Archive for the ‘Life’ Category
Spring has sprung!
Posted on: March 22, 2010
Spring is wonderful. While I admit fall is my favorite season, there is something so promising about spring. The winter is over, the snow has melted, flowers begin to bloom, the windows are up (which means music is playing), birds begin chirping and my birthday is close.
Yesterday I played music from “French cafe radio” station on Pandora and I realized, “What’s classic spring music?” I personally love listening to Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday and Alison Krauss during the spring. But what about you?
What is your favorite spring music?
- In: Life
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TOMS Shoes is a company that matches one-for-one. Meaning; for every one pair of shoes you purchase, they give a pair to a child in need.
Many children in developing countries grow up barefoot. Whether at play, doing chores or going to school, these children are at risk:
- A leading cause of disease in developing countries is soil-transmitted diseases, which can penetrate the skin through bare feet.
- Wearing shoes can help prevent these diseases, and the long-term physical and cognitive harm they cause.
- Wearing shoes also prevents feet from getting cuts and sores. Not only are these injuries painful, they also are dangerous when wounds become infected.
- Many times children can’t attend school barefoot because shoes are a required part of their uniform. If they don’t have shoes, they don’t go to school. If they don’t receive an education, they don’t have the opportunity to realize their potential.
On April 8, TOMS is hosting One Day Without Shoes. They are asking people to go barefoot for “the day, part of the day, or even just a few minute… to experience life without shoes first-hand, and to help spread awareness of the impact a simple pair of shoes can bring a child’s life.”
Will you join us?
A Jane Austen giveaway!
Posted on: March 20, 2010
- In: Life
- 2 Comments
I love Jane Austen. I just finished re-reading Pride and Prejudice (for the 5th or 6th time). By far, that is my favorite Austen book. After all, what girl doesn’t want a Mr. Darcy (in my case, a Mr. W) in her life?
Lisa, over at Lisa Leonard – It’s the Little Things, is doing an amazing giveaway! She will be giving one lucky winner the following:
* a new, classic hardcover copy of sense & sensibility (light blue with pink flowers)
*the BBC pride and prejudice (yes, the 6-hour-colin-firth one)
AND
*a family crest necklace
Ohh… I so wanna win!
Be sure to check it out!
Crepes – delicious and easy!
Posted on: March 20, 2010
- In: Life
- 9 Comments
It’s the middle of March and I’m s-l-o-w-l-y making a dent in my 30 Before 30 list.
Two weeks ago, I knocked off Number 22: Speak before a large audience. Originally, I said that the audience needed to be around 50+ people. My actually audience was around 30+ people. Ok, I could get all nit picky, but I’m not gonna. Plus, I’m suppose to talk at my church’s women’s time in April, which will be in front of about 20 people. I figure, add the two together and you’ve got 50. Right? Yeah, I thought so too.
Right after Valentine’s Day, Jonathan and I cooked this pretty awesome French meal for the Abdos in celebration of Stephen’s 16th birthday. To top the meal off, we made crepes. Ahhh… so long Number 28: Learn to make crepes.
Honestly, Number 28 has been one I least expected to complete. It seems to me that crepes are better left to professionals. I’d even venture to say you need to at least know 25 French phrases (Number 23) – which I don’t – before even attempting to make crepes. But, since Jonathan was going to be along side me, and he is the better, more adventurous cook, I gave it a go. Wanna know what? It was so easy!
I followed this basic crepe recipe:
I mixed together flour and eggs:
Add milk, water, salt and butter – mix well:
Mix well:
Have your filling on hand (remember my love of Nutella?):
Pour batter onto a hot flat round pan (if you have a crepe maker it works best):
Cook until the crepe is easy to handle and flip (about 1.5-2 minutes). Flip and smear with Nutella, topping with strawberries:
Fold in half, letting it set for upto a minute while the chocolate melts:
Cut in half and serve:
You could easily top with Nutella and whipped cream for even more decadence!
Bon Appetit!
- In: Life
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I’m finishing off Week 4 of my 10 week weight loss challenge and I must say it’s been a little tougher than I imagined. After talking with my friend Jamie, I realized that my abs are still torn from Julia and/or Hannah. I had wondered a while back (like months ago) if something was up with my abs, since when I do sit ups they don’t look normal. I started doing some research on Diastasis and what exercises I should be doing to help repair my abdominal wall. While there was a little relief in knowing that my ab wall was torn (which explains why my abs just aren’t doing what I want them too) there was some pretty major disappointment. It’s hard knowing that my body just isn’t ever going to be “normal” again. I’m having to reprogram what normal means in a almost-30-mom-of-2 world.
Here’s the official update on my progress:
– complete the half marathon training on April 24th
I’m still training. I’m most excited about this update (if you want to read more, go here) and have been running about a 10 1/2 minute mile.
– stick with my daily/weekly points (Weigh Watchers)
Grr… I’ll be honest, this one is the hardest! Some days I’m super good and other not so much. My biggest problem is not tracking my points. Any suggestions on the best way to track??
– incorporate more yoga/stretching into my weekly workouts
I took off last night from running in order to do more stretching. After last weekends long run I noticed my body was getting worn down in different areas. Then Tuesday’s run took it’s toll, so I’m taking a longer rest period.
– actively work on getting ripped (or not so “fluffy) abs
I’m not doing the P90X version, but I’m still working on them. S-l-o-w-l-y. But in time, maybe they’ll be not so fluffy.
– lose 8 pounds and reach my “ultimate goal” weight
This one is most exciting! I’m 3-4 pounds away from my goal weight! Woot-woot!!
I don’t like reading The Gospels
Posted on: March 19, 2010
- In: Life
- 3 Comments
I confessed this truth to Jonathan the other night.
I grew up hearing about Jesus’ miracles, he’s teaches, he’s death for me. I love it, am overwhelmed by my sin and His grace. But, I usually never read through the Gospels. I tend to stick to Paul’s writing or Psalms. I went so far as to tell Jonathan I’ve thought of Paul’s writing as being “more meaty”.
I say all this because – God’s awesome. About a week ago, I decided I was going to start reading the Gospels. Why? Because I want to know Jesus, understand Jesus, His life, His works, His love for me. On the second day of my reading I thought “I’ve read this a hundred times before, it’s so boring.” Thankfully, I wasn’t struck by lightening. But in that moment, I realized my sin.
Mark 4:10-12 says: “When he (Jesus*) was alone, the Twelve and the others around him asked him about the parables. He told them, “The secret of the kingdom of God has been given to you. But to those on the outside everything is said in parables so that, ” ‘they may be ever seeing but never perceiving, and ever hearing but never understanding; otherwise they might turn and be forgiven!’”
I’ve been seeing but not perceiving. I’ve been hearing but not understanding. In the still of the morning I repented. I confessed that I had placed my entertainment, my enjoyment, my personal fulfillment over God. I assumed that having read it before, having heard it a thousand times, God couldn’t possibly use it. I couldn’t be more wrong.
Mark 5 tells the story of a woman with a blood condition. Now, according to the Word, she had been bleeding (much like her monthly cycle) continuously for years. Jewish law would have declared her unclean, and therefore unable to be fully part of society. Jesus was visiting her village and crowds were surrounding Him. This woman knew, she knew, that if she merely touched His robe she would be healed. She did and she was.
I’ve read this story countless times. I’ve heard pastors speak about it, I’ve read other people’s thoughts on it. Nothing new could possible arise. Wrong. Even in the midst of my sin, my doubt, my pride, God called aloud to me. He pointed to me and said “Sarah, I love you. I love you.”
You see, the woman was unclean. And she touched Jesus – who is the only true Clean. This very act would have made Jesus ceremoniously unclean. But it didn’t it. It didn’t even upset Him. In fact, when the woman told Him that she had touched Him, He said “Daughter, your faith has made you well. Go in peace. Your suffering is over.” (Mark 5:34). Daughter. Not unclean woman. Not sinner. He didn’t yell. He didn’t tell her to go away. No. He called her Daughter.
I am unclean. I am a sinner. But I’ve touched Jesus’ robe. I’ve been made well. I can go in peace. My suffering is over.
The bedtime wars
Posted on: March 18, 2010
- In: Life
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The hard cold truth is: Julia doesn’t like sleeping. Over the last 2+ years I’ve just come to accept that fact. I don’t like it, but I’ve accepted it.
Our bedtime routine has always involved some complicated, drawn out process. First it was nursing Julia to sleep. Second it was giving her a bottle till she fell asleep. Then, sometime in January 2009, we hit a soft spot. We could give Julia a bottle, lay her down in her crib and that was it. Done. No crying, no screaming, just peaceful nothingness. A-maz-ing. Then, we took the bottle away. What. Were. We. Thinking?? That might have been the hardest few weeks of my parenting life. Hannah had just been born and we were now dealing with major sleep issues with both girls. Whew.
Eventually, we got into a new routine. I’d nurse Hannah while staying in the room until Julia fell asleep. But, then Julia would take up to an hour to go to sleep. And trying to leave the room before she was sleeping wasn’t an option. Well, actually, it was an option, one that resulted in mega drama and tears. So, we avoided it at all cost. This eventually led into laying down with her, holding her hand or playing with her hair to help “speed” things up. Alas, those all started getting drawn out too. We’d find ourselves trapped in her room for well over an hour. Every. Single. Night.
Then, one day I set my foot down. I told Julia I’d stay in her room, but that I wasn’t holding her hand, playing with her hair or laying down with her. I’m a mean mama, I know. She fought it at first, but eventually she gave up and our bedtime routine was cut in half. I started reading to help pass the time and for months this was our routine.
Until last week. Last week, while I was waiting for Julia to fall asleep, she started talking. Not to me, just to herself. And for whatever reason, in that moment I thought “I really don’t need to be in here. She needs to handle this herself”. So, I left. Ok, that sounds harsh. I actually, very sweetly, told her I was going to sit in the living room (where she could still see me) and read my book out there. At first, she whimpered, saying “Mama, stay” but being the firm mama I am (haha!), I just told her to call out if she needed help and I’d come right back. That first night she called out twice. Once to “talk” and once right as she was falling asleep, to have her blankets pulled up.
Since then, she’s been going to bed on her own every night. And over the last few nights she’s been asking us to shut her door when we leave. Even more A-maz-ing. Yet, you want to know something crazy? I sorta miss laying down with her. Just a little, and I’m not saying I’d want to go back to do it. But, this new step is just showing me that she’s really growing up. And it’s just a little sad. On the other hand, she does still get into our bed in the middle of the night – every night. So I’ll count that as my snuggle time.
Green living, Part 2
Posted on: March 17, 2010
- In: Life
- 6 Comments
Here is the second part of my three part series on green living. Click here for Part 1.
Why is our family striving to become green? Green living to me is a way to reveal to this world just one more aspect of Christ. Romans 1:19-20 (NLT) says “They know the truth about God because he has made it obvious to them. For ever since the world was created, people have seen the earth and sky. Through everything God made, they can clearly see his invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature. So they have no excuse for not knowing God.” God has revealed Himself to this world through His creation. I want to do my part to ensure that His creation stays healthy and vibrate so that generations from now, people will still be able to see God’s hand through His creation.
One of the easiest ways our family incorporated being “green” was with green cleaning.
In the Spring of 2008, I began reading about how many cleaning products contained possible carcinogens, reproductive toxins and nervous system disrupting chemicals. It freaked me out, not only for Jonathan and my exposure, but for Julia (and future W’s – we love you Hannah!). Jonathan agreed that once our cleaning supplies were done, we could purchase all new “greener” cleaners.
We first started buying “green products” like Green Works, Seventh Generation or Mrs. Meyers. These products contain no harsh chemicals, are plant derived and biodegradable (making them better not only for household use, but for the environment) and list the ingredients that they contain. I love all these brands. We use them for our laundry detergent and dish washing soap. The only complaint I’ve ever had is with dishwasher soap, it seems everythign but Electrosol leaves us with crazy haze and water spots. But, that’s no longer a problem for us.
After our supply ran out, I started making “green products”. I came across Women’s Voices for the Earth, who introduced me to “Green Cleaning Parties“. A green cleaning party “is a fun event where you and your friends learn how to make non-toxic cleaners from common ingredients like vinegar, baking soda and essential oils.” The cleaner recipes are super easy to make and are perfect for large batches. Two years ago, my friend Dana, received homemade cleaning products as a Christmas present and loved it! So, my suggestion? Make the cleaners yourself and then gift them to those around you.
In this video, I explain how to make homemade soft scrub (for use in the kitchen or bath):
- In: Life
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Julia was born a cry baby. The best way to sum up her first four months of life is: She cried. A lot. Our family quickly adopted the phrase “There’s no crying in baseball“, but Julia never listened. Hannah was completely opposite. She would cry, but for good reason; hunger, sleepiness, poopy diaper, etc.
Then about 3 months ago, something changed. Hannah would cry because I put her down. She’d cry because she didn’t like her situation. She’d cry just to cry.
I’ve read all over the internet (and do believe) that crying is a baby/young child’s only real form of communication. That being the case – my children love to communicate. All. The. Time. Like at 5 am. Or in the afternoon, because I’m unpacking boxes and had the audacity to sit next to Hannah and not actually hold Hannah. Cruel, cruel mom.
Since learning to talk, Julia’s actually gotten better about not crying so much. I said better, not stopped. The water works still come. Daily. Sometimes hourly (or even by the minute). But it’s getting better. As for Hannah, I’m blaming the influence of Julia on her water works. After all, when she sees it happening all day, she’s bound to learn to do the same. Ok, maybe it’s not fair to fully blame her crying on Julia. Perhaps it’s just severe separation anxiety. Because we all know, I must be abandoning her when I set her down, in front of me, to use the restroom.
I know it’s only a season and things will change. I remind myself how awesome it is to be able to stay at home with both girls and to be the biggest influence in their lives. I do love and enjoy being with them. It’s just sometimes I wish there was a little less “communication” going on.
Yeah, we’re that good. Remember, I told you Hispanic and hosting are spelled the same.
Friday night, Leah came over with her family. They had originally intended to help us with unpacking, rearranging and any other tidbits. However, we weren’t ready to actually do anything. Surprise, surprise. Anyways, we cooked them dinner and then just hung out while the kids ran around and Jon and Jason worked on the laundry room.
While we were serving dinner, Leah and Jason commented on how impressed they were (was that right Leah? Or am I tooting my own horn? 😉 ) that our kitchen wasn’t even put together and already we were having company. I even got the go ahead to say “I’m awesome”. Oh yeah…
However, Leah washed our dishes. Which is a sure fire way to get themselves invited back.
A Wife Loved Like The Church 
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