6 Takes...I didn't say that they would all be quick!

--- 1 ---

I turned 40 last Saturday.  I'm doing OK, thanks for asking.  In fact, I am doing great!  J and I had a chance to grab lunch together last Friday and have a mini-date.  I was talking to him about my impending birthday and I realized why this birthday was not hitting me like a ton of bricks, as I had been warned it might.  I'm exactly where I want to be in life.  I'm a happily married wife.  I'm a mom, something that was in serious question 10 years ago, and I mostly like who I am.  Perhaps at 50 I'll be able to say I totally like myself...we'll see!

--- 2 ---

Over Ivan's winter break we traveled to Disney World for a week.  It was a blast!  It was a different trip than the previous two.  Ivan is more opinionated and at times moody.  The World only exaggerates our best and worst qualities and Ivan is no exception to this truth.  However, the trip really represents a shift for me and how I look at Ivan.  That week really showed me how much he has grown up.  It's time for me to stop thinking of him as a little kid.  He is still a kid, but tween is right around the corner and I need to get prepared.  It's time for me to stop sheltering him so much.  I need to be willing to share more information about events around the world - age appropriate, of course.

--- 3 ---

My Bible Study Class concluded this week.  We will reunite in early September.  I always feel like I enter a small desert without the accountability that my Bible Study provides.  However, I did order several books that were recommended by my Moms in Prayer group at school.  I am hoping to improve my prayer life while I take a break from Bible Study this summer.  We'll see if I can be disciplined enough once school is out to get up early and have my quiet time.

--- 4 ---

I say it EVERY year, but my how time is flying!  Third grade is almost over!  Oh my, my kid will be a Fourth grader next fall.  Whoa.

--- 5 ---

J is hosting a rather lavish dinner party for me tomorrow evening.  When he first mentioned it I was less than enthusiastic, but now I am really looking forward to it.  He is serving surf and turf (Fillet Mignon and  Lobster).  Yum....

--- 6 ---

Sadly, Ivan is running a fever today.  Nothing too high like he experienced in January, but still it's hard to watch him not feel well.  Any prayers you could spare for a quick and complete recovery would be very appreciated.  Thanks!

For more Quick Takes, visit Conversion Diary!

Duct Tape

This past Sunday the pastor at the church we are currently attending gave a phenomenal example about how God intends for us to bond with our spouse through love making.  I am recording it here because I think that it is a great example for us to use with Ivan when the time comes to have "those" chats.

Pastor Patrick has been giving a sermon series called "Love Makers" for the past several weeks.  He has covered many topics about love and marriage etc.  This weeks sermon was on sex within marriage.  He covered a lot of areas of this topic in a wonderful and humor filled way.  The one I was most intrigued by was the one using Duct Tape.

He started by telling us how if you can't fix something with duct tape, then it likely can't be fixed.  Then he stuck two clean pieces of duct tape together and showed us how when you try to pull these two pieces apart it is nearly impossible.  In fact, he was unable to do so.  All of his pulling resulted in the two pieces staying firmly together, but tearing along the edges.  That is the way God intends for us to be in marriage - bonded so tightly and purely that nothing can separate us.  That bond is strengthened through our physical act of love making together.  It is God's plan that we will marry our spouse and be pure and clean like a fresh piece of duct tape.

Then he took a piece of duct tape and ran around the sanctuary sticking it to several items, sweaters, rugs, walls etc.  Each item making the duct tape less sticky and less likely to stick to the next item.  Finally, when he placed the duct tape to his own clothing, it fell off with only the slightest touch.  By being stuck to so many other items, it had lost its purity and was unable to stay stuck to anything.  It's Gods plan that husband and wife share that special time making love, but He made that time for married people - not just your latest girlfriend or boyfriend no matter what society tells you.

I pray that J and I are able to share this with Ivan when the time is right.  It is a vivid picture about how much stronger our bond will be with our spouse if we save that special moment for them and them alone.  

Appreciated!

Ivan and I were working on homework yesterday afternoon and having a rather difficult time navigating through his history project.  J was sitting in the living room reading the newspaper.  Ivan and I finally got through the rough patch and went on to make the most of a difficult time.  An hour or so later, J came into the kitchen and gave me a hug and a kiss and whispered in my ear.  He told me how much he appreciated the work I was doing with Ivan on his project.  He also said that he knew that it wasn't always appreciated by Ivan, but that he appreciated the work I was doing.

I'm putting this little piece here so that I can come back to it when I am feeling UNappreciated around these parts.  Which, as the only women in this house, can be fairly frequently!

Happy Fall Break!

Today is the first day of Ivan's Fall Break.  He is off from school for the next three days.  I think that we were both ready for a little freedom from our rigid school routine.

This morning when I rolled down the stairs at 7:07 I was met by a sweet surprise.  The lights were out downstairs.  I knew that Ivan was awake and downstairs, I had heard him closing a cabinet door only moments before.  When my feet hit the bottom step he jumped out and yelled "Happy Fall Break, Mommy!"  Then he showed me that he had fixed me breakfast (my choice of granola bars displayed on the kitchen table) and a glass of water.  Since this is what he sees me eat almost every Sunday morning - one of the few days he sees me eat breakfast - this was an appropriate breakfast selection.  He had also made me a lovely poster reading "Happy Fall Break!" that was pinned to the cork board in the kitchen.  It was a very sweet start to what I hope will be a fun Fall Break.

Hungry? Try one of these...UPDATED for 2012!

Here are some recipes that we are loving over here. All are "new" to us in that I have only been making them since the New Year started. If you try one and enjoy it, let me know!

I have been posting most of my new recipe finds over on Pinterest.  Come and take a look!

Pepperoni Rolls.  I've made this three times since I pinned it to my Pinterest board a few months ago.  It is one of Ivan's favorites.  When he sees it on the menu board, he gets so excited.  I like to make this tomato sauce to dip it in.  Mmmm.  Enjoy!  (9/14/12)

Navy Bean and Smoked Sausage soup - a clear winner with J. This has become his favorite soup. It makes a ton, but the leftovers are really good too. (3/1/10)

Fire-Roasted Tomato Chipotle soup - this is now one of my favorite soups. I really do not like tomatoes as a general rule so this was a risk for me to try. However, fire roast those things and I LOVE them. We have found that the tortilla chips are completely unnecessary but smoked cheddar is a must. Good stuff. (3/1/10)

Chicken Divan - my sister has been raving about this dish for a long time now. I finally tried it a few weeks ago. It's good, not great. A little heavy to have in the regular rotation, but we made two and now have one in the freezer for an easy meal one evening. (3/1/10)  I feel compelled to add:  I made this again last night with much more appealing results.  I used a little less curry than it calls for (personal taste) and a different and more appealing wine.  Oh, and a roasted chicken that I got on sale at the grocery store.  All of these minor changes added up to a much more satisfying meal!  So now I can heartily recommend this meal...go and enjoy.  (11/23/10)

Teriaki Chicken with a side of snark by TirienneAnne - I made this for dinner tonight. It was delightful. I served the chicken and sauce over brown rice (family preference) and sauteed some snow peas and tossed them into the bowl as well. A definite keeper! (3/1/10)

Shrimp Tacos from Southern Living September 2009 issue - we tried these on the Fourth of July and they were delicious! If you try them feel free to make the batter as follows: 1 egg, 1 cup beer, 1 cup flour, and 2 tsp. fajita seasoning. Don't forget the Mexislaw either...it adds great flavor and crunch. (7/24/10)

Emeril's uber rich and oh so good BBQ shrimp.  Wow, and double wow.  This was so scrumptious I can't even explain how authentic it tasted.  Well worth the effort, which wasn't as much as you would think.  Try it, you'll love it! (8/28/10)

Ellen's Tex-Mex Stuffed Peppers.  I found this recipe on one of my favorite blogs last month and finally got around to trying it tonight.  It made a ton of food so I hope the leftovers are as good as the original!  J and I enjoyed it and I plan to make it again soon.  Perhaps next time making it in two dishes and sending the second dish to my parent's house.  Try it, you'll like it!  (10/11/10)

New England Clam Chowder.  What a warm and creamy treat.  I used inexpensive, canned chopped clams to help keep this affordable.  A great bowl of warmth on a cold Sunday afternoon.  This was easy and quick.  Yum. (10/17/10) 

Seared Duck Breast.  J made this last year for Christmas and we decided to make it again this year.  Wow and double wow.  That pretty much sums it up folks. (12/25/10)



As you can clearly see I love to search for recipes on The Food Network. They have so much variety and it's easy to search. I love to serve soup on Sunday evenings so that is why there are many soups recipes. Bon appetite!

In the groove again...

I can't believe it but Ivan has been in school for three weeks now.  His first day was August 13.  He appears to be enjoying his new teacher, Mrs. Perry.  She has taught third grade at his school since 1998, so she knows how things run and what to expect from third graders.  J and I really like her too.  She is loving and kind, but clearly in control of her classroom.  I foresee another good year for Ivan.

On another note, Ivan finally reached his $127.32 goal and purchased the Hogwarts Castle Lego set.  He earned the money to do so by saving his birthday money, doing his weekly chores for which he is paid a (very small) commission, and by picking-up pine cones in Nana and Papa Wayne's yard.  We pay him a penny per pine cone and I think he has picked up something like 5000 in the past couple of months over there.  I wish I were exaggerating.  He has been saving right along since March when he decided that he really wanted this Hogwarts set.  J and I have tried to help by offering him opportunities to earn an extra $.50 here and there.  He has been very disciplined with his savings and has denied himself many times when we have gone to Target or Wal-mart and he has seen something less expensive that he wanted in the moment.  However, whenever I would say "It's fine with me if that's what you want to spend your money on, but remember it will take XX dollars away from your savings for the Hogwarts set."  Hogwarts won every time and now it is finally here.  He is putting it together as I write this.  1200 plus pieces of pure
Lego joy for my little boy.  

Most Improved!

Last night was Ivan's swim team banquet.  He was named the Most Improved 7-8 boy for this season!  All of that hard work he put in paid off, and a couple of 1 breathers didn't hurt either.  Way to go son.

edited to add:

August 19, 20012 - Tonight was Ivan's tennis team banquet.  Coach Jim awarded Ivan the "Coaches Award" for the 8U group!  Ivan had an AWESOME attitude win or lose every single match.  He worked really hard this summer on improving his tennis game too, but I think that the good attitude put him on top for this award.

Proud Mom over here.

Quick Takes #4

--- 1 ---

I can not believe that a week from tomorrow, we leave for our annual week at the beach!  This is the big family trip of the year.  My parents, my sister and her family are all there.  It is a week of fun, sun and chaos!  You never come home rested but it is always fun!

--- 2 ---

One week until the 2012 Summer Olympics officially begin!!  Our family is Olympic junkies.  J will watch anything if those 5 rings are involved.  Ivan and I are a little bit more discerning, but not much.  My sister and I swam competitively as kids and teens, so our whole family will be watching the swimming while we are at the beach together.  I can't wait!

--- 3 ---

J will be moving to a new job on Monday.  He is still with the same company, but in a different position.  He will now be a Project Manager as opposed to a People Manager.  The job came with a nice raise and extra bonus opportunity.  J is excited to be in a challenging new role, but I know that he is a bit nervous as well.  Neither of us loves change...at first.  Sadly, J will be travelling on business during the beach trip this year.  With the new job and all the timing is not right for vacation.  

--- 4 ---

We are having a great, but busy summer this year!  Ivan is on the swim team at our local pool, and on the tennis team too.  Those two teams have kept us hopping this summer.  Plus of course he had VBS and a week of basketball camp.  I don't believe in over scheduling Ivan's summer, but these were all things that he wanted to do and has enjoyed them immensely.  Now that we are almost done with swim team (this was our final week) we are really just down to tennis from here on out.  Also, as he gets older I see that he can handle more activities without getting overwhelmed.  

--- 5 ---

We are continuing to "church shop" this summer.  We gave our official resignation at the beginning of summer to our old church.  It's been more difficult than I would have hoped, but in the end it will be worth it because we will be where God wants us to be.

--- 6 ---

Wednesday we celebrated our 7th Family Anniversary Day!  We went to dinner at a local fondue restaurant at Ivan's request and enjoyed being together.  My Mom and Dad gave us a lovely keepsake book with all of the emails and pictures that we sent home while we were in Kazakhstan that summer.  It's a real treasure.

--- 7 ---

J and I have begun to plan our surprise trip to the "Happiest Place on Earth" .  Our code name for the trip is Las Vegas.  We have booked a hotel room and secured park tickets.  Now we are trying to plan for our dinner reservations, so that when we are 180 days out I can call and get our tables reserved.  We are planning to give this to Ivan as a Christmas gift this year.  We will be travelling during his winter break in February.

For more Quick Takes, visit Conversion Diary!

Swimmer of the Week!

Today Ivan was named as the 7 - 10 year old boy swimmer of the week for our summer swim team!  He works so hard at every practice.  He may never be like Michael Phelps, but he sure tries hard.  The coaches were particularly impressed with how diligent he is about counting his strokes into the wall in backstroke every. single. time.

Way to go son!

Daybook #4

FOR TODAY 

Outside my window...sunny and warm.  It's not HOT yet, but it is definitely starting to heat-up around here.  

I am thinking...that I can hardly believe that Ivan's last day of school is next Wednesday!  However, I am looking forward to the more relaxed pace that summer brings...eventually.

I am thankful...that I was able to spend a very relaxing lunch with my mom and sister today.  It is such a blessing to have them so close by.

In the kitchen...nothing today!  I went out for lunch and Joe will be out for dinner.  Ivan wants to eat at the pool after swim team.  A day off for mom!

I am wearing...a teal colored top and black polka dot capri pants.  The little polka dots are all different colors (teal, pink, yellow, white and lime green).  

I am creating...my Pinterest account.  I entered the world of Pinterest this week and so far I am really enjoying all of the things that I am discovering.

I am going...to the pool with Ivan for swim team practice in just a few minutes.

I am wondering...if I will finish this before I go to the pool.

I am reading...Margaret George's Queen Elizabeth.  So far so good.

I am hoping...that I will not get too hot at the pool.  I was not planning to swim today, but the temp may send me into the water.

I am looking forward to...being home this weekend!

I am learning that I want to develop a hobby or two.  I love to cook, but trying new things can get expensive.

Around the house...clutter.  I need to get busy putting things away tomorrow.  

That's all I have time for now.  I hope that everyone out there is well!

Thanks to Peggy for hosting the Simple Woman's Daybook!

Daybook post #3

FOR TODAY 

Outside my window...rain.  It is in the low 60's and raining.  That's OK though, we desperately need the rain to wash away all of the pollen that has been polluting our sinuses for the past two weeks.  Rain on I say.

I am thinking...that I am sorry that Ivan's tennis match was cancelled this morning, but that it was awfully nice to have a morning at home.

I am thankful...that we are leaving for our Spring Break beach trip next Saturday!

In the kitchen...As I prepare for a fore mentioned beach trip I have lots of cooking to do this coming week.  Off the top of my head I know that I will be making dill dip, sausage balls, apple cake and chocolate chip cookies.  We love to have good stuff to eat when we are on vacation.

I am wearing...my pajamas.  A light purple shirt and light green flipflop/polka dot Capri pajama pants.  

I am creating...my own laundry detergent!  I am ridiculously excited to make this recipe and see what we think around here.  

I am going...to dinner and a show tonight!  Ivan's school is performing "Annie" this year as their spring musical and we have tickets for tonight.  J received a gift card for Christmas and we are planning on using that to cover dinner at a nearby restaurant.  

I am wondering...what church we are going to visit tomorrow morning for worship.  It is J's turn to choose and as of last night he had not decided yet.  

I am reading...nothing at the moment.  I finished my book last night and need to check-out a new one today.

I am hoping...that I will get everything done that I want to this week before we leave for the beach.  I have a fairly long list, but if I put my head down I know that I will get it all done.

I am looking forward to...the beach!  That is where my heart is right now...vacation.

I am learning...that I really want to follow God's plan for my life.  I am happier on the days that I get up and pray and study the Bible.  Those days, in contrast to the days where I choose to sleep-in, are so much calmer.

Around the house...J is watching a sports show that he enjoys, Ivan is building his latest Lego project, and Oliver is asleep on his pillow in the den.

I am pondering...how many churches we will have to visit before we enter the one that God wants us to call our new home.

A favorite quote for today...When you look at the world in a narrow way, how narrow it seems! When you look at it in a mean way, how mean it is! When you look at it selfishly, how selfish it is! But when you look at it in a broad, generous, friendly spirit, what wonderful people you find in it.

- Horace Rutledge

One of my favorite things...spending time with my family.  I really enjoy my boys.

A few plans for the rest of the week: see what I am hoping!

A peek into my day...I will begin to make lists for the upcoming week of preparation.  Plus the dinner and a show that I mentioned earlier!  

Ivan and I saw this rainbow a couple of weeks ago hanging over Ivan's school.  God's paintbrush is awesome.  Enjoy!

Thanks to Peggy for hosting the Simple Woman's Daybook!

Daybook post #2

FOR TODAY


Outside my window...the pear trees are starting to blossom as are the tulip magnolia trees, including the one we planted in honor of our dear departed Jack Russell Terrier, Sherman.


I am thinking...about our decision to leave our church in the next few months.  It's going to be difficult to leave, but I know that it is what we are supposed to do.


I am thankful...that God is giving me such a sense of peace in regards to our decision.  


In the kitchen...hamburgers tonight.  Also, Trader Joe's scrumptious garlic fries and homemade broccoli salad with craisins and almonds.  Mmmmm.


I am wearing...blue jeans, a chartreuse short sleeve shirt and tennis shoes.


I am creating...a Celtic Cross.  I am going in to Ivan's class next week to be their Friday Friend.  When I signed-up for the job I thought that I could read a book and not make a craft, however, I have since been informed (by Ivan) that the FF's always make a craft.  So, this is what I am going to make with the class.


I am going...to a skating rink called Jelly Beans with Ivan and a classmate today.  He is out of school today and we thought that this would be a great way to spend the day!


I am wondering...


I am reading...The Runaway Jury by John Grisham.  I enjoyed my re-reading of The Firm so much that I borrowed this one from the library for my Kindle.


I am hoping...that the transition as we leave our church will go smoothly and that we will show grace and class as we exit.


I am looking forward to...our beach trip in a few weeks!  We are going to the beach for Ivan's Spring Break and we are all excited about it.  Even our little Terrier, Oliver, likes the beach!


I am learning...how to solution an irritating problem!  For far too long I have given-up on keeping Ivan's bathroom sink clean.  He brushes his teeth twice a day and appears unable, at this age, to not leave toothpaste streaks.  I would scrub his sink and within a few hours it would have toothpaste streaks in it again.  So, since I really dislike futility I just abandoned the sink as a lost cause.  However, it bothered me that his sink LOOKED like that!  Yesterday morning I was walking by and it hit me.  Scrub his sink today and just wipe it clean every morning after he goes to school.  That way it will be clean all day, just the way I like it.  Ahh.  Feeling better already.


Around the house...I hear Ivan listening to a book on CD in his room.  Other than that it is fairly quiet.


I am pondering...why I get so nervous and worked-up over getting things wrong.  I mean really, is the world going to end if I make a mistake?  


A favorite quote for today...Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7


One of my favorite things...is a date night with my husband J.  We need to plan one of those soon, however, I know that it won't be until after March Madness!


A few plans for the rest of the week: I will be cleaning the house for our guest next week, J's best friend is coming for the weekend.  Also, I will be getting things ready for Ivan's birthday next Sunday!


A peek into my day...I love looking out of my window and seeing one of these Eastern Blue Birds.  I am blessed to see them all year long here in NC.  




Thanks to Peggy for hosting the Simple Woman's Daybook!

Quick Takes #3

--- 1 ---

Ivan was out for Winter Break the first three days of this week.  It was really nice spending some extra time together.  We especially enjoyed not having to be so structured each day.  I love structure as a general rule, however, it is always nice to be a little less rigid.

--- 2 ---

I made some more homemade hummus this week.  Yum!  Might I suggest that you read the comments and watch the video before making it.  There are some really helpful hints in the comments.  It is also great with some chipolte peppers mixed in.  Enjoy!

--- 3 ---

I was asked this week to co-chair our church's VBS this summer.  I really prayed about it and am still a little unsure if I am following God's plan or my own fear with my answer.  I declined on Wednesday evening.  Sadly, this has never been a ministry I felt led to serve in, much less co-chair!  I am feeling a little smarmy because I am a "pleaser" and I KNOW that my answer was not pleasing.

--- 4 ---

I went to the dentist this morning.  A good report overall, just a few fillings that need to be replaced.  Ugh. However, at least they are not crowns!  I have had one crown done and it was terribly expensive.  Thank goodness for dental insurance.

--- 5 ---

Ivan's birthday is just around the corner.  He will be eight!  I can hardly believe it.  He is really starting to explore testing boundaries with me in particular.  I need to pray for more patience and consistency in my parenting.  He is a great kid overall, but he is willing to push my buttons from time to time.  I guess we would call that normal!  

--- 6 ---

We are planning a week at the beach for Ivan's Spring Break.  I am getting very excited about this trip.  The weather will likely not be as good as last year (we are going two weeks earlier) but the getting away part should be just as rewarding!

--- 7 ---

I am trying to be more thankful in my prayer life this year.  So far, I have been fairly successful with including thanks for many (seemingly mundane) things each day in my prayers.  However, I feel that I am becoming a little static with my thanks.  I need to really work on moving beyond where I am now and dig a little deeper to share with God my appreciation of all that he has done/is doing/will do for me.

For more Quick Takes, visit Conversion Diary!

Daybook post #1

Thanks to Peggy for the Daybook template!

Outside my window...it is 71 degrees and windy.  That is crazy weather for February even for NC!  Tomorrow's high is a much more seasonal 50.  


I am thinking...that the house is quiet.  Ivan is over at Nana and Papa Wayne's playing with his favorite cousin.


I am thankful...for my Bible study this year.  We are studying the book of Amos right now and I feel that it has a lot that I need to hear right now.  It is reminding me not to worry so much about the actions as the heart behind the action.


In the kitchen...homemade pizza tonight.  Yum!!


I am wearing...my standard at home wear.  Bluejeans and a periwinkle colored knit top.


I am creating...yeah, I don't really create, but boy do I love to BAKE!  I will be baking mint brownies and lemon squares tomorrow for a potluck that we are attending Sunday evening.


I am going...nowhere.  I love that statement.  I have no plans to go anywhere until church on Sunday morning.


I am wondering...if my sweet husband will know that I spent the morning vacuuming the whole house.  Sometimes he does and sometimes he doesn't.  I really like it when he does, I thrive on appreciation.



I am re-reading...The Firm.  I read it about 20 years ago while at the river with one of my good girlfriends.  I could hardly put it down that weekend and am finding the same to be true the second time around.  However, there are so many more distractions nowadays!


I am hoping...to finish this Daybook before anyone else comes home or calls.


I am looking forward to...time with J and Ivan this weekend.  Also, a nice roaring fire all-day tomorrow.


I am learning...that I have very little discipline when it comes to working out.  I decided (along with my best girlfriend) to do 20-30 minutes of Wii Fit 5 days a week for Lent.  I'm on day three and it has been a struggle to get started EACH day!  Once I get going it is no big deal, but getting started is awful for me.  The past three days I have had to tell myself that this was what I chose to do to honor God's sacrifice for me on the cross and that it is NOTHING in comparison to what He gave for me.


Around the house...things look pretty good, if I do say so myself.


I am pondering...nothing at the moment.


A favorite quote for today...It's the hard that makes it great.  If it wasn't hard then anyone could do it.  -Jimmy Dugan from a League of Their Own


One of my favorite things...is watching Project Runway.  I LOVE that show.


A few plans for the rest of the week: Ivan is on Winter Break next week for three days.  We will be spending some extra time together and I am looking forward to not having as much structure as we normally do during the week.  Remind me I said that next Thursday, ok?


A peek into my day...quiet really.  I vacuumed and straightened the house.  Picked-up Ivan from school and went by the library (which was closed oddly enough) and then took him to my parents house to play with his cousin.  Sorry no picture today!

Quick Takes #2.5

--- 1 ---

Last night was the first fire of the year.  We have a real wood burning fireplace in our house, just like the one that my parents have at their house.  I LOVE the sound of a sizzling, crackling fire.  Ahhh, that sound means comfort to me.

--- 2 ---
I know that the statement I am about to type will inflame many people in the world, but I am writing it anyway.  I am listening to Christmas music while I type this.  J and I are really funny about Christmas music.  It makes us smile and it puts both of us in a great mood.  So ever since our first year of marriage, after Halloween we play Christmas music at our house.  The only real downside is that the day after Christmas J is done with the Christmas music.  I, however, could listen to it until Twelfth night.

--- 3 ---
I just finished Margaret George's Henry VIII.  I love historical fiction.  If anyone has any recommendations please leave a comment.  I am an avid reader and would love a suggestion or two.

--- 4 ---

Ivan was Harry Potter for Halloween and he was absolutely adorable (humbly says his mother).

For more Quick Takes, visit Conversion Diary!

Quick Takes #2

---1---

I have been a real bear lately.  I'm not proud of this fact, but it is the truth and there is no way around it.  I know that it is hormonal, but that doesn't make it any better.  If anyone who reads this has any suggestions for taking the edge off of monthly hormonal derangement, please leave a comment.  I would be most interested in anything you have to suggest.  

--- 2 ---

J travelled to NY on business a couple of weeks ago.   It was the first business trip he has had to take in years.  I think that it may have been only the second time he has travelled since Ivan came home six years ago.  Ivan and were busy with his Bible club at church and tennis lessons, so the evenings passed quickly.

.

--- 3 ---

The weather here in NC is gorgeous today.  It is days like today that I love living here.  Our high today is 74 and the humidity is at 23%.  Tonight we will get down to 43.  Perfect weather.  Our windows are open and we are finally getting to experience some fresh air!

.

--- 4 ---

The boys are off on an overnight camping trip tonight.  They will canoe into their campsite and spend the night as far removed from civilization as I think Ivan has ever been.  They left this morning and were so excited about their new adventure.  

--- 5 ---

I have plans for their time away.  I am planning to clean the house, enjoy some good take out and some solitude.

--- 6 ---

We are heading to the mountains next weekend.  My parents are renting a house near Boone and Blowing Rock for several days.  My sister and her family are heading-up today.  They leave Tuesday and we come in on Thursday.  My parents are fun to travel with.  We will take some scenic drives, do some light hiking and enjoy the hot-tub that is on the front porch.  I'm really looking forward to it.  

--- 7 ---

We took Ivan to the State Fair on Monday.  My how things have changed!  He was very enamored of the games and the big kid rides.  He wasn't interested in the teen rides (upside down, crazy stuff) but he was interested in the flying bobs, the scrambler etc.  We all had a wonderful day.  When we got home that night, we were all exhausted.  Overall, I would say that 7 is fun.

For more Quick Takes, visit Conversion Diary!

Quick Takes #1

Wow, the above was easy to add thanks to Jennifer's quick and easy template.  Thanks to Ellen for sharing that little tip with those of us who are "Blogger Challenged" like me!


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It's been way too long since I have posted here.  It's not that we haven't been busy, it's just that I want to share something important and worth remembering.  However, for the sake of memory keeping I must drop that requirement and just get on here and post sometimes.  Otherwise, I forget half of the little things that I want to remember!

--- 2 ---
Ivan is well into second grade now (the first day of school was August 15).  He is thoroughly enjoying his teachers.  I say teachers because he has a student teacher in his class for the first semester.  She has attended Liberty University and has been studying to become a teacher at a Christian School.  She has four children and honestly looks younger than me!  She seems great and Ivan likes her a lot.  His primary teacher is a little older than me and has two children who attend Ivan's school.  So far he is having a very successful year in all respects.  We'll take each week as it comes though.

--- 3 ---
Our sweet Cairn Terrier, Oliver, continues to be a sweet, little, delight for the whole family.  He has hair for days, but thankfully doesn't really shed.  I am trying to get a handle on how to hand strip his coat myself, at least partially.  To have it done by a professional is very expensive.  

--- 4 ---
I am no longer watching my wonderful niece CCB in the afternoons, as she has started kindergarten this fall.  Her school does not get out until 3:45, so there is no need for me to watch her.  I miss seeing her on a regular basis and so does Ivan.  However, it gives me some time back that I was spending in carline at preschool.  

--- 5 ---
J and Ivan visited the USS Yorktown with their Y-Guides tribe last weekend.  They had a blast from all reports.  They slept on the boat for two nights and ate all of their meals on the boat.  Ivan even brought me back a recipe for 10,000 chocolate chip cookies.  The recipe calls for 500 eggs.  It is said that when the ship was active they made this recipe at least every other day. 

--- 6 ---
While the boys were on their trip  I was here alone for 48 hours (just me and Oliver).  It was bliss.  I really needed the time to myself.  They arrived home Sunday afternoon and I felt recharged and rested.

--- 7 ---
Last, but certainly not least, J and I celebrated our 15th wedding anniversary this month.  I love him so much, and know that he is the man that God wanted me to partner with for this lifetime and I am so grateful.

For more Quick Takes, visit Conversion Diary!

Outstanding Student and All A Honor Roll!

Ivan finished First Grade today with flying colors!  His teacher selected him as the "Outstanding Student of the Year" in her class.  Ivan's teacher chose him because she felt that Ivan most thoroughly represented the Christian characteristics that the school is striving to instill in the children.  Obviously, J and I are SO proud of him.  He is a  wonderful example of Christ...he is so kind, positive, caring, sharing, loving...the list goes on and on!!  Ivan also achieved the all A honor roll for the year.  He made straight A's throughout First Grade.  His school is definitely academically challenging, so this is a really awesome achievement.  The funny thing is that J and I never really discuss grades with Ivan.  We talk about how hard he works and how proud we are of his tenacity, but never about A's, B's or whatever.  I guess this recognition may change that...only because now he will be aware of "grades".  Second grade is a few months away, so we will see.

For now we continue to be so grateful that God saw fit to place him in our lives.  He shows us how we should live just by being himself.  

7!

Today Ivan turns 7 years old!  What?  How did that happen?  (I think I say that every year, and I MEAN it every year too!!)  I still remember him when we first met him.  So tiny and precious and just utterly perfect.  He is still all of those things to me except tiny.  While he will never be the tallest in his class, he likely won't be the shortest either.  God will reveal that in His time.  He still has a smile that will melt anyones heart.  He laughs often and genuinely.  He plays hard and sleeps hard.  He feels deeply and thinks even deeper.  He astounds me with some of his questions, especially about the Trinity and the power of the Holy Spirit.  Thankfully the Holy Spirit has provided me with some good answers when I was completely boggled about how to answer a question.  He loves his cousin C about as much as any friend he has ever had.  They are like siblings - only better because they are only together a couple of days a week, so they don't argue as much.  He adores his dog Oliver (who looks nothing like that picture now that his adult coat has arrived) and they play often in the backyard.  He loves to put Oliver's food bowl down and cover it with his hands and say "This is MY food and you CAN eat it."  Then he uncovers the food and walks away.  Oliver thinks Ivan is the greatest human ever and loves to help wake him in the morning before school.

My kid rocks and I feel so blessed to have been chosen to be his Mom.  I think about his birth mom a lot around this time of year.  Wondering what she must be thinking and or feeling, knowing that I will never know or really understand.  I am certain that the day does not pass unnoticed.  You don't carry a life in your womb for 9 months then give birth and forget.  I know that much at least.  I pray for her to know that he is well and thriving and LOVED beyond belief.  I pray that she is comforted in the knowledge that he was adopted and not raised in the orphanage.

7, my goodness how fast you have arrived.  No longer a little boy, but a boy.  Before I know it you will be a preteen, and then a full fledged (shutter) teenager!  And then an adult.  11 years until legally you will be considered one anyway.  There are so many adventures to experience between now and then and so many after that time too.  I can't wait to watch them all unfold and walk them with you when that is the right thing to do.  I love you son, like I have never loved anything or anyone.  Keep being wonderful you, always.

Lord, I thank you for the precious gift that you bestowed on me and J.  Keep helping us to raise him as you would will it.  Keep him safe in your arms.  Amen.

First Communion

Today Ivan had his first Communion at church.  It wasn't planned it just happened in God's way and in His time.  (Which of course makes it just right)  We were getting ready for that portion of the service and J asked Ivan if he would like to go up and get a blessing from our pastor.  At first he declined and then asked if he could have communion with us.  J looked at me and I looked at him.  We both nodded and sat back in the pew with Ivan to listen and respond to the ritual.  As we watched the ushers ease their way back to our pew we reviewed quickly and quietly how he was to receive the sacraments.  Then it was time to go forward.  J was marvelously quick and got in the line that would lead us to our Senior Pastor.  He was well aware that Ivan had not taken communion yet and what a big moment this was to J and me.  Ivan took his bread and wine with respect and reverence.  Then he prayed with us at the altar rail.  As I prayed beside him I teared-up at the thought of him taking this large step in his faith life.  He is such a blessing to behold.