Rainy Day

It's raining outside. My house is clean. I pulled out the box of Duplos to entertain the boys this morning (rotating toys works!). I'm making brownies for the Reality 1 benefit concert at our church tomorrow night. If you're in the area and like good music you should check it out. You won't be disappointed. It runs from 7 - 10. We're currently listening to a Walt Disney Christmas cassette tape. Not my choice. Basically, it's a slow, rainy day and I'm OK with it. I've also kept our phone line busy for way too long uploading some pictures. Here they are.

I love Aldi's! They had strawberries the other day for $1.29 a box and last week they had fresh pineapple for $1.49. This week they had cabbage for $.79, but I didn't buy any.
One of Nate's favorite things to do with Daddy. Jeremy let's go and Nate jumps/falls into his arms

My warrior. He told me the canning jar rings on his arm were his armor. ? Yesterday he told us that David and Goliath should work together to get monsters. ? Several days ago out of the clear blue he asked me "Mommy, do monkeys walk on their feet or just their hands?" I still don't have an answer for him.

How would you cook a chicken?

I've cooked whole chickens before, but I often wonder if there is a better way to do it. I can't even tell you how I do it because I don't think it's ever the same. How would you cook a whole (small) chicken? Crock pot? Oven? Spices?

Saturday

Today was a good day. We had something every night this past week. We enjoyed each thing, but we do not like to be that busy. Also, Isaiah seemed to be in the mood to push every boundary and Nathan has not been sleeping well (can't figure that one out??!!) Anyway, last night Jeremy told me that I should go out this morning for awhile. I almost cried. It was not so much because Jeremy offered, he does great at keeping the boys if I need some time away. It was more just the realization that I was going to be alone, away from home. It's been awhile since I've left the house without at least one of them. I feel like I'm complaining about my kids. I don't mean to. I just needed a break. Badly.

I went to the mall first. I found some great deals! I love clearance stuff almost as much as I love tupperware. Actually, more. I stopped at a few other places then went to the library. I found a book on crocheting. I have been wanting to get back into it for months, but I don't remember how. Maybe this book will help.

On to other things. Jeremy and I will celebrate our 5th Anniversary next month. I'd like to give him something. Any suggestions?

I cannot find a nice black maternity dress that I know I had, but loaned to someone. No, I'm not pregnant, but my sister-in-law is and I'd like to see if she could use this dress. I think it's from Old Navy. Does anyone have it?

And just for fun, here is a picture of Nathan in "the glasses". I think my mom bought these for Isaiah almost 3 years ago and they are still in one piece!

Swagbucks

I feel like I should post something, but I can't think of anything exciting to say and I can't find any new pictures that would interest anyone.

So, I'm going to tell you about Swagbucks. Maybe most of you have heard of it and maybe even use it, but if you haven't you really should try it. Basically, you win points for searching for things on the Internet. It's random and you never know when you'll win a point or how many. I've won 1, 2 or 3 at different times. After you earn so many points you can cash them in for things. The best I've seen is 45 points gets you a $5 gift card for Amazon, but there are other things like Target and Starbucks gift cards for more points. If you're someone that searches the web even a little you really should try this. I always have a list of books I want to order from Amazon so this excites me. :) (We downloaded the toolbar and that works very well.)

That's all my exciting news for today. Maybe I'll be inspired tomorrow.

Old Timers (or so they say)

My Mom emailed this picture to me several weeks ago. I was moved to tears just looking at it. Most of you don't know anyone in this picture, but some of you see them regularly. It has been at least 6 years since I have seen any of these people and that was at a big reunion so I doubt I talked to most of them.


For those of you that don't know these people they all live in RL and all (exepte for one couple) lived there when I lived there. These are people that all impacted my life in one way or another. Some I only know by name and face, but I have memories of stories that I link them to. Other's were parents of friends and Sunday School teachers. All of them represent a much simpler time in my life. A time I sometimes almost hurt with longing for, but yet never want to return to. Looking at these faces I realize that as I knew them they were neighbors and church friends, people in my world. As an adult looking at this picture I see people that have experienced adventure, loss, joy, many unknowns, dreams, frustration, a call. I was struck by the knowledge that even though I haven't lived around any of these folks in 20 years (this June!!) that they each are still apart of my memories. I wonder what kind of impact and memories I'm leaving on the children around me?


A few memories that come to mind when I look at this picture:


-A&N L: Handicraft, I loved that place. The smell of leather, candy and Gospel Echoes tapes all in one place! I also have very found memories of a book that A used to read during the children's time at church. It was called Bird Life in Winkton. I found that book in Rosedale's library and had a great time reading it. N was such a wonderful hostess and she took time to talk to me and notice me often even after we left RL.


I&R R: Remember playing Kick the Can and I'm in the Court, Give me a Wave with their sons up at the old shop on "the hill". It was nighttime and I was scared out of my wits, but so thrilled to be included.


W:(can't remember wife's name or last name name:( ): radio


N&M G: Thier place was a great place to play at. How many places could a 10 year old go and have their own car (?!) to drive. Also remember doing ceramic projects at their house. Oh yeah, and hobby! I remember learning to singing hymns there that I still love.


DS: Beautiful lady. Norman also left a big impression on me as a little girl. I remember him as a very kind man.


H&M H: More "hill" stories. While I was at RBI (years ago when I was single) God did a work in my heart during one of our revival weekends. Amazingly, the people God wanted me to forgive and H were there for the weekend. No one else at RBI would have known any of what I was working through. I still feel that God had H there to help bring healing to me. I remember praying with him and not even needing to give details. I will never see his face or hear his name without feeling grateful for a kind, recognizable face that I believe God had at the right place at the right time, just for me.


I didn't even touch on half of my memories that include everything from tree planting to the old green school and many more. A lot of my memories are fuzzy. I guess I'm getting old. :)


Thank you to all that have allowed me to watch you, even when you didn't know it. Thank you for teaching me much about life and God. I hope I can leave as good of an impression on those watching me.

Poppyseed Lemon Scones

This is Robyn's recipe. Robyn, I hope you don't mind me sharing it. I always thought scones were hard to make, but these are so simple. I think the key to making them good is to not stir or knead them too much and not over bake. Let me know if you try them!

Lemon Curd:
2 eggs
1 c. sugar
6 T. margarine, melted (I used butter)
1/4 c lemon juice
2 T. grated lemon peel (I didn't have any lemons, but I think this would make them even better)

In top double boiler, beat eggs and sugar. Stir in butter, lemon juice and peel. Cook and stir for 15 min or until thick. Cover and refrigerate until cool. (it thickens as it cools)

Scones:
2 c. flour (Melanie, I'd stick with white :))
1/4 c. sugar
1 T. baking powder
1 T. poppy seeds
1/4 tsp. salt
1/3 c. cold butter
3/4 c. milk
1 T. lemon juice (fresh-squeezed is best, but I never have lemons on hand)
Additional sugar for sprinkling

Combine first 5 ingredients. Cut in butter. Combine milk and lemon juice and stir into flour mixture just until blended (dough will be soft). Place on a floured counter and knead gently 6 times. Shape into a ball and pat into an 8 inch circle. Cut into 8 wedges. Place on greased baking sheet and sprinkle with sugar. Bake at 425 for 12-15 minutes. Serve warm with lemon curd.

Yummy

One of the light bulbs in our refrigerator has been out for a long time, but since there was a second bulb we didn't really think that much about it. Recently the last bulb died so Jeremy put two new bulbs in. Suddenly I could see so much. The fridge needed cleaned. As I was cleaning it this morning I thought about how often the question "how long does (fill in the blank) last if it's refrigerated?" My new answer: Anything will last forever in your fridge. I have yet to see anything get up and walk out on it's own. Stuff can grow hair and change color, but thankfully, it doesn't grow legs. "Yo, eggs, I'm out of here!"