January 29, 2009

smart, handsome, funny, and

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... he could be in a musical.
that's right, my guy can sing.
not only can he sing, he makes a mean music video.
but before you press play, i should give you a little history behind this video.
at Camp Shetek (where we work in the summertime), there are two main groups of staff: the kitchen girls & the maintenance men. grant's title is head maintenance man. the camp shetek maintenance men are an elite group. believe me, the girl campers swoon over these rugged & sun-tanned boys.
they mow & trim, they drive the jet ski, they'll help your team in the hoccer tournament, they do mail call; they do it all. a few years ago, the maintenance men made a video for some skit night entertainment, and a tradition was born. their music videos have become one of the most looked-forward-to aspects of a week at camp shetek.
the campers love these Men; they admire them, take pictures of them & giggle at all their jokes. basically, the Men are the camp celebrities. i feel privileged to know them & call one of them my husband.
here is your first taste of their work, an adapted rendition of part of your world from the little mermaid, complete with minnesota accents. sit back & watch the maintenance men burst into song as they confess their hearts' true desire.
performed by grant, graham, ryan, & jared
categories:,, | 13 comments
January 28, 2009

bryant's monster bars

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I didn't really appreciate monster bars until last summer, when our good friend Bryant introduced us to the ultimate version. He graciously obtained the recipe for me, and now, I'm going to share it with you.
Are you excited? ... I would be, if I were you. 
Bryant, this one's for you.
Okay, off we go.

blend 
1/2 c. butter
1 c. brown sugar 
1 c. white sugar.

put in one of your mix cd's to keep you company while you create.
i selected kitchen september '08 featuring norah jones & the singin' in the rain soundtrack.
scoop 1 1/2 c. peanut butter. 

scrape it out into the mix.

beat it, just beat it. 
until it gets all fused & smelling heavenly.
then add in 3 eggs. 
and whip it.
whip it good.

now for some teeny, tiny, hugely important steps that were not photographed...
stir in: 1 tsp vanilla & 2 tsp baking soda
then toss in 4 1/2 cups oatmeal, and start up the stirring again.
demolish oatmeal mountain.

wait for the mix to mingle, meld, & merge.
then use your favorite side-scraping tupperware spatch to get it tidied up.

pick your poison.
i chose m&m's leftover from Christmas (not mint), semi-sweet morsels, & butterscotch bits.
preheat the oven. 350 degrees.

dump & stir.
if you turn your mixer back on for just a sec, you'll get pretty candy coating confetti in the mix too...  celebrate good times, come on.

spoon it into a pan.

press it all in.
squash it, crush it, pound it- do whatever it takes.
just get it all smoothed out & settled in for the big bake.

set your timer for 15 minutes.
stick your pressed pride into the oven.

my oven & my deep pan (& my dislike for too much gooey) resulted in the baking time increasing to about 20 min.
but you can check at 15 min. & see how yours is coming along.

when you pull it out of the oven, your candies should be nestled into a golden crust, still tender to the touch.
let cool on cooling rack.

pull up on your easy-clean-up foil edges.
heave the pleasantly heavy result onto the counter.
cut into delectable, prim & proper squares.

plant the goods in your favorite platter, 
preferably transparent with a platform, 
to display your handiwork & for the highest degree of temptation.

p.s. this recipe calls for a jelly roll pan that's 17" x 11 1/2 "... which not only do I not own, but consider to be rather gigantic. I cut the recipe in half and used an 8" x 11" dish. It yielded about 20 bars. But you can do whatever makes you happy.

p.p.s. happy birthday, audra! i'm so, so glad to have you as a sister. love you!
categories:, | 14 comments
January 27, 2009

the list

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happily, the list is growing again.
here's another excerpt.
(some of these entries are from my junior high days)
the list | number three
548. shortening my bathroom routine
378. buying new school supplies & new school clothes
85. getting a hair cut
503. putting ice cubes in my milk
523. learning something new about the english language
393. pink starbursts
645. going into a house I've never been in before
222. crayola superfine writing markers
430. fancy faucet fixtures
387. memorizing a new class schedule & locker combination
546. kisses on the back of my neck
325. singing verb songs from french class
302. memories of reading goodnight moon
540. the smell of sunscreen
521. when someone else touches/fixes/plays with/curls my hair
categories:, | 2 comments
January 26, 2009

i usually don't scream

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for ice cream.
isn't that sad? i wish it wasn't so. i will admit that i go through phases where something cold & creamy sounds good, but for the most part, i remain un-tempted. when i'm told we're going out for ice cream, i'm more excited about the going out part. while everyone else around the table is enjoying their frozen favorite, i will probably be sipping a glass of water- wishing that the popular thing to do were to go out for cookies or brownies or chocolate cake.
so, knowing this about me, you are free to make a new judgment of my character.
now, about those times when ice cream does sound appealing... i must have it the right way.
1. skip the cone. i take mine straight up in a dish. pile it high & hand me a spoon.
2. none of this soft-serve nonsense. if i'm going to go ahead with this frozen dessert, it jolly well better be frozen. i mean good & hard, people. i shouldn't be able to stir anything in my bowl.
3. the flavor options:
cookie dough= i could be persuaded.
chocolate with fudge brownie chunks= sure, that sounds good.
chocolate with a ribbon of peanut butter= need you ask?
my hands-down favorite is Archer Farms Peanut Butter Fudge.
take it from someone who doesn't even like the stuff, we have 56 ounces of rich & velvety, irresistible goodness right here. you won't find any better.
yet another testimonial for the greatness of target & its generic lines.
can you tell that i miss my staple store? i miss it enough to blog about it, for goodness' sake.
and if you went from living 1 minute away to living an hour and a half away, you might too.
categories:,, | 6 comments
January 25, 2009

recently added

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current favorite song...
"new way to live" from jason gray's album acoustic storytime
just in case you've been searching for a new song to play over & over & over.
categories: | 2 comments

new flavor fave

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it all started when grant ordered a hickory chicken sandwich at ruby tuesday.
ever since then, he's been bent on bacon + barbecue.
last sunday we created our own version of his preferred dish.
it was simple & snappy.
here's how you can share the sandwich love:
slice up some savory chicken breasts. 
saute a bit of sweet onion- must be minced, for me.
bake your bacon. applewood smoked is the ultimate. 
{say goodbye to fat splattered on you & your stove top. 
just foil up a jelly roll pan & stick your strips in the oven.}
carve delicate shavings of monterey jack.
lightly toast your sesame seed buns.
assemble.
slather on the barbecue sauce.
sandwich, meet after-church starving stomachs.
a mouthwatering match.
categories:, | 4 comments
January 23, 2009

take me back

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For me, the moments that weren't momentous enough to be captured by camera, have been embedded into music.
Sometimes when I hear a song, a memory instantly pops into my head, and I can remember, relive, & replay so many scenes & feelings from my past. 
Just by listening to a song, I feel like I'm reconnecting with a stage of my life. 
Here are some of the tunes that trigger my memory. 
1. mmbop by hanson: christmastime in 3rd grade
2. unforgettable by natkingcole: my room, filling out a planner in 4th grade
3. i want you back by nsync: 5th grade skating party
4. nature boy by nat king cole: reading the chronicles of narnia in 6th grade
5. a string of pearls by glenn miller: last weeks of school in 8th grade
6. the whole closer album by josh groban: jan. 05, hanging out with haley
7. bigger than my body by john mayer: summer 05, working at the pool 
8. split screen sadness by john mayer: jr. year, chilling in my room w/haley
9. everytime we touch by cascada: sr. year, haley & I catch a ride w/ darrin
10. only hope by switchfoot: car ride to wintertainment retreat
11. can't take it in by imogen heap: mexico trip, christmas 06
12. goodnight and go by imogen heap: driving to class, freshman year
13. what's that smell? by grant harms: camp shetek 06, meeting grant
14. scar by missy higgins: august 06, running on the path by the ymca
15. penny & me by hanson: infatuated with grant
16. here (in your arms) by hellogoodbye: writing letters to grant
17. quando, quando, quando by michael buble: dreaming about grant 
18. you are loved by josh groban: working at dr. hurd's office
19. everything by michael buble: finals week 07, can't stop thinking of grant
20. black and white by michael jackson: driving to camp  
21. can you feel it? by the jacksons: summer 07, working at camp
22. you and I by michael buble: engaged to grant
23. for once in my life by stevie wonder: making wedding decisions
24. wink & a smile by harry connick jr: our wedding
25. leavin' by jesse mccartney: may 08, on the plane to jamaica
26. love like this by natasha bedingfield: may 08, honeymoon
27. rylynn & into the ocean by andy mckee: first few weeks of marriage
28. continuum album by john mayer: in the car with grant & bryant
29. painter song by norah jones: aug. 08, moving into our 1st apartment
30. not now but soon by imogen heap: fall 08, new town, new running route
what songs take you back?
categories:, | 5 comments
January 22, 2009

drop her a line

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need inspiration to get organized? be productive? set goals?
if you're like me, you work best by planning. writing it out. crossing it off.
here's the perfect solution.
the sensational miss marta, of the magical land of m.writes, has made you a to-do calendar. 
a calendar that you can hang in the handiest of places, write in the messiest of scribbles, & cross off to your heart's delight. 
a custom-made vehicle for getting your to-do list in shape. 
click here to read more & get ahold of the creator to get one of your very own.
while you're there, you might want to look around. it's a fantastic spot for browsing.
oh, & once you get your calendar (because you know you want a free calendar!) you can print it off on some pretty cardstock or whatever your paper of choice may be. 
have fun being productive.
categories:, | 4 comments

fresh

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things I tried this week...
for tip-top toasting & sturdy peanut butter spreading
mmm, mmm good.
french bread dipped in balsamic vinegar 
grant loves this & wanted me to try it too... let's just say it's not my favorite thing, but hey, at least I tried it!
strawberry mustard sandwich dressing
so the other day I tried a bite of a turkey panini with this spread on it & it was really yummy.
It looked like it was just mustard combined with strawberry jelly, so yesterday I thought I'd try to recreate it. Happily, it worked. 
Just mix a little dab of strawberry jam into your dijon mustard for a tangy twist to your turkey. 
to come this weekend...
from last week...
sauteed mushrooms on my pizza
and I liked them. aren't you proud of me, mom?
categories: | 4 comments
January 21, 2009

p.s.

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yes, I did see the classy commencement of the neighborhood ball last night.
yes, "at last" sounded better than ever.
yes, the first couple's dance was a lovely blend of celebration+sophistication+elegance & a dash of romance.
and yes, I will be once again glued to the tv tonight. i have a date with the lost premiere & some sort of celebratory snack. 
categories: | 2 comments

something to include in my dream house

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i'm mad about a good reading chair.
every reader needs a refuge;
a corner-dwelling, lamp table-neighboring chair,
with room to bend into a comfy knee-hugging position.
at mom & dad's house, a long time ago, my chair was a queen anne recliner
but that chair has since moved from the living room (aka the museum)
and is now next to the fireplace,
where it is frequently occupied by a large yellow lab.
now at my own house, I have a different chair.
it abides in the southeast corner of the living room,
encircled by the bay window & beneath the lofty lamp.
it's funny how Grant almost never sits there; it truly is my reading chair.
i can settle in, bundle up with a quilt, & pore over my pages
while grant sits next to me at his desk & opens the mail.
and if you find us just so, you will know that I am supremely happy.
i wouldn't want to be anywhere else, with anybody else, doing anything else.
(at this point the word "else" is starting to sound funny)
maybe someday I'll be able to upgrade to this dreamy potterybarn number.
mmm... dark, glossy leather. 
and perhaps while I'm at it, I will snatch this simple print seater,
stash it in my massive dream attic,
& bring it down for a festive debut every christmas.
categories: | 6 comments
January 20, 2009

#44

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happy inauguration day!
Today everything changes.
I've been glued to the tv: katie couric @ the gym. brian williams @ home.
What a privilege to watch the invocation of our 44th president as it happened. What a pleasure to see everyone all smiles, to see the masses assembling, to know that a dream has been realized, and to feel the country uniting in interest for the day. 
This time around, I am especially fascinated in the coverage. Maybe that's because I'm older. Or maybe it's because I'm not restricted by a teacher turning off the tv or pressured by co-workers going back to their desks to resume the normalness of the day. Maybe it's because I know that this is an important day in history. It's a day that will be written up in text books. And I want to bear witness to it. So for today, the tv stays on. 
I was surprised to find that as I tuned in to the ceremony & celebration, I wasn't thinking too much about an energy crisis, or promises for the future, or republicans & democrats, or a weakening economy. Much lighter matters weighed on my mind. As I watched the motorcade & the following processions I wondered...
if the Obamas were coffee drinkers.
if the girls will accompany mom & dad to the balls tonight.
what they were all going to eat for lunch. 
when they are going to get the puppy. and what kind.
what has been done to make the White House their house.
Apparently I have no problem viewing the first family as real people, not political figures.
I am curious about how the Bush family must feel today. To walk away, to be completely relieved of responsibility, to go home. I cannot imagine what that would be like. I was particularly happy to have seen the waving of goodbyes as President Bush boarded the helicopter & President Obama walked back to the steps. It was such a respectful and poignant moment for our former leader. At that moment, the new president seemed to fully take ownership of his role. I imagine it to be somewhat like the feeling that a babysitter has, when the parents finish giving you the instructions & you watch as they drive away. They're gone. You're in control now. How funny that these stiff & ceremonial traditions house such profound emotions. 
Today I remember... waking up at the Sarah & Becca's house 8 years ago. We watched the inauguration of President Bush on a little tv we had brought down to the basement for movie-watching during our sleepover. 
Today I am thankful... for the leadership George Bush provided.
Today I was uncomfortable... when the Chief Justice messed up his lines. 
Today I loved... that John Williams composition. 
Today I can't wait... to see what kind of president Barack Obama will be.
Today I am glad... for a peaceful transfer of power.
Today I am excited... because God is as much in control of this presidency as He was the Bush presidency. 
categories:, | 3 comments
January 16, 2009

dress up

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i tell myself on a regular basis that i would like to add more dresses
to my wardrobe. i am not very brave when it comes to the wearing of
clothes. i am distrustful of hats and other items that require self-
confidence. i am inclined to be "safe" with what i wear. you know,
blend in. basically, i am trying to be boring. well, it's time to step out
of my comfort zone.
dresses. i would like to wear them whenever i want and not feel
overdressed. i want to make them so much a part of my normal
apparel, that it's no big deal to slip one on and be in front of people
and be myself. women used to live in dresses. and why not? they
make one feel so feminine and put-together. there's a whole world of
ladylike out there, wish me luck as i venture out to find it & attempt
bravery as i wear it.
this year i am going to make a conscious effort to check the sale
racks wherever i go, and start loading up. i have already started my
collection with a couple of casuals that i picked up on clearance.
perfect for flip-flops and running errands. my next goal is to find a
couple of classy basics for weddings & other formal gatherings. and if i
had all the money in the world, i know where i would purchase these
sophisticated threads... shabby apple. a couple of my favorites are the
rita hayworth & the nine to five (on sale & also comes in black!), but
i am smitten with so many others. if i weren't so happy with being on
a budget & didn't suffer from such intense buyer's remorse, i would
surely indulge over at that delightful dress boutique. i have to remind
myself though, that part of the fun for me is finding a little treasure,
tucked away in the back corner, between two intertwined hangers, the
only one left, marked with an incredible price. that is matchless
satisfaction.
i will be sure to keep you posted if any progress is made with the task
of dressing up my wardrobe.
categories:, | 10 comments
January 15, 2009

focusing on productivity.

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make. bed, Grant's lunch, these breadsticks, these cookies + butterscotch chips, dinner.
research. define: "parhelion." and look into the rumor that it is colder here than at the south pole.
do. dishes, dusting, unanticipated load of laundry, sweeping, vacuuming.
write. lists, post, emails, messages
read. bible, morning&evening, jane eyre (hopefully after my work is done)
organize. fridge, dvd's, thoughts.
make it happen. pray, exercise, call sister, practice with my new curling iron (date with Grant is imminent).
Weather report.
-23 degrees. 
...that means -32 windchill. 
School was 2 hours late again. Haven't had a full day yet this week.
Adjusting to a subzero lifestyle. Thankful for a functioning furnace.
Wishing I had put these knee-high cozies on my christmas list. 
categories:,, | 3 comments
January 14, 2009

the list

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I've been neglecting my list lately. 
I haven't added anything to it since the Christmas whirlwind took over my thoughts. 
Time to commence project list '09.
It's been awhile since I explained my listing concept & posted a short snippet, so if you'd like to check out the first installment, it's right here.
Starting today, I am going back to daily documentation. 
the list | number two
586. getting out of bed right away in the morning
594. going to see musicals at high schools
197. the smell of hotels
10. the feeling of freshly shaved legs in between bed sheets
467. hearing street noise 
612. being around well-behaved kids
15. bold nail polish
528. finding a new way to do my hair
101. made-for-girls boxer shorts
582. becoming better at something
544. sweatshirt & jeans days
104. to play "four on a couch" 
118. heart-of-pine floors
603. flipping through a book with a pen in my hand
143. classical music radio stations
categories:, | 5 comments
January 13, 2009

heath bar cookies

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If you're like me, you're getting over that holiday guilt faster than you thought.
In fact, you feel like you might even want to break out the mixer.
If so, here's a little something just for you.
And may I add, January seems just right for a little toffee- carmel crunch inside a warm brown sugary coat.
(I mentioned making these a long time ago & realized that I never shared the recipe.
How rude. And then I kept forgetting to go back and add it. So finally, here it is.)
1/2 c. butter
3/4 c. brown sugar
1 egg
1 tsp. vanilla
1 1/2 c. flour
1/2 tsp. soda
1/2 tsp. salt
1 cup chopped Heath bars
1. mix above.
2. stir in heath bits.
3. drop by teaspoonfuls on greased cookie sheet.
4. bake at 350 for 12 to 15 minutes.
*don't overbake! they will get crunchy on you, so air on the side of underdone*
categories: | 6 comments

snow day monday

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Sunday night...
Grant & I settled in for a nice evening of 24 premiere + catching the end of the golden globes.
Little did we know, in just a few hours we would wake to one of the few early morning phone calls that you are always happy to receive. That is, a phone call informing us of a snow day. Nothing like still getting to enjoy a good snow day when you're a grown up.
So our Monday was spent doing fun snow day things... like cleaning out our massive closet, putting all the Christmas stuff into storage, rearranging the laundry room, throwing out boxes, hanging a new bulletin board & calendar, washing & folding, dusting & vacuuming, & discussing our next furniture projects/purchases.
okay, so we didn't go sledding & play scrabble.
looking at the bright side of a long winter ahead, I'm hoping for a few more snow days yet.
categories:, | 1 comments
January 12, 2009

the shop around the corner

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Left Bank Cafe.
This little coffeehouse is literally, just around the corner from my house.
Although I can see the side of the cafe from my front window, I am mostly reminded of its nearness by the seductive smell it produces. Each day the L.B. coffee roaster floods main street with an unmistakable toasty aroma.
The other day I joined my mother-in-law (Judy) for lunch here at the Left Bank. I am always surprised at how a place so wonderful can be hidden away in such a tiny town. I feel like it needs to be noticed & recognized.
If you were to go inside, you would find a scarlet & cream checkered tile floor below miniscule cafe tables. Further back, a dim, cozy corner; complete with deep arm chair, stacks of reading material, & a couch that occupants will not sit on, but rather sink into. Next to all of this is a small station for the owner's laptop, mail, etc. & a modest counter at which you may order your coffee pleasure.
When you step into this miniature haven, and if you've lived here for awhile (like Judy), you will most likely be greeted by a cheerful barista who regrets to inform you that you just missed your favorite pumpkin soup yesterday. But, you're in luck, because today they have that fresh, homemade carrot cake that you just love. The best in town.
While you're deciding on what else to have with your dessert, the owner may return from an errand & be delighted to see you occupying one of the tables. She'll know you by name and bring you a dash of cinnamon to sprinkle on top of your cream-cheese frosted piece of cake.
You (now referring to myself, a fairly new addition to the town) will leave profoundly fascinated by the existence of genuine small town interaction.
All in all, you will consider it to be quite a pleasant and surreal experience and will find yourself contemplating how it is that you came to be here, a city girl like yourself.
And the only other matter on your mind will be to wonder how business is going for that charming shop.
p.s. if you're ever in southwest Minnesota, stop by & you can sample the L.B for yourself.
categories: | 3 comments
January 9, 2009

they know me personally

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Allow me to introduce some VIP's.
This is probably the most normal picture we've ever taken together. Usually when we're together, the silly little girls buried within overcome our not-kids-anymore facades, producing slight madness & hilarity.
We grew up together. We didn't fight with each other. We're not needy- which means we don't require daily phone calls or 500 texts to stay close. When we get together, we don't miss a beat. It's like nothing has changed since jr. high sleepovers. There's something so sincere & effortless about our friendship. I can't get over that. I'm so thankful for you girls.
Right now my friends have some exciting stuff going on in their lives.
Sarah... has a birthday today! Happy, happy birthday, my wonderful friend! May you have a sweet day full of celebration & surprises! We all love you so much.
Christine... got an incredibly cute haircut from Haley. Christine, way to go shortie on your beautiful locks! I'm loving your new look.
Haley... (my twin sis) is starting a new job & just started a blog. Please welcome her to the blogger world. Stop by & read into her cleverness here.
Rebecca... is heading to Mali soon. Bec, we're praying for you. Keep us updated on all the Africa excitement!
{from left-- Sarah, me, Haley, Christine, Rebecca}
categories:, | 3 comments
January 8, 2009

what I got for Christmas

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My grandma made me this apron. My grandma is pretty amazing. She knew just what I wanted. It is unbelievably perfect. Say goodbye to my stiff, one-size-fits-all, beige William-Sonoma one. This one's making me feel ladylike in my kitchen again. Great girlish fit, soft & feminine fabrics. Delicate. Graceful. Fun to wear. Doesn't get much better than wholesome, handmade housewifery apparel.
Umm... did I mention that it's reversible?
Yeah. Grandma's good.
Okay this one's not really my gift. It's more like a gift for our apartment. Merry Christmas, living room.
Grant decided to become a carpenter for a couple of weeks. Together with his dad & two helpful brothers, he crafted this ideal tv stand for us.
The creator with said creation.
I'm so proud. And I'm loving our new no-cords-showing look.
Along with these lovelies, I also received a pair of too-good-to-be-true silver hoop earrings. (just the right size. incredibly hard to find.)
A new razor, because I never spend money on them. I've been coping with my Bic disposables for far too long. Hello, five-blade wonder.
Some Redken therapy, in the form of a little purple tub of recuperating magic.
A hearty stash of my favorites.. raisinets, lemon drops, nilla wafers, gummies, & lindt truffles. I'm all set to stock the candy bowls. Ready to pack my purse for car rides & movies. And loaded with reasons to hit the gym.
categories:,, | 7 comments
January 7, 2009

thoughts compiled

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Have been doing some thinking.
I stumbled upon this quote the other day and loved it. It's direct & simple.
As I remove Christmas decorations and restore the regulars, I say it over and over in my head. Sometimes I replace the word "houses" with "life."
Have nothing in your life that you do not know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful.
That, I suppose, is my resolution for this year, and most likely every year to come.
For me, right now, that could mean loads of things. Here's what I have identified so far.
make weekly meal plans. and be consistent. be diligent about knowing what's in the cupboard. be aware of what needs to be used up.
discern. keep what things will hold sentimental value. eliminate the unnecessary. use what is practical. find what is efficient. do what is meaningful. keep it simple.
take more pictures with Grant. someday my kids will wonder what life was like before they arrived. and I will want to show them.
stop finding fault. with anything. I am not to judge, quarrel, criticize, gossip, or dwell on the negative. so just stop.
incorporate new ingredients into our diet. put new things on the grocery list. search for recipes with vegetables that are foreign to me. don't be afraid of leafy green iron-loaded goodness.
keep on. work. study. pray. memorize. research. manage. exercise. read. write. list. rest.
i want to continue these daily pursuits with a happy heart. i love my typical day. i love having a time & place set aside to read my bible. i want to remain content and keep on treasuring this time of my life.
A new year.
... the old has gone, the new has come.
second corinthians five seventeen
categories:, | 5 comments
January 6, 2009

the waiting period

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and so it begins.
January, February, March, even April.
The months of cold weather, minimal amounts of daylight, tedious schedules, & negligible holidays that constitute what I confess to be my least favorite part of the year.
I am amazed at the sudden and dramatic change that occurs within me every year during the first week of January. After Christmas is over and the holiday season releases its grip on the world, I am instantly ready for summer time. No more winter for me, thank you. Instead I'll take the sunshine, flip-flops, school vacation, trip to California, & summer camp special, all the way. Oh, what a detrimental attitude for one so happily nestled into a corner of wintry Minnesota. I'm frustrated with myself for not being cheerful about this stretch of the calendar. I need to change this mindset.
So am I trying to change? Well. That's a matter of opinion.
Maybe I tried on all of the sleeveless dresses in my closet yesterday, just to see if they still fit, you know. And I may or may not have looked through the entire VS swim 2009 catalogue that arrived in my mailbox this morning. A brand new pumice stone might have been added to my routine to create prim & pretty, sandal-ready feet...Colbie Caillat's sweet beachy songs may be playing on iTunes as I write this... and this afternoon I might have rifled through all the photos from our jamaica honeymoon last may.
Just maybe.
May I have a change of heart toward the reality of the long winter ahead. And fast.
May I live today and not wish it away.
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January 5, 2009

confusion

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I'm officially back from Christmas vacation and returning to my normal posting schedule. But nothing feels normal at all.
I can't seem collect my thoughts enough to write a post worth reading, but will try anyway.
Here we are already, the first Monday in the new year. Happy 2009, everyone! You've all probably gone back to your normal lives and are perfectly situated with new & exciting pursuits, along with the old faithfuls. I, on the other hand, am still in an 08 daze. I tried to poise myself over the rest of the week, but fear I am bombing belly first anyway. It is taking me awhile to reorient myself to my own house after being gone last week. 'Oh, yeah..' I say to myself, 'I make the meals and do the dishes. Not Mom. Remember?' Even making a grocery list proved to be a daunting task. This is the problem with me taking breaks, I come back feeling slightly clueless.
Grant headed back to school today & I decided to keep to my stable routine of doing all the laundry on Monday morning. I also joined the thousands of people seeking to fulfill 09 resolutions & banish holiday-eating guilt at the gym. January will be a crowded month for the elliptical machine junkies. I'm hoping that everyone will remember to be polite & sanitize after sweaty hands leave the heart rate sensors.{confession: I'm afraid I have most of the symptoms of germaphobia, in its earliest stages.}
Oh, and something else to report: happily, my body is recovering from a week of reckless, indulgent eating (which is both fun & punishing, at the same time). Eating meals at abnormal times of the day, skipping lunch, snacking, drinking pop, & consuming lavish amounts of sugar... all combined to produce in me what Dad entitled, "bodily confusion about food." My taste buds & stomach seem to go numb after a day or so of eating like that. I couldn't discern what sounded good, which foods were my favorite, which ones were worth chewing, or if I even needed sustenance? But, now we're back to the norm. Am thriving with my water bottle & apple slices.
Excited to embark on 2009 & fill up the margins of my life by doing some writing. Right here.
Thanks for reading!
p.s. the quote above is from her book at home in mitford, which is the first in my favorite series
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about this blog

Hello, I'm Summer. A people-loving introvert whose hope and life is in Jesus. His promises are my passion and my ministry is homelife. This blog is a place for me to write about everyday things. Especially food. My favorite thing to do is sit around a table, lingering over a long meal with good conversation. I live with my husband and our 2 littles. We like blizzards, thrifting, grammar, guacamole, cheerful hearts, nice manners, good movies, and making simple, real, nutrient-dense food.

"If Christ be anything, He must be everything."
-C.H. Spurgeon

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