Home Sweet Home

Christmas Thought: Success

noreply@blogger.com (Nora) — Thu, 24 Dec 2009 04:10:00 +0000

11 so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it.

Travis and I have had many discussions lately about success. One of the reasons has been our celebration of Travis' sucess this year in his job. He has kept a job in the same company for a year now AND done well, getting recognized and promoted for his efforts. This was not the case for the first couple years of our marriage-- he held a series of jobs that were poor fits and with less well run companies. His has been a long path to get on the road to success. It is paved with none less than his blood, sweat and tears. And Travis and I agree that there is still a road ahead of us. As you celebrate this Christmas season, we remember that God is always successful with his purposes and plans.

---don't you love Isaiah and how many promises are found in it??

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Christmas Thoughts: Part 6-- Making Room

noreply@blogger.com (Nora) — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 16:50:00 +0000

Isaiah 54:2 “Enlarge the place of your tent, and let the curtains of your habitations be stretched out; do not hold back; lengthen your cords and strengthen your stakes."

When I moved to Arizona four years ago, this was a crucial promise for me. The Lord spoke through this verse as I struggled with the difficulties of moving, getting married, adjusting to a new church and family, and, ultimately, the growth process. It was a stripping process. It was painful at times. But ultimately it was about making room. Instead of accepting the status quo and the comfort of what I already knew, God was enlarging my heart and my life.

At times when we feel crowded by life's responsibilities, it can be easy to hold back in our lives. We are afraid, we are uncomfortable and we would rather have our security. God is not about fear. He is not uncomfortable with His purposes. And he promises that "The Holy One of Israel is your Redeemer" vs 5.

As you look at this Christmas season, how are you making room in your life for Christ? As you look at the new year filled with anticipation-- or are you filled with fear? God wants us to prepare our hearts for his plan-- which usually involves stretching growth. Make room for Him!

I know God is preparing my heart for the stretching (literally) of adding another child. And instead of getting caught up in the "How am I going to's??!", I want to prepare my heart to make room first for Christ, who is a good Maker! I would love to continue to remember that God has always been faithful--

my steadfast love shall not depart from you, and my covenant of peace shall not be removed,” says the Lord, who has compassion on you. 54: 10

He brought me through that inital season and he will be faithful again, no matter how crowded I feel by my life's responsibilities and difficulties.

Christmas Thoughts: Part 5

noreply@blogger.com (Nora) — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 20:04:00 +0000

Isaiah 52:1 Awake, awake, put on your strength, O Zion; put on your beautiful garments, O Jerusalem, the holy city

For some reason this verse helped me this morning as I was battling back tears about my father's depression. It reminds me that God will indeed clothe us with his righteousness despite our wayward weakness. It reminds me simply to put on Christ in this Christmas season. There is hope in the city of God for his chosen ones. And that day there will be no more sorrows--for indeed he has "borne our sorrows" yet given us the promise and hope of everlasting and joyful life with Him.

Thoughts postponed

noreply@blogger.com (Nora) — Sun, 20 Dec 2009 20:54:00 +0000

Down and out with a cold... and we dropped our other laptop on Friday (that makes two in two weeks)... so we are praying that God would continue to speak to you through His word during this holiday season. We'll be up and running on Monday hopefully.

Thought Four- A Prayer

noreply@blogger.com (Nora) — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 22:42:00 +0000

This morning I was struck by the possible loneliness some might feel during the holidays. Whether it be from physical distance or separation or depression, it is possible that we can feel like the Israelites. They were longing for their coming Savior, but the wait was filled with hundreds of years of physical suffering, emotional separation and sinful wandering. God has words for each us in the Christmas season--and He speaks comfort for all who feel alone:

For the Lord comforts Zion; he comforts all her waste places and makes her wilderness like Eden, her desert like the garden of the Lord;joy and gladness will be found in her, thanksgiving and the voice of song.

In winter there is a deadness about the world-- yet, just as there seems to be nothing beautiful, there are still roots in the ground resting for a coming spring. LOur hope is delayed but our Savior has come once and will come again.

Christmas Thoughts, Part Three

noreply@blogger.com (Nora) — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 14:23:00 +0000

This morning's theme is "The Profit of Godly Labor"--sounds good, right? As I read in Isaiah 48 and 49 I was provoked by 49 vs four's question:

"But I said, I have lavoured in vain. I have spent my strength for nothing and
vanity!"

Yesterday was a difficult day for me. Anytime I stay up late I am exhausted by a normal day's activities. Kate woke up sick, so there was the added burden of caring for her abnormal fussiness. At the end of yesterday, and other days just like it, I am tempted to feel like, "What's the point??" Thoughts run through my head like my floors are still dirty, my kitchen is dirtier, and I really wanted to have enough energy for my husband!

In this Christmas season, I want to remember the strength of God's redeeming purposes for those days and moments by applying this answer found in chapter 48 vs. 17:

"Thus says the Lord, Your Redeemer the Holy One of Israel. I am the Lord your God who teaches you to profit, who leads you in the way you should go"

The ESV study bible says "The servant confesses his sense of failure due to Israel's poor response yet the servant does not turn from God in cynical unbelief. He accepts emotional suffering and frustrating toil with confidence that God will reward him."

In this season, I want to encourage my own soul with the promise that the Lord teaches us to profit from every effort and labor that we undertake in His name.

Christmas Thought Two

noreply@blogger.com (Nora) — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 14:36:00 +0000

Isaiah 46: 9 "for I am God, and there is no other, declaring the end from the beginning and from ancient times things not yet done."

This morning I am reminded by this verse of waiting. I think we all have experienced waiting for events or things to begin or end. This year I am freshly aware of how God has beginnings and ends for all things according to His good will. I always just wanted the process to be over and to get the result. Those years I was "house-less" and "child-less" and "spouse-less" are over. I have a wonderful husband, a funny daughter and one child on the way, and a beautiful home. The lessons the Lord taught me in those seasons were truths to LIVE. He taught me that patience isn't about just waiting until you get what you want or think you deserve-- it is about accepting what He gives, when He gives it. The delay was always Him waiting to provide something better, richer or fuller. As we celebrate Christmas, let us wait on Christ. Let us wait for His goodness, His richness and His fullness, not just the gifts He gives His children.

Christmas Thoughts- Part 1

noreply@blogger.com (Nora) — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 20:42:00 +0000

I am reading through Isaiah in preparation for Christmas and wanted to encourage everyone with twelve days...errr, ten...daily meditations. Today I was encouraged by these words:

Isaiah 45:24 “Only in the Lord, it shall be said of me,are righteousness
and strength"

As we all prepare our homes, our tables, and our families for the holidays, we must also prepare our hearts with the strength of his promises. Let us remember that it is only in the Lord that we find all our righteousness--that we deserving nothing and yet we have received everything--as well as all of our strength--which is especially important as we make the final push in the next ten days.

Snow, snow, snow, snow, snow

noreply@blogger.com (Nora) — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 02:21:00 +0000

We were so fortunate to have snow while here in Maryland--Kate's first and my first in almost four years! We have enjoyed our time here in Maryland, seeing friends and family, cooking, fixing a few things around the house, and getting everyone into the Christmas spirit.

Happy Thanksgiving

noreply@blogger.com (Nora) — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 23:00:00 +0000

Joy and blessings from the Shanks on this day of thanks--we have much to be thankful for, even when this little one woke me up at 4 am--but as I lay there snuggled in my warm bed, in my own house, with my belly and womb full, and my girl snuggled in my arms with my husband's toes touching mine, I thought, "So much to be thankful for"

Meatless meals

noreply@blogger.com (Nora) — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 19:59:00 +0000

I always fall back on the favorite Lentil Casserole, but my friend Becky proposed a new stand-in that was surprisingly good. Both my husband and daughter ate two bowls of it each.

Apparently this is from Nourishing Traditions?

Barley and Broccoli Casserole

2 cups barley, soaked overnight, drained
4 cups chicken broth
1 bunch green onions, chopped
3 cloves garlic, chopped
1 lb. broccoli, trimmed into florets
16 oz cottage cheese
4 oz cheddar cheese, shredded
Salt and pepper.

Cook the barley in the chicken broth (I added the garlic midway through). Then mix together the remaining ingredients, minus the cheese, and season. Put into a 9X13 pan and sprinkle with the cheese. Cover with foil. Bake at 350 for 30 minutes.

Pumpkin Granola

noreply@blogger.com (Nora) — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 19:43:00 +0000

Among our all things fall activities, Kate and I made an exceptionally good batch of granola the other day, using her fresh little pumpkin we baked.
---
Pumpkin Granola

In a large mixing bowl, mix together:
9 cups old-fashioned oats
1 cup each: coconut, sunflower seeds and pepitas
1 Tbsp. cinnamon
1 Tbsp. nutmeg
1 tsp. allspice
1 Tbsp. ginger

Boil in a medium saucepan:
1 cup honey
1 cup brown sugar
3/4 c. oil
1 cup water
1 cup pumpkin puree
Once brought to a boil, remove from heat and add 1 tsp. each vanilla and almond extract

Pour wet over dry ingredients, mix thoroughly, let stand 5-10 minutes. Bake on 2 foil-lined baking 1/2 sheet pans at 325 for 15-20 minutes. Stir and rotate pans. Bake an additional 15 minutes. Continue this process until granola is lightly browned. Let cool completely and store in an air-tight container.

Enjoy!

Halloween

noreply@blogger.com (Nora) — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 19:25:00 +0000

A spur of the moment trip to Old Navy got me this costume for Kate for $1...loving the coupon blogs...so we went with the theme. Kitty cats and Travis wore a "Hello. I'm ___" sticker as "Tom Kat..and those are my kittens". As you can tell, Kate liked the loot better capturing the event. Should have taken the pictures earlier.

Announcement

noreply@blogger.com (Nora) — Sat, 24 Oct 2009 19:40:00 +0000

If you didn't catch it on facebook...Number 2 Baby is on their way-- due around late May.
I only had three weeks of feeling nauseous and fatigue--and at week 10 I am feeling much better. Sonogram pictures were done but the baby looks like a gummy bear, according to the sonographer, which is funny, but accurate. We'll get some better pictures around 20 weeks, as well as hopefully figure out if it's a girl or boy!

Kate at 15-16 months

noreply@blogger.com (Nora) — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 13:00:00 +0000

We went to a late night party the other night...and she has NO problem staying up late when around other people. This is the cute shirt my brother gave her last Christmas...glad it got cold enough the other day for her to wear it before she grows out of it. These pictures show a little of her faces--the 'whoa" face she makes when something delights or surprises her. More teeth are coming in slowly: she has all four front teeth, one eye tooth, and one molar. We're working on the other molar on top. Maybe then she'll chew some meat. She has about 40-50 words, not clearly spoken but intentional, nonetheless. At her check-up she was 75th percentile for height and 60th percentile for weight, and her head is still a peanut.
Her favorite comedian is Mason, aka "Mace", who makes her laugh like no one else. You can view it here if you're on facebook. She has more attitude than ever, keeping us busy with her "mean" face and her opinions on what she does and doesn't want to do.
Most of all we are happy that she is a healthy, beautiful little girl who bring everyone so much joy!

The broom

noreply@blogger.com (Nora) — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 13:00:00 +0000

Let me explain our relationship.
There is no other phrase more appropriate than,"all day, every day", especially for life with a 16 month old. Dark hardwood laminate floors are beautiful, but not when peppered with breakfast's dried out scrambled eggs, a stray assortment of snacks, the cook's accidental droppings, and coffee cake crumbs mixed in with a little outdoor chalk dust and the regular variety of dirt.
Thus we spend a lot of time together.
We have bonded.
We hold hands every day, unless I am cheating with the vacuum. We get together after meals, in between meals and in the morning and at night. We are very committed.
Until a new relationship replaces me; but, alas little Kate is still a little young for starting a relationship...even if it is only with the broom.

All Things Coupon

noreply@blogger.com (Nora) — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 20:56:00 +0000

Meet the "coupon lady".
She stands in line for twice as long as you.
She questions every price; she wheels the cart around with authority.
She grills the cashier.
She might even wear her hair in curlers with the plastic hat tied under her chin.

That was then.
This is now.

Meet me.
The newest convert.
After several months of out-of-control grocery months, I caved. My friend Steph convinced me with promises of extra cash to eat out, buy gifts and clothes and has greatly helped me source some of the best ways to keep my grocery budget down.

Down to $40 per week.
No, I am not joking.
And it takes me ten minutes a week, the cost of a Sunday paper and my computer.

Here's the cheapest way-- follow this site and find your state's "Screaming Deals"
and then buy:

1) only the items you need
2) stock up on only the 5-star items

It's really easy with this site: www.pinchingyourpennies.com
And I am not buying junk.
It's what I did already, except helps me cut down the cost of the few premade basic items I do purchase like pasta, applesauce, cereal, icecream; and, it helps me discipline myself to buy only the items I really need or that are really cheap. It even helps me figure out where produce is cheapest!

So now if I could only use all that money to buy a fabulous new wardrobe with all those great fall accessories :)

Fall Beginnings

noreply@blogger.com (Nora) — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 21:06:00 +0000

No air-conditioning today. It is cooler many other places around the world. For us, in Arizona, this is the tipping point.
A warm sun but cool, cool air.
The highs this weekend will only reach 88 degrees.
We had Mushroom Barley Soup last night from Frog Commissary with warm buttered biscuits.
Kate and I took a trip to the library.
We bought our pumpkin.
No sweaters but long pants all day long. What a relief not to be wearing shorts.

Ciao Bella

noreply@blogger.com (Nora) — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 22:25:00 +0000

We're back!
What a trip! We loved every minutes; some more than others, but how could you not love all those smaller moments, even like every lick of Italian gelato?

And we're off...

noreply@blogger.com (Nora) — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 20:08:00 +0000

On Tuesday, we leave for two weeks in Italy.
Kate will be partying with friends and family while we are gone.
Ciao!
See you when we get back.

A New Look

noreply@blogger.com (Nora) — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 21:54:00 +0000

I told you.
I am on a quest to update.
Feeling better already.
Wardrobe is coming together for Italy.
Hair appointment tomorrow *who knows what will happen**
and a new look for this blog...my sister told me my background was "a little much".
Thanks sis.
I simplified.

ps...if you haven't seen it yet, check out what Kate has been doing while I've been working here

Laugh

noreply@blogger.com (Nora) — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 20:45:00 +0000

I had to post this photo. It is just classic. that's what you get for taking your children to museums :)

Ever feel...

noreply@blogger.com (Nora) — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 22:36:00 +0000

like you WISH you could do something, see something, be something, cook something or look more than just something?

All those things have evaded me recently.

Realized most of my clothes have past the five year old mark and the sweater I wore to work yesterday has reached decade status.
All my purses are just old, abused and unused.
My staple shoes are battered Rainbows and Dansko clogs.

Two weeks of work have made my menu plan look like this:
Spaghetti
Pizza
Steak
Pad Thai
Frozen lasagna

I am on a quest to update. Update my hair (appointment next week!) update my wardrobe, buy a fabulous Italian purse, buy some impractical shoes and come back from Italy and bake some fabulous time waster cookies like these.

Once I return, I shall update this blog and return to the world more than just in something mood.

noreply@blogger.com (Nora) — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 15:31:00 +0000

Gigi, we miss you...we wish we could be playing with you this week too!
Don't be too sad about Emily-- remember I am going to be MUCH closer than she is...you can always visit me :)

A Mental Photo

noreply@blogger.com (Nora) — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 21:00:00 +0000

She stood there. Naked. Delighted.
Her shoulders were slightly raised; arms up in the air with open palms.
She had a quizzical smirk on her face.
The drops poured down on over her pigtails.
She must have just realized what it was-- it wasn't just about being wet.
It was a shower of drops.
They must have tickled because she kind of giggled.

The golden evening light in the pool shower made the moment even more magical.

It was an image I thought to myself, "This is one of those moment you will try and remember for your lifetime. When it was just her and nobody else. "

I will try to remember when you were just one, and it was just the three of us at the pool on a Sunday afternoon. I will try and remember that you were only two tiles high. I will try and remember when it was the mere magic of a shower that delighted you.

As Emily's time to leave for Africa approaches and I spend these days here at work away from Kate, I think very much about mothering and "sending off" children. I am sad only because I know my turn as a mother will come one day to say goodbye too. I am sad only because as mother, a little more space widens between us and our children every single day--they crawl, then they walk, then they ride away... It is like we stand as mothers with a magnifier focused intently on their joy and pain and then they naturally move away a little bit at a time farther from us. The space is a sweeter, more sorrowful, and fuller experience than I have ever known. It is an irreplaceable joy.