Merry Christmas

Of course I haven't had much time to update my blog, with Christmas and all the busy-ness, not to mention that Carys spilled juice on my keyboard and broke it (!) and I can't find my camera cable to download pics (i will find you!).

For Christmas I wanted to post an entry from Pastor Greg Laurie's blog a couple years ago, that always stuck with me and made me love the beautiful song "I heard the bells on Christmas Day" even more. Below the story I'm posting the song if you'd like to hear it.
I hope anyone reading this has a wonderful Christmas, and that you are blessed by the joy and reality of Christ's birth!
"Great is the mystery of Godliness, that God was manifested in the flesh"
1 Timothy 3:16

Greg's blog 12/24/08:

As we prepare to celebrate Christmas Eve, I thought I would tell you a story. It’s a story about one of the most beloved of all the Christmas songs we sing this time of the year.

The sadness of the holidays
One of the most familiar songs we hear during the holidays is “I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day,” by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, and the story behind it is interesting.

In 1860, Longfellow was at the peak of his success as a poet. Abraham Lincoln had just been elected President, giving hope to many.

But things soon turned dark for America and for Longfellow personally. The Civil War began the next year, and Longfellow’s wife died in a tragic accident in their home. Longfellow suffered severe burns on his hands and face while trying to save his wife.

He was so badly burned that he could not even attend her funeral.

Sorrow at Christmas
In his diary for Christmas Day 1861, he wrote, “How inexpressibly sad are the holidays.” In 1862, the toll of war began to mount, and in his diary for that year Longfellow wrote, “A merry Christmas say the children, but that is no more for me.”

In 1863, his son–who had run away to join the Union army–was severely wounded and came home in December. There is no entry in Longfellow’s diary for that Christmas.

A new Christmas song is born
Longfellow wanted to pull out of his despair, so he decided to try to capture the joy of Christmas in verse. He began:

I heard the bells on Christmas day

Their old familiar carols play,

And wild and sweet

The words repeat

Of peace on earth, good-will to men.

As he came to the third stanza, he was stopped by the thought of the condition of his beloved country. The Battle of Gettysburg was not long past. Days looked dark, and he probably asked himself the question, “How can I write about peace on earth, goodwill to men in this war-torn country, where brother fights against brother, and father against son?”

God is not dead
But he kept on going, and wrote in the sixth stanza:

And in despair I bowed my head:

“There is no peace on earth,” I said:

“For hate is strong,

And mocks the song

Of peace on earth, good-will to men.”

But then, catching an eternal perspective and the real message of Christmas and Christ Himself, he wrote in the final stanza:

Then pealed the bells more loud and deep:

“God is not dead, nor doth he sleep!

The Wrong shall fail,

The Right prevail,

With peace on earth, good-will to men.”

That’s right, “God is not dead, nor doth He sleep!”

If you want a blessed Christmas Eve tonight, focus on that.


Casting Crowns Live

Nailed It!

I went to the most amazing show at the House of Blues on Sunday night to see Needtobreathe, one of my absolute favorite bands, and they were just totally wonderful, soulfull goodness and I loved every second of it. Six months pregnant and my feet were killing me but I would have stood there for another 2 hours listening to these guys. If you haven't heard their music please do yourself a favor and pick up The Outsiders cd. The lead singer Bear has the most amazing voice, oh man, they just scratch me right where I itch! I found this clip on you tube of the acoustic song they did near the end of their set. This isn't the exact show I went to, but its the same version they did last month.

Let It Snow!

Here she is doing her best to eat snowflakes....
More to come from Thanksgiving in Idaho!

Wish List

Quite possibly the coolest diaper bag by OiOi...though I'm not sure how long it would hold up!


Cuisinart Ice Cream Maker.....because ice cream rules


J Crew Bootcut Cords....i wish they made maternity clothes, but its probably better for our bank account that they don't


Chevron Rug from West Elm...I would put this under our dining table


Steve Madden Buckkie boots, I would sport these all winter!

Surprise!

My mom turned 60 last week. We managed to pull off a surprise party for her at our house. It was a lot of fun putting together. The decor was a sort of rustic theme, food highlights were pulled pork sandwiches (from Johnny Rebs...yum) with hawaiian rolls that my professional sandwich maker (Nathan) so graciously put together, and cupcakes from the Frosted Cupakery on 2nd street. Yes, yes. My fabulous friend Andrea took pictures with her fabulous camera....check out her blog here, she's for hire!

the reveal...she turned bright red, good times!

Pumpkin cupcakes with cream cheese frosting...it's a win-win people

I found this yummy apple cider punch recipe at bhg.com, google it!

the food table...we put together these chip cones with scrapbook paper. More trouble than they were worth? Possibly. Fun to do arts and crafts with my husband? Definitely.

Collage by Andi

(sorry for the closeup of my mug but look at Carys' hair, and my adorable niece Sydney!)

I love how sweet this picture is, my mom with my nephew Derek.

Watching the slide show....tear. Nothing like a photo montage set to good music. I used Matt Redman's "You Never Let Go" and Matt Maher's "Hold Us Together", two of my absolute faves.

one more decor pic, sorry I can't resist. stems in clear water, is there anything better?

Me, my mom, and my bro

Confession Time

Anyone who reads this blog probably knows that I am not a girly girl. At all. I like to watch Sportscenter probably more than my husband does. I grew up with a shrine to Michael Jordan hanging above my bed. I didn’t discover eyebrow tweezing until 12th grade (exhibit 1: my junior year picture, just take my word for it). My varsity jacket was the boy version, not the “cheesy” one with the zippered hood. Back in elementary school, I had a knotted hairball on the back of my head so gnarly that it took the Super Cuts girl an hour to comb it out. I’m pretty sure this happened multiple times. Those poor Super Cuts girls, they probably drew straws when they saw me coming! Maybe it’s because I was so tall growing up, liked to play sports, and felt awkward, that I never felt like I fit in with girls that well. I was that girl who was friends with boys. Yes I did have some amazing girl friends, but I was so not the girly one.
Long story short (too late!), along the way from then to now, I think I have gotten much better in the girly department. I do love to shop, I like makeup and I’d like to think that I have some form of my own style. But still, I always dreamed that I would be raising boys. I would have a couple sons, and then maybe throw a daughter in there just for fun. I had it all planned out, didn’t you know that God? So there I was in 2008, pregnant with my first boy, right? I vividly remember the ultrasound tech telling me, “it looks like you have a little princess here!” I thought there must be some mistake. But I hated the feeling of being disappointed when I had this amazing miracle growing in my belly. Then a few months later I met the 2nd love of my life and I couldn’t believe how blessed I was. My beautiful, sassy, hilarious daughter Carys Jordan (yes, named after that Jordan), I wouldn’t trade her for anything in the entire world. I really do love having a daughter!

So now in 2010, I was ready to have a son. OK Lord, I told him, you taught me a great lesson with my daughter and now I know you were right all along, so now gimme that boy!….right? This time my doctor even told me, the heartbeat sounds like a boys because it’s slower, I felt different this time around, heartburn and other stuff, it must be a boy. I was all pumped up, and there we are looking at the baby’s legs spread eagle on the ultrasound….ain’t nothing going on down there except 3 little lines and this baby is a GIRL too! I felt like a terrible mama yet again, I should be really excited! I cried in the parking lot while Nathan hugged me, I couldn’t believe I reacted this way. What I was acting like was a spoiled brat who doesn’t know what is good for them. The next 2 days I kept thinking about the baby I wasn’t going to have, more than the baby that I was having. Oh it sounds so mean when I read that! Now I know that the Lord is showing me something about His will, that it is ALWAYS better than ours. I know this sounds like Christianity 101, but its something that is truly learned when you are faced with a certain reality. Easy to say, but not always easy to take. It was my pride that led me to think that I know how my life is supposed to go, and this pride is truly ingrained in our flesh. We can’t overcome it without HIS help. And He is also telling me that I am girly, I am His daughter, and I am not defined by anything but that.

I am so thankful that God always gives us another chance, when we are repentant after acting like complete fools. His mercies really are new every morning. I started to think about women who can’t even conceive a child, who am I to be even thinking this way at all? I think about how much fun I have with Carys, dressing her, snuggling with her and decorating her room…..and how much I just absolutely adore her. How she loves tutus and kitties, dinosaurs and elephants.

And I rejoice at the thought of the 3rd love of my life that is coming my way.

It's a girl....again!

I'm not going to lie, I am still in shock that we are expecting another girl! Looks like the Lord's will for me is to raise some adorable, lovely young ladies. I have so many lessons to teach them: be bold in your decorating, aqua/red or orange/pink are good color combos, retail is for suckers, the Yankees stink....

Maybe something in me knew because a while back I saved this picture of a cool shared girls room that I just loved. Now this is pink done right...and the portraits are my favorite part.
(from online magazine Lonny)

Boo!

Another Halloween has passed, and still my husband is being a good sport. Although my dream of incorporating spandex into our costumes is dying a bit more each year. One of my dream costumes is to be pairs figure skaters...i know, awesome right? One of my favorite shows Community used it this year when Senor Chang dressed up as Peggy Fleming. I couldn't find a pic of it so here he is from the legendary paintball episode. If you haven't seen it, then i'm just sorry. Awesomeness!
So here we are this year as the Mario Bros and Princess Peach. (not just some ordinary princess!)

Flashback: here were are 2 years ago. Yoda wasn't really cooperating.
SUPER Flashback: this has got to be our all time favorite, Colonel Sanders and a chicken...all home-made or thrift store bought of course....Classic!

Passing Down

We got this Boise State t-shirt for Carys. Now the whole family has official Bronco gear. When I first got it in the mail she pointed at it and said, "No, I don't like that one!" Then the first time she had to wear it, more tears. Well sorry kid, these are the cards you've been dealt, a blue turf and a crappy strength of schedule. Life's just not fair sometimes!


Then the other day we were eating Top Ramen together. Yes I know it has a ton of sodium, but its just so yummy sometimes. I was using chopsticks and of course she wanted to use them too. I had some training ones for her to try. See she does have some Chinese in her!

I Stare You

I found this party post out in the blogosphere, is this a hilarious party idea or what? I would be terrible at it....but seriously, this is good times. Can I be friends with these people?

Coming Attraction

So the news is out that we are expecting another little one next year, April 4th! I just had an appointment today and got to see him/her at 13 weeks. I could see how much the baby is already moving their arms and legs around like crazy, having a grand old time. The reality of this pregnancy is creeping up on me slower than last time, probably since Carys keeps me so busy! It's such a blessing to be able to see the miracle growing inside of me and hear its heart beat. I can already feel my heart expanding with love for our next baby, and its awesome. Not to mention my belly too, but that's another story.
Check it out below you can see the head, body, and arms...I finally figured out how to use my scanner! On November 4th, hopefully we will find out the sex of this little being...

My mind is still adjusting to the reality of having two kids. I was someone who barely even changed a diaper before Carys came along! But I know that if I just trust in the Lord for strength and wisdom, I have nothing to fear. I have far, far more to rejoice about than I ever would to complain about.

I was carrying Carys in a parking lot the other day and I told her, "wow you are getting heavy, girl" and she says to me, "You can do it Mommy!" Ohh she is the sweetest. How could I not be excited at the prospect of another one of these precious ones...

(Thanks Andi Lucero for this amazing picture!)

Buttahh Chicken

I had to post about this recipe because it was so delicious and easy, plus I love Indian food! Well I am not that adventurous with it considering I usually just order Chicken Tikka Masala and naan bread since you just cannot go wrong with it. This recipe is pretty similar to Tikka Masala. I don't know what the difference is, but I just know it's fabulous. I saw it on Pioneer Woman via Tasty Kitchen. And you simply must serve it with naan ( i get mine in the Trader Joes freezer section). I think next time I will also add peas to give it a little more green and variety.

It starts out the night before, marinating in this yummy indian spice concoction. I didn't have seperate cardamom and ground coriander, but I used garam masala spice, which has those two in it plus pepper and cumin.

Here is the chicken browning over garlic and onions. I really love this recipe b/c I didn't have to worry about cooking the chicken all the way myself, once you pour the tomato sauce and diced tomatoes over, it just cooks it for you!

Here's what it looked like after cooking in the sauce and adding the heavy cream. It smells absolutely divine I am telling you.
And here it is on the plate with white rice of course. Cilantro goes on top which normally I don't love, but here it works. Don't forget the naan!Mm-hmm, this stuff is the bomb. They have plain also that you just put butter on, its heavenly.

Here is the link to the recipe and Pioneer Woman's site, who has a much prettier demo than I do. Hope you love it!

Eye Candy

I haven't checked Design Sponge in a while and just realized they have been doing round ups of their sneak peeks, "Best Of" features on bedrooms, bathrooms, kids rooms...jackpot!....basically I hung out there for an hour the other night just looking at stuff. Here are my favorites:

From Bathrooms: OK this is not very realistic but seriously, this is so luxurious to me...that Japanese tub, and the open shower...dreaming....

From Dining Rooms: It's all about this red rug, I would love one just like it. Not sure about that freaky artwork though.

A booth would be so cool in a big kitchen, although this one seems to be built for midgets. What I really love is the map. I am officially on the lookout for a big, old, cool map. And why is there a creepy bunny sitting there?

From Kids Rooms: Carys needs a teepee!


Actually I think all the patterns here are too busy together, but how cute is that tree mural with the birdhouses on the wall? I would be fighting for the top bunk.



From Bedrooms: I am digging the huge mirrors on both sides, and of course the his and hers antlers. Makes me want to snuggle up.


The link to their sneak peek page is here.

Oh Dee Doh

Through the popular design blog Apartment Therapy, I recently discovered their related site called Oh Dee Doh about kid's design. If you're a mom you will find it addicting, they have tons of kids room tours with sources and all that good stuff. Enter at your own risk momma's!

Here is an adorable girl's room from there...


And one for boys...


I love you orange, you're so versatile :)

Aloha!

Aloha means hello...and goodbye. OK everyone knows that already, I have no point. We just got back from a 9-day trip to Maui with our friends. It was a great time, though pretty long, we were glad to be home at the end. We had an amazing condo right on the water and there was time to explore and be lazy too. Here is my favorite pic, I am kind of obsessed with it. I mean, can you stand it? The cuteness is off the charts :) (There are many more pics on my Flickr page)



Now that we're home I am itching to get organized and do a couple home projects. Time will tell what actually happens. Oh and my fantasy football draft is next weekend, must prepare! What a dork...
Also I really want to get this planner from Paper Source..and it starts in August 2010...coincidence? I think not.

The Big Three-Oh

Nathan turned 30 last week. He didn't want me to throw him a party, so I didn't. We did have some nice dinners though and he got gifts of course. It was funny but he was kind of depressed about getting older. Poor guy :)
Jaidyn made him this really cute card too that I just had to share. Isn't it sweet?
I'm so thankful for him and everything he does for our family. Love you hubby!

Addison Road

This is one of those songs that will never get old to me, its kind of out of control really, that's how good it is. Wow, have I built it up too much yet? Anyway, its called "What do I know of holy" by Addison Road. I just love this girl's voice. But the lyrics really get me. They put things in perspective about how big and amazing our God really is. Like who are we in comparison with Him? Yet He still loves us, He still allows us to have a relationship with Him. He owes us nothing, yet He gives us everything. Oh its good stuff.
Romans 11:33 says "Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgements and His ways past finding out!"
And verse 36, "For of Him and through Him and to Him are all things, to whom be glory forever. Amen."

Amen!

Home Away from Home

We just got back from a week at "grandma's house" as my daughter now calls it. Basically our time was spent running around outside, enjoying the perfect weather and scenery, playing with the dogs, checking out the pony, swimming at the lake, and eating lots of food of course. And Nathan was also in his friend Eric's wedding. My in-laws are awesome and we have a handful of wonderful friends to see.

Every time I go to visit, I really do feel more at home there, it's so refreshing, and Nathan and I wonder why we are still living in California? Of course there are just a few reasons we are still here, like family, friends, our church family and Nathan's work to sum it up. SoCal will always be home to me, but I often think with how short life is, why just live in the same place the whole time? Lots to think and pray about for sure... but you never know, anything can happen!

It's so hard to get a good family pic of us these days, this is as close as we came. This was at Lake Pend O'reille...the picture doesn't do it justice, its so beautiful...bluest blue sky, bright green trees and really cold water!

here was the scene at the wedding, not too shabby right?

here is Carys with Grandpa and Grandma Barbie

Riding Lily the pony, is she huge or what? (the girl, not the pony) Actually the pony was a midget.

this is what happens when I'm not looking apparently

contemplating life....

....now this is what I call a vacation!