Honest Scrap Award

Well after two months (has it really been two months!) of not blogging, I almost don't know what to write! Thank you Tricia, for not only awarding me a lovely award, saying nice things about me, but also giving me an easy way back into blogging.

It's not that I don't have things to say. Sean's dad died in October and we had to leave for Idaho. Most of what I would like to write about, I wasn't sure I should. We are going back up in May to finalize some of his estate. Maybe then will be the right time.

Back to the Scrap Award...here are 10 honest things about me. (As if I'd lie to you all!)

1. I am always cold. It might be a thyroid problem, but I'm not sure. The only exception is when it gets over 100 degrees and then I'm too hot to function. I really like it around 75 degrees.

2. I love to read. I read cookbooks cover to cover. I usually read a marriage book or two a year, several christian books dealing with whatever topic I 'd like instruction on, sometimes good fiction, and as much of the Bible as I can. I always read the forward, introduction, notes and footnotes. I just finished up a series of books by N.D. Wilson. They were so fun! I'm also reading Sacred Marriage by Gary Thomas, The Rare Jewel of Christian Contentment by Jeremiah Burroughs, and the Mr. Pipes series with the kids.

3. I pretty much don't eat anything with wheat (or actually gluten) in it. Emily has responded so well to going off gluten. Her rashes all cleared up and she is no longer so so skinny. Even my parents noticed that she just looks and acts healthier. In the whole process, I noticed that I feel much better off gluten. And when I do eat it, it gives me really bad gas, which is probably a sign that I don't digest it that well.

4. I have to wear socks to bed. See number 1.

5. I've always wanted to be a singer. I tried out for a choir group in college and didn't make it. Now I get to live vicariously through my daughter, who has a beautiful voice, (and coincidentally, sings with the same director that I tried out for).

6. I like really dark chocolate. Anything under 60% cacao is too sweet for me.

7. I have horrible handwriting. Teaching my kids has helped. If I really concentrate and practice it's better. But generally when I take notes (like during a sermon), I have my own shorthand. Most of the time I can read it. Usually people tell me I should have been a doctor.

8. I am so incredibly thankful for our church family. If you've read this blog for a while, then you know my "church history". Having experienced loss, makes this present blessing all the more sweet.

9. I really enjoy quiet mornings. With three kids, I need to get up pretty early in order to get them! Lately the sunrises have been so pretty. Reading my Bible, drinking Teeccino/Coffee blend and looking up to a glorious sunrise while the whole house is quiet is such a fabulous way to start the day! In another season of my life, I'd like to add walking in the morning too. Right now, I can't really just leave the house and Sean's schedule is too sporadic to allow me the flexibility to just take off. But one of these days it would be really nice.

10. I really enjoy blogging (even though I go months at times neglecting to write). It has served different purposes at different times in my life. I started blogging 3 1/2 years ago to connect with a friend who lived far away. I made a few new friends during a really difficult time in my life, friends who I still learn from and love to see all the cute pictures of their kids! At other times blogging helped me to connect with some of the women in our church. This past season has been learning about making food gluten free for Emily (and myself) and finally cutting the cord to all processed food. Learning to eat real food, all the time has been really fun and rewarding, but there is a learning curve to be sure and bloggers helped me through it. Who knows what the next season will bring with this blog?

And now, seven other blogs that have inspired me. I'm going to choose ones that have helped me in this transition to eating gluten free. If you or someone you love might have this issue too, or if you would just like some great healthy recipes, I highly recommend their sites.

1. The Nourishing Gourmet- Not necessarily a gluten free blog, but I've gotten so many great recipes that are gluten free. Our recent favorite is the Orange Dream Smoothie. (That's what we call it.)

2. Elana's Pantry - I was fortunate to win a copy of her cookbook, The Gluten Free Almond Flour Cookbook. It has some wonderful recipes! Our favorite is the pancake recipe. It's so good, you'll want to make it even if you can eat wheat flour. She's having another giveaway of her cookbook and a 5 lb bag of almond flour. If I happen to win again, I'll put the extra copy up for a giveaway on this blog. She has giveaways every Friday and always links to others that are giving away her cookbook. I highly recommend her site! Click here to learn more about her cookbook.

3. Gluten Free Easily - Shirley has some great recipes on her site. We made Pomegranate ice cream for Christmas. Yum!

4. Gluten Free Girl and The Chef - I read the book, then found the blog. Funny, with lots of great recipes. Not necessarily always healthy, but if you want gluten free to taste wonderful, Shauna has probably already tested the recipes for you a dozen times. The ginger molasses cupcakes are so good, you'd never know they're gluten free.

5. Gluten Free Goddess - Karina has a lot of great looking recipes that I'm itching to try, but her most helpful page to me so far has been her Gluten Free baking tips and substitutions guideline. If you don't have a particular flour and want to try a recipe anyway, she explains just how to do it. Very helpful.

6. Kitchen Stewardship - Katie is not a gluten free blogger. But she is interested in "real" healthy food. And she does her homework. If you're interested in reading up on how canola oil stacks up, check her blog out. She also gives away really fun prizes.

7. The Whole Life Nutrition Kitchen - I've saved my favorite for last. I won their cookbook too! (Can you tell God has been very good to me lately?!) And not only are the recipes really good, healthy and easy, but they are explained in a way that helps you to understand why that particular food is good for you and in what ways it will help you. Plus all the recipes are dairy free (which we need) and egg and soy free (for those with multiple allergies). Ali and Tom will introduce you to new foods like Teff, a grain that is high in iron, and fiber. Spiced Teff cookie bars. Yum!

If you've been nominated and you would like to participate, the Rules are:

1. Leave a word of thanks for the person of nominated you, and link to their blog.

2. List 10 honest things about yourself.

3. Nominate 7 other blogs who have inspired you for one reason or another.

Win a Book or a Doll!

After a recommendation from my friend Leslie, I bought the book Mesi: A Girl 'n' Grace for Amy. She really enjoyed the book. Well, now you can win two new books from Pam Davis the author, Sydney Claire: A Girl ’n Grace in the 1960’s and Mesi’s Season of Change: A Friendship Story, by letting people know about this contest.

Here's how to win:

To win one of these dolls participants must submit a story about their best teachable grace moment with a child in their life to mystory@girlsngrace.com. They also must include the name or link to the blog that they read about the contest on. Pam Davis will read the entries and pick a winner.

To "win" the two new books, post about the contest on your blog, and then send the link from your blog post to ajennings@tbbmedia.com





Here are the official Rules:

• All individual entries must be submitted by December 17 to mystory@girlsngrace.com
• Participants must include a story about a teachable grace moment
• Stories will be 400 words or less
• All entries must include the name of the blog site on which they saw the contest posted
• Bloggers may enter their stories as well, but may not win both dolls
• All entries may be reprinted/reposted by Girls ‘n Grace and Authentic
• Entries should include preference of Sydney Clair or Mesi doll
• Pam Davis will pick the best story and the winner of the contest and notify the winner

Blogger participation

• Each blogger posting the contest will receive 1 copy of each of the fall releases once they forward the link to ajennings@tbbmedia.com
• The blog site with the most number of contest entries will receive one Girls ’n Grace doll to keep for themselves or turn around for another contest on their site
• Dolls will be shipped to arrive on December 23.
  

To learn more about the Girls 'n' Grace series go to their website girlsngrace.com.

Silly Quiz

Alicia did this quiz over at her blog. Since I haven't blogged about much of anything (for a whole month!) I did the quiz too. It is uncanny how much this describes me. But, I have learned to say no, I don't buy into the whole self-esteem bit, and my husband says I need a better sense of humor. Otherwise it's spot on.

You Are a Doris!





You are a Doris -- "I must help others."
Dorises are warm, concerned, nurturing, and sensitive to other people's needs.

How to Get Along with Me
* Tell me that you appreciate me. Be specific.
* Share fun times with me.
* Take an interest in my problems, though I will probably try to focus on yours.
* Let me know that I am important and special to you.
* Be gentle if you decide to criticize me.

In Intimate Relationships
* Reassure me that I am interesting to you.
* Reassure me often that you love me.
* Tell me I'm attractive and that you're glad to be seen with me.

What I Like About Being a Doris
* being able to relate easily to people and to make friends
* knowing what people need and being able to make their lives better
* being generous, caring, and warm
* being sensitive to and perceptive about others' feelings
* being enthusiastic and fun-loving, and having a good sense of humor

What's Hard About Being a Doris
* not being able to say no
* having low self-esteem
* feeling drained from overdoing for others
* not doing things I really like to do for myself for fear of being selfish
* criticizing myself for not feeling as loving as I think I should
* being upset that others don't tune in to me as much as I tune in to them
* working so hard to be tactful and considerate that I suppress my real feelings

Dorises as Children Often
* are very sensitive to disapproval and criticism
* try hard to please their parents by being helpful and understanding
* are outwardly compliant
* are popular or try to be popular with other children
* act coy, precocious, or dramatic in order to get attention
* are clowns and jokers (the more extroverted Dorises), or quiet and shy (the more introverted Dorises)

Dorises as Parents
* are good listeners, love their children unconditionally, and are warm and encouraging (or suffer guilt if they aren't)
* are often playful with their children
* wonder: "Am I doing it right?" "Am I giving enough?" "Have I caused irreparable damage?"
* can become fiercely protective

Lost Links

Sorry I haven't posted much here lately. Blogging seems to go in waves for me. For a time I have a lot to share and time to write, and then other times it's pretty slow.

I was looking back over some ideas that I had started to write about but never finished. Almost all of my drafts were links to other web sites that I meant to come back and comment on, but never got a chance.

So here are some great links. Food, friends, my pastor's preaching. It's all good stuff. Enjoy!

Pork Tenderloin with Rosemary-Orange glaze

Speaking of food, does anyone want to try this idea with me?

A little late for this years Valentine's day, but this article is a good one to deal with expectations in marriage throughout the year.

We went through these questions with some good friends on New Years (I told you I was behind!) But they are great for reflection at any time, a birthday, or start of the summer would be perfect too.

My friend Alicia has a gift for poetry. This one spoke to me awhile back.

This past Sunday (OK, it was in October!) our pastor preached about God's amazing grace. It was so helpful and encouraging. You can listen to the sermon here. It may take a minute to get started, but it's worth it.

Guest Blogging

Today I am guest blogging over at my good friend Jessica's blog. She is doing a series on the challenges of motherhood. You can read what I have written here.

Comments

Of course, all bloggers love comments. It's really the only way you know that someone read what you wrote. Plus there's usually good encouragement or discussion. However.... If I commented on every blog post that my friends wrote, I would never get my dishes done.

I was out of town this week, visiting my nephew Noah, who just turned one. When I came back there were 49 emails and 55 blog posts. Yikes! I gave myself an hour and got caught up. But, I didn't comment much. So I just wanted to tell you all that I did read your blogs this week. Thanks for sharing all the great posts, cute pictures and thoughtful insights. Sorry that I didn't comment much. Now I have to go do the dishes!

Four

Four jobs I have had in my life: Mom/Home educator, Lab Assistant, Food Service Director for a Christian Camp, checker at a grocery store

Four movies I've watched more than once: The Princess Bride, Star Wars (The old ones), Anne of Green Gables, Most Preschool Videos

Four places I've lived: Different places in California, sorry, no specifics on the blog =)

Four TV shows I watch: I don't watch TV


Four places I have been: Ireland, Germany, Canada, Boston

Four places I want to go someday: France, Maine, Vermont, Italy

Four favorite foods: I like a lot of foods, so I'm having a hard time with this one! But I really like fresh, seasonal, home made food that has complex flavors. I also love dessert.

Four places I'd rather be right now: I actually really like where I am. I can't think of a place I'd rather be. The struggle I have is with situations, not places. (Thanks Joanna for the suggestion of Phil 4:8!)

Four places I love to shop: Farmers Market, Trader Joes, Timberdoodle, Ebay

Four Places I always go: Church, the library, Karate, Art Class

Four people who always email me: The Flylady (she'll email you too if you sign up!), Alicia, Sean (from work), Cat

Four people who will respond (to this meme): I have no idea! You can do it if you want to.

Check This Out!

Our pastor has a new blog! Check it out here.

Unplugged

My mom is coming for a visit so I'll be off- line for awhile.

Deals

I've been following some of the coupon deals over at Money Saving Mom. This week I got free shampoo, rinse, Advil, toothbrushes, toothpaste and deodorant (for Amy). Actually, I spent $13.68 and got a coupon for $26.98 (like a rebate) to use at my next visit on anything I want. So really I made $13.30. I just followed the links that MSM gave me. The poor cashier. Some of the coupons didn't take at first, so I showed him the small print that said that they should. He was very confused. My older kids were getting embarrassed. Emily was throwing a tantrum. So while it was fun to get free stuff, I'm not sure how much more of this I'll do. It's a lot of work, even if MSM does the front work for you.

At Walgreens I got free makeup and almost free air freshener. They were out of the coupon special one so they offered to give me any other brand for the same deal. Again, the cashier was flustered. When you're stacking coupons it gets confusing. He was shaking his head as he rung up the freshener at $.49 and $.01. All total I spent $1.43 at Walgreens.

But the deal I was happiest about, because it was free, because no coupons were involved, because the lady begged me to take more, because she wasn't flustered but extremely cheerful as she gave them to me, was my free 5 gallon buckets with lids. The bakery at Albertsons gets their frosting in these buckets and they throw them away when their done. I called ahead and asked for one. When I got there they had three all rinsed out with my name on them. The bakers were glad that someone was going to put them to good use. (I'll use them to store my grain for bread baking.)

Free Stuff

I found a blog with all kinds of links to free stuff and good coupons. Check out Money Saving Moms here. Posted earlier today was a link to a free download of G.A. Henty's With Lee In Virginia. I'm also taking to the store a coupon for a 12 pack of retractable sharpies for $2. Not two dollars off, but $2 cost at Office Max.

Excellent Blogs

Leslie over at Lux Venit gave me an award for having an excellent blog. Thanks, Leslie! It's a treat, because this is my 200th post.

As part of receiving this award, I get to award 10 other bloggers for having an excellent blog. Here are the rules.

“By accepting this Excellent Blog Award, you have to award it to 10 more people who’s blogs you find Excellent Award worthy. You can give it to as many people as you want but please award at least 10. Thank you out there for having such great blogs and being such great friends! You deserve this! Feel free to award people who have already been awarded."

All of the women I chose write about living life to bring glory to God as they seek to know Him more, and love their husbands and children. That in itself is enough to make their blogs excellent. But I have also enjoyed their individual personalities, talents and gifts. I'm pleased to award...

1. Fishkids (Jessica) for her Christ centered writing about home and family. Jessica has lots of great tips, recipes and thoughts on living life with (soon to be) six little ones, keeping it real and lots of fun.

2. Only By Grace (Jenn) for all her great links to helpful sermons and articles.

3. On An Enchanted Journey (Bethany) for her enthusiastic love of life and her savior. She is also a wonderful photographer!

4. Shoot For Eternity (Alicia) for her beautiful poetry.

5. Crafty Mama (Kristen) for her faith inspiring adoption journey.

6. Mercy Days (Kim) for making me laugh and think deep thoughts all at once.

7. Our Amazing Grace (Leigh) for her humble, passionate love for Jesus.

8. A Joyful Army of Six (Cara) for her excellent writing on many tough subjects. Cara also has many great recipes for those with allergies.

9. Dance By the Light (Danielle) for being someone who reminds me of Edith Schaffer (author of The Hidden Art of Homemaking) bringing beauty to the everyday. She also has the cutest little twin boys!

10. Ordinary Mother (Laurie) for always keeping the gospel central in her posts. She also has quite a repertuare of impressive cakes.

Thank you for spurring me on and encouraging me with your blogging. Keep up the good work!

7 Things

Alicia tagged me to write 7 weird things about myself. I've done a few meme's like this one so if you want to read more just click on the "blogging" label and they'll show up.


1. I really like math. I always have. It makes sense to me and there is always a correct answer.


2. For several years I was a Vegan. Then when I was pregnant with Evan (and back to eating eggs and dairy) I craved red meat even though I threw up every time I ate it. I've never gone back to being Vegetarian since.


3. My hands are always cold. I have no idea why.


4. When I was younger, I really liked to rock climb. I don't have opportunity to do it now, and I'm not in shape enough to anyway, but.... Rappelling is so much fun!


5. I hate the water. I don't like to swim, or boat, or ski. I think that's even partly why I don't like dishes. I really don't like getting wet.


6. When I was 17 I had gout in my right foot. I was on crutches for a week. It was so painful.


7. I didn't get my drivers licence until I was 19 because I was too scared to drive.

Christmas Meme

1. Wrapping paper or gift bags?

Wrapping paper with fancy ribbon. When we were first married, I tried to use the cheap curly ribbon and Sean asked me if I could please use nice ribbon. I'm sure he doesn't even remember that conversation, but now I like to use the ribbon that has wired edges.

2. REAL OR FAKE TREE?

Real! I grew up with 17 foot tall REAL trees. The tradition dies hard.

3. When do you put up the tree?

Varies, depends on Sean's schedule and when he has some free time.

4. When do you take the tree down?

A few days after Christmas

5. Do you like eggnog?

Love it!

6. Favorite gift received as a child?

I have no idea! I received a lot of good ones.

7. Do you have a nativity scene?

Yes, we have a playmobile one, a clay one, a little glass one from Mexico and an expensive set that my father in law sent to us for Christmas last year. With all that, I'll be on the look out for after Christmas sales to buy one for each of the kids rooms. (Inspired by Kim.)

8. Hardest person to buy for?

Sean

9. Easiest person to buy for?

My mom, we like a lot of the same things.

10. Worst Christmas gift you ever received?

The 9 foot tall metal windmill that was supposed to go in our yard.

11. Mail or email Christmas cards?

Snail Mail. Our family newsletter produced entirely by my creative husband is something that at least a dozen people or more ask specifically if they are going to get. But after printing upwards of 150 we're thinking maybe next year asking people to give us their email if they still want to get it. Who knows we may just send it to that dozen who really want it!

12. Favorite Christmas Movie?

We just watched A White Christmas today so I can't think of much else. But that is a really great movie.

13. When do you start shopping for Christmas?

The day after Christmas. But really in earnest around Oct/November

14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present?

Sure, anyone want a 9 foot windmill?!

15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas?

Dessert.

16. Clear lights or colored on the tree?

I've always wanted to try a clear tree that was elegant and classy. Sean likes colored and all our ornaments are kid made, bought for kids or little santas and snowmen dressed like what Sean does for work. So we always go with the colored. This year we have lights that have an "elegant" sparkle. I put white lights on the windowsill with greenery.

17. Favorite Christmas music?

Live! I love going to Christmas concerts.

18. Travel at Christmas or stay home?

We travel to my parents one year and stay home the next.

19. Can you name all of Santa's reindeer's?

No.

20. Angel on the tree top or a star?

In years past we've had a snowflake. This year, I put up a cross ornament for two reasons. One, I didn't want to get out the ladder to put the snowflake up with. (The cross has a loop that I could just reach to the top, the snowflake has to be plugged in.) But mostly because I think it's a cool idea.

21. Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning?

One present on Christmas eve, the rest Christmas morning...unless Sean has to work it, then we get creative.

22. Most annoying thing about this time of year?

My tendency to want to spend too much money.

23. What is the "corniest" family tradition you do, or miss doing?

I really miss those 17 foot tall trees and the all day hikes that it took to find them.

24. Ugliest Christmas Decoration ever invented?

I really dislike "cutesy" things.

25. Which looks the best, theme trees or homey trees?

I grew up with the homey tree, and I every year we have a homey tree. (see #16) But one of these years, I'd like to have a theme tree. Although our tree is in danger of becoming a "Santa ____ Man" tree and that's not quite the theme I had in mind!

Here are some pictures.

Getting Ready for School

We are gearing up for school to start (August 13th, Lord willing). I'll be taking a break from blogging until after Labor day. I'll probably still check friends blogs on the weekends, but I don't think I'll be writing anything until after we get a good start. Enjoy the rest of your summer!

Oh How I Love Jesus

Kim tagged me with a wonderful meme, to write out 5 reasons that I love Jesus.

He is...

Creator- With all the fruit and flowers growing in abundance at my house right now, this aspect of Jesus came to mind first! His creation is amazing. I'm so glad that he gave us so many different kinds of plants, animals and people. And being created in His image, he's made us creative too. I can't wait to see what Heaven is like!

Genesis 1:1 "In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth."

Friend- This past year God has allowed me to go through a valley of sorts. I didn't really have any close friends. Now, I'm not complaining; I had my health, family and a few faithful friends who live very far away. But the day, to day, live life with you, bear your burdens, laugh with you, cry with you, give you a hug when you need it kind of friends were gone. The reasons why are for a different post altogether. But God allowed me to be striped of something good so I would learn to depend on Him alone. Even though it was hard, I learned He is a faithful friend.

He has restored to me a growing circle of friends through our new church and school group and gave me a surprise of friends through blogging as well! I hope that learning to have Jesus be my best and first friend will make me a better friend to the earthly ones He's given me now.

John 15:14-15 "You are my friends if you do what I command you. No longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you."

Sovereign- I have been learning so much about God's sovereignty in the last year or two. It is so comforting to know that He is in control!

1 Timothy 6:15 "our Lord Jesus Christ, ... he who is the blessed and only Sovereign, the King of kings and Lord of lords, 16 who alone has immortality, who dwells in unapproachable light, whom no one has ever seen or can see. To him be honor and eternal dominion. Amen."



Preparer- Knowing that Jesus is preparing a place for me gives me such a different perspective. I remember John Piper once talking about enjoying a walk in winter. He realized that he had never had a winter vacation, cozy in a cabin, reading lots of good books next to a fire and his family and thought that would be a lovely idea. But, he also thought, it can wait. Yes, it would be nice, and there is nothing wrong with vacations, but even if he never got to have it, heaven will be so much more glorious than the best vacation ever taken on earth, he could wait.

John 14: 2-3 "In my Father's house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also."

1 Corinthians 2:9 “What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man imagined, what God has prepared for those who love him”

Rest - In this season of life I am not as physically weary as when I've had newborns and little sleep. But I find myself emotionally (and sometimes physically) weary from the many roles I have with wife, mother, instructor, housekeeper, cook, etc. I find myself needing to come sit at Jesus feet to give me strength to do what I need to do. Again John Piper says in When I Don't Desire God:

"The human heart does not replenish itself with sleep. The body does, but not the heart... We replenish our hearts not with sleep, but with the Word of God and prayer."

Matthew 11:28-29 "Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls."


I tag:
Alicia
Kristen

Leigh

Johanna

Jess

And The Winner Is.......

Margie!!!

I'm long overdue to give you a call and set up something for the girls. Now we have one more reason to get together! Congratulations!

Thanks to all of you for entering and making this fun! I'm on a cleaning and purging spree. The homeschool closet is next and we're going to have a garage sale next week. So maybe I'll find another good give-away. Is anyone looking for any curriculum in particular? You never know, I just may have it and not need it anymore.

"Win-a-Book" Week

It's official! Fishmama even made a button for it! If you have a book to give away let her know and she'll keep a list of who's giving what away. Sounds fun, huh?!

Win Another Book!

My friend Jessica is having a book drawing too! Check out her blog at Fishkids.

She also had a great idea and apparently the guys over at Desiring God thought so too. So do you have a good book or two that is a double that you'd like to give away? "Win a Book Week" sounds great to me!

Win Some Money, Save Some Money

In case you hadn't heard yet, next Wednesday and Thursday (June 27 and 28th) Desiring God's bookstore is offering ALL their books for $5 each. The special is good online only.

Westminster Bookstore is also having a great sale on children's resources that ends next Tuesday June 26. I was able to buy what we're going to use for our Bible curriculum next year at a great price. (Thanks, Leslie!)

Finally, if you have kids and have a garden, your pictures could win you some money. Enter the contest here.