30 by 30: 3 down, 3 to go

Several days late, but still counting down and keeping tabs.

Yay! 3 months till my birthday.  I feel like a little kid I'm so excited.  Kinda like how Kirby has been constantly talking about his own birthday since Bennett had his...what presents he wants, what he wants to do, who's invited (about 90% of who live in the States and will certainly not be making that trip).  Since I'm such a loving mother I have reminded him countless time that my Birthday is first. :)  But really this BIG birthday seems so exciting to me.  I love milestones!

Anyway.  The last month wasn't my best.  The time between Thanksgiving and Christmas was less than stellar in my efforts to eat well and exercise.  I did not gain weight at all, just maintained where I was at the end of 2 months.  So considering the time of year and the fact that junk food became almost the only food group I was eating I felt it went ok.

But here we are at the last 90 day push and to do it up right we (Stan has decided to join me the days he isn't traveling) are doing P90X.  First two days went surprisingly smoothly.  I wasn't a hero in that I did it all perfectly but I at least tried each exercise.  And felt energized the rest of the day.  We've both been working hard to drink plenty of water (I'm going above what is recommended in hopes to keep up my milk supply and as an added bonus I get to reconnect with my old friend, the bathroom, at least every hour) and have adjusted our eating.  All junk food, with the exception of the unopened packages of peanut butter cups and butterfinger minis that were sent to us in our Christmas boxes...I'm not so unreasonable as to get rid of treats that we can't buy here, is gone.  The boys have a few things of cookies in their snack bucket but Stan and I have stocked up on dried fruit, yogurt, fresh fruit and veggies to snack on.  And I didn't buy a single can of Coke Zero this week.  I almost couldn't believe my self control.  I figure if I want one bad enough to make a special trip out to get it then I will treat myself.

Unfortunately last night I woke up in the middle of the night with that nagging back pain that I get every six months or so.  NOT what I had on my agenda.  I refuse to let this stop my momentum.  I didn't get up this morning to exercise with Stan, instead I laid in bed with my makeshift heating pad strapped around me--an electric hand warmer stuck down in the support they gave me to wear after my c-section...it works.  I'm already feeling a bit better and plan to get out and walk a bit this afternoon and hopefully do the stretch x afterward.  Tomorrow we are scheduled to do yoga x so I'm hoping to be able to handle that, if not all the way, partially.

So, 15 more lbs to go.  Since I kinda took a month off I'm not as far ahead as I had hoped but I'm still on schedule with the 5 lbs a month so I will do it!  But really I like to think in terms of kilos cause it sounds much easier, so 2.6 kilos a month!

Pray my back is quick to heal so I can get back into this P90X.  I don't want Stan to get too far ahead of me!

And if you care to know what true 'muscle confusion' is (what P90X claims is the key to the program's success) ask my body how confusing it was to go from sitting on the couch enjoying Christmas treats to hard core working out and healthy food.  Maybe the back pain is a form of mutiny!  

Christmas

Christmas has come and gone.  This morning during our Sunday morning time one of our friends talked about how this weekend he was journaling and reflecting back on this Christmas season.  They are new parents and this was their sons first Christmas.  He made the most powerful point that came to him while reflecting.  Many of us spend so much time trying to decide how to handle Santa, or the number of gifts to give our children and so many other things that have become part of Christmas.  Stan and I have done it, I've blogged about it.  But he said what he realized is that if the focus is never taken off of Christ then the other things just get pushed into the background by default.  I'm of course not saying it nearly as eloquently as he did but it was just so powerful.  And then we talked about how if Jesus is the focus of our lives each day then all the issues of movies, music and so many other things are just taken care of by default as well.  I'm not one for making New Year's resolutions but I think if I could have one this year it would be for me to spend each day, focused on Christ and the rest would just fall into place.  It's lofty and may sound unrealistic but I think out of any goal I could make for myself this one would be the most beneficial.

Our Christmas was absolutely wonderful.  My first Christmas dinner was a success (Stan was even impressed with my first attempt at making his mother's dressing) even if we did sit down to eat an hour later than planned.  The boys played and had a blast all day.  Favorites for them were the new spiderman and superman suits and the basketball goal--even though Bennett said the basketball goal was broken cause he couldn't get his ball in it. :)  I will hopefully post some pictures of them enjoying the day/weekend on the Angels' blog tomorrow.

I'm also really excited about this week coming up.  It's a true family week.  We have no plans set in stone, other than a fun get together for New Years.  I have a few ideas of some things I would like to do, including a solo shopping trip to get out and buy nothing in particular, a family outing to Old Town and maybe some cleaning and organizing.  But to be honest if none of that gets done and in place we play one million games of candy land and high ho cherry o, or have family movie night 5 nights in a row with the same move I will be just as pleased with this week.  My big sister will be gone at least the beginning part of the week, if not all, so it will truly be just us.  Oh and tomorrow is the first official day of p90x.  Stan has decided to join me in the challenge the days he is in town.  More on that later.

Best of all, I will still get to enjoy my Christmas tree.

o come, o come Immanuel

18 Now the birth of Jesus Christ took place in this way.  When his mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. 19 And her husband Joseph, being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to divorce her quietly. 20 But as he considered these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, "Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. 21 She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins." 22 All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet:

23 "Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son,

   and they shall call his name Immanuel"

   

   (which means, God with us). 24 When Joseph woke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him: he took his wife, 25 but knew her not until she had given birth to a son. And he called his name Jesus.

Matthew 1:18-25

mary did you know?

26 In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, 27 to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. And the virgin’s name was Mary. 28 And he came to her and said, "Greetings, O favored one, the Lord is with you!" 29 But she was greatly troubled at the saying, and tried to discern what sort of greeting this might be. 30 And the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. 31 And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus. 32 He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. And the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David, 33 and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end."

34 And Mary said to the angel, "How will this be, since I am a virgin?"

35 And the angel answered her, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be called holy— the Son of God. 36 And behold, your relative Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son, and this is the sixth month with her who was called barren. 37 For nothing will be impossible with God." 38 And Mary said, "Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word." And the angel departed from her.

Luke 1:26-38

silent night

(taken from our bedroom 'balcony' down to the courtyard)

oh christmas tree, oh christmas tree

Not much to say so I think I will just post some random photos in the next few days of our week of Christmas.  There are a TON of the tree but mostly all the same.  Hopefully there will be more fun shots from this week!

one week till Christmas

I am really so very excited about Christmas this year.  The boys (well mainly Kirby) have been getting so much out of the Jesse Tree so they are learning A LOT and he asks every day if it's the day for Jesus.  I really think he will experience pure joy when it finally is the day for Jesus.  My plan is to let them open one gift before breakfast on Christmas morning.  That gift will be the Baby Jesus from our nativity scene (we are waiting till Christmas Day to symbolize his birth).  I can't wait to tell them about Christ being the greatest gift we were ever given.

It is really important to me to not emphasize the whole gift giving part of Christmas but I have to tell you that I love giving gifts!  Don't get me wrong I find nothing wrong with being on the receiving end and we have worked so hard to not make this our focus but now seeing the boys get excited is so special.  This whole time of year is just magical with the celebration of Christ's birth and showing love through giving gifts.  I finally understand why Papa Great was incapable of waiting on my Aunt Mary Beth and Uncle Frank to get to our celebration location (different each year) to give out and open gifts.  MB and F missed gift time many a year because when Papa Great wants to start opening gifts we do.  This year my only dilemma is what to do about wrapping them and putting them out.  I think I have finally scrounged up some paper to use (seriously hard to find good paper that isn't covered in weird cartoon characters) and I plan to do the wrapping today (not all gifts are bought but I'm about 95% done).

Now to put them out now?  Or wait for Christmas day?

There are several factors to consider.  First little hands find pretty packages irresistible.  Not that I think they will try to open them (well Bennett might) but I'm sure the paper and bows and all will be totally man handled in just one short week.  Also, since we don't have Santa I was thinking that putting the gifts our for Christmas morning would build anticipation.  Give them something to look forward to.  Not sure if that is kinda defeating our purposes or not.  Gonna have to think on that one.  Either way the earliest I will put them out is Monday since we are hosting Sunday morning.

And one last thing.  We currently have several boxes in route to our home.  If you had anything at all to do with them THANK YOU!  If you've ever lived overseas where many 'American' favorites are not available then you know my excitement.  I don't know what is in the boxes but that just makes it even better.  We are so very blessed to have people in our lives who love on us in so many ways.  Our Christmas boxes each year brings us joy for months to come.  Not sure if y'all like to know when I'm making/eating Ranch dressing or enjoying an evening cup of decaf coffee you are on my mind but that's the way it is!

jesse tree...week 2

Here are the next 7 days for the Jesse Tree.  The boys still love it and if the particular chosen scripture isn't long enough they get upset.  For a few of the people we started to read out of their children's Bible after reading the scripture.  It's helped sum it up for them.

Dec. 8 -- Isaac: Genesis 18:10-14, 21:1-8, 22:1-19
Ram

Dec. 9 -- Jacob: Genesis 28:10-22
Ladder

Dec. 10 -- Judah: Genesis 49:8-12
Lion

Dec. 11 -- Tamar: Genesis 38:6-30
Twin sons


Dec. 12 -- Rahab: Joshua 2:1-23
Scarlet cord

Dec. 13 -- Ruth: Ruth 1:14-18, 2
Wheat

Dec. 14 -- Jesse: Isaiah 11:1 and 10
Root

chinglish

I thought it would be fun to give you all (I mean I assume there are enough that read this to say all) your first lesson in Chinglish.  There are many a word that within a week or two of living here that you pick up by default.  The Chinese words automatically become part of your English vocabulary and it can not be helped.  To the point that you will begin to say them when talking to your non-Chinese speaking friends and family.  Believe me when I say if I do it while talking to you it is in no way to impress you or to brag, it is completely unconsciously done.  But some words are just fun to say.  Also there are some words that don't really have a good English translation so saying the Chinese is just way easier.  I'll even give you a close way to pronounce (it won't be exact cause some sounds are too different to explain) so you can throw out some of your own Chinglish words if you would like.

ma fan (mah fahn)--trouble, bothersome: as in... Don't worry about sending me a Christmas card because I don't want to give you ma fan.

li hai (lee high)--clever, astute or fierce, severe; used positively or negatively: as in...She is learning Chinese so quickly, she is so li hai. OR  Don't mess with her stuff, she is really li hai about it.

cha bu duo (chah boo dwuoh)--almost, about: as in... The rug doesn't exactly fit but chabuduo. (Seriously this happened to us.  We bought a piece of carpet and they cut it a little off and they told us 'chabuduo', the Chinese are all about chabuduo and it can make you want to scream!)

dong xi (dong she)--things, goods, personal possessions: this can be used to describe almost anything, as in... I'm going to Walmart to buy dongxi.  Don't leave your dongxi laying around.  She doesn't need anything, she already has so much dongxi.

So there is your first Chinglish lesson.  If you like this I can do more another time. :)

tis the season

To be busy.  But I'm trying so very hard to not get caught up in the 'things' I have to do and really enjoy it all.  I found myself so caught up in cooking and the act of Thanksgiving this year that I realized that I spent only a little time actually being thankful and most of that was after the fact.  I mean, I did reflect on what I was thankful for and I did spend time with my family and our local 'family' but leading up to it was stressful and tiring.  I DON'T want Christmas to be the same.

Now that I'm the woman of the house the cooking and decorating largely falls to me.  For some reason I'm just now realizing that.  No more sitting back and enjoying the fruits or someone else's labor.  Cookie baking, holiday meal planning and preparing and all the other amazing stuff is kinda my duty now.  But I'm making it sound like I'm not enjoying it.  Cause in reality the complete opposite is true!  I love that I'm the one that gets to determine how we celebrate Christmas this year...and from now on.  With Stan's help, of course, I am shaping the Christmas memories that my boys will carry with them into adult hood.  So the greatest thing is that I'm taking all my favorite parts of my childhood Christmas', combining them with Stan's, adding in a little something new to make it our own and there ya go!  Pittman Family Christmas!  It's been great so far and we are still 12 days till Christmas!

This weekend we celebrated Bennett's b-day (which we decided to make the day all about his Birthday and not something totally Christmasy cause I don't want him to feel like he gets gypped each year).  Once the boys were in bed I went to my first Cookie Swap hosted by my friend E.  Seriously she is Martha Stewart's long lost daughter.  She made some amazing appetizers and we all swapped cookies (I took Granny Great's Secret Sugar Cookies) and we had a real ladies night party.  Pretty sure that was my first grown up ladies party since I moved here..it was wonderful.  Tonight we are hosting all our Sunday fellowship friends to come over for more appetizers, cookie decorating and some Christmas P&W.  Really exciting.  The best part about this whole weekend is that I promised myself that I wouldn't get stressed out and so far so good.  I have a little cleaning left to do and my daddy's sausage balls to cook up to serve tonight but I'm determined a little rest time will be thrown in there so I won't have to enjoy tonight running off of caffeine and sugar fumes.

Tis the season to celebrate the birth of Christ, the love we have for family and friends (even if we can't be with them) and to enjoy each an every moment of it all!  

dry cheeks need this

I live in a place that is super windy all year around and when it's cold outside my boys' cheeks suffer.  This summer I had our niece grab some of this to send it to Bangkok with Stan's parents.  I love it!  It seems a little pricey (close to $5) for just half an ounce but since it's in stick form you don't waste any by squeezing or scooping too much.  I think Aveeno has a similar product but I guarantee it doesn't smell half as wonderful as this seeing as how Aveeno is fragrance free (not dissing Aveeno at all, I use their products I just love this particular one in J&J).  This is such a soft pleasant smell that I like to use the body cream for my own dry skin.

You gotta try it!

(J&J company, of you happen to read this I will take some free product in exchange for this product review.  Thanks!)

the hair saga

One of the trivial things I have to deal with while living here is that hair upkeep is a little challenging.  Like I just said I know this is trivial.  I basically can't trust any Chinese hair stylist to cut my hair.  Most are not formally trained and even those that are have very little knowledge of how to cut curly hair.  So I'm resolved to only getting haircuts while we are out of country.  For the first year of living here this was ok.  Even in the States I have been known to go a good 6 months between hair cuts.  So I got a good cut done while in Thailand last February and while we were there this summer.  Only while we were there this summer I decided to not get much cut off.  With both Kirby and Bennett I got my hair chopped soon after they were born.  Going with that 'I need a change' feeling that I get right after delivery.  I guess it's the feeling that comes with not being able to automatically shed the pounds so I feel like a new hair style will be a good substitute.  The problem is that short hair for me is high maintenance.  Which is not what you want with a newborn.  So to avoid that this time around I got just a bit of a trim in July.

Here we are 5 months later and my hair was the longest it had ever been in my entire life.  While I was a little bit fascinated by the fact that it was so long (not in a narcissistic way but in a who knew it could grow so long way) it got to be too much to handle.  Washing it was a chore and it was taking way too much product (which I must either buy in Thailand or have sent from America) to keep tamed.  So with no trip out of this country planned in the foreseeable future I began to weigh my options.  Should I risk going to a local person and just let them do whatever they feel?  Fully knowing that would be the result because I don't have the language to explain it and they have limited skill.  Should I just try to trim it on my own?  Ummm, probably not so much.  Can I convince a friend to just take a little off the length?  Hmmm, maybe.  So I went with the last one.  I asked all my friends if anyone would be willing to try and, PTL, my friend E agreed to give it a shot.

Luckily for her I have had some bad haircuts in my life and have never once gotten upset enough to cry over it.  It's just hair and will eventually grow out.  I just couldn't take it any more.  The longer it got the more I wanted to buzz it off like the rest of my family.  So last Friday we set a time and she came over.  I can now report that I have about 5 inches less hair and love it!  She even did a little layering so I wouldn't end up with pyramid hair.  It was halfway down my back and is now resting right around my shoulders.  I totally wish I had just asked a few month ago (I think Stan does too!).

So thank you to my friend E.  You were brave to try out your skill on my crazy curls.        

first week of the Jesse Tree

I've had a few people ask me exactly what we are doing for our Jesse Tree.  So I thought I would just write out a little at the time of what we are doing.  The boys are loving it so far.  Each day the boys ask us who we are going to read about today.  I LOVE that they are so excited about what they are learning.  We used this website to give us the basics and then chose which specific scripture we wanted to use (some people like Abraham and David have so many parts of their life written that we couldn't read it all and still hold the attention of a 3 and 4 year old).  After we chose the exact story we wanted to use we decided on a symbol to represent the story or person and that we could also make into an ornament (seriously my amazing husband whittled Noah's Ark and a few other things...I've known him for 10 years and he still impresses me!).  So this is what we have done for December 1st through 7th.

Dec. 1 -- Adam: Genesis 1:26-27, 2:7

A human figure made out of red clay.

Dec. 2 -- Seth: Genesis 4:25

A packet of seeds.

Dec. 3 -- Enoch: Genesis 5:21-24

Shoes

Dec. 4 -- Methuselah: Genesis 5:25-27

Clock

Dec. 5 -- Noah: Genesis 6:8 - 9:17

Ark

Dec. 6 -- Shem: Genesis 9:20-27

Blanket

Dec. 7 -- Abraham: Genesis 12:1-4

Map

I get more and more excited for them to learn about each of these people that are a part of Christ's blood line.  Tonight is Isaac...great story!  If you have questions about why we chose certain things to represent these scriptures just ask.  I've been sharing this with everyone cause I love it!

i love my trash can

This is a 100% serious thing.  I never in my life thought that such a simple thing could be so exciting.  I have literally been talking about buying this thing for MONTHS.  I've had a decent sized one but it was not so convenient.  And they just don't sell typical kitchen trash cans in my city.  So when I needed to make a trip to KM to pick up our Christmas turkey (and some other food items) I made going to the store that sells these a priority.  This is my Christmas gift to myself.  I would like to add this to my Thankful list, please.  I am thankful for not having to bend over and lift up the lid to throw things away.  I'm thankful that the boys won't run off and start playing with the lid (can we say YUCK!).  And I'm thankful that the trash bags we can buy (also have to be bought in KM, by the way) now fit.  Ahhh, living here it really is the simple things in life that make me happy.  This is almost as random as being thankful for paper towels...maybe more so.

This is what I had before...

Upgrade!

It took me a year and a half and I had to transport it by bus over 200 miles, but it was worth it.  Merry Christmas to me!

30 by 30: 2 down, 4 to go

I was supposed to do this update on Saturday but I forgot, started this post on Sunday but didn't get finished and then went out of town early Monday morning...ooops!  I got so excited about the holidays and starting things out, that I completely forgot.  By the way, Saturday night went really well.  We made cookies and Stan read the Christmas story.  Afterward Stan asked the boys questions and Kirby was telling it right back to him!  That was really exciting.  I can't wait to see how he learns from the Jesse Tree.

So now that I am two months into this 30 by 30 goal and the holidays are here I'm trying to get more and more focused.  A few days before Thanksgiving I hit my pre-Judah weight, which puts me 15 lbs (and HALF WAY!) to my goal.  I was so encouraged.  Of course after the eat fest of Thanksgiving and the way I fluctuate weight each day anyway I haven't hit that low again but I didn't go crazy--seriously I only ate one plate of food at lunch on Thursday, don't know how I did it--so I think once I get right back into my routine of working out and such I will be back down.

This also marks one month until I will start the P90X challenge.  I've checked the calendar and if I start on December 28th it will take me right up until my birthday.  I have to tell you, I've watched a few of the videos and it looks painful.  I'm scared.  I mean maybe it will be a good thing to start out each day with a good cry, who knows.  I need some words of advice from those who have done it.  Please leave a comment.  I am determined to do it, I just need to know I will survive.  I'm trying to convince Stan to do it the days he's here too.  He doesn't seem to excited about it though.

I'm excited about my progress and hope that healthy eating and exercising will not end after this 6 months.  Really 30 lbs isn't the end of what I want to lose but it will be a beginning!

making traditions

Tonight is the beginning of our 'Holiday Season' and the new traditions we are starting. We really wanted to incorporate so many things that will be fun for the boys but will still keep the focus on Jesus. So tonight we are having our very own tree lighting. We are going to make Christmas cookies with the boys after dinner and then turn the tree lights on for the first time. Then we are going to tell the Christmas story using the nativity scene. Since we aren't going to put Christ out until Christmas day and the wise men until Epiphany we will explain who each figure is and then choose a starting place for the wise men so they can 'travel' throughout the month until finally reaching their destination on January 6th.

I'm still hunting down ornaments to use for our Jesse Tree but I'm hoping I can get at least a few today and then most of the rest when I go to KM on Monday--we may have to get creative for some. I'm getting a mommy and Judah trip (with a good friend as well) to pick up our Christmas turkey and shop for decorations and some other food items. Not to mention a nice kitchen trash can. I never in my life thought I would get so excited about a new trash can. But seriously, it is on my Christmas wish list. Anyway, a lot going on in the next few weeks but I'm going to try to post all of the things we are doing and how they go over with the boys.

Hope everyone is awakening out of their Thanksgiving turkey coma and getting in the Christmas spirit. We bought 5 new Christmas CDs online yesterday. That is out of the norm for us but since we had some iTunes gift cards and all of our Christmas music was lost when our computer crashed at the beginning of the year we had to get something.

I LOVE this time of year!

giving thanks

Today I really wanted to do a great list of all the things I am thankful for. I was even going to try to write it ahead of time since I knew today was going to be busy. But since I was a tornado of cooking and cleaning yesterday and most of today, I'm tired. I'm not washing dishes, I'm not vacuuming crumbs, I'm just going to go watch Christmas Vacation in my bed with my wonderful husband and drink apple cider (with red hots just like Stan likes it). But I did want to do a little mini thankful list because today I did have the opportunity to reflect on the many things I have to be thankful for.

-The Lord saved me and nothing can change that.

-I have a wonderful husband and sons.

-We have great families, that we wish we could be with today.

-I am blessed with many friends, near and far.

-We got to eat turkey and have some left over, this is huge when you can only get it once a year.

I know the last one is silly but I'm serious. Those are the things that made being away from our family a little easier. We had a wonderful meal with good friends.

Thank you Lord.

Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His love endures forever.

Psalm 107:1

behind already

Absolutely NO cooking/preparing got done yesterday. The trip to visit my big sister was wonderful. After all the prayers and worry over this tiny little baby they let us know that now he is now 'a little big'. Which we are taking to mean that he is doing really well. I didn't get to hold him. They didn't offer and I didn't want to ask cause I don't know the cultural norm in this case. And now that I think on it they didn't hold him except to feed him.

When I got home to my quiet house (Stan had a fun morning including some outside finger painting and other activities, got all three fed and down for naps...he's wonderful!) Stan told me that our friends would be here around 4:00. I had some general house things to do, a shower to take and I was starving. So I opted to just push my two other To Do items till today. Which means I have a little more on my plate than originally planned but yesterday was fun and it was important to spend time with locals that are so dear to us.

Also I was way too tired to get up this morning and workout. I was really bummed when I finally did wake up and realized how late it was. I think I must have turned off my alarm in 'twilight' sleep mode and went right on sleeping. So the few minutes I did have this morning were for quiet and coffee.

I'm praying that all of you will find peace in the Thanksgiving and that you can enjoy time with your loved ones! This year I am concentrating on not getting overwhelmed by tasks and enjoying each moment. That is what will make me truly thankful.

it's here!

Thanksgiving week is here! So exciting. I have so much to do, and just for fun I thought I would share my To Do list for this week. I've kinda scheduled out my days since I'm working in a trip to visit my Big Sister and her family (with plenty of lovin' on the new little baobao) and a B-day dinner for our dear friend Chocolate since he will out of town for his birthday next weekend. Since it's actually Monday evening I technically have checked off the items for today but I'll include them anyway.

Monday

Shopping at Walmart

Shopping at import store

Tuesday

8:30 Leave for DJ's village

12ish Return and have a short rest/meal

Afternoon: Make pie crust (oh how I miss Pillsbury roll out crusts!) and Buttermilk White Sauce for Green Bean Casserole

6:00ish Dinner for Chocolate's Birthday at hot pot and back home for cake

Wednesday

9:00 Trip to Market for fresh veggies

10:30ish Wash all veggies (they have to soak for a while since there is no laws to regulate pesticides) and prepare for afternoon of cooking.

12:00 Lunch break/time with boys

1:30 Get busy...make fried onions for Green Bean Casserole topping, make Hummus for veggie tray, make Sweet Potato Casserole (leaving off topping till the next day), make whipped cream for all the desserts!

8:00 This is my wishful thinking time of completion so that I can get a good night's rest and not feel exhausted all day. Also at some point during the day/evening I hope to put out some Fall/Thanksgiving decorations. I don't have any and have never really decorated during this time of year but my friend had some extras and is letting me use them so I can make our home a little more festive!

Thursday

AM Get both casseroles finished and baked. Put together Candied Apple Pie to be refrigerated until baking time in the afternoon.

Finish cleaning for evening guests

12:00 Get family and food out the door and to lunch host's home.

12:30 Relax and eat a wonderful meal!

2-2:30 Return home for boy's naps

2:30 Bake pie and finish with candied topping

Make Turkey Noodle Soup

Finishing touches and cleaning around the house

Set up dessert table, drinks area and soup

4:30 Friends arrive and fun continues!

8:30 (or whenever everyone leaves) Stan and I will enjoy a Christmas movie with some Apple Cider :)

Friday

(I know this is after Thanksgiving but it's part of the week)

Relax, decorate for Christmas--Stan refuses to do it before the day after Thanksgiving-- and watch Christmas movies. Oh yeah and eat LEFTOVERS!

This list may not sound too daunting as it is but add in there three small children, one of which I must stop what I'm doing and feed throughout the day, my normal 8-10 loads of laundry, and numerous kitchen mishaps (cause you know I am SO clumsy) and it is for sure gonna keep me constantly busy. I know Stan will be a huge help with the boys and staying on top of the dishes. I'm also really hoping not to interrupt my normal morning routine of workout and quiet time so that I will have plenty of patience and can feel less guilty about the extra calories.

Let the carb overload begin!

(Oh and all linked recipes are new for me so I will let you know how they turn out!)

a week to go

It's just one week until Thanksgiving. I am really excited this year. Last year Thanksgiving was our first major holiday away from family and if I'm 100% honest it was a little disappointing. Don't get me wrong, we had a great food and great fellowship but it was about 60 people, including children, most of which were from another city and we were meeting for the first time. Plus the meal was at 2:00 pm and my boys are usually sleeping at that time. We tried an early nap but that wasn't successful so by the time we got there, I was worn out from cooking, the boys were overly tired and hungry and Stan was wanting some football.

Now don't hear that I didn't enjoy the company, because now the families that we met for the first time that day are dear to us, but it just wasn't the right thing for our family. So this year we decided to plan a meal with just a few other families. All have young children so naps are coveted and the day is partly planned around that. We will have a nice lunch, break for nap and then come together again for some fun activities, a light dinner and DESSERT! We get to host the activities and dessert. I'm going to plan some fun things for the children...got any ideas?...and make Turkey Noodle Soup and then we will all contribute a dessert. Really the main event for the evening is going to be coffee and dessert (and maybe a good Christmas movie) but I thought a little soup would be good just to prevent us all from going into a diabetic coma from so much sugar. Although I'm not sure the noodles will help with that either..but whatever. So I thought I would share the menu at this point...

12:30 PM Lunch

A Veggie Tray with dip for a starter

Two Turkeys, one stuffed and with gravy

(we can only get it this time of year so we are getting plenty for leftovers)

Herbed Dressing

Mashed Potatoes

Green Bean Casserole

Sweet Potato Casserole

Squash Casserole

Creamed Spinach

Creamed Corn

Deviled Eggs

Cranberry Sauce

Corn Bread

Rolls

5:00 PM Light Dinner and Dessert

Turkey Noodle Soup

Cookies (for the children of all ages)

Pumpkin Cake Delight

Candied Apple Pie

Chocolate Chip Pie

Key Lime Pie

Fresh Whipped Cream

Vanilla Ice Cream

Now that this list is written out it makes me both hungry and thinking a little bit like we are going overboard. But isn't that what makes the meal part Thanksgiving so wonderful? I think I will definitely need a work out that morning and after lunch.

dirty jobs

I fully expect that at some point Mike Rowe will call me up and tell me that he wants to do a segment with me on my job. What job am I talking about...? Well 'Mommy' of course. I mean technically there are a few other job titles that I hold but I think Stan and I both agree that our job as parent is the most important one. And why do I think Mike Rowe is going to show up? Because out of all the episodes I have watched (which was quite a few since Discovery was one of the only English channels we had in BKK and lets face it's just plain interesting) the things we have to do as parents is just as 'dirty', if not more so, as the jobs he shows on his program.

This has all come about after a 4:30 vomit clean up early Monday morning (no one is sick, Bennett just has a very sensitive gag reflex and if he gets a throat tickle and starts coughing sometimes throwing up isn't far behind) and starting the task of potty training Bennett. I have never in anyway been under the impression that being a parent would be glamorous. But I just don't think I was prepared for all the yuck we would have to deal with. So while Stan was spraying down the bedding and I was scraping off chunks I started to imagine Mike Rowe there with me. Gagging along with us. And as I rinse out underwear I see him taking a pair and helping out. At meal time he is wiping up the food off the floor while I am wiping faces and Stan is scraping uneaten (but sometimes slightly chewed) food into the trash. And then after Judah's blow out Mike can hold him over the tub while I hose him down. Seriously, our house (and any other with multiple small children) would make a great episode. Mike...I'm waiting for your call. You would not be disappointed in this dirty job. Although I have to tell you, the pay is WAY better than any other job on earth!

a short catch up

Last week was a big week for me. Stan needed to travel since we knew this week his hiking partner was going to be out of town and next week is Thanksgiving. So I sucked it up, got prepared, lined up a little help and pushed through. With our helper gone I just didn't know how it would be for me. Lately the boys need a constant referee--and playing that part puts a serious hurtin' on my patience. We've also been limiting TV time because it had gotten out of hand from the bed rest period of time to time in BKK with limited toys to getting home and just trying to figure life out. The boys LOVE to play with each other and have a blast but they are...well, they are brothers. So each morning I asked for an extra dose of patience and drank an extra cup of coffee. Tuesday afternoon a friend came by to watch the boys so I could run a few errands and she surprised us with bringing dinner! What a blessing! Then another friend was going out of town and her helper was gracious enough to come over Wednesday and Thursday to give me a hand around the house. That was particularly awesome cause it enabled me to play with the boys instead of plopping them in front of the TV. And to top it off she went to the market and cooked for us for Thursday night so when Stan got home that night he had a 'real' meal as well as a sane wife.

I'd like to think that even without the help I could have survived but I PTL that I didn't have to chance it. I really feel that in the States it would be no problem. But then I remember that here I have no car to load up the boys in to escape our house and taking them out on my own is not a task easily done. It's just so different here. But we made it and Stan blessed me with a 'me' day on Friday--only requiring me to be here for Judah to eat. I went on a long walk, just me and my ipod (which only ONE person sent me a music suggestion for...thanks Kari, poopoo to the rest of you...but seriously I still want suggestions) and then went shopping and wondering. It was wonderful. And Saturday was an amazing family day--Stan and I finalized our ornament ideas for the Jesse tree and then took a family outing to Old Town for more shopping (Christmas gifts almost done!) and good food. Sunday was a fantastic day of worship and rest. Stan even got to watch the Bulldogs pull off a win with a friend that is an Auburn alum...so that made his weekend. Now we are in for a fun week of getting ready for Thanksgiving and then of course decorating for Christmas!!! So exciting.

calling all music lovers...

Well calling anyone who even remotely enjoys music, actually. Music is one of the main avenues into my heart. By this I mean, songs about my Lord speak to me in much of the same way the Psalms do. Songs get me going when I need a little push. And especially as of late, songs get me motivated to exercise! So what I need right now is a little help. I need some good 'get your booty movin' music. Songs that are a great pace to walk/run/shake it. You know what I mean. Really I'm up for most music genres, my ipod contains everything from Handle's Messiah (not great for exercising but oh so beautiful) to the Black Eyed Peas (my guilty pleasure, they are all about some questionable lyrics--meaning things I hope my boys NEVER say--to a great beat). So bring it on. I need some motivation and I'm in a no radio zone to know great new music and I'm lacking in time to search itunes for hours to find it. I've got itunes gift cards ready to go so send me your favs!

gladly trusting

After such a busy weekend I was quite honestly dreading this week. There is a lot going on this week, including Stan traveling for at least one night. I have some help lined up in case I need it but I was still just not excited about being on my own while our helper is gone this month and all the other things that are going on. I was ending a fun but exhausting weekend and heading right into a busy week.

When my alarm went off this morning I was struggling. It has started being quite chilly in the mornings so getting out of my warm bed at 6am to begin my early morning routine was not appealing. And I could tell I was going to be grumpy. So I compromised and sacrificed my workout time (I knew I could fit it in later today) to give me a few extra minutes of dozing and then forced myself out of bed for some coffee and time in the Word before the day started and the boys were up. I still had a really bad attitude about it all.

Anyway, the study that I'm working on listed a certain scripture to read and in my sleepy, half heartedness I read one Psalm off and 'accidentally' read this...

When the Lord brought back the captive ones of Zion,

We were like those who dream.

Then our mouth was filled with laughter

And our tongue with joyful shouting;

Then they said among the nations,

"The Lord has done great things for them."

The Lord has done great things for us;

We are glad.

Psalm 126: 1-3

The Lord has done great things for me! And boy did I need to be reminded of that this morning. That last line needs an exclamation point in a major way. I am glad! He makes me glad! And as soon as I read that my whole perspective on this week changed. Not to mention I was ready to get going on my day with a fresh outlook. The Lord has done so many great things for me and He will continue to do great things in my life, even in this week that will present challenges.

So after my 'accident' moment (no accidents with God) I went on to read the correct Psalm...

Those who trust in the Lord

Are as Mount Zion, which cannot be moved but abides forever.

As the mountains surround Jerusalem,

So the Lord surrounds His people

From this time forth and forever.

Psalm 125:1-2

It is really easy for me to picture this because we live in a valley that is completely surrounded by huge mountains. God is surrounding me like these mountains surround our valley city. He will always surround me. Amazing. And I can be like Mount Zion and be unmovable in my trust in the Lord. This week I am going to work on trusting Him in the small things. Getting the boys to bed (and them sleeping all night...BENNETT!). I will trust Him. Being able to nurse and not have to try to regulate Kirby and Bennett playing (they like to fight...are they brothers or something?). I will trust Him. Keeping my early morning routine that so obviously helps me start each day. I will trust Him. Having the energy to keep up throughout the day. I will trust Him. I will be glad for the Lord has done great things for us and I will trust Him in the unmovable way of Mount Zion.

The ways of the Lord are awesome. My ugly heart made beautiful again through his Word. Just as it has been done so many times before. He is new every morning! Even the mornings when I am so very obviously struggling like today.

my kind of weekend

This has been one of those crazy busy weekends that is full of fun, leaves you exhausted and makes you oh so thankful for lazy Sunday afternoons.

Thursday night was pizza party night. Yes that is Papa John's you are seeing. This is new to our capital city and our good friend was coming back from Hong Kong and stopped to bring us all dinner. 3 large pizzas was over $50 but when you only eat it every year and a half it's not so bad. She also brought back a Mountain Dew for each of us to drink with our pizza. Not good on the diet front but after my body processed all the excess sodium I was right back on track.

Friday was a fun day with friends. The boys had a blast with their friends in town and we survived 6 children four and under with relative ease. I was exhausted by the time everyone left but it was worth it. Kirby and Kate took some pictures during lunch. She's becoming so Chinese flashing those peace signs! Kirby asked her dad if he could marry her, but she said she was going to marry a little boy in her class. There may be a little boy trouble ahead for her parents!

Saturday we went on a lunch picnic with some friends. They of course got great pictures that I'm hoping they will share but Stan got a few shots. I have some funny stories to share about that day so look for them on the Angels blog. We were just excited to find a fun place to go in our city. Thanks to friends that have lived here longer we now know of another place to let the boys run free!

So looking forward to fellowship tomorrow morning since I had to miss last week due to Judah being sick. He's so much better so we get to go be with friends and have some 'good learnin'. And then Sunday afternoon naps. I think God intended just that for Sundays, some teaching from the Word, a good meal with friends and then a time of rest.

4 things...again

It's been one of those crazy weeks. I was literally freaking out while I did my dream room (which of course is open for any ladies to come in for a cup of coffee, if you bring me Starbucks, and a chat) post on Monday. It was my attempt to distract myself as we were trying to figure out if I was going to have to rush off to Hong Kong with Judah. I'm so thankful we didn't and all seems to be steadily getting better with Judah. Anyway, that combined with other things, including out of town guests for the day tomorrow, has led me to just opt for a easy update.

1. tell me something great as of late


2. tell me something hard as of late


3. tell me something about your family


4. tell me something about your friends

1. Tell me something great as of late...My Big Sister is a grandmother! Her daughter-in-law was due later this month but went into labor over the weekend. They had a little boy, no name yet due to tradition. He was small and needed extra care so they had to transfer him to a hospital here in town (she had a c-section in a smaller town about 1.5 hours away). We haven't heard an update but we take that as a good thing.

2. Tell me something hard as of late...My Big Sister will not be here for a month. It's Chinese tradition that a new mother does not leave her bed for a month (seriously, no bath, using a bed pan, grossness all around--something that is definitely not a part of this culture I could handle) and the mother-in-law is the one that cares for the woman and helps with the baby. We are so excited she gets to do this but we already miss her. The boys have lost DaMa for a whole month. I think Bennett finally gets it after few days--we'll see if he asks for her again on Monday. Anyway, we've had to cancel a few trips that Stan had planned this month and try to work out a good routine for our weeks ahead but no big deal. We're excited for her!

3. Tell me something about your family...Judah is doing much better. The doctor said the only lingering effects could be that he now has a higher percentage chance of developing asthma...umm, I can handle that. I could have told you this wouldn't be the end of it. I had childhood asthma and Kirby has had respiratory issues so we can handle things in that department. I PTL that we were already equipped with a nebulizer and albuterol so we could treat Judah right here at home. Please just pray that this cold dries up quickly and he is able to avoid getting sick again...cold season is just beginning. :(

4. Tell me something about your friends...I have two things actually. First, a friend is coming in from the capital city today and they just opened two Papa John's. Guess what she is bringing us for dinner. Oh, yeah, pizza party at our house! Second, our friends that live two hours away are coming up for the day tomorrow. There will be 6 kids 4 and under in the house, mommies are getting an afternoon outing for shopping and we are going to grill steaks for dinner (hotdogs for the kids). It should be a wonderful day!

Tag to someone else. It's easy, you can do it!

dream room

I was thinking today how nice it would be to have a room all to myself. A place to go that I could lock out little snoops and read, internet, nap, have a QT. That sort of thing. So I just started thinking of all the wonderful things I would put in there. How I would make it a no testosterone zone, a little bit of femininity just for me. Stan said, 'Now where do you think we will ever live that will have enough room for you to have a room all to yourself'? I reminded him of the definition of dream.

First I would of course have my favorite chocolatey brown chaise from Ikea. Minus the Bennett laying on top. I love this piece of furniture.

Next some lovely brightly colored awesomeness like the coverlet that is hanging on the wall here. Oh, I just love all these fabrics. So perfect to curl up in on my chaise.

I have always wanted a roll top desk. I just love them. So of course my dream room will have one. And since by that point I will have my own laptop it will sit nicely and wait for me and only me. Plus that little top drawer will be perfect for my chocolate stash. I can see it now with our lime green desk chair that I will, of course, keep for myself.

And maybe a great bookcase like this one. Or several of them lining one wall. All filled with books and other things that I love. And it will never gather dust, cause dreams work that way.

And there will be a sign on the door.

*sigh*

A girl can dream...

supers

This morning we got to skype with Mr. and Mrs. Incredible.

You didn't know I was raised by superheroes did you?

ch-ch-ch-changes

Right now it seems like each day is full of changes. The boys, especially Judah, are constantly changing. Our routine is slowly changing and becoming much more manageable. Most of all I'm making changes for myself. I've talked about how I'm working on diet and exercise changes...this week has been the best yet...but I've decided I need to do a few more things.

I finally packed up the bulk of my maternity clothes. There are still a few things that I'm keeping out cause they look like real clothes and I don't have any 'in between' things to wear so I'm trying to make it work. But I felt like as long as they were taking up room in my closet I would feel less like trying to get in my other stuff. Also since Judah is now sleeping till 8 in the morning I have time to get up, work out, have a quiet time, shower and put on real clothes. I think part of my problem while being a SAHM is that I wear sweats and comfy stuff almost ALL the time. This gives me very little motivation to lose weight and keep it off. If I'm getting dressed in actual outfits then I'll know if that pair of pants or top is not looking and/or feeling so hot. I've also kinda used the excuse that living here it's kinda a waste to get dressed everyday, but I think that's just a lie I've been telling myself. So this week I've been doing it, complete with make up an jewelry. Nothing fancy but a little eye make up and a pair of earrings has done me a lot of good. I'm sure it won't be an everyday thing but so far so good.

So between getting in a good workout, a good Word, and feeling good, I'm going to do my best to make these changes last.

30 by 30: 1 down, 5 to go

Today marks 5 months to my 30th birthday. This first month of my 30 by 30 has been a lot about figuring out how to get back into a good exercise routine and adjusting my caloric intake to allow slow and healthy weight loss and at the same time not effecting my milk supply. I think I'm just about there. I'm still working on the food thing. I'm mostly snacking on fruit during the day, getting in enough veggie servings and watching my portions. I've just sucked it up and bought some skim milk powder. I've really been resisting that because powdered milk is just gross to me but the only fresh milk we can get is super high in fat. Plus I haven't been getting enough calcium for sure. So now I'm left with my final two vices...chocolate and peanut butter. This is where I have to be extremely disciplined and practice moderation. I started buying my own jar of peanut butter so I can monitor exactly how much I'm eating. I know that sounds weird but by doing that I can in no way blame the empty jar on the boys. I also have a small stash of dark chocolate. If I feel that urge come over me I allow myself one little square. It's been working to keep me from bingeing. I know eventually even those things will have to be cut out way more but I'm working my way down. :)

I also finally have a good morning routine to make sure I get in a workout at least 5 days a week. Judah's schedule now has him getting up at 8 so I can get in a workout, quiet time and shower all before he is up. Sometimes Kirby and Bennett are up but I have gotten over my embarrassment of working out in front of people and just let them watch if they are up. Kirby has even done some Ab Assault right along with me. Watch out for my ripped 4 year old son! Currently I'm doing Ab Assault (from Core Secrets with Gunner Peterson) MWF and then some sort of cardio workout TThS and getting Sundays off. I'm starting out focusing on my abs mostly to help take the strain off my back which has been giving me trouble for years. After three c-sections that is a big problem area for me. I'm hoping to work up to do the 30 Day Shred with Jillian Michaels and then my big push for the last 3 months will be P90X...oh my!

So all in all I'm happy with month one. My plan is to work up slowly so as not to burn out too early. This is going to be a long process since even after I get that first 30 off there is more I want to work on. More on a healthier me to come!!!

satisfaction

I'm doing a short little study and today I got this good word as a part of it.

You open Your hand and satisfy the desire of every living thing.

The Lord is righteous in all His ways and kind in all His deeds.

The Lord is near to all who call upon Him, to all who call upon Him in truth.

He will fulfill the desire of those who fear Him; He will also hear their cry and will save them.

The Lord keeps all who love Him, but all the wicked He will destroy.

My mouth will speak the praise of the Lord, and all flesh will bless His holy name forever and ever.

Psalms 145: 16-21

This was just part of todays lesson but when I got to this particular scripture it just really made me think. So many times I have come to a point of realizing that I am focusing WAY too much on material and worldly things to find satisfaction. The new furniture set. A new outfit or purse or pair of shoes. Being out of debt. Getting to that next life stage. The list could go on and on. Today I really realized that although I know in my mind that I will only feel truly satisfied through Christ my heart is still a bit tardy on the subject. The same is true for many aspects of my life but I think this is something that all people wrestle with. Everybody wants to be satisfied in life. Isn't that one of the main human goals?

There is no satisfaction apart from the Lord. When I read this great passage in Psalms it started to burn into my heart a little bit more what the Lord does to give me satisfaction. Sometimes he does satisfy through the provision of material things...there is nothing wrong with a new anything or whatever. But what I must do is call upon Him, fear Him, love Him, and praise Him. Each of those things could be a blog all on their own but I will be meditating on each of these, how they lead to satisfaction through the Lord and praying for my heart to catch up with my mind.

9 years

Nine years ago today Stan and I made the decision to take a new step in our relationship. We had known each other for a year and in that time went from not getting along so much (more on my part) to being good friends. We were both having that feeling of more than friendship for a while, but you know how it goes, we were both afraid to admit it. I wouldn't even admit it to my best friends who would tease and I would deny. Finally Stan took the step and told me he didn't want to just 'date' me but pursue me as his wife. This was either the complete true or a VERY clever way to get me to start dating him. :) Whichever it was, it worked. I am so thankful in the Godly way that Stan pursued me and has continued to pursue me to this day.

Nine years ago I don't think either of us could imagine what was in store. I was 20, yes T-W-E-N-T-Y! What on earth or heaven did I know?!?! I'm glad I knew enough to take Stan up on his offer, that's for sure. Stan I love you and I look forward to many more years of our adventure. I love you!

date night

So tonight, for the first time in a long time, Stan and I are getting to go on a date. Three very brave singles have agreed to babysit for us so we can go without even having to take Judah. M, one of my friends here, is in charge of Judah by default because she is female and the two guys, G and J, will be here for Kirby and Bennett crowd control. We don't have a plan as far as where we will go or what we will do but it doesn't really matter. I'm planning to let the boys, and sitters, enjoy some KFC (still our only fast food, and I'm making them eat left over green beans with their chicken burger and fries) and watch movies with popcorn or whatever else their little hearts desire. I don't even care if they get in bed on time (well I do care if Judah gets in bed, but he's easy at bedtime, I just hope M makes it through his fussy time before hand). I'm kinda hoping that a little bit later bed time could possibly get the boys to sleep in tomorrow morning. I doubt it but there is always positive thinking.

Now, Stan needs to get home, get rested up and we are on our way....hurry up date night!

loaves and fishes

I heard a good word last week and I just had to share. Someone had read through the story of the loaves and fishes, I think most people are at least somewhat familiar with the story, even if they have only been to church a handful of times in their life. Anyway, he said that for the first time reading that story he got something more than just the story of an incredible miracle. We know that even though there were only five loaves of bread and two fish, Christ and His disciples where able to feed thousands, probably more than 10 including women and children, with no problem. So even if I have only a little to offer, God can do something miraculous. You may be thinking, ok, so? Most of us get that.

The revelation comes to see that God does not expect me to do the miraculous. He doesn't need me to try to get out there and write some amazing book about some aspect of Christian life, or be able to speak in a way that makes the Gospel clear to the masses and bring them to Him, or any other 'big' thing, all I have to do is be faithful in the small tasks he calls me to do. Even changing diapers and wiping noses. Even just sharing with one neighbor about the love that He has given me and how it has changed my life. Even just having a servant's heart towards my husband. That's all I have to do. God will do the rest. My name may never be known outside of my family and circle of friends but it doesn't matter. The most important person knows it and I will be faithful in the small things He asks of me.

I'm ready to fry up my fish (cause how else do you serve it when you are from the South) and butter the bread and wait on Him to do with it what He wills.

Oprah

First I should say that for many years I haven't really enjoyed watching the Oprah show. I have nothing against her personally. How could I? I've never met her. I feel that she is a good person. She gives to charity and does many things to help others but I dislike that she has become someone that people look to as THE authority on almost everything. She is knowledgeable about many things but it seems that she gets the credit when it is due to another. It just bothers me. I saw this video on FB earlier today and it instantly grabbed my attention and I had to watch it. I can't get it off my mind. As I've been mulling it over several things started to weigh heavy on my heart. Everyone has the right to their opinion about God and religion in general. I believe Christ is the only way to heaven but I am not naive enough to think that even someone reading this blog feels differently...that's a discussion for another day. There were a couple of things that I thought were particularly disturbing and inaccurate from this video.

--The first thing was her comment about God being a jealous God. He absolutely is, it says so in Exodus 34:14 (and other places), but not jealous in the way that Oprah has interpreted. It clearly says that God is NOT jealous of us as individuals, as Oprah stated, but that He is jealous for us when we love something more than we love Him. He created each of us for His glory, honor and praise and for no other reason. His jealously is of a person, place or thing taking His place in our life.

--The other thing that bothered me was what she said about God being a feeling experience not a believing experience. I not only believe in God but I believe God. I believe the promises that He lays forth in His word. According to what is said in the video if we still have to believe in God then it's not truly God. Because of editing it doesn't show whether or not this is a statement she agrees with but I have to be honest, that doesn't even make sense to me! (And I watched it several times.) Everybody believes in something, even if just themselves, so if you believe in something then it isn't truly that? Or maybe the author only feels this way pertaining to belief in God. Either way it sounds like talking in circles to me and I'm left with a big, Huh?!?

I know that this is a video created to campaign agaist Oprah and her 'church' (is that really what it's called? remember I'm out of the loop for American TV) and I know that there is a good chance there are some things that are taken out of context. I'm not going to even begin to research each statement in this video to verify it's truth. But the jealousy thing came directly from her mouth during dialog that was not edited in any way. If she has been incorrectly taught during her church experiences then shame on those Pastors and I believe they will answer for that but I hate to hear things misrepresented, especially by someone who has so much influence over society.

I am a conservative evangelical Christian, and I am not ashamed. I feel that Christ teaches a message of love and respect to all people, of every belief and every background. My purpose in this is not to have my own hand in bashing Oprah. I simply felt that these two things were expressed in a false or confusing way and my heart couldn't rest easy until I wrote about it. I welcome comments whatever your belief but I ask that you remain respectful to me as well as others.

State Fair

It's that time again! Since October is Fair time of year and most of us foreigners come from an area that has a pretty decent State or County fair we like to hold our own. Last year was the first and it was so much fun we decided to make it a yearly event. Maybe it's just an excuse to make really fattening fried food but it was still a blast. You can see more pictures of the boys having fun here, but I thought I would run down the list of our State Fair menu (the first two items are our contributions).

-Sausage with peppers and onions

-Deep fried Snickers

-Caramel Apples

-Pretzels

-Corn on the cob

-Apple Pie

-Brownies

-Smokies

-Funnel Cake

-Grilled Chicken on a stick

-Root Beer Floats

-Hong Kong style beef noodles

(HK doesn't have a fair but we decided if it did, beef noodles would definitely be sold.)

-Pepto Bismol (ok, maybe that was just for me)

Add in some candy and a few games for the younger children and you've got a fun evening. So what I need to know is what was the new thing on the menu at the Fair this year? We've got to keep up when we plan for next year!

4 things

I wrote this last Wednesday after a public tag. I thought, wow, what a great post idea...I'll take that tag. So I wrote it and then before I could publish our internet went out. I kept hoping it would come back on its own since Stan was out of town and we had a really busy weekend coming up but no such luck. Thankfully there is no such thing as the weekend here so Stan went this afternoon and we are back in business.

So here are my 4 things.

1. tell me something great as of late


2. tell me something hard as of late


3. tell me something about your family


4. tell me something about your friends

1. Tell me something great as of late—Wireless Internet.

We finally got our router to work. Right now I’m sitting on my comfy bed, watching a movie (Elf, I told you I’m ready for Christmas) and blogging. This is oh so relaxing. When I finish I’m going to set the laptop aside and close my eyes for a few minutes. Ahhhh.

(This is slightly ironic since minutes later we lost all internet.

I am still super excited we have wireless though.)

2. Tell me something hard as of late—Life.

This has proven to be our most challenging season to date. With all the new changes around here we wanted to be sure we were thriving and not just surviving. We had the opportunity to talk with a comp. councilor this week and it was so wonderful. He gave us the best, most practical marriage and parenting advice/ideas I’ve ever heard. He really encouraged us. PTL for Godly wisdom!

3. Tell me something about your family—Good. Bad. Funny.

Good: Judah is smiling and laughing so much. He makes the whole family smile just looking at him. He’s 15.5 lbs of pure joy.

Bad: Bennett is having major sleep issues. The sleep thing is bad, not Bennett himself. Going down for naps and going to sleep at night is a battle, plus he’s up several times during the night. Since Judah is now sleeping 9 hours at night I’m tempted to have him give Bennett a sleeping tutorial.

Funny: Kirby told me today that when Judah gets bigger we are going to have a girl. Are we now? Apparently God has given him some insight that He hasn’t chosen to give me. Hmmm….

4. Tell me something about your friends—Near or far I can't live without them.

This part changed slightly since my original writing. I was so excited that a good friend that lives in a different city was coming to spend a week with us but plans had to change and she isn't able to come visit anymore. Sadness. :(

But, I still feel totally blessed by the friends that I have living here and back in the States. It is just amazing to have friends that are praying for me through this hard season of life and friends that encourage and turn me to the Word of God. I'm so blessed.

Now I'm passing along the tag. I want to hear your 4 things.