Tyranny of the Urgent

One of the blogs that I read here, posted an article about not having enough hours in the day. The article talked about priorities and how we need to meet with God each morning to decide what is on His agenda for our day. I really enjoyed the article and wanted to pass it on. If you've already ready it, what changes have you made to your day? Tranny of the Urgent, take time to read it! (I had to create an account to read the article)

My Dad

January 14th my dad turned 60. We had a little party for him last weekend. He knew all of us kids were coming home, but he didn't know that we were going to have Sunday dinner at Chad and Cassondra's and that the extended family would be there.

The birthday boy :)
We had a few decorations

He got some tools, Globetrotters tickets, and some fun "Over the Hill" items.

The ladies washed up the dishes

while the fellas chatted.

After the dishes were done the ladies joined the guys and we played a couple games of Catch Phrase.

We had a wonderful afternoon together.

Dad's are pretty special people....especially mine! He has been a true example of what a Christian husband and father looks like. I remember almost every Sunday after we finished dinner he would tell me to go get my Sunday school papers. I could climb up in his lap in the recliner and we would go over everything I had learned. He would fall asleep for the standard Sunday afternoon nap and I would either take a nap with him, or sneak off to my room to play.

He taught us what unconditional love looked like (even when James Dobson was writing his book "The Strong-Willed Child" about me). No matter how much I tested his patience, I knew he loved me.

My dad (and my mom) would go to the end of the earth for us kids. We always came first when we were young. Now that we are all grown and gone they still make us a priority. Helping out whenever we need a hand; no complaining, no "we're too busy", just a "we'll be there as soon as we can" and a quiet helping hand.

Dad taught us the importance of reading the Word. He is constantly studying and reading his Bible and because of it has a wealth of understanding that few people have. I remember on rainy Saturdays, when he couldn't go outside, I'd always find him in his office with his Bible open. I hope someday I have the knowledge and heart changing understanding of the Word of God that my dad has.

Now I can tell you that if and when he reads this he'll humbly shake his head and say that I was too kind and that he made many mistakes. He did make mistakes, we all do (I'm fairly certain I received a couple of unjust spankings;) ), but he taught us, by example, to admit it, change our behavior and move on.

Thank you Dad (and Mom) for living your life with God first and setting such an amazing example for us kids to follow! Happy Birthday and I love you!!

One Word

As I was driving to school this morning I was listening to K-love on the radio. They were discussing "My One Word" the one word that they had chosen to focus on for this entire year. It got me thinking, what one word would I choose if I wanted to focus on one thing this year?

Immediately the word surrender came to mind. I started thinking about what I needed to surrender and how this word would fit for the year. I decided it could apply to many things.

For example, I could become intentional about surrendering my day to God, admitting that I cannot do it on my own. I need Him each and every minute, every step along the way, as I teach the children at school, as I interact with my co-workers, and in my relationship with my husband.

I could become intentional about surrendering all my disappoints and hurts to Him. His Word says that we are to "Come to me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest..... For My yoke is easy, and My burden is light." I do not have to lug around a bag of disappoint or hurt on my shoulder because God will take it for me. He will not only take it, but He will sort it all out and fix it, if I let Him. If I trust Him enough to leave it with Him and not immediately take it back trying to come up with my own solutions to "fix it".

I could become intentional about surrendering my belongings to Him. After all, the Word does say that it is more blessed to give then receive. I often think that if I'm going to give to those in need that I have to buy something brand new, however, God says if I have 2 coats to share with him who has none. As I sit here and look around my home and think of everything we have, much of it is just "stuff" that clutters. I listened to a couple speak on how they uncluttered their home and their life. It set them on a course to reprioritize their lives so that God truly came first. You can read about it here.

As we begin this new year, I want to challenge you to choose just one word to focus on throughout the year. I am going to focus on surrendering everything to God and leaving it at His feet.

Grandma's Rolls

When I was a little girl we very rarely had a babysitter, instead we would go to my Grandma's. She loved having us(or so she said:) ). Now, one of the best things about going to Grandma's, we got to pick what we were going to eat! I don't remember many main dishes that I chose, but I do remember always choosing angel food cake or cinnamon rolls. Grandma's rolls were the best!! Somehow she always had them coming straight out of the oven just in time for the meal.

Since it was so blustery today, I decided it was a good day to make her rolls. I've made them a couple times in the past and somehow they never turn out exactly like hers. (Justin would say I need to keep practicing!)

I started with scalded milk.

Grandma would add lard next, but I had to settle for Crisco.
The yeast mixture
The milk, yeast, potatoes, and some flour mixed together.
LOVE the Kitchen Aid Mixer!!
The nice ball of dough.

Ready to roll out!

Nice and big and ready to put in the oven.

The finished product...I can't wait to taste them!!

My Grandma was not only an amazing cook, but an amazing lady! I am so very thankful for all that she passed down to her children and grandchildren!

Snowy Days

Two snow days in a row! I didn't think we'd get so lucky.

The following are just some pictures from our yard of the snow that kept us home from school!

Busy-Day Dinner; Golden Clam Chowder

As I was planning out our menu for the next two weeks, Justin decided that clam chowder sounded good. The restaurant I worked at in Omaha served it and although it was very good, it had an unpleasant smell. I wasn't too sure I wanted it smelling up my kitchen, but I decided we'd give it a try.

We were both pleasantly surprised so I thought I'd share the recipe in case anyone is brave enough to try it.

2 celery ribs

2 medium carrots

1 medium onion

2 tsp. olive oil

4 garlic cloves, minced

4 medium potatoes, peeled and diced

2 cans (6-1/2 oz. each) minced clams, undrained

1 bottle (8 oz.) clam juice

1 cup plus 1 Tbsp. water, divided

1 tsp. dried thyme

1/2 tsp. salt

1/2 tsp. pepper

1 can (12oz.) evaporated milk

2 tsp. cornstarch

2 bacon strips, cooked and crumbled

Finely chop the celery, carrots and onion. In a Dutch oven, saute vegetables in oil until tender. Add garlic; cook 1 minute longer. Stir in potatoes, clams, clam juice, 1 cup water, thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 12-15 minutes or until potatoes are tender.

Gradually stir in milk; heat through. Combine cornstarch and remaining water until smooth; stir into chowder. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened. Stir in bacon.

Recipe from Taste of Home

Smith's Market

Smith's Market is a fun little market in South Hutch that Justin and I like to stop at when we can. They have a bunch of really neat things!

Dried fruits and grains.

Sock monkeys

Giant lollipops!

Tasty produce