All in a day's work
Monday has come and gone, and already items are being added to the "Tasks" list on my Outlook much faster than they're being crossed off. I won't be doing any further damage to that list tonight, though. It's 9:30 already now, and before I can retire for the night, I still need to load the bread machine with all the necessary ingredients that will produce a hot, steaming loaf of bread by about 7:00 tomorrow morning. What a great way to wake up - to the smell of fresh bread! Now is a perfect time to confess that I love our bread machine. In fact, I think it's my favorite kitchen appliance. Sometime this week I plan to give pumpernickel bread a go and see how it turns out. Yummy!
Today was a fun day; thoroughly enjoyed playing with Taylor this morning. We went "shopping" with her baby Emily to buy fruits and veggies, and then returned "home" to Taylor's kitchen, only to discover that it was time to record a "cooking show" for the Food channel, of which Taylor was the hosting chef. What a busy morning! And in between all that, I managed to get laundry done, get the house cleaned up, and find a few minutes for some last-minute prep for class this afternoon. I taught the interns the "Distinctive Characteristics of the Harp and Bowl Prayer Model", which was actually quite fun. After a good walk up the mount and a quiet evening with the family, I'm ready to call it a day.
Monday, February 26, 2007
Saturday, February 24, 2007
Auckland
Aaron and I had a great time away in Auckland - it was so good to see him and to have him home again! And if you ever happen to be in the Auckland area, I can highly recommend this hotel to you. Thanks to this website, we scored an incredible deal on the room, which included in the price the best breakfast buffet I've had for a long time. It reminded me very much of an American buffet, mostly because of the exceptional quality and supurb presentation....but mostly because of the bacon. They had real, perfectly-cooked, ever-so-yummy, just-a-bit-crunchy American bacon (aka streaky bacon, if you're a New Zealander). Haven't had bacon that good for over a year. And any Kiwis reading this will appreciate the fact that their all-you-can-drink juice bar contained not just any orange juice, but Charlie's orange juice. What a great way to start the day! Because the deal we scored also included a 1pm check-out, we had time to go down to the pool/health club after breakfast, which meant I got a chance to sit and read a magazine while enjoying the sunshine. After we checked out, we hit a great outlet-store shopping mall for a while, finding a couple great bargains. Our weekend getaway was completed by a stop at this cafe (voted best in New Zealand) on our way home, where we scored a really good late lunch.
After our long week and big weekend, I think we're both ready for a relaxing day off tomorrow. Hopefully Taylor will think so, too, and have a big sleep-in in the morning!
Aaron and I had a great time away in Auckland - it was so good to see him and to have him home again! And if you ever happen to be in the Auckland area, I can highly recommend this hotel to you. Thanks to this website, we scored an incredible deal on the room, which included in the price the best breakfast buffet I've had for a long time. It reminded me very much of an American buffet, mostly because of the exceptional quality and supurb presentation....but mostly because of the bacon. They had real, perfectly-cooked, ever-so-yummy, just-a-bit-crunchy American bacon (aka streaky bacon, if you're a New Zealander). Haven't had bacon that good for over a year. And any Kiwis reading this will appreciate the fact that their all-you-can-drink juice bar contained not just any orange juice, but Charlie's orange juice. What a great way to start the day! Because the deal we scored also included a 1pm check-out, we had time to go down to the pool/health club after breakfast, which meant I got a chance to sit and read a magazine while enjoying the sunshine. After we checked out, we hit a great outlet-store shopping mall for a while, finding a couple great bargains. Our weekend getaway was completed by a stop at this cafe (voted best in New Zealand) on our way home, where we scored a really good late lunch.
After our long week and big weekend, I think we're both ready for a relaxing day off tomorrow. Hopefully Taylor will think so, too, and have a big sleep-in in the morning!
Friday, February 23, 2007
My hubby is coming home!
Aaron comes home from Australia today! Yeah! Tonight I'll drive to Auckland to pick him up, we'll spend the night at a hotel in Auckland, and then come back home tomorrow. Taylor is going to stay home with Nic, so we'll get a nice evening to ourselves. I'm really looking forward to seeing him; a week is long enough for him to be gone!
Aaron comes home from Australia today! Yeah! Tonight I'll drive to Auckland to pick him up, we'll spend the night at a hotel in Auckland, and then come back home tomorrow. Taylor is going to stay home with Nic, so we'll get a nice evening to ourselves. I'm really looking forward to seeing him; a week is long enough for him to be gone!
Wednesday, February 21, 2007
Almond Butter
Well, this is a really random, pointless post, but oh, well. I know there's at least one person reading this who will appreciate it....so here's to you, Dad!
When I was a kid growing up, my parents had a Champion juicer. You know, the kind that doesn't just juice a carrot and an apple, but also grinds flour, makes sherbet, ice cream, baby foods, and will even wash all its dirty attachments and re-assemble itself after being used. Anyways, one of the other things that it does is make nut butters, and this is the part my Dad liked best. I have many fond memories of him buying truckloads of almonds, roasting them to perfection in the oven, and them grinding them up in the Champion to make almond butter. At the time, I wasn't even a huge fan of the stuff (I've always preferred peanut butter), but it wasn't all that bad, and every now and then I'd have some. That was who-knows-how-many years ago, and truth be told, I've never even once craved it since.
Until a couple days ago. One morning, randomly out of the blue, I started craving almond butter. Don't know why; one moment I was thinking about something else, the next moment I wanted almond butter. Strange, I know. Maybe I was just missing Connecticut and my Dad. Who knows. Anyway, I didn't think anything of it until that evening when Nic came home from the grocery store.....with almond butter in hand. Now, she's lived with us for over a year now, and this is the first time anyone in our house has ever bought almond butter. I was so excited! It tasted as good as I wanted it to....but it smelled even better. Something about that smell takes me right back, however-many-odd-years ago to that kitchen in the home I grew up in, watching Dad make almond butter. Great memories.
Did I mention it's $12 a jar here? Don't think we'll be buying that every week.
Well, this is a really random, pointless post, but oh, well. I know there's at least one person reading this who will appreciate it....so here's to you, Dad!
When I was a kid growing up, my parents had a Champion juicer. You know, the kind that doesn't just juice a carrot and an apple, but also grinds flour, makes sherbet, ice cream, baby foods, and will even wash all its dirty attachments and re-assemble itself after being used. Anyways, one of the other things that it does is make nut butters, and this is the part my Dad liked best. I have many fond memories of him buying truckloads of almonds, roasting them to perfection in the oven, and them grinding them up in the Champion to make almond butter. At the time, I wasn't even a huge fan of the stuff (I've always preferred peanut butter), but it wasn't all that bad, and every now and then I'd have some. That was who-knows-how-many years ago, and truth be told, I've never even once craved it since.
Until a couple days ago. One morning, randomly out of the blue, I started craving almond butter. Don't know why; one moment I was thinking about something else, the next moment I wanted almond butter. Strange, I know. Maybe I was just missing Connecticut and my Dad. Who knows. Anyway, I didn't think anything of it until that evening when Nic came home from the grocery store.....with almond butter in hand. Now, she's lived with us for over a year now, and this is the first time anyone in our house has ever bought almond butter. I was so excited! It tasted as good as I wanted it to....but it smelled even better. Something about that smell takes me right back, however-many-odd-years ago to that kitchen in the home I grew up in, watching Dad make almond butter. Great memories.
Did I mention it's $12 a jar here? Don't think we'll be buying that every week.
Tuesday, February 20, 2007
She's up the Mount, folks!
When Aaron is out of town, it makes going up the mount a bit more of a challenge, since he's the one who always watches her while I go up. So today, Nic and I decided to bring her with us, and have her join in the fun for part of the way. Nic started going up first, while Taylor and I followed slowly behind her, until we got part of the way up. Taylor and I then waited for Nic to come back down, at which time it was my turn to finish the trek up to the top on my own, while Nic and Taylor went back down. The plan worked great, although Nic was stopped on the way down by a caring stranger who saw Taylor with me on the way up, noticed her with someone different on the way down, and wondered if she (Taylor) was lost! Nic had a bit of explaining to do, but apparently did so to the man's satisfaction, and was then able to continue on to the beach with Taylor to wait for me there.
Taylor did awesome, climbing up a few sets of steps, and then walking up a long path with a gradual uphill slope. She was so proud of herself, rightfully so!
More from the garden club
It's become part of our routine to head out to the greenhouse to water the plants every evening at 7pm, after we're done watching the weather on the news. Taylor loves it, and eagerly looks forward to the short adventure. Here she is in action:
Teaching her how to water....
This time, "All by myself!"
"Look! My beans are growing!"
A closer look...
Monday, February 19, 2007
It's a late one tonight...
It's now 11:15 and I've just finished the notes that I'm planning on teaching tomorrow. One of the fun things about Aaron being gone is that I get to stay up at late as I like. One of the not-so-fun-things about Aaron being gone is that I do stay up as late as I like....and feel it in the morning. I've been a night owl my whole life, and nothing has changed.
Hmmm....before I can head to bed I also need to do a song list for my worship set tomorrow. Maybe I'll do one I've already done before, and save myself the time of coming up with a new one!
It's now 11:15 and I've just finished the notes that I'm planning on teaching tomorrow. One of the fun things about Aaron being gone is that I get to stay up at late as I like. One of the not-so-fun-things about Aaron being gone is that I do stay up as late as I like....and feel it in the morning. I've been a night owl my whole life, and nothing has changed.
Hmmm....before I can head to bed I also need to do a song list for my worship set tomorrow. Maybe I'll do one I've already done before, and save myself the time of coming up with a new one!
Sunday, February 18, 2007
Australia Week
Aaron left in the wee hours of the morning for Townsville, Australia, where he'll be spending the remainder of this week teaching a YWAM DTS. Which means that Taylor and I get to have another week of special mommy-daughter time, in the midst of holding down the fort at the House of Prayer. Thankfully, Aaron and I have a strong team around us, so that when he's gone, the leadership doesn't fall completely on my shoulders. In addition to leading my worship sets this week, I'll still try to go into the prayer room once a day with Taylor, even if it is just for an hour or so - but that's about the extent of my involvement while still being a full-time mommy! I will be teaching class tomorrow at our house while Taylor is sleeping, but that should be easy. Andy and Bek will teach the rest of the week.
Our latest news from the greenhouse is that Taylor's beans are just beginning to poke through the soil - she was so excited! I think this will be a fun project for her, if she doesn't lose interest along the way. No signs of that occurring yet.
Speaking of projects, I have officially declared this week to be "Australia Week" for Taylor. She was asking me lots of questions today about where daddy was, where Australia is, what it's like, etc. So I smelled a good learning opportunity, and I will shortly be on a quest through cyber space to find coloring pages, simple crafts, etc. related to Australia and/or the wildlife therein. We'll see what I'm actually able to come up with, but for now at least it stands as a good idea!
Aaron left in the wee hours of the morning for Townsville, Australia, where he'll be spending the remainder of this week teaching a YWAM DTS. Which means that Taylor and I get to have another week of special mommy-daughter time, in the midst of holding down the fort at the House of Prayer. Thankfully, Aaron and I have a strong team around us, so that when he's gone, the leadership doesn't fall completely on my shoulders. In addition to leading my worship sets this week, I'll still try to go into the prayer room once a day with Taylor, even if it is just for an hour or so - but that's about the extent of my involvement while still being a full-time mommy! I will be teaching class tomorrow at our house while Taylor is sleeping, but that should be easy. Andy and Bek will teach the rest of the week.
Our latest news from the greenhouse is that Taylor's beans are just beginning to poke through the soil - she was so excited! I think this will be a fun project for her, if she doesn't lose interest along the way. No signs of that occurring yet.
Speaking of projects, I have officially declared this week to be "Australia Week" for Taylor. She was asking me lots of questions today about where daddy was, where Australia is, what it's like, etc. So I smelled a good learning opportunity, and I will shortly be on a quest through cyber space to find coloring pages, simple crafts, etc. related to Australia and/or the wildlife therein. We'll see what I'm actually able to come up with, but for now at least it stands as a good idea!
Thursday, February 15, 2007
Highlights of my day
1. The prayer room this morning. One of the staff led an awesome intercession meeting at 10am. It was refreshing; and I was excited to watch him lead so well.
2. Time to sit back and put my feet up while Taylor was napping, which is becoming more of a rare occurrence these days (time to relax that is; not the nap....).
3. A shopping date with my hubby tonight. We went out to the mall after dinner and picked up a few bits of clothes that we needed. It's always nice to go out and have some time together!
1. The prayer room this morning. One of the staff led an awesome intercession meeting at 10am. It was refreshing; and I was excited to watch him lead so well.
2. Time to sit back and put my feet up while Taylor was napping, which is becoming more of a rare occurrence these days (time to relax that is; not the nap....).
3. A shopping date with my hubby tonight. We went out to the mall after dinner and picked up a few bits of clothes that we needed. It's always nice to go out and have some time together!
Wednesday, February 14, 2007
Valentine's Fun
The last few days, Taylor has been eagerly getting ready for Valentine's day, making cute little cards for Daddy and Aunt Nicky. We also cut out little hearts (red for Daddy, pink for Aunt Nicky) on which we wrote reasons why Taylor loves them. It was great - she thought up the reasons all on her own with almost no help from me - and they were really good ones, too! This morning after they left for the prayer room/work, Taylor hid them around the house for them to find. She had so much fun doing it! And of course Daddy and Aunt Nicky loved it, too! This morning we also made some cupcakes for the interns that we'll decorate tonight. She's really getting into it!
I love celebrating holidays with her - not always for the sake of the holiday itself, but because of the opportunity it presents to create special memories and traditions as a family.
The last few days, Taylor has been eagerly getting ready for Valentine's day, making cute little cards for Daddy and Aunt Nicky. We also cut out little hearts (red for Daddy, pink for Aunt Nicky) on which we wrote reasons why Taylor loves them. It was great - she thought up the reasons all on her own with almost no help from me - and they were really good ones, too! This morning after they left for the prayer room/work, Taylor hid them around the house for them to find. She had so much fun doing it! And of course Daddy and Aunt Nicky loved it, too! This morning we also made some cupcakes for the interns that we'll decorate tonight. She's really getting into it!
I love celebrating holidays with her - not always for the sake of the holiday itself, but because of the opportunity it presents to create special memories and traditions as a family.
Tuesday, February 13, 2007
Taylor's new pastime
Those of who know me will laugh when I tell you that I'm trying my hand at gardening. Actually, I prefer to think of it as "helping Taylor grow beans for the purpose of an educational opportunity" while at the same time trying my hand at tomatoes and basil. Sounds a bit less intimidating; a bit more like something I'm doing for Taylor's sake rather than doing it to prove to myself (or to anyone else, for that matter) that I can actually grow a plant without killing it.
So how did this all come to be? When Andy and Bek moved in, they brought with them some seedlings that Andy had started growing at their previous house, with the thought in mind that the landlord might let them dig up a little spot of dirt and have a small veggie garden. What he didn't know was that there was a large un-used greenhouse on our property. And that he was welcome to use as much of it as he wanted. I mean, come on...how many people have a greenhouse just sitting in their back yard? So the greenhouse has now been cleaned out and the ground dug up, and Andy's plants are flourishing beautifully. Then Nic started eyeing the progress, and thought she might get in on the action. Meanwhile, Taylor was enjoying walking over (daily) and faithfully checking the progress of the vegetable's growth, and also watering all the plants with her new watering can. We then decided it would be fun for her to have some plants of her own to look after. Then I began thinking how nice it would be to have some homegrown tomatoes......and I guess the rest is history. We went to the garden shop today and bought green bean seeds and tomato plants. I also bought basil seeds, but am thinking about scraping that idea and starting from the little plants. I don't know that I have the patience (or ability) to grow those things from seeds. So, we'll see how long I can keep those tomatoes alive, and whether I can manage to see them through to the fruit-bearing stage. Only time will tell. Meanwhile, here are some pictures for your enjoyment:
Monday, February 12, 2007
Musings from this evening
Once again, I find myself typing this moments before I will head off to bed; many moments past when I should have gone to bed. Some days feel like a race in which I am continually trying to keep up with my life that is running ahead of me just a little faster than I can keep up with. Most days it feels like a race that I'm usually losing. Not everything can be done; something has to give in the end. Today it is sleep and some last-minute study of Psalm 145 before we sing it tomorrow.
In the midst of it all, I am reminded again how much diligence is required to stay alert and alive in my spirit; to be attentive to the voice and the leadings of the Holy Spirit who lives on the inside; to maintain a posture of watchfulness and prayer. It is so easy to be given over to a dullness and a lethargy of spirit, and it's a fight to not be weighed down by the cares of this life. This I know: I want to be deliberate about maintaining a spirit of prayer even in the midst of the mundane, busyness of day-to-day life. Easier said than done, I can promise you.
And now for some random news, today was the first day at THOP that we increased the prayer room hours! We felt that it was time and the community was ready to take the next step. I've gotta say, it's really exciting watching the Lord build His house, and I'm so thankful that I get to be part of it. I love what we do.
Once again, I find myself typing this moments before I will head off to bed; many moments past when I should have gone to bed. Some days feel like a race in which I am continually trying to keep up with my life that is running ahead of me just a little faster than I can keep up with. Most days it feels like a race that I'm usually losing. Not everything can be done; something has to give in the end. Today it is sleep and some last-minute study of Psalm 145 before we sing it tomorrow.
In the midst of it all, I am reminded again how much diligence is required to stay alert and alive in my spirit; to be attentive to the voice and the leadings of the Holy Spirit who lives on the inside; to maintain a posture of watchfulness and prayer. It is so easy to be given over to a dullness and a lethargy of spirit, and it's a fight to not be weighed down by the cares of this life. This I know: I want to be deliberate about maintaining a spirit of prayer even in the midst of the mundane, busyness of day-to-day life. Easier said than done, I can promise you.
And now for some random news, today was the first day at THOP that we increased the prayer room hours! We felt that it was time and the community was ready to take the next step. I've gotta say, it's really exciting watching the Lord build His house, and I'm so thankful that I get to be part of it. I love what we do.
Sunday, February 11, 2007
Unproductive weekend
I feel like I spent all weekend doing everything except what needed to be done, while still not doing anything I wanted to do. How does that happen, anyway? I suppose I did make a bit of progress on the teaching notes I've been trying to write (for oh, the last 4 days or so).....but nearly not as much progress as I should have made by now. I had hoped for some practice time on the keyboard, a chance to skim through my latest cooking magazine, and the opportunity to divulge myself in that leadership book I'm still reading....all to no avail. Hopefully by tomorrow I'll find myself back on the wagon.
I feel like I spent all weekend doing everything except what needed to be done, while still not doing anything I wanted to do. How does that happen, anyway? I suppose I did make a bit of progress on the teaching notes I've been trying to write (for oh, the last 4 days or so).....but nearly not as much progress as I should have made by now. I had hoped for some practice time on the keyboard, a chance to skim through my latest cooking magazine, and the opportunity to divulge myself in that leadership book I'm still reading....all to no avail. Hopefully by tomorrow I'll find myself back on the wagon.
Saturday, February 10, 2007
Friday, February 09, 2007
My new favorite toy
Our new ipod nano has got to be perhaps the best thing we purchased in the last year. Talk about adding a bit of zip to the walk up the mount......folks, it's way more fun when you've got some good music to distract you from the pain of the workout. I have to admit, I was pretty fired up listening to Toby Keith's Courtesy of the Red, White, and Blue while running down the mount. There's nothing like feeling a bit of American pride to bring on the illusion that you're on top of the world and able to conquer anything....including the trek up and down the mount.
Our new ipod nano has got to be perhaps the best thing we purchased in the last year. Talk about adding a bit of zip to the walk up the mount......folks, it's way more fun when you've got some good music to distract you from the pain of the workout. I have to admit, I was pretty fired up listening to Toby Keith's Courtesy of the Red, White, and Blue while running down the mount. There's nothing like feeling a bit of American pride to bring on the illusion that you're on top of the world and able to conquer anything....including the trek up and down the mount.
Wednesday, February 07, 2007
Things I learned today
1. Construction paper does not exist in New Zealand, much to my dismay.
2. One should never attempt to give a 2 yr. old sloppy joes for dinner while the child in question is wearing white pants.
3. I really shouldn't worry as much as I do. My work permit/visa came in the mail today, valid until Jan '08.
1. Construction paper does not exist in New Zealand, much to my dismay.
2. One should never attempt to give a 2 yr. old sloppy joes for dinner while the child in question is wearing white pants.
3. I really shouldn't worry as much as I do. My work permit/visa came in the mail today, valid until Jan '08.
Tuesday, February 06, 2007
New Internship
We started the internship yesterday, having the interns and house of prayer staff meet at our house for registration and 'afternoon tea'. It was really fun to meet them and put faces to the names, and think about all that lies ahead for us as a spiritual family for the next 5 months. It was also fun to look back and see how far we've come in just one short year. God truly is with us. As fun and exciting it is, I also feel fear of the Lord and the weight of the calling to do what He has mandated us to do. I feel weak; which therefore means that I have an opportunity to lean into His strength in ways I never before have had to do. Something tells me that's a good place to be.
We started the internship yesterday, having the interns and house of prayer staff meet at our house for registration and 'afternoon tea'. It was really fun to meet them and put faces to the names, and think about all that lies ahead for us as a spiritual family for the next 5 months. It was also fun to look back and see how far we've come in just one short year. God truly is with us. As fun and exciting it is, I also feel fear of the Lord and the weight of the calling to do what He has mandated us to do. I feel weak; which therefore means that I have an opportunity to lean into His strength in ways I never before have had to do. Something tells me that's a good place to be.
Sunday, February 04, 2007
Bagels, bagels, bagels.
I made some today. Not once....but twice. The first batch (only 6 bagels, mind you) disappeared before I had time to turn around, so I decided that I'd give it a go again. Seeing as how the bread machine does most of the hard work, it wasn't such a hard proposition. I made both plain and cinnamon raisin the first time. For my second go around, I decided it was time to try to reproduce a childhood favorite. For those of you reading this blog who are from my hometown and have lived there for the last several years (that is, if there are any of you....) - you will remember the landmark bakery, Lender's (which, regrettably, no longer exists). I remember going in there as a kid to buy bagels with my dad. There were always so many yummy kinds to choose from, but the best one hands down was their apple 'n spice. Now let me stop for a minute and explain that there is a big difference between the frozen made-in-a-factory Lender's bagels and the fresh made-in-a-bakery Lender's bagels. Big difference. Not even comparable. So if you have the small-frozen-skinny-already-sliced-bagel in mind, let me encourage you to take your imagination about 10 levels higher. Anyways, these were the best bagels imaginable, and I've never been able to find anything close ever since. Not even Einstein's or Panera compares. So, all that to say, I'm on a quest to reproduce (as closely as I can) the highly esteemed apple 'n spice bagel. I'm sure you'll hear about it if (rather, when) I succeed.
I made some today. Not once....but twice. The first batch (only 6 bagels, mind you) disappeared before I had time to turn around, so I decided that I'd give it a go again. Seeing as how the bread machine does most of the hard work, it wasn't such a hard proposition. I made both plain and cinnamon raisin the first time. For my second go around, I decided it was time to try to reproduce a childhood favorite. For those of you reading this blog who are from my hometown and have lived there for the last several years (that is, if there are any of you....) - you will remember the landmark bakery, Lender's (which, regrettably, no longer exists). I remember going in there as a kid to buy bagels with my dad. There were always so many yummy kinds to choose from, but the best one hands down was their apple 'n spice. Now let me stop for a minute and explain that there is a big difference between the frozen made-in-a-factory Lender's bagels and the fresh made-in-a-bakery Lender's bagels. Big difference. Not even comparable. So if you have the small-frozen-skinny-already-sliced-bagel in mind, let me encourage you to take your imagination about 10 levels higher. Anyways, these were the best bagels imaginable, and I've never been able to find anything close ever since. Not even Einstein's or Panera compares. So, all that to say, I'm on a quest to reproduce (as closely as I can) the highly esteemed apple 'n spice bagel. I'm sure you'll hear about it if (rather, when) I succeed.
Saturday, February 03, 2007
Great way to spend the weekend
Miracles do happen. Our house is mostly clean, and by this time tomorrow night, I'm hoping it will be close to spotless. I even cleaned out one of our closets this evening.
As long as we're talking miracles, now would also be a good time to mention that this morning Aaron suggested that we all go to the mall. He needed to go and exchange a pair of shoes, but the fact that this chore was turned into a family event earned him some major brownie points this weekend! :-) We let Taylor go on a few of the little rides which are strategically positioned throughout the mall, and I'm honestly not sure who had more fun - Taylor on the rides, or Mommy and Daddy watching her. There's just something so fun about watching your kid thoroughly enjoy herself.
Activity of choice tomorrow? Making bagels. I was looking at one of my favorite cooking websites and got inspired by an article they had. Seeing as how there are no decent bagels down under, we're going to try to remedy that problem right here in our own kitchen. Don't worry. You will be getting a full report on how they turn out (and pictures, if they're worthy of it!).
Miracles do happen. Our house is mostly clean, and by this time tomorrow night, I'm hoping it will be close to spotless. I even cleaned out one of our closets this evening.
As long as we're talking miracles, now would also be a good time to mention that this morning Aaron suggested that we all go to the mall. He needed to go and exchange a pair of shoes, but the fact that this chore was turned into a family event earned him some major brownie points this weekend! :-) We let Taylor go on a few of the little rides which are strategically positioned throughout the mall, and I'm honestly not sure who had more fun - Taylor on the rides, or Mommy and Daddy watching her. There's just something so fun about watching your kid thoroughly enjoy herself.
Activity of choice tomorrow? Making bagels. I was looking at one of my favorite cooking websites and got inspired by an article they had. Seeing as how there are no decent bagels down under, we're going to try to remedy that problem right here in our own kitchen. Don't worry. You will be getting a full report on how they turn out (and pictures, if they're worthy of it!).
Friday, February 02, 2007
Current Events
It's been quite a week. Now, at 11:30 pm on Friday night, I feel like for the first time in a few days, I'm able to put my feet up and relax. Between our regular prayer room schedule, going up the mount, helping to paint Aaron's new office, and preparing for the next internship, the last few days have been quite full. Ah, yes - that's a project I haven't told you about yet. Our amazing landlords have built Aaron a new office just outside our house. It will answer the need for a quiet, out-of-the-way place for meetings and study - something that doesn't exist within the four walls of a dwelling shared by 4 people, one of whom being under the age of 3. Once we finish the painting, the electrician will come and perform the all-important final step of installing lights and plugs, and then we'll be up and running. Yeah!
In other news this evening, the internship has doubled in the last week! It's been quite surprising to watch the Lord add to our numbers at the last-minute; an unexpected (though very welcome) turn of events. We will hit the ground running on Monday, so we are taking the weekend off to enjoy some family time and a bit of extra rest before the week starts. Hopefully that rest will begin tomorrow with a nice big sleep-in. The only trouble with this plan is that it is completely dependent on the smallest member of the family. I also have great ambitions of doing a very thorough house-clean so we can start off the internship with things on the homefront neat and tidy, but I'm not feeling very confident that these aspirations will come to fruition. That might have to wait for my next bit of spare time. Whenever that will be.
That's all for now, folks. Goodnight.
It's been quite a week. Now, at 11:30 pm on Friday night, I feel like for the first time in a few days, I'm able to put my feet up and relax. Between our regular prayer room schedule, going up the mount, helping to paint Aaron's new office, and preparing for the next internship, the last few days have been quite full. Ah, yes - that's a project I haven't told you about yet. Our amazing landlords have built Aaron a new office just outside our house. It will answer the need for a quiet, out-of-the-way place for meetings and study - something that doesn't exist within the four walls of a dwelling shared by 4 people, one of whom being under the age of 3. Once we finish the painting, the electrician will come and perform the all-important final step of installing lights and plugs, and then we'll be up and running. Yeah!
In other news this evening, the internship has doubled in the last week! It's been quite surprising to watch the Lord add to our numbers at the last-minute; an unexpected (though very welcome) turn of events. We will hit the ground running on Monday, so we are taking the weekend off to enjoy some family time and a bit of extra rest before the week starts. Hopefully that rest will begin tomorrow with a nice big sleep-in. The only trouble with this plan is that it is completely dependent on the smallest member of the family. I also have great ambitions of doing a very thorough house-clean so we can start off the internship with things on the homefront neat and tidy, but I'm not feeling very confident that these aspirations will come to fruition. That might have to wait for my next bit of spare time. Whenever that will be.
That's all for now, folks. Goodnight.
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