Bonnie is going through a book called All About Me and each Wednesday she will be asking us some key questions about ourselves. So today I'm sharing the answers to her questions with all of you. And if you'd like to play along and share your answers to you can either do so in the comments or on your own blog - just make sure you leave a comment here so we know to go check it out!
A color you like to wear
Brown
Regardless of size or circumstance, an animal you would like to own as a pet
Giraffe
A flower you would like to grow in your garden
Ranunculous
Your lucky number {don't really believe in luck, but this is my FAVE number}
3
A smell that makes you pause
Freesia
A taste that makes you melt
Warm cookies from the oven
A hobby that occupies your time
Scrapbooking
A sport your enjoy watching
Baseball on TV, my kids playing soccer in real life
A sport you enjoy playing
Baseball
A city you'd like to visit
Seattle
A country you would like to explore
Ireland
More Favorites Next Week!
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Weather Window
Darcy at Life with my three Boybarians is asking ... what's the weather outside your window right now. Well, right now it's dark. It's also been dreary and rainy and cold for the past few days. We had some lovely snow, but sadly most of it just looks like a muddy pile of yuck at this point. There is more grass and muck than pretty white snow now.
But just the other day the girls and I spotted this little bit of loveliness way back in one of our highest trees. I am thankful for a great zoom lens which enabled us to see it close up!
And so, this is the view from my back window ... not now at this exact moment - but pretty close! And I agree with Darcy ... these long winter days are starting to wear on me. I've stayed in my home more days than I've been out of it and I need me some warm sunshine!!
But just the other day the girls and I spotted this little bit of loveliness way back in one of our highest trees. I am thankful for a great zoom lens which enabled us to see it close up!
And so, this is the view from my back window ... not now at this exact moment - but pretty close! And I agree with Darcy ... these long winter days are starting to wear on me. I've stayed in my home more days than I've been out of it and I need me some warm sunshine!!
OH, and bonus points to anyone who can identify this beauty - it may look small but it was actually huge and you can see part of it hanging way down behind the branch. My father in law thought it was some kind of hawk ...
Saturday, January 16, 2010
Ham & Cheese Grandwiches
This is seriously my new favorite lunch! Oh yum! I tried to make it semi low fat - and for these I came up with 5.5 WW points per sandwich. I used mostly ingredients I already had at home, but next time might find a way to make it more low fat - because I could literally eat 3 of these things for lunch! haha!
Anyway - here's what you do:
Take grands biscuits and flatten them on a baking sheet. I used the smaller size ones, but would rather find the low fat {bigger sized} ones - they just didn't have them at the store I was at. The small ones didn't spread very far.
Place slices of ham on top, then shredded cheddar cheese. I'm sure if I found a low fat cheese I could reduce the points value.
Top with another grands biscuit, also spread out so it almost covers the whole top.
Bake in the oven at 400 degrees for 15 min. The grands package said 10 min so I tried that but they needed a little more time so just check them often and make sure the biscuit looks cooked but doesn't burn.
They came out so bubbly and yummy and delicious! I may never want a plain ol bread sandwich again!!
Anyway - here's what you do:
Take grands biscuits and flatten them on a baking sheet. I used the smaller size ones, but would rather find the low fat {bigger sized} ones - they just didn't have them at the store I was at. The small ones didn't spread very far.
Place slices of ham on top, then shredded cheddar cheese. I'm sure if I found a low fat cheese I could reduce the points value.
Top with another grands biscuit, also spread out so it almost covers the whole top.
Bake in the oven at 400 degrees for 15 min. The grands package said 10 min so I tried that but they needed a little more time so just check them often and make sure the biscuit looks cooked but doesn't burn.
They came out so bubbly and yummy and delicious! I may never want a plain ol bread sandwich again!!
Pasta Fagioli Soup & other recipes
I have really been enjoying my crock pot lately. It makes my life so much easier and I also find that I'm making healthier meals with it.
I've been trying to plan my menu in advance, make sure to buy all the needed ingredients at the store, then make myself remember to take the meats out of the freezer in advance and prepare the veggies and stuff so I can just throw it all in the crock and be done with it.
Anyhow ... this week I tried a few new recipes and I really liked them all! The only thing I'm having trouble with is getting the timing just right with the crockpot because a couple of the items came out a little dry and overcooked. I suppose a lot of that is trial and error.
So without further ado ... the recipes ...
My homemade bread - not made in the crockpot, but went so well with hot pasta fagioli soup! Yum! I love homemade bread - just don't make it too often as I end up eating WAY too much of it. I did this in the bread machine so it didn't make much. Most times I let it mix and rise in the machine, then bake it in the oven since I end up with 2 full loaves instead of one when I do it that way. Anyway ... sorry for the bunny trail - back to the recipes!
Pasta Fagioli Soup
1 lb lean ground beef
1/2 lg red onion
1 cup chopped carrots
2 celery stalks, chopped
1 can kidney beans - drained and rinsed
1 can white beans - drained and rinsed
4 cups beef broth
1 jar pasta sauce
2 tsp oregano
1 TBSP tabasco
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper
1/2 cup dry pasta - I used a whole cup and honestly it could have used a little more, but I love pasta so that's just my 2 cents.
brown and drain meat. set aside.
chop all veggies and add to crock.
then add cans of beans, liquids, sauce.
add spices. add meat.
Cook on high for 4 hours or low for 8 -- add the pasta the last hour of cooking.
This recipe makes A LOT, use a 6 qt crock. You will definitely have leftovers! Or you could just halve the recipe. I love having leftovers for lunches and also to freeze some.
Pineapple Chicken
Chicken breasts or thighs
1/4 cup soy sauce
one full can of chunk pineapple / drained
Cook in crock on low for 4 hours. My chicken came out too dry -- next time I will check on it sooner and take it out sooner if needed.
Salsa Chicken
6 chicken thighs - you can remove skin if you want -I tend to cook with the skin on, then remove before eating.
1 can black beans - drained and rinsed
1 can corn - drained
1 jar salsa - whatever spiciness you choose - I always choose medium
Put chicken in crock, add other items over top, cook on high for 4-5 hours or low for 6-9. This chicken came out SO juicy it was falling off the bone! So I actually pulled the chicken pieces out of the crock at the end, cut all the chicken off the bone and chopped it into small pieces - then put the pieces back in with the salsa/corn/bean mix and mixed it all up. It was sort of like a thick chicken/salsa soup. It came out so yummy!
Beef and Broccoli
1 lb thin beef rib eye
1/4 cup soy sauce
2 TBSP white wine {didn't have any so I skipped it}
2 TBSP apple cider vinegar
1 TBSP brown sugar
2 tsp sesame oil
2 cloves smashed/chopped garlic
1/2 tsp crushed red pepper
1 bag froz broccoli - thawed
Add liquid to crock. Add garlic, stir in spices. Slice meat into thin strips. Add meat and toss all items in crock to coat meat with liquids/spices.
Cook on low for 6-8 hours. Add the broccoli the last hour. Stir. Serve over rice.
Again my meat came out too dry. I need to figure out the best cooking times and temps for some of these foods. I also bought extra lean meat - so maybe that was another reason for the dryness? Not sure. But nevertheless ... still a good recipe and one I will probably try again.
I hope to share more as I discover new recipes and things to try ... happy cooking friends!
PS. all of these recipes were found on A Year of Slow Cooking. Check it out - she used her crock every day for a whole year!
I've been trying to plan my menu in advance, make sure to buy all the needed ingredients at the store, then make myself remember to take the meats out of the freezer in advance and prepare the veggies and stuff so I can just throw it all in the crock and be done with it.
Anyhow ... this week I tried a few new recipes and I really liked them all! The only thing I'm having trouble with is getting the timing just right with the crockpot because a couple of the items came out a little dry and overcooked. I suppose a lot of that is trial and error.
So without further ado ... the recipes ...
My homemade bread - not made in the crockpot, but went so well with hot pasta fagioli soup! Yum! I love homemade bread - just don't make it too often as I end up eating WAY too much of it. I did this in the bread machine so it didn't make much. Most times I let it mix and rise in the machine, then bake it in the oven since I end up with 2 full loaves instead of one when I do it that way. Anyway ... sorry for the bunny trail - back to the recipes!Pasta Fagioli Soup
1 lb lean ground beef
1/2 lg red onion
1 cup chopped carrots
2 celery stalks, chopped
1 can kidney beans - drained and rinsed
1 can white beans - drained and rinsed
4 cups beef broth
1 jar pasta sauce
2 tsp oregano
1 TBSP tabasco
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper
1/2 cup dry pasta - I used a whole cup and honestly it could have used a little more, but I love pasta so that's just my 2 cents.
brown and drain meat. set aside.
chop all veggies and add to crock.
then add cans of beans, liquids, sauce.
add spices. add meat.
Cook on high for 4 hours or low for 8 -- add the pasta the last hour of cooking.
This recipe makes A LOT, use a 6 qt crock. You will definitely have leftovers! Or you could just halve the recipe. I love having leftovers for lunches and also to freeze some.
Pineapple ChickenChicken breasts or thighs
1/4 cup soy sauce
one full can of chunk pineapple / drained
Cook in crock on low for 4 hours. My chicken came out too dry -- next time I will check on it sooner and take it out sooner if needed.
Salsa Chicken
6 chicken thighs - you can remove skin if you want -I tend to cook with the skin on, then remove before eating.
1 can black beans - drained and rinsed
1 can corn - drained
1 jar salsa - whatever spiciness you choose - I always choose medium
Put chicken in crock, add other items over top, cook on high for 4-5 hours or low for 6-9. This chicken came out SO juicy it was falling off the bone! So I actually pulled the chicken pieces out of the crock at the end, cut all the chicken off the bone and chopped it into small pieces - then put the pieces back in with the salsa/corn/bean mix and mixed it all up. It was sort of like a thick chicken/salsa soup. It came out so yummy!
Beef and Broccoli
1 lb thin beef rib eye
1/4 cup soy sauce
2 TBSP white wine {didn't have any so I skipped it}
2 TBSP apple cider vinegar
1 TBSP brown sugar
2 tsp sesame oil
2 cloves smashed/chopped garlic
1/2 tsp crushed red pepper
1 bag froz broccoli - thawed
Add liquid to crock. Add garlic, stir in spices. Slice meat into thin strips. Add meat and toss all items in crock to coat meat with liquids/spices.
Cook on low for 6-8 hours. Add the broccoli the last hour. Stir. Serve over rice.
Again my meat came out too dry. I need to figure out the best cooking times and temps for some of these foods. I also bought extra lean meat - so maybe that was another reason for the dryness? Not sure. But nevertheless ... still a good recipe and one I will probably try again.
I hope to share more as I discover new recipes and things to try ... happy cooking friends!
PS. all of these recipes were found on A Year of Slow Cooking. Check it out - she used her crock every day for a whole year!
Friday, January 15, 2010
Play Room Dreamin'
These are the pics of our playroom -- sorry I can't get them moved lower in the post - it's SUCH a mess!!!!
Original post:
We recently went to a friend's house for the weekend. Actually the house belonged to my friend's in laws - but anyway, they had this very fun playroom for their grandkids. My girls had a BLAST playing in it all weekend. Was there anything super special about it? Not really. But it was full of fun toys and things that were new and different from what my girls have in their own home.
When we came home I kept asking my girls what was so fun and special about it. We have a huge finished basement that we use as a playroom - it's full of toys and stuff - but it seems like my girls rarely ever use the space or play with the toys. I will admit, this time of year it's mighty chilly down there ... but we have space heaters and I always try to encourage the girls to turn them on to warm the space so they can play down there.
Anyway, the girls shared that they would love to have a play kitchen, grocery cart, play food, etc ... I actually had to laugh because we USED to have all that and I got rid of most of it because they never played with it anymore!!! I thought that because they were beyond the toddler age it was useless to save that kind of stuff. Boy was I wrong!!
And so I find myself wondering what I can do to spruce up their playroom, make it more appealing, bring the fun back! Thankfully my youngest has a birthday coming up ... so my wheels are turning and I have lots of thoughts of things I can do to the playroom as a birthday gift to her.
The girls and I started looking at some photos online of playrooms we liked ... we ALL were drooling over this Pottery Barn kids one - wow! So adorable!
When we came home I kept asking my girls what was so fun and special about it. We have a huge finished basement that we use as a playroom - it's full of toys and stuff - but it seems like my girls rarely ever use the space or play with the toys. I will admit, this time of year it's mighty chilly down there ... but we have space heaters and I always try to encourage the girls to turn them on to warm the space so they can play down there.
Anyway, the girls shared that they would love to have a play kitchen, grocery cart, play food, etc ... I actually had to laugh because we USED to have all that and I got rid of most of it because they never played with it anymore!!! I thought that because they were beyond the toddler age it was useless to save that kind of stuff. Boy was I wrong!!
And so I find myself wondering what I can do to spruce up their playroom, make it more appealing, bring the fun back! Thankfully my youngest has a birthday coming up ... so my wheels are turning and I have lots of thoughts of things I can do to the playroom as a birthday gift to her.
The girls and I started looking at some photos online of playrooms we liked ... we ALL were drooling over this Pottery Barn kids one - wow! So adorable!
Our playroom already has one red wall ... so something in this color range would be great. But the price tag? Uh, no thank you! Way out of my price range! Besides, the kids in the photo are probably about 3 or 4 ... which means these items will be way too small for my 8 and almost 7 year olds.
So my plan is to either build, or ask a friend to build a kitchen that is taller and more suitable for my daughters. I also have some other really fun and cheap ideas of things I can do in the space. Honestly, it's fun to have a project to work on, and this one will be extra fun because it's all about playing!
The two things my daughters like to make believe most are 'home' and 'school' ... and I think I have some great ideas of how to make our space include both elements!
I do have a before photo - it's pretty ugly though! The current playroom is such a disaster right now! But when I get a chance I will upload it here - you will be shocked at the mess!
I'm also open for ideas ... you are some very creative people - and I just know you are brimming with awesome ideas. So please share, email me or post pics of your playroom to your blog and let me know about it. I'm definitely looking for more inspiration! Thanks friends!!!!
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Happy 101
My friend's Dad has this very cool blog. He is researching his genealogy and posting about it on his blog. It's something I would love to do someday ... you know, when I get that ever illusive 'free' time to myself! Anyway, Les blogged about this Happy 101 list ... and though he didn't tag me, I decided to do it anyway!I consider myself a generally happy person. I try to focus on the good in life and be positive and upbeat. Of course I don't always accomplish this, I'm not always happy and my life isn't always peachy. But choosing a general attitude of joy and happiness is something I strive for.
So, here are the top ten things that make me happy in life ...
1. my relationship with God
2. my amazing husband
3. my delightful 2 daughters
4. my family
5. my friends
6. my home
7. my computer
8. coffee
9. my camera, taking photos, looking at photos, scrapbooking
10. books
I've been trying to add to my 1000 Gifts list too and I feel that those items which I am thankful for are also the things that bring me joy and happiness. It's amazing when you take the time to focus on things you're thankful for ... that you truly start to appreciate even the littlest things in life. Instead of seeing a huge pile of nasty, dirty laundry that will take me hours of work ... I now see the blessing of having so many clothes to keep us warm and I think about how blessed we are compared to many people in this world that have no laundry to do! It's all about perspective!
A happy heart makes the face cheerful. Proverbs 15:13
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Where have I been?
Helloooooo friends! I'm still here, I have not run away! The beginning of 2010 has been very busy for us so far and I just haven't had much time to catch up on blogging. We have been busy trying to get back to routines and schoolwork, plus we took a long weekend trip to see some friends in Pennsylvania.
I have much to blog about when I get some time ... but until then how about a fun little questionnaire that we can ALL take part in!
Leave a comment letting us know the answers to these questions ...
What is your fave color?
What is your fave magazine?
What book are you currently reading?
What is your current favorite song or artist?
What do you most like / dislike about the beginning of a new year?
My answers:
My fave color is turquoise ... though pink and brown are a close 2nd and 3rd ...
My fave magazine is Creating Keepsakes - lots of cute scrapbook ideas!
I am currently reading A Thousand Tomorrows by Karen Kingsbury - love all of her books!
My current fave song ... hmmm, tough one as I like a lot of music. But I just heard this great new Carrie Underwood song - I'm gonna see if I can find it on youtube and post it here. I will tell you why I love it so much VERY soon {but I'm guessing some of you might already be able to guess}
What I love about a new year - it's a fresh new beginning, a chance to start over, begin again, get back to routines, etc ... What I don't like is - it's HARD to get back on routines after enjoying the laziness and long days of vacation! It's HARD to eat well and exercise after so many yummy treats at the holidays!
OK, your turn, join in the fun and comment with your answers! Maybe one day I'll actually figure out how to use the Mcklinky thing and we can link to your posts! {someday!}
I have much to blog about when I get some time ... but until then how about a fun little questionnaire that we can ALL take part in!
Leave a comment letting us know the answers to these questions ...
What is your fave color?
What is your fave magazine?
What book are you currently reading?
What is your current favorite song or artist?
What do you most like / dislike about the beginning of a new year?
My answers:
My fave color is turquoise ... though pink and brown are a close 2nd and 3rd ...
My fave magazine is Creating Keepsakes - lots of cute scrapbook ideas!
I am currently reading A Thousand Tomorrows by Karen Kingsbury - love all of her books!
My current fave song ... hmmm, tough one as I like a lot of music. But I just heard this great new Carrie Underwood song - I'm gonna see if I can find it on youtube and post it here. I will tell you why I love it so much VERY soon {but I'm guessing some of you might already be able to guess}
What I love about a new year - it's a fresh new beginning, a chance to start over, begin again, get back to routines, etc ... What I don't like is - it's HARD to get back on routines after enjoying the laziness and long days of vacation! It's HARD to eat well and exercise after so many yummy treats at the holidays!
OK, your turn, join in the fun and comment with your answers! Maybe one day I'll actually figure out how to use the Mcklinky thing and we can link to your posts! {someday!}
Monday, January 4, 2010
My 2010 {hopeful} book list!
I always have multiple books going at any given time. I love to read and find that I grow so much as a person through reading a variety of books. Right now I have a HUGE list of books that I want to read this year. Most of them I already own and it's simply a matter of making time to read them. Typically I read the Bible and my devotional type books when I first wake up, then some other type of personal growth books in the mid-afternoon {if I have time}, then my fiction stuff at night right before bed. I like to read the 'easy' stuff at bedtime because it relaxes me and I don't have to think too hard about what I'm reading!
So, without further ado - this is my list of books that I hope to read this year. A lot of them are personal growth books, which are the ones that always seem to take me the longest to get through - so this is definitely a lofty goal but I hope to get through as many as possible. I'm sure I will also add a WHOLE LOT more fiction books to this list - I tend to just read whatever comes my way by recommendation from others. Or if my fave authors come out with something new then I tend to pick those up too. Books in red are ones I'm currently working on.
OK, here goes:
Journal / Quiet time type books
1. The Yada Yada Prayer group journal by Neta Jackson (currently reading/using)
2. The Power of a Positive Woman devo and journal by Karol Ladd (started last year and never finished)
3. 31 days of prayer for my child by Susan Alexander Yates (have been thru it a couple times already but love to re-read)
4. Yada Yada devotional journal for Moms by Vicki Courtney (different author, similar concept)
5. Quiet places by Jane Rubietta
For personal growth
1. Discover your spiritual gifts by C. Peter Wagner
2. Growing strong daughters by Lisa Graham McMinn
3. Respectable Sins by Jerry Bridges (started last year, never finished)
4. The Ultimate Makeover - becoming spiritually beautiful in Christ by Sharon Jaynes
5. Captivating and Captivating study guide by John and Stasi Eldredge
6. The Discipline of Grace by Jerry Bridges
7. Passionate Housewives Desperate for God by Jennie Chancey and Stacy McDonald
8. Taking Care of the Me in Mommy by Lisa Welchel (almost done)
9. Crazy love by Francis Chan
For my marriage
1. The Power of a praying wife by Stormie Omartian (currently reading)
2. The Joy of a Promise Kept by various wives of Christian leaders
3. The Love Dare by Steven and Alex Kendrick
For fun
1. Who do I talk to by Neta Jackson (currently reading)
2. Same Kind of Different as Me
3. A thousand tomorrows by Karen Kingsbury
4. The follow up to Twilight - I'll be honest, I don't even know which one comes 2nd! by Stephanie Meyer
I KNOW a lot more will be added to this category!
Stuff I want to read first, then share with my girls
1. The young women of faith series including; The Creativity book, the Body book, the walk the walk book, the beauty book, etc ...
So, without further ado - this is my list of books that I hope to read this year. A lot of them are personal growth books, which are the ones that always seem to take me the longest to get through - so this is definitely a lofty goal but I hope to get through as many as possible. I'm sure I will also add a WHOLE LOT more fiction books to this list - I tend to just read whatever comes my way by recommendation from others. Or if my fave authors come out with something new then I tend to pick those up too. Books in red are ones I'm currently working on.
OK, here goes:
Journal / Quiet time type books
1. The Yada Yada Prayer group journal by Neta Jackson (currently reading/using)
2. The Power of a Positive Woman devo and journal by Karol Ladd (started last year and never finished)
3. 31 days of prayer for my child by Susan Alexander Yates (have been thru it a couple times already but love to re-read)
4. Yada Yada devotional journal for Moms by Vicki Courtney (different author, similar concept)
5. Quiet places by Jane Rubietta
For personal growth
1. Discover your spiritual gifts by C. Peter Wagner
2. Growing strong daughters by Lisa Graham McMinn
3. Respectable Sins by Jerry Bridges (started last year, never finished)
4. The Ultimate Makeover - becoming spiritually beautiful in Christ by Sharon Jaynes
5. Captivating and Captivating study guide by John and Stasi Eldredge
6. The Discipline of Grace by Jerry Bridges
7. Passionate Housewives Desperate for God by Jennie Chancey and Stacy McDonald
8. Taking Care of the Me in Mommy by Lisa Welchel (almost done)
9. Crazy love by Francis Chan
For my marriage
1. The Power of a praying wife by Stormie Omartian (currently reading)
2. The Joy of a Promise Kept by various wives of Christian leaders
3. The Love Dare by Steven and Alex Kendrick
For fun
1. Who do I talk to by Neta Jackson (currently reading)
2. Same Kind of Different as Me
3. A thousand tomorrows by Karen Kingsbury
4. The follow up to Twilight - I'll be honest, I don't even know which one comes 2nd! by Stephanie Meyer
I KNOW a lot more will be added to this category!
Stuff I want to read first, then share with my girls
1. The young women of faith series including; The Creativity book, the Body book, the walk the walk book, the beauty book, etc ...
1000 Gifts {95-122}
95. snow!
96. 20 min of bundling only to have them come back inside after only 10 min out in the snow
97. sledding
98. 4 wheel drive
99. a job that also serves as a creative outlet
100. turkey meatballs
101. grandparents
102. laughter and games
103. wii
104. togetherness
105. bright Christmas morning sunshine
106. friends to play with over Christmas break
107. more snow
108. a fun and festive NYE with friends!
109. the warmth of home
110. a fresh, new beginning - in every sense of the word
111. our home
112. healthy bodies
113. qwirkle
114. late nights hangin' with my hubby after the kids have gone to bed
115. being able to stay up late and sleep in late for 2 straight weeks
116. the comfort and security of getting back on routine
117. staying home to 'school' on a cold, blustery morning
118. hot coffee to warm the bones
119. lots of books on my 'want to read' shelf
120. giggly, girly laughter
121. sisters sharing a room
122. living a blessed life
96. 20 min of bundling only to have them come back inside after only 10 min out in the snow
97. sledding
98. 4 wheel drive
99. a job that also serves as a creative outlet
100. turkey meatballs
101. grandparents
102. laughter and games
103. wii
104. togetherness
105. bright Christmas morning sunshine
106. friends to play with over Christmas break
107. more snow
108. a fun and festive NYE with friends!
109. the warmth of home
110. a fresh, new beginning - in every sense of the word
111. our home
112. healthy bodies
113. qwirkle
114. late nights hangin' with my hubby after the kids have gone to bed
115. being able to stay up late and sleep in late for 2 straight weeks
116. the comfort and security of getting back on routine
117. staying home to 'school' on a cold, blustery morning
118. hot coffee to warm the bones
119. lots of books on my 'want to read' shelf
120. giggly, girly laughter
121. sisters sharing a room
122. living a blessed life
Friday, January 1, 2010
A New Year, A new decade ...
2010 is here ... it's not just a new year, it's a whole new decade. Yesterday I was thinking about the new year and it suddenly dawned on me that it was also a new decade. I started thinking back on where I was and what I was doing 10 years ago. It amazes me how fast time has flown and how much my life has changed in the last 10 years!
Here are a few facts about me from 10 years ago ...
Bob and I had been married for 3 years.
We had a puppy Casey who was almost 1 year old.
We lived in a rental house that was almost 100 years old.
We served as teen leaders at our church.
We would take off for the weekend whenever we wanted to go north and ski.
We both worked full time at a casino.
On NYE I was working at the casino, at a special event for 'high rollers', we had to dress up in a fancy gown and 'mingle' with the party guests for the evening. Although I didn't really like my job at the casino - working the NYE party was actually kind of fun!
Fast forward 10 years ...
Bob and I have been married 13 years.
Our dog is now almost 11 and showing every bit of her old age.
We own our home and have been here almost 9 years.
I serve in the MOMS ministry at our church.
We have two beautiful daughters. {biggest, most rewarding change to our lives by far!}
I quit working at the casino when my oldest daughter was born and have been privileged to stay home {almost} full time with our girls.
I now only work part time at a florist and as a babysitter for our friend's baby.
I homeschool our girls.
We now take our girls with us to 'take off for the weekend' to ski. {We just plan things a little more now and are less spontaneous!}
Yesterday I helped design the flowers for the NYE event at the same casino I used to work at ... and even though it was fun to be there and see all the fun decor, I was thankful that I no longer work there and could instead have a fun evening at home with my family and friends instead of having to 'mingle' with high maintenance 'high rollers'. LOL
I know there are many more changes ... my life, my faith, my friendships ... the changes in my life since 10 years ago are innumerable. Simply having children has changed me in a million ways!! I am thankful for the changes though. I've made so many mistakes, and lived so selfishly for so many years. I'm so thankful that the Lord continues to work on me and change me and mold me to be more like Him.
I always try to set some goals or resolutions for myself. I know they won't all be met. I know that I will continue to fail in some areas. But I still find the importance of them because if I never seek to set new goals then that means I've given up on challenging myself to be a better person. So I looked back on last year's resolutions and there was definitely some disappointment because I did not accomplish all of my goals - but I wanted to post them here as another reminder to keep on trying, keep on pushing, keep on working towards those goals - day by day by day.
Last year I wanted to:
* Spend more time with the Lord. Reading the Bible, having my quiet time, praying, writing in my journal, etc ...
* Spend less time watching TV and being on the computer
* Eat more healthfully
* Exercise more consistently
* Prioritize my time better
* Plan specific times to have one on one time with each daughter and hubby and make sure that I carry them out.
* Make more time for friends and keep in better contact with the ones that live farther away.
* Read more books.
* Model Christlike behavior for my girls and anyone who sees me
What are my goals for this coming year?
~I did read my Bible more and spend more time with the Lord last year. STILL not nearly as consistent as I WANT to be - but more than previous years. I did not write more in my journal. So these items will continue to be on my list.
~I did watch less TV. Instead I spent MORE time on the computer. This is an area that I really need to get control over. The computer steals way too much of my time - because I LET it. It will also continue to be a goal.
~Eat healthy and exercise will stay on the list as well ... I seem to do well for a time, then fall off the wagon, then do well again, then fall off the wagon again. I'd like to find a more consistent balance in this area.
~Prioritize my time will stay on the list as well. Again, too much time wasted on the computer.
~One on one time with girls and hubby - still a goal. My family is so important to me and I need to make sure they know it - not just when we do things together but making special time for each person.
~Family time - we're pretty good about family time, but I want to be even better. I want to do more outdoor, active things together. Biking, hiking, etc ... We all got tennis rackets for Christmas so our 'goal' is to learn together and have fun doing it!
~ Make more time for friends and keep in better contact with the ones that live farther away. I think I do spend a good amount of time with my girlfriends - what I need to be better about is just calling and checking in on friends more. Just sending a note to say hi and that I was thinking about them. This goes for local and long distance friends.
~Read more books - I have read a TON of books this year - wish I had kept track of them all. So my goal will be to continue reading and growing and to keep an ongoing list of books I've read.
~Scrapbook more! I have a gazillion photos and tons of great scrapbook supplies - I need to make time for this. It's something I love so much yet I always fail to make time for it!
~Be a better wife. {Don't laugh - I know it sounds like a lofty goal!} This year I've thought a lot about how much more I need to pray for my husband, encourage him, build him up, make time for him, etc. I do not seek to be a perfect wife - I never will be perfect. But I could do more and I want to do more. I'm reading 'The Power of a Praying Wife' for the first time and I'm struck constantly by how much more I need to pray for Bob and every aspect of his life.
~Model Christlike behavior for my girls and anyone who sees me - this will forever be my goal and purpose in life. To become more like Christ little by little and make sure that I'm as 'real' as can be to all who know me.
So that's all friends. I want to grow this year, I want to learn, I want to challenge myself and change for the better. How about you? What are your goals for the coming year?
Here are a few facts about me from 10 years ago ...
Bob and I had been married for 3 years.
We had a puppy Casey who was almost 1 year old.
We lived in a rental house that was almost 100 years old.
We served as teen leaders at our church.
We would take off for the weekend whenever we wanted to go north and ski.
We both worked full time at a casino.
On NYE I was working at the casino, at a special event for 'high rollers', we had to dress up in a fancy gown and 'mingle' with the party guests for the evening. Although I didn't really like my job at the casino - working the NYE party was actually kind of fun!
Fast forward 10 years ...
Bob and I have been married 13 years.
Our dog is now almost 11 and showing every bit of her old age.
We own our home and have been here almost 9 years.
I serve in the MOMS ministry at our church.
We have two beautiful daughters. {biggest, most rewarding change to our lives by far!}
I quit working at the casino when my oldest daughter was born and have been privileged to stay home {almost} full time with our girls.
I now only work part time at a florist and as a babysitter for our friend's baby.
I homeschool our girls.
We now take our girls with us to 'take off for the weekend' to ski. {We just plan things a little more now and are less spontaneous!}
Yesterday I helped design the flowers for the NYE event at the same casino I used to work at ... and even though it was fun to be there and see all the fun decor, I was thankful that I no longer work there and could instead have a fun evening at home with my family and friends instead of having to 'mingle' with high maintenance 'high rollers'. LOL
I know there are many more changes ... my life, my faith, my friendships ... the changes in my life since 10 years ago are innumerable. Simply having children has changed me in a million ways!! I am thankful for the changes though. I've made so many mistakes, and lived so selfishly for so many years. I'm so thankful that the Lord continues to work on me and change me and mold me to be more like Him.
I always try to set some goals or resolutions for myself. I know they won't all be met. I know that I will continue to fail in some areas. But I still find the importance of them because if I never seek to set new goals then that means I've given up on challenging myself to be a better person. So I looked back on last year's resolutions and there was definitely some disappointment because I did not accomplish all of my goals - but I wanted to post them here as another reminder to keep on trying, keep on pushing, keep on working towards those goals - day by day by day.
Last year I wanted to:
* Spend more time with the Lord. Reading the Bible, having my quiet time, praying, writing in my journal, etc ...
* Spend less time watching TV and being on the computer
* Eat more healthfully
* Exercise more consistently
* Prioritize my time better
* Plan specific times to have one on one time with each daughter and hubby and make sure that I carry them out.
* Make more time for friends and keep in better contact with the ones that live farther away.
* Read more books.
* Model Christlike behavior for my girls and anyone who sees me
What are my goals for this coming year?
~I did read my Bible more and spend more time with the Lord last year. STILL not nearly as consistent as I WANT to be - but more than previous years. I did not write more in my journal. So these items will continue to be on my list.
~I did watch less TV. Instead I spent MORE time on the computer. This is an area that I really need to get control over. The computer steals way too much of my time - because I LET it. It will also continue to be a goal.
~Eat healthy and exercise will stay on the list as well ... I seem to do well for a time, then fall off the wagon, then do well again, then fall off the wagon again. I'd like to find a more consistent balance in this area.
~Prioritize my time will stay on the list as well. Again, too much time wasted on the computer.
~One on one time with girls and hubby - still a goal. My family is so important to me and I need to make sure they know it - not just when we do things together but making special time for each person.
~Family time - we're pretty good about family time, but I want to be even better. I want to do more outdoor, active things together. Biking, hiking, etc ... We all got tennis rackets for Christmas so our 'goal' is to learn together and have fun doing it!
~ Make more time for friends and keep in better contact with the ones that live farther away. I think I do spend a good amount of time with my girlfriends - what I need to be better about is just calling and checking in on friends more. Just sending a note to say hi and that I was thinking about them. This goes for local and long distance friends.
~Read more books - I have read a TON of books this year - wish I had kept track of them all. So my goal will be to continue reading and growing and to keep an ongoing list of books I've read.
~Scrapbook more! I have a gazillion photos and tons of great scrapbook supplies - I need to make time for this. It's something I love so much yet I always fail to make time for it!
~Be a better wife. {Don't laugh - I know it sounds like a lofty goal!} This year I've thought a lot about how much more I need to pray for my husband, encourage him, build him up, make time for him, etc. I do not seek to be a perfect wife - I never will be perfect. But I could do more and I want to do more. I'm reading 'The Power of a Praying Wife' for the first time and I'm struck constantly by how much more I need to pray for Bob and every aspect of his life.
~Model Christlike behavior for my girls and anyone who sees me - this will forever be my goal and purpose in life. To become more like Christ little by little and make sure that I'm as 'real' as can be to all who know me.
So that's all friends. I want to grow this year, I want to learn, I want to challenge myself and change for the better. How about you? What are your goals for the coming year?
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