Today, somewhere between reading my friend Koti's blog and seeing Adele on t.v., I had a revelation:
Why am I not spending time doing things I am passionate about while spending way too much time on something that I'm not?
For example:
1. I want to learn to play the piano with wild abandon. I've always wanted to be able to just sit down at the piano and write a song.
2. I want to teach my children to play the violin (Steele is a bit young for this, but still...)
3. I want to take dance classes again - hip hop maybe.
4. I want my family to live in another country for a while.
5. I want to have a chemical free vegetable garden. With blueberries. And maybe some chickens roaming around.
6. I want to paint Bible verses over the doorways in my house.
7. I want to make a quilt.... and a cable knit sweater.
8. I want to play my viola again.
9. I want to adopt more babies.
I think I shall start making plans to do these things. Very soon.
Saturday, March 29, 2008
An E-mail From Yesterday
Subject: your blog was great!
I wish I had one, Abbey (age 10)
I wish I had one, Abbey (age 10)
Dear Cutzi,
As I came upstairs after school looking for something to do I noticed that your blog was up on the screen. I read a bit out of curiosity and as I read a few of the funny parts my curiosity grew. I scrolled up to about the middle, and because it was so good, I read all the way to the bottom. you did a really good job writing it. I wish I could have a blog, they look so much fun to write about your day and life. Once I wrote to my friend every time I got a chance to, wrote about the days while she was gone. At school, on the bus, in the car, waiting for the Gabe's soccer game to end, and at home. I ended up with about eleven detailed pages written in my school writing journal. Just saying that your blog was great and I'd really like one. Hope your day was at least O.K.
your sister who really likes your blog,
Abbey
As I came upstairs after school looking for something to do I noticed that your blog was up on the screen. I read a bit out of curiosity and as I read a few of the funny parts my curiosity grew. I scrolled up to about the middle, and because it was so good, I read all the way to the bottom. you did a really good job writing it. I wish I could have a blog, they look so much fun to write about your day and life. Once I wrote to my friend every time I got a chance to, wrote about the days while she was gone. At school, on the bus, in the car, waiting for the Gabe's soccer game to end, and at home. I ended up with about eleven detailed pages written in my school writing journal. Just saying that your blog was great and I'd really like one. Hope your day was at least O.K.
your sister who really likes your blog,
Abbey
Thanks Abbey!
Your sister who really likes YOU,
Cutzi
Your sister who really likes YOU,
Cutzi
Friday, March 28, 2008
A Snowy Day, Easter and a Birthday.
Mostly in Pictures.
It's snowing here today. A little odd for spring, even in the Pacific Northwest, but I do remember it snowing a lot one year on my birthday. I don't mind poor weather really. We just choose to have a stay-in day. Maybe I'll make some soup for dinner.
Steele and I did some school work this morning - something I have gotten out of the habit of doing but need to do more of. Steele functions much better with some structure to his day. And frankly, so do I. I find he is exceedingly more obedient when he has house work and school work to occupy his little hands and mind. We may head down to the library to pick up some books I reserved, mostly seed starting and vegetable gardening books, but I haven't yet decided.
We had a quiet but enjoyable Easter celebration. As with most holidays, I really treasure the cultural and family traditions I remember from my childhood. While, as a Christian I think it's important to set aside time to remember the Christian significance of these holidays, I honestly think it's more important to daily remember what God has done for me. I may write more on this another time but that said, as a family we participate in many of the traditional and cultural activities associate with Easter.
I don't have any pictures of egg dying this year - it turned out to be pretty chaotic with me trying to get Steele to gently place the eggs into the egg dye and my grandma attempting to get him to take an ounce of interest in the stickers she had brought for him. Neither of us were very successful but we all got a great laugh out of it - and two dozen or so colorful, cracked Easter eggs.
My grandma came over another day and we made 5 dozen Pierogi. My grandfather was all Polish and while I appear mostly Mexican, my stomach must be half Polish. I was raised on cabbage rolls and pierogi and I don't regret it one bit. It's comfort food to me at it's best.
Can you believe she's 80?
My mom and grandma watched from the dry bedroom.
My brother Gabe's creative Easter basket.
The best eggs are found in overgrown garden vegetables.
On the right, his sister Jessica due with her first baby, a boy, in April.
We are SO excited for cousins!
Steele and I did some school work this morning - something I have gotten out of the habit of doing but need to do more of. Steele functions much better with some structure to his day. And frankly, so do I. I find he is exceedingly more obedient when he has house work and school work to occupy his little hands and mind. We may head down to the library to pick up some books I reserved, mostly seed starting and vegetable gardening books, but I haven't yet decided.
We had a quiet but enjoyable Easter celebration. As with most holidays, I really treasure the cultural and family traditions I remember from my childhood. While, as a Christian I think it's important to set aside time to remember the Christian significance of these holidays, I honestly think it's more important to daily remember what God has done for me. I may write more on this another time but that said, as a family we participate in many of the traditional and cultural activities associate with Easter.
I don't have any pictures of egg dying this year - it turned out to be pretty chaotic with me trying to get Steele to gently place the eggs into the egg dye and my grandma attempting to get him to take an ounce of interest in the stickers she had brought for him. Neither of us were very successful but we all got a great laugh out of it - and two dozen or so colorful, cracked Easter eggs.
My grandma came over another day and we made 5 dozen Pierogi. My grandfather was all Polish and while I appear mostly Mexican, my stomach must be half Polish. I was raised on cabbage rolls and pierogi and I don't regret it one bit. It's comfort food to me at it's best.
Can you believe she's 80?After brunch at church and our service, we headed over to my mom's house. Although it was cloudy, it didn't rain until the kids went out to hunt for eggs. It stopped right when they were done.
Here are Steele's thoughts on rainy Easter egg hunting.
My mom and grandma watched from the dry bedroom.
My brother Gabe's creative Easter basket.
The best eggs are found in overgrown garden vegetables.And here are a couple pictures from my birthday. Funny how, with children, 2 hour drives can quickly turn into 3 hour drives... or more. I actually quite enjoy taking life at a slower pace. I'm definitely more of a scenic route kind of gal. Thus the reason that I'm looking forward to a drive down to the Oregon coast for a few days in a couple weeks.
On the left, Justin's sister Meghan and her husband, Camron.
On the right, his sister Jessica due with her first baby, a boy, in April.
We are SO excited for cousins!
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
In Response to Your Comments.... and a Verse.
First, I want to thank all of you for your nice and not-so-nice comments on my funki-ness the other day. Especially my mom's. Hers was, by far, the best... and the funniest.... and the most creative.
I've been thinking a lot about everything over the last few days. Today at Bible Study Fellowship I was reminded once again of the importance of humility. Humility in my approach toward people and humility in my response toward people. Now, I know that when I put myself out there and reveal my true thoughts to people - especially on something like a blog - I open myself up to a myriad of responses. Some will be humble and understanding in their responses, and some may not be. And I do, to some degree, understand that. Because I also realize that while the things I write about are a real part of me - this blog is only a very small glimpse of my life and who I am as a person. Many of you know me in real life and read my thoughts against the backdrop of who you know me to be, but many of you do not. So you only know what you read. And far be it from me to not offer grace to those of you who may make a judgment about me based on these brief sentences about my life - I am, after all, the one who put them here for you to read.
Our teaching leader made an interesting point today during lecture. She said, "When somebody points something out that we wish weren't true, but it is, we fight back." And oh believe me, I thought of a good many things to fight back with over the last few days and chose not to. But, in the end, God calls me to be humble and to examine my own heart first. Parts of what I wrote in my last post I do wish weren't true, and I mentioned that to some degree. The fact that I wish it weren't true is probably part of what prompted me to write it all out. I will be the first to admit that I was complaining and focusing, for that moment, on all the things I wanted to be different in my life. I recognize that I, like every single one of us, is a depraved and sinful human being. I do not always have the right attitude nor do I always have a proper, Godly perspective on things. Sometimes I am tired and unmotivated. Very often I am critical of other people and do not offer them the grace I expect them to offer me. So, after thorough examination, I have concluded once again that: I am sinful. And so is everyone around me which makes my own sinfulness even more of a challenge.
So what now? Well, a friend of mine sent me an e-mail today. She and I were discussion leaders together several years ago in BSF. She mentioned that as she was reading her Bible today she came across a verse that had my name by it. Even though I don't remember the context of it's importance to me, she said that I had shared how it spoke to me at that time. She e-mailed it to me today hoping it might encourage me in some way. Admittedly, I read it over and over again trying to pull something out of it. I wondered if God might reveal some profound mystery to me through it. But He didn't. Not really. Except that I remember that "all scripture is useful" and "God-breathed" so I can always apply it to some aspect of my life. But as I read it more and more, and in different translations, one truth seemed to slowly appear before me. Kind of like those pictures you have to stare at for a long time before you see the word or the picture... remember those ones?
Anyway, here's the verse: 2 Chronicles 20:12 O our God, will You not judge them? For we are powerless before this great multitude who are coming against us; nor do we know what to do, but our eyes are on You.
You see,of all the 'commenters' out there, God is the greatest commenter on my life. And with Him, the author of the message is abundantly relevant. He says that I am His, that He has reached down into the miry pit and rescued me, that I am sinful and forgiven, that I am redeemed - bought with a price as a valued possession, that I am saved, that He sees and He cares, that everything I have was given me from His hand, that because of the joy set before Him (me?) He endured the cross, that because I am His bride He is preparing a place for me, that as I obey Him He will bless me..... His comments are made with the fullest understanding of who I am and what He has given me.
And so, many times I do not know what to do, but my eyes are on Him.
(ok... and sometimes on me, but then right back to Him)
I've been thinking a lot about everything over the last few days. Today at Bible Study Fellowship I was reminded once again of the importance of humility. Humility in my approach toward people and humility in my response toward people. Now, I know that when I put myself out there and reveal my true thoughts to people - especially on something like a blog - I open myself up to a myriad of responses. Some will be humble and understanding in their responses, and some may not be. And I do, to some degree, understand that. Because I also realize that while the things I write about are a real part of me - this blog is only a very small glimpse of my life and who I am as a person. Many of you know me in real life and read my thoughts against the backdrop of who you know me to be, but many of you do not. So you only know what you read. And far be it from me to not offer grace to those of you who may make a judgment about me based on these brief sentences about my life - I am, after all, the one who put them here for you to read.
Our teaching leader made an interesting point today during lecture. She said, "When somebody points something out that we wish weren't true, but it is, we fight back." And oh believe me, I thought of a good many things to fight back with over the last few days and chose not to. But, in the end, God calls me to be humble and to examine my own heart first. Parts of what I wrote in my last post I do wish weren't true, and I mentioned that to some degree. The fact that I wish it weren't true is probably part of what prompted me to write it all out. I will be the first to admit that I was complaining and focusing, for that moment, on all the things I wanted to be different in my life. I recognize that I, like every single one of us, is a depraved and sinful human being. I do not always have the right attitude nor do I always have a proper, Godly perspective on things. Sometimes I am tired and unmotivated. Very often I am critical of other people and do not offer them the grace I expect them to offer me. So, after thorough examination, I have concluded once again that: I am sinful. And so is everyone around me which makes my own sinfulness even more of a challenge.
So what now? Well, a friend of mine sent me an e-mail today. She and I were discussion leaders together several years ago in BSF. She mentioned that as she was reading her Bible today she came across a verse that had my name by it. Even though I don't remember the context of it's importance to me, she said that I had shared how it spoke to me at that time. She e-mailed it to me today hoping it might encourage me in some way. Admittedly, I read it over and over again trying to pull something out of it. I wondered if God might reveal some profound mystery to me through it. But He didn't. Not really. Except that I remember that "all scripture is useful" and "God-breathed" so I can always apply it to some aspect of my life. But as I read it more and more, and in different translations, one truth seemed to slowly appear before me. Kind of like those pictures you have to stare at for a long time before you see the word or the picture... remember those ones?
Anyway, here's the verse: 2 Chronicles 20:12 O our God, will You not judge them? For we are powerless before this great multitude who are coming against us; nor do we know what to do, but our eyes are on You.
You see,of all the 'commenters' out there, God is the greatest commenter on my life. And with Him, the author of the message is abundantly relevant. He says that I am His, that He has reached down into the miry pit and rescued me, that I am sinful and forgiven, that I am redeemed - bought with a price as a valued possession, that I am saved, that He sees and He cares, that everything I have was given me from His hand, that because of the joy set before Him (me?) He endured the cross, that because I am His bride He is preparing a place for me, that as I obey Him He will bless me..... His comments are made with the fullest understanding of who I am and what He has given me.
And so, many times I do not know what to do, but my eyes are on Him.
(ok... and sometimes on me, but then right back to Him)
Monday, March 24, 2008
The Sun is Shining but I Feel Grey
I get like this every once in while. Ok - maybe more than once in a while. But I hate it. And, as much as I would like to, I can't pull myself out of the funk.
I'm convinced that it's fixable - I just don't know how to fix it. Some of it, I'm sure, is just a result of the way I'm made and the fact that I'm human. The other, in my opinion, is due to one or more of these factors:
1. my hormones
2. my diet
3. my exercise
4. my emotional health
5. my spiritual health
They're probably all inter-related somehow. I think that I probably have some emotional and spiritual 'issues' (if you want to call them that) that are lying there, somewhere below the surface, and any number of the first three things just magnify them.
I need to find a new naturopath. I had one and then we moved away and I've been too lazy to find another one. I have got to get these hormones under control and I will not take medication to fix it. I can't even tell you how many doctors in my life have offered me anti-depressants. I have gone in telling them I am fatigued, a little down, just not feeling quite right - and before asking me if I was eating properly or exercising (basic, in my mind) they have handed me over a prescription for anti-depressants.
I have also had several anxiety attacks over the last couple of years. They tend to occur at night as I lie in bed and think about how short life is, how our lives are just gone and forgotten in an instant, how my grandma and my mom are going to die someday - how will I handle that? I think about all the thousands of people who have died before me, how many people there are in the world and I'm just one. I think about how I will feel when I realize the moment that I am dying. I pray that God will allow me to live to be a grandma and a great grandma. I wonder about reality and question it. In these moments, I am thankful for my husband who just hugs me tight and doesn't try to say anything. Most of all, I am thankful for God's promises and I remind myself of them. Sometimes I think that if I really believed God and His word I wouldn't question any of it. But sometimes I just need to remember. I need to remember why I believe that the Bible is true. That I have studied it and know what God says about what will happen to me when I die. That He is orchestrating my life and does not let one thing pass by His sight. I remember that God kept His promises in the past and will keep them in the future.
Today, these are the thoughts that have passed through my mind:
I just want to sleep
I don't have any self-control
I want to eat the whole pie that is in my fridge
I don't want to go teach Jazzercise
I don't want anymore phone calls... or e-mails for that matter
Why don't people solve their own problems?
Why doesn't anyone tell me things are out until they're completely gone?
Don't call me to tell me you won't be at class 'cause I don't really care
I wish Justin were home
I wish Steele hadn't pooped in his pants
I wish Steele would stop pulling my hair every time I bend down to him
I wish Steele would start being kind to his sister
I wish I would have more patience and more wisdom when Steele does the above things
Maybe I need to be more consistent in my training, maybe then he wouldn't do those things
I wish my fat pants weren't starting to feel tight
Can't it be 8 o'clock already so I can just veg out and watch Dancing With the Stars?
Do I really have to make dinner?
I wish the clunking in my van would get fixed
Anybody want to buy a Jazzercise business?
Why did I ever buy this Jazzercise business in the first place?
I really should do my BSF but I just want to sleep
My house is a mess... oh well
I guess I should finish those postcards
Why am I getting these huge zits on my face
I want my tax money but I don't want to finish my taxes
It would be really nice if I could get my rear off the couch and start some seeds
Too bad we don't have chickens...
The one day I remember to watch Martha and she has a stupid veterinarian on?
Toot's been dead for months, I wonder why Justin hasn't removed, or even unplugged, his tank?
Man, I'm really getting a lot of grey hair... probably from Jazzercise! Grrrrr.
Did I mention my house is a mess?
And I have no cute clothes
I guess I better go get ready to teach. I have to leave in about 20 minutes. My kids are still asleep and I'm always late. I hate being late.
Isn't this yuck of me?? I needed to tell someone though. So hey! I have an idea! Why not type it all out for bazillions of people to read on the world wide web?? I'm sure that will help.
I'm convinced that it's fixable - I just don't know how to fix it. Some of it, I'm sure, is just a result of the way I'm made and the fact that I'm human. The other, in my opinion, is due to one or more of these factors:
1. my hormones
2. my diet
3. my exercise
4. my emotional health
5. my spiritual health
They're probably all inter-related somehow. I think that I probably have some emotional and spiritual 'issues' (if you want to call them that) that are lying there, somewhere below the surface, and any number of the first three things just magnify them.
I need to find a new naturopath. I had one and then we moved away and I've been too lazy to find another one. I have got to get these hormones under control and I will not take medication to fix it. I can't even tell you how many doctors in my life have offered me anti-depressants. I have gone in telling them I am fatigued, a little down, just not feeling quite right - and before asking me if I was eating properly or exercising (basic, in my mind) they have handed me over a prescription for anti-depressants.
I have also had several anxiety attacks over the last couple of years. They tend to occur at night as I lie in bed and think about how short life is, how our lives are just gone and forgotten in an instant, how my grandma and my mom are going to die someday - how will I handle that? I think about all the thousands of people who have died before me, how many people there are in the world and I'm just one. I think about how I will feel when I realize the moment that I am dying. I pray that God will allow me to live to be a grandma and a great grandma. I wonder about reality and question it. In these moments, I am thankful for my husband who just hugs me tight and doesn't try to say anything. Most of all, I am thankful for God's promises and I remind myself of them. Sometimes I think that if I really believed God and His word I wouldn't question any of it. But sometimes I just need to remember. I need to remember why I believe that the Bible is true. That I have studied it and know what God says about what will happen to me when I die. That He is orchestrating my life and does not let one thing pass by His sight. I remember that God kept His promises in the past and will keep them in the future.
Today, these are the thoughts that have passed through my mind:
I just want to sleep
I don't have any self-control
I want to eat the whole pie that is in my fridge
I don't want to go teach Jazzercise
I don't want anymore phone calls... or e-mails for that matter
Why don't people solve their own problems?
Why doesn't anyone tell me things are out until they're completely gone?
Don't call me to tell me you won't be at class 'cause I don't really care
I wish Justin were home
I wish Steele hadn't pooped in his pants
I wish Steele would stop pulling my hair every time I bend down to him
I wish Steele would start being kind to his sister
I wish I would have more patience and more wisdom when Steele does the above things
Maybe I need to be more consistent in my training, maybe then he wouldn't do those things
I wish my fat pants weren't starting to feel tight
Can't it be 8 o'clock already so I can just veg out and watch Dancing With the Stars?
Do I really have to make dinner?
I wish the clunking in my van would get fixed
Anybody want to buy a Jazzercise business?
Why did I ever buy this Jazzercise business in the first place?
I really should do my BSF but I just want to sleep
My house is a mess... oh well
I guess I should finish those postcards
Why am I getting these huge zits on my face
I want my tax money but I don't want to finish my taxes
It would be really nice if I could get my rear off the couch and start some seeds
Too bad we don't have chickens...
The one day I remember to watch Martha and she has a stupid veterinarian on?
Toot's been dead for months, I wonder why Justin hasn't removed, or even unplugged, his tank?
Man, I'm really getting a lot of grey hair... probably from Jazzercise! Grrrrr.
Did I mention my house is a mess?
And I have no cute clothes
I guess I better go get ready to teach. I have to leave in about 20 minutes. My kids are still asleep and I'm always late. I hate being late.
Isn't this yuck of me?? I needed to tell someone though. So hey! I have an idea! Why not type it all out for bazillions of people to read on the world wide web?? I'm sure that will help.
Thaaaat's Niiiice!
While cutting up Steele's pancake this morning...
Me: After you eat your pancake I'll take you to go potty, so you don't go in your pants at Costco. Then, I'll get you dressed and mama dressed and then we can go to Costco.
Steele: Hm! Thaaaaat's Niiiiice.
I finish cutting up his pancake...
Steele: (in a high pitched, squeaky, exuberant voice) Sank you for that again!!
It might not seem that funny to the rest of you but these are the little moments throughout my days that I love the most. Funny conversations, looks, exclamations - God is sure creative when making these little ones.
Me: After you eat your pancake I'll take you to go potty, so you don't go in your pants at Costco. Then, I'll get you dressed and mama dressed and then we can go to Costco.
Steele: Hm! Thaaaaat's Niiiiice.
I finish cutting up his pancake...
Steele: (in a high pitched, squeaky, exuberant voice) Sank you for that again!!
It might not seem that funny to the rest of you but these are the little moments throughout my days that I love the most. Funny conversations, looks, exclamations - God is sure creative when making these little ones.
Saturday, March 22, 2008
On Suffering
When the day comes that we know the
exact right things to say and do,
we won't need to anymore.
exact right things to say and do,
we won't need to anymore.
Thursday, March 20, 2008
Happy First Day of Spring!
Happy Birthday to Me!
That's right folks. It's my birthday. The big 3-2.
Remember how I love Christmas and presents? Well, I love birthdays too. I don't love getting older so much, although this year doesn't feel quite as bad. I haven't lamented 32 as I did, say, 30. Or 26 or 27. For some reason I dreaded those ones. So it's 32 for me. Yippee.
Justin planned a little party for me the other night with my family and our friends the H's. (Amy) It was great - even though I was tired. The best parts, aside from being with the ones I love and the caramel apple pie Justin got from the Dutch bakery, were these gifts:
I bought the tablecloth last week at the Craft and Antique Fair as a gift to myself. I'd been drooling over it at the last two fairs.
The red placemats were a perfect match from Amy. And she didn't even know about the tablecloth. My mom brought the springy branches. Isn't it all adorable?
My mom, in her sneakiest sneaky way, bought me this cute shirt from Downeast.
I think I'll wear it for Easter with the perfect something that I'm going to find today.
Tonight we're headed down to Seattle to go to this restaurant. I'm not a huge sushi fan but it's just the novelty of it all. And they give you a free dinner on your birthday which is cool. We're meeting some good friends and maybe Justin's sisters. So Michelle, if you want to meet us.... 5:30, Todai, Redmond. ;-) Is it dorky to put winking faces in your blog? Oh well.
And just for fun... some pictures. Circa 32 years ago.
My mom and I. Her, 19. Me, 0.
Technically, my grandma and I.
She would have killed me if I hadn't cropped her out.
It was an awful picture of her.
And you know how often she reads my blog.
We lived on Capital Hill in Seattle when I was a baby.
My dear Grandpa and I.
He was my father, really.
And the best man I ever knew.
I looked at this picture this morning and was shocked at how much I think I look like Adia here.
One of the only pictures I have of my real father.
These picture captions are starting to sound like I have issues over all of this,
but I really don't. It's just kind of fun to look at once in a while.
Look what a beauty my mom is! I look like both of them I think.
That's right folks. It's my birthday. The big 3-2.
Remember how I love Christmas and presents? Well, I love birthdays too. I don't love getting older so much, although this year doesn't feel quite as bad. I haven't lamented 32 as I did, say, 30. Or 26 or 27. For some reason I dreaded those ones. So it's 32 for me. Yippee.
Justin planned a little party for me the other night with my family and our friends the H's. (Amy) It was great - even though I was tired. The best parts, aside from being with the ones I love and the caramel apple pie Justin got from the Dutch bakery, were these gifts:
I bought the tablecloth last week at the Craft and Antique Fair as a gift to myself. I'd been drooling over it at the last two fairs.The red placemats were a perfect match from Amy. And she didn't even know about the tablecloth. My mom brought the springy branches. Isn't it all adorable?
My mom, in her sneakiest sneaky way, bought me this cute shirt from Downeast.I think I'll wear it for Easter with the perfect something that I'm going to find today.
Tonight we're headed down to Seattle to go to this restaurant. I'm not a huge sushi fan but it's just the novelty of it all. And they give you a free dinner on your birthday which is cool. We're meeting some good friends and maybe Justin's sisters. So Michelle, if you want to meet us.... 5:30, Todai, Redmond. ;-) Is it dorky to put winking faces in your blog? Oh well.
And just for fun... some pictures. Circa 32 years ago.
My mom and I. Her, 19. Me, 0.
Technically, my grandma and I.She would have killed me if I hadn't cropped her out.
It was an awful picture of her.
And you know how often she reads my blog.
We lived on Capital Hill in Seattle when I was a baby.
My dear Grandpa and I.He was my father, really.
And the best man I ever knew.
I looked at this picture this morning and was shocked at how much I think I look like Adia here.
One of the only pictures I have of my real father.These picture captions are starting to sound like I have issues over all of this,
but I really don't. It's just kind of fun to look at once in a while.
Look what a beauty my mom is! I look like both of them I think.
Monday, March 17, 2008
What the Heck??
Ok, after my last post - this doesn't even seem worthy of mentioning, but I just had to.
So, I have the Bachelor on in the background. Only because it happens to come on after Dancing With the Stars which is my absolute favorite show and I'm too lazy to change the channel... and if I'm being honest, it's kind of like a car crash. You don't really want to look but you really sort of do.... and can I just say, it is SO freakish!
Are these people really for real? Who sleeps like that???
So, I have the Bachelor on in the background. Only because it happens to come on after Dancing With the Stars which is my absolute favorite show and I'm too lazy to change the channel... and if I'm being honest, it's kind of like a car crash. You don't really want to look but you really sort of do.... and can I just say, it is SO freakish!
Are these people really for real? Who sleeps like that???
Sweet Success
After what seems like weeks, months, years really, of work on this Jazzercise business - I accomplished a major goal today. We had a huge open house and 17!! yes, 17!! new students signed up. In one day!! I am thrilled! After just about 2 1/2 years since buying the business and renovating our current space we have over 100 paying students!! WOOOOOOO HOOOOOOOOO!!!!!! You do not even know how long we have been sitting in the 90's. I was starting to think it might never happen.
Our center has 5 instructors and 17 classes a week and we are hoping to add 3 more instructors and 9 more classes/week before summer. I can't wait. Even though I never set out to be a working mama, it feels good to achieve some success. One day, in the not too distant future... it will be time for me to pass the torch. But for now, I'm still running.
And I'm exhausted. I think it's time to go to bed.
Our center has 5 instructors and 17 classes a week and we are hoping to add 3 more instructors and 9 more classes/week before summer. I can't wait. Even though I never set out to be a working mama, it feels good to achieve some success. One day, in the not too distant future... it will be time for me to pass the torch. But for now, I'm still running.
And I'm exhausted. I think it's time to go to bed.
Sunday, March 16, 2008
Moon With A View Spring Style Guide
The latest in mantle decor. The trick is to make it look a little home-made. You don't want it to be all matchy-matchy.
And we've all seen the skinny models... yaaawwwwwnnnnn. The new "in look" is mad models.
And be sure to accessorize with your mother's post card stamps. They're all the rage.
And we've all seen the skinny models... yaaawwwwwnnnnn. The new "in look" is mad models.
And be sure to accessorize with your mother's post card stamps. They're all the rage.
If There Was a Mexican Version of Starbucks...
These...
would definitely not be on the skinny menu. (see yesterday's post) The refrieds could actually probably make it there, minus the bacon. But these are so yummy.
It all started while we were at Costco today *note to self: the throngs of people at Costco on a Sunday is just another reason why we do not generally go there on Sundays. Although, I did see a lot of people I knew including my high school journalism teacher who I always felt bad about because I was in charge of advertising for our yearbook one year and a ton of the ads that were purchased never got in the yearbook. My fault... but I digress. *
Ok, so we're at Costco and they have those uncooked flour tortillas on sample. They were delicious. And I remember that somewhere in my jumbled up recipe box is a handwritten tortilla recipe from my sister. So I decided to make them. We didn't really have much of a dinner but a few of these babys hit the spot.
I'm sure there are some special tricks to making these. The only thing I remember from when my sister showed me was that she said the water had to be burning hot and she would not let me mix it with a spoon. I had to use my hands. She also tried to teach me how to roll them into a circle - but it's near impossible as you'll soon see.
Here's the recipe. For some reason I wrote it in the 8th grade version of my handwriting.
In case you can't read it - here you go. Like most great recipes, these are all approximations. Who ever heard of 1/2 a tablespoon? Whatever.
2 c flour
1/2 Tb baking powder
1/2 Tb salt
2 Tb olive oil
Approx. 3/4 c HOT!! water
Mix it all together.
Roll them into something circular-ish.
Fry them up.
And feed them to your poufy-haired hubby who is laughing hysterically at you since you said to him, "look really happy about your tortillas. It's for my blog."
And if you want to top them off with something yummy, here are my favorite salsa recipes.
Pico De Gallo
I learned how to make this while I was studying in Mexico. I pretty much take it to every gathering I go to and always get rave reviews. You can also add cabbage as a bit of a filler if you'd like.
6-8 Roma tomatoes, diced
1/2 to 1 whole white onion, diced
1 bunch cilantro, chopped
1-? Tb. nacho jalapenos (I prefer the ones from Costco in the jar)
or
1-? serrano chiles, diced
Juice of 2-3 limes
salt to taste, more than you'd think
Cilantro Salsa
In a blender add:
2 cans diced tomatoes
1-? Tb of those jalapenos from Coscto
1 bunch green onions
2-3 cloves garlic, pressed
Blend, then add:
1 more can diced tomatoes
1 bunch cilantro
Pulse in blender so that it's mixed but there are still chunks of cilantro in it.
Salsa Roja
This is the salsa my sister taught me to make for taquitos. Since we just made taquitos the other day we had some of this left over and that's what we used tonight. I'll post the taquito recipe soon.
Boil 3-4 Roma tomatoes in water until skins begin to peel and crack
While they're boiling, roast a jalapeno on a cast-iron comal or frying pan until blackened.
Once the tomatoes and jalapeno are done, dump out the tomato water and blend the tomato and jalapeno (cut the stem off first) in a blender along with a couple cloves of garlic and some salt (again, more than you'd think). Does anyone know how to get that little squiggly over the n? You'd thin after years of college Spanish I'd know, but I don't.
Please let me know if you try any of these. I'd love to hear what you think. Did anyone try the Chinese Noodles?
would definitely not be on the skinny menu. (see yesterday's post) The refrieds could actually probably make it there, minus the bacon. But these are so yummy.
It all started while we were at Costco today *note to self: the throngs of people at Costco on a Sunday is just another reason why we do not generally go there on Sundays. Although, I did see a lot of people I knew including my high school journalism teacher who I always felt bad about because I was in charge of advertising for our yearbook one year and a ton of the ads that were purchased never got in the yearbook. My fault... but I digress. *
Ok, so we're at Costco and they have those uncooked flour tortillas on sample. They were delicious. And I remember that somewhere in my jumbled up recipe box is a handwritten tortilla recipe from my sister. So I decided to make them. We didn't really have much of a dinner but a few of these babys hit the spot.
I'm sure there are some special tricks to making these. The only thing I remember from when my sister showed me was that she said the water had to be burning hot and she would not let me mix it with a spoon. I had to use my hands. She also tried to teach me how to roll them into a circle - but it's near impossible as you'll soon see.
Here's the recipe. For some reason I wrote it in the 8th grade version of my handwriting.
In case you can't read it - here you go. Like most great recipes, these are all approximations. Who ever heard of 1/2 a tablespoon? Whatever.
2 c flour
1/2 Tb baking powder
1/2 Tb salt
2 Tb olive oil
Approx. 3/4 c HOT!! water
Mix it all together.
Roll them into something circular-ish.
Fry them up.
And feed them to your poufy-haired hubby who is laughing hysterically at you since you said to him, "look really happy about your tortillas. It's for my blog."
And if you want to top them off with something yummy, here are my favorite salsa recipes.
Pico De Gallo
I learned how to make this while I was studying in Mexico. I pretty much take it to every gathering I go to and always get rave reviews. You can also add cabbage as a bit of a filler if you'd like.
6-8 Roma tomatoes, diced
1/2 to 1 whole white onion, diced
1 bunch cilantro, chopped
1-? Tb. nacho jalapenos (I prefer the ones from Costco in the jar)
or
1-? serrano chiles, diced
Juice of 2-3 limes
salt to taste, more than you'd think
Cilantro Salsa
In a blender add:
2 cans diced tomatoes
1-? Tb of those jalapenos from Coscto
1 bunch green onions
2-3 cloves garlic, pressed
Blend, then add:
1 more can diced tomatoes
1 bunch cilantro
Pulse in blender so that it's mixed but there are still chunks of cilantro in it.
Salsa Roja
This is the salsa my sister taught me to make for taquitos. Since we just made taquitos the other day we had some of this left over and that's what we used tonight. I'll post the taquito recipe soon.
Boil 3-4 Roma tomatoes in water until skins begin to peel and crack
While they're boiling, roast a jalapeno on a cast-iron comal or frying pan until blackened.
Once the tomatoes and jalapeno are done, dump out the tomato water and blend the tomato and jalapeno (cut the stem off first) in a blender along with a couple cloves of garlic and some salt (again, more than you'd think). Does anyone know how to get that little squiggly over the n? You'd thin after years of college Spanish I'd know, but I don't.
Please let me know if you try any of these. I'd love to hear what you think. Did anyone try the Chinese Noodles?
Saturday, March 15, 2008
I Wanna Be Smaller
Not just lighter. I could care less about lighter.
I wanna be...
Smaller.
Buffer.
Tighter.
Zit-lessier.
Healthier.
Bouncier.
I don't know what it's gonna take but somethin's gotta give.
I am not going to give in to this American culture of being unhealthy.
And don't tell me I'm small 'cause it's all relative and America's relative is big.
*If I was really serious about this I'd post a picture of myself in a bathing suit. But I don't own one.... Nope. Not one.
I wanna be...
Smaller.
Buffer.
Tighter.
Zit-lessier.
Healthier.
Bouncier.
I don't know what it's gonna take but somethin's gotta give.
I am not going to give in to this American culture of being unhealthy.
And don't tell me I'm small 'cause it's all relative and America's relative is big.
*If I was really serious about this I'd post a picture of myself in a bathing suit. But I don't own one.... Nope. Not one.
Monday, March 10, 2008
Jazzercise...
It's all I've been doing for days. And I'm so, so tired.
But today's over. I was dreading today the most and it turned out not-so-bad.
So, I apologize to all of you friends that I haven't talked to - or even e-mailed - for a while. Especially Martha who is the coolest on-line friend anybody ever made. I'm thankful for you. I'll write you back tomorrow. And Amy, 'cause she's the best and loves me a lot. And she laughs at my jokes and tells me I'm her 'skinny friend.' I am a fit yummy mummy you know.... almost. I'm not really, but don't tell her that. I'll write you back tomorrow too and tell you all about you-know-what.
And Carol!! I can't forget Carolmom. I'll call you back. Because I love you that way. Didn't Julie's wedding pictures turn out SO beautifully!?
And Gurnee, Illinois. You know I'd write you back too if I knew who you were. I love that you read my blog every day. I think I'll just start calling you Gurn. For short.
Sorry if this seems all weird and jumbled and cryptic. That's kind of how I feel right now.
Did I mention I'm tired? Physically, mentally, emotionally, professionally, mommyally.
Let's see if I can find some weird, jumbled, cryptic pictures to post with this....
But today's over. I was dreading today the most and it turned out not-so-bad.
So, I apologize to all of you friends that I haven't talked to - or even e-mailed - for a while. Especially Martha who is the coolest on-line friend anybody ever made. I'm thankful for you. I'll write you back tomorrow. And Amy, 'cause she's the best and loves me a lot. And she laughs at my jokes and tells me I'm her 'skinny friend.' I am a fit yummy mummy you know.... almost. I'm not really, but don't tell her that. I'll write you back tomorrow too and tell you all about you-know-what.
And Carol!! I can't forget Carolmom. I'll call you back. Because I love you that way. Didn't Julie's wedding pictures turn out SO beautifully!?
And Gurnee, Illinois. You know I'd write you back too if I knew who you were. I love that you read my blog every day. I think I'll just start calling you Gurn. For short.
Sorry if this seems all weird and jumbled and cryptic. That's kind of how I feel right now.
Did I mention I'm tired? Physically, mentally, emotionally, professionally, mommyally.
Let's see if I can find some weird, jumbled, cryptic pictures to post with this....
I think tomorrow morning just might be another Swedish pancake morning. Even if it isn't Saturday.
And did I mention I have a humongo zit on my face?
LOVE. IT.
And did I mention I have a humongo zit on my face?
LOVE. IT.
Thursday, March 6, 2008
Have You Thought About It?
My friend Amy e-mailed this to me today. She said that if she had a blog she would post it... so I went ahead and did it for her. I don't get too hot under the collar regarding politics, nor do I go around ranting about my political leanings, but I do try to vote wisely and according to my good conscience. (ie. according to what the Holy Spirit teaches me about the character of God and His holiness through scripture) My only purpose in posting this is to honestly ask, "If you are a Christian and you are a voter, have you thought about it? Have you really thought about it?"
http://theologica.blogspot.com/2008/03/obama-for-infanticide.html
http://theologica.blogspot.com/2008/03/obama-for-infanticide.html
Sleep Tight
Every night, before I go to bed, I go into the kids' room to check on them. I cover them up and kiss their sweet faces. Sometimes Steele and I exchange some sleepy words. The other night I walked into their room and found Steele asleep like this:
I was trying to quietly chuckle to myself and as I got closer I found that he had actually fallen asleep like this:
He didn't even wake up when I climbed
up on the bed to take the picture!
And since I've been a bit remiss in posting photos lately I'll throw in a sweet one of Adia Moon too. Hope you're all having a beautiful day!
I was trying to quietly chuckle to myself and as I got closer I found that he had actually fallen asleep like this:
On top of his library books. Silly kid.
He didn't even wake up when I climbed
up on the bed to take the picture!
And since I've been a bit remiss in posting photos lately I'll throw in a sweet one of Adia Moon too. Hope you're all having a beautiful day!
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
On Being an Only Child etc.
I was, essentially, an only child for the first 21 years of my life. I was aware that I had siblings from my father both in Mexico and somewhere in the Seattle area but hadn't met them until only a few years ago. My mom was single for many years and re-married the summer after I graduated from high school. Then, at 21, my little sister Abbey was born. Not even two years later came my brother Gabe. At which point I was no longer officially an only child.
I really am so thankful for both of them. They're cool kids. Fun to be around. Each with their own, unique personalities. Each that I enjoy immensely. They are a fabulous aunt and uncle to my kids. I'm also thankful as I look down the road to a day when my mother gets older and may be sick or ailing and we have decisions to make. Or the day when she passes away and there are funeral arrangements to be made and accounts to be settled. Things that can sometimes be an overwhelming challenge for an only child. But today, as I carry out my life as a young mother and wife I am, for all intense purposes, still an only child.
There is a family at our church that had five children. Two girls and three boys. Their children are grown now and several of them attend our church (as do the parents). Two of them married siblings, the other a dear sweet gal that was best friends with one of the siblings. I won't even try to explain, it's complicated. My point is, though, that it is the most wonderful family and I have made special note as I have watched them interact as siblings and in-laws.
There's something special about a sibling. Perhaps especially special about a sister. They are someone who knows you better than anyone else, who has lived life with you and knows your quirky little flaws, someone you can be completely comfortable with. I always imagine that if I had a sister close to my age that she would be the one I called when I was having a tiring day with my children, the one I would call to drop the kids off at when I had a doctor's appointment, the one that would give me hand-me-downs for my children, go shopping with me and do crafts with me. Now, I know that not everyone has relationships with their siblings like the one I describe, but many do.
Lately I've had several appointments and things to do where I needed someone to watch the kids. I found myself wishing I had a sister that I could call up and say, "Hey, can I drop Steele off for a couple hours?" Or even, "I have to go to a meeting all day in Seattle and Justin is working. Can you watch the kids for the day." Because, really, who else would you feel comfortable saying that to except a sister or maybe a mom? Certainly not my mother-in-law who is very graciously driving two hours up and two hours back to do it.... A sister is also the person that can drop their kids off at your house for a couple hours and it's not a big deal because, well, you probably love their children almost as much as you love your own.
Fortunately, my grandma has saved the day lately. She'll be 80 this year and it brings her such joy to help me with my children. I had a big lump in my throat yesterday as I thanked her for helping me go to a doctor's appointment with Adia. I told her how much it meant to me and how much I enjoy spending time with her and she told me how she is so glad that she is still able to do it. Then we told each other "I love you." Grandmas are pretty special too ya know. Yesterday I sort of threw my back out - and in my grandma's own slightly annoying worrisome way she gave me the sympathy only a grandma can give and rubbed my back in the middle of the doctor's office waiting room.
So, I guess the point of this post is that, aside from serving and glorifying the Lord, in my opinion there is no greater blessing than family. When my mom had Abbey and she and my step father were deciding whether or not 43 was too old to have another child I said to my mom, "You have to have another child. Don't do that to Abbey." And those are my feelings to this day.
So keep having those babies! Or adopt some babies! With all the people out there these days concerned about their environmental footprints you can probably afford to have a few extra! Go for it. And if you think about it, have you ever heard anybody at the end of their life look at their dear, beautiful family and say, "I wish I hadn't had so many darn children?" No. I often hear so many say, "I wish I had had more."
I really am so thankful for both of them. They're cool kids. Fun to be around. Each with their own, unique personalities. Each that I enjoy immensely. They are a fabulous aunt and uncle to my kids. I'm also thankful as I look down the road to a day when my mother gets older and may be sick or ailing and we have decisions to make. Or the day when she passes away and there are funeral arrangements to be made and accounts to be settled. Things that can sometimes be an overwhelming challenge for an only child. But today, as I carry out my life as a young mother and wife I am, for all intense purposes, still an only child.
There is a family at our church that had five children. Two girls and three boys. Their children are grown now and several of them attend our church (as do the parents). Two of them married siblings, the other a dear sweet gal that was best friends with one of the siblings. I won't even try to explain, it's complicated. My point is, though, that it is the most wonderful family and I have made special note as I have watched them interact as siblings and in-laws.
There's something special about a sibling. Perhaps especially special about a sister. They are someone who knows you better than anyone else, who has lived life with you and knows your quirky little flaws, someone you can be completely comfortable with. I always imagine that if I had a sister close to my age that she would be the one I called when I was having a tiring day with my children, the one I would call to drop the kids off at when I had a doctor's appointment, the one that would give me hand-me-downs for my children, go shopping with me and do crafts with me. Now, I know that not everyone has relationships with their siblings like the one I describe, but many do.
Lately I've had several appointments and things to do where I needed someone to watch the kids. I found myself wishing I had a sister that I could call up and say, "Hey, can I drop Steele off for a couple hours?" Or even, "I have to go to a meeting all day in Seattle and Justin is working. Can you watch the kids for the day." Because, really, who else would you feel comfortable saying that to except a sister or maybe a mom? Certainly not my mother-in-law who is very graciously driving two hours up and two hours back to do it.... A sister is also the person that can drop their kids off at your house for a couple hours and it's not a big deal because, well, you probably love their children almost as much as you love your own.
Fortunately, my grandma has saved the day lately. She'll be 80 this year and it brings her such joy to help me with my children. I had a big lump in my throat yesterday as I thanked her for helping me go to a doctor's appointment with Adia. I told her how much it meant to me and how much I enjoy spending time with her and she told me how she is so glad that she is still able to do it. Then we told each other "I love you." Grandmas are pretty special too ya know. Yesterday I sort of threw my back out - and in my grandma's own slightly annoying worrisome way she gave me the sympathy only a grandma can give and rubbed my back in the middle of the doctor's office waiting room.
So, I guess the point of this post is that, aside from serving and glorifying the Lord, in my opinion there is no greater blessing than family. When my mom had Abbey and she and my step father were deciding whether or not 43 was too old to have another child I said to my mom, "You have to have another child. Don't do that to Abbey." And those are my feelings to this day.
So keep having those babies! Or adopt some babies! With all the people out there these days concerned about their environmental footprints you can probably afford to have a few extra! Go for it. And if you think about it, have you ever heard anybody at the end of their life look at their dear, beautiful family and say, "I wish I hadn't had so many darn children?" No. I often hear so many say, "I wish I had had more."
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
Again, From the Backseat
Justin: Can I get a tall, extra hot latte with one and a half pumps of vanilla? (for the mama)
Steele: (aghast) Pumps!?!? Why'd you say pumps?!?!
Steele: (aghast) Pumps!?!? Why'd you say pumps?!?!
Sunday, March 2, 2008
Sooooo.....
What do you think?
Of my new style?
I LOVE my new header, orwhateveryoucallit. Thanks to Jodi Podi. (That's what we called each other back in our college/gazelle days. Me? Cutzeroo.)
I wasted so much stinkin' time trying to decide on colors. I can't decide if I want the background to be white or gray and if I want the post titles to be red or black or some other color. And really, should I seriously be spending so much time even thinking about it? Sheesh.
It seems a little easier on the eyes to make it gray but I'm not sure. I don't want it to be screaming out at people - I just want it to be easy to look at. Like this one. I know I've told you about it before but if you haven't looked at it you really should. I love it.
Of my new style?
I LOVE my new header, orwhateveryoucallit. Thanks to Jodi Podi. (That's what we called each other back in our college/gazelle days. Me? Cutzeroo.)
I wasted so much stinkin' time trying to decide on colors. I can't decide if I want the background to be white or gray and if I want the post titles to be red or black or some other color. And really, should I seriously be spending so much time even thinking about it? Sheesh.
It seems a little easier on the eyes to make it gray but I'm not sure. I don't want it to be screaming out at people - I just want it to be easy to look at. Like this one. I know I've told you about it before but if you haven't looked at it you really should. I love it.
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