It is Finished

This week marks one of my favorite weeks. Anticipated as much as Christmas, although with different preperations. I don't decorate. I don't shop. I don't get distracted. A time when I reflect on all that He has done for me.

Last week, Maicy was working on a math paper. It wasn't an assignment specifically, just something extra I printed off the computer to help with math skills. I hadn't realized that at the same time as it printing off the questions, it printed an answer sheet. Maicy grabbed the papers and quickly set to work at the kitchen table. As I put dishes away she announced her completion. The 2nd paper went much quicker than the first, but I didn't question it. Then she told me. "You know why I finished that one so fast?" Then her little face quickly changed. "I looked at the answers."

I told her that that was not the right thing to do, but telling me the truth absolutely was. She came to me, she cried, I hugged her, and thanked her for being honest, and told her it was forgiven.

I thought we were finished.

She was going to her room to put her laundry away, turned around, and tore up the paper and threw it in the garbage. "I don't even want to see it! It makes me remember what I did and I feel bad!"

She wanted it finished.

It is finished.

That's what this week is about. The papers are torn up. The garbage can is empty. It is finished. There are no more remnants of our sin. He has paid the price for us. Not just the little stuff, like cheating on a first grade homework paper, but the big stuff too. Nothing is too big for the cross.

My prayer for you, my friends, is to know the love of God this week. To know that it is finished.

Take time to reflect.

I am done blogging for the week so I can clear my mind of distractions. I hope my family will engage in a Passover Seder meal. For this idea- see Jennifer at Getting Down with Jesus.

We will celebrate the Lord's Supper at church onThursday evening, and we will mourn the pain, the death of a perfect man, and we will rejoice in the sadness, knowing that SUNDAY IS COMING!!

Have a blessed Holy Week, dear friends.

the rest of the story

So after eating, there is of course- shopping!
Again, I feel the need to spare you the details that may or may not entail me saying something along the lines of  "I could totally rock that jacket.... yo."  I would never say that. Ever. Especially not as mocking other shoppers who may have sounded like that earlier. No, that wouldn't have happened. Because if that did, that would have maybe caused one or both of us to pee our pants in the coat aisle at Burlington... ahem. ( Gee, Diane, I guess I did have a bathroom story after all!)

So, now that we know what most definitely did NOT happen, lets move on to what did.

Are you familiar with Garden Ridge? NO?! Well, let me enlighten you! It has EVERYTHING! See, here is Lisa giddy with her purchases. A nice rug, a bar stool, and a bunch of pillows. Lisa, how much did you spend on all that?! What? Less than $200??! That is an awesome deal!! And I know I will be back to get you the rest of your barstools. :)

I am choosing to leave out the part of the story where I gave myself a concussion getting that rug out of the rack. And I'll leave out the part how we gave up on finding the rug she wanted until the one with the eagle eye (ME) spotted it under all the other rugs on the bottom of the table. Which led to the concussion. But, I'll leave that out. No need to re-hash all that negative stuff.

Want to know what else this crazy store has? I wish I took more pics in there to do it justice, but I only have one more. Cookbooks. Actually they have all kinds of books, kids books, novels, self help. They also sell scrubs. Yes, scrubs. And luggage, and cookware, and storage, and couches, beds, chairs, ugly flowers, home decor, and on and on. But I was talking about cookbooks wasn't I.

This was my favorite one.

Can you read the title? Make it yourself dinners.  This is a cookbook. What exactly do you use cookbooks for if not to make it yourself?! It was a good laugh. Luckily there was an adirondak chair behind me to fall into from laughing so hard!

And when I cook myself with that cookbook (no I promise you that I didn't buy it!) I will be sporin' by own fancy apron. Not from Garden Ridge however. Just TJ Maxx.

I know, we just don't get out much. You just don't understand what small town life is like! And now you know why they don't let us out more often!

After a long day, the search for the perfect towels... ugh. I don't have the energy to tell you that. It may bring me to tears again. Yes, I cried. Next time. Can't use up anymore of this riveting post to go into that.

Anyway, after a long weekend of refreshment and renewal, this was what we had to show for it:

Lisa was supposed to take a picture from the back of the car, but she forgot all about that when we got back home. I know, some people just don't pull their own weight.

Looks like we were successful. And now broke. Time to save again until next year...

So much food, so little time...

I am happy to report that despite some nasty snow greeting us in Omaha, Lisa and I had a fabulous weekend. Everything we hoped, in bed by 10 and awake before 8. Yes, we live it up folks!
I kissed my kiddos goodbye- when they really didn't care that I was leaving. And came home to a sleeping family, yes, sleeping- all of them on a Sunday afternoon. And when my lovely daughter woke up, she ran and gave me a huge hug and lots of kisses! politely waved and ran outside to play. I was greatly missed.

I can't wait to tell you about all the fun things, but realize if I did that, I would drop readers faster than I can type. So, I am giving you my highlights via pictures.

Lets start with the food portion of the trip shall we? After all, that's the whole reason we go away, right?!

Lets start off with a divine appetizer at Grisanti's. A lovely artichoke and gorganzola dip with toast.

And despite this being plenty of bread for two midwestern girls, there was more. Oh, my. Was there more...

In case you can't understand why I am holding it that way, there is butter dripping from the middle of that toast, and it is so yummy and melty and just simply wonderful. They put it over tealights on the table to keep it all warm and toasty. mmmm..... carbs...butter...

Lets let Lisa whip up a little dessert for us shall we?

Don't ya just love the apron?! I had to get one, I love aprons and this one is just too fun and girly, I imagine it making cooking much more fun!

Thank you TJ Maxx for allowing us to make fools of ourselves in your store. Your cooperation is appreciated.

Are you ready now for this dessert? Kona Grill, you may be popular for your sushi (which we didn't go near) but we will forever remember your Caramelized Apple Crisp. *sigh*

Don't worry, we stopped just short of licking the bowl. For the most part anyway.

Back to reality now, and all the laundry that piled up while I was gone.

Have a great Tuesday!

Girls Weekend!! Yeah!!

Today I get to leave on a girls weekend! I am so excited! Two whole nights just me and my wanna be sister Lisa. And shopping, plenty of shopping. And eating.  mmm.. So, in honor of girls weekend, I thought I'd share with you one of my favorite girly-get together recipes. Of course, not before I bore you to tears with my ramblings and musings (that's just a nice way to say gibberish). Its my blog and I can do what I want.

I would love to tell you that I am one of those fantastic moms who absolutely hates to leave her kids behind and go away with the girls. But I can't tell a lie. I'm not. I could not be more thrilled to say "See ya later, alligator!" as I drop kick them out of the car at Grandma's house and I speed away shutting off my cell phone. Its maybe not that bad, but it is a rare enough treat that I really am not struggling with leaving them. And you know what? They don't care that I'm gone either. IF I were to call home, they will be too busy to even speak, and as I drive up the driveway again I will be quite happy to get a wave as they run off to play some more. The girl, she is well, a girl, and will promptly ask what I bought her, but that will be it for the emotional fanfare. Don't get me wrong, I will miss them, but you won't hear me go on and on about how hard it will be to leave my little darlings and lament the entire weekend about how much I just want to go home and love on them. (RHOC- Alexis- if you watch the show people then that is enough said)

Lisa and I used to head out 2x a year for our girls weekend, once in February for her birthday and once in August for mine. It has been too long since that happened. We used to get phone calls at 12am - I don't know what my dear husband thought we were doing, but clearly doesn't know us, we were soundly sleeping by 10:30 for crying out loud! I had babies at home, I went away to sleep! He usually called wondering where the Tylenol was. Really? The medicine cabinet disappeared? So, as I calmly told him to look on the 3rd shelf on the right hand side where it always is, he says, Oh. It was turned so I couldn't read the label. (yes, he would love for all shelves to look like the shelves in Sleeping with the Enemy!) He has also called to tell me that he couldn't find the remote. Yes, life and death situations here. After that the rule was, no blood, no phone call. Call on your way to the hospital following the ambulance, but if everyone can still speak, leave me alone!

So, there ya have it. I am so excited to get away. And everyone will be the better for it. My house may be a disaster upon return, or it will be spotless because my husband got bored and cleaned all the odd things he could find.  Lisa- if you are reading this, turn off the computer and get on the road, Girl!

And now, because if you are still here, I know its strictly for the recipe, so here it is:

Spinach and Pasta Salad

1 Package Linguini (9oz) cooked as directed

1 cup chopped fresh tomato

1/4 cup toasted pine nuts

5 cups shredded fresh spinach leaves

1 cup halved, thinly sliced red onion

3 Tablespoons lemon juice

1 container (7oz) Pesto with basil

pinch kosher salt

Combine first 5 ingredients in a large bowl.

Combine pesto, lemon juice, and salt in a small bowl.

Then add the pesto mix to the large bowl. Toss well. Serve immediately or refrigerate. (Personally I think its better after a few hours in the fridge. )

I hope you all have a great weekend!!!

Waiting

It was a typical Sunday morning hustle and bustle. Christian radio music coming from every speaker in the house, I had the kids ready for church, I had the blueberry muffins done, the dear hubby woken up to eat said muffins and take his whole 5 minutes to get ready. My family sat in the kitchen together eating and laughing, while I, now behind, scrambled to get ready.

I'm waiting

I'm waiting on You, Lord

And I am hopeful

I'm waiting on You, Lord

Though it is painful

But patiently, I will wait

Did I mention I was cranky? I was whining at God actually. Wondering why He put the desire in my heart to adopt and then at every corner tells me NO. Patience was wearing thin that week on that front.

I will move ahead, bold and confident

Takeing every step in obedience

While I'm waiting

I will serve You

While I'm waiting

I will worship

While I'm waiting

I will not faint

I'll be running the race

Even while I wait

We listened to your call Father, we went through the foster adoption route. We pray everytime we get a call. I am ready to stretch and grow and be uncomfortable for Your sake.

I'm waiting

I'm waiting on You, Lord

And I am peaceful

I'm waiting on You, Lord

Though it's not easy

But faithfully, I will wait

Yes, I will wait

I did have peace Lord, and then you shook that up this week. And placed a call so strongly in my heart that I thought I knew what your desire for me was! And you came in as clearly as could be and said NO! Why?! That hurt so much! (Let me say here that if you ever ask God to show you with complete clarity His desire for your path, beware, He WILL  show it and you have no choice but to follow- no arguing at that point)

I will serve You while I'm waiting

I will worship while I'm waiting

I will serve You while I'm waiting

I will worship while I'm waiting

I will serve you while I'm waiting

I will worship while I'm waiting on You, Lord

Yes Lord, You know that I am worshipping you. I am serving you. I have full trust in your plan, even when I don't understand it. But, my child, are you worshipping IN your waiting? Well, of course I am. .. well. No. I am whining.

After this morning that made me step back and take notice at HOW it is that I wait on Him, I read this passage in Sarah Young's Jesus Calling:

If you mouth the words "I trust you" while anxiously trying to make things go your way, your words ring hollow.  ouch.

Are you waiting on the Lord? Waiting for Him to make His way clear? Are you whining like I am so guilty of? Or are you worshipping in your waiting?

God is good, all the time.


* Words in green italics are from John Waller's While I'm Waiting*

GRR!

*** I have cried in my Cheerios and now picked up the pieces and the post will be new and fresh in the morning.***


Okay, so I just had a post alll nicely done, and now, it get messed up each time I published it! So really, I am trying to blog, but I have no patience for having to delete an entire post!
Grrrr.....

Awesome stuff!!

Hey, so I know I haven't been around much, sorry about that. I'm sure you all care so much! What else do you do without my mindless babble 3 times a week?! It's been busy around here and blogging is once again taking a back seat. I promise to return soon with some riveting stuff that you just can't live without! :)

Anyway, because I love ya,  I wanted to let you know that my dear friend Jennifer at Studio JRU is having an AWESOME giveaway!! She is an artist who makes some amazing pieces that proudly display her faith. All you have to do is go check her out and leave a comment on HER blog. She designs and sells her stuff for the (in)courage shop as well... if you haven't checked that out, I recommend it! So, click on Jennifer's link, she is letting you choose what you want too! And if you win, and want to give back, I would like the....  oh? What's that? You aren't going to give it to me?! Okay, I'll get my own, now you go and win!

I do believe I have seen it all...

It started out innocently enough.. It always does. I wanted to make honey butter yesterday morning for some homemade  Pillsbury bisquits. So I googled "honey butter" and found lots of recipes. I also found Butter and Honey, A Christian General Store. So, I thought that would be cute, I must check it out for gift ideas!

It started with this:

Precious right?! It has a bib, burp cloth and baby rattle in it.

And they had all kinds of adorable cookie cutters, which I loooove!! I have a slight addiction to buying cookie cutters. Granted, they are most often used in my house for peanut butter and jelly sandwiches - they just taste better in a cute shape! Just ask Miss Maicy.

And then. Then. I really didn't know if I was seeing it right. **Men, you may need to stop reading here. Trust me. No really, walk away. Thank you. **

Ladies, I present to you:

Princess Pads.

What?!!! Are those what I think they are?! Oh. My. Word. Yes, yes they are. And you WASH THEM! And REUSE them!!

I promise you, I will not be purchasing and giving these away on a giveaway ever.

(bet you men who hung around are sorry now aren't you?! Shoulda listened... )

Declaration by a 6 year old...

Dear Diary,
Hockey is ruining my life!
Yours Truly,
the saddest girl ever

(this was declared last week as she had to pass on a play date for her brother's hockey game. Its rough being 6)

The Climb

We start our journey in the wash. Its dry, dusty and for the most part, flat. We can see the hills around us, but we are on the safe path. The view in this desert bottom is pretty, I snap pictures of the shrubs that are there. The guys are in front of us and we eat their dust. My kids are with them, which comforts me, assuming they won't do anything stupid with my babies on board.

I should have known better. A few moments later, this is where we find ourselves. Not moving. Actually we are. We are sliding backwards. If you know me, you know that I am not a thrill seeker. You know that at this moment my heart is pounding, I feel sick, and I want off of this ride. I am not having fun anymore. Why didn't we stay in the safety of the wash?!

Our "heroes" ha! Came to our rescue as they realized we really meant it that we were stuck. Tell me, is this the angle you enjoy living? Somehow, they got it up the hill and I thought, "good thing that's over with, lets go back down now." That's when they laughed and said "this was just a baby hill! It's nothing!" It didn't take me long to realize that I was not getting my way on this one.

And I have to admit, I am pretty glad that they didn't listen to me. Without that uncomfortable moment, I would have missed these amazing views. The saguaro scattered throughout the hills, the palo verde perfectly placed where their Creator them.

The new trail was there, blazed clearly in front of us with breathtaking views all around. Prickly pears, saguaro, and jumping cholla greeted us around every corner. A few ruts in the road yes, but amazing beauty everywhere. And of course, as we are cruising along in this majestic place I had to see the connection. We have safety in the wash or valleys. We experience painful and terrifying climbs to the top. But when we reach the top, the glory that surrounds us is awe inspiring.

And how could I deprive these faces of that?

Are you living safely in the wash? Or are you allowing Him to lead you to a place more amazing than you could imagine? Don't worry, He'll help you when you get stuck.