Friday, February 27, 2009

Why do you blog??

Authenticity has come up as an issue for me. I don't want to be superficial and fake. I hope I come across as honest. But at the same time, I may choose to leave out certain details because I want to protect people's confidentiality and I don't want to be a downer. One of the things I like about blogging is that it helps me focus on the positive aspects of my life. When I look back through my posts, I feel so blessed because I chose to write about the good things in my life instead of focusing on the negatives (and there are certainly things in my life that are negative...as in everyone's life!) I have tackled some deeper issues in a few posts, but a lot of the struggles I face are often relationship oriented (with certain people in my life). I don't feel comfortable blogging much about that.

Written words are very powerful. Once they're out there, you can't take them back.
So, you won't find me blogging about issues I might have with my extended family, for example, unless it's sharing a valuable lesson that I learned in retrospect. You're more likely to see a poem, or a video, during my times of trial. Know when you see those things...that I DO struggle...and pray for me.

There is a floating complaint that some blogs aren't authentic...that people put a happy, christian face on everything. There is also the floating issue of bloggers needing to be authenticated at every turn about everything (good, bad, sad, etc.) in their lives. Look at my track feed, where are my comments, tell me I'm wonderful...yada yada yada...

I have chosen two verses for the headers of my blogs. I do not promise to never change them...but I do realize and hope that they stand as a sort of purpose statement for those blogs.

My MomE and Loving It blog is for me to write about the good and wonderful...and the hard and horrible aspects of mothering. Psalm 127:3, "Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb is a reward," is a good verse to help me remember that no matter my grumps of the day...my trials or joys...the bottom line is God's Word...and my children are a reward!!!

My Blogging Along blog...is just me...happy, sad, corny, crafty...etc. 2 Corinthians 5:9, "Therefore we also have as our ambition.... to be pleasing to the Lord," is a good verse to help me remember this isn't a competition with fellow bloggers, I'm not out to please men...but God, and whatever I post, the bottom line (again) should be God's Word...and remembering my real ambitions of life.

I love reading all types of blogs! Some are transparent, some are more "how to", some are on home decor, some on cooking/recipes, some on being a christian Mommy, some are on marriage. I find that some blogs I connect with and some I don't. I think we all have different purposes in blogging. Some people want community and friendship. Some people just want "creative ideas". Some people want a laugh! Some read blogs for their godly insights and some write about their faith! I guess blogs vary as deeply as we each do individually!

All that said, I totally understand that some people use their blogs to brag and toot their own horns! They use their blogs to make them feel better about their own lives and draw attention to themselves or become popular and well liked. But, I guess that happens in real life and in the blog realm! We are complicated, selfish and prideful people! Writing this blog...even today when I'm deciding to post it...I find that I must reexamine my motives. In a flash you can find yourself back in Jr. High with hurt feelings cuz the popular bloggers aren't including you in their group. It hurts to know that you weren't responded to by a "big name blogger" and your friend was...You wonder why they are more interesting to befriend them than yourself....

but then again...

Why do I blog?...

If it is only about popularity and pats on the back I might as well quit now...

If it's something that helps me move forward in my quest to further God's kingdom...and it makes me happy...well, then there...that...is a really good reason to write!

Frugal Friday--spring thing!

I'm looking forward to SPRING...yes, I know it isn't March, YET! But it will be next week and that's enough for me! So, I was looking at my sad bleached out sign...and thinking frugally....
...I broke out the pink paint and spruced her up a bit! Now she's springy again. She'll go outside next week. Yes, my neighbors probably think I'm nuts...and they're right!!!!




Thursday, February 26, 2009

Scarf-lets...

I've been really interested in these since I saw them on Infarrantly Creative. I have been super cold lately...really into the baby legs things...and this seemed like the next logical step to warmth. I talked to my Mom about them...and in preparing for our visit...she made two...one for me and one for Emma! Awww! Both have antique wooden buttons and are made of the softest heather yarn...sooooo lovely! Emma likes looking like MomE!
In case I look annoyed...I am...Darren kept taking pictures cuz my eyes were half shut (I looked sort of drugged) because of the crazy flash on this thingy! ARGH!




Wednesday, February 25, 2009

Tuesday, February 24, 2009

Monday, February 23, 2009

Memory Monday...try, try...again!


We are still sick (sinus infections, bronchitis, fevers, viruses, PMS....)...

I know, I know...good grief this isn't the longest or hardest selection!! God must have me stuck on this for a reason! Thank you for your prayers. They are a comfort...and I know that they do work!

Isaiah 41:9-10
"You whom I have taken from the ends of the earth,
And called from its remotest parts
And said to you,
"You are My servant,
I have chosen you and not rejected you,
Do not fear, for I am with you;
Do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God,
I will strengthen you, surely I will help you,
Surely I will uphold you with
My righteous right hand."


Thursday, February 19, 2009

B, b, b....

Use the first letter of your name to answer each of the following questions.

1. What is your name: Bobbi

2. A four Letter Word: Brat

3. A boy's Name: Benjamin

4. A girl's Name: Bella

5. An occupation: Bus Driver

6. A color: Blue

7. Something you wear: Blouse

8. A food: Burgers

9. Something found in the bathroom: Bath towel

10. A place: Bolivia

11. A reason for being late: BIG accident

12. Something you shout: "Caleb BENJAMIN...don't touch that!!!"

13. A movie title: Back to the Future

14. Something you drink: Big steaming cups of Chai!

15. A musician: Barry Manilow

16. An animal: Bunny

17. A street name: Boulevard

18. A type of car: Bentley

19. Something scary: Boogie Man

20. Ice cream flavor: Brownie Fudge Ripple

For everyone feeling that I technically should have used R for Roberta...too bad! I thought about it...but nah!

Wednesday, February 18, 2009

Tuesday, February 17, 2009

Monday, February 16, 2009

Memory Monday...More time on Isaiah...

I will be spending another week on Isaiah 41:9-10...due to sick children and a cold of my own...if you'd care to pray for me...I'd muchly appreciate it!

Isaiah 41:9-10
"You whom I have taken from the ends of the earth,
And called from its remotest parts
And said to you, "You are My servant,
I have chosen you and not rejected you,
Do not fear, for I am with you;
Do not anxiously look about you, for I
am your God,
I will strengthen you, surely I will help you,
Surely I will uphold you with My
righteous right hand."

Saturday, February 14, 2009

Happy Valentine's Day!

I've been doing some organizing...in my old files. I was thumbing through some journals I wanted to throw out...and found these napkins I'd saved! Darren used to write me a note everyday for my lunch! Oh, isn't he just the sweetest thing?? I'm so glad I saved these!!!
Emma has been enjoying reading through her Valentine bag. It's the first thing she hunted down this morning! My cute little pinkie! She's on a pink kick lately...even her panties have to be pink!!! She made a "cake" yesterday and stuffed a pink boa on top to pretend it had pink frosting! Soooo cute!!!

Friday, February 13, 2009

Frugal Friday!

Joanne gave me the idea to share my Mom's Chai Latte Mix...and a neat way that I recently shared it with our neighbors. We have AWESOME neighbors, a couple named Oscar and Vivian...who have walked right into our hearts on a number of occasions. This is the couple that came to help us when Caleb had his last 9-1-1 scare...and last week when it snowed and we all had the flu...Oscar came over and "snowblowed" our whole driveway. I don't know which was better...the clear driveway or the entertained kids! So, we wanted to make something nice as a thank you!
I gathered my materials...buttons, lace, ribbon, tacky glue and a cleaned wheat germ jar.
We mixed up our Chai Latte Mix (using Splenda in place of the sugar because they are diabetics)...

It made a whole ice tea container...the wheat germ container...and about four mugs...WOW...and let me just say...YUMMO!!!
Here's the recipe...
Instant Chai Tea Latte Mix
1 c. dry milk
1 c. dry creamer
1 c. dry French vanilla creamer
2.5 c. sugar
1.5 c. PLAIN instant tea
2 t. ginger
2 t. cinnamon
.5 t. cloves
1 t. cardamom
1 t. nutmeg
1 t. allspice
Blend in food processor into fine powder. Use 3 heaping spoons per mug of boiling water.
Enjoy...this is definitely a FRUGAL homemade idea...cuz this can cost upward to $5 for a teeny little thing at the store! Put your kettle on...
On a side note...it always amazes me how you think you're going to bless someone and then they bless you instead. We just got back from delivering our present...I came home with a red wagon FULL of beautiful antique dishes, bowls, etc...She was cleaning out after 50 + years of marriage to move somewhere smaller. WOW...I'm so blessed!

Thursday, February 12, 2009

Just for fun Meme...One word answers...

Where is your cell phone? purse
your hair? blond
Your father? David
Your favorite thing? right now, anything warm...
Your dream last night? soothing blackness
Your favorite drink? coffee
Your dream/goal? adoption
The room you are in? study
Your fear? not being a good enough servant of Christ
Where do you want to be in 6 years? teaching third grade again
Muffins? blueberry
One of your wish list items? Macbook Pro
Where you grew up? Upstate New York
The last thing you did? put kids down for a nap
What are you wearing? jeans, brown shirt, long wool sweater
Your TV? flat screen
Your pets? none
Your computer? smellie Dell
Your life? better than I deserve
Your mood? calm
Missing someone? yes
Your car? Pontiac Montana
Favorite store? Joanne's
Your summer? road trips with the toddlers...whoohooo!
Your favorite color? blue and yellow
When is the last time you laughed? today
Last time you cried? last week
Three people who email me? Emily, Shonda, Sonia
Three of my favorite foods? chinese, steak, pecan pie
Three places I would rather be right now? anywhere alone with my hubby, anyplace warm, anyplace green!

Wednesday, February 11, 2009

Easy as ABC...Asparagus Baked Chicken...

I haven't shared an invented recipe with ya'll in a while...so...

Easy as ABC...Asparagus Baked Chicken

4 boneless skinless chicken breast (mostly thawed)
1-2 c. frozen asparagus (buy a steamer pack...it's awesome)
1/2 c. Kraft Balsamic dressing
1/4 c. Parmesan cheese

Preheat oven to 350. Cover baking pan (9 X 13) with foil for easier cleanup. Lay out four chicken breasts. Pour over dressing. Pour over frozen asparagus. Shake over Parm. Cheese. Bake about 40-50 minutes until the cheese turns golden brown.

This turned out beautifully...it was so pretty that I wish I'd taken a picture. This totally qualifies as a "company dinner." I served it with broccoli cuz Emma wanted trees...but we think it'd go super well with baked or mashed potatoes and rolls!

Enjoy!

Tuesday, February 10, 2009

Tube Tuesday...Glory...



One day eyes that are blind will see you clearly
And one day all who deny will finally believe
One day hearts made of stone will break in pieces
And one day chains once unbroken will fall down at your feet
So we wait for that one day come quickly

Chorus
We want to see your Glory
Every knee falls down before thee
Every tongue offers you praise
With every hand raised
Singing Glory
To you and unto you only
We'll sing Glory to Your name

One day voices that lie will all be silent
One day all that's divided will be whole again
One day death will retreat and wave it's white flag
One day love will defeat the strongest enemy
So we wait for that one day come quickly

Chorus

We know not the day or the hour
Or the moments in between
But we know the end of the story
When we'll see

Chorus

Monday, February 9, 2009

Memory Monday...2 Cor. 1:3-5

My attempt: Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction so that we will be able to comfort those in any affliction with the comfort we ourselves receive from God. For just as the sufferings of Christ are ours in abundance, so also is our comfort abundant through Christ.

Correct Copy: Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction so that we will be able to comfort those who are in any affliction with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. For just as the sufferings of Christ are ours in abundance, so also our comfort is abundant through Christ.

Well, that was pretty close! I omitted some and added some...but I have the right idea! For next week:

Isaiah 41:9-10
"You whom I have taken from the ends of the earth,
And called from its remotest parts
And said to you, "You are My servant,
I have chosen you and not rejected you,
Do not fear, for I am with you;
Do not anxiously look about you, for I
am your God,
I will strengthen you, surely I will help you,
Surely I will uphold you with My
righteous right hand."

Friday, February 6, 2009

Funtimes Friday...

I feel like I've met an "imaginary friend" at my Mom's Time Out meeting! Sarah from Thrifty Decor Chick was there to share Design on a Dime type ideas with all the ladies.

It was so neat...and I have sooo many ideas...my brain is just percolating! Yes, people with awesome blogs really do exist in person!

After a crazy week...and sadly cancelling our weekend trip to the Grandparent's house...this meeting was a much needed down time for me! It was great...to eat treats, sit back and listen to every one's wacky "house issues" and "room eyesores"...and realize everyone has them! Sarah was laid back and calm...kindly dealing with a group of chattery women in as organized of a way as possible!

Now I'm off to make a list of all my ideas before I forget any of them!

Thursday, February 5, 2009

Writer's Workshop?

I saw this on at Adult Deprived...thought it was interesting...and although a day late...thought I'd give it a whirl. I wonder how I'll do writing with assigned prompts...


Prompts:
1.) Tell us about a lie you told that you later regretted.
2.) Choose a task you'd like someone to complete and write a poem asking them to do it.
3.) Describe a talent you have.
4.) Write a list of ten things on your mind this week.
How about number two...
Turning the clothes right side out...Haiku...
Inside Out AGAIN
Frustrating Annoying Ah!
I'll do it myself
And number four...
Pray
Care
Cry
Clean
Calm...breathe
Lysol
Medicine
Comfort
Pray
Clean

Wednesday, February 4, 2009

Day by Day

God brought this song to my mind today. It's amazing how many hymns I have tucked up in my brain...that He brings out at the appropriate times. We have been struggling with an awful intestinal virus. With young kiddos that can be really difficult. Then, this morning, our hot water heater kicked the bucket...and is currently being replaced. That means $$$ and all the chores I planned to do (wash laundry, bathrooms, etc.) are on hold. So, pray for us...and see if these words speak to your heart too.

Day by Day
by Carolina Sandell Berg (text); Oscar Ahnfelt (music)

Day by day and with each passing moment,
Strength I find to meet my trials here.
Trusting in my Father's wise bestowment,
I've no cause for worry or for fear.
He whose heart is kind beyond all measure
Gives unto each day what He deems best,
Lovingly its part of pain and pleasure,
Mingling toil with peace and rest.

Every day the Lord Himself is near me
With a special mercy for each hour
All my cares He fain would bear and cheer me,
He whose name is Counselor and Pow'r.
The protection of His child and treasure
Is a charge that on Himself He laid
"As your days, your strength shall be in measure,"
This the pledge to me He made.

Help me then in every tribulation
So to trust Your promises, O Lord,
That I lose not faith's sweet consolation
Offered me within Your holy Word.
Help me, Lord, when toil and trouble meeting
E'er to take, as from a Father's hand,
One by one, the days, the moments fleeting,
Till I reach the Promised Land.


Monday, February 2, 2009

Memory Monday...Review Cop-out!


I had a verse all picked out...but lost steam this week. So, you get my review...and my promise to be back on top next week! I'm just looking back over them...

Romans 12: 9-21
1 Chronicles 29:10b-13
Jeremiah 17:7-10
Isaiah 9:6-7a
Mt. 2: 10-11
James 3:17-18
James 1:17-20
Phil. 3:7-15

I started to type them all out...and it got super long, super fast...so...you can look them up if you're interested in what I've been hiding in my heart thus far! I can not say enough about how much of a blessing this MM blogging has been to me. It's challenging and changes my perspective on the whole week. Even just reviewing this week (which I sort of count as a personal cop out) was wonderful! Happy Monday!!