Snow Fun

After church Sunday we went outside as a family to play in the snow. Anna Grace loved every second of her time; Dean on the other hand was ready to come inside after about 5 minutes. Anna Grace played so hard she fell asleep at the table last night - while eating her 3rd waffle!

Here are some pictures...

This Week's Menu

We just got back from the grocery store and it looks like this is what is on tap at our house this week.

Juju's Potato Soup

Chicken and Rice Casserole
Green Beans
Salad

Tuscan Pasta with Tomato Basil Cream
Salad
French Bread

Pizza Pouches

Tacos
Black Beans
Chips and Salsa

Waffles
Sausage

Not My Juju!

We had a fun week with my mom last week. We sewed several new outfits for the children for the spring and got some more started but not quite complete. It is always a treat for us when she comes - it means extra hands to help with the children, cooking and cleaning for me (and Neal) but for Anna Grace and Dean it means a few more snacks, splurges at the grocery store and fun play time. Great fun is had by all.

Due to the circumstances of the week, she ended up taking the train home on Saturday. I would guess that most of you have not taken the train before and well it is really quite pleasant. There is a dining car and a separate snack car and usually lots of space to spread out and do your own thing. Sure there are some characters on the train but that is just part of the experience and sure the train is usually a little behind schedule but that is just part of the whole train experience.

However this time, there was one problem we did not expect - the weather. Apparently the bad weather on Friday and Friday evening caused the train some complications and it was about 4 hours behind schedule. Therefore Amtrak was kind enough to charter a tour bus to get the passangers who could not wait 4 hours to their final destination. And since Neal and I had the Vestavia High School State Championship basketball game to get to, we could not bring her back down to the train. Juju bravely decided to ride on the chartered bus. We watched as she boarded - children very upset it was not the train they expected - a little anxious of the expereince she was going to encounter - no dining car, no snack car, not a large area to spread out comfortably. Dean managed to yell from within the van what we were all thinking as she stepped on - "NOT MY JUJU!" - after I stopped laughing, I looked at him and said, "I know son, next time we will make sure the train is ready."

Juju's in town

My mom is here for a few days spending time with the family. It is always nice to have her visit. It is amazing what gets done around here and how nice it is to have constant entertainment for the children - besides me. She has been gracious enough to read books today, watch movies and play "the Dora game" (a.k.a. Chutes and Ladders) over and over. As if that was not enough she helped me sew a spring outfit for Anna Grace and one for Dean!

Anywho, here is the food for the week. Sorry to say but all of it comes from cookbooks, however if there is something that sounds tasty please feel free to let me know and I will send you the recipe.

Sloppy Joes
Baked Beans
Salad

Pork Tenderloin
Macaroni with Tomatoes and Feta
Salad

Chicken and Dumplings

Waffles
Sausage
Eggs

thoughts from bible study

I am currently in a Precept Study of the book of Jonah. During our lecture yesterday we were challenged with 10 questions regarding our fear of the Lord. Several of them stuck out but this one really gripped me...

#7 Do you fear God enough to know that there is no calamity apart from God?"

The question was taken from Jonah 2:3 which says "For You had cast me into the deep, into the heart of the seas, and the flood surrounded me; all Your waves and your billows passed over me." Meaning God caused the storm in the boat while Jonah was trying to flee His presence and God lead the sailors to obey Jonah's direction to throw him overboard so they might be saved and it was God who allowed Jonah to be engulfed by the sea so that Jonah would repent, fear Him and obey His command.

This part of the following illustration that followed...Stonewall Jackson is answering one of his captains who had been watching him in battle for a long time and wondered how Jackson always remained so calm. Jackson's response..."Captain, my religious belief teaches me to feel as safe in battle as in bed. God has fixed the time for my death. I do not concern myself about that, but to be always ready, no matter when it may overtake me. Captain, that is the way all men should live, and then all would be equally brave."

Has the fear of God gripped me to this extent?

couldn't sleep last night

Tragedy of the week - One broken "clip clop shoe"

Last night Anna Grace woke me around 3:45 because she could not find her pillow - don't ask me it was laying in her bed right where it was when we put her down; I very groggily went in to help her then got in bed. Only then I realized I was really hungry but I would not get out of bed again because then I might really be up. So I lay longer and Wilber (as I like to call our unborn son that we have yet to name) began kicking me. Then I started thinking of all the little things we could do around our house to make it better - you know things like touch up the paint on a door, little things. Next thing I knew it was 5 am and I decided I might as well get up I mean by now my mind was racing to all sorts of things there was no sleep in my near future I was certain of that.

So I tip-toed down the stairs with my bible in hand and began the time praying. Very quickly I was lead to 1 Peter 5:2-4

"Shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly; not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock. And when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory."

What a great passage to be lead to at 5 am! Right now I am called to shepherd the flock of God that is among me...being an example to the flock...to receive the unfading crown of glory. It is what we are all called to, it just so happens that my flock consists of little children. When I think about a shepherd I can't help but think it is a stinky job at times (literally) with long hours of constant watch over sheep some of the most helpless, dumbest animals in the world. While I will not say that my children are dumb, I will say they are in many ways helpless and do need my constant care and being a mom does have really long hours. So why do it...it's not for the crown - although that is a wonderful reward - I think it is for the little moments when it is obvious that God is working in their lives, shaping them into the people He wants them to be and somehow using me - a weak vessel.

12-year-old Speaks Out Against Abortion

Despite protests from her teachers, this 12-year-old girl submitted this speech in her school speech competition and won. More details are here.

What's Cooking This Week

After some discussion it was decided to move the food box in with the regular posts. Here is what we've got for this week. If you are interested and it is not a link let me know and I would be happy to email you a recipe...

Porcini Mushroom Tortelloni with Wilted Greens
Salad and French Bread

Balsamic Chicken Drumettes
(this is a real favorite with the kiddos)
Sweet Potato Fries
(we omit the sauce)
Salad

Spinach and Chicken Ring

Mexican Lasagna

Last week's menu in case you missed it...

Pan-Fried Chicken-and-Ham Parmesan
Garlic-Herb Pasta
Sauteed Grape Tomatoes

Beefy Pasta Sauce and Noodles (aka Spaghetti)
Salad and French Bread

Pork Balsamico with Mushrooms
Baked Wild Rice
Salad

Baked Chicken and Rice with Black Beans
Avocado Slices
Chips and Salsa

Chili Topped Potatoes

cooking fun

Anna Grace and Neal decided to make a valentine treat for me (and the whole family). As you can see, Anna Grace really got into the sampling part; I guess she wanted to make sure Neal was not making any mistakes. I think they both had a fun time and Anna Grace is excited that they will cook again sometime soon.

the cousins unite

We had a little cousin time and took a few pictures. Anna Grace and Dean had a big time playing with Mallie Tate (or Tate as Dean refers to her).

The girls checking each other out.

Mallie Tate looks just like her daddy.

Dean joins the scene so more checking each other out.

Everyone playing together.