The Newfangled Hostess

Just an Update on Life and Such

2011-11-26T15:55:00.001-06:00

I've been away from blogging for what seems like eternity. Life has been incredibly busy for us. Between taking on some contract work, volunteer opportunities, church activities, and family time it has been challenging to find free moments to write let alone do anything else I really enjoy in my downtime.

But it's now post-Thanksgiving and my husband is home entertaining our daughter while practicing trumpet so I thought I would take a few minutes to see what makes the world go round and to share a little about what has been going on here.

So two weeks ago we were in a car accident. We're all ok and very thankful to God for protecting us all as well as the driver of the other vehicle involved in our accident; but the process following the accident was quite burdensome at times and revealed a great need for patience.

Our car was totaled so we were faced with the unexpected need for a new vehicle. Santa brought us an early Christmas present when we found ourselves with a new Honda Pilot Friday.

But despite the disappointment of losing our car and being forced into buying a new one when we didn't expect it, we are (as I previously mentioned) extraordinarily grateful that we are all safe and not seriously injured.

So now that we have returned the rental we had for 15 days and have our own, new vehicle again . . .life seems to be returning to normal again.

I didn't host Thanksgiving this year. As much as I love hosting, I really wanted a break. We celebrated a Thanksgiving meal with my parents and then have really just enjoyed relaxing at home.

But I am back to hosting later this week when I have the spouses of my husband's unit over for a coffee social. I'm really looking forward to it. I'd been looking for coffee cups to buy in bulk. I have 11 cups of my own (one broke), but without knowing for certain how many people I am going to have yet, I was hoping to find more coffee cups. I had not found any online or at TJMaxx/Walmart/Target, but the other day while at my parent's house I discovered that my mom has 12 cups and dessert plates that I could use. Why I didn't think to ask her in the first place, I'm not sure. She used to host coffee socials at their home all the time when my dad was in the Air Force. So I am excited that I have plenty of cups should every spouse show up.

Aside from that, work is slowing down a bit now. I'm not sure if that is because of the time of year or if I've done all I can do at this point. I thought a couple of other opportunities were looming there, but I haven't heard a peep so I'm not getting my hopes up.

Stop.

Later in the week . . .

We started tiling our guest bathroom. Somehow I knew when the tile guy called and said that he was available this week to tile our bathroom that I should wait. Sometimes it is best to wait. Sometimes it is best to trust your instinct. Especially when you have company coming in on Monday. Too much, too close together. But pride got the better of me and I really just wanted to have that bathroom tiled so I could feel some satisfaction that we have FINALLY completed one project of many that we've talked about doing. So I said, yes, come on out. Tile our guest bath. And so yesterday, they came and about one hour into their work, the power went out.

In the whole house.

In the whole neighborhood.

In at least a 2 mile radius (I know this because my mother called me just as I was about to call the power company).

And it continued to stay out for about an hour after the tile guys decided that they would go and come back tomorrow (now today). So, of course, this means that they are here today laying the tile and will not be back until Monday to grout. And that means that I cannot put the stool back on until Tuesday. And my husband is incredibly busy all next week. So now, I need a Plan B because as much as I love my mother-in-law, I really think it would be more comfortable for everyone if she had her own bathroom to use especially since we have a bathroom for her to use. Well, I guess technically, we don't currently have one of her own to use.

I called the plumber my parents use to see how much it would cost to reset toilet. $170. Personally, I think it is worth it. I know my husband would want to save the money and do it himself, but he won't be able to get to it until the week after next. And really, now this is just showing how impatient I really can be because I want to spend the $170 for convenience; but it is also because I guess some things I believe are better to leave to the experts. I really hate envisioning a flooded bathroom . . .that proceeds to flood our kitchen below . . .

I'm trying to stay positive . . .I mean how exciting to have a newly tiled bathroom floor when it is all said and done! But I won't deny that I am frustrated and that I secretly want to try billing the power company for the hassle.

So I guess, I just need to swallow my pride and get over the fact that my bathroom will not be done by Monday.

And perhaps look at this as an opportunity for growth, as lessons learned in patience and thankfulness. And also in listening to that tiny voice in my head that I need to pay more attention to.

Black Thumb

2011-10-13T18:48:00.002-05:00

It's pretty much common knowledge in my house that I have a black thumb. I love flowers and plants; but when it comes to their care I either do not do enough or too much and inevitably, my flowers die.

So this autumn, I invested $6 in mums knowing they probably wouldn't last.

I put them where they would get some full-sun; but when it came to watering, I delayed, delayed, delayed. And they wilted, wilted, wilted.

When my mother-in-law came last month, she spent some time cutting them back and assured me they could be saved.

It's been a long month waiting.

And waiting.

And waiting some more.

But with more frequent watering, plenty of sunlight, and a little recycling of used coffee grounds, a month later, I have my plant back.


My mum-in-law helped me save these yellow mums.

My life is a little like these mums.

I have a tendency to get really focused on one thing. And leaving other integral and crucial parts of my life untouched.

When I lose focus, a part of me slowly starts to die, but as soon as I open myself up to receiving nourishment, the more important parts of my life come back into clear focus and I thrive again.

Like the mums pictured above, I know God has given a beauty and a loveliness to me; but also like these mums I have parts that have not yet bloomed. Parts that God is constantly working in me. Like a gardener delights in getting his hands in the dirt, planting a seed, and watching it grow, our God is slowly, carefully, and beautifully pruning me into what He desires me to be. And the best part is, He's willing to get His hands dirty with me. He loves me that much that He is with me every step of the way.

I'm thankful for grace.

Undeserving. Beautiful. Amazing. Grace.

Hawaii

2011-10-07T22:55:00.001-05:00

It's hard to believe that about this time last year I was busy preparing for our trip to Hawaii.

Several times in the last few months, my husband and I have made random comments about our desire to go back.

A personal photo from the beach at the

Hilton Waikoloa on the Big Island

(November 2010).

And next week, some friends of ours are moving there.

We are really sad to see them go; but so excited for them.

I mean, how can we not be excited for them? It's Hawaii. It's paradise. It's incredible.

And part of me is secretly hoping that it might be in our future, too. To live there.

So we invited our friends over tonight and I am so glad that we did. I had no idea that they were already living in temporary housing and that the last three nights they've been eating out.

We wanted to send them off with a little taste of Hawaii in Nebraska so we made Hawaiian Chicken with brown rice and cilantro, a Hawaiian fruit salad, and dinner rolls.

I searched high and low for King's Hawaiian Sweet Bread, but nobody carries it. I know I've seen it in Nebraska before so I am thinking that it must be a seasonal thing, for holidays and such. I also wanted to serve Mauna Loa Chocolate covered macadamia nuts, but they too must be seasonal offering. So we did brownies a la mode.

I don't think you can go wrong with brownies and ice cream.

But it was so much fun to visit with them one last time before they depart for their new home approximately 4,525 miles away. We're so thankful for their friendship and hopeful we'll see each other again some day!

Banana Crumb Muffins

2011-10-04T21:07:00.002-05:00

Tonight is absolutely gorgeous. The weather is just right. And it is the fourth of October.

I wish I could bottle up tonight and keep it forever. It is that beautiful outside. Such a blessing.

Since giving up time wasters like cable TV and Facebook, I have accomplished so much more.

Don't get me wrong, I still have lots of projects that are in a "holding pattern."

But I have started writing letters to my daughter for her to read one day. In fact, I've enjoyed writing so much that I've started writing my friends, too.

I have read several books; but only one of them was the kind of good read that you get lost in. The kind you could spend hours reading all day. The kind that is so good you almost want to delay finishing it because you really do not want it to end.

I've started (and finished some) projects.

I've begun working on a small aviation-related project and have actually been paid. My business is close to earning it's first real dollar this year.

And I'm starting a new volunteer opportunity that I am super excited about. I still have some more training to do; but as soon as I am as good as done, I want tell all about it.

And I've been baking.

All the windows are open in the house. A pleasant breeze is coming in. And I just felt it was a baking night.

We had some very ripe bananas so I figured I should make good use of them. Banana bread is a favorite in our house; but I imagined something different.

This recipe has quickly become a new favorite!

Happy Fall!

Autumn has Arrived

2011-09-25T11:51:00.001-05:00

Fall arrived early.

Don't remember summer ever saying good-bye.
- David Mitchell, Cloud Atlas

Well, the welcome reprieve from the dog days of summer came early.

There is still lots and lots of green to be seen with small pockets of red and yellow peeping through the landscape.

But despite the green, I began extracting my fall decor from the hollows of our home. Especially, now that autumn has officially begun.

I finished my table several weeks ago; but only now have found the time to take a picture.

A $20 table from Hobby Lobby gets a face lift.

The original hardware were antique brass knobs. I found
these knobs on clearance at Hobby Lobby for about $3.
Paint is SW6510 Loyal Blue by Sherwin-Williams

Truthfully, I don't love it.

But it is growing on me.

My chalkboard mirror project, you ask?

I plan to start that this week during Claire's nap time. And while the weather is still beautiful.

I am anxious to finish our dining room (really) as I am about to start on a new endeavor (more on that later) and it may mean hosting in our home. Something I, of course, love.

But I have all sorts of ideas for our dining room and I really desire to finally (after two years, almost three) pull it all together!

What ideas for fall decor do you have?

Unbirthday

2011-09-24T22:31:00.002-05:00

My birthday is this next week.

It isn't a super significant birthday, but I guess it is my birthday. But aside from the fact I traditionally love birthdays, I'd really rather not think too much about it. Especially, since each year I get progressively closer to 40. And then it will be 50. And so on.

A terrible attitude to have, I know.

So I celebrated my unbirthday tonight.

Hit Village Point for a little shopping with one of my oldest and dearest friends and then off to Taste for a lovely dinner, some much needed wine to drown my aging sorrows away, and an entire slice of Chocolate Lava Cake to help my waist line.

Absolutely. Fabulous.

SO . . .

We hit all the usual suspects. LOFT, Ann Taylor, White House Black Market.

Lots and lots of beautiful clothes.

I even had a gift card burning in my pocket, but could not find anything I absolutely had to have.

The truth is I had received one of those silly catalogs in the mail from LOFT with a 20% coupon for me and one for a friend and I put it in the recycling bin because I thought "surely I will not be shopping there any time soon" only to receive a much appreciated gift card a couple of weeks later. And yes, I am one of those people who wants to maximize every dollar I can because I want to get the most bang for my buck, or in this case the gift card.

So I stopped in at Pier 1 and lo and behold do they have some beautiful things. As if I really need anything else for my house (I am running low on storage space in my little corner of our basement).

But I just had to point out a few of my favorite things there:

It was love at first site when I saw this Etched Metal Round Tray.

This Silver Lace Glass Charger had me at hello!

As for the charger, which is $25 bucks a pop, I wondered if it might be possible to turn something like that into a DIY project using clear glass charger size plates (do they exist???) or even a regular glass plate, adhering a stencil of some sort to the backside, and then spray painting looking glass spray paint to achieve this same look. Design on a dime? I hope so cause I love these puppies, but not even I am willing to spend $25 on a single charger.

I also love, love, love this table setting there.

Unbirthdays can be so much fun.

So thankful for a dear, dear friend to share it with, too!

Ladybug Birthday Party

2011-09-12T13:36:00.000-05:00

The ladybug sign above, banner, and cake toppers (pictured below)
were made by Heather of Perfectly Papercut on Etsy.

Initially, I had thought about putting tealight candles in the
mason jars; but decided to use the cake toppers instead.

The ladybugs were $3 for 6 at Mangleson's. I found the
candleholders, mason jars, and ribbon at Hobby Lobby.
Citronella tealight candles from Crate & Barrel.
Potting soil was placed in the mason jars.

The birthday girl in her party dress reading a new book!

Mommy and Claire.

A ladybug birthday cake for our little bug.
Cake is from the Cake Gallery.
We served cupcakes to our guests.
When the candles were blown out, Claire said about the flame,
"Where did it go?"

2011-09-07T14:49:00.001-05:00

I am really loving this Christmas decor at Hobby Lobby . . . anxiously waiting for a 50% off sale.

Entry Console Table Update

2011-09-06T22:22:00.003-05:00

Two years ago, I found this darling little console table at Hobby Lobby. Originally $129 smackeroos, I was able to nab it for $20. That, in my opinion, is a bonus buy.

Sadly, this before picture does not include the
drawer.

The console table is a little wobbly and two of the legs are cracked; but truthfully I am not one looking for perfection at $20. Functional is more my aim, throw in some character, and that all sounds pretty good to me.

I knew I wanted to paint this table when I bought it; but it's taken me two years (like all my other projects) to finally get around to work on it.

My very best helper, my husband, sanded it for me yesterday. I would have done it; but he says that he didn't want to hear me complain about "too much work". I think he just enjoys playing with the sander; but honestly, he's just an excellent helper.

I started priming before the Labor Day BBQ we attended yesterday and finished this morning. Later, this afternoon I added one coat of Sherwin Williams SW6510 Loyal Blue.

Even though, I primed really well, I pretty much anticipate this puppy will take three coats of this paint. Love this color; but I've worked with it before and it typically requires three coats; but I'm still hoping I can get by with maybe just two.

The drawer didn't make it in this picture either.
Hold out for the big reveal!

The drawer on this table came with two little antique brass knobs. I've considered just spray painting them like I did the hardware that came on our buffet; but I'd like to add something fun and colorful, too. I made a trip to Hobby Lobby and found a pair of knobs on clearance for $2.60.

This particular knob from Anthropologie might be a little more appropriate (or cute anyway). Or this one.

I'll just have to try the clearance pair on for size and then, decide if I want to splurge a little on some fancy schmancy hardware from Anthropologie or not.

Tomorrow, I plan to finish the table and will post pictures when I've got the table back in it's place.

What fun projects do you have going on?

Mirror, Mirror, on the Wall . . .

2011-08-31T21:18:00.005-05:00

I like craigslist. I really do.

It's worked out well for us when selling things.

When looking for specific pieces, however, I find it to be more miss than hit. But the last couple of days have surprised me.

More on craigslist later . . .

My mother-in-law is coming into town for our little red bug's birthday and she'll be visiting for over a week. The time she'll be here spending with our daughter will allow me some free time to get some projects done.

Projects like our dining room that still needs a second coat of paint and the one wall that still needs painting.

So not only do I want to finish the dining room painting; but I'd like to make it one step closer to being completely finished with the decor in that room.

Ballard Designs. Pottery Barn. Crate & Barrel. A seemingly endless supply of other catalogs and magazines that pass through our mailbox. All provide me with lots of inspiration. I tear out pages from the catalogs to get ideas for how I would like to decorate my home.

The only problem is I am a girl with champagne tastes on a beer budget.

So since I can not spend the big dollars on the fancy schmancy versions of things (and really, why would I want to when if I can do it on a budget, I'll have more money in my pocket to do other things I really want to do?); I find myself occasionally perusing craigslist for the next best thing.

I have learned, however, to stay away from postings on craigslist that use the words "alluring," or "shabby chic," or "retro." Generally, those ads are none of the above and/or if they do fall in those categories are really in quite terrible condition. But then again somebody else's trash, may very likely be someone else's treasure. Or so one hopes anyway.

But I am all about finding unique pieces that have character. Have a history. Have been well-loved. Have potential.

That was the case when I found this mirror on craigslist today and the lovely lady I purchased it from bought it at an estate sale some time back.

This is my plan:

Only my mirror will not be a mirror in my dining room . . .

Instead, I want to convert this mirror into a chalkboard using chalkboard paint.

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Image Credit: Ballard Designs Catalog, 2011.

So the plan is to sand, prime and paint the frame. Currently, it is brown. Then, I'm going to prime the mirror and using chalkboard paint, voila! turn this beautiful mirror into my very own chalkboard for writing dinner menus, wine lists, love notes, scripture, whatever suits my fancy!

Shred

2011-08-30T22:13:00.003-05:00

What is it about that elusive shred pile?

It seems after I get through months of shred, before I know it, I've accumulated MORE shred.

What happened to committing to shredding all the crap after collecting it in the first place?

My Little Red Bug

2011-08-19T20:19:00.002-05:00

So our little lady is turning two at the end of September, but due to scheduling conflicts we were not able to plan a party on her actual birthday. My mother-in-law is traveling in at the beginning of September for a concert my husband is playing in and so it seemed only appropriate that we plan her party while Gram is visiting.

I'm kind of on this ladybug kick.

So ladybugs are the theme for our sweet little one's second birthday.

More to come . . .

New York City

2011-06-08T00:01:00.017-05:00

So I'm done talking in the third person. I just had a little story to tell with the significance of June 7 and I guess I got carried away.

It's funny because I really do just love, love, love New York City and I know not everyone has a heart for Glee (or New York for that matter), but I really like the show. In the last week or so leading up to our trip, Glee had it's season finale which was aptly titled New York. This episode did a fabulous job of capturing my heart when thinking of New York because it really is "like falling in love over and over again."

And it just solidified my excitement for our trip.

We flew Southwest to La Guardia and I was pretty stoked for that because I had eight drink tickets that I guess now expire August 2011. They used to last a lifetime; but it seems when Southwest revamped it's rewards program (which I hardly consider revamped since I barely understand it other than it will be much harder for me to earn a free ticket and thus more difficult to receive free drink tickets), Southwest did away with no expiration of the drink tickets. So basically, I'm left wondering if being in the Rapid Rewards program is worth my time. And not that I am desperate for a drink or anything; but I had my two Jack and Diet Cokes en route to New York and my husband had a beer all courtesy of Southwest because I earned those drink tickets and by golly I am going to use them before they expire!

We had so many different things happen on this trip that I wished that I had brought pen and paper to jot it all down.

I know it is silly, but I really took offense to the street vendors calling me a "tourist." I think when I go to Europe for the first time, I will be a tourist. But I consider myself a seasoned visitor of New York. I know my way around. I know how to use the subway. I don't wear my camera around my neck and I like to dress nicely.

One guy trying to sell carriage rides in Central Park said that "he could tell we were tourists." So it left me wondering what about me (or my husband) suggests "tourist?" I've narrowed it down to one or more of the following three possibilities:

1) We're polite. We actually say "no, thank you" to the street vendors. I'm sure the locals walk on by, completely ignoring them.

2) We don't dress weird enough or in designer clothing (which let's face it, some of those designers can be a little weird).

3) We were not wearing all black.

But I didn't let it get me down. We were there to have fun.

Saturday afternoon we walked through Central Park back to our hotel and got all gussied up for a night on the town.

This is the dress from Dressbarn that I bought
for our trip. Carl told me I looked like
Betty Draper.

So I got this dress from Dressbarn that I blogged about earlier this spring. And I think that my boobs must have shrank since I bought it because they barely filled out the bust of the dress. This dress is already a size 4, but must be made for someone with much bigger measurements up top than me. So I felt very scandalous wearing this dress that night and thought seriously about changing several times because I was so afraid of having a fashion faux pas and exposing one breast a la Janet Jackson. To make matters worse, the wind had picked up and we walked to and from Lincoln Center. I nearly had a Seven-Year Itch moment in the manner that my dress nearly blew up like Marilyn Monroe's did only because of the wind and not due to standing over a subway grate.

I was miserable.

The worst part was while walking to the restaurant for dinner following the NY Phil concert, we walked under some scaffolding where some guys were working at 11PM at night. Some dust fell in my eyes and while I was trying to get out of the dust, one of the guys above me accidently dropped some metal object that hit me on the head. What was really frustrating is that there was a guy on the ground level under the scaffolding with flags in his hands as if to stop people from passing when necessary while the guys were working and he did absolutely nothing.

It hurt pretty badly, but I was more shocked than anything.

All of this should have told me to stop then and call it a night, but we still went for dinner because we both were starving. We went to this little Italian place across from our hotel called Angelo's. While the food was excellent, the service left something to be desired.

We slept in a bit on Sunday, but got up in time to get some breakfast from a little local bakery called Fluffy's on 7th Avenue. We then walked down to Times Square to wait in line at the tkts discount booth. We decided with all the hype in the news about Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark that is what we wanted to see. Fortunately, we were able to get orchestra level seats at 50% off.

We then headed for the subway with plans to go to the American Museum of Natural History. We got on the local train for uptown expecting it to stop at 81st Street. I really believe we must have been on a runaway train because we were going so fast and they never announced upcoming stops. We sped all they way up to 125th Street, which the express train was going from 59th to 168th so it isn't as if we were on the wrong train. Everyone in our subway car, got off and we got on the next local train to downtown, which did stop at 81st.

We only had a little bit of time at the museum due to our unexpected non-stop trip to uptown, but it is one very cool museum. Both Carl and I agreed that we will have to make more time to spend there the next time we return to NYC.

Having a 3PM show time at the Foxwoods Theatre, we left the museum and hoofed it from 81st and Central Park West to 42nd and Broadway. Our choice. We wanted the exercise.

So Spider-Man. Most expensive show in Broadway history. Music and lyrics by Bono and The Edge of U2. Lots of mixed (mostly bad) reviews. My first Broadway show on Broadway (saw Mama Mia when it came to Omaha) and I loved it. Carl does not quite share my enthusiasm. He says it was good; but I really enjoyed it.

If you like U2 (which they are one of my all-time favorite bands), you will love the music. The actors were all very talented. We agreed that T.V. Caprio, who portrays Arachne, had an amazing voice. Love, love, love the song Rise Above.

A funny thing about U2 and the fact we saw a show with music written by Bono and The Edge, at least three different times during our trip we heard various songs by U2. "With or Without You" at Chicago-Midway Airport while waiting for our flight to LGA. "Mysterious Ways" at Cafe Metro while having breakfast Saturday morning. And "All I Want is You" in the hotel lobby while waiting for the elevator post-Spider-Man.

It seems seeing Spider-Man was meant to be for us.

We had dinner Sunday night and before we knew it is was Monday morning and time to catch a cab back to LGA.

Our mini-holiday was so much fun and we're so thankful for that time we had to enjoy each other's company in a city we both love.

Now, we've returned to reality which includes changing diapers and playdates and transitioning back to normal sleep schedules that typically involve major meltdowns by our little 20-month old. She's our joy, though and we are so excited to be back with her.

Only regret: I couldn't convince my husband to have breakfast at Tiffany's with me.

Seven Years Ago

2011-06-07T18:02:00.000-05:00

Seven years ago today, a very insecure young woman was getting ready for her first date with a very attractive young man. They'd met online (yes, people, Match.com does work!) and subsequently agreed to talk on the phone and over email and instant messaging, but this day, seven years ago marks the first time they met in person. He picked her up at her parent's house and they went to Blue for sushi in West O and then to Halleck Park in Papillion for a walk and to swing (yes, swing on real swings at the park like children do). And that young woman must have known something in her heart because even though it was the first date and even though she had convinced herself that he probably would not want to go out again, she really wanted to kiss him.

But she didn't.

Fortunately for her she now has a lifetime of dates and kisses with that same attractive guy to look forward to AND most recently shared a wonderful weekend with him in none other than New York City.

Which is especially awesome because this same little lady loves New York and she's so thankful that her husband likes it, too.

Having been there numerous times in her career as a flight attendant she came to embrace New York more and more each time. It's like a little gem to her even though it really is quite grand. She and her husband made a trip there six years ago to celebrate his birthday in the dead of January. For the record, she does not recommend going in January unless you want to freeze; but there was something still so romantic about being bundled up in winter coats and scarves and mittens even then. So imagine their excitement when they could plan a trip there in June when the weather is perfect!

Thank goodness for parents who like to take care of their children. Not only did her parents offer to take care of their daughter while they were away on this mini-holiday; but they also arranged for the young couple to stay in this fabulous place in midtown Manhattan, West 57th by Hilton Club. This hotel is in an excellent location, has impeccable service, and it's rooms are beautiful.

They arrived late Friday night and got up early Saturday morning stopping at Cafe Metro on West 57th and 7th Avenue for breakfast. They then walked to Lincoln Center to purchase their tickets for that evening's performance by the New York Philharmonic.

The happy couple at Lincoln Center.

They then hopped on a subway to the finanical district and walked by Ground Zero to see the progress that is being made on the Freedom Tower.

World Trade Center Cross

This is a picture of the Freedom Tower in June 2004, when Jen
was in NYC with friends.

This is the Freedom Tower seven years later, June 2011.

The couple then walked through this lovely Irish Hunger Memorial located at Battery Park City.

And then, they were off to see the Statue of Liberty. The last two times they had been to NYC, the Statue of Liberty had been closed. Now, that it had reopened they felt it was important to go.

Statue of Liberty from the ferry.

The couple met an aspiring photographer from Sugar Land, Texas and her
friend from Virginia. The photographer took their picture at an
angle because it is "fun" so she said.

From Liberty Island, the couple went on to Ellis Island. The Immigration Museum was really quite fascinating and would have required more time to see it fully. It seems, however, that one can never truly escape Omaha when they are away.

More to come . . .

Summer is Around the Corner

2011-06-01T09:59:00.001-05:00

It's the first of June.

Where has spring gone? It's nearly out the door and summer is around the corner.

Today is absolutely beautiful. The windows are open, letting fresh air and a slight breeze in. I love it.

We had planned to go to the zoo this morning, but it didn't quite work out. One thing about being a mom is you have to learn to be flexible. Each day is different and rarely goes the way you have it planned. For example, I knew last night that the two moms we had planned to meet were not able to come to the zoo after all. No problem, I thought. Claire and I can still go and have a date just the two of us. But then at 2AM this morning, my little one woke up crying. And crying. And not crying herself back to sleep. So because the selfish part of me wanted to sleep, I just brought her in with me. And then we both slept. Until she woke up again at 6AM. For those that know me well, I am not an early riser so I tried to delay, delay, delay getting up, encouraging her to go back to sleep since she didn't fall asleep until 8:30 the night before and had not slept through the night. But I finally acquiesed and we went down for breakfast at 6:45. So to make a long story short, Claire needed a nap by 9AM this morning and thus, the zoo did not happen for us today.

But in hindsight, the good thing about getting up early is that I have accomplished much. Thank you, Claire, my little alarm clock.

May has been very busy for us, though and as such I haven't really been interested or found the time to blog. I think I go through spells of interest in blogging. I haven't had anything earthshattering or groundbreaking to share so I think for the most part, I really only blog for my benefit and that of my daughter. It's become a sort of journal outlining my thoughts and interests in particular things and a record for my daughter to maybe one day reflect on.

And a busy June awaits us.

What do you have planned this summer?

Summer Plans

2011-05-21T03:54:00.001-05:00

I am incredibly thankful for the people God has put in our lives this last year.

For the first year we were back in Nebraska, I went through a season of drought with regards to friendship. I'm not entirely sure why that happened, but I know having a baby had something to do with it; but looking back I believe that the real purpose involved bringing me to a greater dependence on God as well as lots of growth and understanding of what friendship ought to truly be.

We've been back in Nebraska two years now and this last year God has been so provident, placing lots of wonderful families in our lives through our church and our Missional Community. Not to mention, using momaha.com brought about one new and wonderful friendship with another mom.

All this has me very excited for this summer.

For starters, I started a 16-week study called Sonship with a wonderful group of ladies.

And now, I have two book clubs to look forward to. With one, we're going to spend the summer going through this book called When People are Big and God is Small by Edward T. Welch. I've heard some really good things about this book and I hope it will be insightful to me because I so struggle with worrying too much about what people think of me.

The other book club is just getting started so no book has been selected yet, but it sounds like it will be a lot of fun. The creator of the group is a lovely person so I imagine she'll have other wonderful ladies as part of the group.

One book I would like to read this summer is A Jane Austen Education: How Six Novels Taught Me About Love, Friendship, and the Things That Really Matter by William Deresiewicz.

Image Credit: Amazon.com

I first heard of this book in Woman's Day or Better Homes and Gardens or some other magazine I subscribe to. Being a fan of all things Jane Austen, it intrigued me (of course).

These are just a few things on the agenda for the summer.

More to come, I am sure.

Joy Comes in the Morning

2011-05-19T00:24:00.000-05:00

This week has been, in one word, a disaster.

It isn't worth going into the ins and outs of the chaos that has ensued this week. I don't want to complain and I certainly don't want to give the impression that I've handled the stress gracefully because that would be a lie. Some things I definitely handled better than others; but while weeping may last for the night, at least joy comes in the morning.

And I, for one, am looking forward to some joy.

So our garage sale starts tomorrow.

There are a few loose ends that need to be tied up before we open for business; but for the most part we're nearly there.

I am hoping for a successful sale, however, it appears storms are in the forecast and being as it I've never been much of a garage-sale shopper, I don't know how dedicated these people can be. I'm hoping for dedicated, though.

Amidst the craziness, one thing I can rejoice in is that Claire has really taken off in her vocabulary. She can say "nugget" for chicken nuggets (yes, I've succumbed to store-bought chicken nuggets), she also says "bubbles" and "balloon" to name a few. She also loves to dance and she can hop/jump. She also makes animal noises for horses, lions, monkeys, cows, and my favorite, zebras. I'm not sure it really is the sound zebras make, but it is pretty much adorable.

She'll be 20 months next week.

Well, it's late and seriously, I still have a bazillion things to do. But I guess I felt the need to take a few moments and journal on this blog.

Hope everyone has a wonderful weekend. And if your looking to stop by a garage sale, you are more than welcome to stop and shop at mine. Yes, yes, I will resort to shameless plugs for my garage sale in hopes that it may be a productive one.

More Random Thoughts

2011-05-13T21:16:00.000-05:00

At 7 o'clock last night I returned home from taking my daughter to her first sleepover at my parent's house. I'm not ashamed to say that I did tear up a bit. It was not as hard as I thought it would be; but maybe that is partly because my little one had been fussy most of the day and this mama was ready for Calgon to take her away.

I left there thinking I would just come home and deep clean my house. For a second, I considered driving out to Garden Ridge to get a coco fiber liner for the metal hanging basket that has been sitting in my entry for the last week waiting to be placed out front with flowers again like it was last year. But then I got home and even though my house is a WRECK, all I wanted to do was veg. So I decided the planter could stay in it's temporary resting place and the dishes could wait and so could anything else that needed to be picked up and put away.

I wanted to use my quiet time doing nothing. So I came up to my computer to start this blog post and of course, blogger wasn't working. Which was fine, because what I really wanted to do was get caught up on Glee and Castle on hulu. Speaking of Glee, have you heard of this new songstress, Christina Perri? I'm really diggin' her song Jar of Hearts.

Afterwards, I started going through my clothes and then came back to the computer to do some online shoe shopping only to have that interrupted by a major hail storm. Which was also fine because I really do not need to be shoe shopping even though I really want to buy some new shoes.

See I'm in the market to buy new shoes for summer. I have flip flops for everyday wear, but I would really like to find a pair of black and brown dressier sandals as well as a cute navy canvas slip on of some sort to go with this dress I bought last year from Talbots and have yet to wear due to the no shoes to wear with it dilemma.

Image Credit: Talbots

After searching endlessly (no pun intended) I did not find anything like what is pictured in my mind (I'm pretty fickle when it comes to shoe shopping), but I did find these.

Image Credit: Melissa Women's Gaetano Pesce Flat on Endless.

I'm sure somebody appreciates these flats. Afterall, someone did give them five stars on Endless. It must be the modern jelly shoe.

Nevertheless, it is not for me.

In other news, I've got a really fab idea for something to do; but I must preface that this latest inspiration did start it's roots in someone else's efforts. I can't talk about it just yet. But the seed has been planted and I can't wait to get the ball rolling with it!

Nine Rings

2011-05-06T23:14:00.002-05:00

Finally. We started out with nine rings. Seven rings later. Seven days later. We are down to two rings. Two days. Today and tomorrow. Late afternoon tomorrow my husband returns home.

Claire took off the yellow ring this morning. Tomorrow morning she can tear apart the green one.

Initially, I had it in my mind to make a special meal. I was thinking of making a new recipe from my favorite Cooking Light cookbook. Blackened Catfish and Sautéed Corn and Cherry Tomatoes. Only I planned to substitute tilapia for catfish.

But my husband called and said why don't we start a new family tradition.

He suggested we have one place (a favorite) where we go to celebrate him coming home.

I think that sounds like a fabulous idea! We can save that meal for another day.

I do, however, have every intention of enjoying the bottle of wine I picked up to accompany said meal tomorrow night.

There were a couple of times while he was gone where I thought (sad, but true) that a stiff drink would nearly be in order. The first few nights he is away are always rough. Our daughter knows her daddy is gone and she is not happy about it. Going to bed for the night is no easy feat. At least, for those first few nights.

And then, I got it in my head that we would try potty-training while Daddy was away. Less distraction. Only Claire had another idea.

Two days, one success, and several accidents later. I decided that maybe 19 months is not the best time even though everything she has done up to this point suggested she was ready. We'll try again in a few weeks. No pressure.

I haven't done much this last week plus some that hubby has been away, but Claire and I did have a playdate with a new friend and her son. I started a new Bible study that I am really excited about with some ladies I know and a few I am just getting to know. I started organizing the items I hope to sell in the neighborhood garage sale which is scheduled for May 19-21. I got a couple walks in. And a lot of reading. Mostly the Bible and a couple of parenting books . . . The Well-Trained Mind and Don't Make Me Count to Three.

Other than that, Claire and I just enjoyed being in the comfort of our home and in our backyard. After a walk this morning, we played outside and had a lunch date in our backyard.

I cherish these moments.

She is the apple of my eye.

A tremendous blessing and an incredible joy.

This is a fun age. Well, it has it's challenges since she is exerting a lot of independence. That being said, it is still a fun age.

For weeks now, she's been sounding out letters of the alphabet. G, I, J, R, Q, U, V, W, X, and Y are the letters she hesitates on, but she knows them. If you ask her to show you where the "G" is, she'll point to it.

Her vocabulary is expanding. Rabbit (for all the bunnies in our backyard) sounds more like "rah-rah." And she can say bubbles and balloons and mama and dada, nana and papa. She actually says "and." She is such a good little helper, too. She loves to help put groceries away. It is such a highlight to her day when she can be so helpful.

Carl put up white card stock on our kitchen island that is acting as an easel of sorts. Claire uses her crayons to color. She has extraordinary talent! ;-) She's become acquainted with play-doh and sidewalk chalk and has tasted them both, too.

Oh, and sadly we have introduced a little TV to her. She doesn't watch very much of it at all; but really I sometimes need a few moments of clarity while cooking dinner and Dora does a good job of keeping Claire entertained. What is funny about it, though, is that Claire could care less about Dora. She has it for Boots, Dora's best friend. It is really cute because when she says "Boots" it sounds more like "Apu" which reminds me of Apu from The Simpsons, which she has not seen.

All I can say is being a mom is completely worth it. There is sacrifice. There is craziness. There are moments of near insanity. And lots and lots of sleepless nights. But having this little tiny person to delight in and watch grow is an indescribable joy. You have to be a parent or becoming a parent to understand it fully. It just is, in one word, amazing!

With that, I want to wish an early Happy Mother's Day to my mom, to all the moms, and all the moms-to-be out there.

Buy Me!

2011-05-01T21:46:00.001-05:00

You know how it is when you go window shopping. No real intention of buying anything. Just want to get out. Enjoy a beautiful day. Do something besides sit at home. And then, as you walk by a store you don't normally shop at, one item in the window shouts out "buy me!!!" Begging. Imploring. Earnestly wooing you to at least try it on.

And once you've been beckoned inside, you find not just one item, but several items crying out to you, urging you to make that purchase and adopt them into your closet full of clothing. And of course, to make matters worse, the store is having . . . a sale. That magic word. Sale. Additional 10-25% off. $10 off any two . . .

Such was the case with me today.

My mother called inviting us to join her at Shadow Lake Towne Center. She said she needed to stop by OfficeMax and Gordmans. Of course, we get there and I ask if we can walk down to TJ Maxx. I bought a table runner there a few weeks ago and I desperately would like to find matching linen napkins. The only set I have found, is on eBay for a lot more than I care to pay.

So of course, TJ Maxx turned into JC Penney and JC Penney turned into Dressbarn.

We walked by Dressbarn. And I saw this spring dress in the window I just instantly fell in love with. And yes, it has now officially been adopted into my closet full of clothes. Hanging by several other beautiful dresses I own that really do not get worn that often. And I have a few other lovely specimens in my dry cleaning bag set to go the cleaners that also do not get worn very often.

Knowing I have some great dresses in my closet, I still tried on this dress. And three other dresses. All four I loved and thought would have been fun to own, too. But in the end, I chose only the first dress that caught my eye. It was not on sale, but Dressbarn did have a May Basket going so I did save 15%. Bonus!

So why the new dress? Why this dress?

Well, for starters, my anniversary is coming up. Five years. Wowzer!

And we've planned a trip to New York City.

Just the two of us.

And well, let's just say despite having some post-pregnancy flab that disappeared when I was serious about working out and then somehow after a trip to Hawaii and the holidays, has unexpectedly, magically, mystically returned, I was thrilled that I could fit into a size 4. It helps that the skirt of the dress is full (for us flat-chested, narrow waisted, big bottom girls) All of the sheaths I tried on, I needed an 8 to cover my derriere. I'm not complaining, but rather stating the facts.

But the size being a 4 and the fact the dress is pretty and summery and yes, sexy all helped. Because when I go on this trip with my husband, while I will miss my daughter something fierce, I want to feel very much like a woman and not just someone who hangs out in her pjs all day, every day. Ok, well, not every day. But there are many days where I do not get ready until nap time. Which is after lunch. Which is pretty depressing.

So I have a new dress and a fun trip to one of my most favorite places with my husband, who happens to be one of my two favorite people, to look forward to.

It's been six years since we've been to New York City. I am hopeful I can remember my way around the subway system. I am excited to have dinner in Little Italy. See the New York Philharmonic. A Broadway show. And stay in a swanky hotel. But really, I am just thrilled to get away with my husband for a few days.

Pink Blossoms

2011-04-26T11:04:00.000-05:00

Our tree has blossomed and it is so pretty!

So I just have to say that I've become a bit of a snob. A strawberry snob. There is only one grocery store that has beautiful, big, red, long-lasting, delicious strawberries. Fareway.

Love, love, love Fareway's strawberries.

And that's all I have to say today.

Happy Easter

2011-04-24T23:42:00.001-05:00

At about 10 o'clock last night, I realized we never dyed eggs. It was something we had planned to do; but in the craziness of life it didn't happen. Or perhaps, Easter just snuck up on us much quicker than I anticipated.

I boiled some eggs thinking a dye job wouldn't be a big deal, but in the end I decided to cheat and use washi tape like they did here and here. And largely because I already had some on hand from last year when I blogged about my new found love for washi tape.

Here's how a few turned out.

With seven adults coming for Easter dinner, I also thought it would be fun to make up some place cards. Well, the truth is, I just like place cards. Plus, while it may be more fun for people to sit where they want I kind of like knowing where everyone is going to sit. It is the organizer in me (or maybe more admittedly, the desire (sin) of control). But really, I just enjoy making things like this! So I found this printable template from Martha Stewart Weddings and using Adobe's Photoshop Elements, typed each name in my favorite font, Albemarle Swash.

We skipped the traditional ham and opted for turkey with a rosemary mixture that added a lot of flavor to the meat. Scalloped potatoes (from a box), spinach salad with strawberries and slivered almonds, fresh asparagus sautéed in butter, and of course dinner rolls to complete the main meal.

Two of our guests brought dessert. One vanilla cake with strawberry icing and a pretty fantabulous chocolate raspberry cheesecake.

What was on your Easter menu?

Farmhouse Apple Cake

2011-04-22T23:02:00.001-05:00

We've had two ceilings fans sitting in their original packaging. In our basement. For two years. Well, the actual length of time may be up for some debate, but let's just say they've been around longer in their boxes then they have actual use.

But tonight we made some headway.

One of the ceiling fans is now on our ceiling in our family room. Although, due to some failure on the builder's part to install proper wiring there was some confusion on what to do exactly so there is still some work to be done to get it fully operational; but I am just thrilled to have it out of the box.

We had some friends come over and in exchange for their help in installing said fan, we made them dinner. We stuck to an oldie, but a goodie. I'm telling you people this Grilled Rosemary Chicken with Tomato-Avocado Salsa is pretty fabulous. It is incredibly easy to make and very, very flavorful. LOVE!

And for dessert I thought I would try a new recipe.

You know the Food Express that the Omaha World Herald delivers with all the grocer's ads? Well, they had an article in there this week titled, "Three Fuss-free Easy Cake Recipes."

I really enjoy baking. I also don't mind challenging recipes, but I'm humble enough to admit that I have had my share of baking disasters. Even with tried and true recipes. But I thought it might be fun to try out the Farmhouse Apple Cake recipe especially since it is supposed to be fuss-free and easy. Plus, it gave me an excuse to break out my springform pan.

So here's my take . . . it is relatively easy to prepare. Peeling, coring, and cutting the apples takes a little time, but I don't want to complain. Definitely, definitely wrap the bottom of the springform pan with foil. I did and I am glad I did since it did leak. And because it did leak, the cake batter baked to the bottom and outside of the pan, making it very difficult to remove the springform ring from the bottom of the pan.

The verdict: probably not something I will bake again.

It didn't taste bad; but let's just say I could not decide if I liked it. Vanilla ice cream definitely helped it. My husband agreed with me; but my mother-in-law and my friend both said they enjoyed it (they may have just been polite; but I do think they would be honest with me).

So I won't be adding this one to my go-to baking list.

What is your go-to dessert? Trying anything new for Easter?

April Showers Bring Forth May Flowers

2011-04-15T23:01:00.000-05:00

It was rainy and cool here today. A good day to stay indoors.

But we did venture out to the drycleaners to recycle the wire hangers I removed from the master closet. And we did stop by Goodwill to drop off two bags of clothing.

It's amazing how departing with small things like that can really make a difference in how one feels.

And despite the dreary weather, a little brightness was found when I discovered our berry tree is starting to bud. I'm excited for it to fully blossom. It really is remarkable and one my most favorite things about living in this house . . .even if I only get to delight in it for a little while.

No Wire Hangers

2011-04-14T23:54:00.000-05:00

I'm not Joan Crawford. Thank goodness for that.

But I am not a big fan of wire hangers. Yet, with a closet full of dry clean only clothing I often find our closet to be composed of more wire hangers than actual clothing.

It's aggravating.

So my mother-in-law is coming this next week. And our bathroom is not complete. Arghh!

Another DIY fail.

It is so hard to get things done with 1) a toddler and 2) a husband who travels a lot. Oh, and 3) there always seems to be something more important to do.

So we know which tiler we want to use. We still need to pick out our tile. We still need to patch the wall where the towel bar had been. And we still need to finish painting.

I am embarrassed my mother-in-law will see our incomplete bathroom; but I am assured that she'll love us anyway.

So our downstairs is always pretty clean. The upstairs, however, is a DISASTER. Except for the guest bedroom, which is always clean.

But the office. Our master bedroom. Our master walk-in closet. Even Claire's room can get a little sketchy every now and again. But those other rooms . . .I shared with my husband this evening that I often feel so overwhelmed by our house. I love our house and I am thankful for it; but we came from a one bedroom apartment to a four bedroom house. It feels impossible to keep on top of everything. Heck, life nearly feels the same way.

It was quite windy and rainy this evening and after the munchkin went to bed, I decided to start cleaning. And of course, the closet was first on my list. Not any of the rooms my mother-in-law might actually see; but instead the closet. It seemed a sensible place to begin since everything in there either belonged there or needed to be filtered out to other spaces in the house.

So I've been all about purging since last year when I had our garage sale. I plan to have another this year. But in the last year, I've made three trip to Goodwill to donate clothing. I am about to make a fourth trip. I just have so many things that I never wear anymore and perhaps somebody else will enjoy.

And of course, in the process, I had to purge the closet of the countless wire hangers that have accummulated over time in the closet.

Next stop, the master bedroom. Followed by the office. And last, but not least the bathroom.

We're going to try to get as much done as possible on Monday. Carl did install the curved shower rod, but removing the caulk from where the shower doors had been has been a major pain. I've determined that there are two things in home improvement I never care to do again: 1) Remove wallpaper; and 2) Remove caulk.

How is spring cleaning coming along for you?

Garden Party

2011-04-11T15:30:00.002-05:00

I would really love to have a garden party. Although, the time to do it is when the blooms on our berry tree have blossomed. That's usually sometime near the end of April beginning of May. The blossoms only last a short time and then they are gone until the following spring. And it is so hard to pinpoint when it will actually happen that I don't feel I could give people proper notice.

Therefore, it might have to be an impromptu garden party. . .

Easter is quickly approaching and I have all sorts of inspiration for table decor for Easter dinner. I especially loved this idea from the cover of Woman's Day I recently received in the mail.

Image credit: Cover of Woman's Day from Woman's Day website.

Only I do not have a glass footed bowl like the one pictured and could not find one on a recent shopping trip to Hobby Lobby, Gordmans, and TJ Maxx.

And nobody says I have to use a footed bowl to achieve a pretty centerpiece, but the truth is I really liked the idea of using a footed bowl.

While I was out shopping, though, I did find three things I am rather excited about.

First, this awesome double-sided Ralph Lauren Caroline Floral/Striped table runner.

Then, if you'll pardon the wrinkles, I found this lovely April Cornell tablecloth. Which is really girly and of which I can picture using for lots of parties.

And last, but not least, a spring wreath from Gordmans.

What creative ideas do you have for Easter decorations? What inspires your table decor?

Eating Out

2011-04-06T00:06:00.002-05:00

I know I've mentioned this quote from Shauna Niequist's Cold Tangerines before . .

"...feeding the people I love is a hands-on way of loving them. When you nourish and sustain someone, essentially, you're saying that you want them to thrive, to be happy and healthy and able to live well."

But it really sums up how I feel about serving the people I love.

Yesterday was beautiful.

God blessed us with a gorgeous day in Nebraska. So utterly and completely pleasant that we broke out the cushions for our patio furniture and decided it was high time to use said patio furniture that we purchased two years ago and have hardly enjoyed. Until now. I am committed to using this furniture. A lot. This spring and summer. Starting with this dinner.

We invited a family from our Missional Community to join us. We've come to know and love them very much and wanted to bless them.

My husband and I decided to make the Grilled Rosemary Chicken with Tomato-Avocado Salsa from Cooking Light that I blogged about last summer here. We marinated the chicken overnight, which we both can attest was completely worth it. As I wrote in the post last summer, we both felt the chicken needed to marinate longer than the 30 minutes the recipe called for and in doing so, the chicken has amazing flavor.

Love. Love. Love this recipe. Which appears to now be online. So check out the chicken recipe here and the salsa recipe here.

We served the chicken and salsa with a spinach salad and french bread coupled with a riesling.

It was so much fun.

I am incredibly thankful for God's blessings and the freedom and opportunity to prepare and share a meal with people we love.

Banner Towing

2011-03-31T21:04:00.006-05:00

It's my time.

My little monkey has gone down for the night.

And tomorrow my husband returns after being away for nine days. Nine. Very. Long. Days.

I really have nothing to complain about when there are other women out there with husbands who are deployed right now for 100 days or more. And let's not forget the women who are raising little people all by themselves. So in the grand scheme of things nine days is nada.

But to my daughter, it is a pretty big deal. She has no concept of time yet, but she is very much aware when Dada is not there to brush her teeth and help with bedtime stories. The first couple of nights are especially rough with her waking at all hours because she knows Daddy is not home. And let's face it, trying to explain to an 18-month old that Daddy will be home in nine days does not go over real well.

A friend from our Missional Community had shared with me this darling idea of making rings out of construction paper and each day removing a ring in anticipation of Daddy's return. I think we'll do that the next time he's gone. I am pleased as punch that I actually have construction paper in our house already. One less thing to remember to buy when out shopping.

Since Claire is getting older, though, and eventually we can start doing little crafts together, which by the way I am super stoked about. Seriously. And because I really love the banners that all those really creative people know how to make (and sell) on websites like Etsy . . .banners like this super adorable one for a baby shower . . .I thought wouldn't it be fabulous if I made one for my husband only instead of "It's a Boy" (which actually might be really funny since tomorrow is April 1), I would have "Welcome Home Dada." I've seen some other really adorable banners using fabric cut into pennants, but I really do not have the time (or resources) to make pennants out of fabric right now.

So I decided to use what I already had in my house:

A little green grosgrain ribbon.
Black 4.5"x6.5" card stock from Hobby Lobby.
Glue
Making Memories Shimmer Jigsaw Alphabet in Silver from Michaels.
Single-hole punch

This project was very simple. And it looks simple. It probably looks like my 18-month old made it and well, let's be honest, I'm going to tell my husband she did. I realize now I should have taken a corner rounder to the corners to jazz it up a bit and I guess I still could, but I really don't have the time for that now. I still have a house to clean.

Basically, I just glued the chipboard to the cardstock. Punched two holes in the top portion of it. And ran the ribbon through the holes. 10 minutes.

For something quick and painless, but shows my sweet hubby we were thinking of him, here's how it turned out.

I'll save making a fancy schmancy banner for either his next trip or perhaps, Easter . . .

Freedom

2011-03-22T21:42:00.000-05:00

I detest tax time. Only because I insist on being highly organized and punctual in delivering our information to the accountant and because I've failed to be organized in the prior year I end up pushing it to the limit each time. We're supposed to have our client organizer and all it's accessories in by the end of this week. That is, of course, if we want to avoid filing an extension.

And finally, I have it all together. A complete, ready package for the accountant. I'm sure he's thrilled to receive it. I know I am thrilled to be done with it. For now. Anyway.

NOW, I can focus on other things.

Like the bathrooms.

All the bids are in. Carl and I need to discuss what we are going to do, but I think we both have our mind made up.

We probably will not make my April 19th deadline for tiling the floors, but that is ok. My goal is to have the guest bathroom completely painted and the shower rod and curtain installed at the very minimum.

I bought paint this week to finish the bathroom and the one remaining wall in the master bedroom. I also picked out the color below to paint our hallway upstairs. It's in desperate need of some TLC so I've already spackled the walls and plan to do a lot of painting now that I can experince freedom from tax preparation and leave that to the experts.

Image Credit: Divine White from Sherwin-Williams.

Spring is Officially Here!

2011-03-20T13:37:00.000-05:00

What a wonderful day today!

Today spring officially begins.

A new season.

New opportunities.

Newness all around.

Green grass starting to peek through the drab dead grass of winter.

Birds singing.

People out and about.

All I can say is yea! for spring! :)

Ants

2011-03-18T14:44:00.001-05:00

It appears spring has finally arrived.

I'm thrilled to have the windows open. Fresh air circulating throughout the house.

But with warmer temperatures comes some minor aggravations. Like ants.

Having a toddler in the house, our kitchen floor has no shortage of crumbs. I do my best to keep the floor swept up and clean; but I'm not perfect and certainly miss a crumb or two.

So the other day, Claire discovered we had an ant problem near our sliding glass door in the kitchen. She, of course, was very curious about the tiny creatures crawling across one area of our kitchen floor. Naturally, I was not as pleased by our new visitors' arrival.

Carl offered to get some ant killer, but with this little person in the house I really want to avoid harsh chemicals to rid us of our unwanted guests.

I had read that ants do not care for the smell of (white) vinegar or nutmeg. So currently, I am trying both of these methods; however, neither one seems to be keeping the ants at bay.

Any other natural suggestions out there?

Gift Card Shopping

2011-03-16T18:32:00.001-05:00

Gift cards. People either love them or hate them. I, for one, love gift cards. Well, I love receiving them. I love giving them, too but more out of convenience. Like, for example, I don't have much time to spend finding a really well-thought out gift; but want to let someone know I am thinking of them. Most of the time, however, I prefer to at least try and give a more personal gift (with a gift receipt just in case they absolutely hate it). But, for me, I love having the freedom to shop with a gift card.

So I received a gift card to Pottery Barn for Christmas. LOVE! And it's been tucked in my purse for weeks now with the anticipation that one day I might actually make it to Pottery Barn. The store. The weather is much nicer, but we're much busier and it just doesn't look like we're going to make it there any time soon.

I received an email that one of the items I've been wanting has free shipping so I thought I would check out Pottery Barn. The website.

Here is what I decided to purchase. But wouldn't you know it, one of the items I ordered is not available until after July. Grrr . . .

Image Credit: Set of 2 darling monogrammed bee guest
towels for our vamped up powder room from Pottery Barn.

Image Credit: Two 18" square pillow inserts to go inside
the beautiful red velvet pillow covers I found on
clearance at Pottery Barn about a year ago.

Image Credit: A set of six antique-silver napkin rings
(on sale) to use for a fun dinner party. I love
accessorizing the dinner table!

But despite the wait on those fun guest towels, I am very pleased with my finds and that it all included free shipping! And I don't think one can complain too much when they have a gift card to shop with.

Here are two other items that caught my eye some time ago, but didn't have free shipping so they will have to wait to be collected for another time perhaps . . .

I've had my heart set on these cheese markers for some time.
Image Credit: Pottery Barn.

I love this bread basket for serving bread.
Image Credit: Pottery Barn.

Busy Morning

2011-03-15T12:41:00.001-05:00

In our effort to do some pre-spring cleaning, we had our air ducts and dryer vent professionally cleaned this morning. As I suspected, the guys said our home had probably never had it's ducts cleaned. Thirteen years of dust bunnies and a lot of other stuff accumulating in our vents was not a pretty sight. Hopefully, we'll all breathe better and any fears of the lint from our dryer vent causing a house fire will end.

Our third tile expert called and said he could stop by this morning to take a look at the bathrooms. He gave me the measurements and said he would email us later with the bid.

I'm looking forward to receiving the other two estimates. Getting started on this project and finishing our guest bath is my top priority. I'm also anxious to get rid of the ridiculous carpet in our master bath.

In the craziness of everything, however, I did find a little time to paint some more in the bathroom. Just need my man to help me rip out those base boards and to finish painting the walls near the high ceiling.

Guest Bath Progress

2011-03-12T21:38:00.000-06:00

We received our first estimate for tiling both bathrooms on Thursday. We're having someone come out this week to give us another and we discussed calling one other person for a third estimate.

I found a less expensive, simple shower curtain on Target's website. It had received good reviews so I thought it would be a good alternative to the one I blogged about here.

Earlire today, we went by Home Depot and picked up a few items that we need. One big item on my list was caulk remover. I'm trying Goo Gone to eliminate the caulk that was used to seal the shower doors in place. So far it has worked pretty well. Our tub is pretty gross right now with the mess. I'll be happy when it is cleaned. Anyone who knows me, knows I don't like things looking disgusting.

I also started to pull out the quarter round from the base boards and hope to get my husband's help in removing the base boards from the bathroom walls. I've tried getting them off myself, but sadly I think I am going to have to rely on man's help for that one.

We're going to check out Consolidated Kitchens and Baths and maybe a few other places to investigate having a custom countertop and back splash made for our vanity. We're also planning to do some price comparisons to see if it might be worth just buying a new vanity. The problem that presents itself, however, is that we have a custom vanity in the bathroom now and it is an odd size so I think, but am not certain, we would have to have another custom vanity made and well, that means $$$$. I am trying to do this bathroom on a budget since we will not be in the house long-term.

That's about it for now. Taxes and other priorities are getting in the way of getting some things done in the bathroom, but I still have a little over a month before the bathroom needs to be finished!

Firecracker

2011-03-10T23:09:00.001-06:00

They say anything that doesn't kill you only makes you stronger. That's sort of how I view discipline. We're moving into the terrible two's. A lot of my friends said three was worse than two. I really hope not because Claire isn't even two yet and all I can say is we've got a real pistol on our hands.

So today I thought it would be nice to make a snack. Like bake something. And maybe it was partly selfish because I want to experiment with this recipe I have for blueberry coffee cake. The last time I made it, it turned out pretty dry and I knew it would because it obviously didn't have enough of the wet ingredients to make it moist. So I decided to incorporate a little science into the recipe so I could get it just the way I would like it to be.

While Claire ate lunch, I prepared everything. By the time I had the mixture in the loaf pan the oven had been pre-heated. In the oven went the coffee cake and out to the mailbox went Claire and I.

She was my little helper, carrying the mail back in and since it was so incredibly lovely out I thought maybe we would go out back and play some. This, of course, being Claire's very first time actually free and able to roam around our backyard.

Claire found a new friend in Igor, our only Garden Gnome.
Kitschy, I know. That's why we only have one.

She discovered a leaf.

She ran around with the ball.

And she touched the gas grill. Three times. Even after I asked her not to, each time directing her away from the grill. The grill is Daddy's toy. The rest of the yard is Claire's toy. After she touched it a third time, I picked up my child, fidgety, none-to-happy child, and took her inside stating that when we are disobedient and do not listen to mommy, we lose our privilege to play outside.

We went inside and as hard as it was for me, I listened as she cried and ran to the glass door staring outside. Still crying. Imploring. Begging. Pleading. For me to let her go back outside.

It was so hard. It broke my heart to hear her cry and be so disappointed that she could not be outside. But I love her so much, I don't want anything to happen to her. I care so much for her I couldn't let her go outside again until I was sure she knew better than to touch the grill.

I called my husband, putting him on speaker phone, and Claire came over to me, took my phone and threw it on the floor.

Nice.

It appears we have a real firecracker, that one.

I love my child too much to allow her to think that throwing my cell phone down is acceptable behavior. I am hopeful this phase will not last too long.

Maybe some blueberry coffee cake will do the trick?

I had some much needed girl time tonight. I love being a mommy, but trust me even mommy's need a small break every now and again. Met a friend at Morning, Noon, and Night. It is like our very own Napa in Papillion. Such a nice, little place and the folks that work there are super friendly. I enjoyed a nice glass of wine and a little cheese and fruit. Catching up with my friend.

Before we left, I looked for this wine I tried there on a previous visit. I couldn't remember the name. I knew it was something like Hot Topic. Ectopic. Isn't that terrible? But I knew it was none of those. Seriously.

I found it there: Apothic Red. Bought a bottle to bring home as a little treat for my husband and me.

That little munckin is my joy. Disciplining will never be easy, but because I care and love her so much it must be done.

As for the blueberry coffee cake, it turned out well. Still needs a little something extra, but I'll post the recipe on the blog when I get it narrowed down.

Fat Tuesday

2011-03-08T13:27:00.001-06:00

Another weekend has flown by and this week is sure to, also. The last month went by so fast I can hardly believe we're actually in March.

It's Fat Tuesday, but there won't be anything fat about it. At least not at our house.

But I have been busy cooking. Italian Wedding Soup. Blueberry Banana Bread. My father's sauce recipe for Spaghetti and Meatballs. With the latter, we have had an opportunity to get some fun pictures of Claire eating spaghetti.

LOVE the sauce beard. It was pretty much permanent.
The color reminded me of an Oompa Loompa from
Willy Wonka and Chocolate Factory.

We also went tile shopping this weekend. It really is so overwhelming. I went in thinking 12 x 12 inch tiles, but evidently that size tile is now so passé. I suppose since we rid ourselves of cable, I am now out of the loop on what is trending since I don't keep up with HGTV anymore. Evidently, 18 x 18 inch tiles are the "in" thing. Personally, I feel as if 18 x 18 inch tiles in our guest bath would look ridiculous. 18 x 18 inch tiles may look alright in our master bath, but we have a water closet that houses the shower and the toilet and it isn't a very big space. So I've decided I really don't care what is the "in" thing, I am going with what I think will look right given the size of the space.

We went to Nebraska Furniture Mart and like the vultures they are, a salesman descended on us before we had even a chance to really look. We did find a porcelain tile we both liked, but the problem is NFM does not have samples to hand out. We can go to the tile showroom in Omaha to get a sample, but of course they aren't open on Sunday when most people are out shopping around for this type of stuff. We did agree to have NFM come out and measure so we could get an idea of the cost for the amount of tile we'll need and for installation.

We did stop at Lowe's, too. And picked up three samples of tile that we liked in the store and brought it home. We're not planning to replace the ceramic tile that is already in the tub/shower in our bathrooms so we want to find a tile that will coordinate well with the existing white tile.

We're leaning towards the first one on the left.
We like the texture and the color coordinates well
with what we currently have in the bathroom.

We also had them measure our master bath. I've been wanting to dispose of the carpet in our master for almost two years now.

I've never understood carpet in the bathroom.
It makes absolutely no sense to me at all.
Note we have a big stain in the center.
Eyeliner. Nice.
With tile, easy clean up.

I called the tiler my parents referred me to. He's coming out early next week to give us an estimate. He indicated that he's not available to start work until early to mid-April. That's within my schedule. I would like to have this all done before the 19th if at all possible.

I also want to start painting the master bath once we finish painting the guest bath. I'm thinking this color from Sherwin-Williams.

Image Credit: SW6212 Quietude from Sherwin-Williams

More on Cleaning

2011-03-05T17:52:00.001-06:00

Today was quite deceptive. Looking out the window, the sky was clear. Sun shining. It looked as if it was incredibly warm out. It made me wish we could throw open all the windows. Let the fresh air in. Alas, it was only in the 30s and sadly, there is snow in the forecast for this coming week starting tonight. Grrr...

It reminded me, though, of days long gone by. Days when I was a little girl and Saturdays were designated housework days. In the spring, we would have all the windows open and my parents would have KGOR, the local oldies station, on the radio. Of course, back then the oldies KGOR played were music from the 50s, 60s, and 70s. Today, 80s music is considered an oldie. But not to me. I loved listending to KGOR back then. Listening to the Beatles, a little CCR, Chicago. Oh, how I loved Chicago. "Saturday in the Park". "25 or 6 to 4." "Baby, What a Big Surprise." I know it is shameless, but I had a huge crush on Peter Cetera. Both before and after he left Chicago (the band). I suppose it isn't surprising I married a trumpet player since Chicago has always been heavy on brass.

But now when we clean house we don't often have the radio or any music playing for that matter. Well, at least not when everyone is home. I did put on Pandora while Carl and Claire were off for their Costco date, but I could barely hear it over the dryer and the vacuum cleaner running.

I cannot express enough, though, how READY for spring I am. Anxious doesn't even begin to explain how much I look forward to have fresh air flowing through our home. I miss sleeping with the windows open at night. There is just something about having those windows open. I cannot explain it, but I love it.

Despite the deceptive weather outside and the fact, the windows weren't open for my pre-spring cleaning, I did have a very productive day. Our master bedroom now looks as spotless as it did before we had a baby. I washed, folded, AND put away all of the clothes and towels. No more stacks of clean laundry on the bed. I also actually made our bed for a change. I found it all to be so fulfilling.

I vacuumed the upstairs and downstairs. Dusted (most of the house). Cleaned the mirrors. Scrubbed the kitchen floor. I even invited my parents to dinner. Fortunately, for me Costco is making our fabulous shrimp penne pasta tonight; but I think I've earned that after all the cooking I've done this week.

Anyhoo! It feels good to have all this cleaning done.

But I still have a few things left on my to do list for this weekend:

For starters, we need to get all of our tax crap together. I really do not enjoy getting tax time. It is one of those necessary evils. So it must be done. And I think I've put that at the top of my list.

Then, there is the guest bath project we started. Tomorrow afternoon we plan to go look for tile and my mother shared with me a place to check out for a new countertop for the guest bath. I also need to hit Sherwin-Williams.

And lastly, as much as I hate airing dirty laundry, I have to profess that I have not yet tackled the black hole that has become our office.

There is a combination of items designated for the garage sale. Linens to be ironed. Drycleaning to be dropped off. And other various odds and ends. All over the floor. Let me rephrase. ALL OVER the whole floor. I used to be so organized that it would make me sick to have even half this mess going on. Since we had Claire, I've learned to just not care anymore. Or maybe I've just learned to avoid spaces that become like this. But no more. I am bound and determined to have this space cleaned up. But trust me, the rest of my house does not look like this. This room, unfortunately, has become like the junk drawer must people have in their kitchens. Everything has been deposited here for sorting at some point. And well, the point has come. I cannot take it anymore.

So thank goodness for Costco shrimp penne pasta because now I have time to both blog and clean!

A Whale of a Story

2011-03-03T20:52:00.000-06:00

Too funny not to share.

Tonight, while Carl was reading Claire a story from Baby's First Bible, he asked her to show him where the whale was.

She pointed at me.

Wow!

My daughter thinks I'm a whale.

No doubt there are days when I feel like one.

I thought it was pretty funny, though.

Spring Organizing

2011-03-02T23:08:00.001-06:00

I am trying to get a little more organized these days. I used to be super organized, but since having a baby and a much larger house I find it harder to keep track of things.

One way I am trying to get a hold on everything is by making out a schedule on a calendar. So tonight I started to fill out the calendar for March and I noticed several things . . .

1. Fat Tuesday is next week, which means

2. Ash Wednesday is also next week and Lent begins. I did not grow up observing Lent, but I do now.

3. Daylight Saving Time begins on the 13th and then . . .

4. SPRING arrives officially on the 20th!!! Hooray for spring!

So two big things have to happen within the next week. That being to buy paint since it is on sale and get all of our tax stuff together for the accountant (the latter being one of my least favorite things to do) because we still have not done that.

Paint Sale!

2011-03-01T17:50:00.001-06:00

Praise the Lord! Sherwin-Williams announced a paint sale starting March 3! And 30% off, too! I am thrilled and so incredibly thankful for this unexpected blessing. Finishing this guest bath is at the top of my to-do list!

More Guest Bath Progress

2011-03-01T00:01:00.015-06:00

I came home from Missional Community last night and found myself very motivated. I folded some laundry that has been piling up in our bedroom and then I dug out my painting clothes from the closet.

As I shared in a previous post, my goal is to complete painting the area around the shower first with the paint I have so Carl can help me install the new curved shower rod we purchased. This is me thinking ahead so the shower can still be used if our progress comes to screeching halt for any reason.

I already feel better. The pale blue
paint color always reminded me of a
hospital. The new paint reminds
me of the beach.

But we have a ways to go (literally).
I am hoping Carl will volunteer to
paint up there, because I am
not much of a fan of open heights.

While I am not really digging the price, I do like this shower curtain from Crate and Barrel. I might have to stalk this one until it is on clearance or surf the net for a substitute.

Image Credit: Pebble Matelasse Shower Curtain from
Crate & Barrel.

For this bathroom, I am thinking clean. fresh. simple.

We're going tile and light fixture shopping this weekend. I can't help but think I am already ahead of the game. Two months and counting.

O paint sale, paint sale wherefore art thou paint sale?

Guest Bath Progress

2011-02-28T00:01:00.017-06:00

All this excitement over our newly installed powder room vanity coupled with tearing down those shower doors has us motivated!

Last night, Carl took down the rest of the shower door hardware from the tub.

Carl hard at work.

He also took down the porcelain/plastic towel bar.

The porcelain towel rod holder that was here
didn't come off so easily, but
I don't think demo is supposed to be perfect.

And I started to tape off the bathroom
with painter's tape.

No emails from Sherwin-Williams announcing a paint sale as of yet, but I already had 2 quarts of Sand Dollar in the house. I am going to get started painting just around the shower so we can get the new curved shower rod we bought last summer from Bed Bath & Beyond installed.

Next task, shopping for tile and a new light fixture and we're on our way!

An Update to the Powder Room

2011-02-27T13:52:00.000-06:00

Many thanks to our friends, Jason and Rebecca. Without Jason's help installing the new vanity in our powder room and Rebecca's willingness to let us borrow her husband for said help, the new vanity would surely continue taking up residence in our empty living room for some time to come (maybe even years).

Jason did a remarkable job, which isn't surprising considering the wonderful work he and Rebecca have done in their own home. I think Carl was a good helper, doing a few things here and there and making several runs to Lowe's. He even fed Jason Nilla wafers while Jason was getting his hands dirty tearing out the old plumbing. Claire Bear delighted in supervising the two, extremely curious as to the project the guys were working on.

Before

Note there is no room for storing cleaning supplies.

The old vanity has been removed.

Jason is testing the new faucet.

A sneak peak of what the vanity will look like
in the powder room.

Check out the new faucet that doesn't
spray water everywhere like the old one did.

Very sharp looking and lots of room for storing
cleaning and bathroom supplies.

I considered repainting the bathroom, but so many people have told me they like the color and oddly enough the box had a picture of the vanity with a simliar looking faucet and wallcolor.

In the end, I decided to keep it the same color after all. And this wife/mama is very pleased to see that we're now out with the old and in with the new.

Thanks again, Jason and Rebecca!

Plans to Revitalize the Guest Bathroom (Finally)

2011-02-26T12:57:00.000-06:00

We may be updating the powder room this weekend by installing the new vanity I wrote about in an earlier post.

So today while I was cleaning the guest bathroom upstairs, I decided it was high time we did something with it. I was sick of those shower doors and without having a water softener or whole-house filter (yet), I was also tired of cleaning the shower doors. Not that the water softener or whole-house filter would have made much of a difference because I just don't care for those silly shower doors.

Since I wanted to wash the tub out; but those doors are in the way and they make it so much harder to clean the tub, I thought I would start attempting to lift the top off. It was easier than I thought it would be. Then I mentioned to my husband that I was fed up with the guest bathroom. I've been wanting to do something with it since we moved in, but haven't made the time. I told him I needed his help getting the silly thing completely off and the doors down once our daughter went down for her nap.

And away with those horrid shower doors.
We still need to remove the rest of the hardware,
but at least some progress has been made.

My mother-in-law is coming for a visit in April for Easter. I figured I have approximately two months to do something with this bathroom. So I am going to get started. It would be very helpful to me, however, if Sherwin-Williams would have another paint sale. I didn't make it in over their Valentine's Day sale and well, I refuse to pay full-price for paint so I am hoping they will have a sale.

We're all about keeping things relatively neutral in our house so right now I am thinking of using the same color we used in our master bedroom, Sand Dollar.

Sand Dollar by Sherwin-Williams

I am also seriously considering painting the cabinetry. If it goes well, then I may check into replacing the counter top and we already have a new faucet that has been sitting in our basement for the last (almost) two years. Some new hardware and voila, an instant update.

I'm also thinking new tile to replace the vinyl flooring that is in the bathroom currently. And definitely a new light fixture. I'd also like to do put a frame around the existing mirror similar to what has been done here.

I'm not a huge fan of medicine cabinets, but I'm sure other people love them. As much as I would love to remove this one, I suppose we'll keep it and it will get updated like the rest.

So now, if Sherwin-Williams will announce another paint sale (hint, hint), this project will get started.

More on Prayer (Continued)

2011-02-25T00:01:00.037-06:00

So I caved and said I could work.

Now, the sins of desiring acceptance and wanting to please people instead of God set in.

And I felt this immense, immense, immense pressure in my very being.

It was awful. I did not feel like I could enjoy myself when my daughter was showing so much joy and enthusiasm on a recent trip to the zoo.

I do not want to be this person. I do not want this heavy burden. I want to enjoy my life and enjoy my family.

So I continued to pray. And just like Matthew 11:28 says:

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest."

I was given rest. And I knew what I was being led to do.

More prayer.

Then Wednesday, I made a very difficult call to the good folks that presented me the opportunity. The good folks I said I could start work for. And I apologized and said I simply could not do this work. It was too much, too soon. I left work initially to focus on my family and that is what I need to do now.

Let's just say disappointing them was not easy for me.

But following that conversation, I felt even more at rest and at peace then I did before. I know, in my heart, I did the right thing.

Before I made the call, I felt God calling me to the Book of Proverbs. I flipped through unsure of where exactly He was leading me. I saw a lot of various verses, but none of them really struck me as especially relevant. Later, after I had made the call, I was going back through my copy of Daily Light reading through some of the verses that had been so applicable in the recent week and I saw this verse (Proverbs 3:24) from the evening of February 22:

"when you lie down, you will not be afraid; when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet."

Noting it was from Proverbs, I went back and read the entire passage and Proverbs 3:26 resonated with me.

"for the Lord will be your confidence and will keep your foot from being snared."

I really believe that God was keeping me from these projects for so many different reasons and I am so thankful to Him for being my confidence and keeping me from being ensnared in a project that would have surely brought misery.

More on Prayer

2011-02-24T13:05:00.002-06:00

It seems to me that today people have lost hope and have little trust in God.

Every day, people are complaining. They complain about their jobs. About the people they work with. About work/tasks assigned to them. About our government. About politicians. About their homes. Some times about their spouses. And some times about their families.

I'm choosing to be thankful.

And I'm choosing to trust God.

I mentioned in the previous post A Praying Life, a book I read recently on prayer. It really brought to light how little I've prayed to God about the small and big things in my life. I mentioned the answered prayer to getting the scanner to work. I'd like to share another example of how prayer has worked in my life.

So last spring, I quit my job of five years so I could spend more time with my daughter and focus on my family. I didn't really pray about it. I just knew that was what I needed to do. So, of course, I freaked out when I was not getting a paycheck anymore wondering how on earth we would make ends meet. Still not praying about it at the time.

Then, in June, I got a call from my previous employer suggesting I start my own business and that they would be interested in contracting work out to me. They implied that I would be able to work when I wanted as long as I got tasks done within their schedule. Seemed like a brilliant idea and maybe an answer to my fears since God knows the desires of our heart (Psalm 38:9).

But the truth is, when I was presented with this offer, my heart was not in the right place. I was thinking with my head and sin set in. Yes, sin. Everyone hates talking about sin. At least, talking about their own sin. It seems we all are so quick to find the sins in everyone else, but not our own sin. But something I discovered, is that all too often when I am finding fault in someone else, God is revealing to me that fault within myself. So we're going to talk about my sin. My sin of Greed (love and desire for the money this work would bring), my sin of Pride (the honor and glory tied to being asked to start my own business) and my sin of distrust and lack of dependence on God in deciding whether or not to do this. All of which, I was not confronted with until about a month ago or so.

At the end of November, I submitted two fee estimates for a considerable amount of money. Of course, all I was thinking of was what would I do with that money? It was more than I had made when I was working for my previous employer. It was exciting and I was making a list in my head of the things I could do with it. I could renovate our kitchen, we could buy (dare I say it) a mini-van, we could put money away for Claire, we could do this or that. To be honest, the list in my head was really quite ridiculous. It is amazing how much the love of money can make fools out of us. But I also wasn't looking at the big picture: Like what on earth am I thinking? I cannot possibly do all of this work and raise my daughter!!! I'll be forced to put her in daycare and let someone else raise her.

So then, I never received a response from the good folks I had submitted my estimates to and in the mean time, Carl and I got more involved in our church and our missional community. We did a study of Proverbs, I started reading A Praying Life and another book, Counterfeit Gods. And I realized, that I was making a god out of this job opportunity and the wealth it would bring. I was putting all my happiness in one basket and it wasn't God.

Upon this realization, I started to pray for wisdom and discernment regarding what I should do. And while I felt incredibly close to God, I wasn't quite sure I was getting an answer or direction in which way I should go. But I was secretly hoping that maybe because I had not heard from those good folks, that maybe they had simply decided to go off in a new direction.

Life isn't that easy, though.

And eventually we have to confront the demons in our lives.

I was in San Diego with Claire, basking in the sunshine, warm weather, green grass, and pretty flowers when I saw I had missed a call. The message left was from the good folks indicating that work needed to start soon. And I just knew, I just knew in my heart, that I could not do it. Deep within my heart, I just knew that no amount of money is worth missing out on my daughter's life. Plus, my husband and I have been feeling a tug on our hearts to expand our family and again, I could not possibly do all this work and be pregnant. I haven't forgotten what it is like to be pregnant and work. It's indescribably exhausting.

So instead of confronting the problem head on. I delayed.

Delay. Delay, Delay.

But I did pray during this time.

Then out of some sort of duty and obligation; out of fear; out of concern for what they would think of me, I caved and said I would be available to start next month.

Wow! This post is already much longer than I thought it would be! I am sorry for the novel . . .maybe now would be a good time to insert a

To be continued . . . .

A Praying Life

2011-02-21T13:34:00.004-06:00

My mother-in-law sent us this darling card through Smilebox. In it she included some various pictures from our recent trip to San Diego. Here are just a few.

Claire playing with her iPod Touch while sitting in her chair.

Claire loves reading. Not surprising since Mama does, too.

Claire loves piano and organ, as well.

Life has been pretty busy since we returned from San Diego. This last week was filled with dentist and doctor appointments, playdates, and dinner with friends. The weekend flew by and before I knew it we were into this last full week of February. Where is 2011 going? All I can say is it is going fast, fast, fast!

When I started this blog out, it was going to focus on entertaining, DIY, and home decor. But let's face it, life is busy and we can't be having dinner parties every week (or at least not me); and my DIY projects often get placed on the backburner; and my home decor is lagging right now because I'm trying to conserve spending and save my nickels and dimes. So while the title may be a little deceiving, this blog is really just about whatever suits my fancy. Because there is more to my life than just those three things.

I've spent the better part of this day working on getting my scanner to work. It hasn't worked in some time and it is always incredibly frustrating when you need to use something and it doesn't work. I am a huge believer in the power of prayer and while it may seem to some a bit odd to pray that the scanner will work, I have to say that for me, praying worked. I finally was able to figure out how to get the scanner to work. Although, it wasn't the way I expected, answers to prayer are often not what we expect. I take comfort, though, in knowing that God desires to take care of and bless me.

So much is going on with me both professionally and personally. Many things are about to happen and very quickly. I'm struggling with what it is that I desire to do and of course, trusting in God through it all. I recently read this book, A Praying Life, by Paul E. Miller. First, I must say I highly, highly recommend this book. It was recommended to me by the leaders of our missional community and I am very thankful to them for the recommendation.

I think since we had Claire up until I read this book, my prayers had really been limited to just praying that God would protect my daughter. Which he has graciously done and of which I am incredibly thankful for. Unfortunately, though, I was not having any real relationship with God by any stretch of the imagination. I had found myself at a sort of crossroads a few months back when we started this study of Proverbs at church. So many different things were going on - the possibility of work, a friendship gone awry, dealing with some other strained relationships - and it just popped in my brain one night while talking to my husband that the thought to pray about these different struggles had never occurred to me. So after meeting with our missional community leaders, they suggested a biblical course of action as well as reading this book.

When I first started reading A Praying Life, I seriously thought it had been written just for me. On the one hand, though, it was refreshing to know that I am not alone in the desert of prayerlessness, but it was also encouraging to read how prayer is really such a vital component to having a relationship with God. That really, we need to be going to Him with everything. That includes the scanner that hasn't been working for two years.

I encourage people to check out the book. I can say that, for me, it did make a difference in my life and how I view prayer.

A Little Sunshine

2011-02-15T12:23:00.002-06:00

Traveling with a toddler is a lot of work. Traveling without your spouse (for fun and let's be real, moral support) is even more work. Fortunately, my daughter is a frequent flier and does quite well on the airplane. So well, in fact, that most of the time people tell us that they didn't even know there was a baby seated near them. Personally, I think the key to having a happy baby on the airplane is having lots of distractions. Thank goodness for books, toys, an iPod Touch loaded with lots of baby applications, window seats, and pictures of cats and dogs in the SkyMall shopping magazine.

My daughter and I flew to San Diego this last week to visit my mother-in-law while my husband was away for work. We had a great trip. Claire had lots of time with her Gram and we also got to enjoy some warm weather and lots of sunshine.

Claire was absolutely fascinated by grass. When she started walking we still had grass in our yard; but it had been treated so we couldn't very well let her play outdoors. And then before we knew it fall/winter had set in and there was snow on the ground. It will be so much fun to watch Claire this spring when she can play outdoors. I can only hope we will have a garden filled with such vibrant colors as my mother-in-law has in her yard.

Claire working in the garden with Gram.

This ice plant is just gorgeous.

All of the bright colors have me anxious for spring!

We returned home late last night. My daughter was so wound up. It reminded me of our first night in Hawaii after 13 hours of traveling. She was all over the place. Running away from me when I wanted to change her diaper and get her dressed for bed. It really was quite comical. This mama was tired, though. So after I finally was able to get her dressed I put her in her crib to go to sleep and she cried for about five minutes and then was out. She slept all night, which I sincerely appreciate because she never really adjusted to sleeping well while we were in San Diego and well, she's had a bit of a cold, too so that has not helped.

It was good to get away to the sunshine and warmer temperatures. I was reminded of what green grass and flowery gardens look like. And it gave me hope that spring will return once more.

It was refreshing to come home to warmer weather. And after being away and regrouping a little bit so to speak, I am ready to tackle some of the projects we have around here to do; but first we must go to the grocery store!

Highlights of the trip: Hearing Claire say "apple" and "all done" for the first time (Although, she hasn't repeated them since). Seeing her face light up when outdoors. Her delight in seeing her Gram. And her love for piano (We really need to buy one now).

My Little Munchkin

2011-02-08T22:27:00.001-06:00

Ok, so my daughter is pretty darn adorable. Not that I am biased or anything. It is hard not to blog about her because she is just so cute!

Here are a few of the things she's been up to . . .

Claire is very clever when it comes to finding new and innovative ways to use ordinary objects. Take, for instance, the "to go" box lid from Qdoba.

She is also fascinated by bubbles. My husband asked me to buy some bubbles from Target so he could blow bubbles for her. She absolutely loved it!

We still have time to work on her table manners; but tonight we delighted in watching her play peek-a-boo with her dinner plate.

First Haircut

2011-02-06T00:54:00.003-06:00

Claire had her first haircut yesterday. We took her to see my stylist, Kim, at JB's Salon and Day Spa in LaVista. No tears!

Kim brought a super cute cape for Claire to wear.
It had sea creatures on it.

I suspect Claire is wondering
"What exactly are we doing here?"

Claire kept waving to another little girl at the salon.
She loves watching and learning from older kiddos.

I love this picture because Claire is smiling in the mirror at Papa.
My father had his own hair appointment at
the salon shortly before Claire's. Nana is seated
in the background and that's Daddy taking
the picture.

I just realized that we didn't get a picture of the final look; but the good news is Claire gets to keep her curly locks.

Random Thoughts

2011-02-04T22:05:00.003-06:00

It's been awhile since I've shared some of my random thoughts. So here are a few . . .

I'm really excited about the proposed outlet development at Southport West in LaVista. I really hope they will have a Banana Republic, J.Crew, Talbots, and Ann Taylor Factory outlet stores just to name a few. It sounds as if there are plans to revitalize the outlet mall in Gretna, too. I wouldn't mind going there for any of the aforementioned stores as well.

Speaking of Ann Taylor, I was able to get in on some good sales courtesy of shopittome.com. Sadly, I have to return at least two of the pieces because evidently my ever-expanding muffin top has made it so these tops do not flatter me very well. I don't get it. I tried on half my clothes the other night and they all fit huge on me. My jeans barely fit anymore (as in falling off my hips) and yet, these tops are so tight they make me look utterly ridiculous. What happened to loose, flowy sweaters/tops?

Two cute things my daughter has started doing: Each night this week as I've put her in her crib to sleep, she has waved bye-bye to me. SO ADORABLE! The week before last, she started tickling my feet while I changed her diaper. I must add that she has the most darling laugh. LOVE!

One not so cute thing my daughter has started doing. Today. Totally unexpected. Couldn't have prepared for it. Felt completely inadequate as a parent when it happened. A tantrum. It appears we've entered the terrible two's at 16 months. So my husband and I spent the early part of this evening reading through two books on discipline while enjoying some cheese and wine after Baby Girl went to sleep. At least something good came out of the experience.

I started doing pilates yesterday. Hoping there really is something to it. Maybe I'll keep those two tops after all.

My office is still a mess; but I have accomplished cleaning both bathrooms upstairs, organizing my daughter's changing table turned newly arranged dresser, and a mountain of laundry (there are still a few mountains to get through).

We're trying a new recipe this weekend for a Mexican casserole.

I tried a new recipe for brownies last night, which I loved. I only ate a couple and sent the rest with my husband to share with his coworkers. But now that I know it is a good recipe, I'll be sure to make it again.

I went to a baby shower for a young(er) woman from church. She and all of her friends were dressed so cute. I seriously felt like I may as well have been wearing mom jeans. Don't get me wrong, I have a closet full of beautiful clothes that are either too dressy, business attire, or cute spring/summer casual. When we lived in Texas, though, the winter was so short and mild I never really bought any cute fall/winter casual. So I felt I had nothing to wear to this shower. Thus, the need to shop for a few things as previously mentioned. After I saw my muffin top, in those tight tops, though I was convinced that mom jeans might actually be more flattering. Carl offered to buy me some for my birthday.

It's not until September so maybe there is still hope.

Speaking of birthday's. I am going to be 35 this year. Wow! It is so weird to think that. I was doing pretty good thinking I was all young and hip until I went to that baby shower. Umm, not so young after all. And please do not tell me that "you are only as old as you want to be."

Oh, the big news this weekend is that Baby Girl is getting her first haircut! So exciting. I was hoping to wear one of my new tops for this momentous occasion; but now I am thinking maybe not so much.

Other than that, there isn't much going on this weekend.

What have you got planned?

Free of Facebook

2011-02-02T00:01:00.003-06:00

I finally rid myself of Facebook once and for all.

My husband and I started out several years ago having our own separate accounts; but we got sucked into spending all our time on Facebook and no time with each other. In fact, we would play Scrabble against each other in the same room on Facebook until, of course, Scrabble on Facebook no longer was around. Finally, for various reasons, we decided to delete our accounts.

When we moved back to Omaha, however, Facebook seemed to woo us yet again. We then created a joint account so to keep us "accountable" of the time we spent on it. Our interest in Facebook had its ebbs and flows this most recent time around.

But then, I became more and more aware of the narcissistic tendencies that Facebook brings out even, sadly, in myself at times. And further the hate and complaining that people we know would exhibit in their status updates. After all, it seems Facebook is all about the status updates. Getting x number of comments and x number of likes in response to those silly status updates. It may be a little about sharing photos and keeping in touch with people, but I really believe it is more about elevating people's own perceptions of themselves based on the type and quantity of feedback they happen to receive.

It appears I am not the only one who has grown tired of Facebook according to this poll.

I guess I've come to the conclusion that when it comes to finding out how a friend is doing, I would much rather meet for coffee or dinner and talk face to face, hearing first hand what is new in their life.

Perhaps we can take the media out of social and challenge one another to actually have a real conversation with the people we say we care about rather than reading about it in some comment in the newsfeed.

Creative Vases

2011-02-01T00:01:00.002-06:00

I subscribe to life:beautiful.

The Winter 2011 issue inspired me to dress up my floral arrangements by adding an embellishment to the vase.

I used black and white cardstock I had on hand at home; a glass hurricane ($1) from the Dollar Tree; hot pink grosgain ribbon ($1) from Walmart; and a mixed bouquet of flowers ($10) also from Walmart. I almost used a bouquet of daisies ($5) from Walmart; but the selection was a little weak. While one could do this entire project for under $10, I decided to splurge on a prettier arrangement.

On the white cardstock I typed a verse from Scripture using Microsoft Word. Similar to the picture in life:beautiful, I used Romans 15:13 because I liked it and thought it was very applicable to my life right now. I trimmed the white cardstock, glued it to black cardstock, and then trimmed the black cardstock so the borders evenly extended past the white using a paper cutter.

Using a hot glue gun, the grosgrain ribbon was glued to the hurricane. Then, centered and attached, with the glue gun, the cardstock over the ribbon at the point where the two ends meet.

Voila!

It isn't a perfect, but for a first shot I think it looks lovely. What I like about this idea is that it can be so versatile. Really the possibilities are endless. Scripture, poetry, book/film quotes, salutations, sentiments, monograms can all be used. Using circle cutters, corner rounder punches, or other similar craft punches provide additional opportunities to express creativity. Scrapbook paper, fabric, washi tape, and ribbon are other options for creating a backdrop for the flowers to coordinate with.

Another idea I really liked was this one from Martha Stewart.

What inexpensive and creative ideas do you have for floral arrangements?

One Thing for Valentine's Day

2011-01-31T22:01:00.002-06:00

I think Pottery Barn must have underestimated the number of women who are devoted to the works of Jane Austen as well as the number of women who love all things Jane Austen. Not to mention Mr. Darcy.

I told my husband I wanted one thing for Valentine's Day and it was pictured on the last page of the lower right corner of the Pottery Barn Early Spring 2011 Bed and Bath catalog.

Image Credit: Pottery Barn Valentine's Day Jewelry Dish $14.

Then, I went to check it out online and it turned out it was no longer available.

I called about it the same day I received the catalog which was two weeks ago. Evidently, Pottery Barn received lots of calls about this jewelry dish. The customer service representative informed me that Pottery Barn only ordered 300 of these jewelry dishes with Mr. Darcy's proclamation of love to Miss Bennet from Austen's Pride and Prejudice and there was nothing indicating they expected another shipment.

Only 300 of these puppies in a nation with 300 million plus people that happens to be approximately 50.7 % female.

"And they sold like hotcakes," said the customer service representative.

So as it turns out, this woman will not be getting this Valentine's Day Jewelry Dish from Pottery Barn; but at least 300 other women will be.

It's not as if I really needed it. I liked it, though. A lot.

Wine Bags

2011-01-30T00:01:00.003-06:00

Another family we know invited us to their home for dinner. They have three children and their youngest is about eight months older than Claire. They told us we did not need to bring a thing, which made life a tad easier for me after having company over earlier in the day. While wanting to respect the request, however, I also wanted her to know how much I appreciated their generosity and her hard work. My husband picked up a bottle of wine and we had this darling wine bag that I bought on clearance one year from Target. It's been in our cupboard for several years. I love it; but I love dressing up a bottle of wine to give to someone more.

I really like how it reminds me of a sweater, which is so appropriate for this time of year.

And I also like the snowflake embellishments.

Now, it's off to bed as we have another early morning.

Spring is Just Around the Corner

2011-01-29T16:08:00.002-06:00

I'm ready for Spring.

I know I have said that before.

But until then, I am finding joy in little things like flowers with bright pops of color. Warmer temperatures. The snow melting (knowing it will only inevitably snow some more before winter is done). And having people over.

This morning I had the ladies from our Missional Community over for brunch. I am so thankful for them and inviting them over was a way for me to serve them and show my appreciation.

As one of the ladies said, "we are all moms; but we are still women."

And women need friendship. Encouragment. And time together.

It was a very enjoyable and insightful time. These ladies are filled with wisdom about marriage, motherhood, child rearing, life, and have hearts for Jesus.

I pray we have more opportunities for fellowship with one another.

A Pie for Dessert

2011-01-28T16:55:00.003-06:00

This is an exciting weekend. Tomorrow is the brunch I am hosting for the ladies in the Missional Community (MC) Carl and I are a part of. Not to mention, we received two invitations to dinner this weekend. Blessings abound!

Tonight we're going to the home of friends with a small child. Their son is about six months younger than Claire. We haven't met for dinner in several months so it is very exciting to see them and to see how much their son has grown. Just thinking now, it has probably been since last summer when both of our kiddos were still in the Graco Snug Ride car seat. Now, we're way past that. Claire is running all over the place and I am sure their son is close to walking if not already walking.

Babies. They are SO MUCH FUN!

Our hosts this evening asked that we bring a dessert. We made apple crisp for MC this past Monday and Katharine Hepburn brownies last night. So tonight we're trying The Pie Recipe, which I might add, I have never made before. I told my husband we may be running to Walmart for some German Chocolate Cake, but here's hoping for the best.

The Pie Recipe

2 eggs
1/4 cup of flour
1 cup sugar
1 tsp vanilla
1 stick of melted margarine
1 cup chocolate chips
1 cup chopped pecans

Combine all and pour into deep dish pie crust. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes.

This recipe was given to my mother by my Aunt Teresa. My mom's words in the cookbook she made for me are "Good . . .rich and chocolately!"

One major bonus about this recipe. It is super easy to make. I'll follow up with a picture and whether we had to run to Walmart or not!

**UPDATE**

Well, dessert turned out quite well if I don't say so myself. Only after I got home, I read up a little on the background of the pie and learned I made a grievous mistake. According to Wikipedia, which I know isn't always the most reliable source; but I choose to err on the side of caution, the name is trademarked. Turns out Kern's Kitchen is the creator of the pie and while their recipe is a "closely guarded secret," the real pie is thought to have bourbon and walnuts in it. But there is only one true and very unique pie. So essentially I'm trying to say that my pie is not the same and shouldn't be thought of as such. So in order to show the Kern family proper respect and to honor the trademark, the pie recipe I have published here will be known simply as "the pie recipe." Easy enough.

Since ovens vary, the only thing I would recommend is testing the pie with a toothpick to ensure doneness. I put the pie in for 30 minutes, but in our oven we had to bake for 45 minutes.

I am very, very curious to try this with bourbon. That sounds delish! And even more curious to one day try the real deal.

Signs of (Home) Improvement

2011-01-24T10:36:00.002-06:00

Stunned.

My reaction.

Saturday.

My husband ran to Lowe's for me to get a paintbrush and a paint liner so I could throw two coats of paint on the one little wall in our dining room that lacks any paint. He braved the winter storm to get me a paint brush because I thought I wanted to paint that night. Of course, it didn't happen. And still hasn't. But I hope to start tomorrow night after Claire goes to sleep.

The reason I was in such a state of astonishment? Not because Carl braved the snow-covered roads; but because he looked at bathroom vanities while at Lowe's and found one on sale that he thought would be perfect for our powder room.

Wow.

Carl has mentioned that he has grown tired of the sad state our white porcelain kitchen sink and the faucet are in despite my many attempts to brighten it with Softscrub. But never in my wildest dreams did I think he might have grown weary of the porcelain pedestal sink in the powder room.

I mean, we've known since we bought the house that the faucet needed to be replaced. And we bought a faucet, we've just never replaced it. (Like the ceiling fans and other items on the honey-do list). We did at least replace the unsightly brass light fixture, tore down the ridiculous border the previous owner's had put up, and painted the powder room.

Of course, I picked the Sunflower color of paint for the powder room when I was pregnant; but for the last year, I've wondered what on earth I was thinking when I selected it. I hate the color of the powder room. And I have hated the pedestal sink and the tile floor, too.

Not wanting to press my luck, though, I've never really mentioned it to Carl. He already thinks I hate our house. Which is not the case at all. I love our house, I've just been anxious to make this our home. With our touch. To rid it of any memory of what was someone else's home.

Carl took a picture of the vanity on his phone and showed it to me. LOVE! It's no wonder God brought us together. I mean an aviation enthusiast and a trumpet player do seem like an unlikely combination; but what we lack in similar interests we make up for in similar taste.

So Sunday. At Lowe's. We bought a new bathroom vanity for our powder room. We already have a faucet.

And paint is on sale at Sherwin-Williams until the end of the month so I suppose now is the time to find a better color for the walls. Tile is probably not going to happen; but it was a nice thought anyway. I'd rather have wood floors in our dining and living rooms.

Image Credit: allen + roth Midnight Cherry Moravia Bath Vanity with Top
$169 at Lowe's.

One other bit of excitement. We did purchase a new faucet for our kitchen. And will (one of these days) start working on obtaining estimates to do the work we want done in our kitchen. So much fun!

Dust and Cobwebs

2011-01-23T13:10:00.001-06:00

I mentioned to my mother a few weeks ago how I feel there is just not enough time in the day. I want to play with Claire. I want to have a clean house. I want to work. I want to read. I want to learn to knit and sew. I want to reno my kitchen. I want . . .I want. . . I want.

My mother said, "Oh, Jennifer, you need to read the dust and cobwebs poem. Claire will not be a baby forever." So I did a little research and figure this must be the poem she is talking about.

Song for a Fifth Child

Mother, oh mother, come shake out your cloth!

Empty the dustpan, poison the moth,

Hang out the washing and butter the bread,

Sew on a button and make up a bed.

Where is the mother whose house is so shocking?

She’s up in the nursery, blissfully rocking!

Oh, I’ve grown as shiftless as Little Boy Blue

(Lullaby, rockaby, lullaby loo).

Dishes are waiting and bills are past due

(Pat- a- cake, darling and peek, peekaboo).

The shopping’s not done and there’s nothing for stew

And out in the yard and there’s a hullabaloo

But I’m playing Kanga and this is my Roo.

Look! Aren’t her eyes the most wonderful hue?

(Lullaby, rockaby, lullaby loo).

Oh, cleaning and scrubbing will wait till tomorrow,

But children grow up, as I’ve learned to my sorrow.

So quiet down, cobwebs. Dust go to sleep.

I’m rocking my baby. Babies don’t keep.

Ruth Hulburt Hamilton

(1958 )

Carl was teasing me about our rooms upstairs. My office is still in a disarray. Piles of stuff that I am slowly organizing. A master bedroom with clothes strewn about. Laundry piling up. Even our guest bedroom is filled with a ghastly sight of dry clean only clothing ready to be bagged and taken to the cleaners. It is horrifying to someone like me that strives for order and dare I say it, perfection or nearly so; but little by little I am learning to let go.

Claire is my joy. She is this beautiful child that I prayed for, hoped for, and pray and hope for more each day. She is such an incredible delight. And all the clean dishes, vacuumed floors, host of books, and hours learning more pale in comparison to this sweet little child who lights up each day.

We're Ready for Spring

2011-01-22T00:01:00.003-06:00

This is a view of the tree outside our family room windows. I love this tree because in the winter it has all of these beautiful red berries on it and for just about a month in the spring we get to enjoy pink blossoms.

I took this picture last week when it started snowing. We've received more snow the last few days and are forecast to received even more snow over the weekend. Oh joy!

I don't care much for snow, but even I will admit that today the snow was truly glistening as it fell in the sunlight. It was magical.

For about five minutes.

Then, reality set in that we have to shovel this wonder off our driveway and the sidewalks if we have any hope of going anywhere and in order to avoid being fined by the City. More joy!

So I've decided to start celebrating spring early. I broke out bright colorful spring/summery linen napkins with coordinating lime green placemats to adorn our kitchen table. I need all the psuedo-sunshine I can possibly come up with radiating in our home in order to make it through these last few months of winter.

In an act of desperation, I am seriously considering painting my office the following color:

Image Credit: Sherwin-Williams Paint Color Daffodil

I might have to do this while my husband is out of town. I am sure he would veto it. But honestly, I am beginning to think I suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder so something has to give.

Mommy Brain

2011-01-21T19:33:00.001-06:00

Everyone told me "mommy brain" would get better. They were wrong. It has only become worse. The day before yesterday, Claire and I went to Target. We've been trying for some time to get her accustomed to drinking milk from a sippy cup rather than the bottle. In so many ways, she is so mature. She gets so upset at the dinner table because she wants to use the same utensils we do. When it comes to her milk, however, she only wants it in a bottle. Knowing she had achieved drinking from a straw, I thought maybe I would try using a straw cup. I bought the Playtex BPA Free Lil Gripper Straw Cup like the one pictured below.

Image Credit: Toy 'R Us

Claire loved it. She will drink milk from it; but she is still a little fickle about drinking milk from something other than a bottle. So the only problem I have with it is there are four parts to keep track of. So here's where mommy brain comes in. Today, I disassembled one of the straw cups to be washed after its use. I took the straw parts (two pieces) and placed them in a dishwasher organizer for washing bottle parts. When I went to empty the dishwasher and to reassemble the straw cup one of the parts was no where to be found.

Seriously?

Seriously. I have no clue where it is and it is driving me crazy. I am almost 100% certain I put it in the little organizer thingamajigger and when I went to empty it, it wasn't there. I have checked inside and outside of the dishwasher to no avail.

Very frustrating. Especially, since I just bought these Wednesday.

On a happier note, the carafes from The Container Store arrived without defect.

Spring Cleaning

2011-01-20T23:48:00.001-06:00

My husband and daughter had music class this evening. That meant for me, a little down time. I needed to tackle the office. I started on it about two weeks ago and then when our shredder died, I more or less lost interest.

I am hoping my husband will not be upset with me when he gets home because part of my deep cleaning involved moving the twin bed that was taking up residence in the office to Claire's room. Personally, I found having a bed in here very distracting. It's like this: I want to work; but seriously every time I see that silly bed all I think about is how great a nap sounds. So I've temporarily relocated the bed to Claire's nursery.

Truthfully, I want to relocate Claire to the office and the office to Claire's nursery. When we moved into our house I was still pregnant and going to be a first time mom and I thought it seemed better to have Claire in the room next to ours. Now, not so much. Her room has always been the warmest room in the house, which some might think that's a good thing. Although, it really is not a good thing because it gets so warm in there that to get the temperature just right you have to lower the thermostat so the rest of the house is freezing cold. Not ideal when it is -4 degrees outside.

There are a lot of things I thought were brilliant when I was pregnant. Like paint colors that at the time I loved and now hate. It must have been the hormones. But I digress.

We've decided to leave Claire where she is for now, waiting instead until she is ready for her crib to be converted to a toddler bed to move her.

So I moved the bed. Organized a few piles of crap. Got yet another shred pile going only to later combine it with the last existing pile I have to shred. Does it sound crazy to say that I am very excited to get a new shredder so I can finally be done with the mass amounts of shred that have accumulated over the last year and a half?

I also have identified several items to try selling in the garage sale this spring. And a few others to go to Goodwill. Most of the Goodwill items came from cleaning out our coat closet. Now, we actually have room and nice hangars to hang our guests' coats on. That's one space checked off on my list.

I guess you could say I am starting my spring cleaning in January.

Once I get the office settled, I believe I will be able to breathe again.

But back to that silly bed.

I have an idea for it; but I am not sure my husband will be on board with it. My idea came from reading the Winter 2010 issue of do it yourself magazine. In this issue, they featured creating a "dream work space." In the article, they installed a Murphy bed using the Create-A-Bed kit from wallbed.com. Brilliant! They even have twin size murphy bed kits. And then they customized it. What they did in the article (and even a few of the examples on the product's website) was absolutely gorgeous. So I've decided that as long as the twin bed needs to be in the office, I want to install one of these Create-A-Bed Murphy beds in the office and flank it with pretty cabinetry a la IKEA or similar. Then I can very much have my office space that truly feels like an office and then convert it to a guest room should we have the need for the extra space.

Happy Bloggerversary!

2011-01-15T19:10:00.002-06:00

Wow! One year ago today I started blogging. What was I thinking? I've tried to stop blogging twice and evidently, I must like it because I keep coming back.

I've not much to say other than Happy Bloggerversary! May this year be filled with lots of subjects to write about and may I grow throughout the experience.

Thanks for reading!

Planning a Brunch

2011-01-14T00:01:00.053-06:00

I've invited the ladies from our Missional Community (MC) to our home later this month for brunch. So far I have had two ladies tell me they will be out of town, one said she was available, another thought it was a fabulous idea; but I don't know if anyone is really coming.

I am planning to make the Brunch Casserole I blogged about earlier this month. Fresh fruit will be on the menu and I am considering a recipe my mother gave me for Blueberry Coffee Cake.

I've been wanting some glass carafes for water and juice for some time. While in San Diego at Christmas, I saw the Container Store had glass carafes that were similar to the kind I used when I was a flight attendant. I'm giving online shopping another try and have ordered a few glass carafes to use for water and juice. Of course, this is yet another store I wish we had in Omaha.

Image Credit: Glass Carafe @ $4.99 from the Container Store.

The Dining Room

2011-01-12T22:16:00.001-06:00

We started painting the dining room forever ago. May 2010 to be exact. Started and didn't finish. That seems to be the trend with our home improvement projects. New lighted ceiling fan in family room. Still not installed. New ceiling fan for master bedroom. Still not installed. One wall in master bedroom needing one last coat of paint. Still not painted. And one tiny little section of a wall that still needs to be stripped of the wallpaper glue in the dining room. Not to mention, the other walls in there need another coat of paint. I have the paint. Just haven't made the time.

I've got the itch, though.

The itch to get it D-O-N-E!

So after finding some cool things at Target, I am finding myself inspired to finish that room completely.

I am planning to hire someone to come out to sand and paint the woodwork and crown molding white. I could do it myself, but I hate sanding and well, let's face it; if I haven't finished painting the room yet when would I get the woodwork done? And I want it done. Oak finish says 1980s to me and I don't know about you, but I am not a 1980s kind of gal. I want my home to look fresh. Modern. Classy.

But I am also ready to move the dining room furniture in there and finish decorating so I can finally cross one room off my list.

Which begs the question, how will I decorate?

I am torn over what to do above the buffet. I really want to hang a mirror above it; but that seems so predictable. And then I think, well maybe I could hang some artwork; but I haven't found anything I like. Sometimes I ponder doing a DIY, crafty project, but I am not really sold on that either. I think the mirror is going to win. I've been wanting to look at Hobby Lobby, but I haven't made it out of the house really since it started snowing. I'll watch their sales ad and if mirrors are on sale, venture out.

Another idea, courtesy of Pottery Barn, is to make a wine wall. I've been in love with the idea of using chalkboard paint ever since I saw this blog post. While perusing the most current catalog, PB pictured a dining room with a chalkboard wall with wine racks. They suggested having a storyline going about each bottle of wine that is on the rack, year, type, how you came about obtaining the bottle. I really like this idea; to me a wine wall with chalkboard paint would be a sort of conversation piece, like a really stunning piece of jewelry. But again I am not quite certain it's what I want. I am toying with the idea, though.

And then again, there is always the thought of seeking the professional expertise of Fluff Your Stuff. I had a vision for the dining set; but I just don't have a complete vision for the room yet. I flip through every magazine and catalog I get searching for ideas; but I just have not been able to settle on any one idea. And I guess as much as I love that dining set; I don't want to just settle for any idea. I want to have a room I love being in and not just for the decor; but for the people that will fill it. With that, it ought to be a room that other people love being in, too.

I guess for now, I'll just start with the paint.

Bringing a Little Light to the Family Room

2011-01-11T11:50:00.001-06:00

Anyone who knows me really well, knows that I prefer to hibernate this time of year. Well, my idea of hibernation is merely staying indoors until the first sign of spring or if we happen to have sunshine and a temperature above freezing. No snow is a bonus, too. Which fortunately for me, had been the case until Sunday.

We had a nice week of temperatures; but I still could not bring myself to get out. At least not until last Thursday when I had two very important meetings related to my business; but that's about all I can say about that for now. Of course, other than the fact that I thought they both went very well. While walking back to my car following lunch in the Old Market, I even had some random guy tell me I was "too cute." I secretly think he was an angel giving me one last, little nudge of positive reinforcement as I as about to go into my last and most important meeting of the day.

So last Sunday, I finally ventured out for a little bit. My husband, wonderful that he is, offered to stay with our daughter so I could get some grocery shopping done and make a return to Target.

Target.

Love Target. LOVE Target.

But seriously, why is it so hard to leave there without spending gobs of money?

Ok. So not gobs.

I grabbed a cart, not really intending to buy anything other than maybe some toddler crayons and a coloring book for my daughter. And then I thought, well, what they hay? I haven't been free to really shop in awhile so let's see what all Target has to offer.

And after nearly passing by one aisle, I decided to go up it anyway and that is when I saw them.

Them being lamps.

Our family room is really dark. We have a lighted ceiling fan. Still in the box. That one day, when we actually get desperate enough for some additional lighting we may actually install. But for now, we've been using one single very small lamp. I've been window shopping for some table lamps for some time, thinking I'd found some in the IKEA catalog I really liked. Only when I actually saw them at IKEA, I thought maybe not so much. Pottery Barn and Crate and Barrel have some lovely specimens; but spending $159 on just one lamp is not really my idea of consertive spending. Plus, I really want two table lamps for my family room so now we're talking $300 plus for just the lamp. One still has to get lamp shades. At that rate, I'm surprised they don't charge you extra for the three way switch on the socket and the electrical cord.

So Sunday. At Target. Lamps.

I found two blue glass lamps with white shades that have navy piping. Immediately, they reminded me of the Classic Stripe Pottery Barn throw pillows I have in the family room. I loved them. Thinking they would be perfect for our dim family room, I bought them. But in order to get these lamps, I had to sacrifice something and that was any hope of having another set of the Grand Prussian tea set. I decided I can live with out the extra set. I already have one that hasn't been used yet, why bother with another. And lamps and light in the family room are a little more important than collecting more china that may go unused for awhile anyway.

So now I have two lamps in our family room. Now, I have a little more light. And the best part, I bought two lamps and lamp shades for less money than I would have spent on one lamp base at the other stores.

2011-01-07T19:04:00.000-06:00

I have a baby shower to attend later this month.

Being diligent, I reviewed the registry last month, picked something out, and ordered it.

It showed up today in our mail.

It was shipped UPS, but arrived USPS.

What surprised me is that the item I ordered was in a padded envelope.

Not a box.

And of course, when I opened the envelope, the package the item I purchased was in was broken and didn't look like anything I would want to present as a gift to a friend.

I'm not having any luck with online shopping these days. At least, on the receiving end of things.

I called Babies 'R Us and they were very helpful, agreeing to expedite a new item to me. And emailing me a return label to put on the package, I will be sending back. I suppose it is a good thing I still have not ventured out of the house to return the tea set to Teavana since both will return via UPS. This way I can kill two birds with one stone.

Let's just hope the replacement arrives in better shape.

Grand Prussian Tea Set

2011-01-05T00:01:00.019-06:00

Image credit: Teavana Grand Prussian Tea Set.

My parents gave me a tea set like the one pictured above for my birthday. I love it and when I recently checked out the Teavana website and saw that it was 30% off, I decided to buy another set because I wanted service for eight. In fact, I like this set so much I really wish they made other pieces for it such as a creamer and sugar bowl.

Last night the box was delivered. When I opened the box, I was relieved to see the lid to the pot was in good condition; but sadly after looking through the rest of the box, I found the teapot's handle broken as well as one teacup's handle.

When I called Teavana, the customer service person was less than helpful. Evidently, this tea set is now out of stock and there is no indication that they will have another shipment coming in.

I should know better about buying such breakable things online; but when my parents shared with me the level of care the store took in ensuring the set they gave me was in excellent condition before they left the store at the Mall of America, I really wanted to believe Teavana online would take the same great care.

I can attest that they did not. First of all, there was hardly any packing material in the box. Secondly, when the customer service representative asked me for a quality assurance number that should have been stamped on the packing slip, I had to explain that there was no such quality assurance stamp. So now, I have to use my printer paper to print a return label and my gas to take this to UPS to return it to Teavana. Once they receive the return shipment, they will refund my money.

I did ask the customer service rep if they could check stores to see if a store could ship me a replacement set and they indicated they were unable to access store inventories.

Later, I called the Mall of America store and they only had one set left.

Fortunately, my husband is driving through Des Moines on Sunday so I am going to check the store there to see if they have any available for purchase and if they do; ask that my husband pick one up for me.

If they don't, then I can only assume that it just wasn't meant to be for me to have another tea set and will continue to delight in the set my parents gave me. However, I am pretty sure as a result of the lack of care taken shipping this tea set, Teavana will lose my business.

Clutter in the Inbox

2011-01-04T12:01:00.001-06:00

I don't like email forwards. The majority of the time I delete them without even reading them. As obsessive-compulsive as I am, I like to keep my inbox clutter free.

Over the weekend, I received an email from a friend. Upon seeing the unsightly FW:, I grumbled with disappointment that she would send me such an email. But then I saw the subject line following the FW: read Recipe Exchange. And then I understood why she sent the email to me. She knows I enjoy cooking and that I might appreciate having some new recipes to add to my cooking repetoire.

So after reading through the request, I thought it seemed rather innocuous.

Boy, was I wrong.

My email was flooded not with the recipes I was hoping for; but rather several friends expressing their displeasure at receiving such an email and one other politely declining to participate.

My apologies for spamming people. It was never my intent.

As the saying goes, hindsight is always 20/20. I realize now I should have just deleted the email after spotting the hard not to miss two letters and a colon.

I've learned my lesson: stay clear of the email chain letters. This hostess will stick to cookbooks and cooking websites for inspiration.

Brunch Casserole Recipe

2011-01-03T21:43:00.000-06:00

I don't set an alarm clock anymore. My daughter has become my very own little alarm clock. She woke up at 7 AM this morning, which was perfect because I wanted to get the Brunch Casserole in the oven early since it takes about one hour to bake and I had plans to meet a friend at Starbucks at 10:30.

My husband forgot to pick up bacon for me so our version of the casserole was the veggie version . . . nothing wrong with that, though. We did supplement with turkey sausage which suited us all just fine.

I tried offering Claire some banana this morning, but she must have known I would be offering her eggs because she was not too interested in any fruit. We played while the casserole was in the oven giving my husband a chance to sleep in a little.

It turned out really well and we enjoyed it a lot! Claire loves eggs, which makes this mama happy. Actually, she enjoys pretty much all foods that she has been exposed to thus far and it is a tremondous blessing.

The recipe calls for baking 50-60 minutes and since my mother let her's bake a little longer when we were over there a few weeks ago, I decided to do the full hour as well.

The only thing I would do differently is add more bread. I think my husband and I were trying to go easy on the bread, but my casserole did not look as full as my mother's. I also will add bacon the next time I prepare it, unless of course, someone for which it is prepared happens to be a vegetarian.

Over breakfast, my husband and I were curious how it would work using different cheeses. Honestly, I am not a huge fan of cheddar; but I do eat it. I wonder how it would do using monterey jack or even a colby jack cheese? Thoughts?

Brunch Casserole

4 cups cubed firm white or French bread
8 oz. (2 cups) shredded cheddar cheese
1/4 cup chopped onions
1/4 cup chopped green pepper
4.5 oz. jar of sliced mushrooms (which we did not use as I am not a fan of mushrooms!)
1/2 cup peeled and chopped tomatoes
10 eggs, beaten
4 cups of milk
1 tablespoon chopped parsley
1 teaspoon dry mustard
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon pepper
8 to 10 slices of bacon, fried crisp, drained and crumbled

Generously grease a 9x13 baking dish. Arrange bread cubes in bottom of dish. Layer cheese, onions, green pepper, mushrooms and tomatoes on top of bread. In large bowl, combine eggs, milk, parsley, mustard, salt, onion powder and pepper, mix well. Pour egg mixture over bread; sprinkle bacon evenly over top. Cover; refrigerate overnight or up to 24 hours.

Heat oven to 325° F. Remove cover. Bake 50 to 60 minutes or until center is set. Allow to stand 5 minutes before serving. Makes 12 servings.

Enjoy!

Brunch Casserole

2011-01-02T23:54:00.002-06:00

We took down the Christmas tree this evening and all of the remaining Christmas decor. Mixed emotions of melancholy and relief were filling my heart in the process.

I think our Christmas tree was lovely. We enjoyed watching Claire as she would look upon it with wonder and marvel in it is beauty. Displaying so much joy each morning as we would descend the stairs in anticipation of seeing that tree; and sensing that the delight was only fully complete when the tree was lit.

Life is busy and I expect mine will become much busier in the coming months. Not to mention, we are now in the new year. Therefore, it only made sense to put Christmas away until it is time once again for us to celebrate Christ's birth.

Once we got everything packed away, I was determined to get cleaning. I actually started cleaning on New Year's Eve; but judging by the mess that is still in my office, you would never guess it. Cleaning on New Year's Eve, you ask? Yes, I cleaned because my husband was working. I had no plans. I made Hodge Podge soup for my daughter and myself and after she fell asleep, I worked on that enormous shred pile and started to sort through my office. Back to this evening, though, I vacuumed and dusted the living and dining room, cleaned the kitchen, and put odds and ends away. It was so refreshing to know that I have three rooms of the 11 rooms in our house clean.

Then because I must be SuperWoman, I wanted to get started on preparing Brunch Casserole. Only I realized I am not SuperWoman and asked for my husband's help.

My mother shared with me the recipe for Brunch Casserole. Actually, she prepared it for us before we left for San Diego as an early Christmas celebration. Carl, Claire, and I all really enjoyed it and the best part is it is only about 260 calories per serving. Ok, so that wasn't necessarily the best part; but it made us feel a lot better about indulging in such a delicious meal.

This is how my mother presented brunch. The Brunch Casserole
is on the right. Fresh fruit from Hy-Vee and pastries from Panera Bread.

My parent's dining room decorated for Christmas brunch.
The blue chargers are glass.

I am planning a brunch (hopefully) later this month for the ladies in our Missional Community. I want to serve the Brunch Casserole; but I want to test out the recipe beforehand. Carl and I had considered making it for Christmas morning in San Diego; but lunch was planned for around 12:30 with family and the casserole is quite filling.

Line a greased 9X13 pan with cubed french bread (or another firm bread).

Layer shredded cheddar cheese, chopped onions,
green peppers, and tomatoes on top of the bread.

This casserole takes 10 eggs.

Eggs are beaten and mixed with milk, chopped parsley,
dry mustard, salt, onion powder, and pepper.

Then, the egg mixture is poured over the layers;
and crumbled bacon is spread evenly over the top.

The baking dish is then covered and refrigerated overnight (or up to 24 hours).

A post tomorrow will include the recipe and pictures of how this turned out.

Happy New Year

2011-01-01T13:58:00.002-06:00

Wishing everyone a safe and Happy New Year!

New Year's Resolutions

2010-12-31T00:06:00.002-06:00

It's hard to believe that we are about to start a new year. For some, a new year is something to look forward to, eager with anticipation. Much like a good book, one chapter is ending and a new one is starting. For others, it is more of a non-event. Same ol' life, different day, different year.

I fall in the former category. I believe that with each coming year there is so much to look forward to. A new opportunity. A fresh start. A second chance.

I've been reflecting on 2010 over the last couple of weeks. Sorting through the good. And the bad. And even the just plain ugly. Reading Proverbs this past fall was especially eye-opening; but reading Shauna Niequist's Cold Tangerines and Bittersweet, in addition to two other books I have recently started reading, A Praying Life by Paul Miller and So Long Insecurity by Beth Moore have all been extremely insightful. I've been identifying more and more where my soul is in disrepair.

I'm not a real believer in New Year's resolutions; but I am a believer in reflecting on the heart and opening it up to transformation. This, of course, happening only with the help of our merciful and loving God and his Son, Jesus, our Savior.

After reflecting on what has beening going on in my soul and my life, I've identified 10 things that I resolve to do in the New Year.

Become a more loving wife. I love my husband incredibly so, but sometimes I have an odd way of showing it. I want to be patient, kind, and loving always.
Get Claire involved in more playdates/activities. She has Baby Maestro with her daddy one night a week; but during the day it is just us two. It's time to get her interacting with other kiddos besides the nursery on Sunday mornings.
To reach out to others. I used to be more willing to reach out to people, especially people who may be hurting or in need. I am starting to be more so again; but I definitely do not want to become someone who is so self-absorbed, so focused on getting the next new thing, that I fail to see how much someone may be in need of a hug. Or my time. Or a meal. There is a lot of hurt out there in the world right now. We can't repair all the damage, but we can certainly show someone love.
Be a better friend. The last two years have been rough. I've been simultaneously mourning the loss of a friendship as well as experiencing feelings of hurt and anger over it. Friendship, like marriage, requires work. I desire to be less focused on my own hurt and pain and more loving, forgiving, and patient. I want to embody Ephesians 4:32.
More prayerful. Too many times I think to pray and become easily distracted. I know prayer works. I don't doubt in its ability; but I do recognize that there is a failure to have an active conversation going on.
Cutting back on social media. I found a cheesy video entitled Please Stop Using Social Media, Mom. Made to be like an Afternoon School Special (remember those?), I found it to be quite funny; but so true. I have found, though, that there are times where I spend lots of time on Facebook. I don't even know why because truthfully, I am bored with Facebook. Yet, I find myself there. Then, of course, our church has started using The City, a social media site similar to Facebook. Fortunately, it isn't as involved as Facebook; but it is insane how much time I waste on the Internet.
Fitness. My husband called me slothful. Yeah, pretty much NOT a compliment. I guess I realize now all the wasted time on the Internet should have been spent at the gym. I want to be healthy so back to the gym I will be in 2011.
Be more active in church. This past fall we were able to join a Missional Community (MC). It's been wonderful. We're still getting to know everyone; but I can sincerely say that I love each person. God has truly blessed us with an amazing group of people in our MC.
A couple of things all in one. To be less judgemental. Nitpicky. And controlling. Oh, and less insecure. All issues I deal with. And all part of the ugly.
Invite people over more often. I absolutely love this passage from Shauna Niequist's, Cold Tangerines:

". . .feeding people I love is a hands-on way of loving them. When you nourish and sustain someone, essentially you're saying that you want them to thrive, to be happy and healthy, and to live well."

Her words are a reflection of my heart. I derive so much joy in preparing food for others and simply delighting in them. I hope to have friends and family I love surrounding our dinner table more often in 2011.

The Day(s) After Christmas

2010-12-30T00:01:00.010-06:00

It's 5:30 in the evening and last night's dishes are still in the sink. We got home less than 48 hours ago and within the first 24 our house looked like a tornado had blown through it.

I am embarrassed that my husband is coming home from work to this wreck, but there is a legitimate excuse for all this.

Sunday morning, the day after Christmas, I woke with a sore throat. Upon sharing this with my husband, he informed me that he had a sore throat as well. Our daughter had a few cold symptoms most of our trip; but something told me she wasn't the culprit.

We left Sunday afternoon for Omaha and most of the day we both felt fine. But as we were descending into Omaha, I experienced horrid sinus pressure. I had nearly forgotten all about that sensation since I quit flying six years ago. It was awful. Incredibly painful. They couldn't land that bird fast enough.

We didn't get home until almost 1 AM central time. And of course, we had to work on getting our darling little girl back to sleep. Fortunately, she is so good, she just pointed at her crib almost immediately indicating she was ready for bed. If only every night were like that.

I took a shower because after nine years of working as a flight attendant, I always feel like I have to get the airplane off of me. We're exposed to so many different things in the air. Things being germs. Flying really changed me . . .I am more OCD now than ever after all those years of working in a metal tube. So in the shower I went.

But waking up on Monday was brutal. I could tell the sore throat had come on again and well, let's face it the best description I can provide is that I felt as if I had been hit by a truck. Carl shared that he felt more miserable than the day before, too.

Carl had Monday off, but being a parent is a full-time job. So it didn't quite work out like it does when you are childless. There is no lying around watching TV or reading the latest novel. We still have to put on our smiles and play with our daughter despite feeling awful.

Monday night I made chili in the hopes that maybe the spices would clear out our sinuses. No dice. But I can tell you that feeling exhausted and sick at the same time are a legitimate excuse for not doing the dishes or cleaning up like I would prefer to.

No worries, though. We won't have a week's worth of dishes piled sky high in our sink. After Claire goes to bed tonight, I will get motivated to clean the kitchen and the family room. It's time to take a few Christmas decorations down. I have decided to leave the tree up through New Year's partly because Claire enjoys it so and partly because I feel as if taking it down now would make it hardly worth putting it up in the first place. We lost one week of delighting in it's beauty while we were in San Diego.

We've been busy taking all the over the counter medications we can without OD'ing. It is Tuesday now and there is still no sign of relief. The OTC meds only offer temporary healing and I feel foolish going to see a physician for something that ought to clear up on it's own in due time.

I look forward to feeling 100% again. I know my husband does, too. But I do have to express thanks that our daughter despite what symptoms she has seems to be just fine. Three sick people is no fun; but when the littlest of the three seems to be doing well in spite of it all, it makes it that much easier for the rest of us.

A Small Touch of Heaven

2010-12-29T00:01:00.010-06:00

We left the snow and ice for San Diego to visit Carl's family over Christmas. Instead of sunshine, we had rain for the first few days. And 60 degree weather of which I will take any day; but I love rain so I welcomed it.

When it rains, I think it is a time to pause. When it is beautiful and sunny outside I am out and about. When it snows, I stay inside, hibernate, and think of all the things I would be doing if it weren't so snowy outside. But when it rains, I stop what I am doing and I rest. I think. I wonder. I daydream. I reflect. And I listen to the rain.

Rain is calming.

Rain is sustaining.

Rain is essential.

And when the rain has gone, sometimes we receive a small touch of heaven in the form of a rainbow. A brilliant and beautiful reminder of God's mercy and love for us.

Double rainbow that appeared in the Tecolote Canyon
in San Diego on 12-22-10.

White Chocolate Raspberry Cheesecake

2010-12-28T00:01:00.002-06:00

My new favorite thing to make is cheesecake.

Long ago, I tried making one of the no bake cheesecakes by Jell-O and it was, to say the least, a disaster. So a few months back when I was preparing a dessert for a dinner we were going to, I found this lovely recipe for Chocolate Cappuccino Cheesecake and decided it was time to get over what I thought to be so insurmountable and just go for it. I bought myself a 9-inch springform pan at Bed Bath and Beyond using one of those coupons from my never-ending supply of 20% off-ers and even drove all over searching for the best deal on Kahula. I sent a text to a friend who writes a food blog asking whether to water bath or not to water bath the cheesecake in order to prevent cracking. She responded stating to definitely water bath and very specific instructions of "no peeking" while the cheesecake is in the oven.

So my first experience with preparing cheesecake went fairly well. I think the folks at dinner enjoyed the cheesecake and I know we certainly did.

I even went so far as to paint chocolate on mint leaves.

My next cheesecake, Marbled Pumpkin Cheesecake, was prepared especially for Thanksgiving. Using the food processor, I crumbled ginger thins to make the crust.

But I think my third and the best cheesecake to date, is the White Chocolate Raspberry Cheesecake I prepared for Christmas dinner. This cheesecake I used Oreos with the cream to make the crust, doubling the recipe because my husband likes a thicker crust. I cheated and used seedless raspberry preserves instead of making a raspberry sauce (I couldn't tell the difference, honestly). I was a little skeptical at first because I am not much of a white chocolate person, but my husband suggested it and we all know the importance of keeping our husband's happy.

We were visiting my mother-in-law and she did not have a springform pan. She called a few relatives to see if someone had one we could borrow, but no one had one. So we took off to Target late one evening and their bakeware aisle had been completely depleted. We tried Kohl's, but they wanted more than I was willing to pay for a Calphalon pan. I had asked my husband where the nearest Bed Bath and Beyond was and we decided to stop by the house to pick up a 20% off-er that my mother-in-law had in her stash and before I knew it we had a springform pan to use.

Butter the pan really well!
After all, everything always tastes better with butter.

No KitchenAid stand mixer this time. Although,
this 30+ year old hand mixer worked beautifully.

I prefer using a double boiler to melt chocolate,
but since my MIL did not not have one and in order
to cut corners and save time I used the microwave.

My husband used a potato peeler to create white chocolate curls on top.
He also adorned the cheesecake with raspberries for me.
He's pretty awesome like that!

Not to float my boat or anything, but this was
a delicious cheesecake. I'm pretty proud of it.

Why You Shouldn't Fall Asleep on Airplanes

2010-12-27T13:19:00.000-06:00

I'm one that can laugh at myself. So when I told my husband that I hate falling asleep on the airplane because inevitably the mouth falls open and subsequently noticed he was fighting a smile, I knew he had taken a picture of me while I was sleeping. So here is proof of why adults shouldn't fall asleep on airplanes.

Purge and Purge Some More

2010-12-18T21:09:00.004-06:00

Our guestroom is always the cleanest room in the house. My husband reminded me that no one ever goes in there, unless of course we have a house guest.

We moved from a one bedroom apartment in Dallas to a four bedroom two-story in Nebraska. I love our house, but there are many projects I would like to do to enhance living here. Many of these projects will probably not occur until I start working again, which will hopefully be soon. But keeping up with a big house is a lot more work than a 900 square foot apartment. I'm not complaining, just stating the facts.

I read on another blog that each day should be focused on cleaning one room or task in your house. I think for me, keeping things picked up in the main living areas isn't so much the problem. The problem is dust. It is incredibly difficult keeping up with the dust that accumulates. It's unbelievable. I will dust in our family room and 30 seconds later there will be more dust in the same exact spot I just cleaned. I've been seriously considering hiring someone to come out and clean out our air ducts; doubtful it has ever been done in the 12 years since the house was built. Maybe that would help alleviate some of the dust. It is the cause of much anxiety, I'm telling you. Don't be surprised if you come over and find me with a can of Pledge and a feather duster affixed to a tool belt on my hips.

So I'm sitting in my office right now and it is by far the messiest room in our house. Except for maybe the floor beside my side of the bed. I did actually sort through all the magazines and catalogs that were strewn across the floor and set what could go out for recycling. My office, however, is the catch all room. I think everyone should have one in their house if they don't already. It's the one room designated as a dumping ground. Truthfully, though, the dumping ground is becoming a bit overwhelming. I'll never be able to concentrate in this mess when I start working so it is time to clean or at least make it appear a little less messy.

I started a significant purge the other night. Sorting through my clothes closet, I found 45 items in clothing, shoes, handbags, and even jewelry that I never wear/use anymore and I took it all to Goodwill. Afterwards, it felt like I could breathe again. Now, I just need to purge the shred pile and find homes for some of the other items that have taken up residence on the floor of the office. I need to pick one night just to sit by the shredder and shred stuff. Glass of wine in one hand and shred in the other. Sounds like a jolly good time if I do say so myself!

Holiday Parties

2010-12-17T11:18:00.001-06:00

The downside to not working for somebody else is that there are no swanky holiday parties to attend. I miss the holiday parties that my former employer put on. It was no holds barred. Well, they did have a budget so it wasn't quite that. They did, however, always pick a beautiful hotel, excellent food, and it was always formal/semi-formal.

I saw this dress from J. Crew this morning and it made me wish there was one of those holiday parties to attend. I've always loved an excuse to get dolled up.

Image Credit: Silk chiffon Taryn long dress in Matisse Blue by J.Crew.

I suppose if I had started planning a little sooner, I could have hosted my own snazzy holiday party. I'll file that idea away for next year.

Until then, I'll just imagine myself wearing this beautiful dress. I already have the perfect necklace to complement it.

Nut Goodie Bars

2010-12-14T12:49:00.000-06:00

It's Christmas.

Well, nearly so. We wrapped up our shopping yesterday, but found ourselves so giddy with excitement we thought it might be fun to tell Claire Santa paid us an early visit because she has been such a good girl this year.

So we set out one gift we thought she would be wild over. When she first saw it, Carl was holding Claire and she was holding Bitty Baby, an American Girl doll my parents gave to Claire for her birthday. She loves Bitty Baby, but when she saw her new toy she dropped Bitty Baby to the floor. Poor Bitty Baby.

We thought for sure Claire would love this Corn Popper by Fisher Price.

Carl showed Claire how it worked.

But Claire was more fascinated by the ornaments on the tree (no need to worry, those aren't glass ornaments). Moral of the story: Children really are captivated by simple things and it is almost always not what you would expect.

So after our little one was nestled all snug in her crib, Carl and I began working on preparing Nut Goodie Bars. Last year, when I made them it was to say the least, a disaster.

I broke the double boiler out of retirement and put in one 11 oz. package of chocolate chips, one 11 oz. package of butterscotch chips, and 2 cups of peanut butter and stirred away. This smells absolutely divine, by the way.

Carl poured half of the mixture into a jelly roll pan (as shown below) and placed the pan in the freezer. I then mixed 1/2 c. of evaporated milk, 1 cup of butter, and 1-1/2 teaspoons of vanilla in a separate pot and this is where I messed up (again). Yes, it is possible to make the same mistake twice. I only added one pound of powdered sugar when the recipe calls for two pounds. Only I didn't realize this until after it was too late. I added Spanish peanuts to the other half of the chocolate mixture. Carl helped me by pouring and spreading the remaining layers in the jelly roll pan. In the freezer it went to set over night.

And this morning, despite my oversight, the nut goodie bars turned out just fine. Who needed that extra pound of powdered sugar anyway?

A Hostess' Response to What Your Party Guests Won't Tell You

2010-12-13T11:27:00.002-06:00

This morning on MSN I discovered this link for 13 Things Your Party Guests Won't Tell You.

It was interesting, astonishing, and embarrassing all in one.

Here's the breakdown for me:

Interesting

#1 Making Eating Easy - Really it is a no-brainer and it is one reason why we have always limited our dinner parties to two or three couples to ensure plenty of seating and room for all.

#2 Don't Hide the List - Pretty sure I have never done this; but if I have it was not deliberate. I like to see who is coming, too. So to look forward to seeing certain people and to be prepared for what I might be up against with others. Terrible, I know; but the truth.

#3 Make Room to Mingle - Agree that separate food and drink stations are important. No one wants to feel claustrophobic when they are trying to get a cocktail.

#4 Make It Festive - I love decorating for parties. Some people probably think I am showing off and maybe part of me is; but the truth is that it is my desire to make getting together special for everyone. It is my belief that most of the enjoyment comes from each other, but creating a fun environment is a contributing factor to the success of the party.

#5 Create Ambiance - Agree wholeheartedly with this.

#9 Make Rules Clear - The example given of a nursing mom: As a mom who nursed, I can say that if any mom feels comfortable enough to nurse in front of everyone, you are more than welcome to do it in my home. And if you don't feel comfortable nursing in front of everyone, I have ample space in this house that we can certainly find you a room where you will feel most comfortable. In regards to whether children are welcome or not, I completely agree that the desires of the host need to be respected and I have no problem getting a babysitter, so I hope my guests don't either.

Astonishing

#6 Clean the Bathroom - Seriously? There are people out there who do not clean the bathroom for guests? That is unbelievable. I cannot imagine not cleaning the bathroom . . .that is one of those rooms I even tell my husband he is not allowed to use until after people arrive because I want it to stay immaculate.

#11 Don't Freak Out - Don't cry over spilled milk. Accidents happen.

#13 Don't Ask for Cash - This is another seriously? First of all, I don't expect anything other than maybe for people to have a good time. I do not need a hostess gift unless you really want to give me one. If that is the case, thank you. BUT I would Never. Ever. Ever. ask anyone for cash. And shame on anyone who has.

Embarrassing

#7 Stock Up on TP - I usually keep the main bathroom upstairs stocked with toilet paper under the sink. Of course, the one time I failed to ensure it was fully stocked, I was pregnant and we had houseguests. The day they left I went into clean the bathroom and noticed there was no toilet paper and was I filled with such horror at the thought that they did not have toilet paper and for how long I don't know. Checked under the sink and there was none and I was pretty sure that I had not restocked it like I normally do, but I was pregnant and anyone who has been pregnant knows how the memory goes. I was just sick because no one said a word to me or my husband. Now, I ensure there is always plenty of TP in the bathroom.

#8 Don't Force Things - We had a group we would get together with regularly and they always talked about the same exact thing. Every. Single. Time. I don't want to be a snob, but maybe I am. I got tired of having the same predictable conversation each time. Thinking it would be fun to at least attempt to talk about something else, to try to get to know each other on a deeper level beyond the same topic of conversation we always had, I invested in Table Topics. Unfortunately, I could tell that at least some of the people were less than thrilled. I guess quashing what would have certainly been a boring conversation for me, was not a good idea. Athough, my husband said he enjoyed playing the game. Glad he's on my side since we live together.

#10 Keep Pets Away - We don't have pets and if I have any say, we never will. I grew up with cats and I love them; but I can tell you from experience that finding a cat hair in your food is disgusting.

#12 Allow Shoes - I hope I haven't made any one feel uncomfortable about our no shoes policy. The reason why we have done that is because I used to be a flight attendant and nothing is more disgusting than walking in the lavatory and stepping where some guy missed. There's not a lot of room in the lav so it is hard to avoid the piss. Another flight attendant I worked with, who used to fly international, told me that in some cultures, it is far worse. I'll spare you the details. Anyway. She said she never wore her shoes inside the house and didn't allow anyone else to either. From that time on, neither did I. We spend a lot of time walking in only God knows what and I don't want it in my house, especially with a 15 month old baby crawling and walking around. So that is why I have asked people not to wear their shoes. We wear our shoes on the tile and the wood laminate because those are easy to clean, but cleaning the carpets is expensive. If anyone really felt strongly about leaving their shoes on; I would have no problem with it. But if people don't mind taking them off, then please do. Some cultures view it as a sign of respect. I am happy to take my shoes off in your house, I just need you to let me know that is what you expect me to do.

Soup Weather

2010-12-11T21:35:00.001-06:00

We got our second snow of the season today. This is the first time Claire has seen snow since last year. She was all of 3 months old at the time. And the last time we got snow, we left for Hawaii before she had a chance to check it out. She doesn't appear to be too interested in snow right now which suits me just fine. This mama doesn't delight in snow much now; but each time I see the part in Baby Santa (from Baby Einstein) where the child is making snow angels, I am reminded of a time when I did very much enjoy the snow. For the time being, however, it will have to remain as one of those necessary evils like chocolate and shopping at Target.

The wind has been howling and blowing all day long causing the house to creak and shudder almost as if it is experiencing its own version of a cold chill. I find myself more and more aware of the sounds the house makes when I am by myself or when it is just Claire and me, which the latter was the case today. Days like this call for thankfulness for the home and clothing that we have. Days like this call for getting things done around the house. And days like this call for soup.

During Claire's afternoon nap, I cleaned the kitchen. Like I used to clean the kitchen before I had a baby. It's funny, because I was thinking earlier today how the first few months I thought being a mommy was easy. I mean after I got past nursing every two hours and the baby started sleeping through the night easy. Claire would nap in the morning and afternoon and I got SO MUCH done. And then all of the sudden, my little one outgrew two naps, began eating solid foods, and was walking all over the place. It is SO MUCH harder to keep the house clean now when I have this sweet baby to chase around.

One of my flaws is perfection. Obviously none of us are perfect, but I strive for perfection. Keeping my house perfectly neat and clean, dressing perfectly, setting the table so it looks perfect. You get the idea. But since becoming a mommy, I have so struggled to maintain that ideal of perfection. It has made me grouchy and not always pleasant to be around because I want so much for there to be order. But in all seriousness, I am realizing that after having a child and being filled with such joy and wonder at everything she does, none of those other things matter.

So the kitchen was perfect, until Claire got little bits of cracker all over the floor and then it was just nearly perfect. I smiled.

With a clean kitchen and a happy baby, it seemed only appropriate to mess it up a little more by making dinner. And since it is so miserable outside, it seemed only appropriate to make soup. With Claire running around the kitchen island, I chopped carrots, celery, and onion. Occasionally, she would stop and hold her arms out for me to pick her up. She, of course, wanted to supervise and see exactly what it was I was up to. Then I would put her down, so she could expend a little more energy and I could get back to putting the rest of the ingredients in for the Chicken Tortellini soup I was making.

This soup is quickly becoming a favorite after the Italian Wedding soup my husband makes. Of course, one nice thing about it is that it allows for plenty of leftovers. And this time of year, when I am not interested in going outdoors unless it is about 45 degrees and sunny out, it is nice to get several meals out of one meal.

While I was making dinner, I was thinking about something I had read in this book I am currently reading. The author was describing how she delights in feeding others. How getting a group together to share a meal is both nourishing not just to our bodies, but to our souls. And interestingly enough, last week in Bible study the discussion was on hospitality. Although, more about being hospitable to strangers than people we already know.

I want so much for Carl and I to get back in the habit of having people over. I have felt almost this ache, this emptiness because we very much enjoy inviting people into our home to share a meal and ourselves and we have not since January 2010. I find that depressing. It seems we stopped trying when a couple of people declined our invitation one too many times, causing some hurt and questions about where our friendship stood, questions that still haven't been answered directly; but sadly it seems the lack of interest speaks for itself. And of course, people in general are just becoming busier each day.

Christmas is nearly here and after that New Year's.

Perhaps 2011 will bring new opportunities for inviting people not only into our home, but into our hearts as well.

Thoughts on holiday baking and then some

2010-12-10T21:06:00.005-06:00

We were unexpectedly spoiled with some warmer tempertures the last two days. LOVE it when that happens because it means that my self-imposed hibernation can temporarily end long enough for me to do what really matters. Like buying all the sugar and other unhealthy ingredients that go into making beautiful, delectable desserts. And hitting all the musts. Target. Bed Bath and Beyond. Just to name a few.

Determined to get all the shopping for holiday baking supplies completed before the bad weather arrives, I hit the commissary on base yesterday. I used to detest going there, insisting that it was too much work to stop and show an ID to Security Forces, too stressful while meticulously watching my speed on base, and much too far way. I kept singing that tune until I realized how much I truly could save by going there. Their motto is "It is worth the trip" and I dare say, it is. I still prefer Hy-Vee for my meat and after a lesson in buying Kahlua at the Class Six (also on base), I have learned that it is actually cheaper to shop the sales off base for hooch or any other adult beverage that might suit your fancy. That, of course, is another story for another time. Whole Foods comes in handy for fennel and some other organic produce that is priced considerably better than Hy-Vee; and Wal-Mart when we're desperate for something only because it is so close. The bulk of our grocery shopping, however, is now completed at the commissary.

So Wednesday night, I broke out my cookbook and picked four recipes that would produce the most bang for our buck in providing leftovers. I also used to be anti-leftovers; but now after realizing that some things truly taste better with age, I'm singing a different tune there, too. I checked the cupboards and the pantry and made a list of what would be needed for dinner; but I failed to actually write down what I needed for my holiday baking plans.

Based on what memory I have post-baby, I picked up a few things. I tried accessing my email to look at recipes; but for whatever reason I was not able to login. So today, I asked my husband if he would pick up the few items I needed since he was going on base to work out.

My text: 2-12oz. pkgs of chocolate chips (semi-sweet), peanut butter (16 oz.), evaporated milk, dry vanilla pudding mix . . .I don't think they had spanish peanuts there. I meant to look. I can get some at walmart if they don't.

We exchanged a few other texts about what kind of evaporated milk I needed and how much dry vanilla pudding mix I needed. And a phone call to confirm that the commissary did not have spanish peanuts.

So hubby comes home and I am putting away the baking supplies he picked up and I find two packages of mini-morsel semi-sweet chocolate chips and crunchy peanut butter. My response to my husband was, "This isn't what I asked for." Now do not misunderstand me, I was not angry. I was actually quite thankful he stopped at the store for me; but disappointed that he didn't ask or more so that I did not explicitly say this is what I need. So an emergency run to Wal-mart ensued because come tomorrow, I am not leaving this house again for a very long time. And what better way to spend this last week before Christmas than isolating myself in the kitchen for some much needed baking therapy.

We took my daughter to the Holland Performing Arts Center today because the Air Force band had a children's concert. I debated back and forth with taking our munchkin; but I know how important it was to my husband that we be there and I wanted to show my support for him and the Band. So we went. Later, I concluded 14.5 months is much too young to go. First of all, it was entirely too loud for me so it had to be much too loud for this little person and secondly, she just wanted to run. She wasn't having any of the sitting on mommy's lap business. She eventually caved and I do believe that she really enjoyed the concert as did I, but I still stick by my decision that 14.5 months is a little young to go.

After we returned home, Claire went down for a nap and my husband followed suit. I wanted nothing more than to take a nap. I've been feeling inexplicably tired lately. I really think it is because of this yo-yo weather we have had. So while Claire and Dada napped, Mama started reading her two new books.

I found about these two new books purely by accident. See, I've been contemplating sharing with my church this idea that isn't really mine, to start a Christmas Dinner or something for the ladies in the church. Actually, my idea was really to do a Christmas Tea, but the idea originated from the Christmas Dinner our church in Dallas hosted each year for the women. So then, of course, I got curious about what was going on in the women's ministry at our old church and I saw that they had this woman named Shauna Niequist coming in from Chicago to speak. After stalking her on her website and reading a few excerpts from her books, I found myself wishing I was still in Dallas so I could go.

Instead, I ordered her books. And after reading the first 10 pages or so, I believe Shauna, to be my long-lost twin separated at birth. She doesn't know this, of course. But really, she and I are very similar and I think that ever the two shall meet, we would be instant friends. At least, I would hope anyway.

These books are beautiful honest expressions of her life and experiences. I'm about 80 pages into Bittersweet, which is the most recent book; and 100 pages into Cold Tangerines, her first book. Highly, highly recommend both books.

So of course, now I realize that discovering these two books really wasn't an accident. God has the most creative and interesting ways to lead us to Him. And of course, finding my twin. What I really mean is that God can use people like Shauna Niequist and the experiences she has had to capture the attention of someone like me who honestly loves the Lord while simultaneously faces struggles within my soul. Thankfully we have this beautiful thing called grace and God, who loves us completely despite all of our many flaws. I am also thankful for my sister, Shauna, and these two wonderfully brilliant books.

A Bit of Randomness

2010-12-07T00:25:00.003-06:00

In the spirit of the season, I got a start on holiday baking last night. Each year I tell myself I will do this or that and it never happens. With one can of pumpkin left, motivation kicked itself into gear and I made a loaf of pumpkin bread and 12 pumpkin muffins using this recipe.

There are a few other things on the "to bake" list including using the Christmas cookie cutters I bought on clearance at Target last year, perfecting my mom's recipe for Nut Goodie Bars (the batch I made last year for the holiday party were a complete disaster, although I did receive one compliment on them), and other sugary and fattening treats.

Hobby Lobby has these adorable Christmas tins. I bought a few thinking I will bake some treats this Christmas as homemade gifts for our neighbors. We don't know our neighbors very well and it is about time we at least made an effort to reach out to them.

Speaking of Hobby Lobby, much of their Christmas stuff is still 50% off. I was going bonkers in there last week, finding all sorts of FUN things I would LOVE to have. Expressing restraint was no easy feat, but I kept my purchases to gift bags, gift wrap, a wreath, and the Christmas tins mentioned previously. Here a just a few of the things I enjoyed the most:

This platter is darling.

LOVED this tray. Especially liked that it
really could be used any time of the year.

I know these are picture holders,
but I thought they would be very festive place card holders.

I'm all about the cupcake toppers
and pretty baking cups this year.
I just wish I had better luck baking cupcakes,
so I leave that to the professionals and then add some snazziness.

Another swanky idea (from life:beautiful) I would like to use for the next dinner party we host, assuming we ever do actually host another dinner party . . . using Twinkle Type. How? By using the first initial of a guest's name as a place card on the table. I bought silver, but would also like the Twinkle Type in gold.

Image Credit: Twinkle Type Glitter Chipboard.
On sale at JoAnn.com for $5.99

Well, that is all the randomness I have for now. If you have any randomness you would like to share, please do! LOVE ideas!