two songbirds on a wire

date night.

2011-01-30T09:48:00.004-05:00

Just this past Friday Paul and I went to Brix & Stone Gastropub. This was our second time there and both times we've really enjoyed it. This time around, while trying to decide what to eat, I decided to "be like dad" and try something crazy. Wanna know what I had?

Chicken N' Waffles!

Unfortunately this dish did not come served the way I had anticipated and the chicken was just a little "juicy" for me...good thing the waffles were tasty! The meal consisted of fried chicken and waffles with strawberry butter and whiskey infused maple syrup. Needless to say, the joke of the night was that we went on a date for me to have waffles!

Paul had the Shepherd's Pie. We'd never tried Shepherd's Pie before...this one had lamb and beef. It was pretty good.

(Pictures compliments of my phone...not the greatest)

Coming and going

2011-01-08T09:42:00.007-05:00

So, tomorrow my sister will be moving to Madrid, Spain for 5 years! That's a long time! My boys will be 8 and 5 when she moves back, if she moves back. :( Thankfully we live in an age of Internet!!! Skype, email, MagicJack, UPS, USPS, FedEx, Cell Phones, and BLOGS also make the list of things I'm so thankful for in making communication with a sister now that an ocean will separate us!

So, in honor and celebration of the great adventure she is about to partake in...I've resolved to start my blog back up and start posting more regularly. Yippee!

So, here's to you, Nikki! :)

(P.S. This pic was taken by Ryan on the sweet "new/old" camera that she gave him for Christmas)

"More" of the Holy Spirit

2009-03-19T14:41:00.003-04:00

Does anyone recognize the name Beth Moore?

I know, silly question. She is a woman after God's heart and I am constantly encouraged when I hear her speak or read something she's written. I took a look at a devotional on her website from "The Beloved Disciple" and was, again, very encouraged.

She was talking about how often we feel the need for something like more patience or His perspective on things but really what we need is more of the Holy Spirit. Now she made it very clear that when we ask Jesus to rule over our lives the Holy Spirit moves in completely but how much we allow Him to have access to our lives to work is another story. What we need to pray next time we need more patience or His perspective is for more of the Holy Spirit because this is where it all begins.

Galatians 5:22-23 talk about all the characteristics we, as believers, should emulate and practice but what does it all revolve around? The Holy Spirit!

She makes the following statement about this "revelation"...
Child of God, don’t just absorb this truth! Get up and celebrate it! God gives His Spirit without measure! He has all that you need. Or more properly stated, He is that all you need. Our fulfillment and greatest joy are in the flooding of the Holy Spirit of God in our lives. He is how we understand God’s Word and will for our lives!

Thorns and Revelations

2009-01-31T10:12:00.002-05:00

A few years ago my dad gave us the devotional Thoughts From The Diary Of A Desperate Man by Walter A. Henrichsen. I finally got it out and started reading it this last week. I'd recommend it so far.

Yesterday I read about Paul's thorns and revelations. Seems that of late many of the people we love are hurting from physical pain, loss of a loved one, or something else. These are people that love the Lord with all their hearts. I often wonder why does this stuff happen to them and not me? Or why does bad stuff happen, in general, to good people? So, this devotional was specifically moving to me in that I know they all see the Lord more clearly and intimately having gone through what they are going through. Henrichsen states, "Suffering often accompanies intimacy with God."

He also talks about how with that intimacy sometimes comes extraordinary revelations but that first began with extraordinary suffering. I don't believe, by any means, that he's saying this is a direct science or that it you will always have extreme intimacy with God during suffering. God is not a god that can be put in a box. He moves in unique and different ways. But we do know that He is the same yesterday, today and forever! Hebrews13:8

So, I leave you with this thought...

"If you covet those encounters with God

where He reveals Himself in special ways,

are you willing to bear the cross

that often accompanies them?"

FINALLY...our first house pics

2009-01-13T20:38:00.004-05:00

For those of you that have been waiting, oh about 5 months now, for pictures of our house...well, here they are! There's a lot to still do but it gets a little extra touch here and there to make it feel more and more like home. Although, I have to say that it's felt like home since the very first day.

Welcome

Photo fun...

2008-12-14T16:11:00.003-05:00

I just saw this on my friend Ashley's blog MoreThanDogChildren and thot it would be fun, plus I've really been wanting to get myself back into blogging. My last post was August 26th!!!

Here's the rules:

1) Choose the 4th folder where you store your pictures on your computer

2) Select the 4th picture in the folder

3) Explain the picture

4) Tag 4 people to do the same

NO CHEATING! (cropping, editing, etc!)

Oooohhh! Now isn't that cute?! Okay, so this was actually the 5th folder in my pictures but the 4th didn't have four pictures. So, here's the deal on this pic...used to be able to lay little man on the couch and he wouldn't move! Ha! Gone are those days! Anyway, this was just an average day back in July of 2007.

I'm not gonna tag either but you're welcome to play along.

Breathe

2008-08-26T15:22:00.003-04:00

Sounds like a good idea, huh? Recently I won a new book from 24/7MOMS by Keri Wyatt Kent called "Breathe". It's a great book for any stage in motherhood for the one simple fact of helping all of us remember to slow down. I was encouraged that the little things I'm doing now (saying no to certain things, staying home all day some days, etc) are all helping lead me down the path of simplicity (or Sabbath Simplicity as she calls it) and, hopefully, not getting over committed in the future.

At one point in the book Kent talks about where we find our value and as a stay at home mom sometimes it's really hard not to commit to something just to show that we aren't "just staying home with the kids". She says, "It's as if we believe that our value comes from what we do...The only problem is, it's a lie! Our value comes not from what we do but from who we are. And we are beloved children of God."

So, I challenge you, as the new school year begins and your children are getting days/months/years older, to really look at your schedule and those letters asking you to do this or do that to just sit for a minute and ask Him what He would have you do or not do. You may find a little peace in this sometimes crazy, hectic world.

much love

2008-08-08T15:48:00.003-04:00

Isn't it so obvious why I would love this little man so much?!

Ecoist

2008-07-08T10:28:00.002-04:00

Just a fun little store that might make you smile with their products.

Visit Ecoist.

New blog...Living on Mayo

2008-06-13T11:23:00.003-04:00

Hey all...

I'm creating a new blog in order to share my love of freebies, coupons and hunting out deals! It's called LivingOnMayo. Check it out here!

You might even find a small incentive to add it to your blog-role.

"working" from home

2008-06-12T08:59:00.004-04:00

Awhile back I began really struggling with the whole idea of being a stay-at-home mom and yet being a Proverbs 31 woman.

For those of you not familiar with Proverbs 31 it talks about the "perfect" mother and wife. She takes care of her family clothing them in the best of the best, preparing their food before the crack of dawn, selling her wares in the market, etc. And in the end..."Her children rise up and bless her; Her husband also and praises her..." (vs. 28).

So, I mulled that around in my head for awhile. All the while knowing that I am called to stay home with Ryan and I absolutely love it! However, I want to not just stay at home but be the best I can for my family.

One way that I realized I could "help" our family be good stewards of what God has given us is with our grocery budget and our budget in general. I started searching for other blogs on the topic of being frugal, getting things for free, coupons, etc. I ran across and added the following blogs to my bloglines: freebies4mom (she scouts out the very best and real freebies, coupons, etc.), becentsable (these women shop all our favorite stores and tell us the best bargains at each store in relation to the coupons around the Internet and newspapers), hoorayforfreebates (a running list of all the rebates that are worth filling out and taking part in - I haven't really done this yet but the comments let me know it works), and themotherload (not only are there great recipes, ideas and such, but my favorite is freebie Fridays!). These are my favorites but there are others out there too. And a lot of these ladies are God-seekers too which makes it all the more connecting.

So, I thought I'd share one of my recent outings. To preface...Paul and I have recently been trying to bulk shop once a month and then only go out for things like bread/milk/bananas as needed. This is helping me plan meals, eat less packaged food, and stockpile so that I'm buying less in future outings. I now scout the weekly CVS ads to see if there is anything worth my time. They have a great rewards program that, if used correctly, can really save some bucks. Check out becentsable to learn more. I started by buying 2 Listerine Smart Rinse that were on sale for $3.49 and CVS gave you $3.49 in rewards to use on future purchases. I bought two (=6.98) and I had 2 coupons each for $1.00 off. Total with tax =5.47 and the best part?! I had $6.98 in rewards to use towards my next purchase!

So, then I went for the cereal. Usually I don't buy cereal or cereal bars there because they're expensive but they the deal was by $20 of General Mills and/or Folgers and get $10 rewards/ExtraCare bucks back. And the cereal and bars were on sale 3 for $9. I had 8 coupons worth $5.95, a coupon for CVS for $5 off a $25 purchase and the $6.98 from before. So, I stocked up on 3 boxes of Sweet and Salty bars, 2 boxes of Fiber One bars, 1 box Lucky Charms, and 1 box Cinn Toast Crunch...I also got a gallon of milk and a pack of gum. My total was $25.91 but once all the coupons were added it came to $7.75!!! Total for all the stuff you see below...$13.22!!!! And for the kicker...I still have $10 in rewards for my next trip to CVS! I think thats being a pretty good steward, don't you?!

thoughts on being tagged

2008-06-07T23:38:00.007-04:00

I've been tagged a few times lately and I really do what to participate and answer the questions but sometimes it seems like an insurmountable task and I chicken out. So, I decided to make up my own version and answer some random, silly and maybe even thought provoking questions.

Ready?

Where all have you lived?

Roeland Park and Olathe KS (both KC area), North Platte NE, Grand Island NE, St. Libory NE, and Lincoln NE.

Who was with you when you delivered Ryan?

My hubby and my mom.

What do you like to watch on TV?

Anything on TLC or HGTV, I also like the Food Network. But I'm addicted to LOST and really love CSI Las Vegas.

Who do you want to be like when you grow up?

My mom and my sister.

What are you self-conscious about?

My belly, blotching skin tones in my face.

What stresses you out?

Backseat drivers, or passenger seat drivers! :)

What do you love to drink?

Coffee, fountain soda (best is Dr. Pepper from McDonald's), margaritas.

What do you do in your spare time?

Play with Ryan, decorate/rearrange/organize, read, watch TV, go for walks, antique hunt, garage sales.

What do you think Paul would say about you right now?

You're beautiful, silly, amazing, great mom, and crazy for bidding on two pairs of shoes and winning them on Ebay!

Where would you rather be right now?

Heaven! But maybe San Diego, Tucson to meet my newest niece!, a nice beach.

How many kids do you want?

3 maybe?

What's your favorite accessory?

I love shoes, bags, jewelry.

Annoying habit(s)?

Biting/picking my hangnails. I also am one of those people who chews two m&ms on the right side of my mouth and then two on the other and things like that.

Where were you ten years ago?

In college with no clue that I'd end up married to the man of my dreams! I was beginning to get a clue that he might be in to me but still made stupid choices for the next year.

Where were you five years ago?

We were just beginning to think about Paul going back to school to get his masters, we moved to this awful little farm house outside of town and that winter sticky trapped 50+ mice! We could hear them in the walls and ceilings, they'd eat dog food out of Adah's dish right in front of her, we found dog food stashed in the pockets of our coats that they'd carried in there, day after day there'd be droppings all over my counters and kitchen drawers/cupboards. But enough about that.

Well, how's that for a few things you may not have known about me? :)

New suds

2008-06-07T23:28:00.004-04:00

So, not really something you want to just go out and spend your hard-earned money on but when the need arises what's a girl to do?

I guess it's been a few weeks now since our washer finally bit the bullet. Poor thing, or should I say poor hubby who's had to fix it and the washer a time or two. It was time so we loaded up and headed to pick out our new set. Of course I couldn't pass up the cherry red color! And, yes, I did watch the first time we put a load in...we all did! It is pretty snazzy and a huge blessing.

Carrot Cookies

2008-06-07T23:13:00.003-04:00

I love the idea of eating veggies and fruit but don't always make wise choices. I'm all about sneaky them into anything I'm already eating, especially if it goes undetected by those consuming. So, when I saw this recipe in the JournalStar I thought I'd try it out.

Beta Carotene Cookies

½ cup currants

1½ cups all-purpose flour

¾ cup whole-wheat flour

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1 teaspoon baking soda

½ teaspoon salt

¼ teaspoon nutmeg

2 sticks unsalted butter, at room temperature

1 cup light brown sugar

2 large eggs

1 tablespoon grated orange zest

2 cups grated carrot

Heat oven to 350 degrees F. Cover currants with boiling water for 5 to 10 minutes. In a large bowl, sift together flours, cinnamon, baking soda, salt and nutmeg. In a separate bowl, beat together butter and brown sugar. Add eggs and orange zest; fold in carrot and drained currants. Add flour mixture, stirring until just combined. Refrigerate for 30 minutes, then scoop teaspoonfuls of dough onto nonstick baking sheets. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes.

They're not bad as long as you aren't thinking you're biting into the worlds best chocolate chip cookie. I sub'd raisins for the currants and would probably experiment with the recipe a bit next time...like scaling down the butter! Also, I thought it might make a good muffin or loaf. And what other veggies could you hide in there?!

Love

2008-04-16T00:14:00.002-04:00

Freebies

2008-03-27T00:16:00.002-04:00

Most of you don't know that I'm a freebie and coupon enthusiast. I've fallen way behind on my daily freebie and coupon blogs but have spent the last 1.75 hours reading them all and then some additional reading.

Lately I've been more and more aware of what I'm eating and wanting to feed my family more healthy and organic if possible. I think it would be fabulous to eat organic 50-75% of the time. But I am just so cheap! And I really do like the thrill of getting a great deal on something. So, fortunately for me, there are lots of coupons out there for organic items and lots of stores have their own line of organic items which makes it even easier on my budget.

One fun freebie I just found is at AnniesHomegrown Natural and Organic Foods. I'm in love with Shells and White Cheddar a more healthy and real version of mac and cheese. And look what they're offering for FREE!!! Woot! Okay, I'm going to bed.

survey says...

2008-03-03T23:51:00.004-05:00

My friend Becca did this on her blog and I thought it was so fun so I decided to copy her.

1. Go to www.photobucket.com (don't sign in)
2. Type in your answer to the question in the "search" box
3. Use only the first page
4. Copy the html and paste for the answer.

1. What's your first name?

2.What is your relationship status?

3.What is your favorite color?

4. Who is your celebrity crush?

5. What band are you listening to right now?

6. What is your favorite movie?

7. What is your favorite Disney Princess?

8. Name your favorite alcoholic beverage?

9. Where is your dream vacation?

10. What is your favorite dessert?

11. What do you want to do when you grow up?

12. What do you love most in life?

Going green in the blender!

2008-02-27T13:01:00.003-05:00

So, my friend Sara is always up to something and her food passion compels me to try new recipe now and then. Her newest bloggings have been about green smoothies. Check her out here...HappyFoody!

Since Ryan is eating just about anything these days and mommy and daddy's food is always way better I've been more concerned with making sure what I feed him is pronounceable and good for him. Mind you I am the mom that will feed him excellent and healthy food all day and then let him have some ice cream...again, I love to celebrate!

Today we tried a green smoothie for breakfast. I was a little hesitant that I'd have to choke it down but was pleasantly surprised to taste it, with only a banana, 1/4 cup cherries and a bunch of Romain, that it was really sweet. It tasted a little grassy and was really green so I added about a 1/2 cup more mixed berries. We shared it and I think you can tell by the picture that he enjoyed it as much as I did.

So, it was a good start to our day...Proverbs and a green smoothie!

Scone Love

2008-02-27T12:49:00.003-05:00

I have a little obsession with scones. Oh, the sometimes bland taste with the little sugar crystals on top and a bite here and there of cranberries, blueberries, or chocolate chips! I know I am a little strange but they're just such a fun little indulgence.

I often feel that life is too short to not eat the things I like so I try to find ways to eat them anyway. Plus, I think everyday is a day to celebrate and I can't celebrate eating foods that don't do it for me. So, I found this recipe for Pear-Ginger Scones using Fiber One cereal. Only I didn't have pears and I don't really like ginger so I improvised! Basically I just omitted the pear and ginger and added a wee bit more cereal and milk. Usually when I improvise I end up wishing I hadn't but this time it was completely the opposite. These turned out to be one of my favorite scones of all time. However, there is a catch, they are the most amazing hot out of the oven!

What do you see by?

2008-02-22T10:31:00.008-05:00

This morning I was flipping through the outer pages of my Bible looking at notes I'd written throughout the years. I came upon this quote by C.S. Lewis.

I believe in Christianity as I believe that the sun has risen. Not only because I see it, but because I see everything by it. - C.S. Lewis

What do you see by?

the arts

2008-02-12T14:57:00.000-05:00

Lately God has been teaching me about being content in exactly who He created me to be. The more I let myself be creative and free in that area the more fearful and scared I can sometimes get. I often find myself comparing my talents and abilities to those around me. The trouble with comparison is that God did not create me like this person and that person, He created me in His image and did not make any mistakes when doing so. That means that the gifts, talents and abilities I have are exactly what God wanted me to have...no more, no less. Therefore, I want to rejoice and be free in the fact that I can't fail if I do it all for God's glory. So, I've been letting myself be vulnerable and free in my creative side. Here are a few projects I've been working on.

We went on a double date with some friends of ours, Eric and Nikki, to Paint Yourself Silly. I had never been before but had a great time. And I really do like how my platter turned outI've been working on the patchwork for quite some time. I thought I would make it into a throw but realized the way I'm going I might be 93 before that happens. So, I took some of it and covered a pillow instead. I really like how it turned out. Also, I had this idea of making a snake for Ryan. Mighty Mac-dog is trying to save us from this venemous little reptile!

Lily

2007-12-01T11:56:00.000-05:00

On days that are rainy or snowy I seem to get into the moods of reading, journal and just contemplating in general. I was reading my friend Eva's blog and was encouraged by her thoughts. Her blog is called "The lily awakens" and it's named after the story below. Take a minute to read and ponder. Enjoy this season and remember who you were made to worship.

The Lily

A story is told of a little girl many years ago in the slums who saw an object lesson using a beautiful white lily.The children gazed upon and touched the lovely lily.One little girl then looked upon herself and immediately fled to her garret home. She used soap she could find, and did her best to make herself more presentable. The lily had awakened her desire for cleanliness. So to look upon our great and holy God awakens within the child of God the desire to be more like Him.

thoughts on a wednesday...

2007-11-14T11:47:00.000-05:00

I'm making a second attempt at reading through the entire Bible. Sad that this is only my second time going through it begining to end in my 24 years of knowing our Savior personally, but happy that He has brought me to this point of knowing him more than I did at age 5, 10 or even 28!

So, today I was reading in Deuteronomy, chapter 4, and came across this verse (v.20)..."But the Lord has taken you and brought you out of the iron furnace, from Egypt, to be a people for His own possession, as today."

I couldn't help but stop and think for a minute about my life, my family's lives, my friend's lives, and so many more. He has taken us from whatever circumstances we've faced in the past and helped us to recover, grow, mature, gain understanding...all because we are His possession and it brings Him glory to do so. What a great God we know and serve! How fabulous that He cares so deeply for us not to leave us there in our "iron pit" but will take and bring us out!

Thank you, God, for taking and bringing me out of the "iron pit", the person that I once was, the place where I felt most alone, the circumstance where I turned my back. Thank you for loving me so much that you sent your One and Only Son to pay the price of my sin. Thank you that no matter how dark it may seem to get that you are always God at the end of the day.

Catching up with a very dear friend...

2007-11-06T23:03:00.000-05:00

So, I'm not only catching up on time with a dear friend but also catching up on my blogging. It's been quite awhile now, a month, since our time with Kris and Natalie and their beautiful kids Taylor and Joselyn. They came and stayed with us a weekend while they were in Lincoln visiting supporters. We had a great time hanging out with their kiddos while Kris and Natalie enjoyed a Husker game in real life. We watched in on t.v. and I tried explaining to Taylor that that's where his mom and dad were. He looked and me and asked if Taylor was there too? :) It's a little difficult explaining live t.v. to a 3 year old I guess...or maybe it was the teacher.

Anyway, Natalie and I stayed up way too late both nights talking about anything and everything. I haven't been that encouraged spiritually by a friend in so long. It was, and always has been, amazing to hear her wisdom, insight, and passionate love for her Lord and family pour out in our talks. We have so much in common and were able to pick up right where we left off 3 years ago when our ways parted. I'm very excited to see them again when we spend the night with them on our way home from vacation in Denver/Vail.

What an amazing gift the Cheeks are to Boulder and to us!

You can check out what they're doing in Boulder here.

coffee love

2007-09-11T10:01:00.000-04:00

My love of coffee is more than just the taste. It's the whole experience, the memories, the time spent drinking. My sister and I were talking the other day that even if we could only drink decaf for the rest of our lives we'd still do it because there is a sense of comfort in the cup. The routine of waking up, making coffee, sitting down with a hot cup topped with silk creamer and your Bible is an experience that can't be duplicated. And how many great conversations and memories made have you had over a simple cup of coffee?

So in honor of the dark brew...here's a sample from Folgers.

Now, go call a friend and sip on some coffee!

(Picture compliments of my bestest friend Sara. Miss you darling!)

thrifty

2007-07-27T11:54:00.000-04:00

So, lately I've really gotten into being thrifty and looking for the bargains. Some of you could spend hours reading blogs about the environment and political views...me, I could spend hours looking for coupons and reading others ideas on being thrifty! LOL

Anyway, leading up to and having our first child has caused me to try and be even more economical and thrifty; especially since I'm staying home now with Ryan. Even though I'll be working PRN at the hospital and doing resumes from home we're still loosing my income which is never easy but it CAN be done! I've really enjoyed reading BabyCheapskate since I first became pregnant. They provide specific sales in their area but also list online sales and coupons specifically related to babies and children. Oh, and they have great ideas for entertaining your children; both places to go and ideas to get off the internet.

So, in honor of their site and my own desire to share the wealth...here's a coupon to use at Target for Luvs diapers...$2OFFLuvs!

Starbucks Java Chip Ice Cream

2007-07-21T12:21:00.000-04:00

My friend Natalie posted THIS to her blog awhile ago with some adorable pics of her daughter and Java Chip Ice Cream. I decided to dedicate this post in honor of her! For those of you that don't know her she is one of the kindest, most unique and beautiful people you will ever meet. She has a heart of gold and a love for the Lord that is contagious. One of the things I LOVE about her is her desire to celebrate the everyday and to make big the things that most of us would pass over. She savors everything and is teaching her children to do the same thing (hence the blog).

So, here's to you Natalie...I couldn't let it go to waste! LOL Love ya!

Succulents!

2007-07-11T21:30:00.000-04:00

This is my new succulent garden thanks to my mom for such a great birthday present!I love them all but think that the string of pearls may be my favorite. They're all so unique and not poisonous so that's a plus since Ryan will be crawling before we know it. Plus, they're all soft and touchable so no worries with that part of Ryan crawling too.

- String of Pearls -

- Baby's Toes -
-Don't remember all their names but love the baby's butt looking one! -

little masterpiece!

2007-07-03T18:06:00.000-04:00

God really does know what He's doing when he creates these beautiful masterpieces inside of us! I cannot get over how perfect Ryan is and how perfect he is for us!

My sister took this photo...you can see more of her work here!

P.S. Click here for Ryan's new blog.

New life, new love!

2007-07-02T14:12:00.000-04:00

This is the newest addition to the Mayo family...Ryan Michael was born June 13th at 5:03am.

He is a perfect baby and we're enjoying every moment of our new life with him. Labor and delivery went very smoothly and quite enjoyably as well. The doctor allowed me to reach down and deliver Ryan the up onto my chest after his little head and shoulders were out! Simply indescribably! He's grown a bit since then...almost 3 weeks old now.

Here's a pic from today.

You can check out more pics here. I'm hoping to have a blog just for him very soon as well.

Heritage

2007-05-16T21:41:00.000-04:00

I am blessed with grandparents who love the Lord and will leave, and are already leaving, a wonderful heritage.

This past Sunday we celebrated Mother's Day at my grandparent's where we often gather for special celebrations. As always they opened their home up to people they'd never met. My friend Erin and her cute little Brynn ate with us and we all enjoyed sweet fellowship. My grandparents know no strangers, and if we truly do entertain angels unaware they never have to worry about turning them away. Lord willing my son will get some time with his great-grandparents before the Lord takes them home.

What a blessing they are!

Family love...or something!

2007-03-21T11:35:00.000-04:00

My brother made a quick visit from AZ when he helped move my cousins to there new job in Omaha at Boys Town. He may have only been here for a short while but we still had a lot of fun. The above photo is a classic pose of Nikki, my sister, and Dave. We decided to see who's belly was the biggest. I don't want to hurt anyone's feelings so you can be the judge. :)

I've added a few more prego pics here.

Cutest idea ever!

2007-03-02T14:57:00.000-05:00

Everyone needs to check out this post on the Purl Bee. It's the cutest idea ever! And what a clever way to use those small pieces of fabric that you just love but don't know what to do with them because they're so small. I can think of two already. You could even paint the "frames" different colors to add more of a splash of color. They could store needles of different sizes too.

I guess March is craft month, according to a sign in a local craft shop here, so get crafting! :)

Thoughts...

2007-03-02T09:16:00.000-05:00

So, I'm loving what I've been reading and learning and thinking lately about using what I have for other purposes and just using what I have, in general, before I go buy a bunch of new stuff. One of my goals right now is to use all of the mosturizers, shampoos, conditioners and hair products before I go get anything new. This means my hair may not react the same way I think it does when I use the really expensive curly shampoos and such but I'm wondering how much they really do anyway. And for me, I don't do a whole lot with my hair so how much can it really do? Who knows? For now I am enjoying not buying new chapsticks and shampoo and mosturizers and etc, etc, etc.

Also, I've been thinking of ways that I can use what I already have to cover a window or two in my house that still has towels on it! :) As I was thinking the other night I remembered two white pillow cases that I really don't use that I could take apart and make into curtains. I'll make sure and post a pic of the before and after.

I have another goal of converting a pair of jeans I have now into prego jeans. I know that I can't change them back after the baby but they fit perfectly and would be great for my next several months. I've tried on so many jeans and can never find ones that don't cost an arm and a leg or that just fit right. So, I'll keep you updated on that project as well.

Oh, and I'm planning to take my first load of recycling to the bins tomorrow. I'm so excited. I have to sort all the paper/cardboard stuff because we just throw it all in one bin. I can already tell a difference in the amount of garbage that I take out per week to our big garbage can. Hooray for recycling.

A lot of my thoughts and readings have come from here, here, here, here, and of course my friend Sara. Thanks to all of you for sharing your thoughts, feelings and lives with the rest of us!

Sipping Sweet Cinnamon Spice Tea

2007-02-23T09:27:00.000-05:00

I'm sipping some wonderful Sweet Cinnamon Spice Tea from Tazo. I love Tazo teas...Passion tea is very, very excellent! But do you know what I love more than Tazo Tea? Good friends!

Yesterday I got two letters/packages in the mail with sweet goodies inside. I received a wonderful handmade card from my friend Natalie who, even though I haven't seen her in probably 3 years, I still consider a soul mate because of how God has used her in my life and how we seem to just connect. She included some Sweet Cinnamon Spice Tea along with a cute little sticker from her son, Tay. I just love knowing that somewhere in Boulder there are people that I know and connect with, who love God and love me!

Second I got another handmade card from another wonderful friend, Sara. She also included some tea but this was a Mint flavor from Numi. I shall sip that wonderfulness later. Sara also included a little star thingy that I don't really know how to explain but you can see pics of bigger ones here. Sara recently moved to Bozeman and now I have people who understand and love me in Bozeman! And she loves Jesus lots too so that makes it even more special.

So, today, I challenge you to send a little goodie to someone you love. It'll make them feel so loved and special!

2007-02-08T10:39:00.000-05:00

Well, it's been such a long time since I've written anything here. I suppose it's because I keep waiting to put a pic with the story or something really cool to happen. Well, a lot of great stuff has been happening so I'm just going to share some tid bits of it all.

First off...Tuesday we found out that this cute little baby growing inside of me is a BOY! We are definitely excited for that. It's so crazy because you all know we would have been happy either way and I'm sure some of you have experienced the exact same thing but it's just incredibly fun to know who this little person is inside you. I just stared at the monitor and kept thinking, "I'm his mommy! No one knows this baby like me (except for God of course!)." It's just an incredible thing that a mother can't even begin to explain and those that aren't mothers can't really, fully understand. I know I never could wrap my brains around the love of a parent for a child but even now I'm beginning to understand. It's a wonderful gift from God...all pointing right back to Him in order for us to long to know Him more!

In other news, Paul has started work. Yes he passed his boards...no surprise! But he is loving his job and just happy to have something that he enjoys to fill his days. He's not one to be able to sit for long and not do anything. The two weeks after he took his test were killing him with boredom. We are very blessed to have him where he's at.

We sat down the other Saturday and talked about goals for now and for the future. Little things like learning to recycle and reading out loud once night a week to paying off school loans in 3-4 years all the while saving for a down payment on a house. It was good for me to remind myself that these things are temporary and having a house that we "own" is not a measure of status for us. We are very well off and our wonderful little house fits us very nicely. We can do without and do without new things all the time. We also decided to keep both our cars and just trade so that I have the 4-door and he has my 2-door when the baby comes. Both are cars are still reliable and it just fits into our financial goals to keep them versus buying a "new" one.

All-in-all this has been an amazing year full of God's wonderful blessings. I visited Starbucks this morning because I haven't had a Soy, halfcalf caramel Machiato and a Lemon Raspberry Coffee Cake since I've been pregnant. But they don't have that kind of coffee cake in Lincoln! Sad! I drove away thinking, "If that's the kind of disappointments that I go through then I am truly spoiled!" We are such a blessed nation...take time to enjoy what God has truly blessed you with, and don't be afraid to share it!

4111 Place

2007-01-14T16:16:00.000-05:00

We moved into our house in Lincoln on December 18th and are loving it so far. It has it's quirks because it's an older house but it fits our needs quite nicely with tons of room to spare. The best part is we got to paint the main floor rooms whatever colors we wanted. Of course I had to paint something red and something green. The baby's room is the only room that nothing really has been done yet but hopefully that will all change on Feb. 6th when I get my next ultrasound. :) The dogs love the huge fenced in backyard...squirel watching is a favorite. I love the extra little room downstairs where I can leave all my creative stuff out for when I get an itch. Ahhh...the good life! :)

Check out more detailed photos here. And if you're in the neighborhood, stop on in!

16 1/2 weeks!

2007-01-12T14:27:00.000-05:00

Well, I am not at 16 1/2 weeks of my pregnancy and loving every minute. We just had an ultrasound with our new doctor in Lincoln and everything looks great. I can't believe how fast they grow!

All of you that have been pregnant before know that sometimes, at least when you're earlier along like me, your belly seems to stick out more and other days not as much. We took this last night and it is pretty much this size all the time now. I still laugh sometimes when I look in the mirror at how my belly keeps growing. It's just funny sometimes...I don't know...it's probably just me. :)

I'll let you all know as soon as that 20 week mark hits and we get to hopefully find out what we'll be having! Can't wait!

Merry Christmas!

2006-12-22T20:55:00.000-05:00

Family and Friends!

This time of year we celebrate God’s amazing gift of His son! And because of that gift we are able to celebrate all the other wonderful gifts that He blesses us with day in and day out.

Approximately 2 & a half years ago we began a journey to Kansas City where Paul would study intensely at KUMed in Anesthesia. Now, as of December 15th, we are officially done and moving on to the next stage of our lives. Yippee!

Paul has done amazingly well. I am constantly surprised and grateful for his diligence, discipline and, throughout it all, love for the Lord and me. He’s been recognized time and again by doctors and nurses for his “smarts” and respect. Now, after hours of free labor in the OR, long days and late nights of studying, and practically no social life, he’s approaching freedom! Once we move back to Lincoln he’ll continue studying for boards and take those sometime in January. Then, in February, he’ll start his new job with the AAPC (a group of Anesthesiologists and Anesthetists). God is good!

Over the past two years I have been working for a mortgage company where I was blessed to learn several positions the last and most rewarding as a Career Coach. Now that chapter of my life is closed and I move on to a new position within the St. Elizabeth Hospital Foundation. I will be a Secretary there, learning the ins and outs of fundraising, donations, grants, etc. Once again God has opened doors and blessed us indeed!

And maybe the biggest celebration, at least in terms of personal growth (heehee), is the new addition that will be joining us in person next June! We are taking the plunge into parenthood! It’s been an amazing 12 weeks so far! Enjoying every moment and looking forward to finding out whether we’ll be having a boy or a girl. We’ll keep you posted.

Other than that...it’s just a great journey of marriage, laughing at our dogs, enjoying life, and learning to love the Lord more.

Merry Christmas everyone!
And may you celebrate BIG this season as we have so much to be celebrating!

Paul, Kristin, little one on the way, Adah & Mac.

grad class of 2006

2006-12-12T18:30:00.000-05:00

Woohoo! They all received their diploma's last Friday night at a nice little dinner in celebration of the 2006 graduating class of Certified Nurse Anesthetists! Only 5 days left in KC then we're headed for Nebraska...home sweet home!

Nebraska vs. Oklahoma = COLD!

2006-12-12T18:08:00.000-05:00

We bought tickets for the Big 12 Championship game before we even knew who would be there just hoping that this would be Nebraska's big year. Well, they made it and so did the Sooners but it wasn't quite the finish to the big year that the Huskers had hoped for. And it was COLD!

Paul's parents came down, Jason and Jesse some other friends from all over (Nebraska fans of course) and then some friends of Paul's from work (unfortunately Oklahoma fans...just kidding we love them).

We all had a great time freezing our little tushies off and were able to walk away smiling...sort of. LOL

the little one

2006-12-12T18:00:00.000-05:00

Some of you already know but now I have a picture to prove it...we are expecting our first little one next June! I'm 12 weeks along now and just finished my first trimester on Sunday! I've been so blessed to feel great...no morning sickness (cross my fingers)...and enjoying every minute of it.

A few weeks ago we went for the visit where we'd get to hear the heartbeat. This is what we got instead! :) (it's a picture of a picture b/c I don't have a scanner so you may have to squint).

First snow...

2006-12-12T17:40:00.000-05:00

Our first snow, of the season, started as an ice storm and the next day progressed to beautiful snow flakes blanketing our area in about 6-8 inches of snow! Mind you, the ice did not miraculously melt as the snow fell so it was pretty nasty for awhile...but beautiful all the same!

the ice begins...

great time to make cookies!...

blanket of snow...

It was beautiful! I love the change in seasons...although I was very happy to be snuggly warm inside! :)

Sara Inspired Living Space

2006-11-05T14:23:00.000-05:00

One of my passions is decorating. I'm constantly rearranging, decorating, moving things, trying new things, organizing, etc. Recently, after viewing my friend Sara's cozy new abode, I decided my living room needed touched up. Here's a few pics of what I ended up with.

Arizona

2006-11-01T12:43:00.000-05:00

About a week ago Paul and I returned from a wonderful vacation visiting family in Tucson, AZ. We met our new niece, Ryleigh Lynn, for the first time, who is already a year old! (She looks so much like my brother!)

Had a great time enjoy my brother, Dave, and his beautiful wife, Susie.

We took my brother's new jeep out on a 19 mile off-roading adventure in The Gap. It performed very well and we enjoyed the beauty of the mountains and the wildlife. (Pictured: Dave, his nephew Michael, Paul and me)

We watched my older niece, Sarah, in the pig-tails in green to the right of the pic, crush their opponents with a 48-6 victory!

All-in-all it was fantastic and we would have loved to have more time. Wish they were closer!

Sisters...shopping...stars

2006-10-19T21:09:00.000-04:00

This past weekend my most favorite sister came to visit with her adorable friend Rachel. They arrived at our house Saturday night and left Tuesday after a fine lunch of Edamame and Pesto Chicken Pizza from The Cheescake Factory! Bliss! Sunday all four of us (Paul, Nikki, Rachel and I) went to YJ's Snack Bar for a delicious brunch. On the way home it was decided that Nikki and I would get matching tattoos!!! We both love stars so here's what we got.
Her stars are brown, orange and robin egg blue. Mine are Red, mint green and brown. We love them. Then we took Rachel down stairs at the same place and got her noice pierced by the same girl that did mine...Steeny.

Then we went for Thai food! What a great ending to the day! But I guess we watched Skeleton Key as well before the night really ended. Then on Monday I worked while the girls shopped but I met up with them at The Legends where we shopped and just had a good time...finished of our time there with some yummy soup from Panera!

Of course every time my sister and I are together we must dye our hair and Rachel had never dyed hers so it was perfect timing!

My insides...

2006-09-28T19:46:00.000-04:00

Yesterday I caught a glimps of a spider web on my way to work. It was one of those huge ones with a respectively huge spider sunning smack-dab in the middle. I was amazed at how it seemed to be suspended in mid-air. I've always been facinated by these little orb weevers. Here's what got me...this little spider does exactly what it was created to do all day long knowing nothing else and never even thinking of doing something opposite of what it was created to do. Oh, to be one of these creatures...never wandering away, never making willing and thought out choices to go against God's plan for me. How I long to be exactly as my Savior has created me...to sing and dance for joy because of His great love and mercy! The comforting thought in all this is that He takes me back every time I wander...His arms are open wide...every time.

I've been reading Fresh-Brewed Life by Nicole Johnson (as mentioned in previous blogs). The following quotes from her captures some of my insides as well.

Each longing in my life that I have discovered, or that has discovered me, drives me to confront a truth that I might not have confronted otherwise: I need God. I am thirsty for God. Desperately thirsty.

God is the only One big enough to hold our longings.

Through it all...all these longings...theses undeniable longings...they all point me to Him.

Photo by CountryDreaming/Flickr

Pierced through the.........NOSE!!!

2006-09-28T09:20:00.000-04:00

Last Saturday Paul and I took the bike down to the River Market Coffee House for a Mocha, then to KUMed, and then to FreaksonBroadway! We waited for a bit and then the cutest little, pierced and tatted girl, named Steeny, pierced my nose. And let me tell you...I love it! And I love Paul for taking me down there, holding my hand, and then telling me that it looked good. I'm married to the greatest man ever!

For all you wondering what it's like...it's really not that bad. It's more of a weird sensation having a needle go through your nose and then just kind of hang there until Steeny put the little stud in.

Oh, so fun! The pics not that great b/c it's off my phone but you get the idea.

Longing

2006-09-18T21:26:00.000-04:00

"For when all is said and done, there is only this to say: No matter how sweet the event, how consoling the moment, there is always a deep longing within us that cuts like a knife. It is a yearning that stirs even when (or perhaps most often when) the air is flooded with sunshine and the sky dazzles us with color and light. Then this unutterable loneliness that we feel is in no way justified. Yet in the midst of our gratitude for the beauty of created things, we know in our very bones that there is something yet to be given. The emptiness is the mark and reminder of God. By this sense of what is not, we know what is and what is yet to be."

- Fresh-Brewed Life

Pastel Sky - Photo by MikePhoto25's/Flickr

Journal

2006-09-08T09:45:00.000-04:00

I've been reading this book Fresh-Brewed Life by Nicole Johnson. Last night as I began reading this quote struck me.

"And the day came when the risk (it took) to remain tight in the bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom." -Anais Nin

So, it got me thinking about life and how real I've been with myself and God. Let me just say...I've been hiding. You know how you finally take a minute to breath and that little voice inside you gets your attention? He finally got me to listen for a few minutes last night and answer the questions that I've come to hate and love all at the same time. "Are you making a difference?" I've come to hate that question because it usually gets my attention when I'm not doing anything worth while. I don't think I'm making a difference and I don't think I've been investing my life in things that matter. Ouch, that's pretty painful to admit and express. I usually spend the whole day just thinking about what I want to and just being selfish. Oh, sure, I have my minutes and maybe even a day or two when I think about the lost and the hungry but those are few and far between. I'd hate to meet my Savior face to face and not be able to tell Him how I loved and served Him. But here's the beautiful flip side to that questions...the part that I love...it gets me to a point where I actually do something worthwhile. I finally "start over" again and seek His face. And you know what's the greatest part? He meets me there every time with open arms ready to teach me how to live for Him and be a part of His story.

Cute girls...

2006-09-08T09:27:00.000-04:00

Last weekend I headed to Lincoln to spend time with my family to celebrate my grandparent's 50th wedding anniversary which was earlier this summer. I never get tired of seeing my family. This time was especially fun because my sister was back from Spain where she spent 7 weeks of the summer. Usually when the three of us girls get together we end up laughing so hard someone falls over and we all about pee our pants! (but not really) I know, I know...too much information but I love them! Aren't they cute?

Lawrence

2006-08-29T07:59:00.000-04:00

A few weeks ago my friend Sara and her daughter Bella came to KC from Des Moines to hang out while her hubby was in AZ. We had a great time eating Thai food (of course!), getting coffee and tea, shopping at Whole Foods and the Lawrence Coop (The Merc), watching foreign films like Ameli (which is spectacular), and just talking in general.

Let your heart take courage!

2006-08-18T12:56:00.000-04:00

Okay...you know how sometimes the Word just hits you totally new like you've never read it before?!?!

"Not that I have already obtained it or have already become perfect, but I press on so that I may lay hold of that for which also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus." Phil 3:12

So, life is a journey, yeah, we fall two steps back and go one step forward. We cry out to Him to please help us see the Light. But the key is to press on! We won't have "obtained" it until one day when we meet Him face to face...for now our mission is to not give up. Each time we are faced with the fact that we feel like a failure or we've suddenly realized we've wasted time, it is then that we must definitely press on!

Be encourage my friend and let your heart take courage!

Parkville

2006-08-09T21:14:00.000-04:00

Last Saturday we headed to Parkville, MO to walk the path along the river. Parkville is the cutest little town, about 30 minutes North of us, with shops, cafes, restaurants, antiques, etc. It reminds us of a little mountain town because it's packed with trees and there are houses on the hills and you might just have to see it to understand.

I was just happy to be with Paul and the dogs enjoying God's creation. What a great God he is! It was pretty warm still but the locust were loud, the river was flowing, the birds were singing. It seemed that all of His creation was doing exactly as they were created to do. Oh, to be more like the birds and the locusts!

Pesto and Roasted Eggplant Pizza

2006-08-09T21:03:00.000-04:00

Tonight I decided to finally do something with the eggplant in my fridge. I don't think I've ever had it before nor have I ever fixed something with eggplant in it.

So, I looked online and decided to make Pesto&RoastedEggplantPizza. It was very, very yummy I might add. A little time consuming if you're planning on eating in less than 30 minutes but very easy to fix. I will definitely be making it again.

My four-legged babies...

2006-08-02T23:20:00.000-04:00

My dogs
Also known as Pooper-Heads, Stinky-Pants, Stinky-Head, Buger-Head, Smelly, Macaroni, Little Adah, Adah-Dog, etc, etc

Mac's butt...it screams "pinch me!"
Adah's little snout and face...perfection!

Each one unique
Heart shaped spots, little white stipes, black and white toenails

They are my babies
I talk to them
They keep me company
A girls best friend, huh?

Green Cords

2006-08-01T14:59:00.000-04:00

I must say that ever since I saw my friend Sara's green cords I've been a bit envious and even a little jealous. So, while browsing the deals at one of our local Marshals I spotted some and thought I'd try them on just in case they fit. They fit! And the best part...they were only $15.00! Yes, originally $42.99! I love deals that fit.

Love Alone

2006-07-31T09:20:00.000-04:00

No one would love me if they knew all the things I hide

My words fall to the floor

As tears drip through the telephone line

And the hands I’ve seen raised to the sky

Not waving but drowning all this time

I'll try to build an ark that they need

To float to you upon the crystal sea

Give me your hand to hold

'Cause I can't stand to love alone

And love alone is not enough to hold us up

We've got to touch your robe

So swing your robe down low

Swing your robe down low

The prince of despair's been beaten

But the loser still fights

Death's on a long leash

Stealing my friends to the night

And everyone cries for the innocent

You say to love the guilty too

And I'm surrounded by suffering and sickness

So I'm working tearing back the roof

Give me your hand to hold

'Cause I can't stand to love alone

And love alone is not enough to hold us up

We've got to touch your robe

So swing your robe down low

Swing your robe down low

And the pain of the world is a burden

And it's my cross to bear

And I stumble under all the weight

I know you're Simon standing there

And I know you're standing there

Caedmon'sCall

album: Long Line of Leavers

River Market

2006-07-29T14:53:00.000-04:00

Mmmm, Mmmm! We met some friends of ours at the RiverMarket this morning for coffee and fresh produce. It was definitely hot and bustling this morning. I haven't been there in quite some time and the size of it was crazy. It's a year round market but the size is significantly smaller when not during the dead of summer. I would love to make this my regular Saturday morning destination.

We were able to get corn, purple sweet peppers, eggplant, avocado, garlic, green pepper, fresh pastries (baklava, sausage something, spinach quiche, and a snickerdoodle cookie from a great, new little bakery right next door to our favorite coffee house down here the CityMarketCoffeeHouse, and pasta! Now this pasta is only sold at farmer's markets and some restaurants. The company is Pappardelle's...we got Cracked Pepper Fettuccine, Lemon Chive Angel Hair, Sweet Potato Pappardelle, and Dark Chocolate Linguine. I've never seen chocolate pasta before. I let you know how it turns out. Each pasta came with a recipe and the dark chocolate recipe tops it with strawberries and ice cream, hot fudge, etc. We also browsed Dutch Flowers, great gerber daisies, but didn't buy today.

...it was a beautiful morning for the market.

Farmer's Market

2006-07-23T21:05:00.000-04:00

So I partook in a new farmer's market yesterday, new for me not for them, and then capped off the morning at Whole Foods. All I have to say is YUM-O!!! So many yummy things to eat everywhere I turned. I grabbed some hearty bread from one of the vendors. Only sweetened with her neighboring vendor's honey.

Anyhoo...I couldn't resist a bunch of sunflowers calling myname at Whole Foods... since I do live in the "Sunflower State" and all (only for a little longer, I might add...heehee). Don't they just make you smile?!