This seals the deal. I am whole-heartedly in love with facebook.
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Monday, December 21, 2009
What I'm loving right now....updated with more thoughts and pictures :)
Just because I'm sure most of you woke up on this Monday morning before Christmas and thought "I wonder what Dana's really into right now?"
Well, wonder no further. Rest your hearts. Take a deep breath.
Cause I'm about to tell you.
I have no idea what kind of order this is. Probably in an order somewhat resembling what of these things I enjoyed last.
I'm known for my organizational skills, btw.
And clear sentence structure.
1. Chris Tomlin's "Glory in the Highest" Christmas album. Kristin told me about it this morning (hi, Kristin) and how worshipful it is. She wasn't kidding. It's beautiful, simple and goes deep into the heart of why we worship Jesus.
Exactly what my heart needs today.
2. Now don't make fun of this one BUT....it's awesome and I don't care what you say. :) I found this extremely realistic, virtual fireplace that lasts for TEN minutes! Crackles, pops, everything. I've fallen asleep to it (and then got made fun of) several times already. It's fantastic. Really.
Warning: there's creepy music at the end when it's over, but put that thing on a loop and you're good to go.
3. And what am I doing while I'm all cozied up next to my amazing, life-like, can-practically-feel-the-virtual-warmth-and-smell-the-virtual-marshmallows fireplace/screen??? Reading THIS.
Um, it's attached to my hand. Right now. Can't....stop....reading.
Actually, it's like Josh says, I can't want to. (Pronounced "caint" and "wawnt.")
And from what I've heard, the whole series is like this.
And please don't mistake me for a reader. I'm not naturally. I enjoy it, but it's not my go-to way to relax. This book is just that good. In fact, everything I've ever read by her is that good.
4. Just made these marshmallows to go with peppermint and gingerbread hot chocolate mixes as gifts... and, surprisingly, they're easy to make and taste great! I didn't know marshmallows were supposed to taste that way!
They're like little pillowy clouds of white delight.
Kinda like me. ;)
5. This hot chocolate mix. Alton Brown must have superpowers. One is called genius culinary intuition. The other he shares with my husband.... awesomeness.
You're welcome, babe.
And don't skip the pinch of cayenne pepper. It makes it sexy.
I've added crushed candy canes for peppermint flavor as well as cinnamon, ground cloves, allspice and a little ground ginger for gingerbread flavor.
I've also never been a bigger fan of using milk from a box. It's what separates this recipe from the sad, thin ones I tried.
Sometimes thicker is just better.
Oh! Let me not take credit for all of these kitchen endeavors.
I am always, always, always accompanied by my trusty sidekick whenever embarking on a recipe that calls for 1 or more cups of sugar.
Putting together oreo turkeys is tricky, but I can assure you....not a head nor body came rolling off. Isaiah is now an oreo turkey artist.
6. Our first REAL tree!!! And oh the smells it fills our house with!
(and needles, but who cares)
(Manny's blowing ya'll a kiss. Hence the pucker. He doesn't always look like that, ok?)
7. This one is the BEST OF ALL. Watching said cutie patootie embarking on the glorious adventure called walking.
More adventurous for some than others (right, sweet little niece of mine?). ;)
I really believe these precious few moments getting to watch the first steps a human being takes is one of the highest privileges of being a mom. No kidding.
I've loved every single second of it. It's just freaking adorable.
Hope ya'll keep loving the stuff you're loving!
Well, wonder no further. Rest your hearts. Take a deep breath.
Cause I'm about to tell you.
I have no idea what kind of order this is. Probably in an order somewhat resembling what of these things I enjoyed last.
I'm known for my organizational skills, btw.
And clear sentence structure.
1. Chris Tomlin's "Glory in the Highest" Christmas album. Kristin told me about it this morning (hi, Kristin) and how worshipful it is. She wasn't kidding. It's beautiful, simple and goes deep into the heart of why we worship Jesus.
Exactly what my heart needs today.
2. Now don't make fun of this one BUT....it's awesome and I don't care what you say. :) I found this extremely realistic, virtual fireplace that lasts for TEN minutes! Crackles, pops, everything. I've fallen asleep to it (and then got made fun of) several times already. It's fantastic. Really.
Warning: there's creepy music at the end when it's over, but put that thing on a loop and you're good to go.
3. And what am I doing while I'm all cozied up next to my amazing, life-like, can-practically-feel-the-virtual-warmth-and-smell-the-virtual-marshmallows fireplace/screen??? Reading THIS.
Um, it's attached to my hand. Right now. Can't....stop....reading.
Actually, it's like Josh says, I can't want to. (Pronounced "caint" and "wawnt.")
And from what I've heard, the whole series is like this.
And please don't mistake me for a reader. I'm not naturally. I enjoy it, but it's not my go-to way to relax. This book is just that good. In fact, everything I've ever read by her is that good.
4. Just made these marshmallows to go with peppermint and gingerbread hot chocolate mixes as gifts... and, surprisingly, they're easy to make and taste great! I didn't know marshmallows were supposed to taste that way!
They're like little pillowy clouds of white delight.
Kinda like me. ;)
5. This hot chocolate mix. Alton Brown must have superpowers. One is called genius culinary intuition. The other he shares with my husband.... awesomeness.
You're welcome, babe.
And don't skip the pinch of cayenne pepper. It makes it sexy.
I've added crushed candy canes for peppermint flavor as well as cinnamon, ground cloves, allspice and a little ground ginger for gingerbread flavor.
I've also never been a bigger fan of using milk from a box. It's what separates this recipe from the sad, thin ones I tried.
Sometimes thicker is just better.
Oh! Let me not take credit for all of these kitchen endeavors.
I am always, always, always accompanied by my trusty sidekick whenever embarking on a recipe that calls for 1 or more cups of sugar.
Putting together oreo turkeys is tricky, but I can assure you....not a head nor body came rolling off. Isaiah is now an oreo turkey artist.6. Our first REAL tree!!! And oh the smells it fills our house with!
(and needles, but who cares)
(Manny's blowing ya'll a kiss. Hence the pucker. He doesn't always look like that, ok?)
7. This one is the BEST OF ALL. Watching said cutie patootie embarking on the glorious adventure called walking.
More adventurous for some than others (right, sweet little niece of mine?). ;)
I really believe these precious few moments getting to watch the first steps a human being takes is one of the highest privileges of being a mom. No kidding.
I've loved every single second of it. It's just freaking adorable.
Hope ya'll keep loving the stuff you're loving!
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Human Weeds???
This is no longer a right-wing, fundamental, conservative ballot issue. Like the clip says, it's a justice issue.
HT: Shawnda
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
I Am
Today was hard. Nothing tragic....just really hard.
I was given multiple opportunities today to feel multiple people's lack of approval of me. And while that is a particularly sensitive button with me (perhaps the most), I was also given opportunities to press in and deeply sense God's approval of me.
I've been remembering a song that meant a tremendous amount to me in college. I would often close myself in my dorm room, kneel at my bed and just weep, listening to the words as if God was physically there on my bed playing with my hair as I cried in His lap.
That's what I'm doing today. Crying, listening, letting the truth of these words wash over me.
Maybe you need them to wash over you too.
I AM
(Jill Phillips)
I was given multiple opportunities today to feel multiple people's lack of approval of me. And while that is a particularly sensitive button with me (perhaps the most), I was also given opportunities to press in and deeply sense God's approval of me.
I've been remembering a song that meant a tremendous amount to me in college. I would often close myself in my dorm room, kneel at my bed and just weep, listening to the words as if God was physically there on my bed playing with my hair as I cried in His lap.
That's what I'm doing today. Crying, listening, letting the truth of these words wash over me.
Maybe you need them to wash over you too.
I AM
(Jill Phillips)
Oh gently lay your head
Upon my chest
And I will comfort you like a mother while you rest
And the tide can change so fast
But I will stay
The same through past the same in future the same today
I am constant
I am near
I am peace that shatters all your secret fears
I am holy
I am wise
I’m the only one who knows your heart’s desires
Your heart’s desires
Oh weary tired and worn
Let out your sighs
Drop that heavy load you hold cause mine is light
And I know you through and through
There’s no need to hide
I want to show you love that is deep and high and wide
I am constant
I am near
I am peace that shatters all your secret fears
I am holy
I am wise
I’m the only one who knows your heart’s desires
Your heart’s desires
I am constant
I am near
I am peace that shatters all your secret fears
I am holy
I am wise
I’m the only one who knows your heart’s desires
Your heart’s desires
Oh gently lay your head upon my chest
And I will comfort you like a mother while you rest
Sunday, December 13, 2009
Thumbs up or thumbs down?
I needed a change here. You know, something with more than 4 colors.
So? What do you think?
The thing with picking a template is that they are predecided on...meaning you get stuff you don't need. I have NO idea what to do with the fancy-schmancy stuff up at the top.
(Are you secretly making fun of me for calling it fancy? Uh huh. I know what you're thinking. Don't lie about it. I hear your thoughts. I'm everywhere.)
About??
(I loathe filling out anything that asks for that kind of range of information. About what??? How can you expect me to put the entirety of my purpose for existing behind a button you can click on?!? Maybe I could write something about how undramatic I am.)
And Archives???
I'm pretty sure that's what the "official" bloggers do. I'd prefer to read about them and search through their archives.
But, to avoid future embarrassment, I may contrive something just so you don't always come back to this page every time you click up there. Because that would annoy me to no end.
Oh, and the SEARCH button! Geez. Ummm. What to search for...what to search for...
I have no idea.
I feel pressure. :)
So? What do you think?
The thing with picking a template is that they are predecided on...meaning you get stuff you don't need. I have NO idea what to do with the fancy-schmancy stuff up at the top.
(Are you secretly making fun of me for calling it fancy? Uh huh. I know what you're thinking. Don't lie about it. I hear your thoughts. I'm everywhere.)
About??
(I loathe filling out anything that asks for that kind of range of information. About what??? How can you expect me to put the entirety of my purpose for existing behind a button you can click on?!? Maybe I could write something about how undramatic I am.)
And Archives???
I'm pretty sure that's what the "official" bloggers do. I'd prefer to read about them and search through their archives.
But, to avoid future embarrassment, I may contrive something just so you don't always come back to this page every time you click up there. Because that would annoy me to no end.
Oh, and the SEARCH button! Geez. Ummm. What to search for...what to search for...
I have no idea.
I feel pressure. :)
Wednesday, December 09, 2009
I like winning stuff
Spiritual conversations with a 3 year old that did NOT go well -- part 1
I have a feeling this might turn into a series.
Hence, the part 1.
The scene:
Isaiah was told to take his blanket and pillow to the playroom to get ready for his nap.
I: But Mooommy! I don't waaaant tooooo. There's monsters in they-er. I'm scaaaaay-yerd.
~quick note: if you read my previous post about Isaiah's accent and notice some inconsistencies ("thar" vs "they-er")....we know! It's a complicated phenomenon that we don't pretend to understand. It's taken on a life of it's own. It could very well mean that he's all 7 brands of redneck. Who knows....I'm still analyzing it myself. Ok, back to regularly scheduled programming....
I: But Mooommy! I don't waaaant tooooo. There's monsters in they-er. I'm scaaaaay-yerd.
M: Isaiah, we've talked about this. There are no monsters in there. And you know what? Jesus is always with you so you never have to be scared.
I: Nuh-uh! Jesus does not! live! in my! heart!
See? You feel better about your kids now, don't you?
Well.
You're welcome.
(and if you're still in need of encouragement I could tell you about our, um...nipple situation.)
Hence, the part 1.
The scene:
Isaiah was told to take his blanket and pillow to the playroom to get ready for his nap.
I: But Mooommy! I don't waaaant tooooo. There's monsters in they-er. I'm scaaaaay-yerd.
~quick note: if you read my previous post about Isaiah's accent and notice some inconsistencies ("thar" vs "they-er")....we know! It's a complicated phenomenon that we don't pretend to understand. It's taken on a life of it's own. It could very well mean that he's all 7 brands of redneck. Who knows....I'm still analyzing it myself. Ok, back to regularly scheduled programming....
I: But Mooommy! I don't waaaant tooooo. There's monsters in they-er. I'm scaaaaay-yerd.
M: Isaiah, we've talked about this. There are no monsters in there. And you know what? Jesus is always with you so you never have to be scared.
I: Nuh-uh! Jesus does not! live! in my! heart!
See? You feel better about your kids now, don't you?
Well.
You're welcome.
(and if you're still in need of encouragement I could tell you about our, um...nipple situation.)
Monday, December 07, 2009
Tuesday, December 01, 2009
And since you're shopping....
Ok, here's the post I mentioned earlier. This is a compilation of ways to be Jesus to the needy and forgotten AND get someone a Christmas gift.... AT THE SAME TIME (!!!!!). I'm sure I will forget some so I will add to the bottom of each category as I go. This is in no particular order.
Help bring clean water and other life-saving resources to Africa:
--Junk Posse -- awesome, funky jewelry!
--Millepedebead -- be sure to look at listed with "Non-Profit" in the title.
--Water4Christmas -- they seem to adding to their shop daily.
--Swirls of Creativity -- in conjunction with "Water 4 Christmas."
--White Hall Trading Co -- pimp your blog! All proceeds from blog banners go to "Water 4 Christmas."
--Copper Boom -- all proceeds going to "Water 4 Christmas."
**Basically, go to Etsy.com and search "Water 4 Christmas." Lots of shops have teamed up with their efforts and are doing a GREAT job!
--Aprons for Africa
--Saint's Coffee -- skip the Starbucks and make a REAL difference (sorry, Starbucks). I've ordered from them before and the coffee was great.
--Just Love Coffee Roasters -- haven't tried them yet, but I LOVE their vision....like, I want a job with them.
--Samaritan's Purse Gift Catalog -- especially if you missed the shoe boxes like I did, which, btw...they say it's not too late yet to pack one!
--Compassion for Christmas -- even if you're unable to sponsor a child monthly, you can give a donation....100% goes DIRECTLY to a needy family
--Sweet Sleep -- provide beds, blankets, mosquito nets and bibles to children in Ethiopian regions that have been war-torn by the LRA.
Help bring orphans into loving arms:
--Sugarplum Boutique
--Jessicasisson
--erbare74
And while I tend to talk a lot about big picture, orphans in Africa...kind of stuff...I was reading in Luke 16 the parable "The Rich Man and Lazarus." What struck me hard about that parable was that Lazarus (the poor, bloody, hungry man the rich man would not help) was laying at the rich man's gate. His gate! Like, his mailbox! There was no way to not notice him. I'm sure he had to walk past him, and intentionally ignore his groans when he left his house.
It just made wonder...who's at my gate? Who has (or will) God bring to my immediate attention? God, give me Your eyes to see and Your heart to love and serve.
Oh! And if you know of other places we can shop or contribute to others who need more, let us know!
Happy Giving!
Help bring clean water and other life-saving resources to Africa:
--Junk Posse -- awesome, funky jewelry!--Millepedebead -- be sure to look at listed with "Non-Profit" in the title.
--Water4Christmas -- they seem to adding to their shop daily.
--Swirls of Creativity -- in conjunction with "Water 4 Christmas."--White Hall Trading Co -- pimp your blog! All proceeds from blog banners go to "Water 4 Christmas."
--Copper Boom -- all proceeds going to "Water 4 Christmas."
**Basically, go to Etsy.com and search "Water 4 Christmas." Lots of shops have teamed up with their efforts and are doing a GREAT job!
--Aprons for Africa
--Saint's Coffee -- skip the Starbucks and make a REAL difference (sorry, Starbucks). I've ordered from them before and the coffee was great.
--Just Love Coffee Roasters -- haven't tried them yet, but I LOVE their vision....like, I want a job with them.--Samaritan's Purse Gift Catalog -- especially if you missed the shoe boxes like I did, which, btw...they say it's not too late yet to pack one!
--Compassion for Christmas -- even if you're unable to sponsor a child monthly, you can give a donation....100% goes DIRECTLY to a needy family
--Sweet Sleep -- provide beds, blankets, mosquito nets and bibles to children in Ethiopian regions that have been war-torn by the LRA.Help bring orphans into loving arms:
--Sugarplum Boutique
--Jessicasisson--erbare74
And while I tend to talk a lot about big picture, orphans in Africa...kind of stuff...I was reading in Luke 16 the parable "The Rich Man and Lazarus." What struck me hard about that parable was that Lazarus (the poor, bloody, hungry man the rich man would not help) was laying at the rich man's gate. His gate! Like, his mailbox! There was no way to not notice him. I'm sure he had to walk past him, and intentionally ignore his groans when he left his house.
It just made wonder...who's at my gate? Who has (or will) God bring to my immediate attention? God, give me Your eyes to see and Your heart to love and serve.
Oh! And if you know of other places we can shop or contribute to others who need more, let us know!
Happy Giving!
