Busy, Busy...

So, we just got back from four nights in Las Vegas, which I hope to share more about, including pictures.  We have some friends who live out there, and their little girl turned five.  It was a great time, getting to visit them, and the kids got to play.  We stayed at Excalibur, the hotel which looks like a castle.  Needless to say, the kids were enamored and they loved it.  We took them to the "Tournament of the Kings" dinner show and we ended up in the front row!!  One of the horses even kicked up some dirt into my soda.   

Anyway, I do hope to share some more about that soon...but for now, I just wanted to let everyone know that we are having a baby boy.  Emma took the news a bit rough, but she seems to have gotten over it, and we have consoled her by saying that she can be very helpful with Auntie Kelly's baby (which is a girl!)  So there you have it...more to come soon.  Oh yes, and they were VERY sure it is a boy.  He wouldn't show much of his face, but he made it very clear that he is indeed male.

Big News!!

Well, I am already pregnant, so it couldn't be that!!

One of my older brothers, Mark, came to visit this weekend from San Diego.  He brought his girlfriend, Nancy for the first time, so we were all anxious to meet her.  Then, at dinner at our house, he just springs it on me:  They're getting married!!  In August!!  

We are all so excited for them both, they are so happy, and he should have known better than to spring this big of news on me because I couldn't stop crying!!  I am just so happy for them and excited for them, and I am a big sucker for romance.  

August 8th, 2008...get it!  8-8-08!  Yeah!!

New Toy

Just to clarify, we really did need it because our computer was dying and continually giving off the "sense of impending doom."

The MacBook.  It's really fun.

A Happy Ending...and confessions from a perfectionist

Okay, so you would have to have been following this blog for at least a year to understand the following post.  So, the background is that last year, for Emma's birthday, we got a bookcase at a garage sale, and had intended to paint it (and allow her to help decorate it) as her birthday present.  Of course, with moving AGAIN, that project didn't even get started, and the bookcase has just been a thorn in Ben's desire to have his garage in order.  Well, here it is, a year later, and we have finally made some progress.  Ben must have been motivated by the desire to have the bookcase out of his garage...so he sanded it all down, and painted it pink for us.  Then, Emma and I painted on the letters for her name, and some flowers, and a palm tree.  Now, let me say that I could have done it by myself in just a few minutes.  But, it took us a good hour or so, but Emma was so thankful and so excited to actually be painting something.  And, I think the year of time that has passed since we intended to begin this was very helpful since I am sure her ability to stencil has come a long way in a year.  It was hard.  Really hard.  I had a damp paper towel, following closely because I couldn't just let there be any really noticeable mistakes on a bookcase!  But all in all, it was fun, and we hope to enjoy future projects soon.  We may not even be finished decorating the bookcase, but after that hour, it was enough for one night.  Here are some pics of the project now, which will hopefully be in Emma's room tomorrow.

Emma's Birthday

So, we didn't do a big birthday party for Emma's birthday...we didn't do anything really "big" as many would call "big." But I made her a birthday skirt and a special birthday cake...and at the end of the day, she told Ben and me, "I felt loved today." Which was what we had both been praying for anyway. When Ben asked her what made her feel so loved..."All the presents!!" Her big present from mom and dad: a hula hoop. Or as Caleb calls it, "A hulee hoop."

I did make her a birthday throne, by decorating a chair with streamers and balloons. Aah...it is great to be five. Here is her skirt and her cake. She got to pick the fabric for her skirt, which is a print with ballerina outfits and shoes on it.

Caleb's Haircut

It was time for Caleb to get a haircut. It's very manly. Just like Daddy's.

Out of the Habit...

Once it has been a while without blogging, it's easy to get out of the habit. It seems like there's been so much going on, I just haven't had the time to blog.

We went on a quick trip to visit the mountains last week, and to check on the little cabin we own up there. We hadn't seen the house since Noah was born (18 mos.) so we weren't sure what to expect. Anyway, our renters are doing such a good job taking care of the place, they had even done the tree trimming!

Our realtor let us stay in a cabin she has up there, which was wonderful, and they even had us over for dinner. We got to see some good friends, and catch up a little. We even got to visit the camp where Ben used to work.

This is the kids, looking at the ducks at Lake Arrowhead.

7 Random Things...(for Tonya)

Okay, I was tagged (sorry, by the way, that I lag...), so I am about to share 7 random things. I hope I can come up with 7 random things about myself...
1. I am an introvert. Most people who know me would argue this point, and yet, it is completely true. I can be in a crowd of people, I can force myself to go up to a stranger and introduce myself, and I can even work really hard at making others feel comfortable in any given situation. But at the end of it all, I am completely exhausted and just want to be quiet and calm with a cup of tea, or coffee.

2. I feel at peace when everything is in its place. When it is not, I feel chaotic and yucky. Even if it is just one couch pillow that has fallen on the floor, it ruins the whole room for me. Of course, it doesn't bother me at someone else's house, just my own. And, the pillows are never always on the couch, and the floor is often covered in a trail of toys even after they have been picked up. So, maybe I should just get over this one??

3. When my husband and I went on our first, first date...(December 2006, I was barely 16) we went to this Christmas play at the church his mom attended. I wore a long skirt with Jack Purcell tennis shoes (trust me, it was "in" at the time!), and met his whole family as we scooted past them into our seats. His dad referred to me as "the girl who wears sneakers with her skirts" for quite some time.

4. I really want to get the Bare Escentuals mineral foundation, but it costs $75. I thought about maybe trying one of the new mineral foundations that you can get at drug stores, or Target. Any suggestions? I don't usually wear makeup (like, foundation), because I don't like that "stuff" feeling. But I like the ideal of minerals, I guess.

5. My favorite smell is my husband, cleanly shaven and just out of the shower. Nothing smells better. But after that, it is the smell of clean laundry. Yummy.

6. I love American Idol because I think I have some secret fantasy of becoming a big singer. Unfortunately, I have the aspiration, but not the voice. I can sing okay, definitely can hold a tune, and I can sing in church and stuff. But it's not an I-could-have-my-own-CD type of voice. Although, my husband sometimes tells me that I could be the voice of a Disney princess?

7. All of my bookmarks got erased, so for a while, it will be very hard for me to find all of your blog posts. But I still love you!

Words I won't forget

Sometimes in life, you meet someone and you know you will not ever be the same. Or at least you hope you won't. I have had the privilege of meeting many such people. This week, we had one of those people staying with us for a few short nights...and I hope that our whole family will not be the same. Pastor Paul, from our sister church in Uganda, Africa, came and stayed with us. The kids are forever endeared to him. Now, there is much to be said...about their church in Uganda, about Pastor Paul, about kids and their ability to love well beyond our own capacity...and hopefully I will have time for some of those words later. And just to be clear, this post is not meant to stir up controversy, or anything of the sort. It is merely to share some words that I had needed to hear, that I pray I will not soon forget.

In one of our conversations with Pastor Paul about families in America, we were sharing how it is often looked down upon to have more than the average two children...it is even thought of as irresponsible by many. It is a rare occasion that I don't receive some sort of comment whenever I am out with the kids (especially now that you might be able to guess that I am pregnant). Anyway, Pastor Paul said, "It is sad that where we are poor, in Uganda, we have many children (the smallest family is 5, the average is 10), and yet here, where you have the resources to provide for many children, they are not wanted."

Even now, when I typed those words, the tears come, and my heart breaks. Our house is not huge, but is more than adequate, even more than we need. Pastor Paul said that in Uganda, two families would share the area that is our dining room (and it is not a big dining room). All this is just to share that I needed to hear those words, they will not soon be forgotten, and I am so thankful for Pastor Paul. How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God!

A beautiful sound...

So, I thought I was about 8 wks. along in my pregnancy, but today at my first doctor's appointment, she says that I am at least 10 wks. because we heard the heartbeat! Even with this being the fourth pregnancy, it still amazes me, the miracle that God is knitting together a precious baby inside of me...and what a beautiful sound to hear the baby's heart beating. My sweet doctor said, "See, you really are pregnant!!" It is true, somehow that sound does make it all more real. Just wait until I get to see the baby!! They want to do an ultrasound to check my dates, etc. So I just have to schedule it...yeah baby!

Unedible Dinners...

A few weeks ago, I made chicken breasts stuffed with spinach and feta, and edamame for dinner. I got one bite down, and that was it. Luckily, my mom had dropped by a bag of her homemade chocolate chip cookies, so I had two of those for dinner.

This past week, I spent about 45 minutes make a new lasagna recipe with asparagus, mushrooms, and sundried tomatoes. Couldn't even get one bite down!! Ben asked what sounded good to me, to which I responded (almost in tears), "A chili-cheese dog!!" Luckily, you can't get that in Ojai, so I had chocolate milk for dinner. But, needless to say...(and those of you who know me, know that this is not normal for me) we decided that we would do our grocery shopping this week at VONS instead of Trader Joe's so that we could have a variety of ingredients on hand in case I wasn't feeling well. There are hot dogs in my refrigerator, and a can of chili in my pantry. It is oh, so sad. But, I am feeling so much better having some things around that will satisfy my ever-changing appetite. I can't eat much at one time, so that's good. But I can eat frequently!! Helpful things:
Naked juice drinks and smoothies
Cuties seedless tangerines
Gum

Last night, we had soup in bread bowls. I wish I could take credit, but I got the bread bowls at the store, and the soup was in a pre-made tub (broccoli and cheddar). I don't really want to know what was in it...it was yummy, and I enjoyed it. Also, I know I could have made a broccoli and cheddar soup, but evidently, if I had cooked it myself, I probably wouldn't have been able to eat it. So, it worked out better this way! =)

THE Conversation

I know, there comes a time in every family's experience when they first have THE conversation. It occured tonight for us, around our dinner table. How we made it this long, I am not quite sure...but it went something like this:
(I made a tri-tip roast with potatoes and carrots)
Emma: Yummy! Mommy, can I have some roast chicken?
Me: No...(laughing)
Emma: Why not mommy?
Daddy: Because, we're not having chicken, we're having meat. It's moo.
(Now I am laughing hysterically, I know what's coming)
Caleb: Moo!! That's not a cow!!
Daddy: Yes, yes it is.
Caleb: Well, is it dead? Did you and mommy kill it?
Daddy: The cow is dead, yes. Someone else killed it and cut it up and then they wrap it up and sell it at the store where we buy it.
Both: Oh.
So, I cut up some meat for each of them. Noah eats nothing but meat and begs for more.
Emma: Yum...tastes like roasted chicken!!! I love meat!! (She is usually my vegetarian)
Caleb: Mommy, I don't want to eat my meat because I don't like dead cow.

Wow, things are a little crazy tonight.

More in Court Info...

This is totally unrelated to the homeschooling battles, however, it is an interesting court case that I thought might be of interest to others.

This is the first court case in which a ruling was handed down in favor of a family against a pharmaceutical company in regards to vaccinations and autism. There is a lot of information here, but it is worth the read:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/david-kirby/government-concedes-vacci_b_88323.html



This article provides much more medical information and terminology, but I thought it was very informative. The young girl's father was trained as a neurologist, and the mother was a nurse.



And, here is a link to some pretty scary, yet readable and concise information regarding vaccines. Please do not read it if you think that it will just drive you crazy or something! I just wanted to offer some info., in case it was desired.

http://vaccineinfo.net/immunization/vaccine_facts.shtml

Please Pray, and Sign the Petition

This past week in California, a court ruling was handed down that means that if this ruling is not overturned, it will be illegal to homeschool in California. I am including a link to a petition to "depublish" the findings of this current ruling, meaning that the ruling will apply to the family involved in the case, but not to the rest of California. The Home School Legal Defense Association is at work along with Focus on the Family and many other organizations trying to appeal this ruling with the Supreme Court of California. Even if you are not a homeschooling family, I am sure you can see how this decision strikes at the heart of our rights as parents to make decisions regarding our children. Please pray that God will do a mighty work in overturning this ruling, and that our rights as parents to choose what is best for our children will be protected.

Here is the link for the petition:

http://www.hslda.org/



Also, here is a link to Dr. Dobson's radio broadcast including information regarding the court case:

http://listen.family.org/daily/A000000997.cfm

Two More Poems

A Mother's Prayer by Mary A. Loberg

Help me dear Lord, as a mother, I pray
And bless these hands folded in prayer today;
May they be ever strong as they guide, as they teach,
Being never too far for a child to reach.
May they never, with selfishness, try to dissuade,
Nor too quickly punish, nor too slowly aid.
May they point out the pleasures in laughter and song,
And may they show, wisely, the right from the wrong,
So that one day I'll know that I've helped all I can
To make her a woman, to make him a man.

Her Little Shadows by Barbara Burrow

I saw a young mother
With eyes full of laughter
And two little shadows
Came following after.
Wherever she moved,
They were always right there
Holding onto her skirts,
Hanging onto her chair,
Before her, behind her-
An adhesive pair.

"Don't you ever get weary
As, day after day,
Your two little tagalongs
Get in your way?"

She smiled as she shook
Her pretty young head,
And I'll always remember
The words that she said:
"It's good to have shadows
That run when you run,
That laugh when you're happy
And hum when you hum-
For you only have shadows
When your life's filled with sun!"

Half-Past Three (poem by Emily Carey Alleman)

My friend has a yacht, a house by the sea,
But I have a boy who is half-past three

I have no jewels, no satin gown,
But I have a boy who is butter-nut brown.

My friend has an orchid, my friend has a rose,
But I have a boy with a freckled nose.

O gull tell the waves that I have no yacht.
Wind, tell the wild forget-me-not

That I have no jewels, no shimmering gown,
No satin slippers, no pillows of down,

But I have a robin, a wind-swept hill,
A pocket of dreams, a heart to fill,

And I have a boy who is half-past three-
A little lad who looks like me.

A Special Prayer...

So, two weeks ago Emma told me, "Mommy, I am ready to pray and ask God for a baby sister."
So she sat in my lap and said,

"Dear God, I would really like a baby sister, and I would like for her name to be Joy. I just wanted to ask you if I could have that. In Jesus' name we pray, Amen."

About a week ago, Ben and I discovered that we are expecting another heavenly gift, which I affectionately call Baby Blessing for the time being. God is so gracious, so amazing. We have reminded Emma that only God knows what is best for our family...and He may think that a boy is what is best for us this time. But it is most certainly okay to pray for a sister.

Interestingly enough, my Bible Study this week was about two women who were not supposed to be having babies at their current stage in life: Elizabeth and Mary (Elizabeth because she was "well advanced in years", and Mary because she was a virgin, betrothed). This is one of my favorite passages of Scripture, and as I read it again this week, my heart burned within me, amazed at God's precious words:

"My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior. For He has regarded the lowly state of His maidservant; For behold, henceforth all generations will call me blessed. For He who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is His name. And His mercy is on those who fear Him from generation to generation...He has filled the hungry with good things... Luke 1:46-50,53a

May I be faithful to meet all things God so graciously gives the way Mary did:
"Behold the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be to me according to your word."

Disneyland in the Rain...

After my mom's conference in Anaheim, Ben and the kids met me and stayed a night at the hotel so that we could take them to Disneyland the following morning (we had free tickets!!). So, we made it through the night in a hotel (first time for all five of us in a hotel), and pulled back the curtains to find it was pouring rain. We went to breakfast and told the kids that we might not get to go to Disneyland after all. They took the news very well. Grandpa Ron, Grandma Connie, and Aunt Katie were already on their way to meet us and join us at Disneyland. So when they arrived, we discussed what other options we might have. The kids wanted to go swimming (we had taken them the night before and they had a blast). But we got to thinking...if we would go swimming in the rain, why wouldn't we just go to Disneyland in the rain?? So, what an adventure we had! SO much fun, so great to have family with us, and it only rained a couple of hours.

Big Boy

Here is my big guy missing his front tooth.

8 Years...

Today is our 8 year anniversary...Ben is at work, and I am here thinking of some very happy memories of our eight years being married. Here are some for you:
1. Right after getting married, we lived in an apartment in Ventura. It was great!
2. I was working full time, and in the last semester of college at night. I had lost my motivation for attending classes at times, so Ben would drive me down, and either wait for me in the library, or come to class with me. Then, we would go to Applebee's for a Fudge Nut Fantasy dessert (they don't make it anymore).
3. We cried and prayed together about whether or not I should quit my job at the Continentals. I did quit. Then I went back to working at the Bryant St. Gym in Ojai, where I worked a total of five or so years.
4. We spend a lot of time trying to find a church when we lived in Ventura, and were never really successful.
5. We decided at some point that it would be really smart of us to save everything I made at work, so that we had practice living on one income. After we had Emma, all that money we saved up was gone. =)
6. We did get to take a trip to Tahiti before having any of the kids. It was so fun...we tried new food, snorkeled every day, and pet sting rays.
7. On our first anniversary, I made a treasure hunt for Ben, and he had to follow all the clues I made for him.
8. For our five year anniversary we went to Pismo...Ben got me a ring, and I got him a wetsuit.
9. Last year we took Noah with us and ate at Joe's Crab shack in Ventura. We both got sick.
10. This year, for this anniversary, I am more amazed, more in love, and more excited about my husband than ever. When I was sick this past week, he took all THREE kids to Trader Joe's with NO GROCERY LIST, or help as far as what to get for dinners. He came home and filled our cupboards with food, and even took an extra day off before going back to work, just to make sure I would be feeling better. Over these years he has worked so very hard to support us and provide for us, and most of the time he has worked two jobs. He left the job that he loved in the mountains, because it was not the best for our family. He has loved us well and I am blessed. Praise God, from whom all blessings flow, for this marvelous gift, this man whom I am privileged to call my husband.

Missing a Tooth...

Well, in the midst of my being sick, Caleb fell on his scooter. His tooth was barely hanging on, the root having cut throught he gum. It looked a little...gnarly (for lack of a better word). So, we let him take his pirate sword and patch to the ER. After waiting a long time, the doctor came in and told us that basically, the tooth just had to come out. So, we let Caleb pick some ice cream, and then Ben told him that he had to get the tooth out in order to be able to eat the ice cream. So, he got it out. So, my three year old is missing his front tooth. So sad...He is still adorable though, and has handled it with bravery and courage.

I got tagged...

Six Random Things About Me:
The rules are: 1) link the person who tagged you (SarahGrace) 2) post the rules on your blog 3) Share six non-important things, etc 4) tag six random people 5) let each random person know they have been tagged...

So here goes:
1. I have not really had time to blog lately. What is the world coming to??

2. I am terrible, really lousy, at being sick. I was reminded of this by a recent flu episode. I either just continue on as if I am not sick, or I am completely bed ridden. Or both.

3. I require things of myself that I would NEVER require of someone else. And probably drive myself crazy because of it. =)

4. I cried watching Pollyanna yesterday.

5. I make up songs often, when I am changing Noah, or we're in the bathtub, or cleaning up.

6. It seems that every time I go out to eat, which is NOT that often, I order a salad. Some kind of salad. But that is what really, really makes me happy...is a great salad. (This past time, I was at a Conference for Homeschooling Mom's...more to come on that, and we went to Mimi's cafe, and I had a salad with candied pecans, apples, blue cheese in a vinaigrette. So good)

I am pretty sure that everyone I know has already been tagged???? How about if everyone who reads this, just responds with five things about them in the comments...wouldn't that be fun??

You have to watch this!!

Okay, it does last 20 minutes. But it is well worth it, please watch this video...I came to it from my friend Matt's blog...We have been using cloth inserts in Noah's G Diaper, and although it is a little more work, it is great to be doing something better for the world, better for our baby, and better for our budget. There are some days when it is more challenging than others. Anyway...Here is the story of stuff:
http://www.storyofstuff.com/

Good Intentions...

Okay, so you all know how I have to re-organize the toys every so often. Well, this morning, in the midst of many other chores that could be done, it hit me....I must re-organize the toys. So, we pulled everything out of the toy basket, and various other places. But, for some reason, that just wasn't quite enough. Then, I started moving furniture. (Isn't it amazing what hand towels can enable you to move by yourself?) So, after a crazy day, and some help from a friend...our dining room table is in our kitchen, the couch is turned around, the kid's storage cabinet is in a different room...and the living room carpet has toys all over it, with an empty toy basket less than a foot away. I'm tired. I think I will go put away some toys. But, it sure was fun!!! Isn't it amazing how moving things around a bit, and shaking things up a little can just spice up your day! We'll see what comes of it...

If this is not humbling, I don't know what is...

Have you ever had those moments, where you actually just want to press your face as much as you can into the ground before God? This is one of those for me. Last year, when our church team went to Uganda, they took bookmarks with prayer requests from us...And the women of Uganda prayed for us all year. Now, another team from our church is there in Uganda, and they were asking about what our God has done in the way of answering these prayers. I didn't even remember filling one out, or asking for prayer for anything. But, I guess I must have asked prayer regarding a job for Ben. Today, I received this e-mail from a mighty warrior-princess friend of mine, who is privileged enough to be there in Uganda with these amazing women.

"I met the woman who has been praying for you through the bookmark ministry and she sends her greetings. She was overjoyed and yelled Amina and clapped her hands when I told her that not only did Ben get a job but you also bought a house. She said to tell you that the one who has been praying for you is so happy because of the testimony."

And so again, I can barely breathe as the tears fall and I think, "She was praying for us?? And our mighty God answered those prayers!!"
This woman, who probably has so little was praying for us in our abundance and I am ashamed. Ashamed that I think we "rough it" because we can't afford cable or Starbuck's or stupid things. And yet so overwhelmingly amazed, awed, thankful...God's abundant grace to us is so undeserved. Oh God, forgive me! Oh God, may I not hoard this abundance, but constantly strive to give more and more and more...because you have so lavishly given to us. Oh God, bless this amazing woman from Uganda, whose prayers must have been so precious to you that you answered them and we are the bearers of those blessings. Thank you God...

Quick Catch Up

Well, we had a wonderful time celebrating the birth of our Savior, with our families, and the kids...It was great. I don't really know what else to say about it, except that it was great. We added to our Christmas collection this year, a book called the Legend of Saint Nicholas. It is a great story and we all enjoyed reading it together.

Emma
At dinner one evening, the kids had been particularly ornery...Noah had been screaming for about an hour, no matter what I did, and Emma and Caleb have been bickering a little more than usual. I finally got Noah to bed (early) and returned to the table to finish dinner with the kids.
Emma: Mommy, I'm sorry.
Me: Sorry for what?
Emma: I'm sorry that I didn't do the right thing.
Me: It's okay honey, mommy doesn't always do the right thing either. Actually, none of us ALWAYS do the right thing.
Emma: I'm really glad that you could say that to me.

Caleb
After church, the kids all run around together and play in front of the church. The kids were running around with Joe, who is about 2 1/2. I was concerned that they might be playing a little bit rough, or not being careful about knocking him down. I heard Caleb say to Joe, "Okay, now we are going to play the bad man game."
So, I called him over to me and reminded him that we were only going to play kind games, and that we would not be playing any bad man games with Joe.
He said to me, "Mom! I said "(phonetically) B-A-T, the batman game, the one with no bad guys."
Me: Oh, okay...=)
This is especially hilarious, because he says many things like that (sounding them out, phonetically by letter sound.) He was arguing with me last week as he signed a card that his name should be C-A-L-U-B not C-A-L-E-B because of how we pronounce his name. I told him I would be more careful to call him Ca-leb.

Noah
Nope. Still not walking. He has taken numerous steps, most often when he is not aware that he is doing it. Then, when he realizes he is walking, he gets down and crawls. But he is sweet. =)

Well, that's all for now...I haven't had a whole lot to say lately. Surprisingly!

My "Lucky" Day

Emma and my mom have this adorable thing where they say, "It's my LUCKY day!" Now, for the record, I have said many a time that I do not believe in luck...I believe in grace. I really like American Heritage Dictionary's definition (one of quite a few!):
A favor rendered by one who need not do so; indulgence.
So, with that...I am about to make a short story long. Last Christmas, Ben and I each got an Ipod Nano for Christmas. I was new to this technology, but it came at a great time since our radio in our car doesn't work well, and our CD player no longer works. It doesn't take long to get used to that cool little gadget, not to mention that it is nice for Ben out on his own all night when he works night shift. Anyway, before we moved, some teenagers (sorry for the stereotype!) moved in down the street, and one day our Ipods were gone. Now, I do not know that it was the teenagers who did it, so I am not going to say for sure that they did. And it is mostly my fault anyway because I left the car unlocked. But, it was a bummer.
So...fast forward. KDAR (the Christian radio station) announced that Adventures in Odessey (a children's audio program) was giving away 3 Ipods a day for 12 days. It comes pre-loaded with Adventures in Odessey Christmas editions, and it is a "big" Ipod (30 GB?) So, I entered the contest each day, until I finally read the rules stating that you had to be the first entry received by 1) 7 am, 2) 10 am, or 3) 6 pm. So, Saturday, I filled out the entry form, then set out to do Emma's hair. I set the timer to beep at 9:59am, so I could come and send my entry. The timer went off, I came and sent the entry, then my computer took FOREVER. So long that I left to finish Emma's hair. When I came back to the computer, there was an error message so I assumed that the entry didn't even go through.
Saturday night Ben and I went to Aera's Christmas party. They were raffling off a bunch of prizes, the grand prize being a 32 inch LCD HD TV. During one of the raffles, we won a GPS system for the car. Then, they were drawing the name for the TV...you guessed it, BEN HESTER. Finally, towards the end of the night they called us again and we won a garage light?? I'm not really sure what it is, but I am sure Ben needs one, because he doesn't have much!
So, Monday morning I am getting ready to enter the IPOD contest again. While I was waiting for the right time, I clicked on "Contest Winners." It showed on Saturday, 12/1/07, that there was a "Lisa H. from CA". Now, I know there are a million Lisa H.'s in Ca, but still, you gotta wonder! So I called them to see if that was me!! That must have thought I was a kook!! They said that if I had won, I would have received a phone call, and I hadn't. So, I hung up the phone, the kids and I went on with our day and we were saying our morning prayers (no, I didn't mention the Ipod in our prayer!) Not even a minute after we finished praying, my phone rings, and it is Focus on the Family, calling to tell me that I won the Ipod. Seriously. I almost fell over, somewhere between laughter and tears. I thought, O Lord, this is just too much!! But thank you!!
So, some would say Saturday must have been my lucky day...But I would just have to say that the Lord was ever-so indulgent on my behalf.

P.S. on the vinegar/baking soda

Becky! These articles were also very helpful as far as how much, etc.
Baking soda:http://www.thenewhomemaker.com/bakingsoda
Vinegar:http://www.thenewhomemaker.com/vinegar
Happy Cleaning!
P.S. Does anyone remember the episode of Punky Brewster, when Punky's friend and sibling are at the house, and the sibling drinks some of a product under the sink, and the friend doesn't know how to help because she can't read the label?? Anyway, I was thinking about that, it obviously made a big impression on me...

The hair

She is only four, and it's already begun. Emma's really been wanting me to curl her hair. Well, 99 cents only had some rollers. So, I got them, and Emma stuck it out through the combing through, the rolling up, and EVEN the sleeping on them (which was a shocker). But, you gotta admit, it is adorable...(Poor Ben wouldn't get to see, so I promised I would take pictures as soon as I took the rollers out)

New Things in Our Life

When I went to San Francisco, I attended the Green Festival. It is essentially a gathering of companies who support sustainability. I learned a lot, and saw some great companies represented. I was a little saddened, that using our resources wisely is not necessarily something that the Church, or Christians, are particularly known for. However, I recognized a LOT of areas in my own life that could use some improvement. And, sometimes the change is slow...I have 5 reusable grocery bags that I have forgotten to take with me to the store TWICE. So, yeah...but, for me, it is not about being "green" or "eco-friendly" or hippie, or any of that. It is about trying to be faithful. Interestingly enough, the kids' Bible verse for yesterday came out of this passage of Scripture, God's gentle reminder to me again!:
"If you are faithful in little things, you will be faithful in large ones. But if you are dishonest in little things, you won't be honest with greater responsibilities. And if you are untrustworthy about worldly wealth, who will trust you with the true riches of heaven? And if you are not faithful with other people's things, why should you be trusted with things of your own?" Luke 16:10-12

These are not all things even from the Festival, but just new things in our life.
G Diapers-They are a cotton outer pant, with a flushable insert. They take 50 days (instead of 500 years) to decompose, and if it's just wet, you could even compost them.

Quinoa- pronounced "keen-wa". It is often called a grain, although I believe it is really a seed. However, it has more protein than any of the grains, and it cooks just like rice. Here's Lisa's Quinoa recipe:

1 cup cooked quinoa (bring 1 3/4 cup chicken broth to a boil, add quinoa, cook 10-15 min.)

1 can black beans, rinsed and drained (or 1-2 cups cooked black beans

1 red bell pepper (seeded, chopped, sauted in a litte olive oil)

1/2 a jalapeno (also seeded, chopped, and sauted with the bell pepper)

Season with salt, pepper, and some chili powder and cumin!

The bulk bins at Lassen's

Now as a whole, Lassen's is really expensive. So I don't normally shop there. But the bulk bins are great!! You can get organic quinoa for less than a $1.00 a lb., as well as organic rolled oats for like $0.60 a lb. You can get black beans, split peas, split yellow peas all for under $1.00 a lb. And they have a variety of granolas for a reasonable price also. You just have to watch because many of them have a lot of sugar!

Before I Forget...

So, every night before bed, we do our "thankfuls". Everyone picks between one and three things that they are thankful for. The kids have heard us say various things, so I am sure that their answers reflected some of what they have heard over the past year from us. But, over our thanksgiving meal, we each went around and told what we were thankful for.
Caleb's answer: I'm thankful for a good dinner!! (Belch!!)
Emma's answer: I'm thankful that God never gives up on us.
Yeah, there you have it, boys...and girls. =)

Tonight, over turkey and black bean soup (there was polenta in the bottom)
Emma: "Mommy, what is the yellow?"
Me: "That's polenta."
Emma: "It's not sweet or anything."
Me: "Well, it's not really supposed to be sweet..."
Emma: "Well, it really doesn't have a good flavor."
Well then...better luck next time. =)

Clean has no smell...continuation of the previous post...

It is quite cheap!! You can get a gallon of vinegar for $1.99, and a 4 lb. box of baking soda for $3.29, and a spray bottle for $1.99 at Smart & Final. You can get smaller quantities of baking soda (a regular box for $0.59) and I'm not sure the size of the vinegar at 99 cents only. You know what is the hardest part for me?? (Confession: I LOVE cleaning products, especially ones that smell good...) But someone reminded me that Clean has NO SMELL. I know. It's so hard...but a good reminder.

Organic Cleaning

Here is a link to a great little video clip...After a discussion with some very experienced and smart women, I found that yes, you can clean your entire house with baking soda, and vinegar (and sometimes a little squirt of dish soap). Even hard wood floors. So, seeing as how this is much safer for a toddler crawling and cruising around, as well as young helpers doing chores, and helping clean...it seems like a good idea for us. Enjoy!
http://www.parents.com/parentstv/?lid=987353750&tid=992358697&cid=901546021

Redeem

Redeem:
1. to buy back
2. a. to free from what distresses or harms, b.to free from captivity by payment of ransom, c.to release from blame or debt
3. to change for the better : reform

Oh, Lord, I can only thank You that my life is not what it once was. Thank you that You provide freedom from captivity, from what distresses, and what harms. This amazing thing you have done for Your people is indescribable...Thank you.

A quick note about super-daddy

Okay, I have a ton of posting catch-up to do...but I need to go to bed soon, so I just wanted to post really quickly about the wonder that is super-daddy. I went to San Francisco this past weekend (more on that later). So, Ben was going to have the kids all weekend, by himself. Now, keep in mind that up until 8 months ago (at my sister-in-law's baby shower, I had Noah with me) Ben took Emma and Caleb by himself to the beach to ride their scooters and play on the playground. That was the first time he had ever taken the kids anywhere by himself. And I am not really sure that he has done it since then! But, he was more than willing to let me go away. So, he calls me Saturday to ask casually, "What size diaper does Noah wear?" I say, "Five...why?"
Then he proceeds to tell me that they:
1. Went to The Point (the beach promenade) to go jogging. Ben had Noah in the backpack as he walked (quickly!), and Emma and Caleb jogged. For a good 1/2 hr or so!!
2. They went to Target to get diapers and trash bags.
3. They went to the Mall to try and find running shoes for Caleb...no luck.
4. They tried Mervyn's just in case, no luck there either.
5. They went to Trader Joe's to pick up a few things.
AND!!!
When he was in Trader Joe's he probably gave an older couple a heart attack since they gave him the usual line,
"Oh, you have your hands FULL!"
And he responded,
"Yep, it's just about time for number four."
So there, I am so thankful and amazed at my husband. Yeah! I knew it!
P.S. Tons more later, but I did end up coming home early from my trip.

New Shoes and New P.J.'s

Emma must have had another growth spurt! She was really in need of some new tennis shoes, and especially since she has been kicked out of the jogger, she has to be able to walk as far as I want her to, so she needed some good running shoes. She loves them!

And, Noah got new pajamas from his Uncle Scott and Aunt Cher-Ami.

Peter Parker

Caleb and Emma were allowed to wear their costumes to gymnastics.

Me: Come on Spiderman, let's go!

Caleb: I'm Peter Parker, I don't have my mask on.

Me: You're what? (I am thinking, I must have heard him wrong...neither of my kids have seen Spiderman the movie...)

Caleb: I'm Peter Parker, I got bit by a radioactive spider.

(It then occured to me, that we have 4 Spiderman books that I had gotten at the 99 cents only store. So, yeah...that's where he must have gotten it!)

Catching Up...

It seems like I always end up playing catch up!! I don't yet know what to say about Halloween, because we haven't quite figured out how we will handle and teach regarding that as our little family unit. But I will say that I am thankful for the Fall Family Festival (I think that's what they call it) because I think it's a great way to reach out to the community and provide some fun for the kiddos. They had a blast! (Katie, please don't shoot me for posting your picture, you looked so beautiful, I couldn't resist!)

Halloween Sneak Peak

Well, we won't be home on Halloween, we are going to the church for the Fall Family Festival. We are just hoping that a nice note on the porch inviting trick-or-treaters to join us will keep them from doing anything mean (like eggs) while we're gone...

Anyway, I don't have a picture of Noah yet, but here is a sneak peak of Emma and Caleb's costumes:

Firsts...

Well, this past weekend was full of firsts. Noah had his first birthday!

We had our first fire in our fire place! And Emma read her first book! (It was only 22 pages, a beginning reader with small words...but still, she did it all by herself!)

Fire

Well, there are fires all over California. So I am trying to remember all these people, their homes, and these firemen in my prayers. I have a brother in San Diego, which may be getting the worst of it right now due to winds. And, our little cabin in Crestline is only a few miles away from the Lake Arrowhead fire. All roads up the mountain are closed, so no one is getting up there for now. The area where our cabin is located is under voluntary evacuation as of this afternoon, and last I checked all of Crestline was under voluntary evacuation. We do know many people with homes in Lake Arrowhead and the surrounding communities...please be in prayer for them, as many homes have been lost although there is no current information as to which homes have been lost and which are just in big trouble.

Just too Yummy...

Okay, I just have to gush a bit about Trader Joe-San's Lightly Salted Cruncy Green Beans. They are so tasty, you could easily eat a bag, so you have to be careful. Now, I recognize that this form of intake will not give you the optimum level of nutrients from the green beans, but, if you have had a particularly long day and are exhausted (which I am, but it was a great day!), then it is an easy way to get a veggie in with dinner, and the kids eat them up because they are so tasty...like a snack. So anyway, to all of you who are really tired and it's dinner time, make sure you grab a bag of these tasty treats!!
P.S. Becky, you should e-mail me your address again, and maybe (if I can remember!) I could send you a bag!! =) Yes, they are that good.
P.S.S. Ingredients=green beans, canola oil, dextrin (corn) and salt.

Long Time Coming...

Okay, I don't know if you remember this song, but Emma's Sunday School class was singing it a couple of weeks ago:

"My God is so great, so strong and so mighty, there's nothing my God cannot do!"

I found it entirely appropriate. We have been very busy, but also, sometimes God does something, and you are in such awe, such amazement, that you have very few words. This has been my state. I do not know how to describe it, I do not know how to tell it in a way that will do Him justice, and give Him all the honor and praise that He deserves. My heart cannot even contain...I walk around in a daze thinking of my God, "I can't believe you did this!!" And yet I do believe it, I think it is more that I cannot believe He did this on our behalf, when we are so undeserving, and so unworthy.

I remember on several occasions saying that we would never buy a house in Ojai. Ben now tells me he has a list of things he would like me to declare that over, just in case it changes them...(like, "Ben will never become a pro surfer at age 30!") But the point is, that nothing is impossible with God. And what I thought impossible was very easy for Him. To be on the receiving end of this lavish love and grace...well, it's almost more than I can bear. And yet, His most lavish expression of love and grace came in the blood of His Son. He accomplished the impossible...sinful man able to commune with Holy God. My heart cries out, "Holy, Holy!" and yet with my hands I desire to cover my face because I am so unworthy to even look upon the holiness which I am in awe of.

I know my heart, so prone to wander. I pray that this house would serve as a reminder to me that God is faithful even when I am not. That God is truly the giver of every good and perfect gift. That I have done no good thing, I am simply on the receiving end of lavish grace. That this house does not belong to me...I am only a steward. So, with that, any of you reading this...you are welcome to this home. Come by, eat with us, and it is my prayer that all who come here will be blessed in some way by the same God who has just rocked our world with His goodness. Again.

Bakersfield

Ben is in Bakersfield for safety training...He left Sunday night, and will be back Wednesday night. The kids are really missing Daddy, but only one more day (after today) to go!!
P.S. This is his night shift week, so they probably wouldn't have seen him a whole lot anyway...We are just thankful that this training is not in addition to his normal work week!! =)

The "Dora" Game

Kids love Dora. The other morning, Emma was wanting to watch Dora. I asked her why she liked watching it so much, and she said, "It's just fun!" I asked her, "What is fun about sitting and staring at a box?" She thought that was funny, but anyway, I decided that instead of watching Dora, we would play the Dora game. They were intrigued. We do have a Dora matching game, and a Dora version of Candyland. But no, this was going to be even better.
So, I took a toy and hid it.
Then, I drew a map!
Then, we repeated the three places that we needed to go to find the treasure.
Then, they went to the three places and ended up finding the hidden toy. Needless to say, I think they like this game even better than watching the little box. However, I think I will have to get more creative and better at drawing maps in order to make it more interesting. And of course, I never really watched "Diego", but I think Caleb is a little tired of being "Boots" for Emma, so I think we will have to make up an animal rescue game too. I'm open for suggestions!

Lots of Catching Up To Do....

THE HIKE

We took the kids on their first hike...well, first walking hike. They have been on various hikes in other ways, like in the backpack, front pack, and oh yes, my belly. Anyway, with Noah in the hiking pack, we took Emma and Caleb to Pratt trail. They rocked it! We hiked about an hour, and they had wanted to go longer, but we thought it best to limit it. They had an incredibly pleasant discussion about how Jesus is God (it was so amazing for Ben and I to listen as they expounded on their 3 and 4 year old theology...it is so neat how kids just take things at face value. No complicating it, like we so often do).
The next morning, Ben and I both mentioned being a little sore. At lunch, Caleb said his mouth was hurting. Inside, he had a tiny little canker sore. I told him it just needed some time to heal. Emma said, "Oh, Caleb, it must be from the hike." I said, "Huh?" And Emma replied, "Well, you said he had a sore." So, yeah, then I had to explain the difference. =)

BUTTERFLIES
That same evening, we had heard about the big, huge beached whale out at Rincon Parkway. We went to go see it, but they had already cut it into pieces and burried it. It is still pretty smelly for sure! Anyway, we drove back down toward Emma Wood, and had some beach fun:

Emma's Butterfly

Ben's Butterfly

CHILDHOOD SENILITY

Caleb came in crying this afternoon, "Mommy! I lost my underwear!"

I tried to console him, and told him I would help him look for them. As we were walking to the bathroom, and I am thinking, "Where in the world could they be???" I pulled up his shirt and there they were! He just looked and said, "Oh."

P.S.

Oh yeah, we are in escrow on a house here in Ojai, over behind Vons. We are excited, and it is totally a God thing...but I don't have the words to describe or explain it all. More to come on that later. But yes, we are moving again...this makes number eight.

A psychotic moment....

I don't know if any of you got those coupons...but I did. They seem harmless enough. I get coupons all the time, and I just throw them away. But for some reason, I kept these. It must have been the larger-than-life pictures of Oreo Sundaes everywhere...beckoning all to come to Baskin Robbins. Now, let me first say that I don't even really like ice cream. And I definitely don't like paying exhorbitant amounts of money for ice cream!! I don't know if it was hormones, the heat, or just a lapse in my normal disciplined judgement, but I just felt in the mood for ice cream all of a sudden. So, we went. The first coupon was buy one sundae get one free, so for two two-scoop sundaes (one for my mom and I to share, and one for Emma and Caleb to share), it cost about $3.59. Not bad, I was thinking. So then, the other night, after Ben's long week of day shifts, we all decided to go for ice cream. AGAIN. Now, on the way I begin thinking, "AAH! Ice cream twice, in one week? What will become of the kids? Did they eat enough of their dinner tonight? Have they had enough nutrition this week to warrant two trips for ice cream?" As if my psychosis was not enough, then images from those commercials about childhood obesity come flying through my brain, until I am completely overwhelmed by the thought that I must be utterly ruining my children. I take a deep breath, we go into the ice cream store, and we get our ice cream. Ben and I share two scoops, and the kids share one scoop. I watch their tongues turn a darker and darker shade of blue, and I hear them delightfully giddy in between bites. You know, I think we are going to be okay. =)

Heat Wave, and Other Fun

So, what do you do without air conditioning of any kind when it is 110 degrees??? Well, this is what we did to help everyone get some sleep:

We pitched two tents in the backyard...one for the kids, and one for Ben and I. (Noah has a window air conditioner in his room, so we let him stay in his crib.) Anyway, it helped us to get some sleep and it was very exciting too.

So, we've been talking to the kids about how we will probably be moving again soon (more to come on this subject). So, as we put the kids to bed the other night in their tent, Caleb asked, "Mommy, is this our new house?"

Emma was coloring a page, paying close attention to staying in the lines, etc. She looks at me and says, "Genius!" (speaking of herself). Now, I am sure she's heard my mom and I say that of her, but I asked her if she knew what that word meant. She replied, "It means I can color GOOD!"

Proud Mama

*NOTICE* My blog is full of many different posts, but since I am really lacking in the whole baby book department, I record momentous occasions, and milestones here as well. So, this post is the result of my amazement with Emma Faith...

Okay, Emma has been so anxious to start "homeschool". I tried to explain that homeschool just means learning at home, and we do that all the time. But, to satisfy her, we did some more worksheets today. Now, today, she had to write the word to match picture. I had planned on sounding it out for her to help, but she immediately insisted that she could do it all by herself. Evidently, she was right:

My favorite

I forgot to post my favorite picture from the park, so here it is. It is a rare occasion that we have a picture with Ben or I in it, let alone both of us. =)

Self-Control, or Lack-There-Of

Okay, Emma got up two nights in a row to go potty at about 11pm. Normally, this would not be much of a problem, however, I had gone to bed only a half hour or hour before. I was so startled when I awoke (and had so much on my mind) that I couldn't get back to sleep for many, many long hours.
It just so happens that I never did read Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice (I do not know how to underline!!), so I had checked it out from the library. After two nights of not sleeping (plus, this is Ben's night shift week, so my husband is sort of non-existent) the wise thing to do would have been to go to bed early last night, and get a good night's rest. I did not make the best choice. But I did finish my book about midnight, and although it did produce some amount of satisfaction, I am not sure it was enough to inspire a cheery disposition at 6am this morning. But, we made it, we had a good day, and here it is 7pm....and I am feeling pretty sleepy. =)
I am hoping to now get Emma from the library, but perhaps I should work a bit on self-control before I dig myself deeper into the hole of exhaustion. I have decided upon my discipline for my offense...I must go to bed early!!!

Just Hanging Around

It is so cool to be so close to the park. Thought I would take pictures just in case it is not always the case.

School

Emma says to me this morning, "Mom! When are we going to start my homeschool?"
(I am thinking, what do you think we've been doing all these years of your life??)
Then she says, before I can respond, "I really want to start kindergarten (Somehow meaning that she should be doing kindergarten with me)"
(Now I am thinking, where did you hear about kindergarten, and OH YEAH, you're ONLY FOUR!!!)
And then (again without me responding yet...) "Can I do a worksheet?"
ME: "Okay."

Ranch Dressing...

Okay, so my husband has been on board with all of our quests to eating healthy food, because he is also very conscious of what we put into our bodies, and how we feel as a result of what we have put in. His weakness comes in several forms, but two on the top of his list are: Fiery Habanero Doritos (yes, MSG) and Ranch Dressing (yes, MSG). I try, however, to not take away anything of this great importance until a suitable substitute has been found. Now, of course, Trader Joe's does have an Organic Creamy Ranch Dressing, and it does not contain MSG. However, a friend shared this with me, and it is MSG free, as well as amazingly cost effective. Two of my favorite things.
So, the following is a mix for a powder to make ranch dressing. This recipe makes enough to last a long time...and can be stored up to a year in an air-tight container. (Recipe compliments of Everyday Cheapskate)

15 Saltines
1/2 cup dry minced parsley flakes
1/2 cup dry minced onion
2 Tbspn. Dry dill weed
1/4 cup onion salt
1/4 cup garlic salt
1/4 cup onion powder
1/4 cup garlic powder

Put saltine crackers through blender or food processor until powdered. Add parsley, minced onions, and dill weed. Blend until powdered. Dump into bowl, stir in onion remaing ingredients.

To make ranch dressing, mix 1 Tbspn (YES, just 1 Tbspn!) of the powdered mix with 1 cup mayonnaise (I use light) and 1 cup buttermilk. Makes 2 cups ranch dressing.


Also, if you mix 1 Tbspn. of the powdered mix with 3 pkg. of cream cheese, you can use this as a yummy spread for wraps, or roll it in nuts to make a cheese ball.

Long Overdue....

Okay, so for our wedding, Ben and I received a cookware set that we have been using for...let's see...seven and a half years now. It has served us quite well, although, in the last year or so, I started noticing that the lovely nonstick coating inside our pots and skillets were getting scratched, and on some pieces, even peeling. This made me wonder, "Does it do any good to eat organic, healthy, or anything good for that matter, if it is mixed with small pieces of nonstick coating?"
Anyway, Macy's had a sale this past weekend and so we finally broke down and went to get a new set. It is so pretty....It is a stainless steel set by Cuisinart, almost too heavy for me to lift. I will have to work my muscles!! But they are wonderful, and I am so absolutely thankful. Of course, I didn't want to spend the money, so once I decided upon the set, I then argued with Ben for some time that we should put it back and wait for another time. He sent me and the kids off to wander while he purchased the set. So, tonight I am doubly (is that a word?) thankful. Thankful for our long overdue new cookware, and thankful that my husband knows me well enough to know when he needs to disregard my input. =)

Exposing the Blue Box

Okay, so we all grew up on KRAFT Macoroni and Cheese. It's the best, I know, we all generally feel that it is the best (except those that prefer the shells and cheese, which incidentally is also made by Kraft). Anyway, on my path to trying to be more careful about what we eat, etc., I discovered that most packaged foods (of the savory genre), or processed foods in the United States contain MSG, or monosodium glutamate which is a flavor enhancer. Not everyone has any reaction to it, but for some it can cause chest pain, stomach issues, etc. Anyway, the point is, once I discovered this information, I started noticing just how many products contain this additive. Yep, you guessed, the blue box contains it, as does Ranch dressing. I know. It's use is so prevalent, it is amazing. So, the link is to an interesting article about MSG.

Back to the point. So, I, trying to be health conscience, and give my children yummy, good-for-you food, spent about three times the amount of time it takes to fix the blue box, making macaroni and cheese. With GOUDA. Not just some whatever cheese, the good stuff. You guessed it, they don't like it. Well, they ate it, or at least a good amount of it. And who knows, maybe the whole wheat pasta increased their dislike, but they always eat whole wheat pasta, so I am thinking that is not the case. I thought it was good. But it occurred to me while eating it, "What has happened to us, as a society, that we now prefer the taste of chemicals dyed orange over real, good, yummy cheese?"
Oh, so sad.
Well, little blue box. You may have won this small taste-test battle, but you will not win the war!!!
Unless they have lunch at grandma's. =)

The Kids...

I could overhear Emma during her "rest" time, and this is all I could make out...
"Yes, I am going with John. (I'm thinking, "What??? WHO is John?")
"Okay, yes, John the Baptist is coming with me."

(I was laughing so hard I almost fell over.)

Emma: I have a joke. How about, you have cereal, then pour juice on it and it gets wet and you eat it!!!

Caleb: I have a joke. How about, cereal, then salad, then tomatoes, then a spoon!!!

2 for 1

Okay, in case you hadn't noticed, food is on the tip of my brain. It usually is, between cooking meals, snacks, and dishes, I spend at least 75% of my day in the kitchen. Anyway, here is a yummy meal that makes two dinners!!

I get Trader Joe's All Natural boneless, skinless chicken breasts. They usually come with 2-4 breasts in a package, but they are very large. With no added hormones or antibiotics.
Anyway, I put the chicken in the crock-pot with Trader Joe's All Natural Bar-B-Q Sauce.
Then when it's done, I shred all the chicken. The first night we have chicken sandwiches, usually on buns with cheese and extra Bar-B-Q for dipping.
I save the rest of the shredded chicken for the next night, PIZZA!
I use the Trader Joe's Garlic and Herb Pizza Dough, regular tomato sauce (but I add Italian Seasoning), then Mozzarella Cheese, the shredded chicken, and this mixture:
1 can organic black beans
1/4-1/2 bag frozen organic corn
Seasoned with chili powder and cumin, and salt to taste (about 1/2 palmful of chili powder and cumin)
It's like a mexican pizza, and sour cream is a great condiment for this one. So yeah, the chicken is about $6 a package, but since you can use it for two meals, it is totally cost effective!!! Okay, my chicken is almost done and ready to be shredded....

Fun in the...sink?

Well, Emma asks me pretty constantly, all day, every day, "What are you going to do with us?" I knew I needed to get some dishes done, so I told her that she was welcome to do dishes with me. So I got her out a bin of warm, soapy water, and set her to work on all the kid's plastic type dishes and cups. She spent a good 15 minutes washing dishes, and then Caleb came in and saw all the fun she was having. "I want to wash dishes too!!!" So, Caleb got a turn too. So it turned out to be educational, productive, and even fun...
P.S. Caleb did wind up soaking wet, just in case you decide to try this at home. Emma wasn't wet at all.

Happy Tummies

Well, this dinner does not make my husband as happy as the other, but it did just fine. And it made him happier when I reminded him how cheap and healthy it was!!

Tofu Stir-fry
(Organic tofu from Trader Joe's comes in a two pack for 99 cents! So I make both packs and keep the leftover in the fridge for Noah, he loves it!!)
I slice the tofu into rectangles and grill it on the George Foreman.
Trader Joe's Stir-Fry Veggie Mix--Napa Cabbage, Bok Choy, Celery, Carrots, Broccoli, and Snow Peas, fresh and washed, ready to use (under $2 for the bag, which could also last two meals)
Crimini Mushrooms
Sesame Seeds
Slivered Almonds
Rice

Sounds yummy to me!! I just saute the mushrooms and sesame seeds, then add the veggies and almonds and tofu, and splash in some sesame oil, rice vinegar, and tamari (dark soy sauce.) Little bit of salt. The kids liked it, Noah loved his tofu, and Ben said it was "pretty good". He likes tofu just fine, but stir-fry is not his favorite. I asked Ben to rate it...He said, "when I saw it, a five. When I ate it...at least a 7." There you have it.

Yummy Dinner

Well, going organic can get very costly, especially on certain items. So, we just can't afford to do everything. In fact, we have significantly cut down on the amount of meat we are eating, just because it is very expensive, even the hormone free instead of completely organic. But, we seem to be getting along just fine, and it feels good to have good food in our home.

So, last night's dinner:

Artichokes+Stuffed Mushrooms+Tomato, Basil, and Mozzarella Salad=Happy Husband. Yeah!

5 Reasons Why I Love Jesus

This is so cool. My friend Matt Kingsley did this, and I loved reading the answers. Mine is not quite as eloquent or, um, (what's a smart word for smart???). But my heart was genuinely excited in writing out just 5 of the many reasons why I love Jesus.

1. His ability to redeem the most unlovable, pitiful creatures. It still amazes me that even knowing Judas was in the process of betraying Him, He still called him "Friend." I am amazed that He counts me worthy of redemption.
2. His power. He speaks, and the wind and waves obey. He calls, and the dead come out walking. He touches, and healing is present. He is the only one with the power to transform us into something God can use.
3. He knows perfect balance. He knew how to honor God's holiness, yet temper it with grace. He knew how to care for physical needs without losing sight of the true spiritual need. He knew how to live on earth, yet be consumed with the heavenly, the eternal.
4. He knows how to see potential. He is not discouraged by what is--He has the ability to see what is possible, and then the power to bring it about. He sees beyond sin and failure, to redemption, new life, and transformation.
5. Jesus suprises people. Even now.
They're expecting an end to Roman oppression. Instead he ends the oppression of sin and death (they set the bar too low!)
They're expecting the Messiah to conform to the man-made additions to the law. Instead He fulfills the requirements of the law and makes it all an issue of the heart.
They expect him to associate with the more important members of society, and then he welcomes the children and has the audacity to tell them to become like these little ones.
We think we have to kick and scream to be first, to be recognized, to be appreciated...Yet He gently reminds us to serve and to be last.
We think we have to fix ourselves to come to Him, yet He still beckons, "Come to me, all who are weary and burdened."

Perhaps one of my favorite books is Hind's Feet on High Places by Hannah Hurnard. (Sorry about the book title, I can't underline??) Most of you who know me well, know that it is a favorite of mine. But the main character says of her shepherd something that is forever engraved on my heart,

"I cannot live without loving You."

Much like when Jesus asked the Twelve, "You do not want to leave too, do you?"
Simon Peter answered him, "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. We believe and know that you are the Holy One of God." John 6:67-68

This is my heart tonight...Without Jesus, I am sunk, I am lost. I love him because I cannot live without loving Him.

A Long Time...and oh yes, Frozen Peas

Well, sometimes life gets so crazy that you don't really have time to stop and say much about it. Or sometimes, life gets so heavy that you just don't have any words to describe it. I am not really sure what category I fall under anyway, but I haven't had many words, or the time to use them if I did.
Needless to say, I do feel like the Lord is at work, in our life, and in my own heart...gently convicting, bringing to mind a few things that He is changing my perspective on. But, I am not exactly sure what it will mean, or where it will take me. So I am just quietly waiting, to see what it is that God is up to.

The only news I really have to report is that Noah's doctor thinks he will be at least 6 foot 2 inches. So yeah, that's just crazy, but we do have my brother (who is 6'5") and Ben's brother (I think 6'2"), so we definitely have some height in the genes.

So, about the Frozen Peas...
I had forgotten that a good friend of mine had told me when Emma was young and teething, and already eating many table foods, about Frozen Peas. She used the petite ones. Anyway, Emma had loved them! And of course, that had carried on with Caleb. Somehow, I had forgotten about them, until my friend again reminded me for Noah. (Side note: Noah really doesn't eat any baby food, except that which I make like mashed potatoes. He just wants table food...) So tonight for dinner, we were having fish, and I realized that somehow I had forgotten to make the salad to go with it. Ben had already left for work, so I really didn't want to make a big salad, even one head of romaine lettuce worth, for just me and the kids. So, I got some organic frozen peas out for Noah to munch on while I tried to figure out what to serve the kids with the fish. They were so excited about Peas, begging me for them, and yup! They wanted them frozen!! I was so thankful in my heart, because they got a vegetable, it required very little work from me, and everyone was happy. Phew...I needed that. I am tired tonight. Thank you God, for frozen peas.

Good intentions, Banana Bread, and Vacation Bible School

Well, Ben had his first week off last week. I had had a couple of people suggest that during some point of his seven days off, I might start wanting him to go back to work!! Yeah, they were wrong. In fact, I kept thinking how fast the time was flying. He did get to go fishing and surfing (yes, surfing on his bad knee.) So, I think he really enjoyed the time off. But he is back to working his nights, trying to sleep during the day.
This week is Vacation Bible School, and I am teaching Caleb's class, which technically is not a class, so much as childcare provided for workers of VBS. However, if any of you know me, you know that it is not often that I "babysit", so much as have structure, routine, and guided activities. So, yeah...we are having a pretty good time, and the kids are doing very well. But it does make for a very busy week. In fact, I have already contemplated several times staying home a day, because Little Miss has already shown some wear from doing so much. I think that, like mommy, she is an introvert. So all those people all the time sort of wear her out. I have noticed her attitude struggling a bit, so we will see if we make it all week. She does enjoy the music most of all.
So anyway, Jonah (my best friend's little boy) has been a guest of ours this week. Now Becky, (his mommy, my best friend) told me that Jonah does not take naps. Well, I put Noah down in our room, Caleb on the floor in Noah's room (because I am not sure I trust Caleb to stay out of trouble in our room), and Emma and Jonah in Emma and Caleb's room. The first day they had some quiet play time, and all was well. Yesterday, Emma was getting a little restless, so I asked her to come and lay on the floor of the living room where I was...When I went to check on Jonah, he was fast asleep. So, Emma and I made some banana bread while the boys slept. There were two loaves, so I figured I could send one home with Jonah. It made a very nice snack for the kids when the woke up, and then Ben took some to work...well, needless to say, the banana bread didn't make it home with Jonah. Two loaves, almost all gone now. But, yeah, my intentions were good, just not good enough to overcome my urge for just one more piece....=) Maybe next time.

Update

Quick update...

The night shift has been pretty rough on Ben. However, the first three or four nights were the worst, and these last three or so have been much better. His knee is okay, he can walk and do most normal things, he just can't do the things he really loves...like surfing. He is going to see an orthopedic surgeon as soon as possible to try and schedule a surgery for one of his off weeks. This surgery should have a relatively short recovery period...

Ben's truck is totaled, so there is a 4 runner in our carport that is very smelly and essentially has no right half of an engine, only copper wires with lots of charcoal. The fire also busted through to the passenger side of the car inside, but didn't get too far into the car. Ben loved getting to go to work, and having to ask for a new pager. When they asked him why, he said, "Oh, my pager got destroyed when the fire department was spraying their chemicals to put the fire out." Good for shock value.

Caleb seemed to thoroughly enjoy his birthday. He asked me this morning, again, very groggy, "Mommy, am I still three?" We have assured him that there is no turning back!!

Here is a picture of a really sad attempt at an elephant on the cake. Elephants are Caleb's favorite animal. But just so you know, art is not one of my strong points.

A Wonderful, Crazy Day...

Well, it's not over yet. But anyway, today is Caleb's birthday. This morning, he came in quite groggy, and said, "Mommy....am I three now?"
Ben has been working his night shifts, which has proved quite a challenge. Saturday and Sunday (today) he works an extra long shift, 3:30pm to 7am. So, when he got home this morning he gave Caleb a big hug, watched Caleb open a few small presents, and then went to bed. I was getting the kids ready for church, trying to get there a little early since I was to teach Caleb's Sunday School class. Emma came in and said, "Mommy, it's smokey!!" I thought, "Did I leave the burner on when I lit Caleb's candle this morning?" As I came around into the kitchen, I could see smoke pouring into the back yard and back play room. It soon came to mind that Ben had mentioned his truck was running funny. Well, you guessed it. It was on fire!! Ben ran out, I took the kids to the front, where a neighbor was frantically knocking and ringing the doorbell to tell us that we had a car on fire. Anyway, the fire department was already on their way, I got the kids out and on our way to church, and they put out the fire. So, the car is totaled. We will spend Ben's first week off looking for a replacement or something. But, Ben is okay, the kids are all okay, and the house (which could have very easily caught on fire from the carport) is unharmed. So, we are most certainly counting our blessings, that all the important things remain untouched and unharmed.
This verse has new meaning for us today...
"When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze."
Isaiah 43:2b
And of course, we didn't walk through fire, but we are thankful for His protection none the less.

Amazing...

I have not had many words these week. Nor have I had the urge to post any of the words my children have used or cute things they have done. But this, this is just amazing...You must read this post:
Day 68 by Aaron's Mom
http://aaronboydston.com/
This is such a testimony to God's goodness. Please keep praying for Aaron, his wife Natalie, and their two kids and other family and friends.

The Long-Awaited...

Okay, so today we got the plants planted. Now, it is just a matter of how long I can keep them alive...and if they will actually bear "fruit." He, he. I mean vegetables. Anyway, I have never posted pictures on my blog... So, here are some pictures of the garden!!

This is Ben and Caleb digging up the soil under the box. Then chicken wire, to prevent visitors...Then, dirt mixed with organic compost, organic soil booster, and organic top soil.

We planted tomatoes, eggplant, Japanese cucumber, red bell pepper, yellow squash and zucchini. They didn't have all the plants we were planning on, so this is what we came up with. There is also basil, Italian parsley, and sage, which may, or may not get transplanted into pots. We'll see. So, there you go...we'll see what comes of it

Yummy Lunch Wrap

yummy...and suprisingly filling!

1 large tortilla (any kind, they make whole wheat, sundried tomato, etc.)
Cream Cheese (light if you want, I used the Whipped kind)
Thinly sliced cucumber (placed all over tortilla in a single layer)
One (or two) slice swiss cheese
Three pieces black forest ham (Or turkey, whatever you like)
Two pieces of Green leaf lettuce

Roll up and enjoy!! So good, I sent one to work with Ben today for lunch. And was tempted to eat it. At 6 am. =)

What's for dinner?

Sometimes, it's hard to figure out what to have for dinner. Especially in the midst of a big change, like trying to go organic, etc. Here are some great organic recipes...

http://www.organicvalley.coop/products_recipes/recipes.html

Happy eating!!

Praise, and Disney?

The kids love to sing...
I walked into the room to see Emma and Caleb holding their Bibles, while rocking in their chairs, singing:

Jesus takes our sins away,
He is the one
We should give him back some of our money
And he saves us after all,
It's a small world after all
It's a small world after all
He died on the cross

(Caleb)
He saves us,
Who's afraid of the big bad guy,
the big bad guy,
the big bad guy...

There was a bit more to the song, but they were singing at the same time, so that was all I could make out.

Fun Day?

Okay, so I had all kinds of things on my "To-Do" List for yesterday. But somewhere in the midst of organizing my thoughts, I started thinking that it would be fun to do something for the kids, since it was finally not gloomy in the morning. SO, we finished some chores (Emma is getting very good at making her bed) and decided to get ready for the park (Sarazotti, since it's so close). Then I thought, hey, I should pack a lunch, and take our Bible and we can read a story...Anyway, so we FINALLY got going, got up to the park, and started playing. I was on a time schedule since Caleb is wearing underwear and I wanted to make sure that we got home in time for him to go potty, so I was only planning on a couple of hours. Lunch was nice: peanut butter sandwiches, cheese and turkey, pretzels, and grapes. We read about Jacob and Rachel and Leah. Anyway, just as I was getting ready to start packing up our things, I met a really cool lady with kids about Caleb and Noah's age. So, I thought, okay, we'll just stay for a little while longer. The kids were on the playground, and Caleb announces, "I have to go potty." AH! So, the nice lady says she'll watch Noah, while Emma, Caleb, and I RUN to the potty that I dread with much of my being. But we made it, and he went potty, YEAH! After about another half hour or so, we finally began the process of leaving. We started walking home, and I am thinking, "Wow, nap time is going to be SOOO good!!" Yeah, not so much. Noah slept, but that's about it. So, Emma and Caleb kept getting into trouble, and getting more and more grumpy. Finally I let them out, and was going to let them watch a little video so I could get a shower. Then Noah woke up. So at this point, I am thinking, okay, no shower, but what are we doing for dinner? Ben went to work for his dad after he got done at his new job, so he wouldn't be home. My mom calls just at this moment and asks if we want to come up for pizza. I say no, we don't want to impose, etc. She says, just come...and I am thinking, wow, a year and a half in the mountains and all that time, I never had this option. So, yeah, we went up, the kids played outside and rode their scooters, we ate pizza, came home, had baths, and everyone went to bed. All in all, it was a fun day, although I am pretty sure that an offer to leave our house and have dinner taken care of was the ticket to ending the day on a good note. =)