Yep, those red spots on the floor are my blood. Ewwww!
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Mayhem in the Kitchen
So yesterday I was determined to be organized (I normally don't like cooking on the weekends), and make a casserole to set on time bake for Sunday lunch. Not only that, but we made hamburgers, beats over salad, and yogurt smoothies for lunch. (and by the way, thank you to vehement flame for the suggestion for cooking beets. DELICIOUS!) So anyway, my kitchen looked like it had exploded by mid-afternoon and my sweet husband was washing dishes while I de-boned my chicken and prepared my casserole. All was going along well and we were talking about how ready we were to get out of the kitchen when I got out my casserole dish and set it on the stove to wait until I had everything ready to go in it. The problem was that I had just finished cooking the rice and had left the burner on without realizing it and set my casserole dish on the hot burner. Matt described the show as spectacular. I didn't see it, but the sound nearly scared me to death. I'm praising the Lord that Benjamin happened to be inside the cabinet playing when it happened. Otherwise he would probably have been cut pretty bad with where he was playing. My foot was hurting pretty bad, but I didn't see anything wrong until a puddle of blood (sorry for those of you who may be squeamish) started forming around my foot. Even I was grossed out by it. The saddest part for me was that my freshly de-boned chicken, my broccoli, and my homemade mushroom soup were all uncovered and had to be thrown away since there were glass shards all around them. I nearly cried. I HATE de-boning chicken. The good news was that my kitchen had been in desperate need of a good cleaning for a few weeks and I just hadn't gotten around to doing it. But in order to clean all the glass up, we had to move the stove and fridge out and clean everything thoroughly. So needless to say, we just got back from eating out for Sunday dinner. :)
Yep, those red spots on the floor are my blood. Ewwww!
Yep, those red spots on the floor are my blood. Ewwww!
Friday, January 23, 2009
More Cuteness
I'm pretty sure I've officially set my own blogging record today. I think this one makes seven. But this video cracks me up. What was even funnier was just now watching Benjamin watch this video and mimic everything he was doing in the video. Then, he started saying things and looking expectantly at the computer screen as if he thought his video would copy him. He's so funny!
Such a Cutie!
Benjamin loves this cabinet. He used to take all the pots and pans out and climb in it. Now he just climbs right in with everything and closes the door on himself. He waits for a while and then throws the door open and says "hi." It's SO cute. He didn't quite get into the dramatic "hi" in this one because he saw the camera, but I still love it.
Pictures with Olana
Last weekend we had pictures done with Olana and Benjamin. I went to Austin with Benjamin while Matt worked and Olana and I had a great time getting pictures done, running some errands and going out to lunch. Once again, I'm so thankful for open adoption and for the blessing of Olana in our lives. Here are some of my favorites from our photo shoot.
Focusing on the Gifts, or the Giver?
I am reading a great book right now by John Piper called "A Hunger for God." The book is about fasting, which I actually didn't know when I got it from the library, but the title looked good, so I decided to read it. It's been super challenging. As I've continued to journey with God in His way of building our family, I've struggled so much with wondering why He has taken us down this particular road. I often feel like it would just be so much easier if we could just have biological children like most of the rest of the world. After going through a failed adoption I have found myself questioning whether God will even allow us to have more children. And then I get frustrated and angry. But I serve such an amazing God because He pursues me even when I have all these questions that tend to make me feel far away from Him. So right now, I feel like He is pursuing me through this book. I have been so struck by the simple concept that God wants us to hunger after Him more than His gifts. I have heard this concept before, but always thought of it in terms of money or material possessions. But as I have read, I have realized children are also His gifts to us. And I'm seeing that He wants me to desire Him above even the precious gift of children. When I write this, it sounds so simple, but living it out day to day is challenging. But I want the kind of Hunger for God that makes me passionate about Him whether He is giving, or taking away, or asking us to wait. Not a hunger for Him so that He will bless me with His gifts, but a hunger for Him alone.
Just for Fun!
Well, I never usually do those little things where you get tagged to tell this or that many things about yourself, but I was in the mood to do it today after I was tagged on Facebook, so I did. Since I spent so much time on it, I thought I would post it here for those of you who are not on Facebook.
The Rules were that I was supposed to post 25 random facts, interests, habits, or goals about myself. So, here they are:
1. I never usually do these things, but just for fun, I am doing this one
2. I love the way the Lord pursues me and teaches me, even when I'm stubborn and proud and that He never lets go of me, but keeps His promise never to leave me.
3. My dream has always been to be a mommy, ever since I was a little girl. God took me on quite a journey to motherhood, but I'm so blessed with my sweet son Benjamin.
4. I love going to the gym - something about being around other people working out is very motivating to me
5. I love to blast music in my house and dance around like a crazy woman with my son, who for now thinks it's the best thing ever.
6. I used to get spring fever every year when we lived in Indiana and the first warm day of the year I would HAVE to be outside as much as possible to soak in the sunshine. Now that we are in Texas, I get fall fever when it finally gets cool enough to enjoy being outside.
7. My idea of a great vacation is somewhere where there are things to do if we want to, but no pressure to do them if we don't. And where there is a great beach and I have lots of good books to read while I sit on it. I also think a cruise would be fun!
8. When I find something I'm interested in, I do it with everything I've got. Unfortunately this often leads to burnout and I get tired of it and give up - guess I need to work on that.
9. The area that has captured my interest at this time is my family's health. I practically live in the kitchen as I'm experimenting with new things. I'm hoping that healthy eating will become a way for life for us, and not just a whim.
10. This past New Years was only my second time to see the ball drop on TV (last year was my first time), and I'm still wondering what all the fuss is about.
11. I love changes of seasons. There's just something so refreshing about them.
12. I played the piano for 10 years and even started college as a piano major, but I hate performing, so I gave it up. Now I wish we had a piano so I could play sometimes just for fun.
13. I still kind of act like a 5 year old when it comes time for my birthday. I get all excited that it's coming and I love getting spoiled by my hubby.
14. I had a crush on Matt when I first met him when I was 15 and I told God he was the one I wanted to marry. I'm so thankful that God gave me what I asked for.
15. I loved Basketball when I was in in high school and since I was homeschooled in a small town, there were no teams for me to play on, so I started a team in our homeschool group. Being the naive and sheltered children that we were, we decided it would be cool to name our team "The Black Panthers." To this day I cannot believe all of our parents allowed us to put felt letters on our uniforms with that name and then go out a play against other teams.
16. I just love watching Benjamin learn and comprehend the world around him. He just gets so excited about it all.
17. One of the coolest airports I have ever been in was in Abu Dhabi. Royal blue mosaic tiles were all over the walls and it was beautiful.
18. I am terrified of heights. My heart pounds and I start to sweat even when I'm several feet away from the edge of something. However, I love flying. Go figure.
19. I love empty spaces. I love walking into a closet or looking in a drawer and seeing room. Even if something is well organized, I hate when it's filled to capacity with stuff.
20. I really wonder what heaven will be like.
21. One of my favorite things about San Antonio is my church. I'm so thankful for good friends there.
22. Sunsets are one of my favorite things to watch - I never get tired of seeing each one.
23. I'm addicted to reading other people's blogs.
24. Bluebell ice cream is definitely my favorite. I will miss it if we ever move back north.
25. Coming up with 25 things about myself was actually really hard to do and I have wasted way too much time doing it. :)
The Rules were that I was supposed to post 25 random facts, interests, habits, or goals about myself. So, here they are:
1. I never usually do these things, but just for fun, I am doing this one
2. I love the way the Lord pursues me and teaches me, even when I'm stubborn and proud and that He never lets go of me, but keeps His promise never to leave me.
3. My dream has always been to be a mommy, ever since I was a little girl. God took me on quite a journey to motherhood, but I'm so blessed with my sweet son Benjamin.
4. I love going to the gym - something about being around other people working out is very motivating to me
5. I love to blast music in my house and dance around like a crazy woman with my son, who for now thinks it's the best thing ever.
6. I used to get spring fever every year when we lived in Indiana and the first warm day of the year I would HAVE to be outside as much as possible to soak in the sunshine. Now that we are in Texas, I get fall fever when it finally gets cool enough to enjoy being outside.
7. My idea of a great vacation is somewhere where there are things to do if we want to, but no pressure to do them if we don't. And where there is a great beach and I have lots of good books to read while I sit on it. I also think a cruise would be fun!
8. When I find something I'm interested in, I do it with everything I've got. Unfortunately this often leads to burnout and I get tired of it and give up - guess I need to work on that.
9. The area that has captured my interest at this time is my family's health. I practically live in the kitchen as I'm experimenting with new things. I'm hoping that healthy eating will become a way for life for us, and not just a whim.
10. This past New Years was only my second time to see the ball drop on TV (last year was my first time), and I'm still wondering what all the fuss is about.
11. I love changes of seasons. There's just something so refreshing about them.
12. I played the piano for 10 years and even started college as a piano major, but I hate performing, so I gave it up. Now I wish we had a piano so I could play sometimes just for fun.
13. I still kind of act like a 5 year old when it comes time for my birthday. I get all excited that it's coming and I love getting spoiled by my hubby.
14. I had a crush on Matt when I first met him when I was 15 and I told God he was the one I wanted to marry. I'm so thankful that God gave me what I asked for.
15. I loved Basketball when I was in in high school and since I was homeschooled in a small town, there were no teams for me to play on, so I started a team in our homeschool group. Being the naive and sheltered children that we were, we decided it would be cool to name our team "The Black Panthers." To this day I cannot believe all of our parents allowed us to put felt letters on our uniforms with that name and then go out a play against other teams.
16. I just love watching Benjamin learn and comprehend the world around him. He just gets so excited about it all.
17. One of the coolest airports I have ever been in was in Abu Dhabi. Royal blue mosaic tiles were all over the walls and it was beautiful.
18. I am terrified of heights. My heart pounds and I start to sweat even when I'm several feet away from the edge of something. However, I love flying. Go figure.
19. I love empty spaces. I love walking into a closet or looking in a drawer and seeing room. Even if something is well organized, I hate when it's filled to capacity with stuff.
20. I really wonder what heaven will be like.
21. One of my favorite things about San Antonio is my church. I'm so thankful for good friends there.
22. Sunsets are one of my favorite things to watch - I never get tired of seeing each one.
23. I'm addicted to reading other people's blogs.
24. Bluebell ice cream is definitely my favorite. I will miss it if we ever move back north.
25. Coming up with 25 things about myself was actually really hard to do and I have wasted way too much time doing it. :)
Get Those Veggies In!
Since I naturally tend toward sweet things, getting enough fruit in my diet is never a problem. Veggies however, are often more difficult. Here are a few ways we have been incorporating more veggies in our days:
-Adding chopped spinach or zucchini to our scrambled eggs - this is especially great because Benjamin will eat them without a single complaint. We have also added green peppers and onions before, but since Benjamin usually spits those out, I am really liking the spinach and squash.
- Adding veggies to our rice. Matt found this great recipe for rice that is cooked in the oven with chopped celery, carrots, onions, and cilantro. Delicious and wonderful for you! I have also chopped spinach up very small and thrown it in the rice as soon as it's done so that it's just barely wilted and that was good too.
- veggie sticks to snack on during the day - this is the hardest for me. When I want a snack, the last thing I usually reach for is something like veggies, but carrots and celery dipped in peanut butter makes a great snack and gets in a few more veggies.
- Salad at least once a day - this can be so versatile depending on what you have on hand. Sometimes our salads are just lettuce and cucumbers, but other times we have them with grated carrots, radishes, peppers, avocados, and feta cheese. Yum!
- a side veggie with dinner each night. Along with trying to add veggies to the main dish and having a salad, I usually try to have a side veggie. Sometimes these are simply green beans or broccoli, but this is where I am trying to branch out and have us try something new every once in a while. Interesting vegetables can get expensive, but since we only do something different about once a week, it's not too bad. We tried brussel sprouts last week and they were wonderful. This week we are giving beets a try. We'll see about those. I've never been a fan, but I've also never had them where they weren't pickled out of a can.
-Adding chopped spinach or zucchini to our scrambled eggs - this is especially great because Benjamin will eat them without a single complaint. We have also added green peppers and onions before, but since Benjamin usually spits those out, I am really liking the spinach and squash.
- Adding veggies to our rice. Matt found this great recipe for rice that is cooked in the oven with chopped celery, carrots, onions, and cilantro. Delicious and wonderful for you! I have also chopped spinach up very small and thrown it in the rice as soon as it's done so that it's just barely wilted and that was good too.
- veggie sticks to snack on during the day - this is the hardest for me. When I want a snack, the last thing I usually reach for is something like veggies, but carrots and celery dipped in peanut butter makes a great snack and gets in a few more veggies.
- Salad at least once a day - this can be so versatile depending on what you have on hand. Sometimes our salads are just lettuce and cucumbers, but other times we have them with grated carrots, radishes, peppers, avocados, and feta cheese. Yum!
- a side veggie with dinner each night. Along with trying to add veggies to the main dish and having a salad, I usually try to have a side veggie. Sometimes these are simply green beans or broccoli, but this is where I am trying to branch out and have us try something new every once in a while. Interesting vegetables can get expensive, but since we only do something different about once a week, it's not too bad. We tried brussel sprouts last week and they were wonderful. This week we are giving beets a try. We'll see about those. I've never been a fan, but I've also never had them where they weren't pickled out of a can.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)