Hmmm....didn't 2007 just get started? I can't believe it's time to hang it up. Say "Adios!" Usher out the old and ring in the new.
Now, along with "Auld Lang Syne," Champagne (Sparkling Cider?), and counting down the seconds, there will be plenty of New Year's resolutions being made.
At my advancing age I view New Year's Resolutions as a teenager might view Sesame Street. It was fun once but I'm so beyond all that now! Sounds like a lot of "Bah Humbug," I know. That my friends, comes from far too many New Years' and an even greater number of resolutions. Resolutions that were "ushered out" far earlier than the year in which they were made.
Change rarely comes easily. I think the transition from one year to the next is enough change at one time. Why add to the stress? Besides, I need to make major changes. Maybe 2008 will be the year I resolve to realistically look at the changes I need to make and then begin taking the steps necessary; baby steps to be sure...but steps nonetheless. How incredible it would be to wake up Wednesday morning and automatically prepare a healthy breakfast and have everyone eat it, take my vitamins, clean up the kitchen and continue the day in an organized, neat, healthy, and efficient manner.Then have it continue day after day, week after week...and always.
Seriously, I'm really trying to imagine this - carrying it to the classroom for our homeschool days, to the grocery store, to dinner preparation, doing laundry, cleaning house, exercising, etc... I really can't see it! That must be where the baby steps come in.
So, ok, does this mean I now have a New Year's Resolution? So instead of giving up on resolutions I guess I'm just being less ambitious. More realistic. I don't know if that would be maturity, cowardice or assumed defeat.
Gimmicks - we don't need more gimmicks. Just resolve to take care of whatever needs taking care of. Do it today. Do it Monday. Choose any random day you'd like. Don't give the power to January 1st - the power is in you, the power is in me. Ditch the calendar - make the changes that will make you happier, healthier, whatever it is you need to do. Take a step, then a second. Twirl around and celebrate. Baby steps - first one, then another. No matter the day; let's just (resolve to) get it done.
Saturday, December 29, 2007
Tuesday, December 25, 2007
Merry Christmas...
Merriest Christmas, Friends!
It has been a wonderful Christmas. Yes, everyone's been on good behavior and getting along. Food and gifts plentiful. Church, heartwarming. Sleep - a little on the light side. Now that the packages are open and the morning winding down I'm beginning to drag.
Before long I'll head to the kitchen to begin tonight's dinner, starring "Beef Rib Roast," and accompanied by baked potatoes, side dishes left over from last night, baked ziti and such. We're anticipating a laid-back, quiet day spent with family
I hope your Christmas is joyous, happy, and filled with love.
It has been a wonderful Christmas. Yes, everyone's been on good behavior and getting along. Food and gifts plentiful. Church, heartwarming. Sleep - a little on the light side. Now that the packages are open and the morning winding down I'm beginning to drag.
Before long I'll head to the kitchen to begin tonight's dinner, starring "Beef Rib Roast," and accompanied by baked potatoes, side dishes left over from last night, baked ziti and such. We're anticipating a laid-back, quiet day spent with family
I hope your Christmas is joyous, happy, and filled with love.
Sunday, December 23, 2007
God's Canvas
Our Pastor, Cliff Marshall, told us this morning of a spectacular sunrise he saw two Sundays ago. He mentioned he's not one to get carried away with nature and such things although he can appreciate their beauty. My family and I can relate to that. There are many wondrous, beautiful natural sights and events that we find truly awesome but we're not "into" nature as such.
Ken and our sons were out late this afternoon and had the setting sun hitting them right in the eyes - you know that point where visors and squinting just don't help. I don't think they were admiring God's handiwork at that particular time. Then, on the way home they were surprised by an incredibly beautiful full moon low in the sky. I know it was incredibly beautiful because my husband shared the moment with me by calling me at home and describing the sight. I believe it would have been impossible not to be awed. I was awed by the fact that God creates such beauty for us to behold. I was moved by the fact that my husband not only appreciated it but chose to share the moment with me even though I wasn't with him at the time.
Let me tell you, it was absolutely wonderful to "see" that beautiful full moon this evening.
Ken and our sons were out late this afternoon and had the setting sun hitting them right in the eyes - you know that point where visors and squinting just don't help. I don't think they were admiring God's handiwork at that particular time. Then, on the way home they were surprised by an incredibly beautiful full moon low in the sky. I know it was incredibly beautiful because my husband shared the moment with me by calling me at home and describing the sight. I believe it would have been impossible not to be awed. I was awed by the fact that God creates such beauty for us to behold. I was moved by the fact that my husband not only appreciated it but chose to share the moment with me even though I wasn't with him at the time.
Let me tell you, it was absolutely wonderful to "see" that beautiful full moon this evening.
Happy, Happy, Happy!
As you can tell from the title I'm a happy blogger today. In answer to the burning question...Yes! Our bed is GREAT! You have no idea how relieved I am. Particularly considering I didn't sleep well at all Friday night - but I really didn't believe it was due to the bed. I was always comfortable - just not sleeping much. Last night, however, was MUCH better AND I was comfortable. Yes, happy, happy, happy.
I'm also happy because tomorrow is Christmas Eve and I only have a few presents left to wrap. Abbey and I are going to make cookies later this afternoon/this evening (we were sidetracked by a 24-hr bug)and our dinner tomorrow evening is low-key and low-stress as far as preparation goes. Now, if everyone is on their good behavior we should have a lovely evening; the culmination being a candlelight Christmas church service. There's nothing like having all of my kids (and grandson) home at the same time. Amazing that what I once took for granted is now such a special event.
Christmas morning will be filled with the excitement which can only be generated by children. All around them the air is full of excitement. They count down, they break into laughter for no apparent reason. They twirl 'round in circles and dance about. This behavior will increase considerably between now and Tuesday morning.
I hope you're enjoying the excitement of this holiday! Merry Christmas!
I'm also happy because tomorrow is Christmas Eve and I only have a few presents left to wrap. Abbey and I are going to make cookies later this afternoon/this evening (we were sidetracked by a 24-hr bug)and our dinner tomorrow evening is low-key and low-stress as far as preparation goes. Now, if everyone is on their good behavior we should have a lovely evening; the culmination being a candlelight Christmas church service. There's nothing like having all of my kids (and grandson) home at the same time. Amazing that what I once took for granted is now such a special event.
Christmas morning will be filled with the excitement which can only be generated by children. All around them the air is full of excitement. They count down, they break into laughter for no apparent reason. They twirl 'round in circles and dance about. This behavior will increase considerably between now and Tuesday morning.
I hope you're enjoying the excitement of this holiday! Merry Christmas!
Saturday, December 22, 2007
LOST December Blog Entry (Previously Unpublished)
Hmmm..."Dinner Diaries." The more I think about it the more I think the title for this post should be "Dinner Disasters," "Dinner Tragedies," or something similar.
Recently, my family has been so kind as to remind me of dinners I have botched. I guess they thought I might forget. Me, I was kind, too. I was afraid they might run out of material so I botched another one. Tonight, actually. So, why am I sharing that (embarrassing) info here? Well, my 9-yr old son pretty much dared me to.
One example occurred a few weeks ago when I was making blueberry pancakes and bacon for dinner. This is one of my husband's favorite meals. I had just read something about baking bacon. I decided to give it a try. Well, the bacon was taking much longer to bake than what the instructions indicated. My group prefers "wimpy" bacon as opposed to crispy. Not me - I like mine brown and crispy. When I took the pan out of the oven I really didn't feel the bacon was cooked well enough. That's when I had the brilliant idea to put the whole plate in the microwave to finish up. Finish off is more like it! The bacon was horrible! Are you familiar with fatback? That's what it was like. Microwaving bacon AFTER baking it has been a big joke around here ever since.
Tonight I was making another of my husband's favorites, Mozzarella Chicken. Basically browned chicken covered in sauce/gravy, topped with mozzarella cheese and baked. Tonight I had more chicken than would fit in one pan so I opted to use my electric skillet. I got the chicken browned and then decided to go ahead and finish cooking it in the skillet. Set the temperature, cover the pan, and come back 30 minutes later.
30-minutes later...
I took off the lid and started getting the chicken out to put on the platter for dinner. When I slid the spatula under the first piece and lifted - I was picking up more (and less) than I bargained for. It seems my sauce had browned, hardened and wanted to come up from the pan like a skin. I also couldn't recognize any mozzarella - it was part of the browned goop. Uh-oh...this is NOT good. So, separating chicken from "sauce," I got the chicken plated. Quickly I made a pot of instant gravy so I'd have something to put over the rice. In the meantime I overcooked my carrots and was glad I had made some Stove Top stuffing for Christopher - at this rate it seemed plausible that the stuffing just may become the main dish! At least the lingonberries and applesauce were good! All this and they still trust me with Christmas Eve dinner! At least that one won't be as easy to mess up.
So now I'm trying to find a witty way to wrap this up but my sense of humor is still stuck in the bottom of the electric skillet! Tomorrow is another day and if all goes as planned, it will be cookie baking day! Abbey and I are scheduled to begin baking right after church. I don't really know when my presents will get wrapped but somehow they will.
I figure my brother is the only one who'll actually read this before Christmas since he's the only one I know who's finished up with all his holiday tasks. So, take care, enjoy the season as much as possible and don't sweat the small stuff. Don't lose sight of the big picture, and don't burn the chicken!'
Christmas blessings...
Recently, my family has been so kind as to remind me of dinners I have botched. I guess they thought I might forget. Me, I was kind, too. I was afraid they might run out of material so I botched another one. Tonight, actually. So, why am I sharing that (embarrassing) info here? Well, my 9-yr old son pretty much dared me to.
One example occurred a few weeks ago when I was making blueberry pancakes and bacon for dinner. This is one of my husband's favorite meals. I had just read something about baking bacon. I decided to give it a try. Well, the bacon was taking much longer to bake than what the instructions indicated. My group prefers "wimpy" bacon as opposed to crispy. Not me - I like mine brown and crispy. When I took the pan out of the oven I really didn't feel the bacon was cooked well enough. That's when I had the brilliant idea to put the whole plate in the microwave to finish up. Finish off is more like it! The bacon was horrible! Are you familiar with fatback? That's what it was like. Microwaving bacon AFTER baking it has been a big joke around here ever since.
Tonight I was making another of my husband's favorites, Mozzarella Chicken. Basically browned chicken covered in sauce/gravy, topped with mozzarella cheese and baked. Tonight I had more chicken than would fit in one pan so I opted to use my electric skillet. I got the chicken browned and then decided to go ahead and finish cooking it in the skillet. Set the temperature, cover the pan, and come back 30 minutes later.
30-minutes later...
I took off the lid and started getting the chicken out to put on the platter for dinner. When I slid the spatula under the first piece and lifted - I was picking up more (and less) than I bargained for. It seems my sauce had browned, hardened and wanted to come up from the pan like a skin. I also couldn't recognize any mozzarella - it was part of the browned goop. Uh-oh...this is NOT good. So, separating chicken from "sauce," I got the chicken plated. Quickly I made a pot of instant gravy so I'd have something to put over the rice. In the meantime I overcooked my carrots and was glad I had made some Stove Top stuffing for Christopher - at this rate it seemed plausible that the stuffing just may become the main dish! At least the lingonberries and applesauce were good! All this and they still trust me with Christmas Eve dinner! At least that one won't be as easy to mess up.
So now I'm trying to find a witty way to wrap this up but my sense of humor is still stuck in the bottom of the electric skillet! Tomorrow is another day and if all goes as planned, it will be cookie baking day! Abbey and I are scheduled to begin baking right after church. I don't really know when my presents will get wrapped but somehow they will.
I figure my brother is the only one who'll actually read this before Christmas since he's the only one I know who's finished up with all his holiday tasks. So, take care, enjoy the season as much as possible and don't sweat the small stuff. Don't lose sight of the big picture, and don't burn the chicken!'
Christmas blessings...
Friday, December 21, 2007
Sleep Well...
Yes, I really, really, really hope Kenneth and I sleep well tonight! Overtired? No, not really. Have a big day planned tomorrow? No - just a couple of last minute presents to buy, complete the menu for Monday night and buy necessary groceries, wrap presents, bake cookies with Abbey, do laundry, and clean house.
No, the reason I'm hoping and praying for a good night's sleep is because our new bed arrived today. We weren't expecting it until after the first of the year but the delivery company had a 1-hour time slot open and we grabbed it.
We bought our first bed 10-years ago when we went from the queen-size bed we had to a new king-size bed and mattress/box-spring set. We had a hard time finding something acceptable to both of us. We finally did but it was a frustrating chore.
This time around, though, we ordered a bed from Costco, choosing from 4 sample squares representing 4 bed styles, probably 8"x8" or so. Just enough to push down on with the palms of your hands. From those 4 we found one that felt ok and was in the price range we expected. We considered a "Sleep Number" bed so we would both have the "perfect" sleep surface but I didn't want to gamble on such a large purchase and opted for a traditional name-brand mattress instead. My reasoning was simple - how many times in our lives are we really involved in choosing our bed? I never shopped for a mattress until 10-years ago. I believe the same is true for Hubby. As a teen I got a waterbed but that's not quite the same thing. A waterbed is adjusted by adding or removing the amount of water as well as keeping the heat adjusted. Anyway, it just seemed that whatever bed I had was fine. Why go through all the hassle of shopping? So, now it's time to find out if the gamble we did take will pay off or not. Plus it's nice to get an early Christmas present!
So, I'm off to shower, grab my book and (hopefully) relax in the presumed comfort of my brand-new bed.
Sleep tight!
No, the reason I'm hoping and praying for a good night's sleep is because our new bed arrived today. We weren't expecting it until after the first of the year but the delivery company had a 1-hour time slot open and we grabbed it.
We bought our first bed 10-years ago when we went from the queen-size bed we had to a new king-size bed and mattress/box-spring set. We had a hard time finding something acceptable to both of us. We finally did but it was a frustrating chore.
This time around, though, we ordered a bed from Costco, choosing from 4 sample squares representing 4 bed styles, probably 8"x8" or so. Just enough to push down on with the palms of your hands. From those 4 we found one that felt ok and was in the price range we expected. We considered a "Sleep Number" bed so we would both have the "perfect" sleep surface but I didn't want to gamble on such a large purchase and opted for a traditional name-brand mattress instead. My reasoning was simple - how many times in our lives are we really involved in choosing our bed? I never shopped for a mattress until 10-years ago. I believe the same is true for Hubby. As a teen I got a waterbed but that's not quite the same thing. A waterbed is adjusted by adding or removing the amount of water as well as keeping the heat adjusted. Anyway, it just seemed that whatever bed I had was fine. Why go through all the hassle of shopping? So, now it's time to find out if the gamble we did take will pay off or not. Plus it's nice to get an early Christmas present!
So, I'm off to shower, grab my book and (hopefully) relax in the presumed comfort of my brand-new bed.
Sleep tight!
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