Being There

How to cut and peel a butternut squash, and a recipe in which to test your new skillz

2008-10-25T22:29:00.002-05:00

I pretty much love everything about this video . Too bad I watched it AFTER realizing I was in over my head... I had a butternut squash peel war zone going on in my kitchen. Next time I'll know better. Off to Bed, Bath and Beyond for a 20% off "very sharp" potato peeler.

Anyway, I was massacreing said squash for Moroccan Turkey and Butternut Squash stew. Find the recipe at Puttanesca's Kitchen, a blog I know not much about yet, except that I like her Moroccan Turkey and Butternut Squash recipe a very lot. You should try it.

Some People Rock

2008-09-14T23:04:00.000-05:00

Yea, verily.

Morning by Morning New Mercies I See

2008-09-14T17:40:00.004-05:00

The church has no power, and the sanctuary has some flooding we need to deal with, so we had church in our courtyard. The church is not a building, it is her people, and they showed up despite Ike to praise God for the mercies that come each new morning. Great is His faithfulness.

After the service, we went to check out the sanctuary. We were treated by a rousing duet of "Jesus Loves Me" from the Rowley kiddos.

After Ike- Some Pics for You

2008-09-14T16:52:00.002-05:00

The calm before the storm:

The next morning. This is our neighbor's house.

This is our backyard, well into cleanup. Colin has some pics from right after the storm. I'll post them when I can get to them. Notice we lost our fence on this side. Also, see that tall tree on the other side of the far fence, the one on the right? It's fixin' to fall over right into our backyard. Our neighbor, Bob, said his daughter brought that tree home in a bucket and planted it 30 years ago. Bye bye, good tree.

Here's all our debris at the curb ready for pickup. This sight continues "as far as the eye can see".

10:10am Sunday

2008-09-14T10:14:00.000-05:00

We are ok! Will post pics this afternoon. What a crazy ride.

8:35pm

2008-09-12T20:40:00.002-05:00

Pics for you. Still fairly calm here. A few blips in the power but we still have it.

The hallway pic is taken from the couch which caps the other end.

8:10pm

2008-09-12T20:15:00.002-05:00

Our hallway is now fully outfitted to hang out there. Beds on the floor and couches blocking both sides of the hallway. Cats are upstairs in our closet. It's getting intense but we are prepared and confident. Posts might become less frequent from this point but we'll do our best.

love
lynelle

7:02 pm Friday

2008-09-12T19:07:00.003-05:00

I won't lie, it's starting to look a bit mean out there. Inside it's still business as usual; tubby time, Thomas Train, snacks. We are definitely on guard but at the same time we're so thankful that our help comes from the Lord. We hope and trust in him which gives us a peace and joy which really does pass all understanding.

Here are the words running through my mind. God is good, God is sovereign...we will definitely be praising Him in the storm.

(from Casting Crowns...check it out if you don't know it....so good!)
I was sure by now, God, that You would have reached down
and wiped our tears away,
stepped in and saved the day.
But once again, I say amen
and it's still raining
as the thunder rolls
I barely hear You whisper through the rain,
"I'm with you"
and as Your mercy falls
I raise my hands and praise
the God who gives and takes away.

And I'll praise you in this storm
and I will lift my hands
for You are who You are
no matter where I am
and every tear I've cried
You hold in your hand
You never left my side
and though my heart is torn
I will praise You in this storm

I remember when I stumbled in the wind
You heard my cry to You
and raised me up again
my strength is almost gone; how can I carry on
if I can't find You ?
and as the thunder rolls
I barely hear You whisper through the rain
"I'm with you"
and as Your mercy falls
I raise my hands and praise
the God who gives and takes away

And I'll praise you in this storm
and I will lift my hands
for You are who You are
no matter where I am
and every tear I've cried
You hold in your hand
You never left my side
and though my heart is torn
I will praise You in this storm

I lift my eyes onto the hills
where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth
I lift my eyes unto the hills
where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth

6:08pm Friday

2008-09-12T18:12:00.003-05:00

It's starting to look questionable out there but definitely not bad. You could enjoy a cup of coffee outside at this point. We're having fun inside, too.

2:52pm

2008-09-12T14:57:00.002-05:00

The wind has been calm until now... we just felt our first little gusts. Amber and Colin have been napping, as well as the boys. Of course, you know me, no napping here. I know I'll be regretting it later; I don't think we will be sleeping much tonight. Thanks for the prayers!

12:58pm

2008-09-12T13:03:00.002-05:00

We are safely inside. Boys are taking a nap. Now we're just gathering stuff we'll want/need for camping out in the hallway. We'll push the couches up to us on either side to provide a bit of a buffer. Please don't be scared. The best thing you can do for us is pray. Also, remember that the national news channels love a good story. Our local news is being very practical and not too sensational.

Mom, you said you couldn't get us on the phone...I called you guys ok and left a message. Try again if you want.

10:01am Friday

2008-09-12T10:06:00.004-05:00

The front of the house is almost done. The boys and I just took a walk. I hardly saw any people, but it doesn't seem like anyone has done many preparations. Things looked pretty normal, but absent of people and birds. I hope these punks will clean up their porches (flower pots, toys, etc) before it gets crazed.

7:39am

2008-09-12T07:43:00.002-05:00

We're all up. Boys are watching Sid the Science Kid, and the backyard is becoming safer by the minute. More coffee, please.

6:09 am

2008-09-12T06:14:00.003-05:00

I'm up. Trying to find the latest info; haven't found an official update yet. Looks like it's coming "after this commercial break". We will get out in the yard soon and finish pulling stuff inside, tying things down, etc. It's weird having this much adrenaline and nervousness this early in the morning, when everything is so quiet and calm and dark! More soon.

11:51pm Thurs

2008-09-11T23:50:00.001-05:00

The latest update has us a bit West of the eye with winds at 60-75 rather than 75-100. Good news to go to bed by. G'nite y'all! xoxoxoox

10:22pm Thursday

2008-09-11T22:26:00.002-05:00

What we're doing:

Making decisions, finding batteries, making lists, watching the news, praying, calling family, and realizing what really matters in life.

We'll keep you updated.

Lynelle

Ike-a-riffic

2008-09-11T19:08:00.005-05:00

Hey friends and fam,
Please check here for updates on us and our wonderful visitor, Ike. I must admit, I know he's comin' and I still haven't baked a cake; we're too busy with other preparations. But if I have time, I surely will. In the meantime, here's what we're up to...

Still Here

2008-09-06T21:12:00.003-05:00

Not much to say (too tired!!!) but some pics for my 3 readers. Love you!

Lord, what is man that you are mindful of him?

2008-07-25T22:44:00.002-05:00

This has left me speechless and more in love with the creator of the universe. Don't let the 80's electric organ music turn you away...it is well worth all nine minutes.

A quote for when it all seems to be too much....

2008-07-20T23:14:00.000-05:00

"The days of the years of our lives are few, and swifter than a weaver’s shuttle. Life is a short and fevered rehearsal for a concert we cannot stay to give. Just when we appear to have attained some proficiency we are forced to lay our instruments down. There is simply not time enough to think, to become, to perform what the constitution of our nature indicates we are capable of. How completely satisfying to turn from our limitations to a God who has none. Eternal years lie in His heart. For Him time does not pass, it remains; and those who are in Christ share with Him all the riches of limitless time and endless years." A.W. Tozer, Knowledge of the Holy (New York: Harper, 1961), p. 86.

Extreme H2O Makeover-Plant Edition

2008-07-08T14:36:00.002-05:00

What a difference a drink makes! These pics were taken 20 minutes apart.

Front Row Seats for the Parade!

2008-07-04T21:53:00.001-05:00

Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints (Psalm 116:15)

2008-05-29T11:26:00.003-05:00

This week our church family said goodbye to a wonderful man. He battled cancer for over 2 years and finally went to heaven this week. He sang in the choir and we just loved him so much. The service was joyous for the most part, but I had to sing a solo, which was very difficult, especially right after the beautiful eulogies given by his son and daughter. I pretty much stunk, I must say... but the words were strong enough to overpower my weakness. It was humbling to see a family in such pain and loss choose a service of such astounding praise to the Father.

Greg Porée – O God Beyond All Praising

O God beyond all praising,
we worship you today
and sing the love amazing
that songs cannot repay;
for we can only wonder
at every gift you send,
at blessings without number
and mercies without end:
we lift our hearts before you
and wait upon your word,
we honor and adore you,
our great and mighty Lord.

Then hear, O gracious Savior,
accept the love we bring,
that we who know your favor
may serve you as our king;
and whether our tomorrows
be filled with good or ill,
we'II triumph through our sorrows
and rise to bless you still:
to marvel at your beauty
and glory in your ways,
and make a joyful duty
our sacrifice of praise.

In the Mood for Poetry?

2008-04-23T14:54:00.004-05:00

Here's one I recently found that might whet your appetite. I think I might fall in love with it soon, for it is horridly beautiful.

W. H. Auden

As I Walked Out One Evening

As I walked out one evening,
Walking down Bristol Street,
The crowds upon the pavement
Were fields of harvest wheat.

And down by the brimming river
I heard a lover sing
Under an arch of the railway:
"Love has no ending.

"I'll love you, dear, I'll love you
Till China and Afica meet,
And the river jumps over the mountain
And the salmon sing in the street.

"I'll love you till the ocean
Is folded and hung up to dry
And the seven stars go squawking
Like geese about the sky.

"The years shall run like rabbits,
For in my arms I hold
The Flower of the Ages,
And the first love of the world."

But all the clocks in the city
Began to whirr and chime:
"O let not Time deceive you
You cannot conquer Time.

"In the burrows of the Nightmare
Where Justice naked is,
Time watches from the shadow
And coughs when you would kiss.

"In headaches and in worry
Vaguely life leaks away,
And time will have his fancy
To-morrow or to-day.

"Into many a green valley
Drifts the appalling snow
Time breaks the threaded dances
And the diver's brilliant bow.

"O plunge your hands in water
Plunge them up to the wrist;
Stare, stare in the basin
And wonder what you've missed."

"The glacier knocks in the cupboard,
The desert sighs in the bed,
And the crack in the tea-cup opens
A lane to the land of the dead.

"Where the beggars raffle the banknotes
And the Giant is enchanting to Jack,
And the Lily-white Boy is a Roarer
And Jill goes down on her back."

"O look, look in the mirror,
O look in your distress;
Life remains a blessing
Although you cannot bless."

"O stand, stand at the window
As the tears scald and start;
You shall love your crooked neighbor
With your crooked heart."

It was late, late in the evening
The lovers they were gone;
The clocks had ceased their chiming,
And the deep river ran on.

Best Friend Salsa

2008-04-06T22:52:00.004-05:00

I give you Best-Friend Salsa. I first made this with my very bestest friend, AK, on her last visit here. It was wonderful and we've both made it separately since. But, I think of her wonderful self when I make it; hence the salsa's friendly name.

Best Friend Salsa

2 avocados, chopped
1 mango, peeled, seeded, and chopped (about 1 cup)
1/2 cup chopped red bell pepper
1/2 cup chopped jicama
1/4 cup fresh lime juice
2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
1 teaspoon sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin

Combine all ingredients. Toss to coat. Voila!

Serve with white fish. Sooo yummy. And best enjoyed in the backyard in the late late afternoon. Pure heaven.

Itty Bitty-Unplugged

2008-04-06T22:23:00.005-05:00

Here's a post to ensure that My Mom keeps coming to read my blog. :)

It's gone too far, the music nerd thing.

2008-04-04T13:18:00.003-05:00

So, you're preparing to fry some bacon, heatin' up the pan, waitin' for that perfect time to put the slices on and to hear that satisfying snap, crackle, sizzle........ Guessin' it's probably hot enough, puttin' on the slices, hearin' nothing....darn! But hark!! What sweet music now floweth through your mind's ears? Oh, fancy that! It's the hymn, "Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence". {insert slow and silent head going left, then right, in the manner of "no".}

This is just wrong. How could my brain betray me this way? And more importantly, does anyone know of a cure for tragically-nerdy-church musician-syndrome? Please share. Please.

Oh, and come back soon to hear of my recent Time Travel Experience.

I Think I've Lost My Mind

2008-04-02T13:48:00.002-05:00

Obviously I've reading too many earthy, frugally, coupony blogs lately. Por ejemplo, I just bought 2 packs of diapers, 2 deoderants, a fancy toothbrush, luxury bodywash, and 8 rolls of TP for $5. For. Reals. Which is good, right, except that it takes about the whole week to plan how you're going to do such dastardly deeds. And you go crazy doing it. And it doesn't stop there....

In the last few months, I've begun making my own cleaning spray, dishwasher detergent, fabric softener, bread, and other things.

But, and here's the clencher....I'm now considering making my own yogurt. Did you even know you could do such a thing? Yeah, me either. Until I got hooked on these weirdo blogs. What is happening to me? Truly, I never thought I'd see the words "heating pad" in a RECIPE, and think, "oh, cool!" But yes, I am definitely going to try it. You should try it with me. To make me feel less insane.

Deb's Homemade Yogurt (oven style)

Alternative method of yogurt making

Makes 1/2 gallon
1/2 gallon milk (I use fat free)
2 cups instant dry milk powder
1 cup sugar or your choice of sweetener
1 Tablespoon good vanilla (I use Mexican)
1 6-8 oz. container yogurt with active cultures (first batch after that save some of your own)
Thermometer
Large, heavy, pot
Electric stove with light or gas stove with non-auto pilot light. Can also use a heating pad/towel/and box to cover)

Place milk in pot and add dry milk powder. Stir well.

Heat milk to 180 degrees, stirring now and then so bottom doesn't burn

Fill sink with ice cold water and place pot insde sink, Add sugar and stir well. Cool down to 110-115 degrees. Add vanilla. Add yogurt and stir well.

Fill containers of your choice and seal. ( I use jelly canning jars) Place on cookie sheet or heat proof tray.

Heat oven to 110-115 and turn off. Turn on oven light.

Place yogurt in oven on upper rack and check oven periodically to make sure it stays between 110-115.

Yogurt will be "done" in 4-6 hours but you can let it incubate for up to 12 depending on how tart you like it and how much beneficial bacteria you wish it to have.

Serve plain or with any kind of fruit. Suggestions: Top with sliced bananas, peach or cherry pie filling, or stir in plain vanilla.

Try This, mmmmm K?

2008-03-31T12:33:00.003-05:00

Here's a listening exercise. Close your eyes and press play. Listen to Natalie Dessay (a famous, respected soprano) singing 'Quia respexit' by Bach. You don't have to listen to the whole thing, just a minute or so. Think of 3 or 4 adjectives that describe what you hear. Now "rewind" it and watch this time. Think of 3 or 4 adjectives to describe this experience. Are they generally the same words? Or wildly different?

Fascinating Stuff

2008-03-30T15:32:00.001-05:00

When you really step back and think about it, isn't the fact that we can take pictures, video, and recordings just freaking fascinating? Here's a newly discovered "world's oldest" recording from 1860.

That Fruitful Day

2008-03-28T22:24:00.002-05:00

Yesterday we got to eat our first strawberry from my October birthday present! I was in love. It was a bit tart, but very very good and at least we got to it before the birds did! The boys are intrigued with the strawberry plants and Jack loves to give them a drink! We have about 10 more strawberries blooming but all are still green. I can't wait to see them ripen!

Worthy is the Lamb

2008-03-23T16:29:00.002-05:00

Worthy is the Lamb who was slain on the cross with our sins on his body.
Worthy is the Lamb who rose from the dark grave and conquered death.
Worthy is the Lamb who is seated on the throne, victorious over sin and death.
Unworthy am I for whom he died.

Medical Care Post Office Style

2008-03-20T21:50:00.003-05:00

I'm thinkin' I don't want Canada's system. Just sayin'. This vid is worth the watch.

A Birthday Present For You, My Brother

2008-03-18T21:20:00.006-05:00

Dear My Little Brother,
Remember when you spit on the ground, and behold, a Tiny Electric Guitar was born? Perfectly formed, every detail in place, right there on the sidewalk. That day is legendary; a strong showing of excellence that I would love to keep alive.
So, on this, Your Birthday, I honor you with the second installment of our family's Incidental Art Collection: the Easter Bunny Pancake.

Let me say that I was feeling kind of awkward and oddly shameful about making Pumpkin Spice Pancakes so close to Spring and Easter. But when the first Test Pancake came out as this Cadbury-Esque Wonder, I knew that all was well with my culinary choice and with the world. I also knew immediately that it would be dedicated to You.

So enjoy, My Little Brother. And TRULY- have a Great Birthday. We wish we were there to celebrate with you!

PS the recipe is awesome.

Sometimes a Special Song Changes my Heart

2008-03-15T21:54:00.001-05:00

Today I'm opening my heart to you and sharing one of those songs. I was dead set on another candidate, but when I saw this, my heart changed instantly. I'm so glad it happened before it was too late. Please watch to the end; the dramatic conclusion is too good to miss.

Rockin' Out as Only I Know How

2008-03-05T13:08:00.003-06:00

Last week my friend Daniel Buchanan had a CD release party. He asked me to sing along on a few of the songs. So, little miss choir nerd finds herself on stage way too dressed up and way too formal-acting, cuz, well, I never really learned how to be cool, and improvising makes me cower in fear. I did occasionally tap my toe, however, hoping it would make me look all relaxed and awesome like the rest of them.....Um, yeah.....at least it was dark in that back left corner... :)

Happy Birthday, Little Bitty!

2008-03-01T23:26:00.002-06:00

My Little Bitty Baby is ONE!

Human Tetris (aka "These Guys Really Have a Handle on What Kinds of Things Make Lynelle Laugh....A Lot"

2008-03-01T21:28:00.001-06:00

Weird How Things Change, But Stay the Same

2008-02-20T11:36:00.001-06:00

I came across a weird little poem today. Upon finishing it, I thought of another poem so similar in thought, written over 100 years ago by my friend Claude Achille Debussy. I wish I could present his in French, because it is oh-so-much-better that way, but the stilted English translation will have to do.

Where have all the gentlemen gone?
Do women long for a tipped hat
and a kind word?
It doesn’t seem they do.

What a sad era I was born into.
I do not wish to be called an “X”.
Surely I am not alone
in feeling this way.

Through the middle of town
runs a railroad track; a skeletal remain
of a once thriving industry;
a once thriving way of life.

At the end is a caboose
faded from red to pink
by the unchanging sun.
How lonely she seems
remembering when she was wanted.
Here is my escape.

Her cracked and peeling paint flakes away
at my touch.
Weeds have grown all about her,
trying to hide her from the world.
But I see her beauty.

I climb inside
and sit upon her rotting cherry seat.
I close my eyes and imagine
being swept away to a world I miss,
yet never knew.

- Terry Cooper

The night is as sweet as a woman,
and the old trees dream under the golden moon.
They didn't know how to call to the one who just passed,
her head crowned with pearls,
now and forever distraught.

All have passed now,
the frail, the foolish,
sowing their laughter in the sparse grass,
breezes brushing
the flowering hips' charming caress.
Alas! Only a white shiver remains of all this.

The old trees weep their gilded leaves
under the golden moon.
No more will anyone dedicate to them
proud golden helms.
Now and forever tarnished,
the knights are dead
on the Grail quest.

The night is sweet as a woman.
Hands seem to stroke the souls,
such foolish, frail hands,
in the days when swords sang for them!
Strange sighs rise under the trees.
My soul, they are from an old dream that holds you.

What strikes me most is that Debussy wrote his poem mourning the loss of the good old days during the time that are Cooper's good old days. Both ask: Where have all the gentlemen/knights gone? What happened to chivalry?What do the objects left behind (caboose/trees) know about the old world? Are they crying over their loss of honor? Why am I stuck in this time, when my soul calls out for an era I never even knew?

It's weird how things change and yet stay the same.

Oh, Poetry...

2008-01-27T22:25:00.000-06:00

The chamber choir commissioned some pieces from Chris Theofanidis for a concert we performed in this weekend. They were all a cappella and beautifully set, but the one that has captivated my thoughts for the past several days is "When You Are Old and Gray" by William Butler Yeats.

I don't read a lot of poetry, but whenever I have a reason to ponder the words to a certain poem over a long period of time, it seeps in and invades me in a way that is powerful and slightly alarming, actually.

So, here is the world I am in at the moment. I wish you could hear the sonorities that Theofanidis wrote to accompany these words, but assuredly, they stand alone just as well.

When You Are Old
When you are old and gray and full of sleep
And nodding by the fire, take down this book,
And slowly read, and dream of the soft look
Your eyes had once, and of their shadows deep;

How many loved your moments of glad grace,
And loved your beauty with love false or true;
But one man loved the pilgrim soul in you,
And loved the sorrows of your changing face.

And bending down beside the glowing bars,
Murmur, a little sadly, how Love fled
And paced upon the mountains overhead,
And hid his face amid a crowd of stars.

Creation's Restlessness

2008-01-10T20:38:00.000-06:00

I'm still reading Randy Alcorn's Heaven, slowly but surely. It is so wonderfully written. It has plenty of creativity and imagination, but it's not without scriptures to thoughtfully and carefully uphold it. It's truly captivating.

I read something today that really resounded with how I feel. Perhaps it is the melancholy artist/musician-type within, but I feel this all around, every day.

Do you ever sense creation's restlessness? Do you hear groaning in the cold night wind? Do you feel the forest's loneliness, the ocean's agitation? Do you hear longing in the cries of whales? Do you see blood and pain in the eyes of wild animals, or the mixture of pleasure and pain in the eyes of your pets? Despite vestiges of beauty and joy, something on this earth is terribly wrong. Not only God's creatures but even inanimate objects seem to feel it.

God has made us all so differently. We all feel his presence, his power, love, and sense of unworthiness before Him in different ways. For me, it's through the things mentioned above, especially the animals. I can't count the times I've cried for forgiveness for my own sinfulness after witnessing or hearing of the suffering of animals. Without my sin nature, God's creatures and all of His creation would not have to suffer. This is terribly distressing for me.

Alcorn goes on to say:

But there's hope, visible in springtime after a hard winter. As Martin Luther put it, "Our Lord has written the promise of the resurrection not in books alone, but in every leaf in springtime." The creation hopes for, even anticipates, resurrection.

Oh, Lord, how long?

The Wise Women

2008-01-07T23:36:00.000-06:00

I spent the last week in long rehearsals for last night's production of Conrad Susa's The Wise Women. It's a "Christmas mystery fable" that looks at Jesus' birth from the perspective of the Wise Mens' homegirls. I wasn't so much into the story nor the feminist slant, but the music and the visual aspects were, in some spots, simply stunning. I played one of the wise women. (C'est moi on the right near the bottom, in the burgundy robe).

The director was Vern Sutton. He is a long-known, talented singer and director. He is occasionally featured in some way on Prairie Home Companion as well. It was great to work with him again and some of the other extremely talented singers and artists who contributed to the production. Gosh, I love what I do.

Unto you is born this day...

2007-12-25T22:23:00.001-06:00

Take it away, Linus! We love you!

Lo, How a Strawb' e'er Blooming

2007-12-24T14:56:00.000-06:00

Remember my awesome birthday present? Welp, I've been eagerly anticipating the arrival of this wondrous sight. Just in time for Christmas! Please don't be jealous, my Iowa friends. Just come and visit me. :)

What would Handel Say?

2007-12-21T10:24:00.001-06:00

I think he'd like it. It gets really crazy toward the end. Enjoy!

"Unique"

2007-12-20T23:14:00.000-06:00

We've been thinking for a long time about whether or not to homeschool. We're still on the fence. In the meantime, I like to make fun of homeschool families (in the jealous, admirous way). Check this out. Very funny.

No White Christmases in Texas

2007-12-20T17:22:00.000-06:00

Today felt like the middle of May in Iowa. It reminded me of recess in elementary school: wearing shorts for the first time that year, basking in the sun, playing tether ball and chasing boys. The warmth of the sun on your arms and legs. Feeling summer around the corner. Smelling the sweet warm breeze and knowing that school is about to yield to slip n' slides and popsicles on the back deck. Yes, that was the way it was today. A beautiful 77. Too bad I'm pining for a White Christmas.

Today the weather man said, "..it's warm today but watch out, it won't be warm on Christmas...it'll be in the low 60's! brr!"....At which point I imagined my friend AK from Iowa being violent against a person for the first time in her life. (Let's just say she's not a big fan of freezing toes, car scrapers, slipping on the ice on the way to work, etc.). It's a good thing she didn't see that or we might have a very injured weatherman on our hands. I heard this song for the first time today on the radio. He almost makes the case for enjoying a warm Christmas, but I'd trade it for a real one anyday...

My Brother's Breakfast

2007-12-14T17:15:00.001-06:00

My brother made this a few years ago. He visited this week and I asked if I could have a copy of this. I found out it's on Youtube! Love it!

He's Baaaaaaaack!

2007-12-05T13:57:00.003-06:00

Angels We Have Heard On High...Broccoli Style

He's Baaaaaaaack!

2007-12-05T13:57:00.001-06:00

Angels We Have Heard On High...Broccoli Style

Photo Booth Rowley Style

2007-11-30T21:09:00.001-06:00

Back to square one...

2007-11-30T10:33:00.000-06:00

No more Huckabee for me. He's no good on immigration, even by his own admission. Too bad. I'm sorry to say I don't really care for any of these blokes (and let's don't even talk about the blokette). No, thanks. Next!..........??

My kind of humour

2007-11-27T16:11:00.001-06:00

So this is it, guys. This is the kind of thing I laugh at...a lot. Does that make me a nerd?

Had to share

2007-11-26T16:30:00.001-06:00

This is so cute!

CVS Paid Me to Take This Stuff Home

2007-11-24T22:39:00.000-06:00

I busted out the CVS ad, some coupons, and some strategic shopping and I came home with this stuff, plus $7. For reals.

Turkey Day

2007-11-24T22:25:00.001-06:00

I'm In That Place Once Again...

2007-11-22T09:25:00.001-06:00

Wow, that was easy!

2007-11-21T22:26:00.001-06:00

Claesen's Thanksgiving meal was a breeze to prepare this year! If only all meal preparation were this easy!!!

As for the rest of us, our menu is as follows-

Cranberry-Glazed Cornish Game Hens
Grandma's Family Recipe (macaroni, sharp cheddar, saltines, butter, milk, and bacon! This is one I can remember having at Grandma's since the beginning of time...the ultimate comfort food. yum!)
Green Beans
Tyler's Cheesy Potatoes (he'll join us and bring that....sounds great!)
Homemade Bread
Artichoke Parmesan Spread (on clearance at Randalls today, what can I say? I loves me some artichokes :)
Almond Crunch Pumpkin Pie (baking right now...it smells heavenly!)
Ice Cream
Coffee

Whooo! And then a nice long walk to clear the conscience.

Family and friends, we really wish we could be with you tomorrow. We're thinking of you and hoping your holiday is warm and wonderful, full of good food, great conversion, and much thanksgiving to our great God who has bestowed so very many blessing upon us all.

Love!

Agritainment...

2007-11-18T20:46:00.001-06:00

To infinity and beyond...

2007-11-10T22:07:00.000-06:00

Tomorrow is Gregory's second birthday! I can hardly believe that he's already 2 years old. And simultaneously, I can hardly believe that he's only been on the earth for 2 years, because frankly, life b.g. is a real blur. We often ask each other, "what did we do with ourselves?" I know we were busy and doing important things, but I just can't even remember, say, a typical evening, sans small people.

Back to my little man. He's growing up, y'all. And I'm pretty in love with the little person he's becoming. He's smart, brave, obedient (usually!), cheerful, has a good sense of humor, is deeply curious, is kind to his little bro', loves books, singing, food (a man after my own heart), Elmo, Bob the Builder, Thomas the Train, and jumping on the trampoline....oh, and bubbles. Many, many bubbles.

I have to admit, though- amidst all these joys of seeing him grow and watching his personality unfold-there's that heartache of uncertainty. How will his life unfold? Will he get tripped up by the wrong kind of people? Will he fall into some sort of debilitating addiction? Will he go off to war? Will someone break his heart? Will he be liked at school? Will he find joy in his work? What will the world be like for him as the years pass? Most importantly, will he walk with Christ as his Saviour? These are the questions I ask myself every day. Jaye reminds me that all we can do is all we can do, and we have to trust God with the rest. And pray. And pray some more. I have never prayed more feverishly for anything than for the safety and salvation of my children.

But tomorrow, we're taking a break from the scary questions. Tomorrow, on Gregory's second birthday, only fun questions are allowed...."hey! Do you want another piece of cake? How about another present? You don't want to take your afternoon nap....hmm...ok! Oh, you want to go in the backyard with no shoes? A-ok with me! More trampoline? Sure! More books? You bet! Play-dough? Sure! You can even mix the colors today. More bubbles? I'm on it." It's your day, my little man. I love you so much. Happy Birthday!

Behind the scenes...making a recording

2007-11-06T22:56:00.000-06:00

My choir is in the midst of making a recording. We just finished our second night of intense work. 6 hours down, 3 hours to go. It may sound exciting and fun, which it was, for the first 35 seconds... but mostly it's stressful and tedious. For instance, we may start and stop after the first note up to 12 times in a row. Then there are the times we start and then realize the church bells are chiming, or a train is going by. Stop! Do-over! Also, it's just plain unnerving to think that you could make a mistake which would force the entire group to come to a screeching halt...Re-do! Of course, we are insured against that somewhat because we have to do multiple takes of the same song, and sometimes extra takes of especially hard sections. The sound guys will seam the best parts together to make (hopefully!) a glorious and non-tedious sounding masterpiece. Supposedly these guys are really good. They better be.

The sound engineers are in another room, but we can hear them and they us. Not only is our director doing his thing, but the head sound guy is also giving suggestions, even musical ones, which I find interesting. I would find it annoying, except that I have agreed with everything he's said so far, and I wish we had addressed some of these things before now. Then we have the diction coach yelling out corrections, choir members asking questions and making suggestions, and the "perfect-pitch guy" giving a blow-by-blow account of our tuning adventures. Pass the vodka, yo.

Probably the most amusing part is that when you reach the end of the song, you're supposed to stand stock still and not make any noise for a good 20 seconds. That's a loooong time, and I find myself looking around, trying not to laugh at how hilarious everyone looks.

All of this, to bring to you a recording of your favorite secular Russian romantic choral masterpieces. I know it's something you've been pining for, and believe me, I'll do what it takes to get it done. :)

Fright Night!

2007-10-31T22:00:00.000-05:00

It was certainly frightly at our house tonight....after 417 Trick-or-Treaters, we had to turn the lights off and call it quits. The neighbors were still going strong long after 600.

Gregory had the best time ever... he was the official candy passer-outer. He was very good at it and didn't quit until we had to. He delighted in the cute costumes and flinched at the scary costumes, but he still mustered up the guts to quickly stick a Hershey's in the bag. We were very proud of him.

Claesen was mesmerized by all that was happening and didn't make a peep the whole night.

PS What's really funny about the last picture is that the girl with the red hair is our neighbor girl, and Gregory's BABYSITTER!!

It was a delightful frightful night.

Russian Madness

2007-10-26T00:50:00.000-05:00

The professional choir I sing in is doing an all-Russian program this weekend. It's a difficult language for native English speakers to pick up. For some of the vowels I have to really let myself sound "dumb" on order to get it right. It's been a very difficult concert to prepare, and I still don't feel ready...the performance is 2 days away at this point. It is remotely appealing to give up and let the fire do a number on this notebook. But I'm thinkin' they would just give me a new notebook, and that one won't have my millions of markings in it, which would be quite treacherous and potentially very embarrassing. So I think I'll keep the notebook and keep practicing....oi vey, where's the Vodka?!

New Goal

2007-10-24T23:21:00.000-05:00

There are a few things I want to incorporate into my life to become healthier. I'm finally at the point where I want to make real, lifelong changes rather than quick-fixes. I'm ready to nurture good habits as opposed to do this till you lose ten pounds then go back to "normal" actions. I'm still fine-tuning my list, so I won't share it yet. But I will share the first one-

No snacking after __pm.

Will you help me figure out what that hour should be?

This book is amazing.....

2007-10-23T23:35:00.000-05:00

No more visions of flying around on a cloud playing a harp and singing incessant hymns. This book unfolds Heaven like never before. Check back for more talk about this book soon. Or, go buy the book and we can read it together!

Happy Birthday to Me

2007-10-18T23:34:00.000-05:00

Today was a great day. Jaye had to leave really early, so I had the kids in the morning (he usually helps me get them going). Claesen and I took Gregory to school, and when I got home, Jaye was just returning home, too, with a surprise! 8 beautiful strawberry plants and a cool hanging basket to grow them in. I am in heaven, y'all. Strawberries are on my top ten of God's most amazing creations. The color, the shape, the texture, the TASTE!, even the smell. Ahhh, fruitly perfection. I can't wait.

The rest of the day was great as well, and although we didn't get to go out tonite, we're going to bust out tomorrow night, complete with babysitters on the scene, so it should be one amazing birthday bash extravaganza, I'm sure.

Musical Vegetables

2007-10-16T21:04:00.000-05:00

Paula Abdul was right....

2007-10-15T22:21:00.000-05:00

....it ain't fiction,
just a natural fact:
We come together
'cuz opposites attract.

Mini Harvest

2007-10-14T22:28:00.000-05:00

Here is our mini harvest after going to the farmers' market yesterday. I think I'm going to grill the squash and zucchini tomorrow. I'll bake the sweet potatoes, and we'll even get to share those with Claesen. That long green one at the top is an English cucumber.

I'm excited to make our yearly trek to the pumpkin patch; hopefully we'll get to go next weekend. There's one close by that is calling my name. It won't be like going to the one back home, but I think I'll live. Gregory had fun there last year, so I imagine that he'll like it even better and understand more this year. He simply must learn the joys of Fall, which his mother loveth above all other seasons. Yay for picking apples and pumpkins whilst drinking hot cider!

Heaven on Earth

2007-10-13T20:55:00.001-05:00

Today was a day for the books. Absolutely gorgeous. On days like this it's easy to believe that one day, heaven will be right here on earth. Earth perfected. I can't wait. In the meantime, I'll try to love every moment, and delight in the small things, like watching little Claesen discover such wonderful things as grass! He was so intrigued by each blade. He did take time to pose for a senior picture, though. Enjoy.

Cat Puke and Kid Junk

2007-10-12T22:12:00.001-05:00

Today, as I sat looking at my poor house: cat throw-up in the living room, baby throwup in every room, enough stray cheerios hanging around to make at least two full bowls of cereal, a mixture of clean and dirty clothes hung over every chair, toys and books galore, teethers, sippy cups and pacifiers lurking in every corner....I thought to myself, "Self, what have you gotten yourself into?"

And then I opened my Bible and randomly laid eyes on this funny little Proverb that I'd never seen before:

“Where there are no oxen, the manger is clean, but abundant crops come by the strength of oxen.”

Thank you, Lord, for reminding me that some things are worth our home resembling the beaten path of a small tornado. I'll take cat puke and kid junk if I get to keep the cats and the kids.

2007-10-12T21:15:00.000-05:00

Ok, this blog is driving me crazy. Which is funny, considering I only have about 2.3 readers. (Thank you, faithful few!) Let's suffice it to say that I am a safety first kind of gal and I will be changing up a few things in order to keep my family safe from the big bad world of internet freakos. Sad, but that's how it is.

My Big Backyard

2007-10-11T23:18:00.000-05:00

Remember that magazine from childhood? (My Big Backyard). Man, I LOVED that magazine. It was all about catching bugs in jars (and, of course, letting them go) making outdoor crafts, playing water games, learning about weather, hibernation of animals, etc.

In our own big backyard, we like grilling, playing, jumping on the trampoline, hanging sheets on the clothesline, playing cars, catch, tag, watering flowers, watching the bluejays, squirrels and hummingbirds, and swinging. These are the sweet memories I will cling to when I am old and gray.

Happy Joyful Flower Hat Day

2007-10-10T21:52:00.002-05:00

HAPPY JOYFUL FLOWER HAT DAY!!!!!

(JFHD for short). JFHD started in 2001 at the University of Northern Iowa, by myself and co-founder Jessica K. The original hat started its life as a prop in our opera closet. It now holds a place of honor in my bedroom in Iowa, along with pictures from the inaugural festival, which included homemade cake, nametags, pictures, original songs, and a trip to the symphony. As you can see from the pictures, the event has taken hold around the world. It's great to see that people are really getting into the holiday and enjoying it to the fullest. I couldn't be happier, really. JFHD for me is the true beginning to the Fall season, and if you know me very well, you know that Fall rocks my world. (I loved some of your emails about the leaves, etc! Thanks for thinking of me!) Which is why Joyful Flower Hat Day is my very favorite of all the random made-up (but deserving!) holidays.

Uh oh. The pumpkin's hungry.

2007-10-07T15:31:00.001-05:00

Wow. Why didn't I think of this?

2007-10-05T22:40:00.001-05:00

Seriously, though. Have you seen anything cuter?

Making the official move!

2007-10-05T21:47:00.001-05:00

Ok. I am moving my blog over to this site. Sorry for the trouble. Here's a picture from the archives to make it all better.