my comfort zone each day. What about you? Are you feeling blah? Are you feeling weighted? Are you stuck in a rut and needing freedom? Let's begin LIVING and trust that our loving heavenly Father will guide us through the uncomfortable places we venture!

ehh...

2011-10-15T15:00:00.001-05:00

Untitled, originally uploaded by Lucas Joyful Pics.

happy Saturday to ya.

Frumps to Pumps

2011-10-14T14:10:00.000-05:00

Are you feeling a bit frumptastic like other Women/Mamas? Sign up for the Get Dressed Challenge. If I am going to be honest I must admit this totally intimidates me. I wonder if it is possible, if I can do it. What work it will have me do. I will have to lay out my clothes the night before. I may have to get up even earlier than I do, which will be hard as I am still getting up 1-2 times a night with Nadia. But I love the challenge. I know I will feel so much better, confident, ready for my day. I know Travis will love seeing me out of my frumps, though he never says a word. My kiddos will even be impressed. Evan now compliments me when I take time to dress from head to toe. Like it's a new thing or something. Monday is the starting day. Want to join with me?

What is the “Get Dressed!” Challenge? It’s a one-month motivotional (motivation + devotional) where you are encouraged to go from “frumps” to “pumps” in the everyday. Why a month? The goal with “Get Dressed!” is to help you build into the habit of getting dressed and looking nice everyday.

Are you ready? Let’s get dressed!

her feet would look so darn cute in these

2011-10-11T21:42:00.002-05:00

Fall Fantastico

2011-10-11T18:13:00.000-05:00

I want to stop in here!

Somebody Understands

2011-10-10T07:20:00.000-05:00

Somebody Understands
by David Wilkerson

O Lord, You have searched me and known me (Psalm 139:1).

Nobody understands me

But God.

He understands my deep thoughts.

There is not a word in my tongue,

But God knows it altogether.

He has me hemmed in;

His hand is laid upon me.

Such knowledge is so high,

I cannot attain unto it.

There are times

Darkness surrounds me,

Yet He searches my heart

And knows it.

He sees the wicked ways in me.

Only His wisdom

Can figure me out.

In the day when I cry to Him,

He answers

And strengthenest me with strength

In my soul.

Darkness and light are both alike to Him.

He understands my darkness

And will give me light.

He understands me.

Falls Leaf Rainbow

2011-10-05T11:39:00.000-05:00

Have you made a leaf rainbow yet? Time to walk the paths daily to find new discoveries God has gifted us to see. Get some paper, glue, and crayons to create a masterpiece unique to your daily finds.

I will not be too busy and miss this Fall season.

Here's to slowing down, enjoying moments, and drinking hot cocoa on a blanket under falling leaves. Make a rainbow!

2011-09-30T19:11:00.000-05:00

This just makes me happy!

2011-09-21T15:58:00.002-05:00

Friday Funny

2011-09-16T12:19:00.000-05:00

Have you seen this video clip?

I love it. He is so funny, she is so determined. How sweet he is to her!
Happy weekend to you all. Enjoy!

Song for You

2011-09-08T07:35:00.000-05:00

Have you heard them? Refreshing melodies, sweet harmonies, strong lyrics. Great music to start your day with. Enjoy their new video for "Song for You". I want to run through that field of flowers too. *Sigh*

"Song for You"

-Jenny & Tyler

Song for You
Music and Lyrics: Copyright 2010 Tyler Somers (BMI), Jennifer Somers (BMI), One Eyed Cat Music (BMI)

my voice you didn’t know, didn’t know
i called you had to go, had to go
back to your little world
where nothing is strange

you set out on your own, on your own
you said, i’m heading home, heading home
back to the life you know
neatly arranged

I have done for you
everything my love
hear my song for you
I will not hold my tongue

it’s late, your getting cold, getting cold
you try to keep warm, but you’re alone, you’re alone
the dark streets are empty now | and the wind starts to blow

I have done for you
everything my love
hear My song for you
I will not hold my tongue
open your heart, open your heart
for I have loved you from the start
I will never harm you, come my love
So come
So come

I have done for you
everything my love
hear My song for you
I will not hold my tongue
open your heart, open your heart
for I have loved you
open your heart, open your heart
for I have loved you from the start

my ♥ Evan

2011-08-20T13:16:00.000-05:00

He's a superhero.
Funny boy.
Just having fun. All day. Every day. Wearing the goggles.
This is how we've seen Him this week.
Just loving life with goggles on and Elle Omaha in hand!

We ♥ you Evan Alan! Stay the fun boy you are!

if we could

2011-08-20T07:41:00.000-05:00

"If we could see the miracle of a single flower clearly our whole life would change."...Buddha

Late summah is for

2011-08-19T17:23:00.000-05:00

park days!

"mom, I'm picking up these sticks so we can make a fire and roast marshmallows."

"I found this icky water bottle."

"I'm going to throw it in that trash can, mom."

happy girl playing at the park

getting Mama .

blue skys

rest

mandatory lemonade breaks

cheesy cheese

hey, I know you

He will visit

2011-08-11T07:51:00.000-05:00

Have your heart right with Christ,

and He will visit you often,

And so turn

weekdays into Sundays,

meals into sacraments,

homes into temples

and earth into heaven.

~Charles Spurgeon

Camp Gma/Gpa Lucas

2011-08-05T19:17:00.000-05:00

What happens when Grandma and Grandpa ask to take Evan home with them for a couple of days:

Lots of "Bob the Builder" watching

Craft time making hats and mustaches for his babies.

County Fair time:

Don't be alarmed it's just a crocodile.

Hungry hungry crocodile.

Always a fun time at Camp Gma/Gpa! What a blessing you are to us!

Her chatter

2011-08-03T07:59:00.001-05:00

Most mornings and days are filled with this lovely chatter. I think she is saying 'brother' here. Oh brilliant child of mine, stay forever young.

Nadia Ruth 6 months

2011-08-01T10:56:00.002-05:00

It's today. She is 6 months old. In a way it is hard to believe. But as we pause and think of these past 6 months we've gone through a lot with her. She is a little girl. She is long. (10lb. 11oz. and 25 inches @ 5mos) She has struggled to gain weight. She eats a ton; still every two hours. Mama feeds, pumps, and rests. We pray. She is so happy. Beautiful. Strong. She smiles with her eyes. It melts your heart. She giggles at her brother. He adores her. He protects her. He protects Mama too. She lights up at the sight of Daddy. Her eyes follow to catch his attention. God is good. She is His. What a gift he has given us with her life. Mama cries. She is joy-filled. Eucharisteo.

"Gratitude bestows reverence, allowing us to encounter everyday epiphanies, those transcendent moments of awe that change forever how we experience life and the world."

Sara Ban Breathnach

2011-07-30T15:16:00.000-05:00

If only my outfits could be coordinated and laid out for me. I would look fabulous all the time.

2011-07-30T08:47:00.002-05:00

High-res →

This heat is swelling my head and has me dreaming of fall. Pumpkins and apple cider, scarves and long sleeves. Are you ready for the crisp cool air?

Jonah and the Whale

2011-07-29T09:11:00.000-05:00

A few weeks ago we taught the lesson of Jonah and the Whale in Sunday School. This is Evan's most favorite story ever. We have a veggie-tales movie about it. We have multiple books about it. So when we taught it in Sunday School Evan became even more thrilled to hear the story with all of his friends.

We decided to make sugar cookies as I found a new recipe. An amazing recipe I might add that requires no refrigeration and waiting. In my collection of cookie cutters we found a Whale and I had a Boy cutter too. Evan, " Mom, we can make Jonah and Whale cookies!!!!". ***Excitement squeals***

Phone photography isn't always the best, but you get the idea.

"Mom you frost the pretty ones and I will frost the Jonah's and Whales.

How do you get a 3-year old to take a good picture and actually LOOK at the camera? If you know please share!!!

What a fun day we had!

Worn out and total exhaustion. This heat will get ya!

The Big Red Tractor

2011-07-25T16:07:00.002-05:00

Farther Along

2011-07-11T15:41:00.000-05:00

Farther Along
-Josh Garrels

Farther along we’ll know all about it
Farther along we’ll understand why
Cheer up my brothers, live in the sunshine
We’ll understand this, all by and by

Tempted and tried, I wondered why
The good man died, the bad man thrives
And Jesus cries because he loves em’ both
We’re all cast-aways in need of ropes
Hangin’ on by the last threads of our hope
In a house of mirrors full of smoke
Confusing illusions I’ve seen

Where did I go wrong, I sang along
To every chorus of the song
That the devil wrote like a piper at the gates
Leading mice and men down to their fates
But some will courageously escape
The seductive voice with a heart of faith
While walkin’ that line back home

So much more to life than we’ve been told
It’s full of beauty that will unfold
And shine like you struck gold my wayward son
That deadweight burden weighs a ton
Go down into the river and let it run
And wash away all the things you’ve done
Forgiveness alright

Chorus

Still I get hard pressed on every side
Between the rock and a compromise
Like the truth and pack of lies fightin’ for my soul
And I’ve got no place left go
Cause I got changed by what I’ve been shown
More glory than the world has known
Keeps me ramblin’ on

Skipping like a calf loosed from its stall
I’m free to love once and for all
And even when I fall I’ll get back up
For the joy that overflows my cup
Heaven filled me with more than enough
Broke down my levee and my bluff
Let the flood wash me

And one day when the sky rolls back on us
Some rejoice and the others fuss
Cause every knee must bow and tongue confess
That the son of god is forever blessed
His is the kingdom, we’re the guests
So put your voice up to the test
Sing Lord, come soon

Chorus

L-O-V-E this definition

2011-07-07T20:20:00.000-05:00

It is so darn true!

this weekend may you

2011-07-01T12:50:00.000-05:00

YES. couldn't say it any better

2011-06-23T11:23:00.000-05:00

Thank you Olya at Life Inspired for posting this. So often I am overwhelmed with feeling I HAVE to blog and where do I start because it's been awhile, and I want it to sound good, and look good, I don't know who actually reads this, I haven't edited my pics, I haven't taken any outstanding pics, I'm tired, are there expectations? **sigh**

"I'm trying a new thing to make sure I can document our life more consistently. Instead of trying to lump my photos into a themed post (which is ok when it's about something like a hike, visit or some other event), I am going to embrace the randomness of our daily life and not be afraid to be random here as well. Because in reality, our life consists of a myriad of random moments that happen throughout the day, every day. Trying to tie them together into one post with some deep meaningful title to go along with it is what often overwhelms me, takes too much time and causes me to not document those things after all."

So here's to a fresh start. To daily, weekly musings of our lifes' randomness. Some posts will be well thought out, laid out, and pretty. Some, not so much. Just enjoy and see us for who we are.

Summer Day 2

2011-06-22T16:45:00.000-05:00

It's the second day of Summer and I had to close some of our windows, find a pair of socks, and sip on a latte. How lovely it is.

Rhubarb Time

2011-06-21T18:30:00.000-05:00

Rhubarb. Oh how we love rhubarb. It's ready to pick now and we were gifted a bunch. What do I make with rhubarb you ask. Jelly, pie, bread, muffins, crisps. I want to try this cobbler from Pioneer Woman.

Rhubarb is so funny and tart.

One of my favorite gifts this year are these mini pies. You fill the jars with crust, filling, and pop the lid back on to freeze until ready to bake. So with the yummy rhubarb sitting in my fridge I made some Strawberry Rhubarb mini pies to pass on to my Dad and Grandma. (If the jars are returned I will refill them.)

Aren't they so cute? Here is a Rhubarb Bread that I made. It was the first time for this recipe, it made two loaves and was delicious. We devoured it in a couple days.

Lastly here is a crisp that I made. Well it turned out to be a crisp. My original plan was for it to be rhubarb bars, but it was too sticky and didn't firm up like it was suppose too. So it turned into a crisp.

We are stocked with Cherry-Rhubarb jelly for now.

So glad rhubarb freezes excellently so we will enjoy it's rare taste all year long!

Today I am guilty of...

2011-06-21T17:33:00.000-05:00

Today I am guilty of spraying our bread with PAM to make our grilled cheese sandwiches!

We were out of soft spread butter and I wasn't patient enough to wait for the real butter to soften. The sandwiches were very tasty, Evan had no clue they were different. Just feels like something I need to admit!

Friday = Happy Day

2011-06-17T12:05:00.001-05:00

Enjoy your weekend friends.

new music

2011-06-16T17:26:00.000-05:00

Don't you just love finding new music?

Here is my newest love. I have been dancing around the house as quietly as I can as my babes are sleeping. A little chill, with catchy rhythms, bouncing beats, and awesome lyrics.

Josh has so graciously offered this album for Free on his website or through Noise Trade, check it out.

Hope you enjoy it as I am.

bath time

2011-06-15T11:01:00.000-05:00

You asked so here she is:

Nadia is really starting to enjoy her bath time. Here she is so fresh and so clean (clean).

Isn't she a pretty one?

Spring Picnics

2011-06-14T15:41:00.001-05:00

Oh how we love to picnic. Whether it be at the park, in the back-yard, in the back of the jeep on a rainy day. They are so simple and so joyous. Late March of this year Nebraska hit record highs. So what better to do after a long cold winter? Picnic at the park.

Nadia's first picnic at 1 1/2 months old.

Evan playing in the sand while Nadia and Mama set up our blanket and food.

Our Spread:

Grape truck:

Lunch chat and reviewing the verses we know:

Play time:

Back to the Sand

Monkey time:

Drive time...

da plane da plane

He's up and He's down.

Mom look at Me:

This way and that way:

Time to head home. Miss Nadia needs to eat and we are worn out.

"Mom if I was a monkey I would climb that tree, like George."

words for thought

2011-06-14T12:42:00.000-05:00

Because we Mamas need to remember:

2011-05-27T18:30:00.000-05:00

We're not actually being graded.
And sometimes just surviving is the greatest success.

My Man

2011-05-14T16:05:00.000-05:00

the Turkey Hunter

Baby Toes

2011-04-01T21:14:00.000-05:00

Baby Toes.

Pretty.

Adoring.

Love.

hidden in my heart

2011-03-14T18:18:00.000-05:00

We learn as a child to 'hide God's word in your heart'.

And I did, as a child, I knew many verses from memory. I earned many pins and badges from Awana. I remember working on scripture memorization in junior high; at camp and at youth group. I even continued into high school though it was dwindling. College I may have worked slightly on hiding His words, I was involved in church but I wasn't pursuing to learn scripture.

But now, I am 30. Yes I said it, I am 30! It's not so bad really. I am at a point in my life where I actually hear, feel, relate, and can picture the Lord's breathed words as I study them. And I want to study them. I feel good when I study them. I feel happy. I have an unexplained peace about me. I am resting in the easy to say phrase, "Everything's going to be O K.", because it is going to be o k. He is in control. Of everything. At every moment.

I've been thinking a lot about how God delights in Me. He watches me. He laughs at me. He guides me. I am his child. I'm His. I am His. I AM HIS! Sometimes it is hard to believe he actually delights in me. I can be pretty defiant, just like my 3-year old. I'm sure I look like a 3-year old to Him sometimes though I'm 3-0. Nevertheless he loves me and delights in me. That's what a father does, he loves us when we are good and bad.

One thing I know for certain delights my Lord, is my knowledge of his words. When I can share his words with others. When they are on the tip of my tongue. When they are in my heart.

Today I was doing my bible study in Daniel 5. I was directed to read Psalm 1. As I turned to Psalms and started reading I just started reciting the Psalm without actually reading it. What? I say to myself. I take a good look at it again. I remember memorizing this at some point in my life and I could say it word for word. Suddenly I was overcome with emotion. Psalm 1 was hidden in my heart. What an amazing Psalm of assurance and warning. How lucky I am to have grown in the church with the reminder of the importance of memorizing scripture. I was blessed by my knowledge of his words today. I hope my Lord was delighted.

PSALM 1

Blessed in the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked

or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers.

But his delight is in the Law of the Lord,

and on his law he meditates day and night.

He is like a tree planted by streams of water,

which yield's it fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither.

Whatever he does prospers.

Not so the wicked! They are like chaff that the wind blows away.

Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgement,

nor sinners in the assembly of the righteous.

For the Lord watches over the way of the righteous,

but the way of the wicked will perish.

Snuggles

2011-03-12T08:38:00.000-06:00

in early morn.

Sweet babes.

2011-03-09T17:08:00.000-06:00

My first born:

My Second Born:

We have fun. We love each other.

2011-02-17T10:33:00.000-06:00

A little sunshine helps the day go by.

Tired

2011-02-16T08:37:00.000-06:00

What does the believing child of God do in these overwhelming hours? We do as

David did.




“As for me, I will call upon God; and the Lord will save me. Evening, and

morning, and at noon, will I pray, and cry aloud: and he shall hear my

voice…[and] deliver my soul in peace from the battle that was against me: for

there were many with me” (Psalm 55:15-18).


Go to prayer—steal way and get into the Lord’s presence. Even if you do it

quietly, cry out your pain and ask for peace to come upon you. We must do more

than trust. We must stay in God’s Word and pray the promises back to him.



My family and I are walking in faith and relying on God’s faithfulness to his

Word. God is good!

Desktop Calendar

2011-02-01T04:47:00.000-06:00

Found this website from a good friend. I am in love with her monthly desktop calendars. They are a free download and so darn cute. Check it out!

February Calendar-Leelou Blogs

FYI: Could be happening today!

Box Fun

2011-01-31T12:17:00.000-06:00

When Mama's away the boys will play!

Take 1...

Take 2...

3rd Times a Charm...

Green Smoothies

2011-01-30T07:58:00.002-06:00

So many have asked.

So here is how I make a green smoothie.

We start with a banana. This helps make it creamy.

Next we add frozen fruit. Any kind your lil' heart desires.

For this batch we used blueberries.

We added a little bit of Rhubarb as I have a ton in my freezer.

Rhubarb is loaded with calcium and other goodness.

We topped it off with a spectrum blend of frozen fruit. That includes peaches, mangos, and strawberries.

Add your liquid. I use a juice sometimes or just water others.

Blend it up, adding more liquid if needed.

Time for the greens!

I like to use spinach as it blends the smoothest.

But we have used a variety of greens: lettuce, kale, carrot tops.

I use about 2.5 cups of spinach or more sometimes. If you are just starting out I may suggest a little less and build up to more added greens. Blend really really well adding more liquid if you need it.

I also add a squeeze of honey. We usually buy local honey to help with our allergies.

So proud of our cups!

My blender fills 2 16oz cups for Travis and I. A cup for Evan. And an extra pint that I put in the fridge for me the next day. I am drinking a green smoothie every day and Travis + Evan have one every other day.

The key is to have a straw. A good straw. A wide straw to suck up that green smoothie bliss. It is proven that the wider the straw the more you drink. After I'm done with my smoothie I refill my cup with water the rest of the day.

Enjoy!

Somedays you just need an

2011-01-29T17:01:00.000-06:00

Ice cream Cone.

Especially when the temp hits close to 50 degrees on a January day!

Jimmies make it taste so much better too.

...crazy moods...

2011-01-28T09:26:00.000-06:00

Some days I just feel moody.

Some days I am irritable.

Internally I know it's not fair to those around me.

But this is how I feel.

This is what pregnancy does to you. It's hard to explain to your husband and three year old.

But I am almost done and will soon meet our sweet little. 38.5 weeks, I can wait a few more. Then I will be hit with a whole new wave of emotions.

"Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever."

Hebrews 13:8

Praising Him for this today.

Love this Man

2011-01-27T06:39:00.000-06:00

He makes me laugh!

It Snowed...Again!!

2011-01-26T09:11:00.000-06:00

It Snowed...Again:

So Daddy and Evan went out to shovel...Again:

(sorry it's long but it may make you laugh)

Evan remembered that sledding was apart of the shoveling deal...but Daddy wasn't quite ready. Then it was time! Only it ended with a face planted in the snow. Hat and gloves flying off. Sledding was done and Warm Cocoa required!

Daddy's comfort.

A few days later it snowed...again. (Can you believe it?) Everything was outlined white. There was an amazing peaceful beauty to be seen. Crisp lines and hidden wonders.

We spotted some Turkeys.

Under a watchful eye.

We had stayed the night with Gma Cathy and Gpa Steve. When we awoke, a friendly neighbor drove up the lane plowing the drive. Pure bliss for our little man.

Joy of the tractor plow!

Even though this snow gets old and we long for Spring. There is joy to be found if you slow down and take in the moments of each day. Sip on some good coffee and watch. Watch those around you, the trees in the field, the people at the market. There is a new story to be told each day.
Simplify. Slow down. Enjoy. You will be filled more than you expected.

One Thousand Gifts

2011-01-21T16:14:00.000-06:00

Next on my "MUST READ" list:

One Thousand Gifts
A Dare to Live Fully Right Where You Are
By, Ann Voskamp

It Snowed!!

2011-01-09T21:28:00.000-06:00

So Daddy and Evan went sledding!

Someone was really excited, happy, and so grown up.

His cheeks were pretty rosy too!

Especially when he came back inside!

So happy!!

Priceless

2011-01-06T20:56:00.000-06:00

Burning off that energy

2011-01-06T17:08:00.001-06:00

Thankfully today was much warmer, so we headed outside after lunch to burn off some of that energy!

He was a busy boy.

So glad he helps us shovel the snow on the grass. ☺

It worked!!! He went down for his nap without too much of a fuss!

A day of Crazy Evan behavior

2011-01-05T18:14:00.000-06:00

My son definitely has crazy moments..no days. Today was one of them.
This Mama has had enough and it's time to get out of the house.

Though as I watch this it is comical. Enjoy.

(quality is bad b/c it was taken with my cell phone)

December 31

2011-01-01T00:42:00.000-06:00

Our day begins with a good friend Derek coming for breakfast!

Boys only allowed in this blind:

Calm before the storm arrives:

Friends to play with:

Excited:

A picture taken without Chuck's knowledge...no hiding from this one friend:

Conversation:

Playtime all night long:

Game time begins...FARKLE:

Evan wants in on the action...so proud of his tall tower:

Of course there has to be nut cracking on New Years Eve...especially when your husband doesn't believe that the nut is walnut like you say it is:

Believing your wife is always a good choice!

Preggo Mama's drink of choice:

Countdown's beginning:

Loopy-ness is starting to set in:

What?

HAPPY NEW YEAR 2011!!!!

December 30

2010-12-30T14:21:00.000-06:00

In December we dream of warm days where the wind blows through the windows, the sun shines bright, and we can walk about with only a jacket.
Today believe it or not is one of those days.

December 30, 2010

60°

Omaha, Nebraska

December 29

2010-12-30T08:04:00.002-06:00

{Story Time}