tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-243013122024-03-07T07:51:54.765-06:00A Stirring LifeRebeccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09394453146621467115noreply@blogger.comBlogger494125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24301312.post-7416629463438608662012-04-23T06:00:00.000-05:002012-04-23T06:00:14.242-05:00<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
It was exactly 3 years ago last Friday, April 20th, that <a href="http://astirringlife.blogspot.com/2009/04/baby-olivia.html">our world swiftly tilted</a>. </div>
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So last Thursday, April 19th, I paused.</div>
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I tried to recollect how I was (who I was?) before April 20th happened. I imagined myself going about my day that was probably nothing far from ordinary. Was I happier? Smile more? Worry less? Calmer? Because that was all <b>before.</b> Before the madness. <i>Before the shatter.</i> Before I ceased to be who I was and started to become who I am now. </div>
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And I think about God, the God of April 19th, and who I thought He was. </div>
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Or more like, who I had made Him out to be.</div>
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The God of April 19th looked something like this: He would allow bad things to happen to good people, but not super-terribly-crazy-bad things to happen to anything-above-lukewarm-Christians. Crazy, <i>I know</i>. I probably would not have admitted to believing that, but reaction to circumstance is pretty indicative of what I (and people in general) believe. He was kind and good and somehow it was so much easier to believe because the really ugly-gives-you-goosebumps-nightmares only happened to "other people".</div>
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<i>Until they didn't.</i></div>
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And then I was "<a href="http://astirringlife.blogspot.com/2009/05/other-people.html">other people</a>".</div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">And I have come to realize, among many </span><a href="http://astirringlife.blogspot.com/2011/01/choice.html" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">other things</a><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> over the last three years, that the God of April 19th not only doesn't exist,<i> He never did</i>. I had made for myself a graven image, God as I know Him, instead of the true God that He really is, despite what I want to believe Him to be.</span> <span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">And since then, my relationship with Him has become much richer, deeper, and more intimate than I could have ever thought. Suffering takes your heart to places with God that can not be reached in any other way. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I remember a phrase that I somehow repeated to myself in that ultrasound room when I thought I would die right there of a broken heart: <i>He</i> is still the same...He is <i>still</i> the same...He is still the<i> same. </i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">And He still is.</span><br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/200/3FBFF70FD1D2961D7E31A5A8D89E23A4.png" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent; border: 0pt none ! important;" /></a>Rebeccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09394453146621467115noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24301312.post-5715211210084622912012-02-01T06:00:00.000-06:002012-02-01T06:00:01.437-06:00Fun & Frugal Hello Kitty Party<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">It was all about Hello Kitty this past weekend as we celebrated my little girl's 7th birthday. Instead of using the Hello Kitty party supplies available at the store, I decided on a pink, black & white theme with Hello Kitty scattered throughout. It is much cheaper to buy solid colored paper plates (black) and napkins (pink with white polka dots) than to buy the Hello Kitty embellished party ware. We used fabric, sheets, tissue paper flowers, cardstock that we already had on hand to complete the look! For games, we played musical chairs, freeze dance, and pin-the-bow on Hello Kitty. We put on HK tattoos and enjoyed a tasty lunch of finger foods like cheese, sausage and crackers, fruit kabobs, pigs-in-a-blanket, and mini pb&j sandwiches. Everything was designed to be fun, frugal, and well, a little fabulous.</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5-CXdyDO92zma5MhlIzxex7betbRpxcoywKzYRejwTRo3Zd8gmzrxpYDntMG5Mkd_yE3QVT1PnRVtMs9NA5F1uxF07-i0za3rpx_avc-uhhuUu_jf0qngSR8Ce7STzQy_ecxKkw/s1600/228.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5-CXdyDO92zma5MhlIzxex7betbRpxcoywKzYRejwTRo3Zd8gmzrxpYDntMG5Mkd_yE3QVT1PnRVtMs9NA5F1uxF07-i0za3rpx_avc-uhhuUu_jf0qngSR8Ce7STzQy_ecxKkw/s320/228.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;">:: Homemade Table Centerpiece - Tablecloth is a flat sheet with a zebra print fabric remnant laid over the top. :: </div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW1kipAV_O1RMkQT_TVBDlPqODshDjCRXV4GNA1_7eRfWLx4rnfGVjiI_9ip-TvnZ8Wss1T6gP1I9nct2ghrD7hqkXYpTOjqjKaU3lomh2cbzd-pKvkhyphenhyphendenl1zLEmxDb6a7X05w/s1600/231.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW1kipAV_O1RMkQT_TVBDlPqODshDjCRXV4GNA1_7eRfWLx4rnfGVjiI_9ip-TvnZ8Wss1T6gP1I9nct2ghrD7hqkXYpTOjqjKaU3lomh2cbzd-pKvkhyphenhyphendenl1zLEmxDb6a7X05w/s320/231.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;"> :: Hello Kitty Birthday Banner - Created with a Sizzix Big Shot ::</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoOPfLYKxmy1NZtIH8kw5pXNZMKXv91mR-nldKfzJORhQrHFBZX61pfdA40xwEoLqabT_DqctnKhNUrqwv3AIr_-ogu8xPPAK39sAg6IvqWyiSzqCyifVoleRbxsDZLznU9KtvZA/s1600/232.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoOPfLYKxmy1NZtIH8kw5pXNZMKXv91mR-nldKfzJORhQrHFBZX61pfdA40xwEoLqabT_DqctnKhNUrqwv3AIr_-ogu8xPPAK39sAg6IvqWyiSzqCyifVoleRbxsDZLznU9KtvZA/s320/232.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;">:: Close-up of Hello Kitty on the banner :: </div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJuR_NRb0VL4vdaCr4_aYazIF-HahatfmOtw7urS92aENQ55kkXIPh7O7uwywpXfcdRlwstqcq4YMgp1MWaxp42V38HqJwKhzMivcefMBJGD9f0GYoKCa9ta3Oh3aToPPU_r4Gog/s1600/233.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJuR_NRb0VL4vdaCr4_aYazIF-HahatfmOtw7urS92aENQ55kkXIPh7O7uwywpXfcdRlwstqcq4YMgp1MWaxp42V38HqJwKhzMivcefMBJGD9f0GYoKCa9ta3Oh3aToPPU_r4Gog/s320/233.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;"> :: Helium Balloon Bouquets from our local dollar store. I purchased the pink polka dot balloons at a party store & brought them to the dollar store to be filled. ::</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs_2_hXzYkSpXNsDCxUKxWBFh0A_OeVNDbMymxmTW1dkTjlyhY-7NWttVbBLYaYi76O_NtxAwLJq14Wb3Zp-cw9hGZMFYPHIAYeS9HC4GRxFE4erMFeK7EjtioByEYBimxiZBZzA/s1600/236.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs_2_hXzYkSpXNsDCxUKxWBFh0A_OeVNDbMymxmTW1dkTjlyhY-7NWttVbBLYaYi76O_NtxAwLJq14Wb3Zp-cw9hGZMFYPHIAYeS9HC4GRxFE4erMFeK7EjtioByEYBimxiZBZzA/s320/236.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyIcuaWsv-V67wio7AYsElGrORBXtePg64o_f4Y5s6HsycIUlex5wahashul9zQtdDemBJT_b53R53ipEmAbCkQ7LyUGfsUd7hv50_uA8uYAQGkiyCMr_sWklgz5ABxSmh0CAgJA/s1600/237.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyIcuaWsv-V67wio7AYsElGrORBXtePg64o_f4Y5s6HsycIUlex5wahashul9zQtdDemBJT_b53R53ipEmAbCkQ7LyUGfsUd7hv50_uA8uYAQGkiyCMr_sWklgz5ABxSmh0CAgJA/s320/237.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;">:: We played pin the bow on Hello Kitty as a party game. It was great fun! I created this poster using the "grid" method. :: </div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjObrexhL2zSm-YKtSp35X6Y5ezyHRWmikauqr_CsOry0Mak5XwVP8EMYpQnMQmAdoLHSi2XmQ_oBii4SNTF1YIkexfdppTXExS3mWCf1wdlMHeJJHRgE7uSVIjL5SsK4ksKp21dg/s1600/238.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjObrexhL2zSm-YKtSp35X6Y5ezyHRWmikauqr_CsOry0Mak5XwVP8EMYpQnMQmAdoLHSi2XmQ_oBii4SNTF1YIkexfdppTXExS3mWCf1wdlMHeJJHRgE7uSVIjL5SsK4ksKp21dg/s320/238.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;">:: My mantle is ready for the party! ::</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiG5GgYZ3I3pFZuT_y-Ipls_DBfk8gfDVHV8AU2vpthaFOh3DB7hT2MlGBXZBrgX7ask1DN2Siy-lcjInhjTXgJP9XkQ88zc5vMK4ZYHHEYETin9LV2MnOfppK5AT7Y6hft8No_A/s1600/240.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiG5GgYZ3I3pFZuT_y-Ipls_DBfk8gfDVHV8AU2vpthaFOh3DB7hT2MlGBXZBrgX7ask1DN2Siy-lcjInhjTXgJP9XkQ88zc5vMK4ZYHHEYETin9LV2MnOfppK5AT7Y6hft8No_A/s320/240.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;">:: The birthday girl is ready to party in her HK tshirt and her HK handmade hairbow. ::</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHUCI_YMJYun1D_M2cf-UycsyVOulzVV4JWVOed9qtrn81ochs1xZs9VYoQvFvYVErt8N43Dl4MB63NzKL8xin0w9HGm_qfydz6umzxbLcXr7HxqCwZv3dTOVOCCIyDmF-4_7K_A/s1600/243.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHUCI_YMJYun1D_M2cf-UycsyVOulzVV4JWVOed9qtrn81ochs1xZs9VYoQvFvYVErt8N43Dl4MB63NzKL8xin0w9HGm_qfydz6umzxbLcXr7HxqCwZv3dTOVOCCIyDmF-4_7K_A/s320/243.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;">:: The birthday girl and her girlfriend who slept over the night before the big party. It's not all the decoration or food or presents, but the special people that make these days extra-special. ::</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDCHrwxYa0x-CHgYHE0MUgPWWa1XUPxmImbAS6Ec97BpWJDVHldp0HYQkb-3w_DiNs92rlXZmaIfAY-eyOJ7CDiPvWNBepPep9UNNQNVlb5V3De_8tD_ek0Uw4LPyHprYg0-UUtQ/s1600/278.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDCHrwxYa0x-CHgYHE0MUgPWWa1XUPxmImbAS6Ec97BpWJDVHldp0HYQkb-3w_DiNs92rlXZmaIfAY-eyOJ7CDiPvWNBepPep9UNNQNVlb5V3De_8tD_ek0Uw4LPyHprYg0-UUtQ/s320/278.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;">:: Homemade chocolate cupcakes with pale pink frosting, silver sugar glitter, and candy HK faces. ::</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKndSuRGkgoZ7yZAbI2EsOEWFTcbgMhF0onAahrOqZhFbPD2p1ZLrGDmx-ehawOAq4Luh35I7hJZ43C5m4zbxZpBV6hn7UlTHclK8GJqEPxRTMzpkFxThyphenhyphenGgxElY5NipKzvO9lEA/s1600/297.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKndSuRGkgoZ7yZAbI2EsOEWFTcbgMhF0onAahrOqZhFbPD2p1ZLrGDmx-ehawOAq4Luh35I7hJZ43C5m4zbxZpBV6hn7UlTHclK8GJqEPxRTMzpkFxThyphenhyphenGgxElY5NipKzvO9lEA/s320/297.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;">:: HK cake - White cake with fresh sliced strawberries and real whipped cream frosting. ::</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_gOyz-TLpJAM6rd8nv6ZEjCxpwOvSX85fOoXNFWVej5wQkFUYslXymAWHPy5GfCki3N2g4ZgQEvt8wFftD02E8lE0Rf3N6qsgsP7LxecC4PFyGgPgtGvmyxhRo74_un2RBIfSog/s1600/300.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_gOyz-TLpJAM6rd8nv6ZEjCxpwOvSX85fOoXNFWVej5wQkFUYslXymAWHPy5GfCki3N2g4ZgQEvt8wFftD02E8lE0Rf3N6qsgsP7LxecC4PFyGgPgtGvmyxhRo74_un2RBIfSog/s320/300.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;">:: Make a wish my sweet girl. I hope this day was as wonderful as you are. ::</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/200/3FBFF70FD1D2961D7E31A5A8D89E23A4.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a></div>Rebeccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09394453146621467115noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24301312.post-9849957214690556692011-12-09T06:00:00.006-06:002011-12-09T06:00:09.657-06:00Do you know?<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><i>Do you know?</i></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Do you know, <i>little fuzzy-haired boy</i>, how loved you are by me who shares no DNA?</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Do you know, <i>boy with curious eyebrows</i>, how curious I am at what your future holds, wondering if this time will be the last time I see you, begging God to find you and fill you?</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Do you know, <i>small child</i>, of the prayers that I have said on your behalf, off-and-on for the last 10 months since we first met, of protection and hope, of miracles for your earthly Mama so that your life might not be so stinkin' hard?</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Do you know, <i>energetic little sprite</i>, how tiring it can be to take care of you and thankless too, the pouring in, the kisses, the wrestles, the heart-love, knowing that there will likely be no earthly return on my investment?</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Do you know, <i>happy toddler</i>, of all the memories we have made together, of crawling, and walks in the stroller, of screams I could not comfort, of laughing til you grew hoarse, of first steps and haircuts, of photos snapping instants in time, watching you grow?</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Do you know, <i>momentary son</i>, how you turn our lives upside-down while you are here, but leave us with hearts gaping when you leave?</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Do you know,<i> innocent one</i>, of the loss in this Mama's heart, so big and pervasive that it is a true miracle that I can even do this thing, this loving and letting go? </div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">No, you could not possibly know. And I realize that you might never. But your knowing is not necessary. Your thanks is not needed. I know that He knows, even if you won't. And He <b>is</b> the reason, His beckoning to help little ones and Mamas who don't know about the light yoke.</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">And I am so glad that you came in time to remind me of this, that all that I do should be for His glory and fame. You give my heart perspective during this season, even if you will never know it.</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/200/3FBFF70FD1D2961D7E31A5A8D89E23A4.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a></div>Rebeccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09394453146621467115noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24301312.post-45445784430515761632011-12-07T06:00:00.003-06:002011-12-07T06:00:10.534-06:00A Tale of Two Wreaths<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">This was last year's DIY wreath.<br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO_S84g-NmgrOhO4QEaZILEBhMPGC_Ciu8kSuvsBb1iBIIMorxGvM9_iMeVuaTCtqcpw69nYi56rmoEaTRuRxu_Od1UxniPgElpHXYa7vvmeONyKmDtZqSmCc8EdDZdLE5PxWdag/s1600/002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO_S84g-NmgrOhO4QEaZILEBhMPGC_Ciu8kSuvsBb1iBIIMorxGvM9_iMeVuaTCtqcpw69nYi56rmoEaTRuRxu_Od1UxniPgElpHXYa7vvmeONyKmDtZqSmCc8EdDZdLE5PxWdag/s320/002.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6U2OrSezKgmUFzARgSi0n50dbZlePInEbLXOuU784y8ieOagNyEo2gipWqdzzntPRitHcZpJNbON4j02lJITIvWPHVzdUuLwSwwgonuIArUkiTvdW_Uj5TxnOmARjnPceOpxD9A/s1600/003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6U2OrSezKgmUFzARgSi0n50dbZlePInEbLXOuU784y8ieOagNyEo2gipWqdzzntPRitHcZpJNbON4j02lJITIvWPHVzdUuLwSwwgonuIArUkiTvdW_Uj5TxnOmARjnPceOpxD9A/s320/003.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">It so fluffy and white and ruffle-y and best of all....cheap! Plus, you can display it all winter long since it's not too Christmas-y. </div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.thenester.com/2010/11/making-a-coffee-filter-wreath-and-tree-and-things-of-that-nature.html">Tutorial found here.</a></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">You only need coffee filters, a foam wreath form, and hot glue. Total cost is less than $10 (with the wreath form being the most expensive part). In 2010, I hung it in front of a big mirror, but this year it got relocated to the front door to make room for....</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">...this year's DIY wreath. </div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg8MtGtT4RwXKecx0CyHINZmuusIoI6tozEdl5EGfZH9ngnVXdeW_nUfv4hXLnhLsorJElcMPEpQ6ii1VkMyJDrMvuc9vVk4MCEqQ-i3z6h_rgdVZNgX3iJVxaVrqwD3RHS-lVUg/s1600/006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg8MtGtT4RwXKecx0CyHINZmuusIoI6tozEdl5EGfZH9ngnVXdeW_nUfv4hXLnhLsorJElcMPEpQ6ii1VkMyJDrMvuc9vVk4MCEqQ-i3z6h_rgdVZNgX3iJVxaVrqwD3RHS-lVUg/s320/006.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA9gVYSh7jSpwlQsRgqFHcYUtrlos5qTg3oOzxm6F7TICkLfM2ll280WdV9eZotvH6AK8DrhZYZTMh3NBXr3Mwe1VNw28wEdqRx-_KkTSRkbxOEirikr3ZY3PdEg3skM0DXLZXQA/s1600/007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA9gVYSh7jSpwlQsRgqFHcYUtrlos5qTg3oOzxm6F7TICkLfM2ll280WdV9eZotvH6AK8DrhZYZTMh3NBXr3Mwe1VNw28wEdqRx-_KkTSRkbxOEirikr3ZY3PdEg3skM0DXLZXQA/s320/007.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTzgAl3trCLfmJ-LPZOQV82p1JS0glhtLwnmdZjP_EajNQngsItBoVQPmg-Z23O3UEE3iDIpQJydlInFAJumvVEXLMVsR_wBQtSrBuoMcP_WNHqwOUgu49okVW-t2YDeiiR3vbEg/s1600/008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTzgAl3trCLfmJ-LPZOQV82p1JS0glhtLwnmdZjP_EajNQngsItBoVQPmg-Z23O3UEE3iDIpQJydlInFAJumvVEXLMVsR_wBQtSrBuoMcP_WNHqwOUgu49okVW-t2YDeiiR3vbEg/s320/008.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF4x4IpZ1Ot09S-F1zF6RlUoKeQmaDHLPUw00ztkSXKCk3YEt5c1-x2yhKhyjuoEuWV0D5-TVY1tdjJUQ8fTozqZ5WUs6LaV1K99sihJNV9uRw91u4PK_nX7HkTdRWGygwF84hfw/s1600/014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF4x4IpZ1Ot09S-F1zF6RlUoKeQmaDHLPUw00ztkSXKCk3YEt5c1-x2yhKhyjuoEuWV0D5-TVY1tdjJUQ8fTozqZ5WUs6LaV1K99sihJNV9uRw91u4PK_nX7HkTdRWGygwF84hfw/s320/014.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Go ahead and break into refrains of <i>"Isn't she lovely? Isn't she wonderful?"</i> (I know I am. And I bet you are singing it now too, at least in your head.) </div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I am so happy with the way this wreath turned out! It's shiny and glittery and a nice diversion from the red & green-ness of the traditional holiday colors.</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2009/11/hardest-easiest-diy-wreath-ever.html">Tutorial found here. </a></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">You'll need shatterproof ornaments and a coat hanger. Can you believe the hanger was the hardest for me to procure? Mine are all the hard plastic kind! I used one full bucket of 26 medium ornaments from Wal-Mart ($4.97), about 10-12 more medium ones from a second bucket ($4.97), and one full tree-shaped package of small Wal-Mart ornaments ($4.97). If you wait to find them on clearance after the holidays, your project will be even cheaper! (I can vouch for the WM kind that the ornaments are fairly sturdily attached to the ornament tops. If you buy another brand, you *might* have to hot glue all the tops to the ornaments so they don't easily come apart. But this is too much work for me so thankfully I didn't have to.)</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><b>Any questions? Other favorite DIY wreath ideas?</b></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/200/3FBFF70FD1D2961D7E31A5A8D89E23A4.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a></div>Rebeccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09394453146621467115noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24301312.post-64751717103633188772011-11-15T10:10:00.000-06:002011-11-15T10:10:16.947-06:00It has been exactly two months since my last blog post. It feels like time to break the blog silence. I have felt this way before. From hurting to healing to confusion to creativity....<i>where to start? What to say?</i><br />
<i><br />
</i><br />
<i>September....</i><br />
<i>...</i>brought numbness. <i>Disbelief.</i> Thick seemingly impenetrable walls went up around my heart. I couldn't feel. I couldn't pray. I couldn't. Life resumed it's regularly scheduled program and I went through the motions. Loved ones wed, my niece had a birthday, laughter, joy. My body was present, but my heart...well, <i>that's another story.</i><br />
<br />
<i>October...</i><br />
...brought celebrating. <i>Our anniversary.</i> I should have been...<i>jubilant. </i>Expectant. My husband planned this truly extravagant weekend of things he knew I would love, as a total surprise, complete with pre-arranged childcare! <a href="http://www.signatureroom.com/">Dinner at the Signature Room</a>. A Mario Tricocci massage. Splendiferous romantic details!! It was a big courageous attempt at moving towards oneness and away from the isolation that has plagued our marriage for so long. Have you been there? <i>Isolated?</i> Maybe you have been there for so long you don't even remember how it was...<i>once upon a time</i>. Things are good, but not excellent. You have settled and compromised and so has he. <i>And then you stay there</i>. But God had already gotten ahold of my husband's heart and had brought him to his knees by the time our anniversary came around. Although I still didn't really have any strong emotions because of all that had transpired the month before, I distinctly noticed something else happening. <i>Those concrete heart-walls began to fracture</i><b>.</b><br />
<br />
As if one weekend away from the daily grind wasn't fabulous enough, I was treated (and surprised!) again the following weekend. The Husband whisked us off to Milwaukee for a <a href="http://www.familylife.com/site/c.dnJHKLNnFoG/b.5846045/k.8C0A/Weekend_to_Remember__Marriage_Getaway.htm">Weekend to Remember</a> conference. I was feeling...cautious & curious about what this weekend would hold for me as a wife and for us as a couple. It was *truly* wonderful. <i>(Fracture...fracture...crumble)</i> It was more like a "working vacation" than anything. The sessions were a good mix of humor and pointedness and heart-felt sharing and conviction. I came home feeling...<i>changed</i>.<i></i><br />
<i><br />
</i><br />
<i>November....</i><br />
brought more changing. Of slowly moving towards. God. People. The Husband. Of seasons getting colder. Of appreciating His brilliant spectrum of yellows, orange, reds and browns. Of caring for a baby who needed a place to stay for a week. Of loving reading again! Books, books, and more books! One in particular that has been particularly excellent is <i>When Life is Hard</i> by James Macdonald. Of walls continuing to come down. Of new habits of love and understanding. Of pruning the good in favor of the excellent. Of renewed creativity.<br />
<br />
<i>Quite the roller coaster, huh?</i><br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/200/3FBFF70FD1D2961D7E31A5A8D89E23A4.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Rebeccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09394453146621467115noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24301312.post-66130422548894070512011-09-15T13:14:00.001-05:002011-09-15T14:10:50.248-05:00Big Enough<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">In nearly 48 hours from now, my little brother will be getting married. His bride-to-be is a wonderful young lady, who happens to share my exact first and middle name! I have had the privilege to get to know her over the last several months and will proudly stand beside her {in my guava colored bridesmaids' dress} as she marries the love of her life, my little brother.</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><i>I pray that He restores my joy and infuses my heart with happiness before Saturday.</i></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Because life just doesn't stop. My brother will get married. My bestie from high school will wed her man only a few weeks from now. Another BFF is pregnant and is due only 10 days before I was. We shared only one day of joy and giggles over being pregnant together, which I am truly thankful for. She hesitates to share happy news, knowing that my heart is still broken.</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">But I think I am <i>big enough</i>.</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><i><br />
</i></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><i>Big enough</i> to know that the world keeps on turning even when we're hurting.</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><i>Big enough </i>to love & put other people first and be happy for them, even if I am only smiling on the outside. Because grief and joy do <a href="http://astirringlife.blogspot.com/2009/11/mingled.html">mingle</a>.</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><i>Big enough</i> to remember that I will not always feel the way I do today. Time will pass. My heart will heal. I will hope and laugh again. Joy will be restored.</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Big enough to believe that He is <i>BIG ENOUGH</i> for all my sorrow, even if my heart forgets it sometimes. He is <i>BIG ENOUGH</i> to handle it all.</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">And that's the most important <i>big enough </i>of all.</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/200/3FBFF70FD1D2961D7E31A5A8D89E23A4.png" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent; border: 0pt none ! important;" /></a></div>Rebeccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09394453146621467115noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24301312.post-87097072199539289952011-09-13T06:00:00.001-05:002011-09-13T07:17:42.934-05:00A Tiny Blessing<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><i>I hesitate.</i></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I hesitate to put fingers to keys, feelings to words, to give heartache a voice. Should pain be kept private? I remember reading once that a loaf of bread will feed only one, but broken, it will feed many. I do believe that allowing our brokenness to be shared can bring healing to other broken hearts, knits us together who have gone through similar trials, gives us courage to continue on the hard road.</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><i>I had a tiny blessing</i>. We were expecting our fifth child! I was cautiously excited as this was our first pregnancy since our precious Olivia died. Time passed. Days. Weeks. We told our families. We told our children.</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">And then lightening struck. <i>Miscarriage.</i></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I had felt immune, I think, as if I had already endured enough horror and trauma with Olivia's diagnosis and death. Like I had used up all my allotted Bad Stuff and had only Good to look forward to. But the Lord gives and the Lord takes away.</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><i>Sometimes much quicker than we prefer.</i></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I am awestruck at the faith of my daughter and my future sister-in-law. Praying for miracles! Maybe all hope had not been lost! Not just faith to move a mountain, faith to move an entire mountain range. I am blessed by their belief and pray for Him to increase my faith, as it seems so little in comparison. I realized that when I heard the doctor's words on Sunday, verifying that there is no longer life within, that even I too had been holding onto hope. <i>Maybe my faith is a little bigger than I thought.</i></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">There is comfort in knowing that Olivia has been joined by a sibling. Big sister and little living together amidst His glory. A strange sort of comfort which leaves in its wake...an ache. That I am mother of five, but parent to three. That I have children (<i>plural</i>)....children whom I will not know on earth. That I have a large family, although it might not appear so to the naked eye. </div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">And I grope to find Him. I try to convince myself of His continual goodness, even if my earthly eyes struggle to see it. I desperately search for His kind hand at every turn. I can not even begin to understand the "why" and the "what for". Maybe you are there too, friend. Crawling through the valley. Trying to make sense of the seemingly senseless. <i>Hesitating to give feelings their voice</i>.</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Know that I am there with you. Hurting. Healing. <i>Hoping?</i></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><b><br />
</b></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><b>Praying that we can find Him together,</b></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/200/3FBFF70FD1D2961D7E31A5A8D89E23A4.png" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent; border: 0pt none ! important;" /></a></div>Rebeccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09394453146621467115noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24301312.post-13797787187940481752011-09-02T06:00:00.001-05:002011-09-02T06:00:03.074-05:00Pieces of Me: Summer Sips<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Even though it's still in the 80's around these parts, I feel like summer is slowing slipping away. We have been back to school for 2 weeks now and the evenings are growing cooler. The thing I will miss most about summer? Cold Drinks! I have an assortment of drinks that remind me of summer or are a great cool down on a hot day. Here they are, in no particular order:</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><b>#1: Iced Tea</b></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I'm a huge iced tea fan and I've converted my mom to be one as well. She actually gets a little sour if she comes over and the iced tea pitcher is empty. I have brewed homemade iced tea so many times, I could do it in my sleep. My simple recipe is this:</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">2 family size iced tea brew bags (W-M brand)</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">1 quart water</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">1 quart ice/cold water</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">1 c. sweetener</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Put the 1 quart water over the 2 tea bags in a glass measuring cup and microwave for 5 minutes. Let sit for 5 minutes more to steep (or 2 hours, if you're anything like me and forget it's in there!). Add the sweetener. I like to use 1/2 Splenda and 1/2 sugar. Not only does it cut down on the sweetness a bit, but the calories too. Stir well to dissolve. Add 1 quart of ice cubes & cold water. Stir to blend. Drink over ice!</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">DELICIOUS VARIATIONS: Add one regular sized flavored tea bag for super yummy flavored iced tea. I have tried (and liked) Celestial Seasonings Country Peach, peppermint (put the bag in AFTER you've microwaved it for only a few minutes), and my new FAVORITE Lipton's Island Mango & Peach White Tea. It reminds me of the iced tea served at Wolfgang Puck Express in Downtown Disney.</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><b>#2: Iced Chai</b></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I don't make it nearly often enough, but I love a really spicy chai like the one I posted about<a href="http://astirringlife.blogspot.com/2010/01/homemade-chai.html"> here</a>. You would just serve it cold. <i>With</i> whipped cream on top. <i>And</i> freshly grated nutmeg. <i>'Cuz that's how I roll. </i></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><b>#3: McDonald's Caramel Frappe</b></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Cheaper than Starbucks, but just as tasty! Yes, there's probably like 2000 calories in there, but that's why I only get them once in a blue moon. </div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><b>#4: McDonald's Pineapple Mango Smoothie</b></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Cheaper than Jamba Juice and very refreshing!</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><b>#5: Cranberry/Pomegranate Juice & Fizzy Concoction</b></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I must have the love-to-concoct-my-own-drink gene, well......maybe just a little. (<b>Sidebar:</b> My little brother was the sort that would take a little bit of soda from every single dispenser and drink that big cup of weirdness. <i>Anybody else do that?</i>) Anyways, back to my tasty drink. I like Aldi's Cranberry/Pomegranate Juice and even better if I can find the Fit 'n Active version. Old Orchard (national brand) also makes one called "Healthy Blend" that I believe only has 5 calories per serving. I like to mix that juice with about 1/2 of a no-calorie fizzy drink, like Aldi's key lime club soda or the Sierra Mist 0 calorie that I scored on clearance for 50cents for a 2 liter. Serve all that with lots of ice! It gives me the taste of soda without all the sugar and the tartness feels very refreshing.</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><b>#6: Panera's Lemonade</b></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I have made my own lemonade in the past, but it just seems like such a pain. I do love homemade and there is nothing like it taste-wise. Panera's seems freshly squeezed. Too bad there's no free refills!</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><b>Got a favorite summer sip?</b></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/200/3FBFF70FD1D2961D7E31A5A8D89E23A4.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a></div>Rebeccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09394453146621467115noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24301312.post-26884325740484380752011-08-31T06:00:00.001-05:002011-08-31T06:00:12.855-05:00Hospitality: Part 3<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><i>I dug up this old post that never got completed, but I tweaked it and think it still reflects my thoughts on the subject. So without ado... </i></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">This weekend I had the privilege of serving a family in need by delivering some meals....and a refrigerator too. They have been living without a fridge at all for the last several months. Can you imagine? Anyhow, here are some ideas for taking your hospitality skills "on the road"..</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><b>Idea #1:</b> <i>Split up the work!</i> I put my head together with another fabulous gal and we worked up a menu together, then divvied up the work. I made bread, she made soup. I made <a href="http://astirringlife.blogspot.com/2009/01/easy-baked-ziti.html">Easy Baked Ziti</a>,. Oh, and some cupcakes too! This also works if you're joining someone for a spontaneous meal. My friend S and I have done this before....we both rummaged through our cabinets/fridge over the phone and talked about what we could contribute to a joint impromptu family meal. Don't shy away from the "last minute" get-together!</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><b>Idea #2:</b> <i>Add something unexpected or over-the-top!</i> Not everyone has the time or inclination to cook or bake, but there are some great pre-made items that would add an extra dose of love. Make the family's favorite meal or dessert. Add some home-made milkshakes to the mix. Serve up some make-your-own pizzas or a do-it-yourself ice cream bar!</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><b>Idea #3:</b> If you are bringing a meal for a family in need (circumstance, new baby, grieving, etc), <i>consider bringing something that can be or already is frozen.</i> Make sure you check with the family first, but many people deliver large meals with lots of left-overs and a meal that can be made later is usually greatly appreciated. I like to use disposable pans or even just a gallon sized ziploc bag. A batch of cookie dough that has been scooped into balls & frozen makes a tasty, thoughtful addition to a menu. Don't forget to include cooking/reheating instructions!</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><b>Idea #4:</b> <i>Use a cooler! </i>This is fairly obvious to keep cool things cool, but it'll also keep hot things hot! Foil wrapped baked potatoes, loaves fresh from the bread machine, or that tasty casserole just out of the oven can all be kept HOT while in transit to your destination. This is especially helpful if you have other errands to run or if it will be a bit of time before you are able to deliver your meal.</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">You can see the first two parts of this series <a href="http://astirringlife.blogspot.com/2011/01/hospitality-part-1.html">here</a> and <a href="http://astirringlife.blogspot.com/2011/02/hospitality-part-2.html">here</a>!</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/200/3FBFF70FD1D2961D7E31A5A8D89E23A4.png" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent; border: 0pt none ! important;" /></a></div>Rebeccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09394453146621467115noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24301312.post-5597892840368739852011-08-29T06:00:00.001-05:002011-08-29T06:00:00.536-05:00What I Did on my Summer Vacation - Part 1<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><i>a.k.a. The Nature Edition</i></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">We loaded up our "new-to-us" hand-me-down Ford Explorer for her maiden camping voyage! The Explorer had been camping before, but she has spent most of her life living in Chicago. Not only did she move to the country, but now she would be doing what she was made for: off-roading!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWlmTx47ZsGeuCp_mj6-yOHtd7pxVZB2Rhw4rzYc3DBSHhK7nJ4Qm6Wvb_1gXri3iv50pcfsK2vNqqiP7_EgEgmG3D-rQuMmxrE74Jo9cbgmqnfhd7AbEL6XaoTCEbDwradavqjQ/s1600/P5270241%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWlmTx47ZsGeuCp_mj6-yOHtd7pxVZB2Rhw4rzYc3DBSHhK7nJ4Qm6Wvb_1gXri3iv50pcfsK2vNqqiP7_EgEgmG3D-rQuMmxrE74Jo9cbgmqnfhd7AbEL6XaoTCEbDwradavqjQ/s320/P5270241%255B1%255D.JPG" width="320" /></a></div></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5pV4zj39TZdWap5ea6YZ2SOzEMsKlv_QMLjI1m6Trn9xCNckvaJts2g_COTvefC-82PlDWTMV9KERQF3CIhjUO9dRm_pRdY96BvUiCVlrM68QVHsUxjy1Z6TaZM8hmqvSmi4oDg/s1600/P5270245%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5pV4zj39TZdWap5ea6YZ2SOzEMsKlv_QMLjI1m6Trn9xCNckvaJts2g_COTvefC-82PlDWTMV9KERQF3CIhjUO9dRm_pRdY96BvUiCVlrM68QVHsUxjy1Z6TaZM8hmqvSmi4oDg/s320/P5270245%255B1%255D.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
We were super excited because several other families from our church's life group would be joining us. There was a little hiccup with our reserved campsite, but we got it straightened out and ended up with a perfectly gorgeous & secluded site with full view of the lake. (We went to <a href="http://www.blackhawklake.com/">Blackhawk Lake</a>; our go-to spot for fabulous family camping!) </div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirI_QNyRs1VtTA5wTWpuv1wJ0Is1kns1kYtS6mr2C9L9bIGU6ULfftmsfF2rvt_DbLyAvWr8bKWyyiRNmfHiHdig6YlSC_PEbCPvr6LDuyKxqDhiVM6jYRNdEpbsLiVYDYaUV2zw/s1600/P5270255%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirI_QNyRs1VtTA5wTWpuv1wJ0Is1kns1kYtS6mr2C9L9bIGU6ULfftmsfF2rvt_DbLyAvWr8bKWyyiRNmfHiHdig6YlSC_PEbCPvr6LDuyKxqDhiVM6jYRNdEpbsLiVYDYaUV2zw/s320/P5270255%255B1%255D.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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We ate lots of tasty food & both the little kids and BIG kids made great memories together. My son discovered a love for hiking; I think he wore out my poor dear husband! And the girls renewed their love for tree climbing as there were some great climbers just a stone's throw from our tent.<br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9An3T6hfwiF36UhvlKPHd8KNYTTJOv1tCX9WaVcBChQkRY6qeC5jkPWcprvyay7jXx46naIv58hxqzf9Mx4rZNNcW3ZHe75W7JeA-ZHBct3AfBl8sNQazBXfRWhyphenhyphen80ViuK0DMEQ/s1600/P5270254.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9An3T6hfwiF36UhvlKPHd8KNYTTJOv1tCX9WaVcBChQkRY6qeC5jkPWcprvyay7jXx46naIv58hxqzf9Mx4rZNNcW3ZHe75W7JeA-ZHBct3AfBl8sNQazBXfRWhyphenhyphen80ViuK0DMEQ/s320/P5270254.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw0aWbDBmJS3GU-9P-309RhrT14TWncTxjsP6OKp-Lfzo6QwyHmqa2NBkeRonbyTtDKpCCupZr0TnS2jY2m4pMiapL_gB4ooIt9xkZsfn3TvdQyHYS5VZLFNbKI7RDj1SQxSMsGQ/s1600/P5270259.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw0aWbDBmJS3GU-9P-309RhrT14TWncTxjsP6OKp-Lfzo6QwyHmqa2NBkeRonbyTtDKpCCupZr0TnS2jY2m4pMiapL_gB4ooIt9xkZsfn3TvdQyHYS5VZLFNbKI7RDj1SQxSMsGQ/s320/P5270259.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">We haven't spent too much time outside this summer because of the brutal heat that we had experienced. Also, heat exacerbates Sebastian's eczema, so we try to keep him as cool (a.k.a. indoors) as possible. With much of my days spent inside, it makes me especially appreciate amazing summer sunsets. God has a paintbrush that man will never be able to replicate!</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwKrmYxv42-hLVKWKcGqLLNAZnddakkZhXPz2r_HDHpboL9W7DtpeeTU3xyAhTDeIROBfP4olNf62r7cNjBzcTYj6L51sYqcxWqhGPnsbHRPA3AhmxmFu1YI6sLZPBdAnBGDcxFg/s1600/P6070338%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwKrmYxv42-hLVKWKcGqLLNAZnddakkZhXPz2r_HDHpboL9W7DtpeeTU3xyAhTDeIROBfP4olNf62r7cNjBzcTYj6L51sYqcxWqhGPnsbHRPA3AhmxmFu1YI6sLZPBdAnBGDcxFg/s320/P6070338%255B1%255D.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Stayed tuned for more editions of WIDOMSV, including the Party Edition and the Wedding Edition!</span><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/200/3FBFF70FD1D2961D7E31A5A8D89E23A4.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Rebeccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09394453146621467115noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24301312.post-73843424036977510062011-07-05T06:00:00.000-05:002011-07-05T06:00:14.960-05:00Carried<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">The other night, I looked on as my husband tenderly hoisted my sleeping son out of our bed to carry him back to his own room. I watched as my little boy tensed up at first, but then completely relaxed as he realized that his daddy was carrying him. It reminded me of my own childhood, when I would fall asleep in the car coming home from somewhere and my mom or my dad would carry me inside and tuck me into bed. Even when I was probably awake enough to walk, I loved the feeling of being carried. I felt safe because I trusted the one carrying me.</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">And just watching my three year old softly curled up in my strong Husband's arms made me think about being carried. Moments of struggle throughout my life slowly drifted through my memory. <i>Heartache. Brokenness. Grief</i>. Even now, looking back, I seriously wonder how I ever survived some of these things without dying of a broken heart. And I believe the answer is...<i>carried</i>. </div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">The thing about being carried though, is that we must allow it. We must depend on the person carrying us. It will do no good to thrash and struggle, to demand that we get through it on our own strength, to resist it because we have something to prove. We can feel safe in the arms of the One who knows the valleys, who intimately knows our hearts, who loves us enough to carry us if only we will let Him. The world is so broken and I am so thankful for the times when I didn't have to walk through it.</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><i>I was carried.</i></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/200/3FBFF70FD1D2961D7E31A5A8D89E23A4.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a></div>Rebeccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09394453146621467115noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24301312.post-16264894548429570062011-05-26T15:00:00.000-05:002011-05-26T15:00:01.979-05:00Lessons from a HorseThe movie Seabiscuit isn't just about a racehorse. It's about being broken and finding healing. It's about the underdog. It's about being down-and-out and someone giving you a chance. It's about loss. It's about optimism when facing an impossible situation. It's about "choosing life". Maybe it's because May has swiftly come and is nearly gone, bringing with it the second anniversary of Olivia's death, that I'm feeling particularly...<i>thoughtful</i>.<br />
<br />
When Seabiscuit's owners first find him, they, along with the horse trainer, take him for a run around the track to see how Seabiscuit performs.<br />
<blockquote><i>"He seems fast."</i><br />
<i>"In every direction."</i><br />
<i>"He's so beat up it's hard to tell what he's like."</i></blockquote>And sometimes people can be the same way. The are so broken, bruised, and beaten down that it's hard to tell. Hard to tell who they really are underneath the layers of pain. Hard to tell what strength and beauty lies beneath. Hard to tell how wonderful they might be to get to know or to embrace in a relationship because all we see is the hardened, prickly exterior.<br />
<blockquote><i>"He just needs to learn how to be a horse again."</i></blockquote>I think sometimes as people, we need to relearn how to live again, especially after suffering or trials. We need to rediscover joy, remember our blessings, risk love again. Time has been a healer for me, but sometimes we don't allow ourselves the room to mend. We jump right back into life's chaos without stopping long enough to reflect, to bring our wounds to God and soak in His healing salve.<br />
<blockquote><i>"You know, you don't throw a whole life away just 'cause he's banged up a little."</i></blockquote>I am fond of quoting this movie line, time and again, because I don't believe that any person or any circumstance is beyond redemption, even if all seems lost and beyond repair. <i>If there's life, there's hope. </i>It might seem naive to some and foolish to others, but even after all that I have gone through, I still believe in miracles. I believe that He can change anyone and anything. I am willing to look beyond the exterior and see to what could be.<br />
<blockquote><i>"You know, everybody thinks we found this broken-down horse and fixed him, but we didn't. He fixed us. Every one of us. And I guess in a way we kinda fixed each other too."</i></blockquote><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/200/3FBFF70FD1D2961D7E31A5A8D89E23A4.png" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent; border: 0pt none ! important;" /></a>Rebeccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09394453146621467115noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24301312.post-85474050487640003312011-04-25T17:22:00.000-05:002011-04-25T17:22:12.781-05:00Lots of Bits & PiecesI suffered through the stomach flu last week. It was several days of discomfort and one day of total misery and yuckiness. I recovered in time to make some fabulous food for Easter weekend.<br />
**<br />
We went to an Easter egg hunt and won an ipod shuffle in a raffle! I felt like I was on The Price is Right, complete with waving arms, whooping, and running towards the front.<br />
**<br />
The Husband is jobless again. It is disappointing in many ways, but not unfamiliar territory. I am relying, not only on God, but also on all the hard earned lessons learned in difficult seasons past. I am leaning hard into focusing on the positives (family time galore!) and enjoying the reconnection with my lover. I know God will not let me go hungry and does care about even my smallest needs.<br />
**<br />
This is our last week with our current Safe Families baby. I think I will actually be sad to see him go! We have decided to expand our acceptable age range to 0-8 and are looking forward to who God brings us next.<br />
**<br />
April 20th marked the two-year anniversary of our devastating ultrasound with Olivia. There was only lingering sadness and a few brief times of painful memories. One comment that still stands out in my mind is when speaking with one of OBs by phone, she said, "Don't do anything heroic." (They wanted to admit me to the hospital because of high blood pressure for the duration of the pregnancy.) Little did she know that I would do the most heroic thing I could think of: <i>continue to love a daughter that was destined to live a brief life.</i> It's an irony that I still shake my head at.<br />
**<br />
We are building bunkbeds! <a href="http://astirringlife.blogspot.com/2010/12/our-farmhouse-bed.html">Remember the farmhouse bed we built for ourselves last fall?</a> We are doing farmhouse style bunkbeds (with an arch) for our girls and I couldn't be more excited! We have had the materials for some time now and now that the Husband has lots of free time, we are getting them made. I can't wait to show you the final product!<br />
**<br />
The Husband and I are becoming increasingly interested in pursuing training in Biblical counseling. We have taken an introductory course regarding this and have purchased a book which we are studying independently. We really feel God moving us forward together in this area of ministry and are both looking forward to serving Him together as offer help and healing to hurting people.<br />
<br />
I think that catches you up on most of the big happenings in our corner of the world!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/200/3FBFF70FD1D2961D7E31A5A8D89E23A4.png" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent; border: 0pt none ! important;" /></a>Rebeccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09394453146621467115noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24301312.post-1480522331396149522011-04-13T16:59:00.000-05:002011-04-13T16:59:25.087-05:00A Glimpse of a Visit<i>A word from the baby...</i><br />
<br />
"Strange faces. Strange sights. Strange smells. Everyone is smiling, but no one looks familiar. Where is my mommy? Where is my brother? Get me out of my carseat! NOW! Which reminds me, I'm hungry. waah, Waah, WAAAAAAAAAAAAH! Why can't these people understand me? No, I don't want my pacifier. No, I don't want any rattley toys. No, I don't need my diaper changed. I need my bottle! !Oh, yes, it looks like they are getting out the formula. Wait, no, I don't like it warmed up. Why aren't you doing it like Mommy does it??! Oh dear, this could be a long few days...."<br />
<br />
<i>A word from me...</i><br />
<br />
"Cute baby. Seem totally harmless. This might actually be fun! I<i> know</i> how to take care of babies. I know how to fix formula, mix rice cereal, bounce, sway, and shush. I <i>know</i> how to buckle carseats, change diapers, and take leisurely walks in strollers. I just don't know how to care for <i>this</i> baby. I don't know <i>his</i> cries, I don't know what <i>he</i> does when he gets tired or bored. There is comfort that only Mommy can give, but I will do my best. Wow. This is more work than I remember. Thankfully I have several extra hands to help. WHAT??! You're only 7 months old and you don't fix your own breakfast? Or watch movies? Or entertain yourself with playdough or run off by yourself into the backyard? So this is what I've been missing since my youngest left babyhood behind. But, Oh, the chubby cheeks! The little fingers! The toothless grins and giggles! The even breathing of a sleeping little one, snuggled close, grasping my hair for comfort as he drifts off peacefully. Yes, <i>this</i>. <i>This</i> is what I've been missing."<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/200/3FBFF70FD1D2961D7E31A5A8D89E23A4.png" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent; border: 0pt none ! important;" /></a>Rebeccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09394453146621467115noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24301312.post-45821068408342109432011-03-16T07:00:00.000-05:002011-03-16T07:00:09.339-05:00Thawed.<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><a href="http://astirringlife.blogspot.com/2010/03/winter-past.html">I vividly recall last winter</a>. Driving down country roads cocooned in grey clouds. Overcast skies matching a slightly frigid heart. I clung to winter knowing that Spring represents life, cheer, sunshine and the last thing I was feeling was <i>sunny</i>. And now, it's happening again. <i>Change</i>. The thermometer slowly creeping up, the world around me thaws. I <i>thaw</i>. Slush and mud will soon turn to green teeming with life that has been hidden within and beneath. Blue skies reappear, although, they've been there all along. It's just that now the clouds are parting.</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">And this year I've found that I'm clinging less. I did relish the last grey day. My bits of melancholy will always find a home in the winter. And although with Spring comes haunting memories, I am looking forward. <i>Ahead</i>. To another season, more growth, blue skies, and blinding sunshine. To a full heart, joy unexplainable, blessings aplenty. </div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I'll probably even smile and put on my sunglasses.</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/200/3FBFF70FD1D2961D7E31A5A8D89E23A4.png" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent; border: 0pt none ! important;" /></a></div>Rebeccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09394453146621467115noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24301312.post-14334992781012166292011-03-07T15:53:00.000-06:002011-03-07T15:53:33.423-06:00The Good Word<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">The good word is that we were approved for our Safe Families homestudy and are now officially a Safe Family! We could get a phone call any day about a child needing a temporary place to stay. My heart stutters into an irregular pattern every time the phone rings. CAH-RAZY, I tell ya. Because of our geographic location (rural outskirts of the two major metropolitan areas where the SF offices are located), it seems that we might not get as many placements as if we lived in "the city", but we will be open to whatever He has in store for us.</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">There are lots of online training videos to work through, which I am doing a little at a time. I am still amazed at the working model of being the "extended family" to these biological moms. Can you imagine being a single mom of a few little ones, living at or below poverty level, in a city where you have no family, no support, no one to come along side you? Imagine you get seriously ill, lose your job, or get in a car accident with no aunt, cousin, or stable close friend to call in your time of need? Alone. Lonely. Scared. Depressed. Hopeless. Homeless. </div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">How often do I take for granted that help is just a phone call away?! A large cushion of family and friends just standing by. I am *seriously* so blessed and I realize it more and more every day.</div><br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/200/3FBFF70FD1D2961D7E31A5A8D89E23A4.png" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent; border: 0pt none ! important;" /></a>Rebeccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09394453146621467115noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24301312.post-43775315033589168662011-03-02T13:00:00.000-06:002011-03-02T13:00:50.813-06:00Exciting News...<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">...no, I'm not pregnant. But to me, the news is just as good. </div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Tonight will be a big step in an exciting direction for our little family. We are having our homestudy to become a host family for <a href="http://www.safe-families.org/">Safe Families</a>! Even before we both met nearly a decade-and-a-half ago, the Husband and I have felt a pull on our heartstrings for hurting children and have felt drawn toward foster care. God has prepared our marriage to take on this added task and a part of me even feels that this might be some of the "goodness" coming out of our suffering in losing Olivia. Now that our youngest (living child) is 3 1/2 and our hearts have healed immensely, we felt it was time to move forward under His direction.</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><blockquote><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><i>"State welfare emergency hotlines throughout the nation reportedly receive over 5 million calls each year of suspected child abuse or neglect. Of those calls, about one million meet the criteria for state intervention. What happens to the remaining four million families that don't qualify for help?</i> " </div></blockquote><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Safe Families is similar to foster care in that we will be providing care for a child(ren) on a temporary basis. However, SF is not governed by the state and the biological parent retains their parental rights. They are placing their child in care of the safe family voluntarily. This could be because they are finding themselves temporarily homeless, in drug rehab, having another baby with no other family nearby to help, hospitalized for surgery, etc.</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I have been working over-time to prepare our home. We put away the little guy's toddler bed and the Husband assembled his big boy bed & trundle. I have decluttered, reorganized and cleaned. But today.....<i>today, I am slowing down</i>. I am praying and preparing my heart. Good enough will have to be just that. Good enough. Because <i>my</i> inside is more important than my home's inside.</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">If you think of it this evening, would you pray for our homestudy? That everything would go smoothly. For the child that needs a safe place to rest. That soon enough, he would be laying his head on a pillow under our roof.</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><i><br />
</i></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><i>Be Blessed!</i></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/200/3FBFF70FD1D2961D7E31A5A8D89E23A4.png" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent; border: 0pt none ! important;" /></a></div>Rebeccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09394453146621467115noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24301312.post-6474332869088527112011-02-04T15:40:00.001-06:002011-02-04T15:40:01.020-06:00Superbowl Recipe Round-up<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">The big game is Sunday, do you have a great appetizer recipe to add to the spread? I think hearty main dishes are great, but I am an appetizer-lover through and through. I just dig the idea of having a multitude of tasty things to choose from instead of one big dish. Here are a few "apps" (as they say in restaurant lingo) that are either tried-and-true or look too delish to pass up:</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.ourbestbites.com/2010/02/jalapeno-popper-dip.html">Jalapeno Popper Dip</a> (tried & true!)</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><a href="http://allrecipes.com//Recipe/antipasto-squares/Detail.aspx">Antipasto Squares</a> (tried & true, Man Food!)</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><a href="http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Restaurant-Style-Buffalo-Chicken-Wings/Detail.aspx">Restaurant Style Buffalo Wings</a> (over 1000+ reviews on allrecipes) </div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_1766322912"><br />
</a></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/bobby-flay/sliders-with-chipotle-mayonnaise-recipe/index.html">Sliders with Chipotle Mayonnaise</a></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/mary-alices-hoagie-dip-recipe/index.html">Mary Alice's Hoagie Dip</a></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_1766322918"><br />
</a></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes-and-cooking/50-nachos/index.html">Nacho Options Galore!</a></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><a href="http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Fried-Mozzarella-Cheese-Sticks/Detail.aspx">Fried Mozzarella Cheese Sticks</a></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">And for some sweet inspiration....</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOVluLbe2ulb-OTbYKkS21p58D54eJf6Ct-jkMqXTUEfFMCc8d8-vWiip6Zw7RLAhDzFYPPKG4kS2lNV96invzDzSmrxG4Go6cVeu8eXjrGRNlfbfO-QObRQFGr9LpruSW4gxhtA/s1600/steelers-football-cupcakes2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOVluLbe2ulb-OTbYKkS21p58D54eJf6Ct-jkMqXTUEfFMCc8d8-vWiip6Zw7RLAhDzFYPPKG4kS2lNV96invzDzSmrxG4Go6cVeu8eXjrGRNlfbfO-QObRQFGr9LpruSW4gxhtA/s320/steelers-football-cupcakes2.jpg" width="292" /></a></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">image from cupcakeideasforyou.com</span></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I'm doing hot wings (the recipe above), pigs in a blanket, garlic garlic dip (Tastefully Simple), and...maybe some football cupcakes too!</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><i>Rah, rah, sis boom bah,</i></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/200/3FBFF70FD1D2961D7E31A5A8D89E23A4.png" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent; border: 0pt none ! important;" /></a></div>Rebeccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09394453146621467115noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24301312.post-87342525996816027122011-02-02T06:00:00.001-06:002011-02-02T06:00:12.472-06:00Hospitality: Part 2<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Some questions I ask myself or consider while planning for guests:</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><i>What time of day is best suitable? Do they still have napping little 'uns? Bedtimes to consider?</i></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> </div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> <i>Are there any food allergies?</i> And just as importantly....food likes/dislikes! <i>I enjoy making peoples' favorite foods</i>. <i>Also, what did I serve last time?</i></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I like cooking seasonal/festive foods depending on the time of year. Considering the reason for the visit, I may ask my guests to bring a dish to contribute, but more often than not I like to have them "just bring themselves".</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><i>If I'm having a baby over, is there anything that needs baby-proofing? Breakables? A staircase to block off? Do I need to bring up the highchair? Is there a quiet place to nurse or change the baby?</i></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><i>How much prep time do I have when it comes to entertaining?</i> This often determines my menu and day/time of visit. It doesn't have to be complicated. A frozen pizza and a caesar salad can make a lovely dinner. Boxed brownies finish the evening off on a sweet note. Of the other hand, I've also made much more complicated menus such as a <a href="http://astirringlife.blogspot.com/2008/11/7-days.html">Thanksgiving Feast for 25</a>, a birthday grill-fest complete with creme brulee for dessert, <a href="http://astirringlife.blogspot.com/2010/07/summer-cook-out-menu.html">a Memorial day party</a> with virgin mango coladas, grilled thin-cut ribeye steak, delectable grilled chicken, key lime pie, and lemon blueberry bars (all home-made of course)! If you keep meals/sides/desserts <a href="http://astirringlife.blogspot.com/2009/10/frozen.html">on-hand in your freezer</a>, it's even easier to accommodate those last minute guests!</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><i><br />
</i></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><i>What is the reason for the visit?</i> If some serious adult-conversation needs to take place, I'll set up a small round table for the adults within earshot of the kiddos. If we're all celebrating family-style then I'll make sure to combine a few tables so everyone can be together. If we're just casually hanging out, then the kids and adults can eat in shifts at the same table.</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">And after all that, I pray. <i>That I don't get so caught up in the details that I forget about the hearts of the people that matter.</i></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/200/3FBFF70FD1D2961D7E31A5A8D89E23A4.png" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent; border: 0pt none ! important;" /></a></div>Rebeccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09394453146621467115noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24301312.post-15352225989279726392011-01-31T09:28:00.000-06:002011-01-31T09:28:42.107-06:00Hospitality: Part 1<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">It was only a few months ago that I was helping to plan a food related event. We were starting to get into the nitty gritty details of our menu when one of the ladies said,</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><blockquote style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><i>"Well, let's just serve some food and be done with it. They will be happy just to have a meal."</i></blockquote><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">And it was all I could do not to <strike>rebuke</strike> <strike>gently correct</strike> share my personal opinion. The philosophy that I've adopted when it comes to hospitality involves so much more than just food. <i>It's about creating an atmosphere of love and care for those that enter my home.</i> Yes, food usually plays a starring role, but it's not the only role and many supporting actors make for a well-rounded cast. </div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">This idea behind entertaining had taken several years to evolve. As a new wife, I probably did really focus on the meal and forget the "other things" that would make for loving environment. I have observed how others have hosted me, I have read books and blogs, and I have really come to enjoy creating a special experience for those visiting in my home.</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><i>"Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality." Romans 12:13</i></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/200/3FBFF70FD1D2961D7E31A5A8D89E23A4.png" style="-moz-background-clip: border; -moz-background-inline-policy: continuous; -moz-background-origin: padding; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 0%; border: 0pt none ! important;" /></a></div>Rebeccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09394453146621467115noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24301312.post-47900407801139320332011-01-17T10:13:00.000-06:002011-01-17T10:13:45.835-06:00A ChoiceFriday marked 20 months since we said goodbye to Olivia, our third daughter, our fourth and last child, thusfar. That might seem like a long time to most, but there are moments when it feels like it all happened not that long ago. Time is a good cure, but it does not heal all wounds. After much reflection on the subject, I've come to believe this one simple truth: <i>healing is a choice.</i><br />
<i><br />
</i><br />
Some physical wounds are shallow and nearly inconsequential, take a paper cut for example. It might hurt for a few seconds, but then you scarcely notice it even happened. Other wounds require more attention, but probably can be handled on your own, like a scraped knee. You wash it up, apply a little antiseptic and a bandage, and you're out riding your bike again in no time. Some injuries require professional help, like broken arms and deep lacerations needing stitches. And other situations, say a severe car accident, might need surgery, a hospital stay, and months of rehab.<br />
<br />
I think emotional wounds are somewhat similar. Some are shallow and quickly forgotten. Others might require a little more attention. And still deeper wounds....need work and maybe even professional help.<br />
<br />
I've often wondered why some people that I've encountered still seem truly bruised, battered, and broken, even years after their loss. Their personal pain appears raw and fresh. While others, although forever changed by their loss, seem to be working towards healing and reclaiming their joy. I remember feeling angry that after all I had endured, I had to actually <b><i>work</i></b> towards mending my heart and spirit. WHAT?! It just doesn't seem fair. But fair or not, I believe it is what is required.<br />
<br />
One month after Olivia had died, I remember reading something that convicted me into making a distinct choice: <i>I would focus on Christ instead of on my suffering.</i> And it is a choice I have had to make again and again. <i> </i><br />
<br />
<i>A choice to heal. </i><br />
<br />
<i>A choice to live. </i><br />
<br />
<i>A choice to find joy</i>.<br />
<br />
<i>Praying for the choices you face,</i><br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/200/3FBFF70FD1D2961D7E31A5A8D89E23A4.png" style="-moz-background-clip: border; -moz-background-inline-policy: continuous; -moz-background-origin: padding; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 0%; border: 0pt none ! important;" /></a>Rebeccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09394453146621467115noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24301312.post-20363908039646479302011-01-07T09:53:00.000-06:002011-01-07T09:53:10.275-06:00How I Spent My Christmas Vacation<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;">surfing the net</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;">completing a BIG custom etsy order</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;">eating too much</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;">resting too little</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;">wrapping presents</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;">cleaning up after aforementioned presents</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;">assembling (and re-assembling) a large wooden train table</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;">refinishing a buffet (!!)</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;">painting the hallway</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;">candy-making extravaganza with one of my Besties</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;">traveling</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;">Christmas day at a waterpark resort up north</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;">breaking in our new Wii</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;">driving around town to obtain accessories for said Wii</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;">loving on my children</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;">stealing precious moments with the Husband</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;">cooking a gourmet meal with another Bestie for New Year's Eve</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;">enjoying an appetizer feast on New Year's Day</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;">a visit to the cemetery</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;">reflecting</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;">reminiscing</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;">remembering</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/200/3FBFF70FD1D2961D7E31A5A8D89E23A4.png" style="-moz-background-clip: border; -moz-background-inline-policy: continuous; -moz-background-origin: padding; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 0%; border: 0pt none ! important;" /></a></div>Rebeccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09394453146621467115noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24301312.post-89137787058452207132010-12-28T12:10:00.000-06:002010-12-28T12:10:53.972-06:00He Provides: Guest Post<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">A sweet reader friend who wishes to remain anonymous sent me an email detailing how God provided for her family in a big way this Christmas season. I had tears in my eyes reading her story and would love to share it with you. I get so much encouragement hearing about how He has provided for others, in both big ways and small. It is a long read, but well worth it. So without further ado....</div><br />
<blockquote><i>It goes back to this last spring when we were hit with a flood and lost our bedrooms downstairs. We never got it all back together and for the last eight months my kids have been sleeping on the floor, or scattered here and there; the baby has been in a pack 'n play.<br />
</i><br />
<i>This fall when I had my daughter's birthday party, my friend who had no idea how we were living saw the state of our lower level and basically couldn't hide her shock. She immediately had her husband install carpets for us (that's what he does for a living) and went on a mission to find us beds. We had lost them all in the flood and there was no money to replace them. We spent as much as we could to replace all the walls and floors that had to be taken out. Anyway, she called me a day or two later and said she had a mattress for the baby. We were so thankful!<br />
<br />
She said she was still working on the mattresses for our bed. I thought it was sweet, but seriously didn't think anything would come of it. Then she called with this news! She said that we were going to get a brand new mattress and box spring. She said that some friends who wanted to stay anonymous heard what was going on and wanted to help. We were overcome with joy! After almost nine months we would be able to get our house back in order and my kids in beds. It was a miracle.<br />
<br />
Then she called back and told me she had another surprise for us. She said to just accept it as a gift from God. She then went on to say she really had nothing to do with it and that it was something big! She said that as she was spreading the word about the mattresses she spoke to a friend and they spoke to someone and it was decided that we would be "adopted " by this group of people and their church as a family to help this <span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1293559103_0" style="border-bottom: 2px dotted rgb(54, 99, 136); cursor: pointer;">Christmas</span>! I almost passed out with this news. We had NO MONEY!!! Nothing to buy gifts with this year! I mean not a penny!!! We just barely had enough for our mortgage and when I say penniless , I mean we were penniless. She told me to have the kids write their Christmas lists and give them to her. Everything was taken care of. Even a ham for dinner! I know Christmas isn't about the gifts, but the thought of six kids with nothing under the tree on Christmas morning was breaking my heat.<br />
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Jesus in his endless mercy just took care of everything. And as usual, in the most unusual way!!! I swear He gets a kick out of surprising us in ways we never , ever imagine!<br />
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Then on Dec 23rd, I was sitting and praying. I was so thankful for everything that was done for us, but I had one problem. Every year we get the kids pajamas for Christmas, and they open them up on <span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1293559103_1">Christmas eve</span>. Well, I forgot to add them to the kids' Christmas list and we didn't have extra money to spend on them. It was really bothering me because I knew they would be disappointed. I mean this was a small thing in comparison to what could have been. But it still made me a little sad. As I was praying, the phone rang and it was our Pastor. He started to leave a message and I was a little nervous as to why he was calling us at home.<br />
<br />
Get this!!! He said he had just finished the eight o'clock mass and a couple approached him. They said they wanted to help out a family this Christmas, and asked if he knew anyone. He said he thought of a few, us included. but then he told me that they said something a little strange. They said that God was telling them to help a family specifically in danger of losing their home! Our pastor is well aware of our plight and he said he couldn't believe what they said! He immediately decided we were <b>the</b> family!!!</i> </blockquote><blockquote><i>When he asked them how much they wanted to give, they said 600.00! But not just once, 600.00 every month for ONE YEAR!!!!!!!!</i> </blockquote><blockquote><i>I have been brought to my knees this year by the <span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1293559103_2" style="-moz-background-clip: border; -moz-background-inline-policy: continuous; -moz-background-origin: padding; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 0%; cursor: pointer;">love and mercy</span> that Jesus has for all of us. And if it weren't for all the excruciating <span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1293559103_3">hard times</span> we went through and are still going through, my faith would be no where near as strong as it is now. I will never get over this Christmas and the miracles that surrounded it.<br />
</i></blockquote><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Did you get goosebumps at the part where my reader friend says that the couple wants to give her family $600 every month for one year?? I know I did. Right along with the lump in my throat and the tears stinging the corners of my eyes. What a wonderful Christmas story!</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Want to read about an awesome blog post that got people from all around the world giving to perfect strangers?? <a href="http://thebloggess.com/2010/12/my-heart-grew-three-sizes-and-now-i-have-an-enlarged-heart-worth-it/">Here! </a></span><br />
<br />
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">For more posts about how He provides, click <a href="http://astirringlife.blogspot.com/search/label/He%20provides">here</a>.</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><i><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">With a heart overflowing, </span></i><br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/200/3FBFF70FD1D2961D7E31A5A8D89E23A4.png" style="-moz-background-clip: border; -moz-background-inline-policy: continuous; -moz-background-origin: padding; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 0%; border: 0pt none ! important;" /></a>Rebeccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09394453146621467115noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24301312.post-8465573679483086292010-12-20T06:05:00.000-06:002010-12-20T06:05:00.581-06:00He Provides: Extravagant Love<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">It began about a month ago with a simple card in the mail. <i>Bright yellow.</i> A little inspiration. No signature. No return address. And it contained a significantly large Wal-Mart gift card. My children were in the car when I opened the mail and witnessed first-hand my reaction to this kindness. Could this person have known about all the little needs we had? About all the odds & ends that we had been going without? About too small pajamas for our littlest one? About some homeschooling necesseties? About Christmas gifts that my heart so desired to give? <i>No</i>, he or she couldn't have known. </div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><i>But He knew.</i></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Just a few days ago, another envelope arrived. <i>It's the same handwriting</i>, I thought.<i> Maybe they sent a Christmas card and now I will know who bestowed that act of kindness on me! </i>I tore into that envelope to find a typed story about the <a href="http://www.authorsden.com/categories/story_top.asp?id=37319&catid=76">Invisible Mother</a>. That encouragement was enough to find tears pricking the corners of my eyes. But upon looking further....another envelope. <i>Bright yellow</i>. A little more inspiration. This time with money. Not a twenty-dollar bill. A large sum of money. My hands started trembling. The tears overflowed. <i>Could they possibly know?</i> About how many repairs our car has needed in the last month? About the empty supply of firewood? About the small gifts I'd love to bestow upon others? <i>No</i>, they couldn't possibly.</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><i><br />
</i></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><i>But He does.</i></div><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">If my Secret Encourager is reading this somewhere out there....<i>thank you</i>. Please know that your generosity has reminded me about God's extravagant love for me. He doesn't just give, but gives <i>abundantly</i>. He doesn't just love a little, He loves me <i>extravagantly</i>. And when I think about giving this holiday season, know that your gifts have inspired me to give more than I think I can, to love without reserve, and to give the gift of myself whenever possible.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">You can read more posts about how He has provided <a href="http://astirringlife.blogspot.com/search/label/He%20provides">here</a>.</span><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/200/3FBFF70FD1D2961D7E31A5A8D89E23A4.png" style="-moz-background-clip: border; -moz-background-inline-policy: continuous; -moz-background-origin: padding; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 0%; border: 0pt none ! important;" /></a>Rebeccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09394453146621467115noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24301312.post-50005464220402417542010-12-17T06:00:00.000-06:002010-12-17T06:00:09.931-06:00A Dresser Made Lovely<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Part of my Master Bedroom plan involved repainting the furniture. I think using what you already have is one of the most economical ways of changing your decor. I bought one quart of paint (Dutchboy Lined with Silver) to update my dressers and nightstand. After priming and painting and priming and painting some more, I decided to just relocate my highboy into the walk-in closet, which a) made for less painting and b) created more space in the room itself. Here is the side table:</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><b>before</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD9GGNczcZXuaHwVImXBmHlzdmJpdD_-CPq8zw6tbe7HU1MFAQNs_5_95nOnwzTY5YXyfU7JWNbOPclERbSXcDH61uVKSiqgEVJqFozYRN6ubzx5zy1TYJtt0CNOS0Pm5QmqxwsQ/s1600/seasonfolio+018.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD9GGNczcZXuaHwVImXBmHlzdmJpdD_-CPq8zw6tbe7HU1MFAQNs_5_95nOnwzTY5YXyfU7JWNbOPclERbSXcDH61uVKSiqgEVJqFozYRN6ubzx5zy1TYJtt0CNOS0Pm5QmqxwsQ/s320/seasonfolio+018.jpg" width="240" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> :: side table - This is representative of what all the furniture looked like. It seems like a country French style, which has some nice molding, trim, and curves. I wasn't too crazy about the knobs/drawer pulls or color of the wood. ::</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>after </b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1B1dV_oMlvxGE6Eqy5Sy65Ht3Z4TXDRWoXfYY6edz5G3lhyphenhyphenSg3neLoiLgbK23kvLswqJp880tWN0sUA1IjXJrdDLZK4Q65uK9ToBNMoGD8FOvjcPWM1QxyTWyS6mYgxfSjMhwjw/s1600/winter+004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1B1dV_oMlvxGE6Eqy5Sy65Ht3Z4TXDRWoXfYY6edz5G3lhyphenhyphenSg3neLoiLgbK23kvLswqJp880tWN0sUA1IjXJrdDLZK4Q65uK9ToBNMoGD8FOvjcPWM1QxyTWyS6mYgxfSjMhwjw/s320/winter+004.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEi9h4hyrYpJ9KT7PRHhyphenhyphenEvhec2OtvzW_BnfX3ahfi1HIhhgLAe0w0nOJ8hnttMGyunuk0bFiZ-2jH3F20qtRpN3NxZmqmV1sYNYqDyqc9JQCuIteHTRGZV_Oe9eHqW_M-dRJsNA/s1600/winter+005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEi9h4hyrYpJ9KT7PRHhyphenhyphenEvhec2OtvzW_BnfX3ahfi1HIhhgLAe0w0nOJ8hnttMGyunuk0bFiZ-2jH3F20qtRpN3NxZmqmV1sYNYqDyqc9JQCuIteHTRGZV_Oe9eHqW_M-dRJsNA/s320/winter+005.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">:: new pretty glass knob and light distressing around the edges ::</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><b>MORE BEFORE & SOME DURING:</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcaVIQ-lW3ta8EsM_G-xS9eyPuBQ3R5qMLI1XLDgvRS3rqXJLrGCvwu4-mLX9j4C0PwlQ1ANfeNcgdNm7JmMnpfuierqFK5-Sh2X13orvb8r35pfb4JWp0yhovFWc85mGWdN8-iw/s1600/seasonfolio+129.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcaVIQ-lW3ta8EsM_G-xS9eyPuBQ3R5qMLI1XLDgvRS3rqXJLrGCvwu4-mLX9j4C0PwlQ1ANfeNcgdNm7JmMnpfuierqFK5-Sh2X13orvb8r35pfb4JWp0yhovFWc85mGWdN8-iw/s320/seasonfolio+129.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">:: You can see here the painted leafy flowery design that was on certain drawers in the set. The flower shaped back pieces of the handles left significant ruts in the fronts of the drawers. ::</span></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfGTxW8nHT8N-sl6ckaVqTeFvMFPSRAJNbwVDuCTx7D3Dg3epCOx2PZMoC8lqMMdo_57h2fMNHxaXFBZpdKCu606lwmxL5MAT7xg1xqLem78q7wFWM0Cz3-v3WSBHiqomJ738kTA/s1600/seasonfolio+130.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfGTxW8nHT8N-sl6ckaVqTeFvMFPSRAJNbwVDuCTx7D3Dg3epCOx2PZMoC8lqMMdo_57h2fMNHxaXFBZpdKCu606lwmxL5MAT7xg1xqLem78q7wFWM0Cz3-v3WSBHiqomJ738kTA/s320/seasonfolio+130.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">:: Wood filler became my best friend. I used those little plastic reward cards for your keychain for filling and scraping. ::</span></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: left;">I applied two coats of primer and one of paint, theorizing that primer is cheaper and since I only bought a quart of paint I needed to stretch it as far as I could. It wasn't until after I returned from the home improvement store did I realize that the holes on the drawers were NOT a standard size distance and my new drawer pulls would NOT fit in the holes and the internet does NOT carry a weirdly size drawer pull. I nearly had a melt-down. I just wanted these dressers to be <i>done. </i>So, I decided to use more of this:</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjylDmFTkXcGFQaztEkhi2HSsmn6lRPQxgTcmO9ZVJsHIJ5G7ltpbtnRI9y6ASVNSXYjrAXwSJ1s0oMrV9GN-mVZvrUtAIQw24daNdX0k6KqClheM4LkNKGF0m-25FtSP5dk9PhMg/s1600/seasonfolio+147.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjylDmFTkXcGFQaztEkhi2HSsmn6lRPQxgTcmO9ZVJsHIJ5G7ltpbtnRI9y6ASVNSXYjrAXwSJ1s0oMrV9GN-mVZvrUtAIQw24daNdX0k6KqClheM4LkNKGF0m-25FtSP5dk9PhMg/s320/seasonfolio+147.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: left;">And fill in one of the holes for each pull and then redrill new holes for the right fit. After filling, redrilling, and touching up the paint on <i>nine holes</i>....</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN0CyQDu_IItQ_rRc4-SNwkbSriTVAR-NHiBed8VQ8xn2y1pmyt0aF62JNtCc-S1NxC4pTaxxtb5erpTLjjnJlZc5e6_FkmFCMXwItuYFbvSviR-VYHbjCl_YxmEnJCKATPRvDbg/s1600/seasonfolio+149.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN0CyQDu_IItQ_rRc4-SNwkbSriTVAR-NHiBed8VQ8xn2y1pmyt0aF62JNtCc-S1NxC4pTaxxtb5erpTLjjnJlZc5e6_FkmFCMXwItuYFbvSviR-VYHbjCl_YxmEnJCKATPRvDbg/s320/seasonfolio+149.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">:: New pretty drawer handles! See that scrollwork above the drawer? It was a pain, pain, pain to paint that.<i> A royal pain.</i> I had to use q-tips to kind of swoosh the paint around so that it covered the inside of them::</span></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;"></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;"></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFMVj9200evf5w4-q1lePRbr62lZbzy3qL4Wvgy4n755J01Tow2jbw_l6UQycpwNi8xCX1SxSq3gBjjc6uP6JN3q6vYKBNSy7ywbqhY36P-zLXCZjkqTsgJOHLE1p_JPQFgN7Cog/s1600/seasonfolio+151.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFMVj9200evf5w4-q1lePRbr62lZbzy3qL4Wvgy4n755J01Tow2jbw_l6UQycpwNi8xCX1SxSq3gBjjc6uP6JN3q6vYKBNSy7ywbqhY36P-zLXCZjkqTsgJOHLE1p_JPQFgN7Cog/s320/seasonfolio+151.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">:: I lightly distressed the edges of the drawers and dresser itself to make it feel a little more casual and cottage-y. ::</span></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;"></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;"></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6AlmL6yGomtsyvXLBDGSWc_toDM-T9PmzONjYWwu0_GCrYJs_hWXJMj1Gv0wVbihaNrBq_3kaE8F4S-yQZHHiiDNd7QeybTirVcu25TPSzQCxd1XwV6QqcUpUiS2RlFUIMjBJ-Q/s1600/seasonfolio+154.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6AlmL6yGomtsyvXLBDGSWc_toDM-T9PmzONjYWwu0_GCrYJs_hWXJMj1Gv0wVbihaNrBq_3kaE8F4S-yQZHHiiDNd7QeybTirVcu25TPSzQCxd1XwV6QqcUpUiS2RlFUIMjBJ-Q/s320/seasonfolio+154.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">:: Don't forget to make a big mess in the process. It's all part of letting those creative juices flow. ::</span></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;"></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;"></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdAN5sdPLV68a6zdlIUJmBsO3vat6YoVRqGQ6A_k0YbrzMA6X8-DDeDWi8SQvKPDSBrvjdCOFAhNMq0aSGOmiYaHBMVefnSlpVokgkx6HTZvPqTwb6CPmkfqrRnELs5hJ0CJDnPg/s1600/seasonfolio+153.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdAN5sdPLV68a6zdlIUJmBsO3vat6YoVRqGQ6A_k0YbrzMA6X8-DDeDWi8SQvKPDSBrvjdCOFAhNMq0aSGOmiYaHBMVefnSlpVokgkx6HTZvPqTwb6CPmkfqrRnELs5hJ0CJDnPg/s320/seasonfolio+153.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">:: These purdy glass knobs where on the Husband's old hand-me-down dresser in our closet. I never really noticed the knobs because the dresser itself is so 70's. But in the midst of this project I realized that they would be perfect for our "new" dressers and so they were reassigned! ::</span></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;"></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;"></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;"></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;"></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0-naSZzGuMmYWNVVU7yaVa3NjveYZDRkiPKlPqECf8LTCQGm1UP9QVMW9RwM-LMzJLA4cVERkgQ7KGncl2iVUPSRThn5BrU2VzVr7bATYt97e_IHb6Q_17LhT5g45PT9c7JZ4tg/s1600/seasonfolio+159.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0-naSZzGuMmYWNVVU7yaVa3NjveYZDRkiPKlPqECf8LTCQGm1UP9QVMW9RwM-LMzJLA4cVERkgQ7KGncl2iVUPSRThn5BrU2VzVr7bATYt97e_IHb6Q_17LhT5g45PT9c7JZ4tg/s320/seasonfolio+159.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">:: Big dresser in all its new loveliness ::</span></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;"></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;"></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: left;">I am so happy with how these turned out. I can't believe the huge difference some paint & handles can make!<br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/200/3FBFF70FD1D2961D7E31A5A8D89E23A4.png" style="-moz-background-clip: border; -moz-background-inline-policy: continuous; -moz-background-origin: padding; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 0%; border: 0pt none ! important;" /></a></div>Rebeccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09394453146621467115noreply@blogger.com1