Jillian's Dream Date

Jillian loves gymnastics.  I mean, REALLY loves gymnastics.  Not a day goes by that she isn't practicing or stretching. She uses her balance beam every day.  Maybe you remember... Chad & Jacob made her a beam last year for her birthday.  ("Best gift EVER," according to Jillie.) 
 

 
So what better way to spend Valentine's Day then at the Husker's Women's Gymnastics Meet in Lincoln?   (The cookie dough ice cream was just the icing on the cake.)

And two days later, we were back in Lincoln for Jillian's gymnastics meet.  Hard practice pays off for Jillian.  Just look at those muscles! 

He's Home! But His Luggage Isn't...

A couple weeks ago, we sent Jacob off on the trip of a lifetime.  To Israel.  Since taking a break from college and moving home, we've gotten used to his presence (and humor) again, so it felt really strange when he was gone these past 10 days.  We didn't go through near as much milk or cereal, either. We really missed him, even if his sisters try to disagree.

Reading newspapers while hanging out in the Dead Sea.

On their last day in Israel, they were up all day touring, and then flew out of Tel Aviv at midnight on an 11-hour flight (4pm our time).  Thanks to bad weather in NY, they experienced a cancelled flight, delays, and also had to split up the group to get everyone home to Nebraska at various times.

The first thing on Jacob's list to purchase was a bottle of Mountain Dew.  According to him, he's really...I mean, REALLY...missed his 3 major food groups:  Steak, Bacon, and Mountain Dew.  Tonight would be a bad time to try grilled lamb in Pita bread with lots of veggies and hummus.

I'm anxious to see all his photos and hear all his stories.  He's anxious for his luggage to arrive.  I'd better finish up my laundry before he takes over the washing machine later today.

The Best Father-In-Law Ever

"I thank my God every time I remember you.” Philippians 1:3

Chad and his dad, November 2013

 
My father-in-law was one of the sweetest, kindest, caring men I have ever met.  A week ago today, he breathed his final breath and entered into eternity.  He touched many, many lives.  He was so very easy to love.  How could anyone not love Ken Bailey? 

Much like my husband,  he always bumped into someone he knew everywhere he went.  He was a friend to many.  In fact, so many of the same qualities I love about Ken can also be found in my husband.  

I thank God for choosing Ken to be my father-in-law.  I'm so glad I didn't miss out on knowing him.  I just wish his life wasn't cut so short.  After all, 72 isn't that old.  There were so many more memories left to be had.  But I won't focus on the what-if's and if-only's.  Instead, I am going to smile when something during the day reminds me of Ken, and I am going to Thank God every time I think of him. 

Last Friday, with nearly every seat in the church filled, we celebrated a life well lived.  His love for teaching and coaching was evident in the lives he touched, but his favorite role was that of "father," "grandpa", and "uncle." 

One of my favorite stories centers around the day he retired.  Ken retired from teaching in May of 1998.  In fact, he missed his very last day of teaching to be at the hospital with us when Jenica was born.  He never missed school; he never used any sick days.  But on May 18th, he wanted to be there for us, and for the birth of his grandchild.  And when Jenica needed to be airlifted to Omaha, he drove Chad to Children's Hospital to be with his granddaughter.  On his very last day of school. 

I wish we didn't have to say "good-bye" quite so soon.  It's been a really hard week and we're going to miss him terribly. So if you see us in the days to come, with tears quietly streaming down our cheeks, smile and tell God "thank you" for those that you hold dear to your hearts. 

The Broken Chain

 

We little knew that morning

that God would call your name.

in life we loved you dearly,

in death we do the same.

 

It broke our hearts to lose you,

you did not go alone;

for part of us went with you,

the day God called you home.

 

You left us peaceful memories,

your love is still our guide;

and though we cannot see you,

you are always at our side.

 

Our family chain is broken

and nothing seems the same;

but as God calls us one by one,

the Chain will link again.

The Best Kind of Investment

When you become a parent, your perspective on just about everything changes, because you now see a precious little life in front of you that you want to protect at all costs. 

January 2007, shortly after bringing Jillian home.

If you're a young adult now, and texting and driving seems like no big deal to you, I am certain that will change when you have children.  I remember wishing I could put my child (and myself) in a bubble that could not be broken, hoping to keep him from all the dangers this world lunges towards us.  But my selfish attitude showed very little faith and a lack of trust.  After a while, I realized that I was gonna drive myself crazy, worrying about all the dangerous what-ifs.  I needed to release my children and trust God to protect them.  After all, I can't be with them 24/7.  Nor do I want to.  We all need a break every now and then, right?  Even if that break is just long enough to use the bathroom in privacy. 

It's when my children became teenagers that I realized the importance of having trustworthy people involved in their lives. 

Jacob's 8th Grade Graduation

There are so many negative influences pulling for our teens attention, and I love when God puts special people in their lives to be a positive influence.  People who are willing to invest in them.  People who have crazy-busy schedules, but see the importance (and hopefully the joy) of spending a little quality time building relationships with them.  It's a tough world they're growing up in.  And it's such a blessing, as a mom, to know that God has placed really special people in the lives of my children, who are so willing to give of their time, for a greater purpose. 

I'm seeing the full effects of that blessing with my adult son.  So many Godly men have invested in his life, for which I am eternally grateful.  I'm sure they have no idea the impact they've had.  I don't think I even fully realize their impact.  But I can see the fruit being produced because of the time they spent invested. 

My prayer is that every young person today has that same blessing.  Someone to come along side them (in addition to their parents), building a relationship with them, willing to invest in them.  The timing may not always be the most convenient, and the rewards may seem small (or even nonapparent) at the time, and the teen may not even be appreciative.  But it's all about our perspective... or more importantly, the attitude of our hearts. 

So, who does God want me to invest in? 

A Dream Come True

My parents have been spending their winters in Texas for 13 years, but we've never been able to visit them because our school breaks are always too short.  Until this year!  Our school board approved a longer than normal Christmas Break (Blessing #1197), so we took advantage of it and took a little vacation down south.  (#1198)   After spending a couple days in San Antonio, we arrived in McAllen and my parents RV resort.  (#1199)

Our chauffeur for the day we spent on South Padre Island was my 88-year-old grandfather with my 87-year-old grandmother as the co-pilot. (#1200) 

They're so cute!  My grandpa said, "you made my day by being here."  Awwwe... (I bet it was more like week month year!) The cold, rainy, windy day wasn't about to stop us from walking on the beach. It wasn't the warm sunny beach we had hoped for, but it was "grandma's beach" and that's why it was so special.  (#1201) 

Grandma picked up many buckets of seashells on that sand.  And Grandpa loved showing us "his" island.  Due to their failing health, this may be the last winter they get to travel to Texas.  It warmed my heart to see first-hand the place they've called "home" four months a year.  (#1202)

For a quarter each, we walked across the bridge and into Mexico!
Getting back into the US required passports and 35 cents, along
with an explanation of what was in our shopping bags.

We took in as much as possible while we were in Texas (#1203), and now when we hear my folks talk about everything from "Gonzales Burgers" to "Don Wes Flea Market", we smile and know exactly what they're talking about.  (#1204)  I'm glad my mom made a list of all the highlights of the area so we could squeeze in as much as possible.  (#1205) I totally understand why they like it there.  Everything's green, the fruit and veggies are still going strong, there are palm trees everywhere, there's lots to do, and the weather's (usually) nice and spring-like. (#1206) 

Pirate's Landing at Port Isabelle

Check out Jillian's hotdog at Willie D's!  She learned first-hand that everything's bigger in Texas.

We had such a great time, and as we said our "goodbyes" and prepared for our 18-hour drive home, my dad whispered: "this was a dream come true".  For me too, dad.  (#1207)

My New Favorite Soup

Even though I haven't posted anything for a while, I'm still counting my blessings (I hope you are too). Yes, everything is well with the fam.  (Blessing #1193)  Today, anyway.  You never know from one day to the next what lies ahead.  But worrying doesn't accomplish anything except ulcers and headaches, right?   Someone once told me, "there's nothing to worry about, just lots to pray about."

One of the things that I find relaxing is baking.  (#1194)  My sister once nicknamed me "Betty".  As in Betty Crocker.  I just wish I had someone to wash all my dirty dishes.

Today, I baked 4 loaves of rye bread.  Recipe courtesy of my sweet neighbor Deanna.  A few days ago, she posted something on facebook about all the things she had accomplished as she prepared for Thanksgiving, including having baked several loaves of rye bread.  This resulted in a slug of requests for her recipe.  And being the sweet little lady she is, she snail-mailed me a copy of the recipe.  (#1195)

As you can see, I had to taste it while it was still warm.  Melt-in-your-mouth delicious!   

Since it's been cold this week, I made my new favorite soup on Monday.  Chicken with Wild Rice.  I discovered it on Pinterest as a "Panera Bread Copycat" recipe. (#1196)  And I have to tell ya . . . (insert singing voice)  It's a-MAZ-ing!!   I've made it twice this winter so far, and there's never any leftovers.  Yep.  It's that good.  I think I'll pop a loaf of rye bread in the freezer to serve with my newly discovered soup the next time it makes the menu board. 

You've got to try this recipe!  You'll fall in love.  Just sayin'.

Chicken & Wild Rice Soup
1/2 c. butter
1 onion, chopped
1 c. chopped carrots
1/2 c. chopped celery
3/4 c. flour
6 c. chicken broth, low sodium
6 oz. pkg. Long Grain & Wild Rice
2 c. leftover cooked chicken

Melt butter, sauté onions, carrots, and celery til tender.  Stir in flour.  Gradually add stock til mixture comes to a boil, stirring constantly.  Reduce heat to medium-low.  Prepare rice as directed on box, omitting oil and salt.  Add rice and chicken to stock and simmer 10 minutes. 

The recipe says that it serves 10.  Ummm.....not with my family.   Five is more like it. 

Shared Produce

What does one do with beets?  Well, it depends on who you ask. 

A friend of ours surprised us with some produce from his (enormous) garden (Blessing #1190), after he heard that our dog helped himself to our garden veggies.  Among the treasures he shared were beets.  His advice was to pickle them.  I waited until he left to wrinkle my nose. 

So I proceeded to ask a few of my friends if they had a better idea.  What do you do with beets?   One said "Ewww!  You throw them out!"  I knew she wasn't the one to ask.  Another friend suggested Beet Chips, which were "okay," but not as crispy as Martha's.  I decided that my slicer didn't slice them thin enough. 

And several suggested to pickle them.  Really?  Pickle them?  Ewww!   But my mom agreed:  pickle those babies! 

My mom shared my grandma Viola's recipe with me, and so I began the process.  It really wasn't that hard.  And they look so beautiful in my cute little pint-sized jars.  (#1191)

 

 

I tried one . . . and wrinkled my nose.  I'm sticking with "ewwww!"   I ended up sharing them.  All of the jars went to my mom, my sister, and my mother-in-law, who absolutely love pickled beets.  It was fun to see their excitement, as I gladly shared my pretty little jars of pickled beets with the beet-lovers of my family.  (#1192)

Grandma Daisy's Cookies

My great-grandma Daisy made the best chewy oatmeal raisin cookies (Blessing #1188), and so I decided to satisfy my little craving today and whip up a batch.  My grandma Daisy always just dumped, and didn't bother to measure.  But my mom figured it out by watching her make them, so the recipe lives on.  (#1189)
 

I'll tell you the secret to making them nice and moist.  First, you put a cup of raisins in a glass measuring cup with enough water to cover them to the top.  Then, you bring them to a boil in the microwave. 

Next, you measure out 5 TB of the boiling water from the raisins and mix the hot water with 1 tsp. of baking soda.  (It creates a nice little bubbly reaction, so be prepared.)  And then add that mixture to the dough.  Drain the rest of the water from the raisins, and add the raisins to the dough.

Here's the whole recipe:

Grandma Daisy's Oatmeal Raisin Cookies
2/3 c. butter, softened
1 c. sugar
2 eggs
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 tsp. nutmeg
1/2 tsp. ground cloves
5 TB raisin juice combined with 1 tsp. baking soda
1 1/2 c. flour
2 1/2 c. oatmeal
1 c. raisins (boiled)
Mix in order listed.  Bake at 350 degrees for about 9 minutes.

I hope you enjoy them as much as we do!

The Disappearing Cucumbers

As you know, I am madly in love with Cucumber Salsa.  So naturally, I planted cucumbers, green peppers, and tomatoes in my garden this year.  (And green beans, which rates equally high in our home.)  And to protect our plants from hungry little bunnies, Chad helped me (blessing# 1184) put a chicken-wire fence around it. 

All spring and summer, Chad and I took great care in watering our garden and keeping the weeds away.  We nurtured it and fed it, looking forward to the fruits of our labor come late summer.  And despite the HOT weather we've been having, it has been looking really good.  (#1185)  Until a few days ago. 

Upon walking into our back yard, I could see our innocent dog Beau chomping away at something in the grass. But what was it?  I couldn't tell.  As I got closer, I could see that he was devouring (gasp) a cucumber from my garden!  Naughty dog!

I didn't want the rest of my cucumbers to disappear, so I found a large wire basket in the garage and tried to position the remaining cucumbers under the basket and into safety.  I am so naïve. 

I'm sure you already know what happened.  But I'll tell you anyway.  When I went outside to water the garden the next day, I discovered ALL of my remaining cucumbers were gone.  G.O.N.E.  Gone.  And the vines were pretty much destroyed too.  Naughty Beau!  I guess, at least he's eating healthy and getting a good dose of Vitamin B.  (#1186)  I suppose that's a good thing for dogs too. 

So far, he's only eaten ALL of my cucumbers, several green peppers, and a couple tomatoes.  At least I have a few things left in my garden.  (#1187) We've found a solution . . . electric fence. 

Vitamins, Veggies, Soy, & Rice

It is so easy to take for granted the food we eat on a daily basis.  Our kids might say, "I'm starving," but they don't know what it truly feels like to go without food for days.  Unfortunately, there are millions of starving children in our world, yet there is enough food produced each year to nutritiously feed everyone, every day. 

The question is:  What can I do to make a difference?

Our family had a chance to lend a hand towards fighting world hunger over the weekend when Feed My Starving Children came to town.  We didn't know quite what to expect - we just knew we wanted to help. 

Janet, Jenica, Jillian rockin' the hair nets Saturday afternoon!

"Youth Night" - Friday
Maddy, Jenica, Ashlyn

For two hours, Jacob & Chad ran boxes and supplies back and forth to all the stations while Jenica, Jillian, and I assembled the MannaPacks.  (Blessing #1179)  Each pack we assembled consisted of Vitamins, Veggies, Soy, and Rice in a nutritional value (developed by scientists at Cargill) that will lead a child out of malnutrition into health. 

The goal for our community was to package 225,000 meals during the 24 hours FMSC was in town.  And we did it!  (#1180)  There was so much support from our community, businesses, and churches that our event was completely funded before the trucks even pulled into town.  (#1181)  Wow!  God is at work!  

This video is just one example of how FMSC is making a difference in just 1 of the 70 countries where they provide MannaPack meals.




Did you smile as you watched each of these children share their dream?   They are precious in His sight. . .  (#1182)  Amen?

Maybe we aren't able to physically go on a missions trip to another country, but this is one way we can be part of a missions project without even leaving our town.   (#1183) And we're looking forward to helping again next year.

Back to School

Jenica's first day of school was last Wednesday, which Jillian thought was totally unfair.  Jillian would go to school every day of the year if possible.  She loves learning.  Jenica, on the otherhand . . . well, let's just say she's glad she's no longer a freshman. 


Jenica met her friend Becca, who IS a freshman this year, so they could walk to school together on the first day.  I totally dropped the ball and forgot to pull out my camera before we left.  Luckily, Becca's mom was on the ball and snapped a few for both of us.
(Blessing #1176)

Becca & Jenica - 1st day of School

 

 

Finally, on Thursday, Jillian's day had arrived.   (Blessing #1177)  Third grade, here she comes!

 

 

Jillian's first day of school

Despite having to endure biology and geometry this year, Jenica was extra-happy this week.  She got her school permit (and a car) and no longer has to wait on the rest of us when leaving for school.  And thus, I don't have to make so many extra trips to the High School, practice, youth group, etc.  (Blessing #1178)

 

 

The Best Things in Life Aren't Things

There are so many things in life that make me smile. (Blessing #1167). But the best things in life aren't things. The value of family, friends, and faith points us to the realization that what matters most in life is all wrapped up in people and the Lord. (#1168)

Of course, the Lord and all that He is, is at the top of my list. (#1169) And second is the man who stole my heart. (#1170). Yesterday was our 25th wedding anniversary. (#1171) 25 years! I'm sure you're thinking that Chad and I don't look old enough to be married 25 years. Well, maybe just one of us does. Just kidding, just kidding.

Interested in a flashback photo?

25 years ago, our silver anniversary seamed like a long way off. But here it is already! God has truly blessed me (more than I deserve).

 

Since my brother and his family are back from Arizona this week (#1172), we thought it would be fun to celebrate on the day of our anniversary, with our families. After all, they're at the top of my best-things-in-life list too. (#1173)

 

I love this! My sister-in-law Alimah made it for us. (#1174) She has been blessed with the gift of creativity. Unfortunately, the only picture I got features Chad blinking. But that doesn't matter, because I get to look into his non-blinking eyes every day. (#1175) Here's to the next 25 years, honey! Cheers!

 

Scrap the Schedules

I love, love, LOVE summer! And the thing I like best about summer is that (for the most part) schedules are thrown out the window. (Blessing #1166). I love the laid-back lazy days of summer. Of course, there are times when we have a schedule to stick to, but not like during the school year.

Estes Park

 

This summer, we came up with our own "summer bucket list." A list of things that would be fun to do, if it works out. But we don't stress over our list. Its not our goal to accomplish everything. Our goal has been to enjoy a relaxing summer, with some fun things thrown in every now and then.

Newsboys, Francesca Battestelli, & Hawk Nelson

 

Minnesota, before Jacob's surgery

 

Swimming at the Lake

 

Omaha Zoo - Jenica & sweet little Erica

 

A Day at the Lake with my Parents

 

Kabobs on our grill

 

 

It's sad to think we are already winding down on our final 17 days of summer break. Very soon, the alarm clocks will be set regularly again, and lunch boxes will be packed daily. (Sniff, sniff). I'm just not ready for hectic school schedules to resume.

Beau's Bath

The flies have really been bothering our dog lately. They are taking over his ears, nose, and everywhere else they can stick to. Thankfully, Google helped me find a solution. (Blessing #1163)

I found a bottle at Orschelin's and Chad helped me spray Beau down. Did Beau like his new "treatment"? Ummmm . . . NO! The first thing he did was roll around in the dirt, which became mud on his freshly sprayed hair. But at least the flies left him alone. (#1164) Next time, we'll try a new approach and not let him out of the house til it dries.

In the meantime, Beau earned himself a trip to the Doggie Bath at our local car wash a couple days later.

He fought us, but we won!

If you've never tried the Doggie Wash, it's perfect for washing big dogs. But the best part is that the mess wasn't in my house. (#1165) It works just like a car wash, and you start with the dial on "shampoo," then you switch it to "rinse," then "conditioner", followed by another "rinse" and then "dry." And if you're dog has met a skunk, they even have a "skunk wash" cycle. And if your dog has dry skin, try the "oatmeal" cycle.

The hair dryer cycle made Beau's hair fly everywhere! We were covered with it! We tried not to breath thru our mouths, but that just meant his hair went up our noses instead. Gross!

 

Air Show

Since we live close to the airport, we often get a really early morning wakeup call when spray planes take off and land. But last weekend, we had great seats (blessing #1158) for the big Air Show that took place at our airport. (#1159) We invited our small group out to watch the aerobatics, parachuters, and even a really brave dude who walked on the top wing of a double-winged airplane.

I love when we all get together, but summer is a busy time and not everyone could make it. But those who did got to enjoy some of our homemade ice cream too. (#1160)

 

The kiddos found ways to keep busy in the shade.

Here's Suzy and baby Isaac, all snug as a bug.

 

And Jenica snuggled up in the quilt my mom made me (for my bridal shower 25 years ago - #1161) and snoozed for a couple hours. She was tired from the going-away party she had for a couple friends the night before.

It was a fun afternoon, and I'm glad we didn't have to wait in the long lines for parking, beverages, or for the porta-Pottys. (#1162).