Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Monday, July 13, 2009
Happy Birthday, Morgan!
This year was no bore,
I can't believe you are already FOUR!!
Dear Morgan,
You had an amazing third year of life. You grew up so much this year. You started talking and acting like such a big girl. Uncle Rusty and I (and Dakota) had so much fun with you this year. Some of my favorite memories from your third year are:
-during a car ride home after a day of sledding and eating at "Grandpa Kev's" you said, "That was the BEST birthday party ever! I'm soooooo happy!"
-you are usually the only little girl at our house and when the Peasley & Carson boys & Maddox were all rough housing you said, "What are they talking about, it makes no sense?!" I told you they were playing football and you said, "Sports is a naughty word!" I agree, hunny!
-whenever you spend the night with us, one of the first things you do in the morning is greet Dakota by rubbing his face and talking baby talk to him. When he is naughty you say, "You stop that, Dakota Buckingham!!" Do you have an ornery Buckingham in your preschool class? :)
-and it is much more fun to talk to you on the phone this year. It fills my heart to hear you yell, "I LOVE YOU, AUNT H!" over the phone.
Here are pictures of more of my favorite memories from your third year. Happy Birthday and I am excited to see what changes and fun memories your fourth year bring! Could we just make this year go a little slower though? LOVE YOU!
Love, Uncle R & Aunt H
I can't believe you are already FOUR!!
Dear Morgan,
You had an amazing third year of life. You grew up so much this year. You started talking and acting like such a big girl. Uncle Rusty and I (and Dakota) had so much fun with you this year. Some of my favorite memories from your third year are:
-during a car ride home after a day of sledding and eating at "Grandpa Kev's" you said, "That was the BEST birthday party ever! I'm soooooo happy!"
-you are usually the only little girl at our house and when the Peasley & Carson boys & Maddox were all rough housing you said, "What are they talking about, it makes no sense?!" I told you they were playing football and you said, "Sports is a naughty word!" I agree, hunny!
-whenever you spend the night with us, one of the first things you do in the morning is greet Dakota by rubbing his face and talking baby talk to him. When he is naughty you say, "You stop that, Dakota Buckingham!!" Do you have an ornery Buckingham in your preschool class? :)
-and it is much more fun to talk to you on the phone this year. It fills my heart to hear you yell, "I LOVE YOU, AUNT H!" over the phone.
Here are pictures of more of my favorite memories from your third year. Happy Birthday and I am excited to see what changes and fun memories your fourth year bring! Could we just make this year go a little slower though? LOVE YOU!
Love, Uncle R & Aunt H
Sunday, July 12, 2009
Not Me!
I've always read the "not me's," never posted. Guess I needed the free therapy this week ;) (er, I mean I didn't)!
I did not host two different parties at our house this weekend (that would be crazy). And while preparing for one of the parties (not a Hannah Montana birthday party), I did not leave the little girls music playing birthday card out on the kitchen counter all week so I could open it up and listen to the song. That song is not at all catchy and does not at all get stuck in your head. What grown adult would actually enjoy listening to Hannah Montana (or is it Miley Cyrus, I'm confused?)? Definitely not me!
I am not covered in bug bites because I did not sit at my favorite spot and read all night without bug spray. And I most certainly did not do it multiple nights in a row. Who would be stupid enough to do that? Not me!
I did not almost forget to get one of the prizes for our yard games party. So I did not decide some Dairy Queen coupons would be just as good of a prize as a Dairy Queen gift card.... I would not do something that tacky!
And while preparing for said party, I did not entice one of my very best friends to frost the birthday cake because I was "so busy." I did not entice said friend by filling her glass with Moscato. While this friend was frosting the cake (because I was "so busy") who would just sit and watch?? Not Me!
And while I'm at it... I might as well throw this out there too. I did not wake up just 15 minutes before church started today (its a 10 minute drive) and go anyway, sans shower. I did not decide it would be okay anyway because I took a perfume bath before going... I am so very not sorry to the people that sat near me. That crazy, worn out from the weekend, sore from the gunny sack race, smelly person was definitely not me!
Big Picture
"For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways," says the Lord. "For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are my ways higher than your ways, And My thoughts than your thoughts." -Isaiah 55:8-9
His thoughts. His ways. His timing. His plan. His big picture.
He can see all of it. He can see the entire big picture.
One time when I was in middle school, there was a big wreck on the interstate not far from my hometown. Several cars, semis, trailers. I remember driving past and seeing all of the ambulances and the life flight helicopter. I remember seeing people on stretchers everywhere. I remember it was the first time I had seen body bags in real life. I remember feeling so sad for the victims.
I remember that week at church, another family from our church had also driven past the same wreck. This couple had taken their grandson to get donuts before coming home the day of the accident. It took what seemed like forever for them to get through the check out line. The cashier was evidently new at her job and did not know what she was doing. The grandfather grumbled. He was complaining about how long it was taking and how they really didn't need donuts anyway. The grandson, five years old at the time, insisted on getting the donuts despite the long wait. The grandmother said it was okay to wait and grandfather continued to grumble.
Minutes later, finally out of the check out line and on the way home, they came upon the wreck. It had just occurred, traffic had slowed, but there were no emergency vehicles there yet.
Grandfather was upset at yet another inconvenience slowing down his day but the five year old was pleased. "Grandpa," he said, "Isn't it great that God made us wait so long for donuts and saved us from being in this wreck?"
That little boy is no longer so little and every time I see him, I wonder if he remembers this scene? I wonder if he remembers that God always has a plan and that while we may seem inconvenienced, irritated, or down right mad at God, His plan, His timing, is always perfect.
He can see the big picture. He knows what happened yesterday, whats happening now, what will happen tomorrow.
He may "inconvenience" us with long lines for donuts. It's easy to be mad at Him. It's easy to be frustrated with Him. It's easy to blame Him and to ask Him why.
It's easy to to be mad because we can't see the Big Picture. It's hard to look at an inconvenience and see a blessing. His ways are greater than my ways. His thoughts greater than my thoughts.
My prayer today is that I will fully trust in Him. That I will understand while life's "inconveniences" are often hard to bear, that they are a part of His wonderful plan.
Lord, help me to remember that my "inconveniences" are a part of Your Big Picture.
His thoughts. His ways. His timing. His plan. His big picture.
He can see all of it. He can see the entire big picture.
One time when I was in middle school, there was a big wreck on the interstate not far from my hometown. Several cars, semis, trailers. I remember driving past and seeing all of the ambulances and the life flight helicopter. I remember seeing people on stretchers everywhere. I remember it was the first time I had seen body bags in real life. I remember feeling so sad for the victims.
I remember that week at church, another family from our church had also driven past the same wreck. This couple had taken their grandson to get donuts before coming home the day of the accident. It took what seemed like forever for them to get through the check out line. The cashier was evidently new at her job and did not know what she was doing. The grandfather grumbled. He was complaining about how long it was taking and how they really didn't need donuts anyway. The grandson, five years old at the time, insisted on getting the donuts despite the long wait. The grandmother said it was okay to wait and grandfather continued to grumble.
Minutes later, finally out of the check out line and on the way home, they came upon the wreck. It had just occurred, traffic had slowed, but there were no emergency vehicles there yet.
Grandfather was upset at yet another inconvenience slowing down his day but the five year old was pleased. "Grandpa," he said, "Isn't it great that God made us wait so long for donuts and saved us from being in this wreck?"
That little boy is no longer so little and every time I see him, I wonder if he remembers this scene? I wonder if he remembers that God always has a plan and that while we may seem inconvenienced, irritated, or down right mad at God, His plan, His timing, is always perfect.
He can see the big picture. He knows what happened yesterday, whats happening now, what will happen tomorrow.
He may "inconvenience" us with long lines for donuts. It's easy to be mad at Him. It's easy to be frustrated with Him. It's easy to blame Him and to ask Him why.
It's easy to to be mad because we can't see the Big Picture. It's hard to look at an inconvenience and see a blessing. His ways are greater than my ways. His thoughts greater than my thoughts.
My prayer today is that I will fully trust in Him. That I will understand while life's "inconveniences" are often hard to bear, that they are a part of His wonderful plan.
Lord, help me to remember that my "inconveniences" are a part of Your Big Picture.
Twofer
Twofers are great for all sorts of things; parties not included.
This weekend, we hosted two parties in one at our house. We had planned on having a yard games party (Yard Games Extraordinaire, to be exact) at our house, then with my niece's 4th birthday being so close, decided to combine the birthday party and have them at the same time.
Don't get me wrong, "both" parties were a ton of fun. And I would host birthday parties for my niece, nephews, (or anyone else for that matter) ANY time. I just would not try to combine the party with another party... you know, at the same time!
My sisters and their kiddos came to spend the night Friday night. It was nice to have a little help finishing things up. I thought my little sis was going to decorate the birthday cake that was all ready for her... she informed me she decorated it last year, it was my turn this year. So we were up past midnight decorating a Hannah Montana birthday cake. Thank God my friend Jen was here earlier in the day Friday to do the first frosting layers and to give me a break! :)
The birthday girl, of course, had to rock out in her Hannah Montana pajamas with her momma as she prepared for the big day.
Once the cake was ready (you know, past midnight) we had everything up and ready to go (details pictures to come in Friday's "Show Us" post).
The yard games party was super competitive. With a ton of games planned (did I mention I'm married to a PE teacher?). Things went okay, but I would not suggest organizing games, score keeping said games, getting food on the grill, participating in the games, oh and try to be a good "host" while doing all of this.
I would suggest getting all of the adults to participate in the games though. There are some great pictures of my mom in the gunny sack race! (I did post them on the world wide web, but only in a "private" album for the party guests to see on facebook... sorry!)
Like I said, very competitive (did I mention, I took first in my heat?) :)
Break in the "Yard Games Party" for Birthday party. The birthday girl loved her cake and the boys seemed to as well. Here is my niece with all of my nephews. Okay, two of the boys are not technically my nephews, but they might as well be!
Birthday girl opening presents. This is the Hannah Montana Karaoke she got from Uncle R & Aunt H. She later told me her favorite "present" was the pinata. I completely missed that part of the party (which is why I would strongly discourage anyone from twofer parties!).
After the points from all most of the games were tallied, prizes were awarded for the first place losers (they weren't impressed with the "so sorry for your loss" card and the horseshoes prize (you know, because they were so close but close only counts in horseshoes and hand grenades....):
And the champions (what.... just because I won doesn't mean it was rigged.... perhaps you'd like to be the official scorer next year?):
Of course the P families always bring the party and stick around to celebrate until it is way past bedtime. I am so glad they did because we didn't get to enjoy the yard party lights during the day! :)
Thanks everyone for the great weekend, and I promise, if you join us for yard games next year, we'll have the porch finished (finally) and your children will not slice themselves open on the porch "posts."
This weekend, we hosted two parties in one at our house. We had planned on having a yard games party (Yard Games Extraordinaire, to be exact) at our house, then with my niece's 4th birthday being so close, decided to combine the birthday party and have them at the same time.
Don't get me wrong, "both" parties were a ton of fun. And I would host birthday parties for my niece, nephews, (or anyone else for that matter) ANY time. I just would not try to combine the party with another party... you know, at the same time!
My sisters and their kiddos came to spend the night Friday night. It was nice to have a little help finishing things up. I thought my little sis was going to decorate the birthday cake that was all ready for her... she informed me she decorated it last year, it was my turn this year. So we were up past midnight decorating a Hannah Montana birthday cake. Thank God my friend Jen was here earlier in the day Friday to do the first frosting layers and to give me a break! :)
The birthday girl, of course, had to rock out in her Hannah Montana pajamas with her momma as she prepared for the big day.
Once the cake was ready (you know, past midnight) we had everything up and ready to go (details pictures to come in Friday's "Show Us" post).
The yard games party was super competitive. With a ton of games planned (did I mention I'm married to a PE teacher?). Things went okay, but I would not suggest organizing games, score keeping said games, getting food on the grill, participating in the games, oh and try to be a good "host" while doing all of this.I would suggest getting all of the adults to participate in the games though. There are some great pictures of my mom in the gunny sack race! (I did post them on the world wide web, but only in a "private" album for the party guests to see on facebook... sorry!)
Like I said, very competitive (did I mention, I took first in my heat?) :)
Break in the "Yard Games Party" for Birthday party. The birthday girl loved her cake and the boys seemed to as well. Here is my niece with all of my nephews. Okay, two of the boys are not technically my nephews, but they might as well be!
Birthday girl opening presents. This is the Hannah Montana Karaoke she got from Uncle R & Aunt H. She later told me her favorite "present" was the pinata. I completely missed that part of the party (which is why I would strongly discourage anyone from twofer parties!).
After the points from 
And the champions (what.... just because I won doesn't mean it was rigged.... perhaps you'd like to be the official scorer next year?):
Of course the P families always bring the party and stick around to celebrate until it is way past bedtime. I am so glad they did because we didn't get to enjoy the yard party lights during the day! :)
Thanks everyone for the great weekend, and I promise, if you join us for yard games next year, we'll have the porch finished (finally) and your children will not slice themselves open on the porch "posts."
Thursday, July 9, 2009
Veggie Pizza
I stole yet another recipe from the Peasley family. This is Patty's Veggie Pizza. Yum!
Combine the cream cheese, mayonnaise and dressing mix (can add chopped chives, dill, a few drops of hot sauce, etc.) and beat until smooth (I put it in the kitchen aid and let it mix for quite awhile, until fluffy).
Spread the cream cheese mixture on the cooled crust and sprinkle the chopped vegetables and cheese over all. Chill and serve. 
- 2 packages refrigerator crescent rolls
- 2 (8 oz) pkgs cream cheese -- (can use light)
- 3/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 package Hidden Valley Original Ranch Dressing -- (dry mix)
- 4 to 6 cups chopped vegetables*
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Combine the cream cheese, mayonnaise and dressing mix (can add chopped chives, dill, a few drops of hot sauce, etc.) and beat until smooth (I put it in the kitchen aid and let it mix for quite awhile, until fluffy).
Spread the cream cheese mixture on the cooled crust and sprinkle the chopped vegetables and cheese over all. Chill and serve. 
*veggie ideas: red, green, yellow pepper, red onion, cauliflower, radishes, tomatoes, olives, dill pickle, carrots, zucchini, broccoli, mushrooms..... I used cauliflower, carrots, broccoli, and tomatoes. Used the Pampered Chef Mix/Chop to chop them. So easy!
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
What you think about, you bring about
A mentor to one of my very best friends one time told me, "What you think about, you bring about." I know.... those of you that know me well will be surprised that' I got that quote from someone else... but I do like to say it.
"What you think about, you bring about" has been a quote I fall back on a lot. Many times, my husband would be saying how everything bad happens to him, (ie: it will not rain because we got new sod) and I would remind him... "What you think about, you bring about."
I often questioned if it was biblical, but for some reason, never researched it (I know... again, those of you that know me well are surprised by this).
Well, I was watching Joel Esteen the other day and turns out it is! (Okay, he didn't exactly say "What you think about you bring about" but just hear me out...)
The bible says we will eat the fruit of our words:
Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof. -Proverbs 18:21
Even though things seem rough (anyone else had to stop production on a house for a month while waiting on trusses to arrive? letting the bills stack up....) praise God. Say things as they are not (Lord, thank You for the blessings of our house. Thank you for making this a good experience for us). So building our house was tough, but we continue to praise Him and thank Him. And in the end, He blessed us greatly.
As it is written: "I have made you a father of many nations." He is our father in the sight of God, in whom he believed—the God who gives life to the dead and calls things that are not as though they were. -Romans 4:17
Let the redeemed of the LORD say this—
those he redeemed from the hand of the foe. --Psalm 107:2
I will say of the Lord, "He is my refuge and my fortress, my God in whom I trust." Surely He will save you from the fowler's snare and from the deadly pestilence. --Psalm 91:2-3
It doesn't always happen overnight (the trusses took a month, the house project went four months longer than planned on... yup, that's a lot of bills piling up....). But hold steadfast. Keep thanking Him, keep praising Him. He is good. He is always good. Even when we cannot see it.
Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. --Hebrews 10:23
And hun, don't forget, He will provide the rain for your sod!
Ask the Lord for rain in the springtime; it is the Lord who makes the storm clouds. He gives showers of rain to men, and plants of the field to everyone. --Zechariah 10:1
And He will turn those mountains into molehills:
What are you, O mighty mountain? Before Zerubbabel you will become level ground. Then He will bring out the capstone to shouts of "God bless it! God bless it!" --Zechariah 4:7
"What you think about, you bring about" has been a quote I fall back on a lot. Many times, my husband would be saying how everything bad happens to him, (ie: it will not rain because we got new sod) and I would remind him... "What you think about, you bring about."
I often questioned if it was biblical, but for some reason, never researched it (I know... again, those of you that know me well are surprised by this).
Well, I was watching Joel Esteen the other day and turns out it is! (Okay, he didn't exactly say "What you think about you bring about" but just hear me out...)
The bible says we will eat the fruit of our words:
Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof. -Proverbs 18:21
Even though things seem rough (anyone else had to stop production on a house for a month while waiting on trusses to arrive? letting the bills stack up....) praise God. Say things as they are not (Lord, thank You for the blessings of our house. Thank you for making this a good experience for us). So building our house was tough, but we continue to praise Him and thank Him. And in the end, He blessed us greatly.
As it is written: "I have made you a father of many nations." He is our father in the sight of God, in whom he believed—the God who gives life to the dead and calls things that are not as though they were. -Romans 4:17
Let the redeemed of the LORD say this—
those he redeemed from the hand of the foe. --Psalm 107:2
I will say of the Lord, "He is my refuge and my fortress, my God in whom I trust." Surely He will save you from the fowler's snare and from the deadly pestilence. --Psalm 91:2-3
It doesn't always happen overnight (the trusses took a month, the house project went four months longer than planned on... yup, that's a lot of bills piling up....). But hold steadfast. Keep thanking Him, keep praising Him. He is good. He is always good. Even when we cannot see it.
Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. --Hebrews 10:23
And hun, don't forget, He will provide the rain for your sod!
Ask the Lord for rain in the springtime; it is the Lord who makes the storm clouds. He gives showers of rain to men, and plants of the field to everyone. --Zechariah 10:1
And He will turn those mountains into molehills:
What are you, O mighty mountain? Before Zerubbabel you will become level ground. Then He will bring out the capstone to shouts of "God bless it! God bless it!" --Zechariah 4:7
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