Our next Faithbooking Crop will be on Saturday, February 9 from 9:00 am-4:00 pm at Hosanna Lutheran Church in Lakeville. The crops are FREE and include snacks, beverages, and make-and-take supplies. Feel free to work the crop around your schedule, just let me know if you plan to attend and I'll be sure to have a spot ready for you.
Thursday, January 31, 2008
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
oh, I do so want to go!!
10. It would almost make my "day job" look like a real job.
must....post....something...
My friend Chris shared this well-kept secret on Saturday and I feel it is my job to make it public knowledge. There is a place nearby that serves up its very own Bacon Happy Hour.
Yes, BACON. Baskets of it.
You will find this greasy goodness and more at "The Triple Rock," located on the West Bank in Minneapolis. Free bacon night is on Wednesdays; you'll find details here.
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
coffee w/the Amys
Monday, January 28, 2008
Voila!
Sunday, January 27, 2008
ooh...aah...ugh...
Oh well. This yummy treat made up for my sad misadventure. The dense and slightly creamy chocolate creation was THE SIZE OF A MUFFIN (no wonder my face is breaking out like a teenager). It was simply divine.
Stay tuned for tomorrow's prize giveaway... it will be one of the scrapbooking treats I received this weekend!
Saturday, January 26, 2008
delightful things.
Too, I just received a treat that is not yet in stores. Well, actually, it will never be sold in stores but I thought it would make the perfect gift for a giveaway. That will happen on Monday.
Friday, January 25, 2008
I've been tagged!
Here are the rules: (1) Link to the person that tagged you. (2) Post the rules on your blog. (3) Share six non-important things/habits/quirks about yourself. (4) Tag six random people at the end of your post by linking to their blogs. (5) Let each random person know they have been tagged by leaving a comment on their website.
So... here are 6 things I'm not so sure I want you to know about me:
1. I struggle with leaving my blog posts alone. You may notice that words are deleted or rearranged. Constantly. I can't stand it when I find typos or a particular phrase hits me in a weird way.
2. I went to college for five years but never graduated. I had issues. (After re-reading the first item on this list, it looks like I still have issues.)
3. I think "Google" is the best tool ever crafted by human hands. The wheel is a close second.
4. I did not like my husband when we first met. He doesn't even remember the first time we met.
5. I have always had a terrible fear of public speaking (this is partly why I never graduated from college, it was a required course I avoided like the plague). Now, I stand in front of a group of ladies each month and share intimate details about my life... with a microphone.
6. I am only 21 years old. Okay, so that's not really the truth - which brings me to the last item: I used to lie. A LOT. (I had issues, remember?)
Okay, so how I am going to tag these ladies.
- My sister-in-law Amy at A Blessed Life. She always forwards fun emails and surveys that I never participate in. Boy, now I realize why... this stuff takes TIME!
- My nearby-met-through-eBay-blog friend Dana at Just some stuff; a self-professed ADD crafter - she does it all!
- My faraway-met-through-Flickr-blog friend Cathy at Homestretching who does a Grateful Friday post each week. A great scrapbooking idea!
- Kathy at Sumballo who made my cry with this beautiful post.
- You will love Katie the Scrapbook Lady; her blog is full of fun things! Be sure to check out her link on the left entitled, "What's a Roundup?" She has some great ideas for staying on top of your album projects.
- And last but not least, Kara at Mommy Dot Com. She's familiar with my kind of pain.
Thursday, January 24, 2008
coffee w/sharon
Yeah, I'm pretty sure she's hooked.
that's my boy!
"Can you believe I came from you, Mom?"
Yep, that's my boy.
Here he is in his latest creation... a paper hat labled "Bomb Squad" (apparently, it's protective head gear).
Yep, my silly boy.
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
i'm a big ole' meany mom.
Now that really would have made me a big ole' meany mom.
Instead, we revoked all computer and gaming privileges until Saturday. The huffing and puffing that followed could have generated enough wind power to fuel a small village.
I recently revamped my checkbook cover (using Tilly's shot of my little rebels) and thought I'd pass this nifty idea along to you! In addition to showcasing your favorite photos, it could also be used as a clever advertising tool or as a means to share your faith. Using a clear vinyl checkbook cover as your pattern, cut a piece of cardstock or paper to a slightly smaller size. Decorate one or both sides of the cover and carefully slide into place.
By the way, did I mention it was a rough weekend? I've ordered myself a copy of "Parenting with Love and Logic" to help build me some strong mommy muscle. Then I'll be a big ole' STRONG meany mom.
Monday, January 21, 2008
i REALLY want to see this.
You'll understand why then, after viewing the trailer to this movie, I was hooked.
I would encourage you to examine motives and preconceptions, including your own. In this information age it couldn't be easier.
Or could it?
The movie is called "Expelled: No Intelligence Allowed" and features Ben Stein.
Sunday, January 20, 2008
just HAD TO share this with you!
- A woman hired Pat to create a quilt of all of her daughter's childhood skating outfits; she gave the quilt to her daughter as a gift when she left for college.
- Another woman lost her father, an avid hunter. Pat created tote bags using his hunting gear - hats, clothes, and duck callers. The woman's mother, sisters, and sisters-in-law each received a precious handbag as a tangible remembrance of the man they once loved.
errands can be dangerous.
And then there was today.
The plan was to check out Trader Joe's and maybe pick up a few groceries... we did that but came home with a new couch and chair as well. Let me defend this seemingly-impulsive-large-purchase by sharing a few facts about our current set:
- It is 10 years old.
- It has survived a cat and dog, our bouncing boys, and several years of daycare.
- There is a large, stuffing-exposed tear on the arm of my favorite chair.
- There are "stains" on two cushions from Lorenzo's tooth-pulling spree.
- When we have company, we have to strategically adjust pillows and cushions to hide the various discolorations and tears.
Just as we were being sucked into the shopping vortex, we ran into some old neighborhood friends. Thankfully, I had my camera in tow! The kids were so shy but I was able to convince them to stand next to each other for a blog-worthy shot.
As for Trader Joe's... it was fabulous!! The prices were very low and there was an enormous selection of organic and specialty food items. The store itself isn't very large but I could have spent hours there. I will be going back!
Saturday, January 19, 2008
hold onto your light sticks!
Unfortunately, I only had one shot and Ren had his eyes closed! Ugh. Isn't that just the way it goes?
For those of you reading this post and feeling ultra disappointed you missed out on such a rockin' good time, there is another show TODAY at 1:00 pm. Just contact Hosanna! for more information.
Friday, January 18, 2008
right in line w/my previous post...
Thursday, January 17, 2008
a lesson in humility
Over the weekend someone asked how I was able to "lay it on the line" in my scrapbooks without feeling concerned about what others would think. It was a great question, one I have been pondering most of the week: Why do I feel compelled to share my imperfections in albums and with all of you?
It was years before I realized the futility of chasing perfection. And, oh - the brilliance of God! For had it been attainable, I would have never willingly surrendered my broken life for the perfection that is in Christ.
I pray that my children and others will learn from the mistakes I've made (and continue to make!) and am forever grateful for the Lord's mercy, forgiveness, and grace.
"God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble."
Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand,
that He may lift you in due time.
1 Peter 5:5b-6 (NIV)
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
more bloggy goodness
I'm not sure whether or not you've had a chance to check this out but didn't want anyone to miss an opportunity! Lysa Terkeurst of Proverbs 31 Ministries has opened up a writing contest - the winner will be published in their monthly magazine. It is open to everyone, even if you don't have a blog; just click on the link above for more details.
How about a few more links from my "favorites" list? Kraft sends out a FREE quarterly magazine with incredible recipes that are easy to pull together. You can sign up to receive it by clicking here. Their home page is here - an equally GREAT RESOURCE!
Here is another spectacular recipe website called, "That's My Home." You'll find a recipe there for almost anything! Do you like Bread Pudding? This breakfast treat tastes just like it and was a hit at my last scrapbooking retreat!
I have a fondness for lap desks and thought this one would make a darling gift.
And, of course, more hair bling. I'm all for unique but this one scares me...
Have fun with the links!!
back to the old grind...
it's kinda like answering lots of questions
fondest memory............Decorating cookies at Grandma and Grandpa's house.
soundtrack............Magnolia
retreat............The green chair in my living room.
biggest challenge............Right now, balancing time and tasks.
perfect day............Scrapbooking for hours without interruption!
favorite movie............Magnolia
inspiration............Photography. Books. Music. Beth Moore.
My life............A work in progress.
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
hair bling & other cool things...
For all of you photography fans, here is a great website featuring a variety of online classes. I have only taken a free class there myself but one of my favorite photographers listed this website as a recommended resource. I've spent a great deal of time on the site and have found it very appealing.
For those of you with a penchant for hair bling, I recently discovered this website. Click around, you are sure to find some fun pieces!
Apparently, we have Trader Joe's now in Minnesota! I will be making a road trip in the near future to check it out... I have heard VERY GOOD THINGS about it. Have any of you ever been there?
Here is a great resource for camera lens reviews (lens rental is available here as well). The link will take you directly to the Canon page.
For all of you media-conscious parents out there, this great website offers in-depth reviews of websites, television shows, movies, music, and books. Do you know what your child is consuming? On a related note, we own this very cool DVD player and LOVE IT. It edits DVDs, allowing us a little more freedom on Family Movie Night. You decide how much you want to edit. Apparently, it is now available at Best Buy; you can find details here and here.
Have fun with all of the new links!
more great music!
Monday, January 14, 2008
7 Random Facts
The lesson this month centered around seven random facts (just click on it to enlarge). The idea was to create a list of facts concerning chocolate, your favorite coffee shop, marriage, motherhood, yourself - anything that strikes your fancy! Page spreads like this one creatively capture your personality and perspective on paper, lending insight into the real "who" of you.
When writing the lesson, I came up with seven random facts for each decade of my life. After working on the list, I realized that no matter how much time I devoted - I would never be able to list every fact about myself. I don't even REMEMBER every fact! On the other hand, God knows and remembers it all - every thought, action, and deed.
The bottom line: I am precious to Him and never out of His sight! Isn't that an awesome thought?
Here are my seven random facts (drum roll, please...):
1. I begin each day with a cup of Pacific Chai Tea.
Father, you know me better than I could ever know myself.
You know in all truth what I have been, what I am, what I will become.
You know when I succeed and when I fail.
You know everything about me
And yet, Father, you love me more than I will ever know.
You don’t hold it against me that I fail, or am discouraged.
You try also to show me that I should not hold it against myself,
You are forgiving and loving.
It is beyond my understanding.
I read your word and am inspired,
But then immediately I feel its poverty in my own life.
But Father, if I do try to escape you, really where can I go?
Deep down I never want to escape you, but at times I try.
Help me to realize that at these times you will support me,
You will send the light needed,
You will send your strength and courage.
God, my Father, know my thoughts.
Guide me to you.
You know what I desire
Even though I do not always move toward my goal.
~Author Unknown
Sunday, January 13, 2008
amazing.
On a side note, my friend Tilly had a cool album idea (I might have mentioned it before). The idea is to take 12 pictures on the 12th of each month, using the photos to create an album of monthly page spreads. Here are my photos from the day:
Friday, January 11, 2008
the spill over, part 2
This means that He would only allow such pain if it were critical to me serving His purpose in my generation.
Looking back, I can clearly see the truth of this statement reflected in my own life. As most of you know, I struggled with addiction for many years. During that time (more so than any other in my life) I was PLAGUED by trouble.
Self-induced trouble but trouble nonetheless.
I did everything in my power to sustain the addiction and my life was a mess. The thing I had the most trouble with? My mouth. I was a compulsive liar and extremely manipulative, hurting myself and many around me. And it all stemmed from my mouth... the very same tool God has chosen to use for His purpose!
Interesting, isn't it?
All of that pain? Necessary. Needed. It led me to Him. It refined me. He used it to shape my mouth. He took my ugliness and turned it into something beautiful. Only God...
I was listening to a song this morning that spoke to my heart.
You came to the rescue
He wants to come to your rescue as well, no matter where you are. He wants to bring freedom, peace, joy, and contentment into your life. Will you let Him?
Thursday, January 10, 2008
the spill over, part 1
Wednesday, January 9, 2008
eek!
Tuesday, January 8, 2008
I must share a good deal!
On another note, I have a new toy. Can you guess what it is?
PS: Oh, and BooMama is giving away a $500 Oreck vacuum cleaner... you might want to check it out!