tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-89463203536628136332012-01-19T20:07:24.782-08:00Andreanoreply@blogger.comBlogger3511100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8946320353662813633.post-40747264360805063772011-12-12T16:30:00.000-08:002011-12-12T16:31:08.266-08:00

We sat side-by-side at the dining room table reading the paper. "Finally," he said in remark to the protests in Russia. I giggled in the background. "What's going on?" He told me, and with passion because he gets passionate about world issues. "Oh. That's good, then." I said very Midwestern-like. "Hey, you gotta read this," I said while pointing to the comic strip. He read it, humored me with

Andreanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8946320353662813633.post-73766847076726744282011-11-12T13:29:00.000-08:002011-11-12T13:29:15.534-08:00

  Me thinks I'll be making this hat, perhaps with matching culottes (can anyone tell me why images of anything other than culottes comes up when you google images for culottes).  Cleanse my mind oh Lord! Anyway, I have a skirt that is dying to have a new life as a hat and maybe a pair of culottes...or a vest. See? Hat. Definitely a hat. I have a few free hours tonight.  I think I'll start

Andreanoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8946320353662813633.post-64799511271372238572011-11-09T21:02:00.000-08:002011-11-09T21:03:03.604-08:00

I have been convicted about a few things over the last few days, but it isn't like I didn't see it coming.  It was all part of an ongoing conversation I've been having with the Lord. A wrestling match, even. I've been wrestling with the Lord about some old issues.  It's been a good process, but I guess it's all coming to a head. The other night after I received a word and was mulling it over in

Andreanoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8946320353662813633.post-10522037984158590142011-10-31T18:45:00.000-07:002011-10-31T18:45:08.157-07:00

I made it to boot camp everyday!  Some days I wanted to keep sleeping, but I always wanted to go to class.  Unfortunately, I have not lost any weight. Then again, it was only 4 days of exercise. My wonderful children were strangely excited about taking my before pictures. Giddy Somewhere beneath those layers is a coke bottle figure.  HA!  The boot camp involves going through a variety of

Andreanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8946320353662813633.post-65457084094191494572011-10-25T19:47:00.000-07:002011-10-25T19:47:38.636-07:00

Over the next 30 days (I started Monday) I will engage in several activities that I am hoping will eventually become new habits (interesting link).  These activities are related to my spiritual, physical, and relational health (specifically marriage and family).  I do not expect that after 30 days these things will be new habits, but I am expecting that after 30 days I will have seen enough

Andreanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8946320353662813633.post-38568975578819249382011-10-24T20:49:00.000-07:002011-10-24T20:49:39.311-07:00

  [uh-wey-kuh-ning]  adjective  1.rousing; quickening 2.the act of awaking from sleep.3.a revival of interest or attention.4.a recognition, realization, or coming into awareness of something: a rude awakening to the disagreeable facts. 5.a renewal of interest in religion, especially in a community; a revival.

Andreanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8946320353662813633.post-18242246762968070042011-10-22T05:21:00.000-07:002011-10-22T05:21:00.580-07:00

Horst and Friends/Intelligent Nutrients Headquarters: Cool jewelry and perfume bottles   No turning back Shampoo bed. It looks like a tongue Ready to sleep after my complimentary mini facial and non complimentary brow wax Ebony does my brows just like I like em, but I must still have a lil tan left from the summer. The cut--trying something new: BANGS! The style and finished

Andreanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8946320353662813633.post-35405184056993309332011-10-21T09:43:00.000-07:002011-10-21T09:43:00.123-07:00

I'm having a moment where I'm feeling more pressure than I should for what's going on in my life.  I don't like pressure. Not this kind.  I just want to hide for a little while and listen to music. Over the summer I read a book that was helpful to a degree. On one hand it was the weirdest book I have ever read about being an introvert (or was it the highly sensitive people book?). On the other

Andreanoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8946320353662813633.post-68023645479875815362011-10-20T08:26:00.000-07:002011-10-20T08:26:00.069-07:00

Andreanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8946320353662813633.post-47851502711986937802011-10-18T07:27:00.000-07:002011-10-18T07:27:00.107-07:00

My daughter wants to order this book, but I can't tell if it's going to give her legitimate ways to make money, or if it's just going to teach her how to make money.

Andreanoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8946320353662813633.post-56591404730807306072011-10-17T08:50:00.000-07:002011-10-17T08:50:00.206-07:00

The story of the broken table I think I was a little stressed when I was a pastor's wife more and then there's this one redheaded stream of consciousness

Andreanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8946320353662813633.post-13046447238417368142011-10-16T19:11:00.000-07:002011-10-19T21:43:30.633-07:00

 I love this band.  But even more, I love the truth that is communicated here.  Ah...truth. Ah...music. This song is based on and reminds me of verses that are part of my life's soundtrack. Revelation 21:5Isaiah 61:3Romans 12:2I love that God changes us. We are not the same.  My salvation was a little less than spectacular outside of the joy that it occurred, but there have been AMAZING

Andreanoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8946320353662813633.post-90251252186303671082011-10-16T17:43:00.000-07:002011-10-16T17:43:40.868-07:00

--"Hallelujah, taste like rain." --"Hallelujah, chicka wah wah, yeah baby!"

Andreanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8946320353662813633.post-69581332094512313372011-10-10T18:09:00.000-07:002011-10-10T18:09:40.184-07:00

This past weekend I got to spend the weekend with four wonderful ladies. We talked, we laughed, I cried. They promised that they would cry too by the end of the night, but I don’t think anyone did. They owe me. We talked about a lot of things, but only one topic of conversation surprised me. Poop! I had no idea that a group of women would sit and talk about poop for so long. I just realized

Andreanoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8946320353662813633.post-30161936237631648402011-10-08T16:15:00.000-07:002011-10-08T16:15:22.962-07:00

Last night I said that I wasn't interested in ministering to Christians, and that I would much rather minister to people who truly don't know Jesus yet--the underdog so to speak.  That's not true.   What I meant to say was that at this point in my life I'm not interested in the frustration of being in an ineffective ministry or the hurt that could potentially come with ministering to anyone--

Andreanoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8946320353662813633.post-11862797981777417842011-10-06T21:14:00.000-07:002011-10-06T21:14:19.846-07:00

This normal, working American lifestyle is eating away at opportunities for adventure.

Andreanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8946320353662813633.post-36643257225295102462011-08-05T11:16:00.000-07:002011-08-05T11:16:00.686-07:00

I want to take this grapefruit spoon and gouge my eyes out.

Andreanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8946320353662813633.post-18924946984961214262011-08-03T12:02:00.000-07:002011-08-03T12:02:59.094-07:00

Bald with dignity. As a woman, I have to admit that balding is one of the least attractive natural occurrences in a man’s aging life. Not to say that a man becomes unattractive when he loses his hair. What I mean to say is that of all the things that happen to a man when he ages—compared to the things that happen to a woman when she ages—balding is the least attractive (after ear hair, warts,

Andreanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8946320353662813633.post-68919071911244318882011-07-29T15:49:00.000-07:002011-07-29T15:49:03.538-07:00

I like spending money.

Andreanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8946320353662813633.post-43894282685156884502011-07-29T10:03:00.000-07:002011-07-29T10:03:47.582-07:00

One morning I had a revolutionary idea. The dress I wore needed a few extra inches on the neckline. I didn’t have a coordinating tank top or options to change into. So I decided to wear a leotard underneath. I also figured that there would be no need to wear underwear since the leotard would serve quite comfortably as undies. I wore a bra cause I needed the extra shaping. It wasn’t until I was

Andreanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8946320353662813633.post-62511191927236133242011-07-14T11:35:00.001-07:002011-07-19T09:27:44.608-07:00

Monday is my favorite because I go to my Toastmasters meeting. I get to hear people speak; learn something, and sometimes I speak. Tuesday is probably my most, most favorite-est day ever. Tuesday I have voice lessons, and I will be sad when it ends. Wednesday is youth group. Which quite honestly, I initially dread until I get in the car and get there, because you need energy to work with youth.

Andreanoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8946320353662813633.post-31112005772639831952011-07-13T22:29:00.000-07:002011-07-19T09:27:16.221-07:00

Sometimes I read something in the Bible that makes me close my eyes, clinch the Bible in my hands and hold it to my heart. I lay there hoping that squeezing  it more tightly will make Jesus appear in its place. Awake, awake, put on your strength, O Zion; put on your beautiful garments, O Jerusalem, the holy city; for there shall no more come into you the uncircumcised and the unclean. 2 Shake

Andreanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8946320353662813633.post-90721893268301330232011-07-11T21:50:00.000-07:002011-07-19T09:30:05.518-07:00

It isn't everyday I visit a full service car wash.  I quite enjoy the nostalgia of the drive through auto wash, and the joy of sitting in the car with my kids as the car windows fill with soap. Last Tuesday, I must have thought that my car somehow deserved more than to be left dotted with soap after a  "spotless" rinse.  I must have decided that a good car wash was a good substitute for soothing

Andreanoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8946320353662813633.post-32943527899603366962011-03-09T19:46:00.000-08:002011-03-09T19:46:03.765-08:00

my husband Jesus my children Bachmann's (houseplants) thrifting youth group my friends  my church my hair my skin tone looking young my 30s laughing this gloomy rain-snow voice lessons being creative without being weird not getting depressed because I'm not being creative exercising with my hubby teal nail polish TOMS endless.com hot pink,teal, and green to be continued

Andreanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8946320353662813633.post-18026993747847125872011-03-02T21:35:00.000-08:002011-03-02T21:35:25.754-08:00

Here's a list, as I pull items out one-by-one grocery store receipt listening device gum wrapper w/ ABC gum work badge my wallet membership card holder notepad blank handout for church notes a prophetic word I wrote for someone that I still haven't given to them ROC brochure scrap paper with names of Irish bands listed off by a lady at work  printouts of the songs I'm learning for my voice

Andreanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8946320353662813633.post-59845542958044430952011-02-10T13:46:00.001-08:002011-02-10T13:46:32.699-08:00

Those little brownie bakers probably did not display truth when they said a serving size was only 2 cookies, but they did display a lot of wisdom. My body is not pleased with the rate and quantity of my Samoa consumption.

Andreanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8946320353662813633.post-41055893883116955242011-02-10T08:47:00.001-08:002011-02-10T08:47:23.522-08:00

    2 Cookies=1 serving. HA! Should read: Serving size 14 Cookies

Andreanoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8946320353662813633.post-71125656147373757382011-01-13T17:30:00.001-08:002011-01-13T17:30:19.861-08:00

"Mom! Noah threw popcorn at my face!" "I was trying to throw it at your eye!"

Andreanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8946320353662813633.post-69885167393240183332010-12-14T09:17:00.001-08:002010-12-14T09:17:16.811-08:00

Tuesdays Out of Context quotes or describes a moment out of context. These moments are typically overheard in the workplace, but might also occur at home, or even in my head.Can I get a cup of tea and go to the bathroom? I've been kind of backed up.

Andreanoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8946320353662813633.post-20801216953100835982010-12-10T11:59:00.001-08:002010-12-10T11:59:52.311-08:00

"He is powerful. He is strong enough to heal. He loves us." I wish I remembered the rest, but the above statement he said without thought without hesitation. Afterwards, he essentially started preaching about all the wonderful things about God. I asked Noah if he was a worshiper. He said, "Yep."He is. There are so many feelings he has that he cannot explain and so many actions he does that he

Andreanoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8946320353662813633.post-18297888282297448842010-12-03T08:49:00.001-08:002010-12-03T08:49:47.873-08:00

Below you will find the text from the speech I will give on Dec 6 to my Toastmaster's group. I hope to share many speeches with you.Toastmasters: A Bridge to My PassionI have always been shy. It is a trait I refuse to die with because it interferes with the enjoyment of one of my passions—people. I find people fascinating. I love reading biographies and autobiographies. I drive by homes and

Andreanoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8946320353662813633.post-35468423225779277582010-11-30T20:06:00.001-08:002010-11-30T20:08:08.685-08:00

"I want a baby sister or brother.  I don't care if it's small. I don't care if it's big. I don't care if it's a boy or a girl.  I don't care if it has a [disability].  I just want a baby that I can help take care of and hold. Now."

Andreanoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8946320353662813633.post-62770912613022026132010-11-18T17:56:00.000-08:002010-11-18T17:56:50.253-08:00

I have consistently been frustrated with the education that my son is receiving.  He has only been in school for two years, and if I had it all to do over again I would have waited until this year (or next) to enroll him.  Not necessarily because of his level of readiness, or the quality of teaching (he attends a good school with qualified educators) but because he brings home homework that asks

Andreanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8946320353662813633.post-36492901546802851642010-11-17T21:19:00.000-08:002010-11-17T21:19:55.405-08:00

It's pretty sweet.

Andreanoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8946320353662813633.post-52403668294726279582010-11-16T21:25:00.000-08:002010-11-16T21:25:00.742-08:00

Pardon my lack of linkage, but if you're really interested I'm sure you can find out more on your own. I joined Toastmasters.  Why?  To help me learn to speak and communicate.  I also plan to partake in some leadership training.  I'm a woman on a mission.  I thought I might publish my speeches here in hopes of having something to post. My first speech is an Icebreaker and it is scheduled for

Andreanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8946320353662813633.post-1828792037580415412010-11-16T19:38:00.000-08:002010-11-16T19:39:13.778-08:00

Don't like Justin Bieber. That's 100% right? Not only do they not like Justin Bieber, there is a school playground song that essentially says that he's a whiner with rabies. I know nothing about Justin Bieber except that he has a biography and he prances around on stage like a 20-something year old man with no shirt.   Seriously, a biography?  I wonder if it mentions his rabies infection?

Andreanoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8946320353662813633.post-62195303276388820532010-11-15T21:24:00.000-08:002010-11-15T21:37:32.912-08:00

I've never wanted to go to Bachman's because I thought it was an over-priced flower shop.  It isn't just any over-priced flower shop, it has houseplants too (beautiful pots and a decent As Is section).  Since watering someone else's plants became part of my informal job description I have found an increased need to conquer my weaknesses in plant keeping.  I have only been in Bachman's three times

Andreanoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8946320353662813633.post-21597805546517845422010-11-11T21:47:00.001-08:002010-11-11T21:47:41.449-08:00

I was mad at your blog for being cute. So, I didn't read it.

Andreanoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8946320353662813633.post-69404316127049214652010-11-01T16:52:00.000-07:002010-11-01T16:52:29.046-07:00

It's confusing when inappropriate things are funny. Or when I can't decide if something funny should be inappropriate. Like the "Grilled Cheesus" that came into work today.  A grown man wearing a yellow sweatsuit two sizes small and two pieces of toast--fake toast...well painted on either side of him.  One lady really got a big kick out of him.  "What, did you loose a bet or something?" "No, I

Andreanoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8946320353662813633.post-71560694088375285002010-11-01T16:39:00.001-07:002010-11-01T16:39:58.693-07:00

I threw it away. 

Andreanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8946320353662813633.post-12981021966800949582010-10-19T07:07:00.000-07:002010-10-18T19:08:51.576-07:00

  I bought some the other day and since then I have had horrible allergies.  I haven't even used it yet.  I'll wait until the weekend just in case my throat closes up or something.  I wouldn't want to miss work.

Andreanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8946320353662813633.post-374715882441791932010-10-18T17:33:00.001-07:002010-10-18T17:33:52.877-07:00

now that I've waxed and plucked the hairs on my chin and upper lip.

Andreanoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8946320353662813633.post-80307241661905520112010-10-18T07:40:00.000-07:002010-10-18T07:40:00.452-07:00

On Friday I had the urge to write.  Not blogging, but purposed and practiced writing.  For some reason the thought scared me.

Andreanoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8946320353662813633.post-12258407731682068432010-10-17T19:40:00.000-07:002010-10-17T19:40:45.563-07:00

I often compare my current job to my experience in graduate school.  I suppose I should say that I often contrast my current job to my experience in graduate school.  I tend to do the same, yet with comparison, to my time living in another town, living what now seems to be another life as another person. I almost feel guilty for enjoying my current situations.This enjoyment and contentment makes

Andreanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8946320353662813633.post-73265088287928518752010-09-28T16:39:00.000-07:002010-09-28T16:39:29.681-07:00

Basic garter stitch, with a button hole.  Two skeins of Gedifra.  I saw the yarn in the store and decided that I had to make something with it.  It was easy to work with, but it took a lot of it.  I plan to do another project with this yarn--another scarf type thing that requires 8 skeins. After that I will be done using this yarn (because it cost a lot and requires a lot). 

Andreanoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8946320353662813633.post-82515589417016315682010-09-25T13:41:00.000-07:002011-01-12T20:30:07.019-08:00

A few weeks ago I decided that I would start knitting.  I've been resisting it for so long because yarn, ahem, good yarn, is expensive.  I also had plenty of other hobbies and no need to add to a growing list of unfinished projects. I have this idea that knitting= (relatively) instant gratification.  I really need that right now. Plus, I love knits. Today was one of those days where I had to knit

Andreanoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8946320353662813633.post-63783313999866952762010-09-20T17:39:00.000-07:002010-09-20T17:39:01.112-07:00

successful tiring who knew MS Word could do so many things? I officially get paid to make labels...and be anal

Andreanoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8946320353662813633.post-38403097682433308882010-09-10T07:17:00.000-07:002010-09-10T07:17:00.797-07:00

As I go through the process of giving our family diet a overhaul and reevaluation, my bookmarked blogs have changed from inspirational crafters to inspirational foodies who engage in eating habits similar to the ones we are seeking for our family.  I was super excited to find a new e-book advertised on Heather Eats Almond Butter.  The book was a collaborative effort and includes healthy recipes

Andreanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8946320353662813633.post-74701350504188157442010-09-09T19:03:00.000-07:002010-09-09T19:03:16.785-07:00

Andreanoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8946320353662813633.post-37459991264576817922010-08-26T06:29:00.000-07:002010-08-26T06:29:00.209-07:00

On the way to the store the other day I saw a garage sale.  Thinking that since it was too late to be holding a garage sale, I figured they would offer their items at a discount.  I quickly turned around. As I walked to the yard I thought that it wasn't going to be my kind of garage sale. Then they said, "EVERYTHING'S FREE! Take whatever you want." I didn't think I would find anything, but I

Andreanoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8946320353662813633.post-80730526915926472492010-08-25T06:00:00.000-07:002010-08-25T06:00:06.791-07:00

Moriah has a thing on her toe that we have been treating for some time.  It's gross.  While doctoring her ailment she said, "I want something cool for my toe."  I wrapped my head in bandages, put silver splints on my fingers and decided to scare The Boy.  It was fun.  Then I wrapped her toe in gauze and lots of tape. She asked us all to sign it and we obliged.  Who know signing a toe "cast"

Andreanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8946320353662813633.post-38295814293572022292010-08-24T12:10:00.000-07:002010-08-24T12:13:37.900-07:00

I love just about everything included in a Viva Terra catalog. When the catalog finally comes in the mail, I can be found curled up in a corner drooling while I turn every page and circle everything I want and star the things I think I can make (which are few). When I first saw this globe in their catalog a few months ago, I knew there was no way that price tag would fit my budget. So I decided

Andreanoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8946320353662813633.post-55607559539423839702010-08-24T09:06:00.000-07:002010-08-24T09:06:00.334-07:00

I couldn't resist buying purple potatoes on a recent trip to the Mill City Farmer's Market.  There was a vendor there who sold his produce by the pound.  I absolutely LOVED that option (though I now wonder if any vendor would be willing to do such a thing if asked). Anyway, my eye was immediately drawn to the purple spuds, and since it is my rule to try a new fruit or veggie every now and again,

Andreanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8946320353662813633.post-44895422780143108262010-08-23T08:27:00.000-07:002010-08-23T08:27:59.577-07:00

Nathan and I finally arranged a babysitting swap with some friends of ours.  It is nice to have free babysitting and for it to be with other children that our kids enjoy.  Since this was going to be a late Friday night, the kids got to have a sleepover.  Their friends decorated their house to look like a hotel.  It was the cutest, most unique and inviting welcome they've ever received. They had

Andreanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8946320353662813633.post-23886025940807320472010-08-22T08:39:00.000-07:002010-08-21T12:07:12.231-07:00

make watermelon-basil lemonade As my parents left for Arkansas, they left us a gift.  A giant watermelon. Nathan thinks it was 15 pounds, I think it was more like 30 pounds.  We really didn't know what to do with all of that melon. Should we have a party and only serve watermelon?  I decided to make watermelon-basil lemonade in hopes of putting a huge dent in the amount of melon.  I didn't

Andreanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8946320353662813633.post-12582352722579504832010-08-21T08:19:00.000-07:002010-08-21T08:19:00.171-07:00

I never should have bought little, tiny cups for mini cupcakes.  I never should have made mini cupcakes.  Mini cupcakes are only a good idea if you don't eat ten of them in one day.  I'm sure I had more than that, but I don't want to embarrass myself. After this cupcake binge and all the others of my sored sweet tooth past, I have decided that I need to stick to whole layer cakes (until I think

Andreanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8946320353662813633.post-86674387109013089972010-08-20T08:11:00.000-07:002010-08-20T08:11:08.241-07:00

Although I love sewing, I am slow in production.  When I saw this blog I knew that I wanted to make the eye pillows for my mom and mother-in-law.  I printed off Amy Butler's free pattern and cheerfully ventured to my stash to find the fabric I would use. Ideally, I would have bought different fabrics to suit each mom, but I think I got pretty close to their styles with just the stuff in my stash.

Andreanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8946320353662813633.post-67099431295553083342010-08-19T07:33:00.000-07:002010-08-19T07:33:00.726-07:00

Anyone who knows this six years old boy as well as I do might be reluctant to give him a knife.  Anyone who knows him as well as his father, knows that the reasons for reluctance will only go away if you give him a little responsibility--the kind boys hopefully appreciate.  Although Noah surely appreciated fishing on his own and skinning a stick, he surely did not appreciate his first job--

Andreanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8946320353662813633.post-64125367503170806632010-08-18T07:32:00.001-07:002010-08-18T21:45:49.358-07:00

Yesterday was not a shining moment for me.  I was busy doing some work on the computer when I turned around and discovered a little treat created right behind me. Sometimes my husband doesn't know what to say and sometimes it's better not to say a word, but this was just enough to help me relax about my situation.

Andreanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8946320353662813633.post-14090704114821408722010-08-16T18:07:00.000-07:002010-08-16T18:13:08.077-07:00

There is no meaning behind the name.  My husband and I were brainstorming when he jokingly came up with this one. The more we said the name, the more we liked it.  This is my fourth year blogging and I have had at least four blog titles.  Each name has held some type of meaning that ended up making me feel restricted in my writing. It is odd, yet refreshing to have a title that does not have a

Andreanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8946320353662813633.post-8967203462902879392010-08-15T04:42:00.000-07:002010-08-19T18:10:47.431-07:00

We had the pleasure of hosting my parents for the past few days.  Since we moved here a year ago, I have been excited to show my mom and stepfather our new home--Minneapolis.  Even though they learned of a family death on their drive to our home they still enjoyed their visit.  I hope we were some comfort to them both.

Andreanoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8946320353662813633.post-5229651260598653062010-08-06T08:27:00.000-07:002010-08-23T07:41:37.768-07:00

I finally made time for sewing.  I completed two of the same project.  These projects were supposed to be Christmas 2009 gifts, then they moved to being birthday gifts, then Valentine's Day gifts and so on. At this point in time they are what they were originally going to be when I first spotted them this time last year--"because I thought you would like it" gifts.  Since I haven't given them

Andreanoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8946320353662813633.post-45687347493410032982010-08-04T01:44:00.000-07:002010-08-23T07:49:00.517-07:00

I recently volunteered to be the coordinator of our church coffee bar.  I'm in the process of finding local suppliers of coffee and baked goods.  I've spent a little time researching options on line, but then I finally just went to the coffee shop down the street from my house and asked them where they get their coffee. Yesterday I had the opportunity to go to the coffee supplier and tour their

Andreanoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8946320353662813633.post-38861559625838986482010-08-02T07:26:00.000-07:002010-08-19T18:13:58.447-07:00

Last year I learned about a new ministry that my church wanted to support--Breaking Free.  Learning about the reality of sex trafficking so close to home in America and even closer in Minnesota,  was surprising. Learning more about domestic and international human trafficking broke my heart and turned my stomach.  Since learning about the truth I have killed many cheerful conversations telling

Andreanoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8946320353662813633.post-82263888169106938062010-08-01T13:56:00.000-07:002010-08-19T18:14:33.900-07:00

Family reunion (the cousins--some of them) School buddies Fishing Carlitos Brown Visiting the "sick and shut in" Making books Discovering gooify Miss Kitty and Super Baby Bedtime Stories--The Chronicles of Narnia Learning about density Backyard raspberry harvest A unique wedding cake

Andreanoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8946320353662813633.post-85823409160047858172010-07-29T13:32:00.000-07:002010-08-19T18:15:40.472-07:00

[fanfare] I logged on to tell you all the tale of my bad day and how I ended it in a home all alone with a meal of egg rolls, root beer, and coconut cake while watching a chick flick--Love Happens.  It was surprisingly not cheesy. I think a guy could make it through that one. I also tend to hold a special place in my heart for characters that mirror my own relationship in the most superficial of

Andreanoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8946320353662813633.post-47535991713319649522010-07-20T22:52:00.000-07:002010-08-19T18:16:10.370-07:00

I recently met a woman who was absolutely baffled when she heard my last name. "Now your last name is ______? But I thought _______ was an Irish name. My son-in-law  has that same last name."   She was really confused.  I could tell she was wondering, "how could a black person possibly have an Irish last name? Maybe it isn't Irish in other countries." She paused for an uncomfortable amount of

Andreanoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8946320353662813633.post-57621111803117013752010-07-20T01:06:00.000-07:002010-08-19T18:17:00.316-07:00

One of our neighbors had an "Antiques, primitives, and gifts" sale.  I love that she used the word primitives. Anyway, yesterday everything was for sale and I got a table for free that was priced at $8 and it is made of cherry wood. Today the sale was over, but she left a FREE box by the side of the road.  I let the kids rummage through.  Noah was pretty adamant about being able to look in the

Andreanoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8946320353662813633.post-77956488367404380262010-07-18T01:36:00.000-07:002010-08-23T08:02:28.843-07:00

Noah's room is pretty small.  After doing a little furniture shuffling to accommodate his room size and my storage needs in the kitchen, I realized that Noah would need a tiny dresser and a nightstand. During the school year, I made a habit of stopping by the Goodwill on Tuesdays and Thursdays.  One day I stopped in and found a piece of furniture that could serve as Noah's nightstand and his

Andreanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8946320353662813633.post-22007958318080216982010-07-16T01:12:00.000-07:002010-08-19T18:21:07.836-07:00

Recently Nathan was talking with a mutual guy friend about the friend's bucket list.  Nathan seemed so supportive I couldn't help but feel a little hurt.  I secretly called him a jerk and outwardly gasped at the surprise of it all. August 18, 2008, I created a bucket list.  I shared the items on the list with Nathan.  Before I continue this story I must tell you that every time I share an idea or

Andreanoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8946320353662813633.post-5277018602397896182010-07-15T00:35:00.000-07:002010-08-20T08:01:31.596-07:00

Recently, our family attended a wedding in Alexandria, MN.  We had a little extra time before the ceremony so I stopped at a thrift store while the rest of the family waited in the car. Upon entering the store I was greeted warmly by the lady behind the counter.  She explained the layout of the store and that 100% of the profits go toward programs for battered women. I was pretty much sold on

Andreanoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8946320353662813633.post-36369698261862169242010-07-14T01:46:00.000-07:002010-08-23T07:41:17.056-07:00

I've never been too eager about decorating any home that I have lived in, but the more I read decorating blogs and the more I realize how fun decorating is, the more I want to do it. I have virtually no decorating budget, but I've got a brain that needs activity and I have items in my home that I  had a vision for what they could look like. So, for my creative outlet and my desire to make my

Andreanoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8946320353662813633.post-2633473427504768242010-07-13T13:20:00.000-07:002010-08-23T07:29:58.803-07:00

Hi.  What are you doing?  Right now I'm listening as Nathan reads to the kids book 1 from The Chronicles of Narnia.   We are being wowed as some things are becoming clear in hindsight (since we've finished the entire series and are now on to Hamlet).  I actually could not bare to stay awake during the final Narnia book, and Hamlet is going to be a slow read as we read through footnotes and

Andreanoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8946320353662813633.post-52269374267027370582010-07-13T05:32:00.000-07:002010-08-23T07:42:34.629-07:00

I'm not sure if you all know about the greek yogurt craze.  It's all about lean protein and how Greek yogurt has an amazing amount per serving.  Greek yogurt also typically has less sugar than the fun flavors of other yogurt. I have typically bought Greek God's Greek Yogurt for the texture and the smaller amount of sugar.  When I learned that Greek Yogurt has more protein than the standard brand

Andreanoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8946320353662813633.post-24828906206701586032010-07-07T14:51:00.000-07:002010-08-23T08:05:54.977-07:00

So, I have been given "The Versatile Blogger" award, which is a euphemism for "The Online Journalist Who Can't Think of a Blog Theme" award; also known as "The Random  Blogger" award. I have the lovely Sarah to thank for this award.  I know Sarah from church.  I met her one wild and crazy women's retreat evening.  After downing a free Shirley Temple, I was prone to saying whatever came into my

Andreanoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8946320353662813633.post-67361521809472206742010-06-30T15:51:00.000-07:002010-08-23T07:44:12.332-07:00

say it like that lady from Napoleon Dynamite just after she sees the ship in a bottle she'll get for free if she orders the Tupperware.  Then imagine me saying it like that after you look at this oven. Then take an extra minute or two and take the house tour. After that, watch  Napoleon Dynamite, if you haven't seen it (or you have and didn't like it) . Don't take it seriously, then watch it

Andreanoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8946320353662813633.post-16692471342502844752010-06-28T06:37:00.000-07:002010-08-23T07:47:32.913-07:00

At the beginning of 2010 I made goals for the year.  Goals that were well thought out and realistic.  Since I shared those goals with you and I promised to keep you posted on my progress, I thought the six-month mark might be a great time to update you.1. Write more: I want to write in my journal more and write letters. Handwritten letters.I have definitely written more.  Not necessarily on my

Andreanoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8946320353662813633.post-41156048131789351262010-06-25T06:30:00.000-07:002010-08-23T07:45:24.876-07:00

most days are good meaning I'm aware of God's grace God's peace God's love God's patience... But sometimes In the midst of it all I have a bad day... when  I notice all my weaknesses I notice all of  yours when nothing is good enough and the sky is literally gray and melancholy music strokes my hair and gives me tears to wipe away in the midst of it all I'll want someone to call,

Andreanoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8946320353662813633.post-60400973706230861122010-06-03T04:53:00.000-07:002010-08-23T07:47:32.916-07:00

I happen to be en route when Living On the Edge (LOTE) is broadcast on the radio.  The messages are short, information-filled, and last about 15 minutes. I listen to LOTE often and I only have good things to say about Chip Ingram's messages.  The message this morning is one that I felt compelled to share, because I agree with every word...and that's a rare thing for me to say in response to

Andreanoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8946320353662813633.post-61976970587591094762010-05-31T08:03:00.000-07:002010-08-23T07:47:32.918-07:00

(from top left-bottom right: Quaking Bog, Hand sewing by Moriah, Cycling Couture, Learning to tie shoes, a drummer in a band, camera strap gift, receiving blanket gift, newborn baby kimono gift scaling, kimono detail, Face painting by Moriah, 2, 3, Nat's 2008 Christmas gift, sleeping with the pigs, A day at the zoo, camping in the backyard, my first authentic Belgian waffles, William O'Brien

Andreanoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8946320353662813633.post-58211035944065905672010-05-27T09:28:00.000-07:002010-08-23T07:47:32.919-07:00

Recently, a reader asked me if I had any recommendations for books with biracial children as the characters.  I've always had trouble finding books like that, and it is also why long ago I decided that I would write a series of children's books with my little Moriah as the main character--from board book to chapter book, then adding her little brother as he comes along (he'll also have his own

Andreanoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8946320353662813633.post-17536768607168932242010-05-21T01:30:00.000-07:002010-08-23T07:47:32.922-07:00

If you were to stab me right now, I would bleed chunks of oatmeal "craisin" cookies. I'm sure I should feel some measure of guilt for eating close to 36 cookies in a three-day span (I should stick to chocolate chip, 'cause they aren't my favorite).  I think my family had some, and I know I shared exactly 12 with distant friends. On second thought:  I. am. ashamed.  Ashamed I didn't make

Andreanoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8946320353662813633.post-55323128304112385292010-05-20T12:04:00.000-07:002010-08-23T07:47:32.924-07:00

Almost daily, my children inform me that they heard someone say a bad word, like "the ___ word" (fill in the blank with a letter from the post title).  They pause and ask if they should tell me.  I always brace myself and say "yes" as they reluctantly whisper the forbidden word.Of course we all know that the *s* word, the *d* word, the *b* word, & the *h* word are stupid/shut up, dumb, butt, and

Andreanoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8946320353662813633.post-78377212556753284412010-05-15T01:30:00.000-07:002010-08-23T07:47:32.926-07:00

It doesn't really matter what it's in, being published is exciting! As soon as my copy comes in the mail, I go straight to my submission (because I haven't read it enough already). It's so fun to see my writing in print.   Any personal criticisms that existed before submission are replaced with utter pride in my work. Since I just happen to know one of the editors, I have had the opportunity to

Andreanoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8946320353662813633.post-82969903002951388242010-05-14T01:06:00.000-07:002010-08-23T07:47:32.928-07:00

If I had an expendable income I would buy season tickets to the Twins and the Vikings home games.  I don't follow sports, but I really enjoy watching football and [soft]baseball live. Unfortunately, my husband is a basketball player.  The only thing I get about basketball is that you can make 1, 2 or 3 points with one made shot.  I can't recognize any penalties, plays or positions. Therefore, it

Andreanoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8946320353662813633.post-32094717168394446312010-05-13T11:08:00.000-07:002010-08-23T07:47:32.929-07:00

Each year, our kids' school has a big fundraiser.  It is their biggest of the year.  The fundraiser includes a silent and a live auction.  This year, I made a quilt from squares each student, TA, and the teacher completed.  The end of the story is that I got it done and handed in 10 minutes after the event began.  Here is the rest of the story:One woman coordinated two others to help complete the

Andreanoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8946320353662813633.post-14494077502678163212010-05-07T09:52:00.000-07:002010-08-23T07:47:32.932-07:00

There is a package of molded brat buns sitting in my car. I was going to return them to the store because they molded after only a day in my home. Once I saw that I only spent two dollars on them and it would cost me that much to go to that store, I decided I wouldn't return them. I decided to throw them away. Apparently, I can't remember to take them out of my car and put them in the trash. Now

Andreanoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8946320353662813633.post-31136669741226339482010-05-06T08:20:00.000-07:002010-08-23T07:47:32.933-07:00

Noah is wearing a pink nightgown.  I'm not concerned.  Even though he came down the stairs twirling in this nightgown, I'm not concerned.  The kids are pretending to be in the hospital.  What do you wear in a hospital? A gown.  However, I was concerned when he asked me if I wanted to see his underwear.  I told him to keep his dress down. My children would benefit from same-sex siblings. Moriah

Andreanoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8946320353662813633.post-6954569300156455592010-04-26T08:25:00.000-07:002010-08-23T07:47:32.935-07:00

Moriah has unveiled the solution to making math easier.  This breakthrough technology takes all the numbers, addition, and subtraction out of math.She might be a problem solver after all.

Andreanoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8946320353662813633.post-46692665182550137442010-04-21T00:22:00.000-07:002010-08-23T07:47:32.936-07:00

Today Noah grew in confidence.Today Noah proved to his mother that he only acts like he isn't paying any attention.Today I turned my back to get one child.Today someone wondered, "Where in the world is that child's parents?"Today I felt peace and fright all at once.Today, I lost Noah...again.Noah thinks we all will leave him behind.  So today, rather than look for us, he assumed we left him

Andreanoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8946320353662813633.post-19388209789212972942010-04-05T01:56:00.000-07:002010-08-23T08:08:11.808-07:00

Remember my mention of a coconut cake and  naturally dyed easter eggs? Well here's the final report. Dying eggs naturally didn't work as well as I wanted, or how I wanted it to work at all.  I didn't really take the time to follow any directions, but I now know that there are plenty of  websites that say how they did it.  I won't bother to list them, because not one seemed to be that strikingly

Andreanoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8946320353662813633.post-36539791071079084502010-04-01T10:52:00.000-07:002010-08-23T07:47:32.940-07:00

The kids and I blew eggs. To describe the experience in three words: gross, cool, and ow.We colored the eggs with natural dye made from instant coffee, beets, tea, blueberries, and cumin. Note: Do not try to dye eggs after they are blown.  They will float. We dyed  hard boiled eggs and will draw on the blown ones tomorrow. After blowing the eggs, I had the insides of five eggs waiting in a bowl.

Andreanoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8946320353662813633.post-54830616640824605782010-03-25T23:18:00.000-07:002010-08-23T07:47:32.942-07:00

Well, the quilt top is done. It feels so good to finish something. I say I'm finished because I've always intended to hire out the quilting. Unless someone is willing to volunteer to do it. Any takers? I'd also like to point out those matching seams--could be a first for me to have so many on one project. Now on to the next project: Moriah's quilt top.  This whole not starting a new project until

Andreanoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8946320353662813633.post-22595148124096230002010-03-25T01:24:00.000-07:002010-08-23T07:47:32.943-07:00

Ten years ago today, a couple of kids got married at the ages of barely 22 and almost 21. They didn’t really care about anything other than getting married. School became something that got in the way of being together, but they finished none the less. Today, they see other people getting married at 22 and 21 and wonder why in the world they are getting married so young. Yet they understand what

Andreanoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8946320353662813633.post-67509531574468478352010-03-24T01:00:00.000-07:002010-08-23T08:08:48.569-07:00

Yes, I realize that today is not St.Pat's Day.  I realize that it was a week ago.  Do you realize that I have had the hardest time finding a moment to blog?  Let me start by setting the stage: If you know us or keep up with this blog, you know that we have recently moved from Fargo.  We lived there for eight years.  Six or seven of those years we hosted a St.Pat's dinner party in our home.  It

Andreanoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8946320353662813633.post-29588723424268029182010-03-22T14:58:00.000-07:002010-08-23T07:47:32.947-07:00

[caption id="attachment_2132" align="aligncenter" width="490" caption="Mango cake with mango sorbet & strawberry sauce, courtesy King and I Thai"][/caption]Yesterday, I turned thirty-two. Although it started out horribly, the day got progressively better and I'm so glad it did.  I don't think I will ever have sorrow over aging. The number part, anyway.  I thought I'd share with you some birthday

Andreanoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8946320353662813633.post-7342866960572929102010-03-21T22:30:00.000-07:002010-08-23T08:09:55.928-07:00

This year Moriah and Noah agreed to sharing a birthday party.  I was so glad, because quite frankly, they were not going to have a party this year if they did not share and if we did not do it off site.  In the past I have gone through great maternal lengths to plan parties for them--the decorations, the activities, the cake, the goodie bags.  I usually begin conceptualization months or a year in

Andreanoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8946320353662813633.post-84307189358975079412010-03-19T13:53:00.000-07:002010-08-23T08:10:58.118-07:00

I've been slacking a bit on the blog posting.  There have plenty of blog-worthy events, but those events are why I haven't really had time to post. Sorry.  First up, Moriah had a birthday.  She turned 8 and I didn't get a chance to talk her up on her birthday blog post.  Perhaps the story will speak for me. Moriah wanted to make her own birthday cake.  She chose an applesauce cake from a

Andreanoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8946320353662813633.post-85179527642209487022010-03-12T13:20:00.000-08:002010-08-23T07:47:32.954-07:00

Mom, do you know how you can tell a boy horse from a girl horse?[she's referring to the anatomically correct toy horses  that belong to her brother]The girl horses have two dots and the boy horses have two bubbles.

Andreanoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8946320353662813633.post-10328447732847015872010-03-11T10:48:00.000-08:002010-08-23T07:54:55.340-07:00

A few weeks ago I gave a mini presentation on quilts to Noah's kindergarten class.  I had 15 minutes to tell 22 5 and 6 year olds about something I do.  I linked many aspects of quilting to the things they are learning in class: shapes, patterns, fractions, etc.  I demonstrated the process of making a quilt with a few props. I told them how a quilt starts as a piece of fabric, then it is cut into

Andreanoreply@blogger.com4