tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-89413281526970063002024-03-13T07:01:31.276-04:00My Divine CallingHeatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09817013390636151442noreply@blogger.comBlogger39125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8941328152697006300.post-63934108425057101542013-02-18T20:52:00.002-05:002013-02-18T20:52:18.562-05:00A Whole New World<div style="text-align: justify;">
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It's amazing how shiny new objects bring out the creativity. <br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fwvchgMRx48/USLZLrCve5I/AAAAAAAAAMI/Y4-DtSQJLTY/s1600/IMG_3178.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fwvchgMRx48/USLZLrCve5I/AAAAAAAAAMI/Y4-DtSQJLTY/s320/IMG_3178.JPG" width="238" /></a></div>
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A friend is moving and we are the lucky recipients of scores of Lego's that were her now grown sons. My boys have already enjoyed hours of playtime and creativity.<br />
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The loot is a mix of half-still-together-kits, fully together kits, and completely mixed up individual pieces. The boys use the "halfers" as a base and create unique, though probably not FAA approved, but certainly "T and C" approved, flying empires.<br />
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They haven't reached the bottom of boxes one or two and there is still box three and a bag to go.</div>
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It seems to take something new and shiny, now and again, to get us kicked back into gear. I'd kind of stagnated in my work and a new company and new position have re-energized me. And made it more difficult to keep up with blogs, life etc ... until I find my rhythm.</div>
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I think though, we don't really need material changes to break the rut. Doesn't He promise that it's " new every morning"? That we just have to get up and look at what He provides - the shiny new wonder of it all -<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875);"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875);">Then there's nothing stagnant ... Nothing not flight worthy.</span><br />
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Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09817013390636151442noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8941328152697006300.post-61701748268042152412011-11-25T20:40:00.002-05:002011-11-25T20:45:15.100-05:00He is goodHe is so good! All the time! <br />
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We drove 10 hours to visit my husbands family for thanksgiving holiday. I always love visiting "northern new york" because it's a very rural experience and I love just taking in the slower pace of life and the extensive farm country. It's so beautiful in its simplicity. People here get what they need not a lot of extras mostly because getting the extras would be an at least three hour drive or a lot of extra shipping fees. I often fanaticize about living there all the time. It would force a simpler way of life and a much more frugal way of life. For perspective - We live in a suburb of a major city where there is a target 20 minutes away in any direction from our home. Up here - There's a target two hours drive in one direction period. <br />
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Sometimes though in the slow lane it's easier to more clearly see how He's taking care of it all...<br />
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My husband and father in law went hunting on family land and it was successful on the first drive of the second day.<br />
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We stayed at a bed and breakfast and were in need of more regular coffee to finish our trip and that very day our host had a dish returned from a potluck with coffee that wasn't hers - they being non coffee drinkers, she offered it to us. Not to mention the wonderful accommodations and conversations.<br />
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A special trip to the animal shelter with gramma who works there and extra time in the kitty room upon request of C.<br />
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A successful sleepover with poppa and gramma for one, and a second successful sleepover with aunt s and uncle t for the other.<br />
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And while everyone else was searching out black Friday deals a drive towards home with minimal traffic. And as we neared a city two hours north of home I for a second worried about finding a place for dinner and a hotel on black friday in an area that is the only place to get shopping done for the area and then deciding after a heart nudge that He had it ... walking right into a restaurant very near a large mall and quickly finding a hotel room for the night. <br />
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God is happy to provide if only we ask and then notice His workings and words. May I always hear His call even when it's such a small nudge so easily missed in the business of life.Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09817013390636151442noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8941328152697006300.post-32158250723740941692011-09-26T19:40:00.001-04:002011-09-26T19:51:06.074-04:00The Big Picture<div style="text-align: justify;">Sometimes, in our walk through life, we get so caught up in the details we forget to step back and remember the big picture. I'm reminded of this often by my youngest son C. He'll look at the sky and say "Look at God's painting"...</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Om7HtOAUB04/ToEL3pSSNcI/AAAAAAAAAIk/bhJZW3OLx8U/s1600/DSC01255.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Om7HtOAUB04/ToEL3pSSNcI/AAAAAAAAAIk/bhJZW3OLx8U/s200/DSC01255.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OMWvrLE-YLY/ToEL6hYNGRI/AAAAAAAAAIs/-ye2GyWYPG0/s1600/IMG_0901.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="149" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OMWvrLE-YLY/ToEL6hYNGRI/AAAAAAAAAIs/-ye2GyWYPG0/s200/IMG_0901.JPG" width="200" /></a> <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Luk45q_A1PQ/ToEL5qxSAKI/AAAAAAAAAIo/KY_dtV9l-1o/s1600/DSC01322.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Luk45q_A1PQ/ToEL5qxSAKI/AAAAAAAAAIo/KY_dtV9l-1o/s200/DSC01322.JPG" width="200" /></a><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: justify;">When I look at that kind of beauty and think of the creator of that kind of beauty, my everyday struggles seem menial.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">I was reminded of who I should always be focusing on - Him - and who I shouldn't be focusing on - me. As I wondered how to be the wife and mom that I should be I realized that God created me to be the exact wife and mom my husband and kids need. I need to stop looking for a worldly picture of what I think I should be and just be who God calls me to be. Simple huh? Sometimes all we need to do is look up ...<br />
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</div><div style="text-align: justify;">God is such a great artist - Thank you God for leading C to remind me of who and what needs focus.</div>Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09817013390636151442noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8941328152697006300.post-87496327737044600242011-09-09T21:12:00.000-04:002011-09-09T21:12:07.816-04:00The beginning ...<div style="text-align: justify;">Today God worked His timing as only He does ... and boy do I like to just sit back and watch. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Yesterday I'd gotten to the end of my professional rope and at the end of the day - well - I'd had it with it all. Only to face homework on a time schedule because I had to be at parents night and my husband had a church meeting plus there's always that dinner thing and the piano and karate practice and goodness - didn't I just finish my professional day???</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Well, my oldest school aged was a whiz at his homework and though we had the usual number of tears - we completed in record time - my heart asks why there are tears required to "learn" third grade?? Then he even completed piano practice through much coaching and example (as if I know how to play) ... and God willing we did the karate form our Master said he had to practice or his testing papers would be revoked.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Sigh - seriously sigh - if this is just the beginning of the year - why is it so tough already...</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Then my husband got home and his meeting was canceled - double sigh - he can get through that second song on the piano again and he actually has the musical talent the boy needs ... then after I made and ate with the boys dinner I left them with my husband and went to parents night and the biggest - THE BIGGEST - blessing happened. God timed it so that a friend pulled in just as I did and for the first time the whole day I laughed - really laughed - thank you T - beyond words!!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">And during open house it turns out I like the current teacher - even if his grades suffer he will learn a ton of life lessons that will serve him well - if only I was a mom who was a stay at home or part time and had time to remind and coax and help more than I can now...</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">And then at night my youngest CAN NOT sleep because he's so stuffed - so we ( the two of us) "sleep" on the couch so that we are at least upright and then finally I surrender and we both go back to "real bed" 10 minutes to the buzzer. So I confirm that I will sleep in and work from home. And again God is good because it's exactly what I need so that I can get my work done with out office and coworker distractions and bond with my youngest and - sleep in. And receive the message then return the call from the school to get my son involved in the tutoring that is supplied by the state even though he's in private school for math and more importantly reading. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">My question is this - when can I just be the mom that God want's me to be to our boys and the wife that He wants me to be to my husband .... so I ask hubby at dinner when he's going to have to go to the site to start up the reactor and he says sometime mid next year - I can't wait for China - to be all that I can be - all that God has designed me to be - not what we're trying to uphold to "live in this world".</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Obviously, prayers are appreciated, even though I'm not feeling like I'm fulfilling much of what's God's calling me to be. I guess I just have to once again wait on His timing - which is more than perfect, so I'm more than willing - even if I complain along the way.</div>Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09817013390636151442noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8941328152697006300.post-37973492701412224332011-05-08T21:08:00.000-04:002011-05-08T21:08:25.450-04:00Size mattersNOT! As summer ... Slowly and quite wetly approaches these parts ... I've been driving myself into a tizzy listing out all the "to do" things to be done before the warm weather arrives. <br />
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Namely fixing all the spots that need fixing so that the lands end tummy slimming bathing suit fits correctly in one short month. Mind you we do have a membership to a local rec center and have been - well - "blessed" ??? with year round swimming through the normal non swimsuit months. However ... All the other moms and dads and me are there "for the kids" and we all just - well - understand ... Ahem.<br />
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So I've made the plans for the next month to: eat less - and failed; excercise more - and failed; hmpfhhh ... So ... I went shopping. And I bought some summer clothes - the best deals I could find - in .... One size bigger than I'm currently wearing and a few sizes more than my crazy brain would like to think that I still am after two kids and a few years later than I'd care to admit. And guess what happened ... The clothes look nice, I feel confident, and nobody is going to check my tag anyway!<br />
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Thank you God for finally getting it through my thick brain that if my husband thinks I'm beautiful and I'm living a healthy lifestyle and can keep up with two little boys then I'm the PERFECT size already!Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09817013390636151442noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8941328152697006300.post-65194859890150050782011-04-18T19:37:00.000-04:002011-04-18T19:37:51.558-04:00Anniversary - soon - of some sortsWow have things been busy. Work has required much of my time as three clients have all wanted startups of systems at the same time - nothing a few weeks of 12-16 hour days can't take care of. I'll be pretty busy the rest of this week then hopefully things will settle down a bit. Though I am afraid of when everything stops as I'm sure that I'll literally crash and burn.<br />
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</div><div style="text-align: justify;">I am loving the warm weather that has begun to encompass our neck of the woods - sure we still have cold days and rain - but I'm gracious that it's made for some beautiful green GREEN grass to enjoy as I look out my office window. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">We just celebrated my husbands birthday and I realized that it's been almost a year since I first started blogging. It's been a nice spot for me to enjoy non technical writing and also and more importantly to hopefully showcase how God influences my life each and every day.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">This past weekend we were out celebrating hubby's birthday ( most of the weekend) and at one point we had a traffic incident that God used to really speak to my heart. We were making a left hand u-turn (legally - complete with green left hand arrow) and a car in the perpendicular road tried to make a right on red. It could have been an accident but they stopped as they should have and we went - followed by honking and as I looked the side rear view mirror - a certain hand gesture! Well, my immediate reaction was "but we're doing the right legal thing - you were wrong" and of course also the feelings of being threatened and therefore the emotions of defensiveness started to kick in. Quickly God calmed my heart and I immediately prayed for the people in that car that God would touch their hearts and give them the peace that they so desperately needed (it's just traffic after all) and also to calm our reactions. God is so good - He in return provided quite a lesson to me. I realized how affronted I felt - how hurt - how offended when we'd done nothing "wrong" and I thought of Jesus - who was whipped, beaten, tortured, spit upon, flipped off, yelled at - nailed to a tree - and He took it all and said "Father forgive them they know not what they do" I had some small understanding of what He may have felt and I have a completely new understanding of what He meant when He said "turn the other cheek and love one another". And, when we don't have it in us to love - as at the time I didn't have it in me to love the other car passengers - we should pray that God loves them and can give that love to them through us - He's big enough for that!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Happy Easter and may the love of Jesus who sacrificed it all for us - even though we hated Him - fill your hearts and flow to everyone that you come in contact with!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div>Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09817013390636151442noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8941328152697006300.post-70440385009175763312011-03-13T22:00:00.000-04:002011-03-13T22:00:40.069-04:00The Best Concert Ending<div style="text-align: justify;">I had the opportunity this weekend to see my favorite performer, well, perform! I don't think I've ever had quite the giddy feeling that I did this past Friday. It was both interesting and a bit scary at the same time. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">... About a year and a half ago, we were attending the early service at our church which is family geared and includes contemporary / pop / non-hymnal music during the service. Well we sang a song that just sat on my heart and didn't leave - and hasn't left yet. I can honestly say that I probably only have about 6 (maybe less) favorite songs accumulated over my lifetime or at least since the age of 13 or so when I actually started to have favorite songs. They run the gambit from the Moody Blues, to CAKE, to the Mighty Mighty Bostones, to the Ocean Blue, to Aaron Shust. As you might have guessed at this point the performer that we saw and the song that I really liked that morning in church was by Aaron Shust - it was My Saviour My God. Of course he sang that and sang a few new songs and a few songs that I didn't realize were his and am quite happy now that they are his and did some wonderful performing as well. The weird thing was that as I watched him perform on stage I had a kind of surreal experience where I was surprised that I was surprised that he was only about 20 feet away and singing right there. One of those moments that you try so hard to remember in your mind so that you can always recall it. The concert was a tour with Selah and Shaun Groves both of which were also great performers, but let's be honest, I was there to see Aaron (we are on a first name basis).</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">After the performance, we saw some friends from church as we were leaving. One of which was in line to get autographs. My heart skipped a beat and I got in line too thinking maybe I could get Aaron to sign my shirt (an Aaron Shust shirt that I bought with my lunch money before the concert) - yes lunch money apparently I'm in high school again. The first group out wasn't Aaron and I got their autographs on a ticket stub and found them to be very genuine sweet people. Then I stood against a wall to wait for Aaron to come out for signing while my husband took our kids to the car. As I waited, I had a feeling wash over me (God speaking to my heart). I thought about at the end of each song how Aaron would point to heaven - to God - giving the glory to Him. As I stood by the wall t-shirt clutched in my hand I had the realization that getting the autograph was really just idolizing something / someone other than God and so counter to what Aaron as a performer / man of God displayed. I was humbled. And so I quietly folded my shirt, zipped up my jacket and quickly left to meet kids and husband in our car. To go home to the blessings that He's provided me and to get the autograph of God on my heart as He blesses our lives.</div>Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09817013390636151442noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8941328152697006300.post-44075029561874966962011-03-04T20:16:00.000-05:002011-03-04T20:16:50.621-05:00Returning to Normal<div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Ahhh the joy of cleaning on my schedule. I have managed to keep up - in relative terms - with the house since we took it off the market. The difference being that I cleaned or organized or rearranged ... when I wanted to not because I had to. Such a nice treat. I have learned the joy of keeping house. And I appreciate that I can set my pace to complete. I don't have to get done by a certain time. If I don't complete a task, then I can finish it tomorrow - rather than half-youknowwhatting it. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">And the house is no longer magazine perfect, I speak as if it was during showings, but it is once again a home that we live in.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><ul><li>The toys are once again out to be played with as they should be.</li>
<li>The kitchen counter once again catches mail until I get to go through it over the weekend.</li>
<li>The bathrooms are cleaned weekly rather then every-other-daily.</li>
<li>The floors are kept clear so that dust bunnies can run freely over the smooth laminate wood.</li>
<li>And the cross stitch has returned to the family room table, to be completed at my leisure.</li>
<li>The plane plans and building are once again under way ...</li>
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</div><div style="text-align: justify;">We once again have - our time - to do - our stuff that we want to do - that helps us relax - that brings us joy. A found blessing that's always been there but had been set aside for a time ... what a treasure.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div>Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09817013390636151442noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8941328152697006300.post-35747726809234867082011-02-25T21:30:00.000-05:002011-02-25T21:30:53.770-05:00It Is Finished ...<div style="text-align: justify;">Phew, what a ride! We are done with the house selling ... we did not sell. Yep, surprised me too. We received two offers on our house. Both of which were probably not realistic examples of the buyers that are out there (particularly since we're heading into the "hot real estate market time" in our region) - but they were the buyers that God wanted us presented with. Without going into the nitty gritty, God never allowed an offer that fit with where we were comfortable and in doing so made our decision to stay put easier for us. As we were trying to sell I kept thinking of those Israelites waiting to leave Egypt and remembering how God gave them the extra time there to gather the things they needed for the journey. So I / we kept chasing the carrot and were waiting for the right buyer. Well, frankly we got to the end of our ropes what with the cleaning and tidying and keeping neat and all that is so counter to our, honestly, way of life. God just pushed it gently over the edge for us to make the decision to take our house off of the market and to once again make it our home. And with that decision - boy o boy did the Relief Dam ever let loose!!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">We've learned so much through this process. Particularly:</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">1. When God wants something done - or doesn't want something done - it will / won't happen.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">2. The blessings that are all around you are sometimes hidden in your search for the next "thing" in life - sometimes it takes loosing or misplacing those blessings to realize how blessed you really are.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">3. Family is the absolute most important thing in life, after God.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">4. Good neighbors are a blessing and are not easy to find - if you've got them - do all you can to keep them.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">5. Stop asking God to show you where to go or what to do and open up your eyes and ears to see or hear what it is He's been telling you all along.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">6. Be always grateful for the trip He's allowed you to take and learn as much as possible along the way even if, like Jonah, it's taken you an awful long time to get to Nineveh.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">We have made some decisions to live a little differently now that God has opened our eyes. When we started to look at how much we would be spending on a new house, we kept thinking of how many better uses there were for that money. We also saw what we were spending our money on and have made conscious decisions to change that to better let God use that money. We've learned how nice our home is - honestly just because it's double the price doesn't mean that it still isn't base builder grade quality with absolutely NO updates or upgrades. And we've learned how important it is to our kids to have a place to call home. Home is definitely where you are all together and it isn't the structure you live in, but sometimes that structure is just the thing that kids need to see to feel safe and comfortable. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">How did I know we made the right decision? When my oldest said to me (with quite a bit of relief in his voice): "Mom I'm so happy we aren't moving, I really like our home." Dust bunnies and all? They have once again taken up residence ...</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div>Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09817013390636151442noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8941328152697006300.post-32760799219099881082011-02-07T19:36:00.000-05:002011-02-07T19:36:51.334-05:00And we move to mexico ...<div style="text-align: justify;">I just pulled together a quick and easy dinner that made me feel like I was in the WARM south! Rather than the FROZEN north. Here's my version of easy enchiladas...</div><br />
2-3 cooked chicken breasts chopped up finely<br />
1 bag already shredded sharp cheddar cheese<br />
1 can of enchilada sauce<br />
1 can of refried beans<br />
6 large flour tortillas<br />
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Preheat oven to 375 deg F.<br />
Warm tortillas in microwave for 25 seconds - then again for 25 seconds.<br />
Spread refried beans over tortilla then just off center place a small handful of chicken "in a line". <br />
Sprinkle a generous amount of cheddar cheese over the chicken.<br />
Roll it up and place it seam side down in a stoneware baker.<br />
Repeat for remaining tortillas.<br />
Pour can of enchilada sauce over top and sprinkle with remaining cheese.<br />
Place in oven and bake for 25 - 30 minutes until bubbly and cheese is well melted.<br />
Serve and enjoy with a good beer.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">It was a good meal that was quick to prepare after karate class. I've tried several other enchilada recipes and never had success with them but this one is a keeper.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">As for the other moving that's going on in our lives, we continue to have a few showings a week and are just waiting on God's timing. We found two houses that we like and have found some land that we are considering. I'm just looking forward to what God has planned - it's going to be so cool to look back and see Him in action in all of this. Prayers for continued patience are welcomed. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Blessings and Happy Mexican Cooking!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div>Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09817013390636151442noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8941328152697006300.post-46907752174696362882011-01-19T20:16:00.000-05:002011-01-19T20:16:45.969-05:00Lo-coco-naut-ta<div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">I accomplished two things today. Well many more - I'm a mom - but two stand out in my mind.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Hen7lPuseX4/TTeLhypZU1I/AAAAAAAAAH8/-x5RbY5XLBU/s1600/IMG_9982.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Hen7lPuseX4/TTeLhypZU1I/AAAAAAAAAH8/-x5RbY5XLBU/s320/IMG_9982.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">We completed the first half of testing for our next belt levels for karate this evening. My 4yr old will be a yellow belt stripe and my 7yr old (the red head below) and I will be blue belts (then it's just one more belt til black) woo hoo!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Hen7lPuseX4/TTeLfbm-7jI/AAAAAAAAAH4/tESSqME0iLI/s1600/IMG_9977.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Hen7lPuseX4/TTeLfbm-7jI/AAAAAAAAAH4/tESSqME0iLI/s320/IMG_9977.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Both boys did good - I think I did too - but I'm a bit biased. It's such a good experience to have to show what you know in front of others. It builds confidence that will be useful when the boys have to give speeches and it let's them realize how much they've learned. I'm very proud of both of them. My 7yr old even got to "help" with some junior belt testing where he did the form or steps with them and was the "cheat sheet" for them. I can tell that he's very proud to be the one "teaching". As I watched him I realized how much his brain and he have matured. He remembers so much and he is now working on doing the steps well, not just keeping up with the steps. I can see him developing into a young (very young) man. And I'm proud. At the end of my youngest sons testing he ran across the mat to me arms outstretched - huge smile on his face - saying - yelling - I did it mommy I did it I did my testing did you see? He was proud, I was proud and taken over by such a sweetie!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Hen7lPuseX4/TTeLj8N7mDI/AAAAAAAAAIA/ohRc9TjZk1E/s1600/IMG_9984.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Hen7lPuseX4/TTeLj8N7mDI/AAAAAAAAAIA/ohRc9TjZk1E/s320/IMG_9984.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I love that they learn confidence and can be proud of their accomplishments I pray that I'll be able to teach them to also be humble and not become too prideful. How quickly that can become the case and how quickly we can turn a good experience into an idol standard. God guide me in brining up these boys - please. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Oh yeah, my second accomplishment was my uncovering of a well kept secret. They now make coconut m&m's and Oh My Word they are too good to contain any calories what-so-ever! Good thing I got that karate workout ;-)</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Blessings,</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Heather</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div>Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09817013390636151442noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8941328152697006300.post-11492588500180761312010-12-09T21:07:00.000-05:002010-12-09T21:07:45.973-05:00Christmas the easy way<div style="text-align: justify;">This past sunday my husband and I concurrently spent about 4 hours on the mac and ipad surfing for kids presents for christmas. After we'd consolidated our lists of ideas I went to work on amazon. I found everything we were wanting, save one item. All included free shipping, again save one. So for all of our stuff I think it was something in the range of $4 shipping. I can do that - since I would have spent that much in gas and time running to stores. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">As for the item we didn't find, well, that involved two (count them - two) edge-of-your-seat-nail-bitting-Ebay-bid-offs - yes, shamefully, my hubby last second out bid the other contenders and is now the proud owner of four die cast Tonka trucks - yippee - and I hope that our almost four year old appreciates the angst and excitement with which those trucks were absconded with!!!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">So the boys are done - without the frustrations of the crowds. Admittedly, I am not a Friday after Thanksgiving shopper by any means. In fact, when we do shop at Walmart my husband has to coach me on the walk into the store to take deep breaths and relax... deep breaths ... patience ... God's love ... relax ... etc ... etc. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">I think this (amazon) is my new mode of shopping. Yeah it took a bit of effort - but significantly less effort than the stores and the driving and did I mention my dislike of crowds ...</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">My other focus this Christmas has been on the true meaning of christmas. Christ was born, that's what we're celebrating, not the presents, not the man made Santa - Christ!! In a bit of wisdom I learned from a friend, we bought each boy three gifts - like the three gifts Christ received when he was born and we bought three "family" gifts ( ok they are three gifts both boys will enjoy and mom and dad will enjoy through the indirect result of the boys playing quietly with said family gifts). So, we'll set out cookies for Santa but we'll hopefully give the best gift we can back to God - that being - our belief in Him and in His Son Jesus who came to earth to die so that we may live forever in God's glorious realms. Praise God for His faithfulness to His creation.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Blessings as always and may your christmas gifts list include the most important gift you can give ...</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div>Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09817013390636151442noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8941328152697006300.post-6469129066898849762010-11-21T20:18:00.000-05:002010-11-21T20:18:23.022-05:00It's been a while ... No?Time to update? I should say so... <br />
Well we had a buyer and went through a few rounds of offers and counter offers and offers and counters ad nauseum. Finally we put our foot down and said here it is buyer - calling your bluff we'll accept your offer of X (even though we thought he was blowing smoke) and it turned out .... He was blowing smoke - so we've moved on and are back in the groove of pristine showings. <br />
We had another showing today - read encouragement. I'm recognizing this first go around as preparation by God. I'm teaching a Sunday school class that is currently studying the Isrealites exit from egypt then their much wonderings in the dessert and their final conquering and moving into etc of the promised land. In all of it - the living under slave rule - the wanderings - the campings and conquests God is patiently teaching them to trust in Him and wait for the blessing from Him in His time. I'm learning and recognizing this in our current state. God is giving us the time - graciously - to prepare, to rework, to frankly wait for the timing of the blessing He has in store for us. I know that we could have made the last deal "work" in a worldly sense but then we would have missed the blessing of God's plan. It's up to Him and I'm sure that He'll let us know when the deal is right and when it's time to move. Dare I say it, I'm certain He'll ... Call us. <br />
Praise God who is good all the time.<br />
Blessings while waiting for the call from Him. HeatherHeatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09817013390636151442noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8941328152697006300.post-10910409225445640582010-10-26T21:46:00.000-04:002010-10-26T21:46:37.459-04:00Keeping up is so much easier when there's less to keep up with...<div style="text-align: justify;">We've cleared our house of all the nick knacks and stuff that make it lived in and that just seem to find their way in during every day life. It amazes me how much time I save now in quickly wiping down surfaces and vacuuming floors when I don't have to first move stuff to get to them. There's something to that old saying "a place for everything and everything in it's place".</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">We have had several showings of our house in the two short weeks it's been on the market. Awaiting an offer now ... or maybe it's just been a lot of nebbers / look-see-ers and what have you. It is encouraging seeing quite a bit of traffic come through ... it means that at least we're priced where people are interested. </div><div style="text-align: justify;">Now I'm just waiting on God's timing to provide the people who should live here next with the showing and the means to - well - live here next.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">We found a house that we like very much and that is on a nice amount of land. It's our standard and will probably be our pick if something happens with our house soon.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">We had a professional take down some, honestly a lot, of wallpaper and replace it with a nice neutral paint. </div><div style="text-align: justify;">It amazes me how that transforms the look of a room. Combine that with cleared surfaces and minimized stuff and wow - I like this house. It just goes to show how deceiving the staged home can be - once you actually live in it it probably shrinks faster than that little door in Alice in Wonderland.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">But I'll play the game and honestly, if my skills are up to par - with enough practice - I'll be able to hopefully - prayerfully continue this minimized theory and not accumulate so much stuff after we move.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div>Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09817013390636151442noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8941328152697006300.post-49750662162834696422010-10-12T17:07:00.000-04:002010-10-12T17:07:15.156-04:00Your Pumpkin Is Showing ...<div style="text-align: justify;">It's been a whirl wind day. The incongruity of the title goes to show how my mind has been processing ...</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">It was my oldest sons field trip day to Triple B Farms today - and I went along with several other parents. It was a really great field trip. Really fun activities and really informative and still fun for the kids. Plus the weather was BEAUTIFUL so that always helps.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">First we went for a ride on the slides...</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Hen7lPuseX4/TLTIMvfT5LI/AAAAAAAAAHU/vlC4RwRe2FM/s1600/IMG_0549.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Hen7lPuseX4/TLTIMvfT5LI/AAAAAAAAAHU/vlC4RwRe2FM/s320/IMG_0549.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Then we went to the Education Barn where Mrs. B of Triple B farms taught us about donkeys and honey bees. My son goes to a christian school and our field trip group was with a public school. Since we were two schools in the same group - Mrs. B kept us back to tell us special stories since we were from a christian school. Like - all donkeys have a dark mark down the center of their back and a second dark mark across their shoulders - forming a cross!! And to think that Mary road a donkey to the Bethlehem to birth our saviour ... then later Christ rode a donkey on Palm Sunday - God's great plans...</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Second she shared with us after the honey bee lesson to think of how great God made the honey bee and they are just a little bee and how great God is to make them so intricate and so powerful in helping so many foods that we eat grow by pollination like apples and pumpkins. The sad part is that she isn't able to share these stories with groups that are non christian schools. Sad that in a free country on a family owned farm, they are not allowed to speak of Christ. It really saddened Mrs. B too - so touching.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">We then had some lunch and then saw the goats that "worked" for their meals...</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">The kids shouted "pull the rope" and the goat pulled the little feed can up!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Hen7lPuseX4/TLTKOaualJI/AAAAAAAAAHY/4jZjyX2K0j4/s1600/IMG_0558.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Hen7lPuseX4/TLTKOaualJI/AAAAAAAAAHY/4jZjyX2K0j4/s320/IMG_0558.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"> We walked through the pumpkin patch where familiar characters were "made" out of pumpkins ... here's Noah and his minions ...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Hen7lPuseX4/TLTKaDsTgbI/AAAAAAAAAHc/ewdbUxRk24c/s1600/IMG_0561.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Hen7lPuseX4/TLTKaDsTgbI/AAAAAAAAAHc/ewdbUxRk24c/s320/IMG_0561.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">And then we took a hayride ...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Hen7lPuseX4/TLTKmn4OEOI/AAAAAAAAAHg/meztLrbsJbI/s1600/IMG_0554.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Hen7lPuseX4/TLTKmn4OEOI/AAAAAAAAAHg/meztLrbsJbI/s320/IMG_0554.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">And I quickly got my phone out to be ready for pictures and had received a text from our realtor that our house would have a showing in an hour - thank goodness I made the beds this morning!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">So that's when doing this ...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Hen7lPuseX4/TLTMKpXNiFI/AAAAAAAAAHk/k-6kIkWtvyE/s1600/IMG_0563.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Hen7lPuseX4/TLTMKpXNiFI/AAAAAAAAAHk/k-6kIkWtvyE/s320/IMG_0563.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">... picking pumpkins mixed with trying to remember if I'd picked up the runaway socks and I realized that my mornings are going to be MUCH more busy - taking stock of the house to determine if it is showable or if the potential buyers would rather see a pumpkin.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Obviously, prayers are welcome, however I've reserved myself to the fact that if someone is really going to be that turned off by a rouge piece of laundry, perhaps God is leading them to another house or pumpkin anyway.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Blessings ...</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div>Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09817013390636151442noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8941328152697006300.post-48972050323432892072010-10-07T19:37:00.000-04:002010-10-07T19:37:52.468-04:00Renting a 10X20 Storage Space<div style="text-align: justify;">I am the proud renting owner of a 10X20 Storage Space - which the Storage place guy tells me is way to big, but that I'm sure my husband, my boys and I can fill up quite nicely. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">We're going to be moving, hopefully soon, so we are storing all of the things that you use on a daily basis and that make a home look lived in since potential buyers want to buy an "un-lived" in looking home. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Honestly, it is amazing how big the rooms and counters and furniture look when you don't have life spewed all over them. The realtor took pictures this evening and he was showing them to me as he took each one - boy does the house look nice in still life photos. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">We've got plenty of packing and work and fixing and stress management to deal with soon, but I'm sure that we'll handle it just fine. In the end it will be worth it. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">I've decided to leave it to God's hands. He's the absolute best handler of all things and I know that if I try to do this it won't work out near as well as He can make it work out. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">I'll let Him lead my packing, I'll let Him lead my planning, I'll let Him lead our picking of the next home. He's got it I'm sure and I'm planning on just getting out of the way and seeing where He takes it. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Won't you join me on this journey and see just how amazing He is.</div>Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09817013390636151442noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8941328152697006300.post-69310998133153906292010-09-29T20:56:00.000-04:002010-09-29T20:56:11.820-04:00If the shoe fits....<div style="text-align: justify;">I was pleasantly surprised today with how comfortable my new shoes were. They fit well - stayed on when I walked - and they had absolutely no scratchy or "rubbie / rubby??" areas. Just all around great feeling shoes with good support and stylish to boot (excuse the pun).</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Disclaimer- I'd bought them yesterday at a consignment shop - one of my favorite places that has consistently delivered for 10 years now. If they had been worn, it was very little wear as the sole was without wear - without any wear. They drew me to them as they were the black dress shoes with a-little-heel that I've been looking for but that have been eluding me. And they were kind of cool in a stylish way that said - we're a little sassy but traditional enough. What - your shoes don't talk to you?!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Hen7lPuseX4/TKPfe3pJyDI/AAAAAAAAAHM/VkNItwNaHg4/s1600/IMG_0546.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Hen7lPuseX4/TKPfe3pJyDI/AAAAAAAAAHM/VkNItwNaHg4/s320/IMG_0546.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Imagine my amazement when I finally look up the designer of these podiatry accessories sent straight from heaven and find that for a mere $15 I've bought $200 to $400 shoes!!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Wow What a find! I'm getting over my Eddie Bauer lustings quite easily with such a thrifty find.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">May God lead and Bless your shoe shopping as He has mine. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div>Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09817013390636151442noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8941328152697006300.post-84845358273797703622010-09-11T21:28:00.000-04:002010-09-11T21:28:49.315-04:00Coveting ....<div style="text-align: justify;">I received in the mail this past Friday the new Eddie Bauer catalog. I almost threw it away because I had visions of the clothes I wore in the high school in the 90s and visions of walking through their store back then - and now thinking - nice quality but just not my style any more. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Had I tossed it then I would have been better off - because I didn't and now I've been sinning away for the past day coveting every single outfit in that book! I'm usually pretty predictable in my wearables. Mostly modern cut Tshirts and boot cut jeans. Come on, give me a break, I'm a mom of two and for the past year worked in a plant where I had to wear a lab coat all the time anyway. I think I do pretty good going for the modern cut. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">But gracious, looking through the pages of that catalog - I've never had an experience before where EVERYTHING I saw was something that I said - wow that's my style - I'd feel really comfortable in that. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">So, just musing but the redefinition of Eddie Bauers style is really something to check out.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Blessings for a wonderful Sunday celebrating our God and our Saviour. And perhaps some prayers that I could get the coveting under control ;-) Thanks in advance! </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div>Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09817013390636151442noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8941328152697006300.post-73901364111964306942010-09-08T20:19:00.001-04:002010-09-08T20:19:52.979-04:00Life Revised - Finding Balance<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Hen7lPuseX4/TIgmS_NgSsI/AAAAAAAAAHE/Gqe41533zVM/s1600/IMG_9826.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Hen7lPuseX4/TIgmS_NgSsI/AAAAAAAAAHE/Gqe41533zVM/s320/IMG_9826.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sometimes I've felt like I'm still learning to balance ....</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Hen7lPuseX4/TIgmKpCkUPI/AAAAAAAAAG8/JDoXcA5qzec/s1600/IMG_9837.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Hen7lPuseX4/TIgmKpCkUPI/AAAAAAAAAG8/JDoXcA5qzec/s320/IMG_9837.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Recently I've felt like I'm mastering the perfect balance whilst whistling ....</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">I've posted before, auspiciously and not so, about how ... honestly ... hard it can be to balance family, work, fun, chores, etc. It seems that for the past year my energy during long commutes has been focused exclusively on "how to decrease said long commutes" and how to get done in the day everything that needs gettin' done and that I want to get done.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Recently, my work schedule / work requirements have been modified and it's been pure bliss for me. I am getting to work in the office and avoid the 1+ hour commute in each direction. My commute is now more like - 20 minutes - so doable! Of course the first week I had all sorts of things planned to fill that time space like grocery shopping before getting the boys from the babysitters, running past (and stopping at) the bank, restarting karate with the boys ... the list goes on, you get the point, no need to bore you. The second and subsequent week I discovered the art of sitting on the couch in the evening and relaxing - doing some reading, watching a show with my husband.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">The stress level is significantly reduced, I feel like I'm getting things done, the boys and I are getting fit again with karate - I feel like there is some semblance of balance - relatively speaking. I'm getting to enjoy life and not just feel like I'm barely keeping my head above water. I'm getting to be awake and see my kids more. Get them up in the morning, pick them up in the afternoon and not pass out for a "quick mommy nap" on the couch but actually spend quality time together. I'm really really enjoying this pace. I'm praying desperately that it can continue. If it's where God wants me and I'm doing what He intends then I'm sure it will continue.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Prayers that you'll find your balance and get to enjoy life as well.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Until the next call ....</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div>Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09817013390636151442noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8941328152697006300.post-56088893792662587052010-08-10T22:33:00.000-04:002010-08-10T22:33:17.165-04:00My boy is a communal sleeper ...<div style="text-align: justify;">We have had the nicest bedtime routine since we could have a bedtime routine with the oldest. Baths or at least teeth brushing - ok sometimes we even skip that - but we do always read a story and say our prayers. We've started doing catechism questions also thanks to our godly pastors wife who provided the neatest books with which to do that. We are learning at the same time as the boys and it amazes me how much my oldest knows / gets about God and Jesus and Holy Spirit and how it all fits together and governs and guides. So proud!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Now with said oldest, we'd go through our routine, hugs and kisses and off to dream land for him. And it worked - from early on - even when he had a cold. He was a pretty much sleep-on-your-own kid from quite early on. Of course he was not a napper since early on too - so there was probably some exhaustion factor at work there.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">With youngest - well - he is a napper and a darn good one! After lunch to late afternoon. Weekends are a different story usually because we're on-the-go enjoying the time together. But during the week he's very structured and naps well. Which leads to "but I'm not sleepy" after our very nice bedtime routine. He stays in bed for a while then has some excuse to why he no longer wants to stay in bed - I'm not tired, it's too dark, it's too light, I'm scared, but I want to watch TV, etc. etc.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">This evening for instance, after stories and prayers he climbed in his bed, had his George monkey to hug, I turned on his car light (cute little one bulb low wattage light that with the heat of the bulb causes the shade with cars to spin around and thus the cars to "drive" around his room) - all set - not too light - not to dark - fingers crossed - and heading downstairs for some bible study.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">And a bit later - arrival of son - but I'm not tired and it's scary in my bed. Ok. So we have him lay on the couch - no snacks, no fun, just lay on the couch and hug monkey. He's good with this and falls asleep within a few minutes - peacefully. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><ul><li>At the babysitters he naps in a room with other kids, and falls asleep easily</li>
<li>When we vacation and he sleeps in the big bed with his brother, and falls asleep easily</li>
<li>When we camp we all sleep in a row of sleeping bags, and he falls asleep easily</li>
</ul><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Maybe he just wants that tiny bit of extra time with us and wants to know that we - or someone is there.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Is it really that bad? Didn't families all sleep in the same room in years gone by? </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">I think he's a communal sleeper and honestly, if he falls asleep well and peacefully and is not in danger and is easily transferred to his bed when we go to bed - I may choose my battles and let this one go - and wait for a more pressing calling...</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Blessings and Sweet Dreams - even if they are communal</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div>Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09817013390636151442noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8941328152697006300.post-9006721593730562582010-07-28T22:12:00.000-04:002010-07-28T22:12:33.666-04:00Getting ready to fly<div style="text-align: justify;">We're flying tomorrow for the first time with the boys. I'm a tiny bit concerned that they may have issues with the pressure change and the popping of their ears but I know that I shouldn't worry - what kid isn't going to want to chew lots of gum - because their ears need to pop of course ... I fear this may follow us home and become a new excuse.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">We're flying to Madison Wisconsin for the US Transplant Olympics. My husband is an athlete in the games. He's doing a 5K and a swimming relay - though as a dear friend clarified - he's not in it to win it. He's in it to be part of the experience ... to show that you can undergo a transplant and have a life afterward. He's probably the most healthy and in the best shape now. It's funny how much the value of health becomes obvious when it's taken away for a time.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">I'm glad he's participating in this incredible event. I'm glad that he's here with us and able to. And I'm glad we can be there to support him. But most of all I'm glad that God used the transplant of my husbands liver to transplant Himself in my husbands heart. He was saved through the experience realizing that he wasn't in control. Now, God's in control of it all and it is prospering mightily - as only things that God controls do. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">We're blessed further because his donor was a friend and the transplant was a living donor transplant (liver's regenerate to the size needed by the body). So we'll be enjoying the games with his donor and her husband as well.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Consider giving the gift of life by being an organ donor and saving someone else's husband - someone else's Daddy. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Blessings.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div>Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09817013390636151442noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8941328152697006300.post-70280013222355764132010-07-22T22:50:00.000-04:002010-07-22T22:50:43.040-04:00Pruning and Gardening<div style="text-align: justify;">I planted a garden several weeks ago, however, other than an occasional water when it hasn't rained recently enough, I haven't been back much to check on it. To cut it back, pick it's produce or even just appreciate it's bounty. I justify it because those plants need some time to grow and produce, but really it's just life "getting in the way". When my day ends, it's way to late, way to dark and I'm way to exhausted to, well, care. Perhaps I should plan on prioritizing and fitting that in somehow. I know it needs some attention and a trim or pick here or there.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">I, on the other hand, have been getting trimmed - well - down right pruned by the Almighty recently. A few passages have really been sticking with me and made me ponder in recent days. Those being, Lot's wife and the whole pillar of salt thing. I always wondered why was she being picked on for just wanting to gaze at the car wreck on the side of the road. I had the epiphany that when she "looked back" it was not to see the destruction but now realize it was <i>that</i> she looked back and dare I say it longed for the sinfulness. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Also I've been pondering the temptation of Jesus when he's led into the wilderness and tempted by the devil. It says he's led there by the Spirit to be tempted. Good gosh does the Holy Spirit actually provide temptation to us or us to temptation. Upon study and talking with other believers ... I understand that God does <i>allow</i> temptations / tests to see what's in our heart - what we're actually made of - where we stand. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">And then ... He prunes. He cuts off and tears out the deadness so that we can be more His image and less ours. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">I have a friend who keeps calling me their angel. It's amazing to me how God works to change a circumstance and make them - well mine - my angel that is. An angel that's shown me the test so that I can understand and submit and hopefully pass God's ultimate test. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">This all to say, as we look to others to fill that space or void or to have the answers, perhaps it's just God, providing us, the opportunity to look to Him for those answers and to fill that space. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">May your earthly and eternal angels be as numerous and hard working as mine.</div>Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09817013390636151442noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8941328152697006300.post-61404377948698391672010-07-17T19:28:00.000-04:002010-07-17T19:28:17.877-04:00Sailing<div style="text-align: justify;">The forecast yesterday was for scattered thunderstorms all day. Just before leaving work my husband checked the weather and it was clear at the lake, so we took our chances. We went sailing last night ... we won the gamble. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Hen7lPuseX4/TEI7cPf41tI/AAAAAAAAAGc/lbpv86dPQxc/s1600/IMG_0312.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Hen7lPuseX4/TEI7cPf41tI/AAAAAAAAAGc/lbpv86dPQxc/s320/IMG_0312.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">There were virtually no boats on the lake. There was very little wind too - but just enough to keep us moving with both sails out and, at times, to get us going a little faster to make it a little exciting.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Hen7lPuseX4/TEI7j6KjqmI/AAAAAAAAAGk/jOAcxjaivdo/s1600/IMG_0306.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Hen7lPuseX4/TEI7j6KjqmI/AAAAAAAAAGk/jOAcxjaivdo/s320/IMG_0306.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">We were able to sail up the lake and turn back and sail toward the marina until this happened. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Hen7lPuseX4/TEI7rk8L3JI/AAAAAAAAAGs/xj1byVZVjg8/s1600/IMG_0311.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Hen7lPuseX4/TEI7rk8L3JI/AAAAAAAAAGs/xj1byVZVjg8/s320/IMG_0311.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">How beautiful.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">God's creation is so magnificent - the pictures He paints each night and morning are more beautiful than anything in a gallery. What a gift He gives us when we take the gamble, slow down and just look.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div>Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09817013390636151442noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8941328152697006300.post-87693218006463726502010-07-10T09:47:00.001-04:002010-07-10T23:36:44.918-04:00Traveling and Visiting<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Hen7lPuseX4/TDhz8G3anLI/AAAAAAAAAGM/m_ZdfMq9sL0/s1600/DSC01259.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Hen7lPuseX4/TDhz8G3anLI/AAAAAAAAAGM/m_ZdfMq9sL0/s320/DSC01259.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">This is the Grasse River that flows past the farm that my husbands family owns. This is the river that we went for row boat rides on while on vacation. My husbands family compared to mine is very large and so we spent every day of our vacation seeing new aunts and uncles and cousins. It was all very exciting and busy - the visiting - but relaxing as well. The busy of seeing friends and relatives is so much different than the busy of getting to work and getting to karate and getting dinner made and keeping track of little ones and cleaning and laundry and and and.... </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">We camped in my in laws back yard in our new tent. It was great for the boys and comfy enough for us. The great part was that we could run into poppa and grandmas house for food, coffee, showers and other facilities. Roughing it - the easy way.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">We did lots of things that we don't take the time to do or have the toys to do it on at home - like four wheeling, tractor riding, kubota digging (and kubota grass raking - boys can be so creative in their use of toys). </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Hen7lPuseX4/TDh4WpUm0UI/AAAAAAAAAGU/s8M0WuO2X_g/s1600/DSC01283.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Hen7lPuseX4/TDh4WpUm0UI/AAAAAAAAAGU/s8M0WuO2X_g/s320/DSC01283.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">It was all --- fun. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Even though some things were work (like cleaning out the pond) they were still fun. And work like making dinners and treats for the 4th of July family picnic - were fun when done with grandma in grandma's kitchen that smelled WONDERFUL the entire weekend - savory and sweet constantly wafting out the kitchen windows and tempting our olefactories on the back porch.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">The thing I noticed the most during our vacation was the way that chores were incorporated into the day - even with family around - and completed with breaks for rest and fun. I'm an all or none type of girl - either I'm cooking and cleaning from sun up to bedtime, constantly moving from one chore to the next and quickly wearing myself out .... or I'm a nothing girl who will "get to it later, or tomorrow, or never" justifying that it's really not that dirty, or that big of a pile, etc. When I'm a nothing girl, everything, gets bigger and more time consuming as it mounts quickly in waiting. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">My mom in law grew up on a farm - with chores that had to be done - and as she's said before "if you didn't do your work, then someone else had to do it" that's a good mantra. What my mom in law does is nibble away little by little at things and 5 minutes here and 5 minutes there gets things done - like laundry washed then on the line - break to read the paper - bake some cookies - break to sit on the porch, etc. I'm inspired. I'm planning on how to incorporate. I'm ready for the little chunks of keeping up with life mixed with the little chunks of enjoying life. I'll let you know how it balances out.</div>Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09817013390636151442noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8941328152697006300.post-90789819452746665022010-06-06T21:39:00.000-04:002010-06-06T21:39:17.974-04:00Maybe we're a good luck charm...<div style="text-align: justify;">That's probably inflated head thinking of me - but on the rare occasion that we attend a sporting event it always seems that the team wins. A few weekends ago T (6yo) attended a friends soccer game and her team won - I think for the first time that season! Yesterday we went to a MLB game and they won - against a team that they lost to the day before and I believe lost to the day after and ... let's face it ... their record is ... well ... they loose a lot.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">I'm sorry all you real fans but we're not going to start watching professional sports on TV or regularly attending games, but on the off chance that we do attend we usually have a really nice time. Probably partly because we get the tickets either free or at a very reduced rate and only have to purchase food and drink. So it's cheap and fun entertainment, well relatively speaking. If I was actually paying full price I probably wouldn't have as much fun.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Hen7lPuseX4/TAxKTjLDuQI/AAAAAAAAAGE/Qb0_6BMPMAA/s1600/IMG_0413.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Hen7lPuseX4/TAxKTjLDuQI/AAAAAAAAAGE/Qb0_6BMPMAA/s320/IMG_0413.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">This past weekend was my husbands company day there - we got the tickets at at least half off, plus we got coupons for a restaurant that we frequent often for breakfast ... and here's the big plus it was a jersey night so we all got jerseys of a great player! Now we all have something to wear to school / work when it's theme team day. Here we are sporting our jerseys ... sorry it's a cell phone picture - you can only do so much with those...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Hen7lPuseX4/TAxJDixTO7I/AAAAAAAAAFs/zWUjF1Ntge0/s1600/IMG_0424.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Hen7lPuseX4/TAxJDixTO7I/AAAAAAAAAFs/zWUjF1Ntge0/s320/IMG_0424.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">We ate hot dogs, nachos, foot high icees and ... dun dun dun duuuuunnn ... cotton candy!! Which my youngest did not like and proceeded to wipe out his mouth with his new jersey - which is now black, gold and pink.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Hen7lPuseX4/TAxKQfuCB-I/AAAAAAAAAF8/jYHIiWBrS7U/s1600/IMG_0412.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Hen7lPuseX4/TAxKQfuCB-I/AAAAAAAAAF8/jYHIiWBrS7U/s320/IMG_0412.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">The game was followed by a fireworks show and concert by Collective Soul ... brought back our college days ... </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Hen7lPuseX4/TAxJxuvOggI/AAAAAAAAAF0/sODaigGaw4A/s1600/IMG_0418.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Hen7lPuseX4/TAxJxuvOggI/AAAAAAAAAF0/sODaigGaw4A/s320/IMG_0418.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Now here's what impressed me the most about the night - it was a sold out game and so the twelve gazillion times we had to go to the bathroom with one or the other of the boys (after drinking the foot tall slushy in 2.1 seconds flat) there was no line - at the ladies room !!! and there was a woman in there keeping it clean and supplied. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">As a mom who has to take little boys to the potty upon a request that should have been made 5 minutes ago and is now a true emergency and who usually has to broken record the "don't touch anything don't lean on anything no i mean that don't touch that - no don't put your hands anywhere near your - oh my gosh not your mouth - wait stop agghhh germs - do you realize the germs...." It was such a pleasure at this ball field - thank you!! way to go!!!! You guys did it right.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Yeah so I'm easy to impress. As far as what actually happened in the baseball game - really not sure - I think I glanced at the field maybe 3 times and there's one player who can bat well and run really fast with his dreadlocks dancing behind him as he speeds by - and oh yeah the perogie race was great... I think the yellow one won - woo hoo.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">We had a wonderful time and would definitely go to another game ... the next time we get free tickets ... </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div>Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09817013390636151442noreply@blogger.com0