My hands are full, but so is my heart...

Wordless Wednesday - In The Sun

noreply@blogger.com (Karen) — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 15:57:00 +0000

A few of my stash from earlier this spring... Everything in the yard is lush and green, now...

Random Thoughts Monday

noreply@blogger.com (Karen) — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 02:22:00 +0000

Well. I have about half a dozen half-finished posts lined up in my drafts queue, and none of them seem to be getting any closer to being completed. *sigh* Yet, I really want to post something... So here goes...

~ My kids are as addicted to Sonic ice as I am. Must be a genetic thing...

~ I am actually getting closer to my goal of having a clean house before we leave on vacation. If you've ever seen my house, you know what a project this is... *blush*

~ I really wish I had something exciting to write about. I've been in kind of a funk, lately, and my brain feels like oatmeal...

~ I am looking forward to our vacation, and the possibility of meeting up with old and dear friends... ♥

~ I may just have to resign myself to the possibility that the last 10 pounds of baby weight might not come off until Hannah weans. Not what I want, but I'm just not losing, despite my best efforts... *sigh*

~ I like having my kids around for summer vacation. Except when they bug me for computer time... *rolls eyes*

~ Our peach tree is fruitless, this year. And I am really sad about that. Lots of apples, and some pears, though...

~ I have fallen in love with a pair of Crocs - these wedge thongs, in berry/black. Unfortunately, they aren't in my shoe budget this summer...

So, there you have it. Random enough for you??? And I promise that I will be back, soon, with something interesting to say... *grin*

Wordless Wednesday - Empty Nest

noreply@blogger.com (Karen) — Wed, 27 May 2009 20:14:00 +0000

A small journey, in pictures, of the robins' nest that sits up high on our front porch...

Check It Out!

noreply@blogger.com (Karen) — Wed, 20 May 2009 18:38:00 +0000

I had the great honor of contributing to my friend Megan's awesome blog, SortaCrunchy, this week. We had been having a discussion about the trials of nursing an older baby/toddler, and she posted my response to a question she asked me. You can find it HERE. One of the advantages to having a large family is that I have, through the years, accumulated a certain amount of, for lack of a better word, wisdom, in dealing with these issues, the ones that young mothers fret over. I remember what it was like to have questions, and to be frustrated, and to think that I was the *only* one dealing with all of this. I want to reassure all mommies out there that YOU ARE NOT ALONE, and offer reassurance from someone who has been there.

I am humbled and honored to be a part of Megan's wonderful blogging community. She is an inspiration, and a wonderfully talented writer. I posted about another project of hers here. Please check it out - there's so much she has to offer. :)

**End of shameless self-promotion** ;)

The Great Cloth Diaper Hunt

noreply@blogger.com (Karen) — Wed, 20 May 2009 00:28:00 +0000

Okay... I know I have been trying to write regularly again, but alas... I have been diverted. But this is a really worthwhile endeavor. I swear... :) For several years, now (really - I've lost count...), every May and November, I participate in The Great Cloth Diaper Hunt, sponsored by Diaper Decisions. It's a really cool internet scavenger hunt, where I, and lots of other people, spend hours, in front of a computer screen, searching WAHM websites, in search of that elusive icon, in order to be entered into a drawing to win very cool prizes.

Not only does the GCDH give me a new way to waste time, it also gives me the opportunity to check out lots of awesome stuff - not just cloth diapers, by the way... Lots of other natural family living products, too. And many of the sponsors offer discounts to hunters, so you can get a good deal while you're at it. Some of the icons are easy to find, and some are nearly impossible. Most sites have "mini-hunts, " where you follow clues, which lead you through many of the products or services offered by the WAHMs, until you finally happen upon the little diaper. This gives me something to do while my Beloved whiles away the hours on World of Warcraft... *sigh* I also get to dream of all the money I could spend, building my dream stash of diapers, indulging in natural bath and body products, and searching for organic cleaning supplies...

So, if you have a little one in diapers, or know of someone who has a little one in diapers, or is you just want to get an idea of what's out there, check out the GCDH. You get to have fun, and support a great group of WAHMs, too. What could be better???

And yeah - I'll be back in June... *tee hee*

A Dose of Reality, and a Measure of Grace

noreply@blogger.com (Karen) — Tue, 12 May 2009 17:10:00 +0000

It's been a rather emotionally exhausting last couple of weeks - not so much for myself, but on behalf of several people that I know, whose children have received one diagnosis or another that plays into the worst fears of all parents.

One's baby was born 3 months too soon, at just over 28 weeks. I am happy to report that she (Ailyn) is doing well, defying the odds, and amazing her caregivers. Strong little fighter, that one...

Another little boy was diagnosed with PDD-NOS - pervasive developmental disorder, not otherwise specified, autism. His parents are young, and this is quite a blow to the family, who are coming to the realization that their sweet little boy might never lead a "normal" life.

And, perhaps most heartbreaking of all, the little girl whose mommy just found out yesterday that she will need a heart transplant at the tender age of 4. This means that for her daughter to live, someone else's precious baby must die. *sob* This is just not fair. My heart breaks for this family... There just aren't words for something like this.

And when I hear claims being made that this world is "good" - that everything happens for a reason, that this was part of God's plan... I keep coming back to the wise words spoken by Gavin McGrath, at the funeral of our seminary friends' newborn baby boy... "This is not your fault. There is nothing you could have done to prevent this. This is not the way it was meant to be." God intended much better for us when he created the world in Love, but because sin has tainted everything, babies are born too soon, little boys are faced with challenges, and little girls are given a seemingly impossibly difficult path.

Yes, God can redeem even these tragedies. In fact, He already has. But that doesn't mean that He intended for them to happen. His plan is not for us to suffer, but to transform us and to bring us into full communion, into perfect relationship with Him. He works though the imperfections of this world - fallen, every bit of it tainted by sin, to achieve his goal.

And as I watch these families deal with the unspeakable situations forced upon them, I can't help but feel a twinge of survivor guilt - an emotion I am all-too-familiar with. You don't bear your 5th healthy, whole, child while watching two of your friends lose their firstborn infant sons without enduring a certain measure of guilt. Why has my family been spared? And I know well that there is no answer, just as I have no answer for those who suffer.

There is, in the end, only Grace. And it is enough, if we will let it be. God takes no pleasure in our suffering. He feels it, too, and just as we wish we could take our own children's suffering upon ourself, He does, even more so, for us. That is the story of Salvation History, after all... And it is in His hands that I place these families, asking for an extra measure of Grace for each of them, and that they be filled with His peace, love, and hope, for the future.

Mother's Day Meditations

noreply@blogger.com (Karen) — Mon, 11 May 2009 04:07:00 +0000

My Mother's Day began, not as I might have hoped that it would - with a decadent breakfast in bed, followed by a lazy morning lounging in my jammies. No... Instead, I was awakened, earlier than usual, by Hannah, who had wandered upstairs into my bedroom, when someone had left the gate on the stairs open. I brought her back down stairs, and, at my dear husband's urging, retreated back to bed to, hopefully, catch a few more zzzzzz's before I needed to start getting ready for church. So I happily snuggled back under the down comforter, only to be called about 10 minutes later, by that same toddler, angrily protesting her Daddy's leaving for work - the early service... *sigh* So much for that...

So, and began the process of getting the 5 remaining kids ready for church. Nathan accompanies Brian to the 8:00 service - it's a thing... I jumped in the shower, got dressed, got the little ones dressed, did hair, and managed to get everyone out the door, only a few minutes late (my teenage girls helped with that this morning...).

Church was nice. Brian gave roses to all the moms, and the kids made crafts in Sunday school - handprint wall-hangings, and cross wind chimes. After we were done, The kids decided they wanted bagels for lunch. I would have preferred french toast, belgian waffles, or crepes... But I was overruled. And the kids were actually quiet for quiet time... I somehow managed to get the boys to finish their homework, and put most of their dirty clothes in the laundry room. Five loads of laundry, washed, dried, and folded.

Ice Cream Sunday, for the kids, for dinner... And Brian stopped to get me roses on the way back. Robbie gave me a pair of earrings he'd made for me in art class.

All in all, a pretty normal Sunday. Which had me contemplating what it truly means to be a Mother. As I looked back on this day, which has become yet another commercialized, consumerism-driven holiday, I saw that I understand Motherhood in a truly different way than the poetry on the cards portrays. My role, today, and every day, is not to be celebrated, but to serve. Motherhood is the ultimate gift of service, of self-sacrifice. And, perhaps, the fact that today was, really, no different than any other Sunday, was the most honorable way I could spend Mother's Day, after all. It is my gift to my children, the reason I am honored with the title, Mom, to be able to, for an all-too-short period of time, to be there for them. To be able to put myself aside and give them what they need. Serving them makes my heart sing. It is why I was born - to be there for these little miracles.

Someday, in the not-too-distant future, I will not need to wipe little noses, or harp about missing homework assignments, or trip over dirty socks. I will be able to enjoy that decadent morning (although probably not on a Sunday... LOL), lounging in bed. And I will, somehow, miss all of... this. Mother's Day is not about honoring ME. It is about the fact that I have been blessed beyond measure to be the mother of 6 miracles, of six wonders of creation. And today, I honor them, and thank God that He gave them to me. Because without them, I would not have earned the name Mommy - the most important title I will ever wear. ♥

Going Through the Motions

noreply@blogger.com (Karen) — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 04:20:00 +0000

This song by Matthew West (lyrics) sums up my life, pretty well, at the moment. Throughout the winter, and into the spring, I have been fighting (and mostly losing) a battle with inertia. Every time I hear it, it really hits me. How often do we just go through the motions, just trying to get through the day? Or, in some cases, the hour?

I find myself coming back to a book study group that I belonged to, at our sending parish, St. Timothy's, WDM, led by Rev. Jean Willis (a wonderful priest, and the first ordained Episcopal woman in Iowa). We were reading Margaret Guenther's The Practice of Prayer (HIGHLY recommended, if you're interested...), and I was deeply touched by a couple of her of her chapters entitled, "Finding God in the Ordinary - your kitchen will teach you everything" and "Prayer and Parenting - how to pray when the baby is keeping you up." I devoured her words, filled with sage and practical advice. What has stayed with me, almost 10 years after first reading that book, is what a blessing it it to seek and find God in the everyday-edness of our lives, that simple, mundane tasks can become a devotion, and an anthem of praise, and that even the act of caring for a child can become a prayer.

I have lost much of that passion over the last few months, and I really feel the loss. I don't want to just be "going through the motions" of my day. I really want to be aware, passionately aware, of the presence of God in every facet of my life. In the diaper-changing, juice-cleaning-up, laundry-folding recesses of my daily mundane-ness. Because if I can be passionately aware of His presence there, how much more will I be able to live a witness in the bigger moments? I truly want to live my life having given everything to His service. Jesus gave everything for me. I owe it to give everything to Him. I want to live with no regrets - no wondering if, somehow, somewhere, I missed an opportunity to be salt and light, because I was too focused on things that didn't really matter. I truly want to live my life with His passion inside of me, and have that be reflected in everything in my life, no matter how seemingly insignificant.

Sure, I will still make mistakes, and my priorities will still be out of whack. But He has promised to redeem that. I just want to give everything. All of it. And relish living my life in the knowledge that I left it all on the field, nothing held back, for His sake.

Now, I just have to get off the couch...

View Matthew West's own video of the song HERE. Slightly different emphasis, chronicling his own struggle with throat surgery.

Well. So Much For That...

noreply@blogger.com (Karen) — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 23:41:00 +0000

I had planned to begin my return to the Mommy Blogosphere with a nice, thoughtful post, articulating all the reasons for my absence, and my resolve for the future. *sigh* But, alas, the best laid plans...

I was up most of the night with a congested Hannah, who couldn't nurse... So I began the day a little behind the curve. But in spite of that, I managed to get my workout in, and get a shower, in preparation for Eucharist and the start of Brian's book study on The Shack. But I missed Eucharist, because Hannah had fallen asleep during my shower, and I decided she needed the sleep. And had to leave the book study early, because there was no one to watch the David and Hannah, and they just weren't content to play by themselves in the nursery... It lasted for about an hour before they started fussing, loudly, in the nursery, and then Hannah wanted to run all over the parish Hall, and David wanted to have conversations with everyone... So I thought it best o pack up quietly and slip out... Oh - Hannah puked all over herself in the car just as I was buckling her in to go to church, and again, as I was putting her down for a nap. Nailed me good, that second time... Ick. Oh, the joys of motherhood... And the same congestion that was making her tummy hurt also made her velcro-baby, so I spent most of the rest of the day toting her around.

All this to say... I'm not in much of a pondering mood, at the moment... And yes. I'd love some cheese with my whine... *grin* So, yes. I'm back. And I intend to really be back, this time. I've missed the writing. And I've missed you.

Welcome back. And hopefully, I'll be more coherent tomorrow. And more rested. We'll see...

Wordless Wednesday - Spring Comes to Iowa

noreply@blogger.com (Karen) — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 14:21:00 +0000

I thought some scenes of new life might be appropriate, after my long blogging break...

As He Leads Us

noreply@blogger.com (Karen) — Sat, 31 Jan 2009 22:08:00 +0000

I know I've been MIA lately, and I'll be back to blog about that soon. I promise...

But I want to share with you something that I'm REALLY excited about. Two of my very best friends (on-line, or otherwise), Megan Tietz, and Laura Oyer, are embarking on a wonderful project. Here, in their own words, is a description of it...

Hi friends (and friends of friends)!

We're Megan Tietz & Laura Oyer, and we wanted to let you know about a project we're working on, and invite you to be part of the process. We are currently co-writing a book on the subject of parenting from a Christian perspective, focused specifically on the first year of babyhood. Our working title is "As He Leads Us: Parenting on the Path of Servanthood in Baby's First Year".

Our purpose in writing this book is to offer new parents and parents-to-be an approach to caring for their baby that is radically different than what has emerged as the mainstream trend in the Christian community. And yet it is one which we believe is firmly rooted in and supported by Scripture. One that looks toward the example of God the Father, seeks after Christ's unequivocal call to servanthood, and leans upon the wisdom of the Holy Spirit in determining and meeting the individual needs of each unique child. We have each found, as we have been led by God to this particular parenting path, that parenting through a mindset of servanthood has allowed us to be more focused and fulfilled mothers, has forged more intimate connections to our husbands, and has fostered a closer and more surrendered relationship with the Lord.

Our message is this...There is more than one way to parent a young baby from a Biblical perspective. It's a truth that we wish we had been told as new moms. And it's what we are passionate about sharing with others.

Right now we're in the process of finalizing our formal book proposal and querying agents. In the meantime, we're working at building a platform for the themes of our book through Megan's blog, SortaCrunchy.We would love for you to check out the blog for a more in-depth look at our parenting philosophy, and to join in the discussions that we plan to open up on specific parenting topics every Monday. Above all, we would ask for your prayers as we seek agent representation and/or a publisher, and as we seek God's plan over all others for the future of this project.

Thank you!

I am encouraging each and every one of my readers to please click on over to SortaCrunchy and read all about it. I have a personal interest in this endeavor, as I have been blessed to watch both Megan and Laura as they have grown from wide-eyed new moms into wise and knowledgeable women, and blessed to have been a part of that journey. They have a very important and worthwhile message, one that is very close to my heart. they are able to put into words so eloquently what many of us have felt, stumbling through that first year of parenthood

Every Monday, Megan and Laura will be discussing part of their work, and are encouraging everyone to come read, and share their own thoughts and experiences with them. So join me, would you? Mondays at SortaCrunchy, for the As He Leads Us discussion. You won't be sorry! I promise!

Chicken Tikka Masala

noreply@blogger.com (Karen) — Fri, 02 Jan 2009 19:43:00 +0000

My mom introduced this recipe to me. Although it's technically Indian food, it is part of the local cuisine in the parts of Tanzania where she does her mission work. This has become one of my family's favorite meals. Everyone likes it - even the small ones. I have to remember to keep a few pieces of the chicken out of the sauce for Robbie, but even he likes it. And Robbie is my Mikey... He's extremely picky... *sigh* But this is one meal that everyone looks forward to.

I serve this with naan, when I can get it. At some point, I'll make it from scratch, but I haven't gotten there yet. And I make a double batch, which serves all 8 of us, with enough for a bit of leftovers the next day. And truthfully, it gets better with age... I have modified the original recipe (of course... *grin*), and I'm very satisfied with it. I hope you will be, too.

Chicken Tikka Masala
serves 4-6

This dish is best prepared with whole milk yogurt, but low-fat yogurt can be substituted. For a spicier dish, do not remove the ribs and seeds from the chile. If you prefer, substitute 2 t ground coriander, ¼ t ground cardamom, ¼ t ground cinnamon, and ½ t ground black pepper for the garam masala. The sauce can be made ahead, refrigerated for up to 4 days in an air-tight container, and gently reheated before adding the hot chicken. Serve with basmati rice.

Chicken Tikka
1 t ground cumin
1 t ground coriander
½ t cayenne
2 t table salt
2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, trimmed of fat, and cut into 1”-2” cubes
2 c whole-milk yogurt
2 T vegetable oil
2 med garlic cloves, minced or pressed (about 2 t)
1T fresh grated ginger

Masala Sauce
3 T vegetable oil
1 med onion, diced fine (about 1 ¼ c)
2 med garlic cloves, minced or pressed (about 2 t)
2 t fresh grated ginger
1 serrano chile, ribs and seeds removed, flesh minced
1T tomato paste
1T garam masala
1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
2t sugar
½ t salt
2/3 c heavy cream
¼ c chopped cilantro leaves

1. FOR THE CHICKEN: Combine cumin, coriander, cayenne and salt in a zip-top bag. Add chicken, and toss to coat. Place bag on a plate, and refrigerate for 30 to 60 minutes. In a large bowl, whisk together the yogurt, ginger, garlic, and oil. Set aside.
2. FOR THE SAUCE: Heat oil in a large Dutch oven over medium heat until shimmering. Add onion, and cook, stirring frequently, until light golden, 8-10 minutes. Add garlic, ginger, chile, tomato paste, and garam masala: cook, stirring frequently, until fragrant, about 3 minutes. Add crushed tomatoes, sugar, and salt; bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Stir in cream, and return to simmer. Remove pan from heat and cover to keep warm.
3. While the sauce simmers, adjust the oven rack to upper-middle position (about 6” from the heating element) and preheat broiler. Using tongs, dop chicken into yogurt mixture (chicken should be coated with a thick layer of yogurt) and arrange on a wire rack set in a foil-lined baking sheet or broiler pan. Discard excess yogurt. Broil chicken until thickens parts read 160 degrees on an instant-read thermometer and exterior is charred in spots, 10-18 minutes, flipping chicken half-way through cooking time.
4. Let chicken rest 5 minutes, remove from rack and stir into warm sauce. Do not simmer chicken in sauce. Stir in cilantro, adjust seasoning with salt, and serve over basmati rice.

Adapted from Cooks Illustrated recipe, Sept/Oct 2007

A Blessed Christmas

noreply@blogger.com (Karen) — Fri, 26 Dec 2008 05:48:00 +0000

It never ceases to amaze me... How, in spite of all my worrying and stressing and general out-of-sorts-ness, how God comes through and showers me with blessing. As I sat and watched the kids open their presents, I was overcome with overwhelming gratitude and joy, Because, somehow, we managed to pull it off. As I knew would happen, we were able to provide enough for the kids to have their Christmas. No, it wasn't big. No, it wasn't fancy. But there were stockings filled, and presents neatly piled under the tree, and even a couple of surprises. It was a nice combination of meeting needs and fulfilling wants. Just what Christmas morning is supposed to be.

It was a joy to see the looks on the girls' faces upon opening their Starbucks' cards (decaf, only... they know...), and to watch the bigger boys put together their marble coaster and various Lego creations. And David loved his scooter... He's been riding it all around the family room, since it's too icky to go outside... But perhaps the most precious memory of all was watching Hannah, who was not at all interested in opening any of her presents, but WOULD NOT let anyone else help her. I wish I had gotten it on video... It was the absolute sweetest thing... ♥♥♥

So, once again, I have been given the gift of Christmas peace, in spite of all of my attempts to make it otherwise. God is good. And, after the gifts had been dispersed, the roast eaten, and the candy consumed, I was able to just bask in awe and wonder of the Gift that was given to us so many years ago. I am truly blessed. And I thank God for all of those blessings in my life - my friends and family, my children, and most of all, for that Baby in the manger, without whose Gift, none of this would be possible.

Merry Christmas, everyone! And may God richly bless you, as he has me, in the coming year...

Christmas Stress

noreply@blogger.com (Karen) — Tue, 23 Dec 2008 15:47:00 +0000

I feel kind of awkward posting this, but I really need to get it out. I'm not angry, really, just incredibly sad.

We had to wait to start our Christmas shopping until Brian got paid (on Sunday), because things are really tight, and we're living paycheck-to-paycheck, and we don't have credit cards. So we live on a cash-only basis. Well, the treasurer didn't show up in church on Sunday (understandable, because it was sooooo cold, but it still set us back ANOTHER day). There were only a handful of people there, actually, because of the weather. So he brought the check yesterday. Except that it was for only $500. We are supposed to get $2400. There is not enough money to pay Brian the rest of his salary this month, b/c the treasurer picked NOW to catch up on some other bills that were past due (insurance and pension). They hadn't gotten the ultimate hate letters, yet - just the "you're behind" ones. But it scared him enough that he paid out over $6K to them, leaving nothing to pay Brian. Giving is down a little, because of the economy, but the bigger problem is that the church has lost 3 big givers in the last 18 months - people who have died, who used to help out extra when things got tight.

So we are struggling to budget Christmas for 6 kids, on a very limited amount of money. This has to also pay for incidentals, and stocking stuffers, and Christmas dinner (except for the meat, which is a standing rib roast, a gift from Brian's dad - thanks, George!).

We figure that $75, more or less, for the older 5 will suffice, and Hannah won't really notice that she's getting less... Brian and I aren't getting anything for each other, and there's nothing to get anything for any of the extended family, until after Christmas. And I made a mistake last night - bought a scooter for David, which I *thought* was $25, but was actually $50. Toys-R-Us had a bunch of them in the wrong place... So we may have to return it, and refigure the plan. But we're running out of time.

We usually get the kids Beanie Babies or Webkinz for their stockings, and each gets a book, plus the usual candy and cheap trinkets. But I just don't think there will be enough for that, this year. How do we explain there being nothing in their stockings??? Brian forgot about stocking stuffers when he budgeted for stuff...

Add to this the fact that Christmas shopping stresses me out. I really mean that. All the commercialism, and all the STUFF. My kids really don't NEED anything, but there still need to be presents under the tree. I come close to having a panic attack in the toy store every year, trying to negotiate the mountains of toys, trying to figure out something that they'll actually play with, that they don't already have, that is within our (always) limited budget. It's too much. I left the store last night with a splitting headache, and tears in my eyes.

Now, I am sure that everything will come out all right in the end. We've had offers in the past to help us if things get tight, and word has already spread throughout the church that Father can't afford gifts for his family. So I would not be at all surprised if a few checks and anonymous donations wound up in Brian's mailbox. And I will feel like an idiot for not trusting God in this, too.

Because, this is not the first time that we've been faced with financial issues like this, and every time, God has provided. And I always worry and fret, whine, and complain. And yet, God is there. And blesses us, in spite of my lack of faith. I just wish that I could truly give it all to God, and know that He will provide what we need. He always does.

Sometimes, I truly wish that we could do Christmas without all of the commercial stuff, and just remember what Christmas is *really* about. I get so worked up about ll the *stuff* and I forget to just *be* and simply wonder at the Gift that was given that first Christmas morning. And if He is who He says He is, and He was raised on that third day, then He can (and will) provide for us. Abundantly.

But I still want to give my kids Christmas. And it makes me sad that I might not be able to. I guess that I need to trust that they will have the Christmas that they need, even if it's not the one I want to give them. I've got a lot to learn, yet... Once again, I'm reminded that God is in charge of all of it. He's Lord of everything, and I need to trust that He will take care of us in this, too.

But it's just hard.

The Twelve Days of a LARGE FAMILY Christmas

noreply@blogger.com (Karen) — Sat, 20 Dec 2008 15:51:00 +0000

My friend Megan found this, and thought of me. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did!

Brian and I have gotten every single one of these... I just wish I had thought of this! *grin*

Although I like our response to the "Do you know what causes that?" one better...

"Yes. We're just better at it than most people..."

*tee hee*

Time Wasting, for a Good Cause...

noreply@blogger.com (Karen) — Sun, 14 Dec 2008 00:12:00 +0000

I have found a new way to waste time on the internet. But I am ok with it, because it's procrastination for a good cause. My kids talked about it last year, but I was to busy to go check it out myself. And a couple of weeks ago, one of my friends on Facebook (that *other* mode of procrastination...) became a fan, so I had to check it out. He's a priest, after all...

Free Rice is a wonderful site where you get to play a game, increase your vocabulary, and procrastinate, all while feeding the hungry. What could be better??? Hey - my husband spends hours on end playing World of Warcraft. This actually has some redeeming social value... *grin* For every answer you get correct, Free Rice will donate 20 grains of rice to feed hungry people in poor countries. There are several different categories - Art, Chemical Symbols, English Grammar, English Vocabulary, Geography, Languages, and Math.

I've stuck to the Vocabulary, but I will probably branch out eventually. I've been playing on and off all day, today, with the kids chipping in from time to time, and so far, I've donated 25,280 grains of rice. *blush* I've spent a lot of time at the computer, today... But I can do this while Hannah is nursing, which she did a lot of this morning...

That's my story, and I'm sticking to it...

So, the next time you find yourself sitting in front of your computer screen, wondering where to click next, give Free Rice a try. It's surprisingly addictive (although some of this may be that English major in me), and educational all at once. And you're feeding people. Guilt-free procrastination... What could be better??? OK - well, cleaning the kitchen might be more productive, but this is WAY more fun... And it's not completely mindless, either. Go ahead - give it a shot. And thank you for feeding the hungry!

Priorities

noreply@blogger.com (Karen) — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 22:16:00 +0000

Today, I have been forced to rethink my priorities. I woke up this morning with a whole laundry list of things that I wanted to get done (and coincidentally, no, laundry wasn't one of them. Did that yesterday...). And, so far, the only thing I've been able to cross off my list is that shower that I somehow managed to take before Hannah noticed I was gone. However, I didn't manage to get my hair done, or make-up applied. *sigh* And that pile of clothes and clutter in my bedroom is still in the same place it was this morning. *deep sigh*

Hannah is going through some kind of stage at the moment. She wants all-Mommy-all-the-time. She won't even nap if I put her down - I have to hold her. Now, I know some people might stop me right here and tell me that she's just spoiled, but that's not the case. The AP mommy in me knows instinctively that she needs this time and closeness for some reason, and that when she's ready, she'll let go. But it sure puts a crimp in my ability to get things done. And all of my babywearing devices would be useless for my chores today, because the spaces I need to work in are small, and there's not enough room for both of us. Our walk-in closet really isn't...

So, as I was sitting in the chair, holding her for her third cat-nap today, I stopped, and took a breath. And realized that *this* is what I needed to be doing today. The piles will wait. I can throw something together quickly for dinner. And I really need to *be* there for my daughter. In this season of ultimate busy-ness, I was given the gift of having to slow down, and re-think my priorities. Sure, it would be nice to have everything all put away. Sure, I like having pretty, clean counters. But my daughter doesn't care about such things. She just needs to be held, and to know that someone is there for her. When she can handle it, she'll let me go, and I can get about checking things off my list.

So, as I sat and held her, I watched the snow fall out the window, and I pondered. I began to wonder if this waiting wasn't part of the Advent preparation I am called to this year. So often, those things that I put so much emphasis on are not, really, in the grand scheme of the universe, all that important. And I need to be open to letting go of my own list, and more attune to just letting life happen, and trust that God will lead me in what He would have me do. I need to get better at allowing my list to give way to His. That's something I really need to work on...

So, my prayer for today is that I might become better able to let go of my own list of priorities, and to seek what God desires for me each day. Even if it involves letting the piles go for one more day... Let me find Him in everything, no matter how mundane or redundant the task. And to give thanks for finding peace where I least expect it.
Amen.

Happy Birthday, Sarah

noreply@blogger.com (Karen) — Fri, 05 Dec 2008 04:10:00 +0000

Today, fourteen years ago, I became a mother. Fourteen wonderful years ago, I brought Sarah Elizabeth into this world, and my life changed forever. I have been blessed beyond measure to be entrusted with this precious girl, to love, to teach, and to guide. What a gift!

Today, we ate chicken chow mein (her favorite home-cooked meal) and chocolate cake (heart-shaped, with yellow and purple frosting). And opened presents - clothes, mostly, nowadays... I took pictures, but I'm too tired to upload and edit them tonight. But fret not, dear readers, I promise to post them in the near future. It was a good day.

I thank God every day for the privilege of being a mother. I never imagined just how much I would love this job. There are no words for how your heart just overflows. Parenthood has given me new insight on just how our Father views us... If I feel this much *love* for my child, the LOVE that God has for us is just unimaginable. What a blessing...

Thank you, Sarah, for coming into my life. And thank you, Jesus, for blessing me with you. I pray for the wisdom, guidance, and grace to be the mother that you need me to be, to help you grow into the woman God means you to become. Thank you for allowing me the privilege of coming along with you on your journey. I look forward to sharing and growing with you for many years to come. Love, Mommy

What are the Colors of Your Rainbow???

noreply@blogger.com (Karen) — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 00:22:00 +0000

And since I slacked off for a couple of days this week, after my NaBloPoMo undertaking, you get a bonus! Two, yes, TWO posts from me in one day. Sorta... *wink*

I stole this from Suzy's blog. Apparently, it's the quiz o'the moment... Seems to be fairly accurate, as far as these things go...

Your rainbow is shaded violet.

What is says about you: You are a creative person. You appreciate beauty and craftsmanship. You are patient and will keep trying to understand something until you've mastered it.

Find the colors of your rainbow at spacefem.com.

So how about you? What colors make up your world?

Wordless Wednesday - Snow on an Early December Day

noreply@blogger.com (Karen) — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 23:35:00 +0000

Well, I Made It.

noreply@blogger.com (Karen) — Sun, 30 Nov 2008 19:42:00 +0000

I posted every day for 30 days, and I survived. Thank you, my awesome readers, for sticking with me, even when I didn't really have anything important, relevant, or even vaguely coherent to say. I had forgotten just how much I really *like* to write. Now, whether what has come forth from my keyboard into cyberspace is worth reading is another question, entirely...

But I have learned a lot from this little exercise. Mostly, that I really need to keep writing. I cannot promise that I will be back every day, although that maybe ought to be a goal of mine. But I will promise to be much less neglectful of my little corner of the blogosphere than I have been in the past. Just don't come hoping for any deep wisdom or wry humor - I'd hate to disappoint you! *grin* But those pics of cute kids will keep coming. I just need a better camera, and some more skilz...

And on a completely different note. Happy Advent to All! I didn't manage to get candles for my Advent wreath yesterday, so we're wreath-less tonight, but I'll be hitting Hobby Lobby tomorrow (barring bad snow-covered roads, although I think it's too warm for there to be much of a problem...). The Christmas boxes will be making their way up from the basement today and tomorrow, and I hope to have everything all done this week, with the exception of the tree.

Since we get a real one, we don't usually get it until closer to Christmas. I'm hoping that we'll do better than last year, though, when we didn't manage to get one until the week before. Talk about last-minute... *sigh* We do get good deals, though, on those trees that people are wanting to get rid of. Almost makes the procrastination worth it. Almost....

So I'm looking forward to making cookies, hanging stockings, and draping with pine garland everything that will stand still long enough. Maybe I'll even post some pics of our festive home... Maybe. But that means it has to be clean, first... *rolls eyes* One thing at a time...

So, once again, thank you, loyal readers, for joining me on this, my first NaBloPoMo quest. I hope that you've enjoyed the journey, and I look forward to more conversations with you ~both deep & inspirational, and random & mundane. I've had a great time. Thanks for indulging me.

Signing off NaBloPoMo '08... Maybe I'll even do it again next year!!!

My Theme Song, This Month

noreply@blogger.com (Karen) — Sat, 29 Nov 2008 23:50:00 +0000

One thing that I had planned to blog about this month was some of my favorite songs. But somehow, I never got around to it. So I thought that I'd post a video of a song that really speaks to me, where I am now, and to where I will be in the next few crazy weeks.

His Grace is Enough, by Matt Maher

Please excuse the somewhat cheesy video. It was the best I could find, and there are any number of versions of this song floating around, and I was, of course, in search of just the *right* one. It took me all afternoon, and involved the kids asking, "Mommy, why do you keep playing that song over and over again on your computer???"

I hope this song blesses you as much as it has me. And I hope that I can keep it as background music for my crazy-busy life this time of year. His grace really *is* enough. Praise God!

Random Thoughts for Today

noreply@blogger.com (Karen) — Fri, 28 Nov 2008 23:01:00 +0000

What you blog about when there's not much else going on...

I don't like my turkey reheated. Cold is good, covered in warm gravy is even better.
I could eat pie All. Day. Long. With whipped cream, of course...
The boys need haircuts.
I need a haircut. And highlights. I haven't gotten my hair done professionally in about 5 years. *sigh* Mommy's hair is strictly DIY these days... What I would give for a cut/color at an Aveda salon...
We cooked 10 lbs of potatoes yesterday. I bet they are gone by Monday...
I broke out my collection of Christmas sweaters today. I love them - they are so festive. But I'm waiting for Stacy and Clinton to come knocking at my door...
I am going to put away the Fall Decor tomorrow, and get out the Christmas boxes Which reminds me....
I need advent candles.
I did no shopping today. As a matter of fact, I stayed in my jammies until mid afternoon.
I'd like to get another kitten. However, Brian says NO. Two cats are enough...
I need to read The Shack. It come highly recommended. Brian recently finished it, and I need to carve out some time to devote to it.
It's almost time to eat, again... *grin*

Enjoy your weekend, my friends!

Happy Thanksgiving!

noreply@blogger.com (Karen) — Fri, 28 Nov 2008 05:10:00 +0000

I hope that this day has found each and every one of you well-fed, sated with both the bounty that found our tables overflowing, and with the fellowship of family and friends that filled our hearts.

We had a great day. Laid-back and relaxing. It was the first time in a loooong time that we have spent Thanksgiving with just us - no extended family, no cousins or grandparents. Just the eight of us. Which when you put it like that, sounds not so alone. *grin* Yes, I missed the traditions, the camaraderie, the fun that we have when we all get together. But there were some benefits, too. My house wasn't (ahem) perfectly clean, and I spent a good bit of the day in my jammies. It was a good day.

I have so much to be thankful for, this year. My husband, and my children. Friends and family. How our needs have been met, and how we've been blessed beyond our wildest dreams. Hannah's birth. Nathan's teeth. And just today, I reconnected with two of my very best friends in the entire world. God is good...

This next year, I am going to be more intentional about acknowledging my blessings, and writing about everything for which I ought to be thankful. I have been truly blessed beyond measure, and I need more than just one day a year to celebrate that.

So, to all my friends, even those of you to the North and those across the Pond, Happy Thanksgiving. I am thankful for you, more than you know.

Wordless Wednesday - A Birthday Celebration

noreply@blogger.com (Karen) — Thu, 27 Nov 2008 04:46:00 +0000

Enjoying cake batter...A family tradition.

Such a little lady...

Hannah's cake, made by Mommy

Oooh - Look! A candle!!!

Can I please have cake???

That's more like it...

Chocolate! My favorite!

My new sippy - my favorite gift, so far. I can't put it down...

I guess we figured out how to open presents after all!

A good time was had by all...