Is Anybody Else Still ......

working on their Christmas cards??

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I LOVE Christmas cards.  Getting them!  Sending them!  It's all wonderful to me!

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Though I've gotten out several cards, the rest are going to be multi-tasking 'Thank You' & Happy New Year cards.  Maybe that's not so bad, after all??

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My goal (adjusted once we hit Christmas Eve) is to get all the cards mailed out by January 5th - our back to school and jury duty day.

Visitors

Our Winter Creek family has relocated to Arizona for a few days, visiting my Auntie. It's 6:00pm and I'm still in my pajamas ... and despite my Uncle's teasing scoff, that's still measures up as a successful vacation day for me!!

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Our list of activities have included

• Playing board games late into the night
• Sleeping in (yet another 'success' sign)
• Watching movies
• Knitting - finally a pair for me!
• Reading
• Lots of eating
• S-t-i-l-l working on Christmas Cards
• Blogging --> See my new header?!
• Going for walks

There'll be plenty of work to do when we get back home - like take down the Christmas tree, do laundry, etc. - but I'm thoroughly enjoying our family and my pajamas until then! Hope you're all finding some restful days too!

Toe-Jam Gets A New Home

Toe-Jam (Thomas-James, for l-o-n-g) actually came to live with us last week, but I've been busy with other things, so this post is a little late in coming. The Engineer is completely in charge of pets around here - making all the decisions about whether to get them or not, where, how much, etc. And, The Engineer is f-a-r from impulsive about such things, so - needless to say - adding this little one to our home has been a most intentional and thorough process.

Toe-Jam has joined our family with relative ease, though Calli-Cat is still getting used to him.

God With Us

Coooooooookies!!!

The Munchkins and I
B-A-K-E-D!
Lots.

Peanut Butter Fudge by Tami

Chocolate Chip Macaroons by Bridgette

Chocolate Chip, Pecan & Coconut Cookies by Shealyn

No Bake Chocolate, Peanut Butter, Oatmeal Mounds by Kricket
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Then we took our yummies to a Christmas Cookie & Gift Exchange Party - multiplying our treats, and delivering 10 plates of neighborly goodness!!

Today With Tami - - All day UPDATES!

My first official day of Christmas vacation, and I'm glad to share the glory of it with you! I'll be updating you on the movements/activities of my day - sort of Twitter style.
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10:30 p.m. = Goodnight!
10:15 p.m. = Get ready for bed
10:00 p.m. = Wrap three presents
9:40 p.m. = Load dishwasher & tidy living areas
8:20 p.m. = Family hang time
8:00 p.m. = Family Advent celebrations
7:20 p.m. = Personal Bible (Isaiah) & devotional (Voice of the Lord) reading
7:00 p.m. = Rotating laundry
6:15 p.m. = Blogging fun
5:40 p.m. = Head to Rubio's for dinner (we have coupons for free food!)
4:45 p.m. = Two more batches of peanut butter fudge
4:07 p.m. = Family goes for a walk
3:34 p.m. = Cleaning up kitchen
3:05 p.m. = Instant messaging with my mom
2:50 p.m. = Watching Journey To The Center Of The Earth (checked out from library) and starting Peanut Butter Fudge
2:00 p.m. = Print cookie recipes, do ingredients inventory
12:45 p.m. = Stop at work, put gas in van, return old & check out new from library
11:58 a.m. = Get dressed, Take Kricket to friends house
11:10 a.m. = Kitchner and finish last pair of Christmas socks (see them here)
10:15 a.m. = Making Breakfast

10:12 a.m. = Help Bridgette with her knitting - a dropped stitch

10:10 a.m. = French Toast is unanimously voted on as breakfast

9:45 a.m. = Munchkins and I pick four cookie recipes to bake for a Cookie & Gift Exchange party on Monday

• Coconut Pecan Chocolate Chip Cookies
• Peanut Butter Fudge
• No-Bake Chocolate Oatmeal Cookies
• Coconut Macaroons (from magazine)
  

9:30 a.m. = Clean kitchen

9:20 a.m. = Private conversation with Bridgette regarding her last minute 'Santa gift' change of mind

9:10 a.m. = Online bill pay, e-mail, blogs

9:00 a.m. = Finish cuddling with The Engineer and get-up

8:19 a.m. = Wake-Up

2009 Mapped Out

For the last two weeks, I've been on jury duty.  That whole time was spent on jury selection - with an initial pool of over 300 people for one case.  Wednesday afternoon I was chosen for the final jury.  The case is expected to run for several months, taking up most of early 2009. 

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It's a long story, but I've seen the Lord's hand in a mighty way throughout this process.  I am both eager to discover who and how I'll be in this situation of justice & law, and very sobered by the weightiness of the case and how the Lord might stretch me within it. 

Fitness Friday

If you don't know about Fitness Friday,

check it out here and join in on the fun!!

Since it's a FULL time of year for most everyone, Brenda gave us a "fill-in-the-blank' assignment. I, for one, already had plenty of things to be grateful for in 2008, but making room for blessings of ease is quite fitting for me!!

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1.This Christmas I am going to indulge in (meaning enjoy, without guilt, a reasonable amount of) SLEEP.
2. It is my goal to stay away from COMPLAINERS.
3. Over the holiday, I am changing my exercise goals to WHATEVER THE MUNCHKINS WILL DO WITH ME.
4. The way I will remind myself to make good choices over the holiday is SPEND TIME WITH JESUS.
5. My favorite ornament on our tree is THE STAR ON TOP.
6. Of the progress I have made so far, my favorite thing is KNOWING I'M NOT STUCK.
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I don't know what any of that had to do with Fitness Friday, but those are my answers!!!

How Do You Wear A Scarf?

Turns out our Office Manager, Chelsea, isn't much of a bread person, so I "baked" her up one of these instead. She seemed to really like, but came into my office and asked, "How do you wear a scarf?" Poor girl. She was born and raised in SoCal and has never really needed one. Isn't that just the saddest thing you've ever heard?!

No worries though. Chelsea's flying up to San Francisco this weekend to see her boyfriend, and plans to give scarf-wearing a try while there! I actually made two of these scarves - the other for a gift exchange on Monday. I'm looking so good in it though, I might have to make a third one!!

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These skinny scarves are great! They knit up super fast (bulky yarn on size 15 needles) and add some great color to your winter bundling! Of course, they're not quite as insulating as their bulkier relatives, but when living in SoCal, great color is a much higher factor than insulating property. I don't know, though. I hear Melody is knitting a skinny scarf too, and as far as I can tell, it's super cold where she is.

Heard In Our House -- I Mean, The Neighbor's House. Ya, That's Right. The Neighbor's House.

Shealyn (14) = "Mom, I want to get the top of my ear pierced."

Me = "Okay."

Shealyn = "And I want a piercing like Chelsea has (at our church - 21). A really tiny diamond in her nose."

Me = "Chelsea doesn't have that anymore ~ she had a lot of problems with it."

Shealyn = "I know, but I still want one."

Me = "Okay."

Shealyn = "So I can get them?"

Me = "Of course. Just as soon as you move out."

Shealyn = "But I CAN get them when I move out?"

Me = "Yes."

Shealyn = "Wow!"

Mantle Nativity

Don't remember how many years ago Auntie and I picked out this Nativity mantle piece pattern, but she finished it this Fall, just in time for my birthday - and now it's finally getting to live out its creation purpose this Christmas!
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Auntie's very humble but she's quite the master quilter, having owned her own shop for several years, prolific all year long, year after year, and blessing so many of us with such spectacular labors of love!

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Our family will be traveling to her home the weekend after Christmas, getting to stay in her fancy "Oregon Home" - which is parked right alongside her Arizona Home. It lets us to be together as much as we want, and also provides a place for escape - either for a nap or just some quiet time - when any of us want/need that. We're excited!

Batches For Staff

Wanting to give something to the other staff at our church for Christmas, but knowing our budget still needs special care this year, I've opted to bake multiple batches of the best bread recipe I've ever found. Way back when, I decided I needed a new bread machine cookbook, and after doing a little research, then checking it out from our library, I ended up purchasing this one.

Oh my goodness - I HIGHLY recommend it. Aside from the super cool lay-flat spiral binding, it holds plentiful, unique and the most varied recipes I've ever found compiled together. The one that first caught my eye, and has since completely captured my attention, is the Blueberry Banana Bread. It's NOT a dense sweet bread like it sounds. No. It's an addicting full-sized yeast bread made with fresh bananas and dried blueberries (I've also used cranberries) that'll be gobbled up quickly by your family, or one that your neighbors will happily gobble up for you, if you feel like giving them the chance! Right, Cindy??

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This loaf seemed perfect for a frugal, won't add clutter to their homes, taste FULL gift! I delivered the first two loaves yesterday and will be running our Winter Creek bread machine over-time in order to get the rest baked by the end of this week. With any luck, our machine will collapse under the pressure and I'll finally find myself in need of a new one!!

For a 2 pound loaf cooked on the "basic" cycle (add ingredients in order listed) -->

• 3/4 cup buttermilk
• 2/3 cup mashed banana
• 1 egg
• 4 teaspoons butter or margarine
• 4 cups bread flour
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/4 teaspoons yeast
• 1/2 cup dried blueberries

The book includes these recipe chapters

"Plain & Simple"

"Sourdoughs"

"Whole Grain Goodness"

"Savory Loaves"

"A Sweet Touch" - where the above recipe is found

"International Classics"

"Flatbreads & Pizzas"

"Shaped Breads"

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Let me know if you decide to make the Blueberry Banana Bread or if you've tried any other recipes from this book!!

Profit Making Deal x 2

It was dark, with a thick layer of clouds pouring down the fruits of their existence, and gusty winds blowing through the trees.  I LOVED it!   That kind of weather makes me feisty and fills me with energy.  That's what happens when a Coastal Oregon girl is relocated to SoCal.  When the rain comes, everyone else hunkers down, but I'm drawn out and enlivened.  And so was my yesterday!  

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I was energized to decide on another homemade - but afore unplanned (thus the 'energized' part) - gift for Christmas.  I can't mention the hows and whats here, because that'd likely ruin the suspense and surprise for someone, but I'll show you eventually.  The supplies for this gift needed to be purchased at Joann's.  I always have lots of their coupons on hand, but of course, YESTERDAY, I couldn't find a single one.  Nevertheless, I went forth in foolishness hope that all the items would already be on sale. 

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This homemade gift idea was so marvelous and easy that I decided I'd just make three of them while I was at it - leaving us with two extra gifts on hand, not for Christmas, but birthdays, thank yous, etc.  There was one cut of fabric that added up to $18 which caused me to really start aching over not having a coupon.  Have you ever had an extra coupon that you couldn't use and ended up giving it to someone else who could?  I have.  As I stood in line, surrounded by people non-chalantly holding their coupons, I desperately wished someone would offer me theirs. 

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Marching slowly to the register, and seeing that no one was about to extend such money saving grace, I decided to take matters into my hand.  My eyes scanned the line, looking.  There were lots of people to choose from.  One particular family of four captured my attention.  Each of them had a coupon.  Each of them held one item to purchase.  Though appearances can be deceiving, this family looked as though there was likely more "need" than "frivolity" in their lives. 

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That's it.  My plan was hatched.  It would be a profit making deal for all of us!  The youngest girl had a simple skein of yarn in one hand, with $5 and a coupon in her other.  At the very most - my reasoning went - that yarn could've been (over)priced up to about $4.  Her 50% off coupon would lower the cost to $2.  If I had that coupon, I could save $9.  I then approached the mom, explained my calcalculations and offered to buy her daughter's coupon for $3.  They would be making a profit, and even with the 'cost' of the coupon, I'd still be saving six more dollars.  

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She - after I explained it one more time - accepted my offer.  I felt great, and it sure seemed like the little girl did too, as I started counting out money and handing it to her.  Not only would she get her yarn for FREE, but there'd be a little bit of money leftover.  Not much, but some.  It's not like I handed them $100, offered to pay for their purchases, or anything so grandious as that, but it sure seemed like it was less about a few dollars, and more about an unexpected blessing for both of us.

Quick Get-Away

I can't decide if this is beyond lame or refreshingly wonderful. What do you think? Do it first, for REAL, before leaving a comment!!

Fitness Friday

If you don't know about Fitness Friday,

check it out here and join in on the fun!!

I suppose I've "fallen off the Fitness Friday wagon" these last few weeks. With my own interior struggles (not having anything to do with fitness issues, but impacting them nevertheless), having company in town, planning two birthday parties, etc. etc. - you know the drill - I just didn't purpose to write any posts, but I did purpose NOT to stand on the scale. And, I still haven't.
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Ready for a fresh start - and knowing the grace of our Fitness Friday gals - I'm jumping back in. For now, that "back in" means -->

• Here's my post
• I will again be AWARE of what & how much I'm eating
• I will support the other members of Fitness Friday

That "back in" does NOT mean -->

• I'm going to weigh myself
• I've got a plan to exercise
• I'm going to avoid Christmas baking and eating

As for the "spiritual" aspect of physical care, there can be no true separating of the two. When I'm doing well on my interiors, then my exteriors more easily align. And when I'm not, they don't. Which, as I said at the beginning of this post, is exactly the reason I have NOT been participating in Fitness Friday.

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For those of you who don't know me personally, I rarely beat around the bush and usually tell it like it is (from my twisted perspective, at least). Maybe you couldn't tell. Maybe you wished I wouldn't have. If you're hoping there's a softer side of me, you can always check out Trees & Thorns where I labor to be discover the deeper movements and purpose authenticity. Not that I'm faking it here, of course!

Then He Smiled At Me

Even before I knew Jesus for myself (which happened in Jr. High) I'd be moved to tears and longing and desperate hope each year when The Little Drummer  Boy was on television.  My spirit longed to worship the Lord Jesus long before my mind & reason understood why.  Somehow I also knew that I had absolutely NOTHING to bring as a gift for such a King.  When that little boy started playing his drum, that's when my tears began breaking out, accompanied by that signature pain in my throat and stomach, wondering, hoping if it was really so simple - if I could just be who I was before Him, and that would be gift enough.   

I have no gift to bring .... That's fit to give the King 

I played my drum for Him .... I played my best for Him

Then He smiled at me

Every year I hear people say how stupid the little drummer boy is.  How he was never at the stable.  How he's not in the Bible.  How annoying his pa-rum-pum-pum-pum is.  Yes, I suppose those are the opinions and the facts.  Nevertheless, 25 years after meeting Jesus for the first time, I know the "facts" aren't the only things that matter to the soul.   

After those same 25 years, I know more than ever that I STILL have no gift to bring that's fit to give my King. So I live my life for Him, even missing beats here and there and everywhere.  Still, He welcomes me as a daughter, makes me worthy by His own design, and smiles at me.  Yes.  That's enough.

Yourself In Elf

Our Munchkins thought this was H-I-L-A-R-I-O-U-S last year! Don't you think they'll be thrilled to discover that I beat them to the punch this year and made a new one?!!

Go ahead and make some elves of your own!

A Year Ago, Today

Last year, on Shealyn's 13th birthday, I fell off her new skateboard and ended up in the hospital for 5 days. The photo below was taken exactly one year ago today - my coming home from the hospital.

What a time of s-t-r-e-t-c-h-i-n-g for our entire family. The Engineer displayed kinds of tender patience, exhausting servanthood & fierce protection that I've never seen before. Our church family, neighbors and friends gathered around us, in practical, emotional and spiritual support. The drugs were so heavy early on that The Engineer had to bring in "babysitters" for me when he went to work - and sleeping was practically impossible. He created a "nest" for me (by turning our dresser around and pushing it up against my side of the bed), because the ONLY way I had even a remote chance of gaining some rest was by sitting upright.

I cried all the way through my first physical therapy session, but it soon became my favorite place to be - seeing the determination and strength in others seemed to birth fresh strength in myself. I have great respect and gratitude for my therapist - Alice (center) - who let me sob quietly (and not so quietly) and kept the recovery goal continually in front of me - creating another helping of strength for the day.

I see the Lord, seated on the throne, exalted, and the train of His robe fills the temple with glory. And the whole earth is filled - and the whole earth is filled - and the whole earth is filled with His glory.

• Five days in the hospital - FILLED with His glory
  
• Two surgeries - Filled WITH His glory
  
• Seven months of physical therapy - Filled with HIS glory
  
• Nearly complete recovery - Filled with His GLORY.

It's He who provided ~ It's He who healed ~ It's He who transformed. He did much of it THROUGH our friends, through time & pain & struggle, through earthly uncertainty that required dependence. A year ago, today. How different I was. How different I am. It is good. It was necessary. Whatever 2009 unfolds for our Winter Creek family, I expect and assume He'll provide, heal and transform again.

Jewish Roots

Our church welcomed Rabbi Barney Kasdan from the local Messianic Synagogue to teach during our worship service today - he'll be returning for the following two weeks, as well. The Rabbi spoke, and will be speaking, about seeing Jesus in the Feasts (Today was the Feast of Trumpets - also known as Rosh Hashanah). My spirit has been eargerly anticipating this opportunity of greater understanding regarding our heritage. Rabbi Kasdan has written a couple of books - avaliable here & here on Amazon - and also brought several copies of a Messianic Jewish Daily Devotional (a free online daily posting of it is available at StudyLight) that I was immediately and semi-desperately drawn to.

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I feel like a child who knows they'll be unwrapping something wonderful on Christmas, but doesn't have any idea what it will be or what it looks like. Our Savior is exceedingly extraordinarly unfathomable and I rejoice in knowing Him whatever new ways He's willing to reveal Himself.

14 Is Looking Wonderful

She's in the thick of change, and Winter Creek keeps changing to keep up with her! We're extremely proud and enjoying the ride!!

Happy Birthday, Shealyn!!