Thursday, February 24, 2011

Happy Birthday Mama Mia!!!

I introduce to you, Mia. I met Mia back in college when she was somewhat of a celebrity on campus. She was part of The Sounds of Liberty which was the all star team as far as singing talent was concerned. We roomed across from each other for a total of three weeks. And, although I remember her, remember the celebrity thing..I doubt she remembers me. She will tell you to your face that she does. That is cause she is nice like that.
We met (again...) 6 years later, at Lifepoint Chruch where she serves on the worship team and her husband is on staff. I remember our first day at church she was singing the cover song, Life is a Highway. Mia was singing that song like it was the last song she was gonna sing. Her 9mth pregnant belly was hindering my recollection of who she was. BUT....then she smiled, and I remembered, Mia McNeil!!! I told elbowed Shane and whispered,"That is Mia, from Sounds, back when we were at LU." He didn't seem nearly as excited as I did. After the service I introduced myself and we have been friends ever since.
I love Mia because she is so full of life. She is passionate when she is happy, when she is sad, and when she is down right angry! She never lets up. Full of energy she will love you with all she's got and them some. She loves Jesus, her man, her babies and her family and friends. She is real, bold, confident and honest in a way that many people aren't. She has a smile that lights up every room she has ever entered and every stage she ever stepped on. Her singing voice is so clear and powerful, but her heart of worship makes it unbelievably anointed. I begin to cry just writing that statement. I cannot even think of words to describe her talent. In fact, I tried just now and had to give up. You would have to hear it for yourself. Have I mentioned that she is beautiful?She is cool, too. I mean like The Buckle cool. Her style looks like Anthropology, Ikea and The Buckle got into a fight and everyone came out a winner. She is a designer and a lover of children. She was a music teacher pre-children, but I just can't picture that. Mia is a leader, a party planner, a match maker and the biggest social butterfly I have ever met. We cannot have a good conversation in a public place. She gets distracted by everyone else she could be talking to. So we smile, hug say something cute about our outfits and save the important stuff for later. Cause when you are alone with Mia she is loaded with thought provoking, real life questions, thought, opinions and ideas. See, I told you she was full of life.
I thank God for the friends in my life. I am so thankful to see a little bit of Him in each one. I thank Him today for sending me a friend in Mia! Happy Birthday!

Saturday, February 19, 2011

Inaugural Bonfire!

We had our first bonfire of the year. With the temps in the 70's all day an evening under the stars was calling our name. I love the atmosphere of a bonfire. The kids are off in wonderland running back and forth across the yard, playing in the tree house, jumping on the tramp and just getting lost in the freedom they have. The men do all the roasting and fire stoking while discussing very manly things on their side of the fire. Inevitably the ladies end up clustered together dancing that fine line of staying warm and dodging the smoke. Time becomes irrelevant and we lose count of how many smores the kids have had. They keep coming back for more and we say yes, because it is fun that way. The crowd dissipates as the kiddos begging to melt. Shelby falls asleep in Shane's lap and Avery gets more hyper by the second. The circle of friends tightens and the men and women merge into one conversation. The moon is bright and the thoughts of an early morning cross my mind. But, I push them away for just one more marshmallow. I relish these evenings. There is something to be said for the freedom we all have just to enjoy.
*Please forgive the ridiculous poetic overkill in this post. I am feeling a bit sentimental this morning.

Friday, February 18, 2011

It's Coming....!!!

Sun bathing...
Bike riding...
Blackbird invasion...
Just around the corner!!!!

Sunday, January 30, 2011

Tuesday, January 25, 2011

Shabbat Shalom!

We finally started our Sabbath tradition. We have been intending to, talking about, and planning this for months, but it all came together this week. We will continue to have a Sabbath meal every Sat. from now on. We will also work hard to not work hard for the 24 hrs following the Sabbath meal.
I am so excited to see the provision and protection that follows as we sacrifice this time in honor of the Lord. Shane and I feel strongly that God put laws in place for our provision and protection. Although we are no longer under that law, because of Christ's fulfillment of the law, there are still reasons He instituted those laws in the first place.
In our Christian culture we still hold the other 9 commandments in high regard: Thou shall not steal, though shall not commit adultery, honor your father and mother. But somehow we seem to totally dismiss the command to rest on the Sabbath. We have always made it a priority to worship on the Sabbath, but rest...that is a different story. How could we? We have only two days a week where Shane is home before 9:30 pm. It is not like there is a lot of free time for us to get things done; important things. But, we believe He commanded a rest every 6 days. If He had to rest, shouldn't we? I am looking forward to the blessing that I know will come, I am just not sure how to identify it. I will let you know when I figure it out.
Making Honey Whole Wheat Challah Bread
Coconut rice with steamed flounder, broccoli and crushed cashews
Shane speaking a blessing over Annalee.
Shane blessing the wine/juice
Shelby praying the blessing over the wine/juice
Rest begins...

Thursday, January 20, 2011

Square Foot Gardening

We have begun a new adventure in gardening. My last two gardens have not been
raving successes, so.... I moving on to fail proof, or so we are hoping. Good thing is, my husband love projects and food, so this is a good one. I can't believe we are starting in Jan, but what can I say? This is the time to build. I have to admit, it is giving me a bit of spring fever.
Got the boots out...
Planks laid out ready to be assembled.
One box nearly finished, until the accident... That is another story:)
Shelby is just sayin' Hi~
Kids hanging out in the tree house. They helped lug boards around all morning, so the break was well deserved.

Wednesday, January 19, 2011

Tuesday, January 18, 2011

Failed Dreads

Back in November, or maybe it was October, I decided to put dreads in my hair.
I had been wanting them for years, and finally decided it was time.
After many hours of research, I found a method called twist and rip. It is pretty self explanatory. I liked the corkscrew look and their lack of craziness.
Apparently, it is not a well known method, and there is reason for it...
They fell out. Well, the bottom 1/2 did, and i aided the rest. I loaded them with conditioner, laid under the water and combed them out. It actually worked quite well, with minimal damage. I lost the dreads, but gained the experience and it def killed the dread bug inside of me, for a while at least:) What can I say, I am always willing to try most anything.

Wednesday, December 22, 2010

Dinner Party

I love Christmas time. I love to entertain. I love to entertain at Christmas time. This year we have been to 6 parties, 3 of which we hosted.
One was a 1yr old birthday party, designed by my fashionista friend, Mia. Complete with a handmade hanging branch banner and owl tree ornaments, this little girl's party was magazine worthy.
The next evening we hosted a party for a group of volunteers at our church. Even though the cookies outnumbered the 60+ guests by about 12 to 1 , we found good use for the leftovers and the night was a success!
Finally, this Sunday evening we hosted a small dinner party for a few of our pastors and their wives. Elegant simplicity was the theme and although the underdone /had to be cooked a little more pork loin, and the crazy textured chocolate cheesecake were nothing to write home about. I was more than pleased with the evening. I could drink up unhurried, laid-back, honest, un-pretentious, intimate conversation any day of the week. My cup runneth over.
Dinner Party Menu
Melted Brie topped with Caramel and Walnuts
Served with Toasted Orange Cranberry Bread
Virgin Cosmopolitans
Roasted Thyme and Garlic Stuffed Pork Loin
Served with Roasted Pears
Butternut Squash with Wilted Spinach and Dried Cranberries
Buttered and Herb Yeast Rolls
Hot Vanilla topped with Chocolate Cinnamon Whipped Cream
Chocolate Cheesecake topped with Strawberries

Monday, December 13, 2010

First Snow

We woke up to this...
And this...
The kids went out first thing...
We ate leftover party cake for breakfast...
Avery didn't last long...
We made snow creams for snack...
Now I am off to cuddle up with a book, and a kid or two:)

Fredericksburg Christmas Parade

Last weekend we ventured out to the Fredericksburg Christmas Parade. All bundled up, pb&j's, popcorn, fresh baked chocolate chip cookies and hot chocolate in hand we endured the freezing cold and ever got to see the first flurries of the season. Great attitudes all around made for a fabulous evening. We even ran into my uncle and my cousins, who actually are my children's age. So we snuggled up in blankets and watched in wonder (and a little astonishment at what they actually allowed into the family parade) and made great memories. Gush.

Monday, November 29, 2010