It's a wintry weekend, that's for sure! Temperatures have dropped, snow is being blown hither and yon, you can hear the trees and wind moan outside the windows.

But it's warm inside!

I've enjoyed more than a couple things these past few days:

• Hot chocolate with toast
• A new and VERY comfortable rocking chair
• A big ball to sit and roll around on
• Good books to read
• Meals with family and friends
• Hearing the baby's hearbeat at a steady 140 beats per minute
• Still feeling the kid kick around (which is comforting at this point)
• Drinking grapefruit juice
• Having some extra time with M.
• Eating some really good Indian breakfasts
• Getting a load of newborn clothes and blankets washed and organized
• Having a few spurts of lovely heartburn
• Being thankful for our warm house and cozy carpets (and handy bathroom too!)
• Looking forward to a friend's baby shower
• Just enjoying the season

May you enjoy the year end and the new year beginning too!

Book Review: God Loves Me...

Recently I received another book in the mail to read. This time was kind of exciting because it was a kid's book! I read it in about 5 minutes. Then, I thought that's not fair, I'd better read it to some kids too, to see if they liked it or not. So, I was glad it was Christmas weekend...there were lots of kids around to "test" it out :)

First, it's a nice kid's book in that it is NOT wordy. Some books have too many words per page. Not this one. Plus, it's written in rhyme which makes it fun.

The pictures were a big hit.....from Elephants dancing and hippos in mud puddles, to girraffes sticking out of a semi-truck. Those were the kids' favorites.

It's basically a book emphasizing that God's love is MORE than anything we can imagine....bigger, deeper, wider, heavier, softer, and higher. It's based off of Ephesians 3:17-19, "how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ..."

I do like how at the end of the book, it reminds us that not only does God love us, we should love Him back too, and that His love lasts our whole life.

So, I guess I'd describe it as a "Sweet" book. Maybe not the most theologically deep book you'll find, but depending on the reader, it can lead you to some great reminders and thoughts.

Every kid I read it to (ages 2-5), easily sat through the whole reading, and enjoyed the pictures. Is it one of their favorite books? I don't know. I think it's one they would hear again, but maybe not the kind they'd choose off a bookshelf of other choices. Only time will tell that part!

If you'd like to find this book, it is sold on Amazon here.


*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Waterbrook Press as part of their blogger book review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255 "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."*

A Mousy Project

Keeping things simple this year, I was able to make these fun little mice for a nursing home. I haven't done this project in years!

It was fun, and I finished feeling quite accomplished :) Just some felt scraps, a glue gun, some googly-eyes, candy canes, and papers.
It started off with one for the mailman, then adding a couple with my neighbor girl, and then done 26 later! ha

Now, to just get them delivered on time!

Haven't Done Much

This year I haven't done much in the way of anything seasonal. This morning I particularly felt like I've just let the holiday "come what may."

• Part of that is I just didn't plan ahead.
• Part of that is situational right now.

But today, I felt a little dissapointed that I haven't done more to change my "whatever" attitude. I had done a little decorating, but not as much as years before (and that too was minimal) but that also means minimal clean up :)

This year I just put my snowflakes on my mirror instead of hanging them up....no chair climbing for me at that point. Plus, my beautiful Poinsettias that I picked out are looking worse-for-the-wear, which I guess is really normal for my houseplants, but still, they should've done better! :)

Once again this year I neglected to get my act together and do my version of the Jesse Tree. But, I read over my notes and added some more stories and details, so each year I am more prepared for the year I actually DO it! ha

But, this morning, I felt like I should really do a couple small things in my house to at least add some flavor to my day!

• I hung up a couple more decorations.
• I made some fudge.
• I wrote out some cards and got them in the mail.
• And I dug out my nice Christmas CD.

There is freshly fallen snow out my window, and I think today looks like a nice day to go for a walk and then take a cozy nap!

May you also be enjoying the season!

A New Arrival

We have a new addition to our household. No, it's not the January edition, that's still coming. This one is smaller and tidier.

Ta-da:

Yes, we have a landline now! :)

After doing some calculating and lots of discussion and research, we decided it would work out great for us to get a landline.

Call it sentiment. Call it nostalgia. But I'm really enjoying it!

I like having an answering machine that I can stand and push a button and listen to a message....nothing glued to my ear.

I like hearing it ring throughout the house.

I like the caller ID.

I like answering it.

I like having a larger phone to hold in my hand.

Call me crazy, but if I was able to find an old hook-and-line phone I probably would have got it.....the old fashioned ones with the heavy handset and click-clack dialer. But, the cordless is really much more practical at this point, so we stuck with that!

So if I sound particularly chipper when I answer your phone call, you now know why. If I don't, well, chalk that up to lack of sleep! :)

When Company Comes: A Re-Post on Pretty Tables

Knowing that Thanksgiving meals are coming up soon, I thought it would be nice to re-post this blog from my archives. I still like these ideas, and once again, have tried a couple this fall! Enjoy!

There is something so attractive to me about making table settings pretty and using fall beauty! Here are some favorites from 3 different sites:

This, in my opinion, is fantastic, but would definitely NOT go on a table! Maybe on the piano?:)

I like this chocolate bar idea! :)

Wishbones! How interesting!

This picture is for the pats of butter, cut out in cookie cutter leaf shapes!

And using edible name tags! Hmmm....

This one is just funky!

And I actually really like this, more than a wreath. :) I think I could do this!

And I wonder how this would look in our dining room???

And color....I just love bright colors.

Rocks. Plain and simple.

But individual arrangements? That's cute.

And a bouquet doesn't just have to be flowers....greenery works too!

For how to do any of these, as well as more pictures and ideas, check out these links:
Better Homes and Gardens

Martha Stewart

Country Living

Book Review: The Strategically Small Church

Another book I've had the pleasure of reading recently is The Strategically Small Church, by Brandon O'Brien.

This book is very well written making reading it a breeze. I believe it only took me a couple days to finish it. (Plus I was very interested in the topic presented)

The book is written with the purpose of encouraging those in small churches to look at the positives rather than the negatives. It also is written for those in ministry, to stimulate a different approach to traditions, standards, expectations, and programs.

I found his interviews and opinions quite intriguing, and wrote down many quotes for me to think about and "chew" on later, such as,

I very much enjoyed this book, and have already shared it with a couple others. I am curious as to their opinion on it, since I wonder if it was so relevant to me since it was a very familiar topic to me since childhood.

Either way, you can check it out of course either at Amazon.com or CBD.com.

*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Bethany House Publishers as part of their blogger book review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255 "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."*

"...every community has needs. Loving our neighbors means considering their needs - not just adopting the latest trend - before we launch our ministry initiatives."

"We must recognize and acknowledge that God is at work even when and where our church is not."

"If a small church finds out that the key to success for a larger church in town is short, exciting sermons, they shouldn't give up their long an dweighty sermons simply to attract new people. These are important issues that are a matter of remaining faithful to God and His commands. If we change the way we understand these things, it should be because our convictions about God's revelation have changed and not because current trends are now leading in a new direction."

"As a small group, look at what you CAN do because you are small rather than what you CAN'T do."

Book Review: Beyond Opinion

Okay, so I have some Book Reviewing to really catch up on!

Here's one that was a hard read, but good too: Beyond Opinion by Ravi Zacharias.

If you know anything about Ravi Zacharias, you know that he is a Christian apologist and deep thinker. We've enjoyed watching some of his debate clips on YouTube.com, where we were first introduced to him.

Anyway, he and his team wrote this book about Living the Faith We Defend.

It's broken into chapters per topic addressed, such as Hinduism, Atheism, Post-Modernism, etc. and is basically a book written about answering the difficult questions we all have in a thoughtful, logical, and gentle manner.

This book is NOT a fast read, nor light reading. Hence the late review! It's the kind of book that I will keep on hand and re-read again, since it takes a while for this sort of writing and argumentation to sink into my brain.

It is on my recommendation list though. If you'd like to find it, you can purchase it on Amazon.com or CBD.com.

*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from BookSneeze.com as part of their blogger book review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255 "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."*

Still here

Ah, I'm still here. Just haven't taken much time for blogging recently! There are many things on my to-do-list as of late, and this one falls to the bottom of the list every time :) Maybe I can do better in the coming weeks...

Here are some recent happenings:

Had Company, and then went to visit Ula 

 Enjoyed the first snow and the pretty frost

Had my Christmas Cactus bloom for the first time in 2 years! 

Worked on some fun craft projects

Plus some napping, choring, reading, writing, searching, walking, resting, playing and in general Very Much Enjoying This Season of Life!

When Company Comes....Table Inspiration

I found these ideas over at MarthaStewart.com

When Company Comes....Cook!

Yum yum yum. I think homemade cinnamon rolls are one of the tastiest things ever....warm.....carmally...fresh. *sigh*

I've been looking at and bookmarking some recipes to have on hand for when we have overnight guests. Most of these I've found related to Christmas time, but the pictures sure make me drool!

Presentation adds so much to the dining experience!

But for some inspiration, just check out these sites:

• Walnut Lane Inn's recipe collection and pictures
• About.com's crockpot & freezer breakfast recipes
• Allrecipes.com roll recipe
• FoodNetwork's Christmas Morning Cinnamon Rolls

Or, to really make your appetite kick in, type in "overnight breakfast recipes" into Google and then click the Images tab to see a bunch of delicious looking breakfasts!

Happy Cooking!

Cleaning

The other day I was looking up tips and such on keeping things clean. Mostly it inspires me to do a better job, and now that I have a few more hours in my day, I'm doing much better at that. :)

My new mentality I'm trying ('cause I got lazy) is that "a meal isn't over till the dishes are done." I don't know about you, but that makes for some looooong meals at our house :) Sometimes I'm not even done with "breakfast" till I'm starting supper. But, it's working. Slowly but surely. I guess that's the way discipline and/or a new habit are anyway.

I've really enjoyed browsing around at Tipnut.com They just have some fun stuff.

But my favorite quote of the week:

"Take a couple minutes a day to run through the bathroom."

Ha ha. Now, just so you know, this little quote was buried amidst a list of "Things you can do in 10 minutes to keep your house clean" or something like that. And really, the list was quite helpful. Until I got to that one.

I know I've wanted to stay active and get moving, but "running" through my bathroom for 2 minutes....weeelllll.....that one kind of stretches my imagination. I'm pretty sure I'd have to make about 50 three foot laps to even make it to one minute,  though if you add in the amounts of toe-stubs and door bangings I'd end up doing, maybe that would make up the time. But either way, I'm not sure that the goal would be accomplished. :)

But it was great for a laugh anyway :) Now off to cleaning....

To try sometime....

I want to bake these sometime....soon too....

Bagels

( I have the cream cheese already....)

Soft Pretzels

(And I have parmesan cheese....)

English Muffins

(Now all I need is the time)

Week 18...

I had the first ultrasound last week. That was nice, but not as cool as hearing the heartbeat the first time. :) The kiddo is still pretty relaxed in there, and I haven't felt alot of movement yet.

Things from this week....

• Rice Bags are wonderful for head colds
• Colds are not so fun to have at this time of year
• Mint Ice Cream is certainly delicious
• Sun sensitivity is in high gear
• Part time hours are wonderful
• That keeping active is definitely something I almost have to "schedule"
• That resting is also something I have to practice (as in, not writing, reading, but actually sleeping)
• That there really is something to this "emotional hormone" thing, though I'm still skeptical
• I realize that in order to use this season and enjoy it to it's full extent, I really need to be purposeful! And that's harder done than said.
• That I have a new "to-read" book list
• That it's nice to have vaccuumed floors and a clean table :)

And for some reason, the description of "How big is baby" for this week just struck me as funny: "Your baby's ears are now sticking out from the head."

hahaha :) Sure paints a funny picture doesn't it? (I know what they mean, but STILL! ha)

When Company Comes : A peek in the past

I've told you before about the old book my sister gave me, "Betty Crocker's Easy Guide to Entertaining."

Everytime I read it, I have such fun. There really are some great ideas in it, but some of it is so classic. Here is an excerpt for your reading pleasure:

"One of the best cooks I know skips appetizers and serves her first course in the living room before small dinners.  'It really is a time saver. It keeps my guests occupied with something to eat while I am in the kitchen dishing up my main course and getting it to the table. I join my guests with a small serving of the first course for myself, and slip out before they have finished to heat rolls and attend to other last minute duties.' "

"Her first course is always something that can be assembled in advance on separate plates, such as an avocado half filled with mayonnaise and capers, or small aspics, or a crab ravigotte."

"She hands a fork and dinner napkin with each plate. When her main course is on the table, she moves guests to the dining room by saying, 'Shall we go in? Just leave plates, but will you bring your napkin?"

"Later, when she leaves the dining room briefly to get dessert or start coffee, she takes a minute or two to pile the first-course dishes on a tray and take them to the kitchen. This takes only an instant, but leaves the living room cleared as if by magic."

Happy Entertaining!

Here are some interesting recipes from this book that you might like to try (but not me!)

• Hearts of Palm Salad
• Vichyssoise
• Chilled Tomato and Cucumber Soup
• Avocado Mousse
• Olive Creamed Potatoes
• Stuffed Leg of Lamb

When Company Comes: A Schedule

One idea I read once, was posting a "schedule" for the day (for long term guests), either using a blackboard, posterboard, or white board.

Keep it simple, but you could include things like:

• The weather forecast for the day (you know, sunny, cloudy, raining, etc)
• 2-3 Timed events (i.e. Breakfast @ 8, Bike ride at 4pm, Ice cream at 7:30pm)
• A good morning quote

Happenings this week...

At 15 weeks (3 months) I....

• Have caught up on a lot of sleep
• Am not taking evening naps anymore
• Am slowly getting hungrier and hungrier
• Still haven't gained any weight
• Have grown out about an inch or two I suppose (just looks like I'm "pouchy" now)
• Still haven't heard the heartbeat
• But I think I can start to feel it move
• Haven't read any books this week
• But have bookmarked a couple helpful blog posts
• Sometimes get anxious
• Need to drink more water
• Have started making more lists
• Went for a bike ride and didn't fall off

So there you have it. :)

My one dissapointment is I still can't find a heartbeat. My co-worker lent me her stethascope, and we were all excited to hear the heartbeat at home. But, it's been a week now and I still can't find it. I guess it's about as big as an apple now, you'd think I'd be able to locate it! Ah well....I guess I'm still too well "padded." :)

The other kind of fun thing is I think I felt it move today for the first time. Well, I just feel a bit funny while sitting at work, with like burbles & water bubbles doing weird things. Whatever it is, I decided that's what I'll pretend it is at least :)

Blueberries

Blueberry season is here. I am trying my best to get out when I can and pick "gallons."

The only thing is, I might be a fast picker, but I'm a slow cleaner, so I have to pace myself a bit :)

Blueberry Pie.....here we come!

Tasty Treat

• Chocolate pudding
• Whipped Topping (mixed in the above)
• Grahm cracker crust (grahm crackers, butter, sugar, mixed)
• Fresh Strawberries
• Cupcake liners

Congratulations Tracy & Andrew

We went to their wedding, oh about 3 weeks ago now. I'm just a little behind in posting. Plus the fact that when I looked through my pictures, I neglected to take any pictures of the bride, groom, or people, but lots of the cake. Ha! But the cake was pretty too :)

Summer Table Boquets