the driveway of Life

Weekendliness.

2012-01-23T06:36:00.001-06:00

I love it when I ask Bruce what he wants to eat for dinner and he says, "Bread, cheese and meat."

This became cinnamon rolls...for Craft Weekend.

The Love Mug rides again...

Girlie couldn't go to the basketball game that her dad was announcing, so she watched until she couldn't anymore.

Meanwhile, this girl was awake long into Saturday night.

New glasses---we are calling "TV goggles".

She may or may not also get the nickname Kareem around here.

I spent a good chunk of Sunday at Megan's getting ready for Craft Weekend.

The happiest of hours were spent there...with one side trip.
Want to see more of what we worked on this weekend? Go here.
-------------------------------------------------
Also, thank you for all the lovely comments and emails wishing me well after my trip to the hospital. I feel very loved and cared for. You all are the loveliest kinds of people to pray and think of me. My life is richly blessed by those of you living near and far. :)

WORD. {Unexpected Week}

2012-01-20T10:08:00.000-06:00

On Wednesday morning, I woke up and the right side of my face was puffy and slightly droopy. See?

My doctor decided to run the full tests to make sure that I hadn't had a stroke, since that runs in my family. I was admitted to the hospital for 24 hours while they ran the tests. Minus the shot in my stomach and the blood draws, it was a bit of a vacation for me.

I'm home now.
And I'm fine.
They believe that the nerves in my face went crazy due to a sinus infection.
That's it.
Don't worry about me.
I'm going to work today.
I'm prepping for Craft Weekend, which starts a week from today. :)
I'm marveling at God's Word.
He gave me Psalm 29:11, and I wrote it up on our chalkboard on Monday.

On Wednesday I had strength and peace because of the Word.
His love is intentional.
He wastes nothing in our lives.
It's all for His good, and that makes me love Him even more.

Happy Weekend to you. :)

What I Love About Sunday

2012-01-15T15:30:00.000-06:00

I love it when children's church goes better than I could've ever imagined. It's not my gift. Really.

All this creativity comes from someone else as at our house.

Our lesson was on the disciples, and we read Jesus and the 12 Dudes Who Did.

Are these not the cutest disciples you've ever seen?
They totally are.
Even with all the facial hair.
;)

Happy Sunday!

Ten on Ten:: January 2012

2012-01-10T20:52:00.000-06:00

Ten on Ten

Take a photo every hour for ten consecutive hours on the tenth of each month.

Document a day of your life and find beauty among the ordinary moments.

Books before sunrise.

Breakfast on the way out the door to work this morning.

I have three more weeks to call.
Do you think Craft Weekend is a good enough reason to get out of Jury Duty???

I am missing the beach these days, and this cheesy painting has temporarily
escaped becoming a chalkboard because of it.

Talia modeling one of my favorite hand me down sweatshirts.
I begged her to wear it one last time because she's outgrown it.
Sniffle. Sniffle.

I promised her an uninterrupted Tangled date this afternoon.
That movie makes me cry every single time.

Another unseasonably warm day in Kansas. I am savoring them.

Ella contemplating one more bite of her pb& j.

The best mail day ever.

The Schwan's man stopped by today. I don't know who invited him, or when he started stopping by,
but when he has Autumn Delight Ice Cream, and it's on sale, you buy it.

Happy Tenth!

Will Work for Fun

2012-01-09T09:32:00.000-06:00

This weekend was full of fun, lovely, work.

Megan and I worked on Craft Weekend stuff Saturday afternoon.

I love it when work includes shopping at an antique store with a friend.

Late afternoon, Bruce and the girls picked me up, and we drove and drove to a hotel close to where Bruce's work required his presence.

Ella has been begging for a night in a hotel since I don't know when.
"Hotel? Donuts? Pool?"

She is a girl after my own heart, that Ella.
And we were able to check all three off her list.
And add ice cream.

Bruce and I marveled at two amazing sunsets this weekend. Did you see this one Saturday night?

Amazing doesn't even begin to describe it. This is straight out of my camera, and sadly, it doesn't begin to show how jaw dropping beautiful it was. What a gift.

Speaking of gifts...Ten on Ten is tomorrow.
Are you in? You don't have to be a blogger to take 10 pics of your day. Do a Ten on Ten and add them to your family albums, or post them to Facebook. It will help you find the beauty in your day. It will be a gift you give yourself and your family in the future. It will. ;)

Good Old Number 50

2012-01-07T09:43:00.000-06:00

Ella has basketball this morning.

She's wearing her Dad's old number thanks to a special gift from Uncle Travis.

I love moments like right now.

Happy Saturday.

WORD.

2012-01-06T08:16:00.000-06:00

Anybody besides me need this Word in 2012?

Don't fret or worry.
Instead of worrying, pray.
Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers,
letting God know your concerns.
Before you know it,
a sense of God's wholeness,
everything coming together for good,
will come and settle you down.
Philippians 4:6-7a
The Message

Right now...

2012-01-03T17:06:00.001-06:00

I'm...
listening to 21.
sitting at the kitchen table
drinking Diet Dr. Pepper
thinking I should be folding laundry
wanting someone else to put the laundry away
needing some time on the treadmill
thankful for Febreze Noticiables. They make my house smell like a cleaning lady has been here all day. For real.
wearing what I always wear on Tuesdays---a black hoodie and black yoga pants.
praying this Word today
feeling hopeful
dreaming of the day when my left shoulder blade will be free of the massive knot that has taken up residence there
wondering if sky diving in 2012 is a real deal resolution/goal for me?!
hoping for more warm days this winter than cold ones.
loving the stack of Christmas cards I got in the mail today. :)

How about you? What are you doing?
Tell me about your life right now...

Scenes from December

2011-12-31T10:23:00.002-06:00

Here are a few pictures from December.

I didn't take as many this year.

There was something in me that just needed to let be.

We get into it around here, and it gets all over us.

None of these children are mine, but none need to be for me to love this picture.

That smiley one in the middle...she's ours.

We celebrated our 11th anniversary and escaped for three days.

Church friends...I have visions of these girls in youth group together.

The stomach flu invaded our house during Christmas break.

Talia.

Me.

Then, Ella.

I am so thankful for modern medicine and iv's.

Ella spent part of a night in the ER.

She was a happy kid the next day.

It took me much longer to get over.

Our Christmas was a quiet one.

Exactly what we needed.

With Talia's tin foil wrapped gifts that she picked up around the house.

Uncle Travis got a piece of paper and Bruce got a previously viewed When Harry Met Sally dvd.

Peace.

We are putting 2011 to bed tonight.

I happily wave it goodbye.

Sleep in heavenly peace old year.

Someone recently reminded me that people still kiss at midnight on December 31st.

I had forgotten that.

I'm setting my alarm clark to wake up and kiss Bruce tonight.

2012 is already off to a great start with that planned. :)

What are you doing tonight?

Our Christmas Card

2011-12-23T06:00:00.004-06:00

Celebrate Good Times

2011-12-04T07:23:00.000-06:00

I don't know where to begin, so let's pretend we're having coffee together.
I'll pour you a hot cup of Sumatra.
I'm a sipper and I'll have to get up and microwave mine a half dozen times during the course of our time together...just so you know.

There have been many things to celebrate in the past week or so.
Thanksgiving Day was a meaningful repeat of delivering meals with Bruce's family.

We were also able to spend part of the day with even more family.

Family we laugh with.

We laugh a lot with them. Is there a better compliment than that?

I fully intended to shop Black Friday...but I decided that sleep was worth more to me.
Late morning I ran to Home Depot with a Senior Elf and an Elf in Training for lights.

We also spent a day at a Jost Family reunion.

I would venture to say that a fourth of them were able to make it.
I kid you not.
The Jost tribe is a fertile one.

We also celebrated one of Bruce's co-workers with an indoor luau for his up and coming retirement.

Isn't his wife beautiful?

I want to be her when I grow up.

And of course we had a couple of birthdays to celebrate.
Some of you were right, and some of you weren't. :)

And now we've come through one season of celebrating and are looking ahead to Christmas.

Our tree has been up for a week, but the ornaments just came out of the box yesterday.
I'm having a hard time getting my Christmas motor going this year.

I find myself identifying with the word "weary" to a fault.
I am wearing weary too well.
It's starting to feel too known.

Just a few days ago I read these verses in the Message:

Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you'll recover your life. I'll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me---watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won't lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you'll learn to live freely and lightly. Matthew 11:28-30

So, I am going to get away with Him for a bit because I need a real rest.
To recover my life.
To watch how He does it.
Walking and working...
To learn the unforced rhythms of grace.
To celebrate His birth, and a life renewed, to live freely and lightly.
Merry Christmas, friends.
I hope to see you soon.

Which is Which? {Happy Birthday}

2011-11-30T00:01:00.008-06:00

Happy Birthday to my husband Bruce and his brother, Travis.
Care to guess which is which?
I'll tell you tomorrow.
When I do a long catch up post.
It feels like forever since I've been here with you.
And I miss you.
But today I'm wrapping gifts and eating cake.
You know, important stuff.
See you soon.

30 Thankfuls

2011-11-23T20:05:00.000-06:00

In no particular order...
Here is my thankful list.
Bruce, Ella and Talia are a given.

Here are the next 30 lovelies that came to my mind after them...

1. Greek yogurt. Why has this only come into my life in the past year?
2. Ella's "Morning, Mom" every. single. day.
3. Friends who know when your love tank needs to be filled up.
4. Texting.
5. Long sleeved t-shirts from the Gap.
6. Candy corn.
7. Peanuts.
8. Candy corn mixed with peanuts.

9. Ruffles
10. Sonic happy hour.
11. Skype
12. The smell of Ella and Talia's heads right after a bath.
13. Chicken Caeser Wraps with croutons.
14. Adele.
15. Peanut butter.
16. Chocolate.

17. Peanut butter dipped in chocolate.
18. Heated mattress pads.
19. Mulled cider candles from the Wal-Marts. :)
20. People who laugh easily
21. the Message Bible

22. Helium.
23. Limes mixed with Dr. Pepper
24. Fireplaces lit.
25. Nutella
26. White sandy beaches
27. Cartwheels in the living room
28. Books
29. Etsy
30. My Pastor and his Wife.

Happy Thanksgiving to all of you wherever you are reading this.
What kind of lovely are you thankful for this year?

Hello Monday

2011-11-21T11:47:00.000-06:00

Hello coffee and conversation with a friend passing through.

Hello giggling girls.

Hello vacation from work, school, and all things routine.

Hello Catching Fire.

Hello delivering more than a meal.

Hello memories to be made.

Hello making lists and checking them twice.

Hello neighbors who share.

Hello sleeping in.

Hello reunion made up of Josts too many to name.

Hello hand holding.

Hello Monday....I've been waiting for you.

Linking up with Lisa Leonard today.

WORD.

2011-11-18T11:09:00.000-06:00

"What I'm interested in seeing you do is:

sharing your food with the hungry,

inviting the homeless poor into your homes,

putting clothes on the shivering ill-clad,

being available to your own families.

Do this and the lights will turn on,

and your lives will turn around at once."

Isaiah 58:7-8

The Message

PinterTest Kitchen: Ginger Cookies

2011-11-17T16:48:00.001-06:00

Jessica held another PinterTest Kitchen this month...two weeks ago.
I'm totally on top of it like that.
So today, when I made Ginger Cookies, I thought I would post it next month, but then I decided I couldn't wait.
Oh. My. Word. These are so good.
I rolled them in Sugar in the Raw, which puts them in the out of this world category.
And bonus! They smell better than any Fall candle I've ever owned, making my entire house smell wonderful.
Bake some soon.
These totally passed the test!
Click here for the recipe.

Baby Names {we are not having a baby}

2011-11-16T08:41:00.002-06:00

Talia brought home her singing assignment for the

preschool Christmas program last week.

All of these wonderful names caught my attention even though naming

anything (including a dog, apparently) is not in my future.

I just love to name people.

And dogs.

And cars.

I love finding out what someone has named their newborn.
Don't you?

That was my favorite thing about being pregnant...the thrill of talking names.

So if you're talking baby names, I'm just a wee bit jealous.

Not jealous enough to get pregnant, but all too eager to play the name game.

Let's start with girls...I could kick myself now, that I never had a Meryl. I know. I know. You're thinking Meryl? Yes, as in Streep. I had a Grandpa named Merrill, and he would have loved having a great granddaughter named after him.
I also currently love Dane (the spelling would change)and Anya.

Boy names have always been tough for me, but as soon as we found out we were having girls, I didn't give much thought to them. Bruce tried to talk me into Axel during both of my pregnancies. I finally got so worried about his obsession for the name (Axl Rose) that I made him promise me that if I died in childbirth, Talia's name would not be Axel.
He was that serious about the name---boy or girl.

But today...if I had to choose a boy name...maybe Axel.

I kind of like it now.

It's grown on me.

But don't tell Bruce.
Because seriously...

I couldn't pull the trigger and give the name Axel to any...
Sweet Child of Mine.

Maybe I could have a...
Sweet Dog of Mine.

Most likely the name Axel is perfect for that...
Sweet Van of Mine.
Nothing says "Take me home" like a van named Axel, does it?
That's what I thought.

Anything But Strong

2011-11-12T20:57:00.000-06:00

Talia was happy to see Saturday come.

She wasn't alone.

When I woke up this morning I sort of exhaled.
I had the kind of week where there were several days in a row that I couldn't make sense of anything.
In my weakness He is strong.

I couldn't express myself well. In my weakness he is strong.

I knew what I was trying to say. In my weakness he is strong.

I certainly knew how I felt: tired, weak, anything but strong.

I couldn't get my thoughts and emotions to present themselves into anything anyone else could understand.

This morning I woke up and still felt weak. In my weakness he is strong.

But I was at peace.

I laughed so much today.

I cooked and prayed.

And ate by candlelight.

I am held together by His strength when nothing, including me, makes sense.
That realization was the gift of this Saturday.
He is far too good to me.

Ten on Ten: November 2011

2011-11-10T20:27:00.002-06:00

I nearly forgot about Ten on Ten today.

Here are ten random shots from my day.

This tree is in our backyard...it is the glowing highlight of every day right now.

Public apologies to my massage therapist, who nearly broke her thumbs
trying to get the tension out of my right shoulder blade this morning.

I met a friend for lunch.

Which was followed by a meeting at school.

We nearly locked up the place.

Then, we were greeted by the moon.

I am very sorry that this picture doesn't do it justice.

It was a gift to see it tonight.

I always wonder if either of my girls will ever be able to look their Dad in the eye...perhaps if he's sitting down.

My kids will not remember much of their life before the iPad...I remember when I learned this new thing called "E-mail".

This craft is from preschool today. The first time I saw it, I read,

"We are His Helpers."

It's good to be home.

Kickin' up my feet in my $3 boots from a local thrift store.

This picture is for my brother in law who said upon seeing these for the first time, "You're really going to wear those?"

All. Day. Long.

Happy 10th, all!

C'mon Get Happy {the Happy Day project}

2011-11-09T22:45:00.000-06:00

Monday and Tuesday were filled with hard things for several friends close to me.
I spent time listening.
I spent time hearing their hearts.
When I was with them, I was really with them.
I thought of very little else...The Happy Day Project had been derailed.
Or, had it?

No, I didn't bake anything on Monday.
My baking time was spent showing someone how much I loved them by saying very little, but spending time with them.

No, I didn't write a handwritten note on Tuesday.
Instead, I sat down with a friend to hear her heart.

Today I baked some goodies for our neighbors. {Monday's project.}

I sat down and wrote a handwritten note to someone who has been on my mind for months. {Tuesday's project.}

And I watched a friend's baby whose regular daycare provider is on vacation.
When my friend asked me if she could write me a check for watching her baby for the day, instead of taking the money and running off to buy myself a new shirt like I usually do, I asked her if she would make a donation to Compassion International as payment. She was more than happy to do so! {Wednesday's project.}

There are opportunities to do good everywhere.
When we do them, we get happy don't we?

If you want to do something to make a difference, but need a little direction, check out the Compassion Christmas Catalogue. It's filled with all sorts of things to meet the needs of people all over the world, and it's fun to look through!

More Happy Day projects to come...but first a little Partridge Family because I've been singing this song all week.

Right now...

2011-11-06T15:53:00.001-06:00

Right now I'm...
watching: Give Me the Banjo on PBS with my father in law.
drinking:...water with lots of ice.
wearing: a lavender v-neck tee and skinny jeans
listening: to Talia scream at squirrels in the backyard.
avoiding: meal planning...no one's eating anyways these days
wishing: that I were in Portland right now
feeling: excited about this.

missing: the guy whose name rhymes with goose.
thankful: for long showers, lively conversation, and strong coffee
craving: pumpkin cheesecake
wondering: what Christmas will bring
weather: 65 degrees and gorgeously sunny.
praying: for Blake (he's officially part of the Woods family!), Rachel, and my friend Carol.
needing: a massage.
thinking: iphone....which gig to get?
dreaming: same as above...
loving: Ella's mad puzzle skills.

See you tomorrow for The Happy Day Project!
Happy Sunday, friends.

WORD.

2011-11-04T07:00:00.001-05:00

Blessed be the Lord----

day after day he carries us along.

Psalm 68:19

The Message

It's Just Sleep.

2011-11-03T15:05:00.004-05:00

This morning I read this post by my friend, Anna...I'm not sure if you remember her, but I'll bet you remember Blake.
She and Jerad are overseas right now waiting to officially become Blake's parents.

They are asking for prayer:
Tomorrow at 11:30 am (4:30 am central time) we will petition to the court to be named Blake's parents. We ask for you to pray for the Holy Spirit's presence in this time, for His will to be done. For our words to speak to these people, to this country that every child deserves a family. No matter what their race, color, or disability. Pray that the court's decision is favorable upon us. Pray that we can be transparent in this setting as God's hand moves over the hearts in the people in this court room, as He glorifies Himself. Pray His love will shine through. Pray that the judge finds it in her heart to grant us the 10-day wait as just that...10 days in a row, including weekends. Different regions follow this 10-day wait rule differently. I would love to be able to bring our son home before Thanksgiving, if it is in God's timing and will for us. So please pray.

Tomorrow morning, I will be getting up to pray at 4:00 am to pray on their behalf.
This afternoon I started wondering if any of you would be willing to give up some sleep and get up and pray, too. I'm not asking you to come over to my house, although you can if you want to!
I'm asking you to set your alarm to wake up early and pray.
I don't care where you live...
Together we can pray in one Spirit and plan our naps later.
We will, won't we?

Trick or Treat

2011-10-31T20:20:00.000-05:00

Happy Halloween from two very sugared up lightening bugs!

The Highlights

2011-10-31T08:44:00.000-05:00

All is well, but all was busy last week.
Here are two of the highlights.

Yes, we did make it to the zoo for Talia's birthday despite a "blistering ear infection."
But not before we stopped at McDonalds with super-duper friend Quinlyn.

Which is where I slow-motioned a time warped, "NOOOOOOOOO" as the van door slammed behind me.

And then I stress ate a Quarter Pounder with cheese, a large fries, and a large diet coke in less than three minutes.
35 minutes later I was rescued by a guy in a Bierrock truck, and we were on our way.
You cannot make that kind of thing up, and it's not code for anything either.
It's true, the Bierrock man rescued us from the parking lot at McDonalds.

At the zoo, Talia informed me that she could share a water with Nana because it was her ear that was sick, not her mouth. As party favors for our guests, I purchased enough waters so that I was the only one sharing with her.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

We were also invited to tea at my friend LaVonne's house last week.

She lays out all the pretties to dress up in.

Guess who fell in love with all of this?

My Mom and I do not have hat heads.

You don't have to lie to us and tell us we do.

We know the truth.

Ella had to miss out on this party due to a little thing called school

She's been to tea at LaVonne's before, so don't feel too bad for her.

After we were dressed to the nines (or some of us the eights) we had tea and so much more!

Hello, Pumpkin Custard. I love you.

Before we knew it, the dreaminess that is tea was over.

Thank you, Miss LaVonne.

Now go and erase that voicemail some crazy wannabe Brit left you last week.

Cheers to you, Love.

Finally Four.

2011-10-24T07:48:00.000-05:00

We celebrated Talia's fourth birthday yesterday.

And no, I did not make the cake.

I'm really great at buying cakes, remember?

Today is her actual day.

She has waited and talked about today for months and months.

Last night there were complaints of an ear ache.

Today we will visit her pediatrician.

{Not our original plan.}

We will go to the zoo.

{If el doctor says it's okay. She doesn't have a fever.}

The zoo will be there tomorrow, but her birthday is today.

If el doctor says "no zoo today", she'll have to suffer through three days of celebration.

Yesterday, today, and tomorrow.

I guess that's not so bad, is it?

WORD. {His Love Never Quits}

2011-10-21T09:40:00.003-05:00

October 21, 2008
Three years ago today my Mom had a stroke.
Today, she is celebrating life on a date day with my Dad.
His love {God's} never quits.

God remembered us when we were down,

His love never quits.

Rescued us from the trampling boot,

His love never quits.

Takes care of everyone in time of need.

His love never quits.

Thank God, who did it all!

His love never quits!

Psalm 136:23-26

The Message

If Every Day Could Be Like Today

2011-10-19T16:54:00.000-05:00

The weatherman said it was going to freeze last night.

I swaddled my three best tomato plants the best I could.

I plan to tuck them in tonight as well.

Bruce had some chopped wood delivered to our house.

We started the fireplace this week...we will again tonight.

I have gardening to do...next week.

There was so much beauty in today.

I couldn't help but see it.

Not just in the beauty of the earth, but upon those in my path.

It showed up in my weekly coffee date with a friend.

{The one that takes place during Talia's storyhour time at the library.}

And later in the morning, when another friend and I got to catch up...

completely unscheduled. Face to face, not text to text.

All blessings.

I'm finding myself very content today.
Confession: contentment in the dailyness is hard for me to come by.
I must give credit where credit is due.

To God Be the Glory, great things he has done.

And will continue to do.

Hello Monday...

2011-10-17T11:01:00.000-05:00

{Inspired by the lovely Lisa Leonard. Linking up with her today.}

Hello leftover Pumpkin Muffins, what a treat you are!

Hello gymnastics practice in the living room.

Hello good news! I welcome you and the possibility of you.

Hello chicken noodle soup in the crock pot for dinner.

Hello working on the next Whatever Craft Weekend.

Hello planning a 4th birthday party.

Hello preparing for a business lunch.

Hello counting the days until my Mom arrives. {Five more sleeps!}

Hello gorgeous Kansas sunsets. I've missed you.

What are you saying "Hello" to you this week?

Fresh Ideas to Do Good.

2011-10-14T08:55:00.002-05:00

Sometimes I need reminders to do good.
It's not that I don't want to do good, I totally do.
I just needed some fresh ideas.
Some inspiration.
This morning I read this.
Thanks, Angela S. for posting it on Pinterest and bringing it to my attention.

Wouldn't this be thee best Family Day?
Wouldn't you love to do this with your family?

We are soooooo doing it.
I'm putting it on the calendar today.
I can't wait.

Photos from the last Family Day...

Every Thing On It {The Winner!}

2011-10-13T15:36:00.002-05:00

The winner, as picked by random.org, is number 8!

DebbieDee said...

My favorite books to read to Owen are two called "Why I love my Daddy" and "Why I love my Mommy." They are illustrated by Daniel Howarth and taken from children's own words. For myself, my favorite recent author is Lauraine Snelling, who writes inspirational or Christian fiction.

Congrats, Debbie! Please email me at kimberleejost at yahoo dot com to claim your book. I know you are going to love it!

I have several other books going right now.

All non-fiction.

I don't really expect to look like I'm 17 when I finish, but I'm finding that I enjoy reading about what I should be doing to get ready for the future.

I'm not so much a yeller, or a nagger, I think I'm a pleader. I think my tone has a little too much desperation attached to it.

This is my favorite of the three. I am having to read it slowly. I can't remember the last time I've had to read a book this slowly, or wanted to for that matter. It's deep. And truthfully, it hurts a little bit, which surprised me. Did it to anyone else who has read it? I'm about half done.

How about you, what are you currently reading?

I think I'm in the mood for some fiction now.

What should I read next?

Because I Cannot Wait...

2011-10-12T13:28:00.002-05:00

We had family pictures last weekend.
It had been three years since the last official one.
I just felt like I needed one great shot of our family.
Just one.
Well here's one that's been released to us.
I am beyond happy. And there's more to come!
Thank you, Megan Duerksen, for capturing our little family and making the memory so sweet.

Crock-tober: Italian Chicken and Potatoes

2011-10-12T06:49:00.001-05:00

When Mel said she was going to host Crock-tober in effort to get a few more crockpot recipes, I raised my hand and said, "Yes, please!"
I knew I wanted to participate.

So, I searched high and low for the recipe for Italian Chicken and Potatoes to share with you. Really, it took me awhile to find the recipe because I've made it that many times. Click here for the original recipe.

It turns out I have been making this since August of 2000.
That means I've been making this for 11 years.
That's longer than I've been married, longer than I've had kids, and longer than I've been out of college.
That last statement is not true, but it feels true.

One of the things that I love about this recipe, is that I almost always have everything I need to make it:
Chicken Breast tenders
Potatoes
Italian Seasoning,
Fat Free Italian Dressing
Parmesan Cheese

Spray your Crockpot well.
Then place chicken in the bottom.
Sprinkle with half the Italian dressing, half of the Italian Seasoning, and half of the Parmesan.
Place potatoes on top of that layer. (I leave the skins on mine.)

Then add the remaining Italian Dressing, Italian Seasoning, and Parmesan on top of potatoes.

If you don't have Italian Dressing, you could always use this. I've done it before.
I'm a rebel like that.

If I have carrots, I like to add a few. I had about a handful left, so I threw them in, too.

Turn the Crock-pot on low, then put the lid on it and walk away for six hours, or so.

We ~~walked~~ drove ourselves over to spend the afternoon with Daisy at her rockin' playhouse while dinner did its thing.

When we came home three hours later it was already starting to smell good. Happiness.

I still really enjoy Italian Chicken and Potatoes {and a handful of carrots!} 11 years later, but I am looking forward to seeing the other recipes that are being posted today.

How about you?
What's your favorite Crock-pot meal?
Need some new ideas?
Head on over here today.

Ten on Ten: October 2011

2011-10-10T20:54:00.000-05:00

Ten on Ten::

Take a photo every hour for ten consecutive hours on the tenth of each month.

Document a day of your life and find beauty among the ordinary moments.

It's been a couple of months since I've done 10 on 10.
It's fun to be back!
How was your Monday?

Every Thing On It {A Giveaway}

2011-10-10T09:15:00.001-05:00

It's a drab, drizzly morning here in Kansas.
I just want to curl up with a book, and then nap away the day.
Unfortunately, that's not in the plan for me today.

Source

Last week I picked up Shel Silverstein's new book, and I couldn't put it down.
I laughed out loud.
And I wanted to add it to our library.
I didn't want to wait because seeing him in print brought back so many memories.

You see, Shel is a literary family friend. He was there (not literally) on that day eight years ago when we brought Ella home from the hospital. We began to read Where the Sidewalk Ends to her and to ourselves. His poems and drawings brought some humor into our lives when nothing made sense. Shel fit right in to our world turned upside down.

This week I'd like to give his new book, Every Thing On It, to one of you.

To enter answer this question in the comment section:
Who have been literary friends of yours? Name one, and at least one of their books.

I'll randomly choose a winner on Thursday, October 13th at 12:00 pm. (CST.)
One entry per person.
Have a fabulous week!

WORD.

2011-10-07T08:17:00.001-05:00

Believe it or not, these were picked from my garden this week.
I have waited all summer for tomato season, and finally, it is here.
Praise Him.

"Open your mouth and taste,

open your eyes and see---

how good God is.

Blessed are you who run to him."

Psalm 34:8

The Message

PinterTest Kitchen: Chubby Hubby Bars

2011-10-06T09:32:00.006-05:00

Talia and I looked through my Pinterest food boards yesterday for something to test.
She asked what ingredients were in each.
When we came to the Chubby Hubby bars , we agreed: This was the one!

Peanut Butter Cups...good.

Pretzels...good.

Caramel....good

Chocolate....good.

That was said in my best "Joey Tribbiani" voice.
Could you hear it?
I've also gotta a little, "How you doin'?" in there if you want to hear it.

I noticed that I'm not so great at taking pictures of the process.

Especially when she's giving me such great material.

And then when it's finished. I'm all over it.
Or, it's all over me.

My taste testers gave this one a thumbs up!
Ben and Jerry would certainly approve.

The only way thing I would differently would be to add less sea salt.
With the pretzel salt already, you don't need the entire teaspoon added in there, but you do want some. I think it takes this bar over the top!

You can get the recipe here.

Check out Jess's blog today to see what she and a slew of others are PinterTesting.

I already am looking forward to the the next one even though I know I may have to sacrifice my waistline for it.

Good Blog Things

2011-10-04T18:10:00.000-05:00

There's been some fun things going on in Blogland recently.
Really fun things.

Source: Chrissie Grace

First up: Chrissie Grace is doing an amazing giveaway...
For Davis. I love that girl. I want to know her. Like in real life.
******************************************************************
Ashley Ann recently wrote a post on the dailiness and seeing it through your lens. When I took her online SnapShop course she touched on this, and it was one of my favorite sections. If you're wondering what you should be taking pictures of, read this. I was completely inspired all over again to groan and then take a picture.
******************************************************************
My friend Jessica is hosting a monthly link up party inspired by all the things we pin on Pinterest.

The first one is on Thursday.
I guess I need to narrow it down a bit on what I'm making.
If you follow my boards, you've noticed I'm a little food obsessed.
******************************************************************
Julie's Happy Sunday always speaks to my heart. They were the original inspiration for my WORD posts. Yesterday, Julie launched a challenge to do good. I signed up because who doesn't need an occasional kick in the pants to do something for someone else.
******************************************************************
If you've seen something that spoke "good" to you in the past week or so in Blogland, would you mind posting it in a comment?

Let's keep encouraging each other with the good things on this Tuesday.
Okay?

Family Day

2011-10-03T10:00:00.121-05:00

I'm a little embarrassed to say that we planned Family Day two months ago. Who does that?
Parents with Crazytown schedules, that's who.

All invitations to do anything else would be declined for all family members.

That was harder to do than I thought it would be.

There would be no chores and no homework. No yard work. I even managed to stay away from my computer for 48 hours.
Our only goal for the day would be spend the day together and play as a family.

And like it.

I said you will like it.

And then you loved it.

Family Day was a blast, an adventure, and a full of tests. Some of which, I failed. I think I actually said, "Can we just stop playing on this junk of a playground and get to the pumpkins already?" Not my finest moment, I'll admit it, but overall the investment of Family Day is worth it. Even with a few meltdowns. I wasn't the only one who had one. Not that I'm tattling or anything...

We will be scheduling another one soon.
First, we need to work on getting date night back on the calendar.
That's crazy that we have to schedule date night in, too, but we do.
Now that's Redonk.
Or so some in California might say.

60 Minutes Ago.

2011-09-29T19:53:00.002-05:00

60 minutes ago I found myself barefoot and slow dancing in my kitchen with a three year old.
She wanted to be held.
Slow down. Hold her.
We didn't speak.
Minutes earlier I had been making dinner with Pandora---my sole companion.
I began to cry.
She noticed.
I told her I was happy.
She smiled and squeezed my neck.
Someday when she's older, I will hear the song again and remember the night
Talia's three, almost four year old self, held onto me in the kitchen.
This night, when our song chose us.

Edited:
9:41 pm...
The past two hours have been tough ones. I have been parentally challenged, to say the least. Timeouts, crying, and sulking...and that's just me. Just thought you should know.

Blog Sugar 2011

2011-09-27T22:42:00.002-05:00

When Megan asked me to go to Blog Sugar with her, I was thrilled.
I thought God's had me going to take pictures of her with other people.
I happily did that. Here's one of Megan and Mel. (By the way, Megan never mentioned taking pictures. That's totally me.)

I had no idea that I was going to get a Word, too.
More on that in a minute.

Leslie and Shauna

Jeannett and Julie

Almost two weeks ago a friend and I were having a conversation about blogging. We were kind of at the same place: wondering why we blog, what we should blog about, and if we should keep going.

At Blog Sugar, Heather shared about telling our stories. We all have them. We can choose to keep them hidden away, or we can share them. We can grow.

My Blog Sugar story is in a Word from the Lord.
It might have sounded like Jeannett's voice, but it was Him without a doubt.
This is what she said, "God doesn't just want you. He wants your blog."
I heard Him in my heart.
He wants my blog.

Some of you who are reading this write a blog. Some of you have already given God full authority over your blog. Others of you, like me, are holding onto a little bit of it. Why am I doing that?

Some of you are not writing a blog.
With or without a blog, the truth still remains: God doesn't just want you. He wants your __________.

When I keep something for myself and not give Him everything (including my blog) I miss out on living the stories He longs to write with me.

There's work to be done.
I better get to it.

WORD.

2011-09-23T13:00:00.000-05:00

8:31 a.m. Thursday.

"Through the Word we are put together and shaped
up for the tasks God has for us."
2 Timothy 3:17
The Message

Right now...

2011-09-22T22:43:00.001-05:00

Right now I'm...

watching: 30 Rock reruns in Megan's guest room

eating: Nothing. I'm full. Made this for dinner.

Bruce LOVED it. Thanks, Mel!

drinking: not thirsty. Weird. I'm always thirsty.

wearing: a black hoodie, a long sleeved tee and black yoga pants.

avoiding: washing my face...I'll admit it.

I sleep with makeup on more than I should.

La-la-la-lazy.

feeling: happy to see Julie again and meet some new girlioes.

missing: 1919 Rootbeer...okay now I'm thirsty.

thankful: that I'm back in a relationship with Google Chrome.

Goodbye, Safari. It wasn't me, it was you.

weather: 63 degrees. Perfect autumn like weather.

praying: for safe travels as Megan and I fly to California

tomorrow for Blog Sugar.
needing: more Bon Jovi in my life

thinking: I hope Bruce remembers that he's the carpool Dad in the morning.

dreaming: of the day when Ella will graduate

loving: this country song

I'd love a peek into your world...right now.

With a Side of Grace

2011-09-20T16:40:00.003-05:00

The Vintage Soiree sale was so much fun. I ran over and took a few pictures on Friday before the sale actually started. All those pops of white and turquoise make my heart smile 'til it hurts.

See that white table with the lamp on it? That came home with me. My sister gave me a gift certificate to the Vintage Soiree for my birthday this year and I spent it with fervor.

Right now that lovely table is in my living room.
I'm not sure where it will land.
I never am when I buy something.

On Friday night, Bruce's mom came over, and we had our own little craft night.
I wanted to make this headband made out of old t-shirts.
I also made this one.

I ran down to the Hillsboro Arts and Crafts Fair on Saturday morning for a bit.
(Mostly to pick up some New Years Cookies for my~~self~~ family.)

My knitting friends Emily and Carisa had an awesome booth.

Those hats are so cute, it almost makes me wish for winter.

Almost.

Because I didn't get enough of the Barn/Mill last week, I decided to go again with my friend Megan H.

I didn't remember seeing these yellow chairs and table before. The gorgeousness of it all is going to make somebody very happy.

The chairs...such soft buttery goodness.

Beautiful.

I haven't been so in love with such buttery lovliness since the last time I made Bruce's favorite Cookie Bars.

I grew up making them and have no idea what church cookbook they are originally from. I'm sure it's a great church because something as buttery as this doesn't come from people who don't dole out grace in extra large portions.

Here's the recipe.

Serve it with a side of grace.

Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

2 sticks cold butter (I use salted.)

1 cup. brown sugar.

2 cups flour

1 tsp vanilla.

a shake or two of salt

5-6 ounces chocolate chips.

Preheat Oven 350 degrees.

Beat cold butter (you might have to soften for 20 seconds in microwave, but you really want it somewhat cold or the bars will be too greasy) and brown sugar together. Add flour, vanilla and salt. The dough might seem like it's not going to come together, just keep your mixer going and it will. Stir in the chocolate chips.

Press dough into 9x13 pan and bake 15-20 minutes.

Cut while warm.

A couple of extra notes:

1. These are really really good served warm with a scoop of ice cream and have been my "go to" dessert for last minute get togethers.

2. Pregnant women of the world rejoice! There are not any eggs in this recipe, so if you have a hankering for cookie dough, this is the recipe for you.

I'm just curious...

What's your "go to" dessert for those last minute get togethers?

WORD. {for the Weekend}

2011-09-16T08:00:00.000-05:00

"But you, O God, are both tender and kind,

not easily angered, immense in love,

and you never, never quit.

So look me in the eye and show kindness,

give your servant the strength to go on,

save your dear, dear child!"

Psalm 86:15-16

The Message

The Vintage Soiree Sale

2011-09-15T10:00:00.000-05:00

I'll be shopping at the Vintage Soiree sale on Friday.
And most likely on Saturday, too.
One visit is never enough for me.
See you there!

The First Day of School...Again.

2011-09-14T13:23:00.001-05:00

Talia started preschool yesterday.

When I asked her if I could take some pictures of her she said, "Just like Ella?"

Right, just like we did on Ella's first day of school.

When I offered her a new backpack, she said she wanted to use Ella's old one.

She asked how many more years it would be before she got to go to Ella's school.

"Two more years."

{insert her heavy sigh here}

Yesterday, I was given a glimpse of seeing her wait, dream, and

plan for the day when she and her big sister would be in the same school.

Many are the days where I feel like Ella is learning more from her little sister.

And few are the days when Talia doesn't eagerly embrace the big sister role.

But yesterday was Talia's day to be the little sister...to look up to her big sis.

Seeing Talia be the little sister so full of wishing and hoping was an unexpected gift.

I'm not sure if the gift had my name on it, or Talia's, or Bruce's, or Ella's for that matter.

I just know it was a gift that our family could share, and today, I'm thankful to the Sender.

Whatever Craft Weekend {Part Two in Pictures}

2011-09-13T20:25:00.001-05:00

Today I'm letting the pictures (mostly) speak for themselves.

Melissa made that camera strap this weekend.

Antiquing at the barn...also known as the Mill.

I love this picture of Megan.

And I thought Blythe's glasses were rad...just like her.

If you want to read more and see even more pics

from Craft Weekend, click over to these blogs:

Meg at Whatever

Melissa at Jack and the Kumquat

Amy at Covet the Dust

Ashley at Under the Sycamore

Crystal at Crystal B. then and now

Kate at Songs Kate Sang

Keri at Forever Folding Laundry

There's a rumor that another Craft Weekend is in the planning stages.

I can hardly wait.

Whatever Craft Weekend {Part One}

2011-09-12T10:27:00.001-05:00

This past weekend I helped Meg host Whatever Craft Weekend.
We set up most of Thursday and all day Friday.

Ashley, and our guests, most of whom we'd never met, moved into the craft house Friday evening.

After some initial introductions, cupcakes and dinner (in that order), we got down to the business of crafting. (By the way, I was the cook for the weekend, but I gave up trying to take pictures of the food due to the lighting in the dining room and kitchen. Grrr.)

See that apron Meg is wearing? That was our first project.

The ladies got down to business right away.

Some of them had never sewn, while others were quite comfortable behind a sewing machine.

We crafted into the wee hours of Saturday morning.

We ate the best cheesecake ever.

Meg and I fell into our beds happy.
I couldn't fall asleep, which is unusual for me.
I kept thinking about these incredible women who were becoming such good friends of ours.
I lay there thanking the Lord for each one and thinking about His creativity displayed in each.

Women were created to be awesome.

Can't you see it displayed in each one?
More awesomeness from Craft Weekend tomorrow!

Home.

2011-09-11T19:36:00.001-05:00

I'm home from helping Meg with the Whatever Craft Weekend.
My heart is full, and my body is tired.
I'm off to take a bath and crawl into bed.
You'll be hearing more from me soon---after I recharge.
It won't take too long.
There's so much to tell. :)

Labor Free Day

2011-09-07T13:14:00.003-05:00

Monday was a Labor Free Day at our house.

Talia lost her wheels.

Within minutes she was off and riding.

Just to be clear, she also practiced the art of falling down.

Several times.

Ella gave it a shot, too.

We spent a ton of time outside.

We drank, licked, and scooped up the happiest hour.
I realize that sentence makes us sound like dogs.
There are worse things.

Bruce tried a new recipe from the September issue of Cooking Light Magazine:
Chicken Tostadas and Avocado Dressing.
Tangy goodness.

Labor Free Day.
I'm pushing for the first Monday of every month to be labor free.
Anyone else care to put in for that?

check it.

2011-09-02T12:39:00.001-05:00

{Clearing my throat}
Check. Check.
Is this thing on?
A few of you have said that you've tried to comment and it's not working.
I'll add this to my list of things to do this weekend...fix blog.
Got it.

Oh and if for some strange reason you can comment now...let me know.
ok?
Thanks.
-----------------------
{whispering}
And one more thing, go read this.
It's going to be awesome.

Farewell to August

2011-09-02T09:15:00.002-05:00

Farewell, August.

Hello, September.
I always think of Labor Day weekend as the last hurrah of Summer.
Swimming, snow cones and movies are on our list.
How do you plan to usher summer out this weekend?

Thursday, Thursday.

2011-09-01T10:13:00.001-05:00

1. Ella read 9 of the 17 words on her sight word list this morning before school.
I think she's memorizing the list.
She said one of the words before I showed it to her. Smartypants!
2. I laughed outloud when I read an email that said, "Congrats on Blowing the Whistle."
I wonder if she really meant "Girl, you better duck"?
Yesterday was a doozie, people.
Your sweet comments/emails, and some major time with my forehead to
His got me through.
3. I am quoting "You are a shield around me." all day long today.
4. Talia was greeted at daycare by a blaring Barry Manilow Copacobana jam session.
Little Fanilows crack me up.
5. It's September. Preschool starts on September 13.
That's same day as the season premiere of Parenthood.
September 13 might be one of my favorite days this September.
6. I signed my name twice in an email to some girlfriends this week.
Because I guess I really meant it?
7. Death by Peanut Butter Chocolate Cake. You couldn't get it at the Copacobana,
but you can eat it at my house and at Craft Weekend. Does anyone know how to get
Peanut Butter Chocolate Cake to stop talking to you?
8. We are headed into day 51 of 100 plus degrees this summer.
It's been a hot, dry, stinky one. I'm cooked.
9. Speaking of stinky, what word do you use at your house for flatulence?
I'm just curious. We use the word "toot". My dad uses the word "pert".
Yes, like the shampoo. I'm sure the Pert people would love to know that.
10. And for your listening pleasure...because it's going through my head, and I need a
few people to join me, hit it, Barry.

Blowing the Whistle

2011-08-30T23:25:00.001-05:00

I wrote this last week.

And what a week it has been since...

*****

What if I told you that I have a magic power?

Would you believe me?

Okay, it's not actually a power, but I’m pretty sure that it’s always been there.

It's kind of a...thing I can do.

Some of you are already thinking that you know what it is.

You are thinking that I can tell when a woman is pregnant before she’s announces that she is.

Some of you, I have made that claim about!

While I’m good at guessing, I have been wrong before.

Sometimes I see things that other people don't.

This thing I know well because I’ve lived it, and it makes me want to run.

Run fast.

Run hard.

Run in the opposite direction.

And I hate to run.

It shows up as jealousy.

It shows off as false humility.

It competes.

And covets.

And steals the sight of what’s good in ones life away.

Then, it sweeps out the legs with “what should be”, or “I wish...”.

If you feel like you can’t get anywhere in life because of what everyone else is doing…

If you feel like everyone has a relationship with Christ that you wished you had…

If by you saying that someone else is pretty, their house is nice, or their kids are well behaved, or if heaven forbid they were given a compliment of which you did not receive, and that makes you feel less valuable…

I feel compelled to tell you…the Enemy (the Devil) is after you.

The very thing that you would never admit to is the thing that He is using against so many of us.

And I for one am blowing the whistle on him.

He’s using COMPARISON.

We just can’t get our own lives right.

And everyone we know is doing it better than we are.

Not that we would admit that something great is happening for someone else!

That would defeat us.

We lose.

And that would make us feel bad.

Again.

Comparison sickness is real.

What’s most concerning is that many of us who have this sickness don’t know that we have it. We walk around making others feel like they want to run away from us because comparison sickness has a stench that can actually be seen.

I can see it...

in my own life and the lives of many.

And instead of running away, I have a strategy.

Here’s my plan of action to defeat the Enemy:

I’m surrendering today.

I am laying it all down and looking up, not all around.

God calls himself the lifter of our heads. (Psalm 3:3)

He places His large hands on my cheeks.

We go forehead to forehead.

Every. Single. Day.

I'm not kidding.

That’s how close it’s going to need to be for me.

I need to see the reflection of His beauty, and not anybody else’s.

He is the hope.

He is the freedom.

In Him, there is healing from comparison sickness.

What have I waited for?

WORD.

2011-08-26T06:33:00.000-05:00

He is your constant source of stability.

Isaiah 22:6

NET

Back to School Coffee 2011

2011-08-25T12:50:00.001-05:00

Talia and I rushed home to greet our guests at the annual Back to School Coffee.

I put the food out. Drubers Donuts were the main event.

With a side of cheese. (Thank you, Shawna V.)

High fives were given, and kleenex's were readily available.

There were children everywhere.

Organized chaos...just how I like it.

This is Jetta, she was in her mama's tummy at the last BTSC.

Braxton found a spot just for him.

Adam and I spent a little time together playing.

He told me that he likes coming to my house the most.

I told him to come and bring his mama anytime!

I feel so blessed to live in a community with such great women.

If you live here and weren't at my house yesterday morning,
please plan on coming next year.

I hope to see the rest of you again and again.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

And a special thank you to the true donut hero in my life who

drove an hour round trip at 5:00 am to pick these up.

I feel so loved.

And full.

Literally.

First Day of School

2011-08-24T13:14:00.004-05:00

It's the first day of second grade for Miss Ella.

Meet her teacher, Mrs. Dick.

We actually shot this picture yesterday.
Since Ella began school, I have arranged to take her to her new
classroom the day before school actually starts.
We take her picture.

We see her name on her desk.
She gets to feel "known" a little bit.

If you have a child who doesn't adjust well to change, I highly recommend this strategy.

It has made our first morning of school incredibly easy.

At yesterday's preview visit to the classroom, Mrs. Dick told Bruce that she

was a student teacher in his second grade classroom in Topeka, KS.

She looks way to young for that to be true, don't you think????

She must've started teaching when she was ten.

We didn't hang out long at school this morning.

We had some partying to do at home with the Back to School Coffee ladies.

SnapShop Winner!!!!

2011-08-22T12:49:00.001-05:00

The winner of Ashley Ann's September SnapShop Giveaway is....................

AIMEE!!!!!!

Aimee said...

Awww I would love the chance to win.

Aimee, I will email your email address to Ashley, and she will be in contact with you!

Now, for those of you who didn't win, you can still enroll in the September class. September is right around the corner, so don't delay! Click here to do so.

Thanks to Ashley for sponsoring this giveaway.

Isn't she the coolest?

She totally is.

Breakfast Sin and other Crazy Fun

2011-08-19T11:24:00.001-05:00

I let myself sin at breakfast this morning.
Enter "the Bundt of Sin".
Oh. My. Chocolate. Goodness.
With coffee, mind you.
Could there be any other way to start a Friday?

He ate an orange.

We've had a crazy, busy week.
All fun...my parents flew in and are here for a week.
I am thinking about Whatever Craft Weekend every hour of every day.
Meg and I spent a good chunk of one day together this week.
And part of that time was devoted to shopping for fabric.
I sort of have an obsession with that small turquoise dot there.
Or the navy.
Or the gray.

I'm getting ready to host my Back to School Coffee, which means that we're getting ready to go back to school next week. Shopping, haircuts, doing all the "lasts" of summer were also tied into this week.

Because it wasn't crazy enough this weekend, I decided to get mine cut shorter.
Which reminds me, I need color asap.
I'm looking a little...oh what's the word...
Skunkish.

Just in case you missed it, you should enter the SnapShop Giveaway.
And then head over to Amy's blog to enter again. She's giving one away, too!

I am happy to go back to work today to relax a bit.
Does anyone else say that?
And then we're into a weekend without any plans.
(Cue the Hallelujah Chorus!)

What are you doing this weekend?

Ashley's SnapShop Giveaway

2011-08-17T07:51:00.005-05:00

Okay, you know how I was telling you all how much I LOVE Ashley's new online photography course SnapShop?
Well, guess what?
Ashley{my new bff...because I told her so last night} is giving it to me to give to you!!!!

That's right YOU could win a seat in the September SnapShop class.
Is your heart beating rapidly at the the thought already?
Mine is, and I can't win this one!

My Dad took this picture of me at the beach in June. Hmmm.
Purchasing Snapshop would be a great Christmas gift for him.
He would love this course. Oh, and Dad, wipe all of that from your memory
and act surprised Christmas morning, okay?

The thing that I loved the most about SnapShop is how simple it was to follow. I know there are those of you out there who have opened your DSLR manuals only to throw them back on the shelf and never to look at them again. Well Ashley has does an amazing job at spelling it all out. PLUS there are other deals to be had by taking her class. I'm talking discounts, people. At her favorite photography sites. Who knew how great it all would be!

Are you ready to throw your name into the hat and win a seat in September SnapShop?

Here are the details. Feel free to enter by doing them all!
1. Leave a comment on this post and you're entered.
2. Facebook it, Tweet it, Blog it for additional entries.
3. "Like" Reece's Rainbow on Facebook for an additional one.
4. Become a follower of my blog, the driveway of Life, for your final entry.

I am crazy excited for each of you.
I'll have random.org choose a winner on Monday, August 22 at Noon, CST.

For more information and to enroll in the September the SnapShop
Click here.
***Comments are now closed. See you soon for the winner announcement!!!!

It Is Well

2011-08-15T11:38:00.001-05:00

On Friday morning Bruce (second from the left for those of you who are guessing)
went to the Rocky Mountains of Colorado with these guys.

They met a few more friends and climbed Mt. Harvard.

This is their "top of the mountain" pose.

Because Ella and Talia were still at Grandma Camp, that meant.................

I WAS HOME ALONE!!!!!!!

I spent time working on a few painting projects including my mother's day gift to myself.

It's now primed and ready for color.

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

On Saturday my friend, Sara, and I went to see The Help.

We had both read and loved the book.
And we loved the movie, too.

Source: The Help Movie

It will make you cry.

It will make you cheer.

It will make you think.

It will make you want to read the book. {again}

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

I also spent time working on my Snapshop Class this weekend. I soon came to realize that I have been doing something terribly wrong in setting my aperture when more than one person is in the shot. I also learned a ton about shutter speed, exposure, and ISO.

This picture is funny (from our trip to NC) but now I can see EVERYTHING that is wrong with this shot and learning to correct them in manual. Right now, I think I could retake this picture and it look completely different. I am going to be sad when this class is over. I'm learning so much!

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

Bruce and the girls came home to me last night.

We spent most of the evening playing in the yard together.

It was perfect night for laughing, playing with neighbors, and for hearing each of their stories.

While being home alone for the weekend will always make
me a bit giddy, welcoming each of them home settles well within my soul.

I've kind of gotten used to having them around.

The News.

2011-08-12T22:46:00.001-05:00

Just in case you didn't see this on the news tonight, check out Blake's story.

Don't forget to comment on Anna's blog so that they can get $1 per comment towards their adoption.
They said a neighbor of their's is matching it.
Have I mentioned that I love this town???

Ten on Ten:: August 2011

2011-08-10T20:52:00.001-05:00

It's Ten on Ten day.

Here's the "I spent a good chunk of the day in the car" version.

It's the "I sort of forgot I was doing this most of the day" version.

Or it could also be known as the "I am so glad to be home and am

done thinking about anything else" version.

Here are my pictures...all seven of them.

My Bible is broken...Boo.

We are loving the rain and the cooler weather. It was 67 degrees at 9:00 this morning.

Grandma (and Grandpa) camp started today.

Butter...the only thing I bought at Wal-Mart.

It's about to get really good around here.

My sister gave me this "E" bracelet for Christmas the year Ella was born.

It's one of my favorite things.

Spicy Shrimp Pasta...he cooked.

Any day that ends with shrimp is a happy one in my book.

The same could be said of butter.

And cream.

And cheese.

That's all.

For the Ladies.

2011-08-09T06:48:00.000-05:00

Source: Pinterest.

I want to be THAT woman.

Anybody else???

"Deep Thought" and Winner.

2011-08-05T12:37:00.001-05:00

Bruce and I often look at each other wide eyed after some sort of deep conversation with Talia. She's had a command of the English language since she was about a year old, and to our disadvantage (and her advantage!) she has become a master debater. There is no topic that she is not willing to dive into: marriage, the Holy Spirit and iPhones have been recent topics. When disciplining her I find myself in a sea of "options" that she, herself, has chosen. It can be exhausting one minute and thrilling the next to be a part of her world.

This week, as we were clearing the table after dinner one night, Talia gave me the quote of all quotes that pretty much describes how she sees herself in this world. She said,

"When I was a little girl, I didn't know it."

Age 3.75

She has never said anything more true in her life. :)

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

And the winner of yesterday's Dairy Queen's Blizzard for two, which is really a $10 gift card...hey maybe number 9 (thank you Random.org) can buy three!!!!!!!

{cuppakim} said...

ok - this is the funnest date without a babysitter idea ever.

CREATIVE.

i am way impressed that it worked. :)
i have no clue where the nearest dairy queen is.but with a post like this.and
a commercial like that.i'll google and find out.here's to hoping i win :)

Congratulations to you...email me your full name and address so I know where to send the gift card, okay?!

Happy first weekend of August to the rest of you.

Nutter Butter Blizzard

2011-08-04T09:02:00.006-05:00

At least four times a day for the past week Bruce would look at me with that look (the one your husband gives you and you know exactly what they are thinking) and say,

"Nutter Butter".

He'll admit, the new commercial is a favorite of his. Marketing has him hooked.

Personally, I'd like to keep other people's chest hair out of the sentences that involve food, but that's just me.

So, yesterday at lunch I looked at Bruce romantically and said,
"Nutter Butter Date tonight."
To which he replied, "I was thinking the same thing."

About an hour before the girls' bedtime we loaded up and about 10 miles out of town (we have to drive 23 miles to our "local" DQ) the girls were asleep.

My plan to have a date and not pay a babysitter was working perfectly.
The sky grew dark earlier creating an even more romantic mood. Ha.

We drove up.

I was tempted to order the Reese's Peanut Butter Cup one, as usual, but this was a Nutter Butter trip, so deal me a mini, please.
He was so happy.

And you know what? It was crazy ~~nutters~~ good!
The "soft serve" even tasted peanut buttery to me.
I recommend that you go out and have one today.

And just so you can, I'm giving away 2 blizzards right here!!!

Answer this question:
What's your favorite blizzard of all time? Do you have one that's your "go to" flavor?
Or do you try something different every time?
Comment on this post and random.org will pick a winner Friday at noon, CST.
One comment per person.
If your name starts with Bruce and ends with Jost you are not eligible.
We'll go on a Nutter Butter date again, soon.
I promise.
----------------------------------------------
The comments are closed.

Cereal.

2011-08-01T21:30:00.002-05:00

Raise your hand if you've ever fed your family cereal at dinnertime.
A friend of mine told me last week that her coworkers scolded her for giving her children cereal for dinner every once in awhile.

We shampooed the carpets this weekend, and the furniture still needs to be moved back in.

I told her that my family loves cereal night.

Like tonight, at 6:00 pm.
It was 111 degrees out.
I hadn't planned.
I didn't want to heat up the house.
I asked if anyone objected to cereal.
I think I heard a "Hooray" from somebody.

Fruit Loops for some, Oatmeal Crisp for another.
Cereal night may have just become a summer Monday night tradition at our house.
I'll have to thank my friend for that.

The Week that Was.

2011-07-31T19:00:00.000-05:00

I spent two glorious days with my mother in law in Kansas City on our almost annual shopping trip. We couldn't get our schedules to coordinate last year, so in my mind that means we get two more days this year, right?

I purchased my first pair of Toms shoes.

Wanna see?

Toms make me happy.
It's buy one, give one.
What's not to love about that?!
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Friday afternoon it poured down rain.
We thanked God for it, and wondered how we would explain to our girls that we would not be going to the fair if the rain continued.
By 7 pm, it was completely dry, so we slapped on our $15 wristbands and walked down to the fairgrounds.

Ella favored the slide. That's code for: She didn't want to do anything else.

So down she came. Over and over and over again. I'm guessing she went up those stairs at least 15 times.

And down again, with pretty much the same expression every time. She LOVED it.

When Ella was done with the slide, she was D-O-N-E with the evening, so Bruce took her home.
Talia and I stayed on for awhile longer.

Four hours longer.

She wanted to squeeze the life out of her "all you can ride" wristband.
And I wanted to help her achieve her goal.
She rode with her friends mostly.
But I braved the ferris wheel with her.
And I hate the ferris wheel.

Give me a nice safe roller coaster where I am strapped in over this thing that you basically dangle in by who knows what?!

I think Tal was a little nervous, too.

It probably didn't help that I asked her repeatedly to hold my hand so that I wouldn't freak out, and in the end we both had fun up there.

We walked home hand in hand around 11 pm exhausted and happy.
I said, "You know what I loved about tonight? Riding the ferris wheel with you."
Talia said, "And you know what I loved about tonight? Riding the carousel with you. I love you, Mommy."
I said, "And I love you."

I'd say that buying the "all you can ride" wristband was the best money I spent this past week.

I'm Going to School {Online Snapshot Class}

2011-07-26T13:00:00.000-05:00

I've signed myself for Ashley Ann's Online Snapshot class.

Truth be told, I'm a little nervous about it.

I know my pictures will not look like hers.
I won't even pretend to have that goal.
Right.

But I'm hoping that my pictures will begin to look like more like me.

And I love love LOVE knowing that Ashley will be just one click away.

I'm not sure if everyone who has heard about this has caught on to the fact that this first month the class is actually $50 cheaper than it will be next month to take it.

It is!

So, if you've been thinking about, stop the thinking and join me!
I have a feeling this is going to be the class that changes it for many of us.
Just go and sign up here.

And make sure you let me know when you've signed up!

I'll let you know what how my assignments are coming along once I get into them.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

And because every post is better with a picture...

Here's a face that I love more than most.

Finds.

2011-07-25T11:18:00.001-05:00

I saw these pink glass ornaments in a box at the auction last week and knew I wanted them. I've been on on the lookout for all kinds of these for more than a year.

So, when the auctioneer got to the box that they were in, they threw four other boxes in with it.
I ended up buying five boxes of Christmas stuff to get these pink glass ornaments...for one dollar!

I sorted through the boxes and ended up keeping two of the five. (The other three boxes have already been delivered to our local thrift store.) I discovered 14 more boxes of glass ornaments within those boxes. Score!

All of this Christmas in July was a hit with Ella.
She asked to put up the tree at least 10 times.

I also scored this very heavy cake plate for a dollar.
And a hairdryer for free.

Can you believe no one wanted it? Ha.
I really just loved the white case.
I have a recent obsession with white.
If it's white I can't help myself.
And when it's free, well then why bother talking myself out of it?

Do you have things you just can't say no to if you see them and they are good deal?
Even if you don't know what you're going to do with them?
What are you drawn to right now? Tell me!

What I Love About Sunday {Cinnamon Roll Pancakes}

2011-07-24T08:57:00.002-05:00

What I love about Sunday:

Trying a new recipe: Cinnamon Roll Pancakes.

To die for.

Seriously.

Click here to see the recipe I used.
I doubled the batter portion because we
love cinnamon rolls, and we had only one left over.

Auction.

2011-07-20T10:33:00.000-05:00

Last night I went to an auction at our local fairgrounds to warm up after freezing out at a Social Security seminar all day.
It was 105 degrees out, and inside it must've been at least 165, but I didn't really mind.

Some of us came prepared for the heat.

Many of us found a place to sit down after awhile.

But oh the treasures that could be found!

There is a subculture within our culture here.
A community within a community of sorts.
And so I come.

And catch up.

And shop.

We elbow each other, and dream of the possibilities of winning.
Shawna, I can't believe I let you have those suitcases. Especially the turquoise one!

We contemplate how much to bid, what to eat at Sharon's Rollin' Kitchen parked out front, and how much sweat is running down our backs turning our t-shirt into a tie-dyed swirl of sweat for all the auction world to see. Wait, maybe that's just me???

Others bring their babies.

If and when I get bold enough, I may take my camera again because I love it so much.

In the meantime, I need to sort through the five boxes I brought home.
They'll be a show and tell soon. :)