Goodbye 2010

I just spent tooooooo much time on an end-of-year post that will not cooperate. I've lost the information too many times to count. It's just not meant to be.

Instead, I'll just recap what we've been up to the last few days.

Eric is working hard to paint our guest bathroom. Well, what started as a simple paint job has turned into "Hey, let's replace the light fixture ... and why don't we replace the sink, too while we're at it". Ha! That always happens. The only problem is, we're not skilled in replacing anything, so now we wait on someone who is. Anyway, it already looks a ton better and I hope to share before/after pics in a few days.

Emma and Olivia have spent countless hours enjoying their new toys. Eric and I got them both skates for Christmas so my downstairs has turned into a roller rink.

Cathy and her family came over last night so we could hang out and exchange Christmas gifts. She gave me the ultimate gift. A Grease Wii game ...

To appreciate that, you would have to know a little background. When we were little, Cathy and I were OBSESSED with Grease. In fact, I went to the movies THIRTEEN times to see it. My Mom took me to our local theatre on opening night to see it. There was a sock-hop and everything which I remember being very cool.

I have always loved Olivia Newton-John (and, NO, my daughter is not named after her, although my brother will tell you otherwise.

Back to Cathy ... she loves to tell anyone who will listen that when we 'played' Grease as little girls, I would never let her be Sandy and she always had to be Danny.

Whatever.

She holds a grudge.

So, after I opened my gift and we started to play, all I heard was "Can I please be Danny for once in my life?" or "Why do you always have to be Sandy?".

Whine, whine, whine.

Ofcourse, I let her be Sandy. It was the only way to get some peace. Ha!

See? Proof.

It was SO much fun. I think I may have scared my girls, though. Look at Emma ... isn't she thrilled?

I was.

Cathy's youngest daughter, Casey spent the night so the fun lasted until after midnight :)

Emma and I spent the day together today. We had a great time eating, shopping and talking. Now, we're just getting takeout and renting a movie and ringing in the New Year from the quiet of our own home. This is the first year we haven't worked with the youth group over New Year's so we're looking forward to a calm one.

I don't know about you, but I am SO glad to see 2010 go. It brought a lot of fun and high points, but for the most part, it was a year of spiritual and mental healing for me and with that came a lot of tough revelations. I am looking forward to a New Year and excited about it's possibilities.

Happy New Year!

Dogs, Girls Night Out and a Recipe

My girls spent the night with Eric's parents last night. Needless to say, my house is QUIET this morning. I have big plans to clean their rooms and pay bills.

I know. A life can't get more exciting.

One thing I'm going to do is spend some time with Sadie today. Our new puppy is doing pretty well. I have a few issues with her.

Like BITING.

I've tried everything. She's like a piranha and will bite/chew anything in her path .... toys, her bed (she's gone through 4), your clothes (while on your body), your hand, your face, whatever.Yesterday, I tied her to my lamppost for just a second while I went inside to get the girls. I came outside to find she had chewed her leash off.She chewed.her.leash.off.
I found her down the street with another dog. Sigh.

It's a good thing she's cute and sweet or we would have a major problem.I wish I could show you that spot on top of her head. It's a perfect heart-shape. I can't show it though. If I try to get a picture, she bites my camera. ???

Changing subjects ....

I did go out last night with some girls I went to high school with.Cathy came to town and organized a little get-together. We had fun! Best of all, I laughed so hard my stomach and face hurt. A good sign I need to do that more often. :)Okay, I have heard your comments/emails about the Cherry Cheese Danish Recipe. I could have sworn I posted this last year, but can't find it anywhere. So, I'll post it here. This is my Mom's recipe. She has made this danish for years on Christmas morning.

Cherry Cheese Danish

2 pkgs. crescent rolls
1 can cherry pie filling
1 block cream cheese (softened)
1/3 cup powdered sugar
1 egg (separated) - use yoke in mixture, save egg white for last
1 tsp vanilla

Combine cream cheese, sugar, egg yolk & vanilla. Mix until smooth.
Arrange 14 of the 16 triangle cresent rolls in a circle with the points facing in.
Pinch all the edges together.
Cut out a 3 inch center circle.
Put mix 1/2" from edges.
Add cherry pie filling.
Cut remaining 2 rolls into 12 inch strips.
Roll strips and place over danish.
Brush top with egg white.
Bake at 350 for 25-35 minutes.One more thing, I am having a hard time getting in touch with a few people leaving comments on my blog. First, Tracy (Joy in the Journey) and Laurie O .... I have lost your email addresses. I want to respond when you comment, but can't. So, if you're reading this, send me an email so I can contact you.

Christmas

So I don't feel so overwhelmed trying to be creative (am I ever, really?), for posterity, I'm just going to post some pics over the last week and do my best to narrate. In other words, I am in total relax mode and really can't be expected to put coherent sentences together. So, here's hoping this makes sense :)

I will say I was so happy we had the week off before Christmas. We had so much time to get ready and not stress about anything. In fact, I had very little to do at all so it was nice to relax.

Just like every other Christmas Eve, my friend Kurt stopped by. I didn't get a picture this year, (you can read about last year here) but it was so good to see him. We've been friends since 3rd grade :)

We went to Eric's parents' for the afternoon and just relaxed. Eric's Mom has had 28 radiation treatments as of now, with only 8 more to go. She has done so well and with the exception of being a little tired in the afternoons, she's feeling pretty good. Praise the Lord. (Thanks for praying.)

We always go to my parents on Christmas Eve night. You never know who all will be there. There was a houseful! We played Pictionary and fortunately, we can all show our faces to each other the next day :) ha! That hasn't always been the case :)

Then, it's time to get ready for Santa. Here are the girls after setting out cookies and milk.

They sleep on our floor on Christmas Eve so they won't catch Santa putting gifts under the tree ;) Emma woke me up at THREE o'clock to tell me she couldn't sleep. I assured her she could and would try :) It worked because we had to wake them up at 7:30.

Emma got a new bed for her American girl dolls, as well as clothes for them, Wii games, a Barbie Video girl, some games, etc.

Olivia got an Ariel vanity that talks to you, a Just Dance Kids Wii game and plenty of other treats.

They both got a Tangled Tower with Rapunzel dolls.
We opened gifts from each other and the sweetest moment was when Olivia opened her gift from Emma. Emma gave her her copy of Greens Eggs and Ham. Olivia was SO excited to get that.

I made my traditional Christmas morning Cheese Danish, but with a twist this year. After years of loving my Cherry Cheese Danish, Olivia has decided she doesn't like cherries?? So, I added apples. Guess which one she ate? Both! Sigh. It was still good.

Eric and I at his parents' on Christmas Day.

The biggest Christmas gift we got was SNOW! It never snows here on Christmas Day (or before Christmas, for that matter). Actually, this was the first time in over 60 years.

It was beautiful!

The girls with their cousin, Terin.

Olivia still loves to eat it more than play in it :)

Our peaceful back yard.

We had a great, relaxing Christmas. I'm so thankful I still have another week before we head back to school.

Merry Christmas

I guess I'll officially sign off of here until after Christmas. Our festivities are getting ready to swing into high gear and I'm bracing myself for it. I'm looking forward to spending time with family and friends I don't get to see often. I am so blessed.

From the bottom of my heart, I want to thank all of you that read this crazy blog. I know I've said it before, but I will again .... this blog is not something that is easy to explain to people. I can tell someone, "I have a friend who .... " and when pressed about who that friend is, it becomes a ridiculous conversation :) Not many people understand blogging :)

But, what joy it has brought to me! I have made some great friends who encourage me and challenge me. I'm still amazed anyone reads. My Mom is my official marketer, I guess because she's the one that has spread the word the most among those I know personally.

So, thank you for dropping by, leaving the occasional comment and praying for my family and me. May you all have a blessed Christmas celebrating the birth of our Savior!

Happy

I'm feeling very Christmasy this morning. After being on an emotional roller coaster all week - happy one second, deeply sad the next (hormones, anyone?), I finally feel 'peaceful' this morning. And happy.

Eric was suppose to be home from Pittsburgh after midnight but called yesterday to tell us he would be in six hours sooner. Praise! He pulled into the driveway just in time to ride with us to a welcome home party for one of my favorite youth girls. Okay, she isn't 'youth' any longer but will always be to me, I guess. Arialle has been studying abroad in Wales this past semester. We've missed her, so I loved getting to see her last night. We had a great time with friends. I wish I had a picture but I didn't take my camera. Here's one from a State game last year. Welcome Home, Arialle!

Probably another reason I'm so happy this morning is the fact that Eric is home and he doesn't go back to work until next Tuesday. Happy, happy, joy, joy.

Emma was SO excited to cook breakfast for him this morning. She is obsessed with cooking eggs in the microwave. I have to admit they are delicious. Best of all ... I didn't have to cook :)

Another reason I'm happy?

I got this in the mail yesterday!I can't wait to write my first verse of the year in it.

Oh, my favorite thing Olivia said yesterday .... We were at Barnes & Noble hoping to find George Bush's new book when she said "Who is George Bush anyway". I said "He used to be President". She thought for a minute and said, "Well, how sweet. We should bake him some cookies".

Baking is her love language. Which is a good thing .... that's what we're doing all day :)

Monday, Monday

I'm not sure all the presents wrapped under the tree are going to make my girls and me as happy as waking up this morning with nowhere to go. Glory!

I was so happy, I didn't even mind going out in the cold, cold air to walk Sadie. In fact, I think I even told her I loved her atleast 10 times. ha! I LOVE days off! Probably more than anyone I know.

Only 5 more days 'til Christmas!

With the exception of a few gifts to wrap, I am ready.

Thank you for your comments to this post. I should say I was never upset about the comment. I actually laughed about it because of how ridiculous it was. The name of my URL is 'Raising Future Esthers' which is a pretty big indicator it's about my children.

I did love your comments, though. This person said 'hurt people, hurt people' and I have to tell you, I have thought about that comment all weekend. What great perspective to apply to any situation where we are hurt by another person.

I also loved that Kelly simply said 'People are bizarre'. ha! True.

Okay, I'm off here for now to play games with my girls. We've finally graduated from Candy Lane (temporarily, I'm sure) to play more fun games like Hedbanz and Apples to Apples Jr.

Have I mentioned I LOVE being off work?

Sunday Letters

Dear Olivia,

You have been the sweetest child all week!! Not that you're not always sweet ;), but this week, you have been snuggling and praying so much and catching me off guard when you do. Your prayers are more intentional about what is going on around you which makes them more sincere, I think. Tuesday morning on the way to school, you prayed for your sister to have a wonderful day and for her friends to be kind to her. Then you said, "Father, I am SO THANKFUL you have made books for me to read! I love them! But, Father I pray when I can finally learn to read this chapter book, my Mommy doesn't cry." Ha! So, I started crying right then instead :) I love you.

Oh, one day last week we all went riding around town to look at Christmas lights. For some reason, you weren't that impressed and even said, "I think this is so boring!" .... then, the very next second, you said "I wish I was saved". Your daddy and I asked you a few questions, to which you didn't want to answer any of them, so we didn't press any further. I wonder what is going on in that brilliant mind of yours ??

Dear Emma,

Perhaps there is no child around that is happier than you to be out of school! You are just so happy to sleep in. You declared yesterday an 'all day pajama day' and since we have no plans the rest of the week, I'm pretty sure you'll declare each day the same. Go for it!

My favorite thing you did this week? Completing your Christmas shopping. No matter how much I have tried to change your mind, you spent all of your reading money shopping for other people. You had the best time buying and wrapping. I love your heart.

Dear Eric,

Yesterday .... When you decided to FRY that livermush for Olivia minutes before my bible study girls arrived for breakfast, when I already had a cherry cheese danish and waffles made, I thought I would lose my mind. This was minutes after you spread your computer and papers across the kitchen table to write Christmas cards to all your clients. Really? Now??? You said it HAD to be done right then. Before 9:00.

You got ONE finished.

I had to go in our closet and scream.

We will never agree on things like that. We just won't.

But, I love you. Oh, and there's a reason I meet those girls on Saturday mornings for bible study at Panera. You just can't handle the change.

Neither can I.

Did I mention I love you?

You're free to go

Wow, I actually just got an 'anonymous' comment telling me I write too much about my kids.

Really?

I get weird comments all the time, but this one made me laugh it's so ridiculous.

Dear Anonymous,

No one is forcing you to read my blog. If you ended up here and decided to stay long enough to know who/what I write about, you made that decision by your own free will. So, if you don't like what you see, this blog is definitely not for you. Move along!

Maybe I Need More Snow Days

I woke this morning at my usual time (5:30 - boo!) hoping for a closing or delay for school.

Nothing.

Until 40 minutes later when I got the call we were on a 2 hour delay.

Yes! I admit I went back to bed. Actually, Eric had already gotten completely ready and even he laid across the bed and fell asleep.

We are some tired peeps.

Two hours later, my girls and I were dressed and heading out the door when I got another call telling me it would be another hour delay. Since that pretty much cancels 1/2 day students, Olivia and I were able to change out of our 'school clothes' and into something comfy. Emma didn't have that luxury. I felt bad for her and almost let her stay out of school, but I have this ridiculous conscience when it comes to missed school days and already feel horrible about missing 4 days in November because of our Disney vacation.

So, she went.

I really missed her. Olivia and I had a great day. We didn't do anything significant, which made it great, I guess. She made chocolate covered pretzels almost completely by herself, while I made chili and mini corn muffins for dinner. Yum!

Then, I spent 2 HOURS studying my bible (give the Lord some praise - it's been awhile since I've had that kind of time) while Olivia colored. My word, I had the best time. Not to make Eric feel guilty, but I did send him a picture of our yummy food and titled it "Look what I can do when I don't have to go to work".

I know, I know. I have the easiest job in the world and one that he never suggested I take, so it really isn't fair to tease him like that.

But, the time off? Oh, it was NICE!!

Which leaves me wondering why I am still so tired tonight. Maybe I need more than one day off to re-charge?

We did go to Emma's piano recital tonight. I'm her Mom, so ofcourse I'm going to say she did wonderful. She played 2 songs .... What A Wonderful World along with Beauty and the Beast. Here's the latter ... (Oh, and that's my Daddy in the bottom left corner. Occasionally, you'll see him wipe his eyes .... cause he's a sap :)

Emma's Piano Recital from Deidre on Vimeo.

SMT - FINALLY

I have been waiting .....

and waiting ....

and waiting ....

There is very little that has impacted my walk with the Lord more than participating in Beth Moore's Scripture Memory Team in 2009.

Not only memorizing 2 verses a month, but the SMT Celebration in January is a time I will NEVER forget. You can read about my experience here and here.

It all starts up again in January, 2011!!! Read the news by clicking here.

And yes, there will be another SMT celebration January 2012.

I do not dare predict what will happen between now and then and from experience, wouldn't assume anything, so I can honestly say I am equally thrilled about memorizing scripture with so many women holding me accountable. But, how exciting would it be to meet up with so many friends I made those few days?

So, how about it? Will you join me? How about all you ladies I go to church with? Wanna do it with me? I would love the company!!

Trust me .... it's worth it!!

(I can't stop using exclamation points :) !!!!!)

Candy Cane Lane

Yesterday was a special day for us. Not only did we have an amazing morning worship service, but last night was our Children's Christmas Program. My girls, along with all the other kids, have been practicing for months. I didn't watch one practice, so I didn't know what to expect.

I was so proud of all the kids. And I know I biased, but I thought Emma did a wonderful job as Candy Cane Jane. I sat in my seat wondering if she gets all that talent from me.

Is that laughing I hear? Ha Ha!

And, look at that beautiful elf!

It's Olivia! I was shocked she even participated, but not only did she do her parts, she enjoyed every minute of it.

I know! I am one blessed Mommy!

Olivia with her cousin, Kassie.

My niece, Anna, Emma, Olivia and Kassie.

Emma and my niece, Lauren.

Emma with Mrs. Piper. Piper, thank you for ALL you have done for my girls. They love you so much. I know you put in so much time and prayers and it showed. It was a great play with a great message. We love you and Benny!
I love this picture! This is Emma with our friend and Pastor, Dale. I love our church and I love our pastors. I also love the Pastor's wife, Rita :) She is one of my dearest friends. (I feel I should say that since I made her move out of this picture - ha!) No, really it's true. Rita, I really did want a picture of all 3 of you :)

My girls were sad it was all over last night. I'm so proud of both of them!

Sunday Letters

Dear Emma,

This morning, you are wondering if I'm the meanest Mom in the world. You won't say it, but I see your wheels turning. Our conversations this week have included 1) why you can't have a cell phone (thanks, Paula & Scott) 2) why you can't ride in the front seat (thanks Mom & JP) and 3) why I won't get you an iTouch (unlimited internet access .... umm ... NO!). So today, I am that Mom. The one that is overprotective, doesn't understand kids and won't give in. Let me just say, I hear your opinion, I respect them, but I'm not budging.

On a happier note, tonight is the Christmas play and I am SO excited about seeing you and Olivia perform. You have worked so hard and taken it very seriously. I'm glad I don't know much about it so I can be surprised, but I know it will be great. I'm praying for you!

Dear Olivia,

If you keep changing your Christmas list, you're going to give me a heart attack. You told me yesterday it didn't matter how many times you change it until you finally sit on Santa's lap. In other words, we have to get there quick. You're killing me.

I complained one afternoon this week about the downstairs floors being so dirty. I thought I was talking to myself. You got out your toy vacuum and spent an HOUR 'vacuuming' every inch of the downstairs. I didn't have the heart to tell you that wasn't doing much good. I was just so touched by the gesture. Afterwards, you plopped on the sofa and said, "Whew. That wore me out!" :)

Dear Eric,

I've said it a thousand times and I'll say it again .... Thank you for helping me clean out the closets and bonus room this weekend. I know I go crazy before Christmas wanting things organized. You put up with my craziness with minimal (hmmmm) complaining. I love you.

Dear Sadie,

You and I were bonding and learning to trust each other. I even felt confident letting you run in the yard without your leash mainly because you've been so sweet to come right back for your treat. But, you nearly killed me Thursday morning when you ran to the neighbor's house down the street and hid in his garage. It was only 10 degrees, the girls were in the car ready to go to school and I had to chase you. Bad Dog! Bad, Bad Dog! I don't think our neighbor cared for you much at that point either. He came out in his pajamas to help me catch you. Bad Dog!

So, now you and I are loving our new 30 ft. tie-out. Well, I AM .... you haven't warmed up to it yet. But, YOU WILL :)

And, by the way ... stop trying to chew that sweater off of your body. It's for your own good!

A Fresh Look at What's Important

I am in the 'waiting room' in several different areas of my life. I know God is rearranging some things and I'm trying my best to listen and discern what He wants for me.

Honestly, that's not easy for me. I'm really afraid to make the wrong decisions. I have no idea what lies ahead and I have no idea what He's doing. I'm just trying to be obedient in the small, simple things He is asking me to do. Obedience is tough, too when you aren't sure how the rest of the world will respond.

I know I'm being vague, but I hope to clarify more later. In the meantime, I have a lot of questions. Why would He be asking me to give up certain things? Maybe He's making room for something else?

I don't know all the answers. But, I do know I don't want to miss Him. I want nothing more than to be in His will even if it means making decisions that make absolutely no sense to me at the time.

Trusting God is so hard at times.

I can share, however, one thing He has been teaching me. I put it here mainly for my girls. One day, they will read this and know how agonizing things are at times when your heart is to do the right thing. Even more gut-wrenching when you realize your good intentions were clouded with no follow-through.

A huge portion of my thoughts (on any given day) is consumed with either high school girls or women's ministry. For years, I have been doing both. I know part of the problem is my inability to shut my mind off when I don't need to be thinking about that certain thing. I'm so consumed with a thought until I see it come to fruition. Therefore, a simple SS lesson turns into such a heavy thought for me, I spend every waking hour thinking about it, researching it, studying and praying, that it becomes hard for me to focus on anything else.

That's all well and good, but I have 2 girls that want/need my attention and focus.

I fill my life with good things, but because of my quirkiness, I have a very difficult time doing all things well. A much better woman than myself could do it all beautifully. Me, however? I'm learning God probably doesn't intend the same for me. I'm thinking I'm not the type of person He can trust with so much?

I don't know. I'm still talking it out. Maybe it all has everything to do with 'seasons' as well.

Anyway, I say all that to say this .... I have neglected the important parts of being a good, godly Mother.

I'm here for my girls. I help them with homework, get them ready for school, make sure they have all they need. But, in all of our busyness, I have neglected the most important things. Praying over them. Searching scripture in order to share with them what God says about the things they are going through. Sitting down to listen intently about their day. Taking enough time to rest with each other and enjoy one another. Spending quality time with my husband instead of just passing him in the hall or giving each other a short update of our days.

I'm usually intentional about those things, but when life gets off-the-hook busy, these things are the first ones compromised. Which is odd because when if asked, I would rank these things as the most important to me. The world, even ministry, is like a huge magnet and my family usually gets the leftovers.

That just doesn't seem right.

So, I ask God what the balance is. I'm asking to see things through fresh eyes, since obviously my vision has blurred.

That's a tough one to admit.

Bullies and Baths

Today, at precisely 11:23 am, I felt normal. I have had a migraine since Sunday. The ultimate migraine. I cried going to bed last night and cried when I woke up. I have worked, ofcourse, but feel like I haven't been much help to my co-worker. Then, just after 11 this morning, I was coloring with my class and suddenly had no pain.

Nice.

Tuesdays are crazy for us. We just barely get home from school, finish homework and it's time to rush dinner and head to dance class.

Tuesdays are not my favorite.

Speaking of dance, though .... Emma has been having trouble with some girls in her class. For 4 weeks straight, she came home telling us 2 girls were being mean to her. The first couple of weeks, I shrugged it off knowing Emma is very sensitive. But, last week? Whoa. Let's just say I was NOT happy and chomping at the bit to do something. I've tried to wait for Emma to work it out, but she was begging us to intervene. So, tonight we took care of it. How are some parents so clueless? What is wrong with teaching your children respect? It doesn't take that much time and surely you're doing a greater injustice letting them act like ridiculous bullies. Geez. I'm not sure it's over, but don't think I won't be watching like a hawk. Ready to pounce. In Jesus' Name.

On a happier, calmer note .....

Olivia gets out of dance before Emma, so we have time to run home and get her bath. She still loves bath time as much as she did as a baby. The girl knows how to relax! ha!

While she was playing, I noticed Emma's note stuck to the bathroom mirror.

Amen! True, true words.

My sweet girl teaches me every day.

Back to Olivia ....

She still wears these kinds of pajamas.

And that makes me so happy :)

She 'exercises' before bed ....

And checks herself out :)

I just remembered something she said. When Emma first started complaining about the girls at dance, Olivia said "Do you want me to say something to them?"

You know .... I'm pretty sure she could get the job done.