What I am reading now.....

Finished Green - interesting.  Not as good as the first three books in the series but definitely worth the read. 

I am now reading Radical by David Platt.

This has shown up on many blog posts and other relative media that I decided it was a subtle nudge I should start reading it.


With a point, click and download - this is the book I will curl up with tonight.  While I am concerned it maybe a little in my face about how the Worldly Culture of today is interfering with how we should be seeing, viewing, believing and following God....

I think I need an in your face talk....

Eco Easter Egg Decor

Today the girls dabbled in the Easter Art of "Egg Dying."  I have always hated Egg dying because it seems as if the eggs always have minute cracks and the dye seeps in contaminating the eggs.  I know that PAAS is supposed to be safe but it just never seemed "RIGHT."

Rowan found this at WholeFoods last week when we were off buying groceries.

The first thought that crossed my mind was "How Brilliant" (insert Brittish accent) and the second thought was how expensive?

I know that sounds jaded but, in general, organic, non-toxic, green, natural, eco-freindly products tend to have a higher price tag.

We were pleasantly surprised by the relatively equivalent price to the PAAS and factored in the
 cost of the eggs that we would have to trash because the unfriendly ECO dye would have created
 meant that we were actually getting a better bargain for the price.

I just loved the packaging as well.  I am a big sucker for packaging.  It kind of goes with whole - presentation is everything.  Make it look good, organized, cute, adorable, professional, shiny, etc you can pretty much have a less than perfect product.

So - as we opened the cute dye kit we wondered - would it stand up to the cuteness and create safe adorable colored eggs??????

It got two thumbs up from the girls......

The only downside is that amount of time it takes for each egg to be dyed.

In this age of instant gratification we want everything to take mere minutes.  In order for the eggs to shine their brightest they needed

As little as 10 minutes in the dye and up to 20 minutes for some of the colors.

So - they read between each plop of the egg.....

The really cool thing was the color card that had them experimenting with how long, which cross dye and wiping the egg for special effects.......

The finished product?????

Turned out quite nice if Rowan does say so herself......

Happy Easter!!!

Christ is Risen!!

What I am reading now.....

I am officially back into Ted Dekker - I don't think I ever left his book club but did take a respite.  Showdown, while at times dragged a bit under the narrative chatter, was engaging and entertaining as well as fulfilling for a Spring Break Week.  I have now started this book - one I downloaded a while ago but never got around to reading.....

While Spring Break is officially over for me - back at work et al, with all the chaos and uncertainty going on around work, I have decided to try to make my evenings the most relaxing as I can (after all I am mylenating and gestating). So here I sit with my newly downloaded book, four chapters in and, sigh, I remember the circle series but forgot so much. I really hate books that keep reiterating what you already read in a previous book, but this time I find myself grateful.

I predict this book will be devoured over the weekend as my last book for Spring Break.

NMW update

Today Rowan attended my NMW appointment with me.  It was an honor to have her join me at the appointment. 

It appears that pregnancy agrees with me......

Total weight gain since start of pregnancy I have gained a total of 7 pounds with an initial wt loss of 4 pounds.  So + 3.  (not that I am counting - I can run all I want after the baby is born)

Vitals -
HR 60
BP 100/60
RR 24 (ok I'm a bit of a retainer right now)

Rowan was able to hear the FHTs and was fascinated by all the NMW does in comparison to a doctor's visit.  She was struck mostly by the fact they "listen" and gave me a huge opportunity to ask as many questions as I wanted. 

The most interesting thing she liked was the Leopold's maneuver which apparently revealed I am measuring three weeks higher than I should be.  I could have told her the baby was high - but why my bladder still feels squished I'll never know.  I can barely run/walk a mile before I need to search for a port-a-potty and that's with a bathroom break prior to my workout. 

Two things you don't want to hear at your check up.  "well either your baby is 'BIG' or you might have two in there." 

REALLY?

I'm not questioning this beautiful gift that God gave us - but really?  I know that sometimes he does give us more than we think we can handle because he wants us to rely on him...  but twins? 

I guess the only thing left to say is - "Praise God" for a healthy pregnancy that seems to agree with me!

Sad day in Holland

This week we took a trip to Holland, MI.  We love it there.  It's such a cute lil college town with tons of biking lanes/paths and five biking stores.  There are two knitting stores and a really quaint coffee shop that we would hang at every morning and evening. 

This year - we were saddened by the Magic Treehouse bookstore joining the long trend of indie book stores closing. 

We walked up and down the street, cobble stone sidewalks et al, looking for the book store only to come to the place where the Treehouse bookstore used to be.  Yes, USED to be.  Apparently it closed last August. 

The girls and I were bummed.  We were looking forward to picking out a book to read during the torrential down pours, snow, sleet, hail and ice storms we were plagued by.

SIGH

I own a Kindle, an IPod and a Nook color.  I hope to, some day, own an ipad (holding out for generation 4).  I enjoy reading on those devices and so does my one daughter and husband.  HOWEVER, this does not dismiss the advantages of walking into a book store, walking the aisles, reviewing the titles and taking in the smell of new books.  

I live to find an indie bookstore, search the shelves, find a book that peaks my interest and hang out reading it in the local coffee shop.  This is a trait I have passed on to my daughters.  It's as satisfying, as if not more, than finding the LYS in a town we are visiting and getting a skein of sock yarn to "knit a sock from that town."  

A friend lamented it was the sign of the times, economy and ebooks, but I think it's our priorities and shift in decisions we make that have led to the rapid demise of our local indie book stores. 

What I am casting on....

Of course I brought knitting with me....  What knitter doesn't take knitting on vaca with them?

But of course, I had to stop at the LYS (which I was so happy to see) to find out if anything peaked my interest....

And of course it did.....

Berroco Origami....  I haven't seen it out yet and read a wonderful review of it by Yarn Harlot last year.

It was used in a pattern that a friend of mine was looking at as a Spring yarn substitution for a shrug to knit in the fall.





Of course...  instant gratification...  I had to have it and had to cast on the wonderful new find.

The Sea and Sky Shrug which was in the Interweave Knitting Fall 2010 Magazine.

The knitting store was oh so happy to wind the yarn while I went next door to the "baby" store (insert big smile here for the prego mama on vacation) to stimulate their economy as well.

After we got back to our hotel - I sent the kids off with dad to swim and play as I started the cast on for this wonderful new project I just HAD to start....

Sorry Rowan - your first sock is almost done, but, on hold right now.....


Now it feels like spring break.... nevermind the 30 degree temps, the weather changes from snow, ice, sleet, hail and now tornado warning that has plagued us all day.....

I am happy with my knitting and DOWN TIME

Praise God!

Operation Restore

First of all - after this last week the praise and worship at Park was just what I needed to wipe away the stress and fatigue so that I could be focused on the message. 

The message was filled with hope and urging to pursue those who have wandered.


James 5:19-20 ESV
My brothers, if anyone among you wanders from the truth and someone brings him back, let him know that whoever brings back a sinner from his wandering will save his soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins.

Who do you need to pursue?

What I am reading now.....

Finished These Things Hidden and have started a new book. I have always loved this author but started to overdose on his prose and suspense.  That can't be all bad for an author to hear.  I have recently had a rekindling of sorts to his books and decided to place this book second in my queue.

Like many of Ted Dekker's books - this book has you intrigued from the very beginning. Cloaked in mystery and threats of a sinister plan and plot, the book grabs you seeking to devour it's first few chapters to find out what is going on....

Can't wait to dig into the heart of this book.....

Heaven and Hell Revisited

Trying to reconnect and spend time in the word.  I thought I would make it easy and search Park's blog for recent posts. What I found was a discussion on the new book by Rob Bell that I refuse to buy.

I only refuse to buy it because it seems to be kicking up quite the controversy and I am not in the mood to be in the middle of a controversy.

I thought this was quite the blog post and confirmed my need to not read the book.  I think that Christians need to be cognizant of what they read and back it up with the Word.  This blog post says it all.   I encourage you to cruise over there and take a look. 

Praise God for the Living Word - to guide us and keep us. 

What I am reading now.....

It is the official start of Spring Break for me and a Family Vacation. I have downloaded some books to my ENook to read while "relaxing." Key word - "RELAXING" - which seems to allude the family vaca.

I

This is the first up on Que - it has started out intriguing leading me to want to read more. There is something that sticks out in the plot as cliche' like the girl in jail shouldn't be in jail for what she did.....

The quick short chapters are easy to devour and move on. I find myself doing very little wandering between subjects and captivated by the different points of view each character brings to the story.

It popped out!

I caught a glimpse of myself in the mirror while getting ready this morning and this is what I saw.......

YUP - the bump is there.... 

I no longer look "thick" in the middle - there is a BUMP!!!!!

A hard, formed bump that has movement! 

I started crying....

Of course the Fact's of Life Reunion on GMA didn't help!

PRAISE GOD!

Crock potting mom.....

Apple Sauce chicken - from - you guessed it - Stephanie O'dea.  The girls are asking for bigger salads each night.  Not sure if this is a reflection of my cooking or they really like the salads with dinner.  We can't have a dinner with out salad now. 

This dinner got a "eh - it's okay...." 

I can't win them all - at least we are having dinner together every night....

Will get better in about two weeks when I start my new position...  yipee!

Dinner tonight - Pot Roast and Cranberries - brought to you by Stephanie O'Dea

I altered the dish slightly -

• she mentioned that it was a dry roast - so I doubled the red wine which added immensely to the flavor.
• I changed out the cranberries for cherries - which is supposed to be "good" for a person in my condition
• added carrots to the pot as a side veggies which made yummy carrots.

The verdict- 3 out of the 5 of us (baby included) gave it thumbs up.  I have no appetite right now - and especially meat.  I made the pot roast because my hubby thinks that every night should be a meat night.  Me - if I had meat once a year I would be happy.

However  - I think this one will be going on the "make again list and don't alter."

Cheeres!

Park Message today - Prayer and Praise

I find it odd, knowing the grace and mercy of God, along with his power and glory, that I often forget to "pray." I praise - I even praise alot in times of trial - but prayer eludes me. Why is that?

The message today, at Park, once again reminded me how incomplete my journey in Christ is. (insert sigh here)

James 5:13-18 :: Prayer

James 5:13-18 ESV
Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing praise. Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer of faith will save the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven. Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working. Elijah was a man with a nature like ours, and he prayed fervently that it might not rain, and for three years and six months it did not rain on the earth. Then he prayed again, and heaven gave rain, and the earth bore its fruit.

I find it ironic - all those times we were trying to get pregnant (all five years of it) I praised God no matter each month.  I don't remember "praying" all that often the desires of my heart.  Don't get me wrong - I prayed, usually with each BFN or each failed attempt or more statistics thrown on our lap.  I never really just cried out to God the anger, hurt and longing of my heart.  However, as soon as we found out we were preggers - I have prayed and praised almost every day.  Did I fail this trial?  

About a two weeks ago I had a scare at work - thinking it was just one more miscarriage.  I immediately started praising and praying till I was home in bed and praying more.  I did turn to praising and have been praising every day since knowing my hope lies in Christ not in the certainty of statistics and doubt of man.  I feel maybe I grew this this last trial - but how do I learn from this and grow?  How do I chose to pray first and then act?  I always seem to "act" first not pray.

My confession is that I do not rely on God for all, everything, anything.  My confession is that I worry, fear, fret and become anxious over everything - most of which is not in my control.

My prayer is that I grow to rely on God more, that I am quick to prayer and slow to action, that I be more mindful of where I am at all times.

Sitting here rubbing my belly feeling very maternal.....

You see - I played this song during both of my pregnancies and during labor and it was the only song that put them to sleep when they were cranky....

Although this is the version I remember.....



I'm continuing the tradition - thank you Peter Gabriel!

Running on a treadmill....

I feel like I am running on a treadmill! 

My bible readings, prayer time and alone time is suffering.

Thank GOD the baby is moving now or I would forget I was preggers.... 

Work is closing in and I am not coping well. 

I feel like a failure with my kids - one more dinner plopped in the crock pot today - Baked Zita - with a huge veggie twist (shhhhhhh  they don't need to know there are carrots, zucchinni, cauliflower or squash).  It will be done by lunch and they can snack on it till dinner.  They are home from school and I have parent teacher conference that I smidged in between two meetings - one having me run back to work at a high rate of speed. 

I love living in Chicago - everything is centralized - but at times I feel more frazzled trying to get from point a to point b. 

I will be so glad when 4/16 is here - I am going to plop myself in bed and not get out till the 17th - when we leave on a mini vacay of sorts.

I feel like such a slug and failure.  I have, however, retreated to a quiet room to read prologue from Park. 

I just want to know how I lost control of my time and my commitments?  How does this happen?  How do I prevent it?

Non-Productive

I feel so non-productive today.  I am in a daze.  It's kinda like I am walking in a fog. 

I feel like the only thing I did productive today is start dinner in the crock pot before leaving for work. 

Thank goodness for a year of slow cooking!  Today's dinner - Apricot Chicken and rice. 

I am hoping this turns out better than the root beer pulled pork fiasco.  I almost bought real root beer today - but then I would have to hide it from my children who think root beer is their "treat" since we don't push pop or kool aide in our house.  We have a boring house I am afraid - water and soy milk. 

I am  really anal about what they eat in my home - cause I can control that.  I tell them - if I tightly control what they eat at home (I figure about 80% of the food they eat) then I can let the parties, sleep overs and get to gethers go (the 20% I can't control). 

With that said - I did not buy the root beer but put the recipe on the calender about three weeks from now....  Way after Easter.

UGH - Easter - what am I going to do for Easter dinner!!!!!

Mystery Knit

Ok - Mama confession......

I spent some time at work trying to get things done.... and was feeling really stressed. 

I ran away....  Sad I know.  I just went downtown to fondle some yarn, looking for nothing in particular, but had a couple of patterns in my bag.  Let me clarify - I ran away because of stress from work - not because I don't want to be a mommy. 


 I decided to start this knit - a Mystery Knit - because it peaked my interest - a bit of the pattern every few days?


Of course - it's in purple - using mixed purple beads since the yarn is a variation of purples.

I now remember why I do not like to knit with beads - the stringing of the beads.


As it was - I also ran to Michael's so that Rowan could have supplies she needed for school (pom poms, craft paper, sock yarn, seed beads).  Ok, so maybe the last two were not supplies for Rowan by supplies for mama.......



But rest assured - I had things under control.  Nat and Rowan were set up with two movies from Netflix, including books to read, and dinner was in the crock pot.  I was an EL ride away or a brisk walk if needed (and apparently my butt is needing it lately).

Dinner was from  Stephanie O'Dea at A Year of Slow Cooking.  Our family loves her ideas for recipes in the crock pot. 
Tonight was the root beer pulled pork.  Consensus was simply blah.  I think, had I used real root beer, as opposed to diet, it would have been a little better.  We agreed to do a second round of it in a few weeks. 

Me - not much of a meat eater - so wasn't impressed.  With the baby - still not a meat eater.

Finished Product

This morning, unable to sleep - I got up and finished the other end of the star blanket!

 Natalie and Rowan LOVE the blanket.

Although there is now jealous, amongst the ranks, that the baby is getting custom made outfits.  I tried to explain to them that they too had hand made outfits, only they had hand sewn outfits.

I find that I am very unproductive at night and very productive in the wee hours of the AM.

Unfortunately, my photo taking skills are lacking.  And I just couldn't find a creative way to display the blanket.




I have been looking through the book trying to decide what to make next.

A fabulous book for anyone expecting or anyone knitting for someone expecting!

Getting ready to finish....

I just loved knitting this blanket and think the baby will love it too.  I am now getting ready to cast on the other edge of stars.

I can not wait to cast on another project from this book.

But tonight I am exhausted - and must retire to bed!

Heaven and Hell

Tomorrow's message at church - been reading it tonight.  I have a feeling, while it will be presented quite well, it will be heavy!

Luke 16:19-29 :: Heaven & Hell

What is biblically supported in the narrative?: - Background - Details of the rich man - Details of the poor man - Lazarus in the place of God - Where Abraham is now - Reclining at the table – what is to come - Hades – torment - No second chance once you die - There is a chasm between heaven and hell - The Bible is more than enough for folks to make wise, Spiritual decisions about God and Jesus - Seeing a miracle is no guarantee someone is going to be believe What is not biblically supported in the narrative?:

- Do angels come and take us to heaven – Bible does not say - No indication we can see the other side - No indication that those who are in Hades can talk to those who are in the presence of God WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU DIE? WHERE DO YOU GO?

- Soul Sleep WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN HADES – SHEOL – GEHENNA - PARADISE? - 2 Peter 2:9 then the Lord knows how to rescue the godly from trials, and to keep the unrighteous UNDER PUNISHMENT UNTIL THE DAY OF JUDGMENT FOR THE FOLLOWER OF JESUS:

- Philippians 1:23 I am hard pressed between the two. My desire is to depart and BE WITH CHRIST, for that is far better. - 2 Corinthians 5:6 - Luke 23:43 FINAL JUDGMENT –GREAT WHITE THRONE: - Acts 17:30 The times of ignorance God overlooked, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent, 31 because HE HAS FIXED A DAY ON WHICH HE WILL JUDGE THE WORLD - Romans 2:5 - Revelation 20:11-15


After the Great White Throne or Final Judgment, all humanity will either live in the new heavens and the new earth or in hell I HAVE HEARD THAT HELL IS REALLY JUST NOTHINGNESS IS THAT TRUE? - Annihilation: God does not delight in the thought of hell. GOD DOES NOT DELIGHT IN THE THOUGHT OF HELL

- 1 Timothy 2:4 who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. - Ezekiel 33:11 - 2 Peter 3:9 WHAT IS HELL? - Isaiah 66:24 “And they shall go out and look on the dead bodies of the men who have rebelled against me. For their worm shall not die, their fire shall not be quenched, and they shall be an abhorrence to all flesh.” - Matthew 13:49-50 - Revelation 19:20 - Revelation 20:13-15 - Revelation 21:8


ARE THERE DEGREES OF PUNISHMENT IN HELL? - Luke 12:47 And that servant who knew his master’s will but did not get ready or act according to his will, will receive a severe beating. 48 But the one who did not know, and did what deserved a beating, will receive a light beating. - Matthew 11:22 - Revelation 20:12


SOME OF YOU RIGHT NOW ARE THINKING THIS ISN’T FAIR WHAT HAPPENS TO THOSE WHO ARE FOLLOWERS OF JESUS? - HEAVEN - Revelation 21:1 Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. 2 And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. 3 And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. 4 He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.” 5 And he who was seated on the throne said, “Behold, I am making all things new.” Also he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.” 6 And he said to me, “It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. To the thirsty I will give from the spring of the water of life without payment. 7 The one who conquers will have this heritage, and I will be his God and he will be my son. - NEW HEAVENS AND NEW EARTH - Wedding Feast – Banquet - Matthew 26:29 - Revelation 19:9 - IT IS A CITY WE WILL LIVE IN - Revelation 21:15-25


ARE SOME CHRISTIAN REWARDED MORE THAN OTHERS IN HEAVEN? - Revelation 11:18 The nations raged, but your wrath came, and the time for the dead to be judged, and for rewarding your servants . . . - 1 Corinthians 3:12-15

WHAT ARE WE GIVEN AS OUR REWARD? - A CROWN - Revelation 4:10 the twenty-four elders fall down before him who is seated on the throne and worship him who lives forever and ever. They cast their crowns before the throne, saying, IS THERE SUCH A THING AS A LOVED ONE LOOKING DOWN FROM HEAVEN? - Hebrews 12:1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses . . .

WILL I KNOW LOVED ONES AND FRIENDS IN HEAVEN? WILL I STILL BE MARRIED IN HEAVEN? WILL I GET MARRIED IN HEAVEN?
(MY FATHER AND I WERE TALKING ABOUT THIS VERY THING LAST WEEK – MY MOM AND MY SISTER AND MY SON) - Matthew 22:29 But Jesus answered them, “You are wrong, because you know neither the Scriptures nor the power of God. 30 For in the resurrection they neither marry nor are given in marriage, but are like angels in heaven. - 1 Corinthians 13:12 For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I have been fully known.

WHAT WILL PREVENT ME FROM GOING TO HELL FOR WHAT I HAVE ALREADY DONE?

What I am reading now.....

I strive to be a good mom, pleasing and disciplining enough 80% of the time. I feel I miss the mark alot (to be quite honest with you).

I just picked up this book - or rather downloaded it on my ENook.

The author lives in Illinois and has a Chicago Flair to her writing.  I can totally relate to her.  I am slowly reading each chapter.  I take a break after a chapter to reflect and really digest all that she is saying.  I find this book refreshing and guiding.  I find this restores my desire to be the best mom God created me to be as well as hope that he will guide me there if I just stop, take a breath and listen to him. 

Praise God