The Years are Short

And the joy continues . . .

2012-02-15T16:34:00.000-08:00

We have now officially passed this yucky bug throughout this whole family. And yesterday was my turn for disappointment. A dear friend offered to watch the girls for us last night . . . Travis was coming home to make me a special dinner to celebrate valentines day (not usually a big deal around here - I love the random times of "i love you" so much more . . . but we were so excited to have this special date planned). Instead, I spent the entire day in bed with this wonderful sickness . . . and the homemade dinner? Ginger-ale from Winco. Be gone from our house flu!! You are no longer welcome here!!

Heartbreak

2012-02-09T13:46:00.000-08:00

Haley woke up this morning at 12:30 throwing up with a terrible stomachache and a fever. She feels horrible. And it's never a good time to get the flu. But on the day of your first kindergarten concert that you've been eagerly anticipating for weeks, have chosen your party dress to wear six days ago, had both grandmas and an aunt coming from out of town, a special dinner planned at a restaurant and have been asking each day of the last week and a half if it's finally time. . . it's just flat heartbreak. And if you have to be the Momma to break the sad news that you aren't able to go, well that's just plain heartbreaking too.

Wisdom

2012-02-04T20:20:00.000-08:00

I finished reading "The Magician's Assitant" by C.S. Lewis (the first in the Narnia series) with Hannah tonight. He is an incredible author that weaves a tale with descriptive images you can see, wit and humor that make you smile and depth in such an approachable way that it causes you to ponder quite a few things.

I was struck by a quote near the end of the story and I felt as if I must pass on his wisdom . . .

"When things go wrong, you'll find they usually go on getting worse for some time; but when things once start going right they often go on getting better and better."

I have gained so much perspective going on this crazy journey of health complications I've been on and have equally gained so much perspective on this path to healing and wellness. I am so thankful . . . to God be the glory . . . the things have gone on and on getting better and better . . .

The First Day Book in February

2012-02-03T15:06:00.000-08:00

Outside my window...
Sun, sun, glorious sun!! It looks and feels like summer out there! Not joking!!

I am thankful for...
My husband who values my role as an at-home mom as much as I do. I can't imagine what it's like to have to prepare the kids, the house, and the family each day as you head off to work. This is in no way a comparison of "my-jobs-better-than-yours" so please don't misunderstand this. I know plenty of wonderful women who work outside the home for many reasons and love their children and their families to bits. I'm just grateful for the job I get to do each day.

I am thinking about...
The chicken marinading in the fridge. We have friends who invite us for dinner occasionally and they always cook the most flavorful meat. Every time I ask what they've done, the secret is marinade the night before. So I did. And I'm excited for yummy stir fry tonight with marinaded meat!!

Learning all the time...
How to make my life run a bit smoother. There is no perfect plan and no guaranteed-tried-and-true-no-fail-method but I'm learning some tricks that make the little things easier so I have more time and attention for the big things. (Like planning my menu again . . . remember? That was a goal? I'm actually doing it. And not in a crazy-print-out-with-recipes-and-shopping-list-attached like I used to. Simply a list of meals we'd like to eat for the month and as I write the weekly calendar on our fridge wipe off board, I add a little note on the side as to what I'm going to cook. One glance the night before and I'm on track. Plus, it's stopped the 'what are we having' question from my eight year old EVERY DAY!! arrrgggg - minor frustration diverted.)

From the kitchen...
lots and lots and lots of supplies for a Superbowl extravaganza. The girls were asking me this week, "What is the super bowl?" I started to explain that it was a championship game for two football teams who have worked hard throughout the season to earn their spots blah blah blah. As I looked at their blank faces I changed my plan and said, "It's a super fun excuse to get together with great friends and eat a ton of yummy food!" Their eyes lit up and they are now looking forward to the day asking me often, "How soon until our friends come and we get to eat all this food?" (We're making deviled eggs, homemade meatballs in bbq sauce, stuffed mushrooms, smoked salmon with cheese and crackers, veggies and dip, chips, soda - we're going crazy and can't wait!)

I am creating . . .
A blanket for Hannah's window seat. She loooves her new room and the selling point from the beginning has been her cozy window seat that looks out over the beautiful scenery where she can nestle down with a good book and spend the day in bliss. My mom and I are making a fabric covered foam pad to sit on and I am crocheting a comfy blanket that is turning out quite fantastic if I do say so myself!!

I am working on...
Laundry. Does this job ever end? No. End of discussion.

I am going...
To spend the rest of the day doing nothing and everything with my girls. They have the day off of school for the semester break and the two little boys I usually get to love on each Friday are away at their aunts house so were are in our sweats. Just finished painting nails, having a Zumba dance party on Kinect, and after they play barbies for a while, planning on a tea party with real tea. Not everyday do I pull out all the Mommy stops but every once in a while it's fun to get down on the floor and play for the day.

I am hoping...
To exercise more. I now live in a gorgeous neighborhood with fantastic walking paths everywhere. My lungs are stronger, I have more energy and I'm ready to tackle the outdoors! (With caution of course.) My biggest goal is to walk the girls to school one day. There school is in our neighborhood. How wonderful is that? And save a few hills that just might kick my butt, it's a do-able trek. Baby steps . . .

I am reading...
Magazines . . . it's very rare that I flip through a magazine but am finding it a bit relaxing to pick up every once in a while, read a few articles and set it back down. A copy of Parents and Parenting were tossed my way (and I'm enjoying a good laugh and how far I've come from the new mommy days) and my favorite that I have a subscription to is called Home Life and it's put out by Lifeway ministries. They have encouraging and helpful articles about parenting, marriage, and great ideas about life in general. (Check out their website for a sample and even cute printables)

I am praying for...
Friends. I have so many wonderful women in my life. I couldn't be more blessed. Not a day goes by when I don't thank the Lord for bringing those into my life who make my life better. And there are so many prayers that go up for them - for healing, for peace, for courage, for strength, for diligence, for decision making, for faith, for time, for patience . . . and mostly for joy. (and lots more fun with me!!!)

I am hearing...
The girls giggling upstairs together as they play. There are lots and lots of moments when their interactions together are anything but loving . . . and there are lots and lots of moments when I smile hearing them crack each other up!

Around the house...
Evidence of mommy playing today. It's good . . . and messy.

One of my favorite things...
Good coffee creamer. Sounds silly but can make my day when I take a sip of that little cup of joy in the morning and it's sweet and yummy and milky looking as it's been splashed with the perfect creamer. (My favorite right now is Coffee House skinny caramel macchiato.

Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you...

Hee hee . . .

An In-depth Look

2012-01-26T17:03:00.000-08:00

I feel a bit like I've lost my mind (or at least the bit that remembers the little things and does them in a timely manner). That being said, I am so sorry to my friends at Kregel publishing for my lack of blogging about a wonderful resource on time. Thank you for your grace during the move and all that it entails to set up a home and a new routine.

I was sent to read and review, Reading Revelation by C. Martin Pate. It could not have come at a more perfect time as I am currently in a group of women working through Here and Now: There and Then a study in the book of Revelation by Beth Moore (and you know how I adore her!!)

Maybe it's just me but Revelation is a confusing book. There are so many illustrations and visions and letters and lessons and prophecies and visions and discussions of such crazy things that at times my head is spinning and I'd rather go back to something more peaceful and understandable. And I can honestly say, in all my times of reading and studying the bible, I have never fully studied the book. (see above explanation of complications!) Beth Moore (in her amazing way of teaching) has been breaking it down bit by bit and explaining it in historical as well as biblical context. Ironically (although not a surprise as God always has a plan) I received C. Martin Pate's book. I didn't know what to expect. Upon opening, I was surprised by the easy five column layout. It presents side by side comparisons of the four approaches commonly taken in interpreting this book: past, historical, future and spiritual. And the fifth column is the literal word-for-word translation.

This book has been a great reference resource as I study this book. It would be an intriguing look even if you weren't studying the book. I truly appreciate the clear, simple presentation (as I was not looking forward to digging into a heady complication of a topic so heady and complicated.) and I am impressed with the time spent in compiling such a resource.

Thanks Kregel for another great opportunity to review another amazing book. (please don't kick me off the island for my slip in timing!!)

A Quiet Monday Daybook

2012-01-23T12:06:00.000-08:00

Outside my window...
Sunshine. And it's a beautiful sight. We had lots of dark skies and white stuff then lots of rain and it's been a bit dreary out. What a breath of fresh air!!

I am thankful for...
Wonderful kids. We had a 9 day weekend with all the snow and ice. And it was fabulous. The girls were great listeners, played well together, made us laugh constantly and helped the time pass is such a great way. (I think the title of the Daybook would have been quite different if they were less than lovely.)

I am thinking about...
Not a lot . . . it's incredibly peaceful to be sitting in a cozy quiet home. I love having the kids home and had such a hard adjustment when they both started school this year but as I get into a routine on the days Haley has kindergarten, I look forward to the time of productivity and contemplation and coffee.

Learning all the time...
That I need to think through decisions a bit more before saying yes. I tend to say yes because "there's no reason not to" . . . sometimes the reason not to is that I don't need to say yes. And I'm learning that's ok. Sometimes we have to say no to good things so we can say yes to great things. There are only so many hours in the day.

From the kitchen...
Empty cupboards and freezer and fridge. We got very creative with meals during the winter lock in and I need to go to the store. I just don't feel like leaving my cozy home while it's so quiet right now. Why battle everyone else at the store who are also out of supplies? There must be some Costco chicken in the freezer still. That bag lasts forever. I love you Costco!

I am creating . . .
My list of books read in 2012. It's a clean page of possibilities.

I am working on...
Unpacking the non-essential boxes now. Most everything has been unpacked and put away and the rest is organized in the garage (the craft/scrapbook supplies, kids overflow toys and games etc.) and I'm ready to start tackling them. A couple weeks ago I hit my limit. The tipping point ironically came when I was carrying and putting away the groceries for the week. I slammed down one of the bags (that didn't include the eggs) and said, "I'm officially tired of carrying things . . . I'm done!!" (which of course didn't last longer than a second as I had to finish putting away the groceries but you get the point. A hiatus from boxes was needed)

I am going...
To visit a friend in need of a visit today.

I am hoping...
To continue having people over to our new home for family dinners and play dates. The inaugural hosting came in the form of a gaggle of women whom I adore and who I always look forward to spending time with. We laughed, had hors d'oeuvres, drank some wine, laughed some more and it was so fun to show them around. Since then, we've had our favorite family over to watch a football game, eat pizza and watch the kids run around, up and down loving the extra space we now have. It has been amazing getting to share this incredible blessing with those around us.

I am reading...
Joy Luck Club by Amy Tan
The Magician's Assistant by C.S. Lewis (the first in the Narnia series) with Hannah
The Jesus Storybook by Sally Lloyd-Jones with Haley
Winnie the Pooh by A.A. Milne with the whole Marsh clan (we started during the snow days and are looking forward to finishing it with many more snugly nights together)

I am praying for...
The right words to say in situations that present themselves each day. My favorite parenting book of all time is called Professionalizing Motherhood by Jill Savage. In the book she talks about the "ministry of availability" which is one of the incredible opportunities as a stay at home mom. I am so thankful for the amazing relationships and doors that open because I'm home. I pray that I use each of these in the way that God intends.

I am hearing...
Quiet. And it's a precious peaceful quiet . . . not a lonely quiet.

Around the house...
Organization and tidiness. It's amazing how much I can get done in such a short time when there are little hands pulling everything out that I just put away. Don't get me wrong - the point of having a house is to live in it but it feels good to look around and see things in there places. (And thanks to a great friend who let me borrow her vacuum - mine is broken - the floors are free of all the leaves and pine cones and dirt that got brought in on snow boots this week)

One of my favorite things...
Encouraging music. It puts me in an amazing mood, makes housework so much more pleasant and sets my mind on the right track to serve my family well.

Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you...

The before and after of Hannah's bed . . . and you'd never believe it but I found it at a thrift store for $15!!! An inexpensive can of paint and what do you know? A beautiful bed suited for a beautiful little girl.

SNOW

2012-01-18T20:24:00.000-08:00

We have SNOW . . . lots and lots of SNOW!! 8 1/2 inches to be exact. The kids (and dad) have had the last two days off and tomorrow's school has already been canceled. We have been having a great time playing games, watching movies and of course, playing in the snow. Yesterday we built a snowman and a snow fort which, of course, spawned a giant snow ball fight. (Got the idea from a friend to fill a cooler with tightly packed snow to make bricks) and today it was sledding. I'm sure this must be frustrating for some people to be stuck inside or are tired of the white stuff outside but WE ARE LOVING IT!! Bring it on!

I'm so thankful for such a fun surprise vacation . . . and there is something so blasted cute about my kids in snow suits!!

A Rainy Saturday Daybook

2012-01-14T16:51:00.000-08:00

Outside my window...
Wet, wet and more wet. We had some snowy rain (of which the girls were debating whether to call it swain or row) and we were hoping for some sticking on the ground. Not yet - the weather man says maybe tomorrow . . . or the next day . . . or some other day . . .

I am thankful for...
Friends that make you laugh so hard your face hurts the next day. Then they start your day off with a smile by sending a text saying how much their face hurts from laughing so hard the day before. You know who you are . . . I'm thankful for you.

I am thinking about...
Chore charts. I don't require the girls to do enough around here to help. They are plenty old enough to take care of some things around the house. If I do my job well as a mom, I will eventually work myself out of a job. (at least the dishes and laundry . . . someday?!)

Learning all the time...
That I take on to much and wear myself out to the point of exhaustion. This is not a new revelation. But for some reason I never get the point . . . or when I do, it doesn't last very long. Why do I have to fall on my tush again to remind myself? A nap is in my future. I'm exhausted.

From the kitchen...
Homemade bread. I got a bread maker for Christmas. I feel like such an amazing house wife when I serve my family fresh homemade bread. (Don't tell them I just poured in a box and pushed a button ok?!)

I am creating . . .
A blanket. I realized it's been a long time since I've sat down and crocheted. I love doing it, it's relaxing and the finished product is quite fun.

I am working on...
The 2012 calendar. There's something rewarding to me to fill in the new boxes with our family's activities (must be the type A ocd list making side of me?!). I got a new calendar that has a meal planner, grocery list and to do list attached. It's wonderful. I wish I would have invented it.

I am going...
To take a nap. Enough said.

I am hoping...
That we have a wonderful long weekend as a family. Tonight it's nachos for dinner and a family game. I love these people I get to live with!!

I am reading...
Love that Multiplies by The Duggars. I know they are a bit controversial. People love them or hate them. People agree with them or think they are crazy. I happen to love them and am amazed by the way their family works together, loves eachother and stands by their convictions. Having 19 kids is not for me . . . but I greatly admire the principles they are raising their children with and learn something new each time I watch them. I'm also starting the Narnia series with Hannah. It's been a while since we've sat down and read a chapter book together. I miss the snuggling time and the connection a good story can make.

I am praying for...
My dear sweet friend Meaghan. On her way down the stairs to do laundry, she fell and broke her ankle. And when I say broke her ankle, I mean really broke her ankle. The ER doctors said this kind of break is usually only seen in major car accidents. She's already had two surgeries and will be laid up for a loooong time. Moral of the story: Don't do your laundry!!

I am hearing...
The washer and dryer. I am backed up with laundry as all my spare seconds have been spent on setting up our new home. I guess we need clothes. Wait!! Reference Meaghan's story above. I am not ever doing laundry again. Sorry family.

Around the house...
It feels wonderful. I sooo love our new home. I can't say it enough. God is so good. Our furniture is in place. The walls are painted. Family pictures are hanging on the walls. We are home. And it feels incredible.

One of my favorite things...
My new Keurig coffee machine. My hubby surprised me with this incredible invention for my birthday. I can't get enough of it. I want to make 5 cups of coffee a day just because I love it so much. We even found hot chocolate, apple cider and green tea. It's so fun!!!

Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you...

Hannah started basketball again and we've been having so much fun cheering at the games. Haley took some pictures with my phone today. Go Hot Tamales!!

House Projects . . . post one . . .

2012-01-05T21:13:00.000-08:00

Alright . . . this is bound to be a lengthy multi-posting adventure. I don't even know where to start . . . or where to stop . . . so here it goes.

We had been living in the same home for 5 years and had planned on moving at that point . . . and then life happened . . . and medical bills happened . . . and the market happened . . . and on and on and on. We looked at each other, or bills and shook our heads.

And then . . . God provided an incredible to-good-to-be-true opportunity for us to move.

I spent the first month anticipating the impending move going through each drawer and cupboard and closet and box getting rid of every last thing we didn't need (or could live without) . . . we are gonna have one smoking garage sale when the weather changes!! This process was long and tedious but made the actual packing of boxes so much easier.

Then came the boxes . . . lots of them.

We were plugging along . . . going crazy fast (anther long story for another time . . . but the keys were delayed six weeks due to some bank issues with the previous owners) The actual moving date happened fast and furious with one week notice!! Yahoo!!

December 19th, we took a break from the packing/moving crazy-ness to attend Travis' department Christmas party. We dropped the girls off with their Aunt Bonnie and Uncle Ryan. They were excited to spend time with their cousins and we were excited for some much needed date time with some fun adults. We were two blocks away from their home at a stop light discussing the best way to get to the highway when we were slammed into from behind by a 93 man who "didn't see us." It was a movie moment . . . and not in a good way. The police were called along with the aid cars to check for concussions or other serious injures. No one needed to go to the hospital but we both suffered severe whiplash, Travis strained his back (his entire seat broke in the crash) and I suffered severe cervical strain (the seat came and wapped the back of my head and it hurt like crazy). I have very limited range of motion and we both have lots of discomfort. Because Travis' seat broke, the car was declared un-drivable by the police officer so we got to wait a half an hour for triple A to come and tow us (thank the good Lord for triple A - thanks Dad for the yearly subscription!!) The tow truck driver was not used to the new vehicle he was driving so the first few stops and gos were NOT good for the necks!! Travis said (in his tone of sarcasm you really have to hear to appreciate) "No, no. We're fine. Just whiplash over here." Made me laugh and forget about the searing pain in my neck. To make a long story even longer, we got to spend our date night getting x-rays and icing our aching bodies . . . not the fun we'd pictured. We now have a million phone calls, insurance adjusters, claim forms to fill out, appointments with doctors, massage therapists (not as fun as it sounds when you hurt) and chiropractors.

And yet . . . the Marsh's don't quit. The move must go on. On the 20th, we finally got the keys!! It was an incredible moment when we stood in the living room and prayed a prayer of gratefulness, joy, and dedication of this home to God's glory.

The girls were more than a little excited to run around and explore the space that would be there own in just a few short days. (and please note the beautiful wallpaper on Hannah's wall and gorgeous golf themed wallpaper border in the girls bathroom . . . and please note the sarcasm)

I have some great, hardworking friends who jumped at the challenge and said, "Crazy wallpaper? Two bedrooms, a bathroom and a kitchen to paint? Two days to do it? Bring it on!"

Haley even jumped in to help one day . . .

It was the craziest, busiest two days (also including a visit from a carpet cleaner, house cleaner (they had three cats - not conducive for the allergies/asthma), carpenter (to patch a crawl space in the master bedroom) and electrician (to replace the gorgeous (again with the sarcasm) 1990's track lighting with a beautiful new chandelier). . .

And before you knew it, in about five hours (with the help of 7 strong guys, a moving truck, four Costco pizzas, and my friend Melissa helping me direct traffic and furniture at the new house) everything was moved

And you should have seen the effort put in by the swing set crew!! Our dear friend Dick came early that morning to disassemble it, take down a portion of our old fence, load it into his trailer, put back together the fence then haul it to the new house. (It still has to be reassembled but we have some time before the weather turns. The backyard is so ginormous - I can't wait for them to run and play!)

It was starting to look like a home . . . there was furniture (although our bed didn't get set up for another day - we were so blasted tired we slept on the floor!) The girls came home, were thrilled to see their rooms and equally excited to celebrate Christmas the next morning in our new home. We had a lovely Christmas. It was a breath of fresh air to stop the motion for 24 hours. We snuggled and read the bible story of Jesus' birth and drank cocoa with candy canes and enjoyed Santa's special delivery . . . an X-Box Kinetc . . . the most fun invention I have ever seen. The elves have really outdone themselves this year!!! (Santa may have waited in a ridiculously long line at Walmart the day after Thanksgiving to save $300 on this great new toy . . . Santa may have cut his leg while crazy customers pushed their way through . . . but Santa was a hero on Christmas morning . . . and oh - the gift of family fun and adventures and memories for years to come . . .)

And then the whirlwind continued . . . cable guy, ADT security guy, painter guy to paint walls and ceilings in living room, dining room, and family room . . .

And even a stove and fridge delivery from Lowes . . .

And the continual stream of boxes as we attemtped to locate and set up our stuff . . .

And as I look at this cursor anticipating more words . . . and re-read this post that I've been working on for two days (as I am continually distracted with more boxes, more coats of paint, more jobs, and more organizing) . . . I am at a loss . . . I think I must end here. To be continued . . .

And if you see her, can you please tell the unpacking/laundry/dishes/cooking/cleaning/painting/child-raising fairy that I need her help over here? She may not know where I've moved to . . . but please tell her to hurry!!

Books Read in 2011

2011-12-31T15:03:00.000-08:00

There are so many millions of blog postings I could write about: the move and the setting up of the house and the car accident we were in two days before our move and the delays of fridge deliveries and celebrations of Christmas and my 31st birthday and thoughts on the new year . . . all of which will come. But since I read a friend's post last year, I have been keeping track of all the books I read in 2011 and couldn't wait for the day when I could post the list. This in no way is a recomendation list . . . there were plenty wastes of time in this list . . . it's merely a compilation . . . and I must admit, I originally wanted to read 100 . . . and then as it got closer to the end of the year, I thought 80 was a reasonable goal . . . drat the move - I was one short. (But I'm secretly celebrating that I finished a few more than my avid reader friend in Spokane . . . I love you Sarah . . . but I beat you this year!! Hee hee!!)

So here they are . . . in their wonderful, terrible, entertaining, thought provoking, pointless, encouraging, depressing, hilarious glory. Read on!!

1. Vanishing Act by Jodi Picoult (search and rescue worker finds out she was abducted by her dad as a little girl – now mom and her dad is awaiting trial in Arizona)

2. The Sunflower by Simon Wiestenield (holocaust survivor recalls story of being asked for forgiveness by Nazi solider – debate of decision and ramifications)

3 Bringing up Girls by Dr. James Dobson (research and advice on raising girls of quality and character in the current society)

4. The Pact by Jodi Picoult (teen suicide deemed at possible murder –boyfriend claims suicide pact)

5. Twenty Pageants Later by Caroline B Cooney (sisters - one in pageants one as backseat supporter. middle school pageant brings two together)

6. The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins (roman type “game” to the death of member of different districts in country – controlled by Capitol)

7. Loves Enduring Promise by Janette Oke (second book about Marty and Clark and their growing family – build school house and church, girls get married)

JANUARY

8. Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins (second book in hunger games series)

9. Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins (final book in hunger games series)

10. Big Stone Gap by Adriana Trigiani (single pharmacist in southern town)

11. Summer at Tiffany by Majorie Hart (true story of two young women who leave small town in Iowa to get a job at Tiffany in New York – first ladies hired there)

FEBRUARY

12. The Sheen on the Silk by Anne Perry – crusades and story of mystery and plots for control

13. A Scarlet Cord by Deborah Raney – Christian love story of man in witness protection

14. Mercy by Jodi Picoult – man kills his wife when she asked him as she was dying of cancer, goes on trial , police chief having an affair

15. Loves Abiding Joy by Janette Clark – book four in Mary/Clark series train trip to west to visit Missie, clark falls in mine to save two boys and has to amputate leg

16. Just Between You and Me by Jenny B Jones – Christian romance, aunt goes back home reluctantly to raise niece, faces fears

17. What was Lost by Catherine O’Flynn – latch key kid turns spy with tragic ending

18. Choosing to See by Mary Beth Chapman – true story of accidental death of their 5 year old little girl and the journey they’d been through

MARCH

19. Twig by Elizabeth Orton Jones – Haley’s first chapter book about a little girl and her adventures with a little elf and a fairy

20. The Ultimate Reality Show by Clay Jacobsen – Christian man gets swooped up in helicopter to participate in a week long survivor type show

21. A Heart for the Prairie by Laurel Oke Logan – true story of author Janette Oke

22. Sing You Home by Jodi Picoult – a custody battle for three frozen embryos between a born again Christian ex-husband and wife now living in a lesbian relationship

23. Where Mercy is Shown, Mercy is Given by Duane “Dog” Chapman – story of the bounty hunter, his family and journey

24. Safely Home by Randy Alcorn - story of persecuted church in China and glimpse into prison and business practices as well as story of martyrs and heaven

APRIL

25. The Gift of an Ordinary Day by Katrina Kenison – a mothers memoir of whats important moments in the journey and not just the destination

26. Heaven is For Real by Todd Burpo – true story of 4 year old boy who, during life threatening surgery goes to heaven and describes Jesus and angels and throne etc.

27. Sarah Plain and Tall by Patricia MacLachlan(with girls) – story of prairie family who sent away for a new wife and mom from Maine

28. Harvesting the Heart by Jodi Picoult – a story of a young girl abandoned by her mom at age five then faced with becoming a mother and dealing with the stress

29. Beautiful Things Happen when a Woman Trusts God by Shelia Walsh – progression of lessons learned by 10 people in the bible and her story of depression and growth

MAY

30. Healer by Carol Cassella – family loses everything in pharmaceutical research moves to small town where wife becomes doctor of clinic for migrants and discovery of connection

31. Susannah’s Garden by Debbie Macomber – a 50 yr old women has to put mom in assisted living and face what ifs of the past

32. Mr. Poppers Penguin by Richard and Florence Atwawter – read out loud with girls in preparation for the movie story of man who raises penguins in city and creates show

33. Angry Housewives Eating Bon Bons by Lorna Landvik – story of a book club and their lives together through ups and downs and experiences

34. A Reliable Wife by Robert Goolrick – a mail order bride comes to discover plan to rescue lost son and twist continues as she planned with the lost son

35. Playing by Heart by Deborah Raney – an author writes in a bed and breakfast and falls in love with the owner by notes written back and forth

36. The Peculiar Miss Pickett by Nancy R. Julian – read with Hannah story of magical babysitter who, when she takes off her glasses, has amazing things happen

37. Hope is Contagious by Kenneth Hutchesrson – incredible inspirational story of Antioch’s pastor

38. Summer of Glorious Madness by Christy Yorke – bipolar man and his therapist and their journey through life with eachother and the many sides of the illness

JUNE

39. Oxygen by Carol Cassella – anesthesiologist charged with death of little girl having surgery story of litigation and truth of events

40. The Particular Sadness of Lemon Cake by Aimee Bender – a young girl discovers talent to taste people’s emotions through the food they make

41. Summer of My German Soldier by Bette Green – a Jewish girl hides a German boy on the run from a POW camp

42. Glastonbury Tor by LeAnne Hardy – quest of young man through monetary looking for forgiveness and his place in the world

43. Huge by Sasha Plaley – Wil’s story of attending fat camp forced by her fitness club parents

44. Priceless Memories by Bob Barker – biorgraphy of famous tv host

45. The Chasm by Randy Alcorn – a look at Christ’s sacrifice and the gift of grace

46. Sold by Patricia McCormick – a first hand account of the sex trade industry in India

JULY

47. Across the Wide River by Stephanie Reed – story of the Rankin family who helps in the escape of slaves during the mid to late 1800s

48. The Boy on the Bus by Deborah Schupack – strange mystery of lost boy replaced by look alike

49. The Help by Kathryn Stockett – interviews of black maids during 50/60’s

50. Moonface by Angela Balcita – true story man gives kidney to wife

51. Forget Her Nots by Brecount White – teen girl who has ability to read flower messages

52. The Ultimate Gift by Jim Stovall – gpa leaves billion to grandson after 12 mnths of tasks

53. The Ultimate Life by Jim Stovall – family sues for billions and gson has to reprove tasks

54. Three Weeks with my Brother by Nicolas Sparks – true story of trip around the world with his brother includes family stories all throughout

AUGUST

55. The Liberating Truth by Danielle Strickland – a liberal view of God’s plan for women

56. Secret Daughter by Shilpi Somaya Gowda – girl adopted from India by family unable to have children. As a college student she travels to discover her roots and attempt to find birth mom

57. From the Garden to the City by John Dyer – the redeeming and corrupting power o technology

58. A Spoonful of Poison by M.C. Beaton – detective Agatha Raisin solves crime in small village

59. Distant Shores by Kristin Hannah – couple discovering who they are and what they want after kids are in college and hubby offered job of his dreams in New York

60. The World-Tilting Gospel by Dan Phillips – intense look at what the bible says about the gospel and living as an outrageous Christian

61. So Much to Say Made Mathews Band by Nikki Van Noy – over detailed history of 20 years on the road

62. Your Eight Year Old by Louise Bates – developmental and emotional overview

63. What I Call Life by Jill Wolfson – teenage girl forced to move into group home

SEPTEMBER

64. Playing Hurt by Brian Goins – a guy’s strategy for a winning marriage

65. Skipping a Beat by Sarah Pekkanen – man reevaluates wealthy life after heart attack

66. Plain Truth by Jodi Picoult – amish woman accused of killing her baby

67. Refuge on Crescent Hill by – woman inherits grandmas house and discovers passage to underground railroad

68. Become a Famous Writer before you’re Dead by Ariel Gore – tips and ideas

69. Little Bee by Chris Cleave – refugee finds family whom she met on beach

OCTOBER

70. The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer – author goes to island to write about effects of war and loves the life there

71. Things I Learned about My Dad (in therapy) by Heather B. Armstrong – compilation of essays about fatherhood

72. Alice I Have Been by Melanie Benjamin – fictional biography of Alice in Wonderland told through the eyes of Alice

73. The Bookseller of Kabul by Asne Seierstad – first hand look at Afghani life

74. Salem Falls by Jodi Picoult – teacher wrong-fully accused of rape with a minor tries to start over in a small town only to be harassed and framed for another crime

75. Keeping Faith by Jodi Picoult – seven year old talks to God after divorce and miracles start happening around her

NOVEMBER

76. Amish Grace by Donald Krraybill, Steven Nolt, and David Weaver – school shooting in Amish community and their response

77. Grace by Elizabeth Scott – young girl trained to be suicide bomber purposely fails then has to escape

78. Picture Perfect by Jodi Picoult – life in an abusive relationship with a celebrity

79. Jars of Glass by Brad Barkley – family dealing with loss in different ways

It's FINALLY Happening!!

2011-12-21T10:38:00.000-08:00

It's a long and personal story . . . one to detailed to type and send through blogger-space . . . but after much prayer and paperwork and processing and waiting for months and praying some more . . . we are MOVING!!! And yes - we are crazy to move four days before Christmas but I can't tell you how much we've needed this end result. And we can't wait to spend Christmas in our new home!!!!

I am taking lots of before and after pictures to share the process of setting up in the new space . . . our new space . . . a space to laugh and grow and fellowship with those around us and rejoice in God's goodness.

Kindergarten Fun

2011-12-16T11:06:00.000-08:00

I recently had the opportunity to join Haley and her kindergarten class in the infamous building of the milk carton gingerbread (but really graham crackers) house. It was a messy, great time. Haley borrowed Hannah's shirt (two sizes to big) because, "Mom, it's perfect. It has the gingerbread man on it!!" She's right - it was perfect!

The last picture shows her incredible, patient, organized teacher - we are so thankful to have him as a part of Haley's education. It was soooo fun to watch the full gammet of techniques. From the type A kiddo whose roof was perfectly covered with pretzel sticks exactly lined up in a row. And the kid who haphazardly threw things on with way to much frosting and no plan what so ever. To my favorite, the kid who put two things on his house and then ate the rest of his bag of decorations (ie - candy). The grand finale of the volunteering was carefully carrying the finished houses back to the classroom (and fixing a few falling roofs on the way) and wiping down each kid. They somehow managed to get frosting on their hands, on their faces, in their hair, on their clothes and all over the table and floor. Sorry janitors - you don't get paid enough for gingerbread house day!!

What's not to love about Kindergarten? It took everything bit of adult restraint I had not to jump in, grab a milk carton and get to work!! As grown ups, we don't have as many opportunities to be so creative in such a fun and silly way. And the gingerbread house Haley made is sitting on a shelf gradually losing it's decor as little fingers rip things off with each passing by!!

Not So Little Anymore

2011-12-15T13:52:00.000-08:00

On Tuesday this week, my youngest daughter (who was just born yesterday . . . wasn't she?!) turned 6 years old. It used to drive me up the wall when well meaning women further along their mothering journey would say, "oh it goes so fast" . . . or "you won't believe how quickly they grow up". . . but I'm finally understanding and am becoming myself, a well meaning woman further along on my mothering journey saying the same things to mommys of younger kids.

So where did the time go? It has gone by with more precious moments than I can even recount . . . but I'll give you six in honor of her six years.

1. She was born at around 3:30 pm (isn't it funny how on the day she was born I could tell you the exact minute and each little ounce she weighed? Perspective . . . ) It took one push - the doctor had finished putting on his gloves, turned around and there she was - beautifully pink with a great set of lungs.

2. She was a busy little baby - always on the move. Her favorite activity was her Jump Up (the crazy contraption you hang in the doorway?!). We used to set Hannah's little trampoline in front of her which would make Haley just crack up and jump faster watching big sister.

3. Three years old for Haley was . . . I can't think of a way to sugar coat it . . . challenging. Sure there were lots of sweet moments and endearing kisses but that kiddo had a defiant little spirit like you wouldn't believe. I remember Travis coming home one day to find me in tears. I said, "Am I a terrible mom if the minute she woke up today, I was counting down the hours till she went to bed?" To which he scooped me up and said, "I'm sure you're pretty normal" . . . I love that man.

4. Four was absolutely incredible. I think working so hard to discipline and shape and mold the crazy three year old into a functioning little person made the other side that much sweeter. Hannah started school and Haley became my little buddy. We ran errands together, made lunch together, read books together, took rests together (mostly for Mommy's sake) and I truly enjoyed her to bits. She found a great love for cooking and I spent so much time making anything and everything we could just so I could watch her smile while she mixed and stirred and poured and was so proud of her end results.

5. Haley has the most incredible sense of humor. Since as long as I can remember, she makes our family laugh harder that anything else. She has perfect timing, a hilarious dry delivery and knows how to work the room. I can't begin to tell you all the funny things she's said, funny things she's done and how many fall-off-our-chairs-tears-down-our-faces-laughing-so-hard-we've-almost-peed moments we have had thanks to her. And when something strikes her as funny, she laughs with pure abandon and it's sooo contagious we can't help but join in.

6. She is the most versatile little girl I have ever met. She looooves to be outside - bugs, dirt, plants, running, climbing, jumping, you name it, she loves it. She looooves to draw and she is incredibly good at it. She going to be a great pictionary partner someday! She looooves getting fancy - lip gloss, 'hair-dos' eyeshadow, the works. She loooves to play with dollies. She is so nurturing and tender and it is so precious to watch. And she loooves to love. She is a snuggly kid and the hugs, kisses and times she wants to sit on my lap are so sweet to me.

I am so blessed to be your Mommy little one . . . I am so excited to continue down this path with you my little buddy . . . God has given you such a sense of wonder, a surpassing beauty and a journey ahead full of blessings. Happy Birthday Haley.

Christmas at Country Village

2011-12-13T13:22:00.000-08:00

On Saturday, we had the opportunity to celebrate the season in two amazing ways. One of our favorite cousins Mandy took Hannah to see the Nutcracker in Seattle. She was so excited to go and have a big girl date all her own. And thrilled with the special ornament Mandy got her as a memory.

While Hannah and Mandy were off on their adventure, Haley, Grandma and I went to Country Village. In case you haven't been there (or don't live in the area), its . . . well its . . . a country village?! It is filled with sweet little shops to poke around in, cottages to explore and always fun places for kids (like a big boat play set when it's sunny and tons of ducks to feed). We've enjoyed Country Village for years but I've never been there during December and it was truly a treat.

We walked around and discovered they had pony rides!! Haley could not have been more excited.

She kept a straight face the entire time yet as soon as the ride was finished, she began jumping up and down saying it was the most fun she has ever had.

We walked into a little tea shop and looked into the display case. Haley saw some pink meringue and couldn't wait to taste it. (I must admit, it was the sweetest little girl snack ever!)

We found Mrs. Claus and Haley got to talk to her for a while.

After enjoying the beautiful decorations in some of the cottages, we stopped and bought some kettle corn (from the blasted cutest older man I'd ever seen).

We ended our time at Country Village with a ride on the train. It was a bit rainy at this point but the train conductor had fleece blankets to wear on our laps as we rode and it was all worth it to see the smile on Haley's face as we rode around the entire village admiring the lights and decor.

It was a wonderful day and the girls could not stop talking all the way home about their adventures. Hannah sat a few rows behind the orchestra pit and even got to play a violin during the intermission!. She will never forget all she saw. And Haley couldn't wait to tell Hannah every bit of her day as well.

We were almost home and were admiring the many homes decorated on our way when we noticed a nativity scene set up in a church window. We had to stop and get a closer look.

We had all had a wonderful day full of music and lights and food and fun . . . and this scene quieted our hearts. Our conversation changed the rest of the way home. We were still thrilled with all we had done but spent some time remembering the story of the nativity. Christmas is filled with so many incredible moments to experience so many fantastic things . . . but when you step back and pause for a moment, the reason for such a celebration is in honor of this precious sight . . . God's son sent into the world as a tiny baby to awe and inspire us in more ways than any show or ride or treat ever could. I hope you are enjoying all this season has to offer . . . and have had a few chances to pause the hustle and bustle to be still . . .

Building a Memory . . .

2011-12-08T19:22:00.000-08:00

My incredible in-laws have an amazing collection of village houses and people and carriages and animals and trees and . . . you get the point. They have so many that they have blessed our family with a full set of retired pieces, and are only able to set up one half of the items they have at one time. It's stunning really.

This yearly event of setting up and enjoying the village was closely related in memories to our dear sweet Nana who passed away three years ago. The emotions were a bit to raw to consider doing it without her enjoying the experience with us to do it any sooner. As a family, we decided this was the year to carry on the tradition anew.

Now this is quite an extensive process . . . it began in the morning when Marilyn brought out all the houses from the safety of their boxes and organized them by type. When we arrived in the evening, the girls were slack-jawed to look at each piece and enjoyed hearing Grandma explain the significance of every item.

The men then began cutting huge styrofoam sheets into shapes to serve as the platform and hills of the village. There was lots of measuring, lots of cutting with an exacto knife, and lots of manliness.

The time began to place the pieces ever so carefully (and there were many times I held my breath) into their positions. The girls were so careful and did a fantastic job. It was so amazing to watch their patience and precious adoration of the whole thing.

The lights were then carefully put inside each house and plugged into outlets . . .

And finally it was time to step back and enjoy the incredible beauty of the village we just built.

No picture could begin to do it justice. It is truly an amazing site. But even more amazing than the village we built, were the memories we built together. Another generation experienced the magic of doing something beautiful together . . . and that is priceless.