Pretty Princess

Here are some of my pretty Princess' 6-year portraits. She had SUCH a good time making a special trip to the mall, a few weeks ago, with Mommy and getting her picture taken. Then we had lunch and went to the toy store and I let her pick out a present for Joey's birthday all by herself.

And just a little tip to all of the local Mommies out there (although you probably already know about this, and I am just the last one to discover it!)...you can sign your kids up at the mall service desk for a membership to their Kid's Club. They get a newsletter and coupons for free Chick-fil-a meals. Plus, there is a list of retailers that offer special offers and deals for Kid's Club members...including one free kid's meal at Chick-fil-a (our favorite) with the purchase of an adult meal, each time they present their card. Pretty cool!

New Territory

My baby girl made her "debut performance" on the little potty today! Mind you, we haven't started potty-training, and I have yet to actually sit her on the potty once. But while I was out running errands, Mimi put her on, and voila!...results (of the stinky variety)! I must confess that I was rather impressed...and she was pretty proud of herself too! I am most surprised that she didn't start with the...um..."liquid" stage first. No, my little action-Jackson, self-motivated girlie went straight for the big guns. :) Hhhmmm...maybe all of her potty-training will be this lovely...effortless, and while I'm gone!! One can dream. :)

Did you know?

According to the National Association of Professional Organizers (I had no idea there WAS such an association):

* 80% of the clutter in most homes is a result of disorganization, not lack of space.
* 50% of homeowners rate the garage as the most disorganized place in the house.
* 80% of what we file never gets looked at again.
* 40% of housework can be eliminated by getting rid of clutter.

Interesting stats, huh? In regards to the third one, I have a ginormous black trashbag full of archived financial paperwork sitting in my kitchen, waiting to be taken to my parents for my dad to burn. Every year, I purged our files and archived them neatly in the attic. Recently, I investigated what I really need to keep and for how long. (I should remember this stuff from my former financial-planning days, but I don't!) and realized I had a LOT to dispose of!!

So the bag weighing more than all of my children sits in the kitchen awaiting it's fiery fate. And my brain is thinking so much happier because of it!

Psalm 103:2 - July 27, 2007

Psalm 103:2 - Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits:


Some of the Lord's benefits to me today ~

Freshly vacuumed carpets throughout the house

Two shining, blue eyes peering at me from over the crib rails

Fresh sweet corn from the farm

A little boy blessed with an incredible mind to memorize and recite to me God's Word, this morning

A box of apricots straight from the orchard (which are being devoured at lightning speed in this house!)

Multiple copies of God's Word sprinkled throughout our house

It's Friday and Scott will be home with us for two days starting this evening

An early morning walk with my sister

A freezer full of healthy bread from the Pepperidge Farm Outlet (crazy, I know, but this thrills my soul!)

An A/C humming in my ear

A few moments with my darling before he left for work

Crossing "Making dinner" off of my mental list because we're going to a picnic (bwahahaha!)

A helpful firstborn who takes good care of her baby sister

Toys strewn about the floor (because it means my children are playing with the toys that they have been blessed with)

Examples of fragile humans that we can relate to - like "faithful" Abraham whom we are studying in SS

The opportunity to "stay home" and enjoys lots of snuggles and kisses from my babies all day long!!


Psalm 103:2 - Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits:

What are some of His benefits to you today? Don't forget them!

The other morning I read this verse...

Romans 6:11 ~ Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord.

...and meditated upon it, throughout the day. Lo and behold, Pastor mentioned it in his sermon that night, and then the guest speaker tied it into his, too! Hhhmmm, I think the Lord was trying to say something to me. :) (Those messages were excellent, btw!)

While continuing to read through Romans, I noticed how often the words "dead" or "die" are mentioned. They are such commonplace words in the Bible, that you can read through them and not give them too much thought.

However, in conversation, those words are a little different, aren't they? How often in our culture, do we politely change them to "pass away" or "passed" or something else more diplomatic and politically-correct? We want to sound kind and respectful, so rarely do we say "He died" or "She's dead." That just doesn't sound nice...it's sounds...well...dead! And yucky. And heartbreaking. And final.

But these are the words that our Lord uses to instruct us on how we are to relate to sin. We're to be dead. Yucky. Final. Gone. We're not supposed to be polite, respectful, or politically correct to sin. Hhhmmm. Is that the way we really conduct ourselves, especially relating to those besetting sins? Probably for most Christians, they are the sins of the heart...attitudes, thoughts. Am I DEAD to them? Lifeless and without power to submit to them? Or do I sometimes coddle them, and diplomatically co-exist with a sin here or there?

And what about "alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord"? I think that looks something like this:

Psalm 119: 59, 60 ~ I thought on my ways, and turned my feet unto thy testimonies. I made haste, and delayed not to keep thy commandments.

In contrast to deadness, we are to be alive! and quick! and responsive to the Lord's commandments!! Not sluggish, weak, and hesitant. Oh that we would RUN to do God's will in our lives! And "delay not" to keep His Words...today!!

Lancaster Get-Away

My darling and I enjoyed a few days away in Lancaster county last week...it was heavenly! We were really craving some alone-time lately, as it has been insanely busy around here.

This was the perfect get-away for us. We used some tickets that we received for our birthdays to Sight & Sound's In the Beginning show. In true S&S fashion, the show was great. Although, I have to say that this one was different than their others, in my opinion. Not in quality, more in content. But still enjoyable.

The lack of a time schedule was wonderful! There were no diaper bags or sippy cups or missing shoes to keep track of. No nap schedules or bedtimes. It was so nice. But I missed our children within a few hours! It's crazy how that works. I was so happy to see our precious kiddos by the time we got back!

The food was awesome...we utilized a "birthday" gift card once, which was nice. And the shopping...let me tell you about the shopping. TWO outlet centers within seconds of one another, plus all kinds of other wonderful shops including a doll outlet with thousands of dollies. I wanted so badly to purchase a baby doll, and in the end we purchased a tiny, little one. I think Lily and Gracie would have gone completely crazy in that store...so much fun!

I got "lost" for over an hour in the new Pottery Barn Kids outlet that recently opened in Rockvale. Oh dear...my head was in a fog for hours...so much fun! And Gap, Liz, Van Heusen, all of the kitchen and children's wear stores...too much fun for this Mommy! And I got to enjoy it all with my hubby who served as "bag man" and "driver." :) Actually, his idea of the perfect vacation is sitting around reading his Bible, maybe a good book, and testing his skill against his pocket computer chess game. So our vacation goals, were both mutually met...quite nicely, I might add. :)

We had a wonderful time, and I think I still haven't recovered from it. I want to go back...although next time I would take the kids. :)

(I didn't take a single photo while we were gone...how liberating! This one was taken by a nice lady outside of Sight & Sound.)

He's 4...I'm true!

My sweet, baby boy...

...is now a BIG four-year old!!

...and very proud to be so, I might add! I can't believe that it has been a whole four years since my little "speedracer" came zooming into this world in the wee hours of a hot, July morning...but it has. And here he is...in all of his Thomas the Tank, four-year old glory!

We had a little party for him on Saturday night...just our family and my family that is in town. Scott's sister's family is out of town, we're getting together tonight with his grandmother, and Granddaddy is coming soon, so the birthday continues on, in Biblical proportions of a multi-day feast. :)

I wimped out and got an ice cream cake and stuck some trains on top, rather than making a cake from scratch. :) Scott and I had been away and who feels like snapping into that gear when you walk in the door, right? Plus it was very yummy...an ice cream cake for a July birthday...what could be better? (Except that half of it is still calling my name from the freezer...oh dear.)

We went with a Thomas the Tank theme, this year, since that is one of Joey's current loves. My sister picked up a Thomas the Tank bedsheet on clearance and we used that for a tablecloth. And I got some Thomas balloons and he wore a new Thomas shirt, so he was quite happy with his "Thomas" birthday. Although Toby the Tram Engine is actually his favorite...but there is no Toby-themed items for purchase. :)

One of my enthusiastic boy's frequent sayings is "I'm true"...instead of "it's true, honest." For example..."I did put my toys away, Mommy. I'm true. I'm TRUE." (repeated twice with more emphasis for dramatic effect!)

I'm so thankful that the Lord "added" our little Joseph (meaning: Jehovah will add) to our family. It wouldn't be complete without his enthusiasm, zest, and lopsided dimple smile! I love you big guy, I'm true!

(Pictures to come, here.)

What she's REALLY thinking

Oooooh, look!

Lots of free organic milk! We like Horizon. Go enter, now! I take that back...don't enter...it will lessen my chances. :)

Is it only our mudroom...

...that is suffering from the "Great Summer Shoe Crisis" or is anyone else experiencing the same phenomenon??


We are tripping over shoes, sandals, crocs, flip-flops, sneaks, and more everytime we walk in and out of the backdoor. (oooh, I was a poet and didn't know it. :) Sorry!)

While I easily tire of gathering shoes and putting them back where they belong on shoe shelves or in closets, I am so thankful for the little (and big!) feet that fill these shoes! And I'm also grateful for the wonderful time of the year when the kids can go out and come in and manage their shoe-ing and de-shoe-ing processes all by themselves!!

Bring on the shoes!! ...and sandals...and flip-flops...and crocs...and sneaks...and... :)

A Mommy-Friendly Recipe

I tried this recipe last night and it was yum, yum, yum! And so simple...I thought I would share... (my Mommy-friendly ideas are at the bottom)


Creamy Lemon Chicken and Broccoli Rotini

1lb Rotini
2 T butter
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced small
4 cups fresh or frozen petite broccoli florets
1 1/4 c chicken broth (or milk)
1 t dried basil leaves
salt and pepper to taste
1 brick (8oz) cream cheese, cubed and softened
1 1/2 T fresh lemon juice
1 c grated Parmesan cheese, divided

Cook pasta according to package directions; drain.

Meanwhile, in large skillet over medium heat, melt butter and add chicken. Cook 3 minutes or until no longer pink, stirring occasionally. Add broccoli, broth, basil and salt and pepper; heat to boiling. Reduce heat; cover and simmer 3 minutes or until broccoli is tender and chicken is thoroughly cooked. Stir in cream cheese until completely melted and smooth. Remove from heat; stir in lemon and 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese. Toss hot pasta and sauce; sprinkle with remaining Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately.


What I loved about this recipe was how EASY it was!
1. You could make it a one-pot recipe...making the chicken/broccoli sauce in the pasta pot while the pasta is draining...leaving only ONE pot to clean at the end of the night!
2. This is a one-dish meal...no separate starch or vegetable sides to prepare
3. And probably my biggest rave about the meal....no cutting of the children's food! This is one they can manage on their own without Daddy and Mommy cutting up everyone's food before we start! :)

Scott and I are big citrus-fans, so I used the juice from one lemon (more than the recipe called for), and next time might use even more. Also, I just threw in the whole can of chicken broth, why leave just a little bit in the can...it made the recipe more creamy, especially if it's impossible (as it so often is!) to "serve immediately." :) Enjoy!

Garden Thoughts

"Who plants a seed beneath the sod, then waits to see, believes in God."

Look what I found tonight: one of "Joey's watermelons!!"
We planted these as itty, bitty seeds months ago and we actually have fruit! Joey was so tickled when we found this little orb buried deep beneath the tomato vines that I had not staked up. :) They are still so tiny, but he is pleased, nonetheless! And once I got everything tidied up, I found several more.



And "Gracie's parsley" is thriving. Once again, practically covered by our crazy tomato plants.




This next photo is evidence that Scott and I are grandparents! Grandparents of a grandbaby-Juliet tomato, that is! Last fall, during our quasi-clean-out of the garden, several (many) little green tomatoes were not cleaned out of the garden, and we had a TON of baby tomato plants growing all over the garden this summer, consequently! I'm not sure why this year is different, because honestly, most years, lots of rotten or green tomatoes get left in the garden. Maybe it's due to global-warming. :) But here is one of the grandbabies...a little crooked-looking, but we love her anyhow, because, all of our grandchildren are the sweetest and the best. :)



Every year, I buy a beautiful lily at Easter-time and then plant it in my garden. They don't do so well, in general. :( But this plant rewarded me with beautiful blossoms last week. Here, is one of the last lilies:

John 15:1,4,5

I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman.

Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me.

I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.

What a beautiful picture of our relationship to the God-head! We are a tender, little plant. So fragile. So easily stomped upon or cut off from our nourishment. But the Father gently cares for us, bringing us along. Without his miraculous Touch, there would be no fruit, no produce.

Just as I had to carefully, tie up the plants to allow the vine to receive sunlight and rain, so our Father provides all of our needs, removing our obstacles, guiding us to all our necessary provisions. Similar to how I had to warn the children not to stomp on these baby watermelons :)...the Father protects us from the devourer who desires to sift us as wheat.

What a mighty God we serve...who "humbleth himself to behold the things that are in heaven, and in the earth!" (Psalm 113:6)

A Week in the Jungle

Tonight was the last night (and "Jungle Jamboree" Carnival) of our church's week-long VBS. What a week! We are so blessed to be part of a church that values children, families, and outreach. And it is very evident when attending a VBS of this magnitude! There are so many individuals who have worked countless hours this week (and will continue until it's all cleaned up!) and prior to make VBS so wonderful!

Lily had a FANTASTIC time and we are so grateful for the opportunity to put a premium on learning God's Word, studying, working at it, inviting others, and just plain valuing the things of God! The teachers, directors, workers and all of the behind-the-scenes guys and girls did a GREAT job! THANK YOU SO MUCH!

Psalm 112:1 - Praise ye the LORD. Blessed is the man that feareth the LORD, that delighteth greatly in his commandments.

Thanks again!! (A few photos are here.)

I guess...

...I haven't forgotten EVERYTHING I learned in school. :)

I scored a B-. What about you?

My Lily at Lily's

Awhile back, a nail salon named Lily's Nails opened a second location that we pass quite often. I promised Lily, that as a special treat, we would go there once they opened and get manicures together. Lily, of course, never forgot this promise, and finally, a year later, we went!

Mother-Daughter Manicures = Lots of fun! :)

Vee had a goot time, vee dit!

The kids and I loaded up and went off to the Kutztown Folk Festival today. I had never been there before, and since I am of the Pennsylvania-German lineage, I figured now was as good a time as any. We had a fun, little outing! Although I did find myself cringing several times at the, well, "German-ness" around me. The folk dress was fun and so were all of the signs in "Dutch" and the general "Dutchy-ness" everywhere. But the Pennsylvania Polka and general references to "beer" in every song from the bandstand...*cringe*...am I really related?? As I say quite often, "It's a different vorld aught here!" :)

I posted some pictures here, if you are interested. We even met up with different friends throughout the morning and afternoon.

Have a goot day, naw! :)

Our 4th...

...went something like this:

-eating
-napping
-grilling
-staving off a migraine
-going to church
-postponing our own fireworks display, and
-caving when a little girl asked me to have an ice cream cone with the rest of the family (I gave in for the sake of family unity, honest.)

And that's about it, folks. Nothing too exciting, but it was nice to have Scott home for one day, even if it was in the middle of the week.

Lastly, since it was the 4th of July, I must lay out, right here and now, my thoughts on competitive eating. It's gross. Sick. Disgusting. Yuck. Double-yuck. While I will admit that the statistics are rather impressive (66 hotdogs in 12 minutes?!) and pique my interest from time to time.... have you ever seen the clips of them actually eating?? Sooo gross. I wanted to wretch just watching them. Very disgusting and I don't believe I will ever be attending one of their professional "sporting" events. Ever. :)

Just 176 Days...

...left until Christmas! Thought I would remind you all. :)

I LOVE Christmas!!

Celebrating a "Gift"

Today after the morning service, we had a little family baby shower celebration for our friends' newest son! We had a game with questions surrounding Jesse, from the Bible, and a special time of prayer with all of the men praying for baby Jesse. Very sweet! It was lots of fun and I especially enjoyed the fact that all of the families could be there to thank the Lord and celebrate little Jesse, together!





I posted more photos here, but here is just one of the pretty Mommy and sweet son. Enjoy!