look! a post!

and not just any post, a christmas picture post. here are some new pictures of the girls. ok, not new, October, but since i've not posted since July they're pretty new.

Merry Christmas!!

tank tops

something i made actually turned out the way i intended, yay! i made these for the girls and they love them!!!

i haven't laughed this hard in ages...

ok here is the funniest blog i've read in ages, it's the funniest thing i've heard, read or seen....oh goodness, i was reading it at work and my co-workers were looking at me like i'm insane. anyone who has ever spent time with a toddler will completely relate....or is it just me? please read and enjoy.....

http://www.finslippy.com/finslippy/2009/05/oh-sixandhalfyearoldyou-always-know-what-im-really-saying-.html

what if Jesus walked into your church?

I know, everyone uses this scenario to scare the church. i heard these lyrics and thought they were so bitter~

"Cause my Jesus would never be accepted in my church The blood and dirt on His feet would stain the carpet But He reaches for the hurting and despised the proud I think He'd prefer Beale St. to the stained glass crowd "

The devotion for today (by the way, i love these devotions!) was opposite, "if Jesus walked into your church, Does He want to reach out and grab the hands that are raised in worship?" I was really encouraged by this, and the challenge she extended ~

"Take a few moments and close your eyes. In your mind, picture your church sanctuary and Jesus walking in and sitting down next to you before the service starts. Imagine Him saying, "Hello" and wrapping His arms around you. Just enjoy that feeling for a moment."

Jesus is in our church......enjoy the picture of the hurt, sick and lonely sitting with Jesus in our church!

Today at the park Lilliah got into her first playground fight. Two little kids were blocking the slide and my girls wanted to play too. Lilliah was so good, she kept on saying "excuse me" and the little boy told her to go away. After a few minutes of asking please and excuse me I guess the other girl was fed up and decided she should push Lilliah. At this point the mama bear inside me reared up and I wanted to protect Lilliah....but she was on top of it and hit the little girl. At that point it turned into a giant ordeal and everyone was crying and hitting.




My question is this.....how can I teach my children to turn the other cheek when I think the other kid deserved it? I am proud that Lilliah wasn't the first to resort to violence ....actually, I was shocked at her patience, but once the other girl started it...arrgg! Is there a way to turn off the mother bear instinct? And do I have to? Where is the line between turn the other cheek and standing up against bullies?

golf

we took the girls golfing last week...they loved it and did really good for their first time. I think Billy is going to start training Lilliah to be the next Michelle Wie. she might need a little work on her grip though!

tattoo

here is my pretty little 20 buck tattoo, i love it! three hearts for my three girls! of course Aidah needed one too!

trader joe's unofficial commercial! hahaha!

Kate is that Taylor dancing in the isle?

baby's firsts

baby's first blanky! (thanks Meg we love it!)




Baby's frist hike....she's not in the picture but she was there in her sling (thanks kate!)





Baby's first captured smile....so sweet!


and Baby's first Rockstar.....her daddy is so proud!


























































babys first rockstar.....they grow up so fast!

yummy chicken soup!

I tried my hand at creamy chicken and rice soup yesterday....and it was yummy! here is the adapted recipe....


1 1/2 cups chopped celery
1 1/2 cups chopped onion
1 cup carrots
2 cups uncooked brown rice
1 teaspoon chicken bouillon powder
2 (14 ounce) cans chicken broth
1 1/2 cups water
1 cup margarine
3/4 cup all-purpose flour
3 cups chopped, cooked chicken meat (i just baked 4 boneless skinless chicken breats with olive oil, salt and pepper)
6 cups milk, divided
salt and pepper to taste



DIRECTIONS
In a large pot over high heat, combine the celery, onions, and carrots with a bit of olive oil and cook for about 5 min. Add rice, bouillon, broth and water and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover and simmer for 30 minutes (it took about 45 min) or until the rice has absorbed most of the liquid. Remove from heat and set aside.

In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter or margarine. Slowly add the flour, stirring often, to make a roux. Add 4 cups of milk, 1/2 cup at a time, while constantly stirring. Add this and the chicken to the rice mixture and return the rice mixture to the stovetop over low heat.
If the soup seems too thick, add some or all of the remaining 2 cups of milk. Season with salt and pepper to taste and allow to simmer for at least an hour, stirring every 15 minutes.

i had to add all the milk plus extra broth so next time i'll us half the flour and margerine. But it is delicious! and so nice for a cold day...like today