Inspiring Delight

I have been eagerly awaiting today for several days.  I made preparations by going to the grocery store yesterday and waited until it was just Owen and I at home and I went for it.  I swiped an enticing recipe from a friend's blog (thanks Sarah!!) and started the process of creating my own Blueberry Cream Cheese Coffeecake!  From start to finish it took me about 2 hours, but it was not wasted time.  It turned out perfectly!   I am so glad that I did not get rid of my pan that helped in it's creation.   (One of those that has the sides that can come off and just leaves the bottom-I forgot what they are called, but I have used it only once before, several years ago).

I was completely stuffed from supper (I try not to stuff myself but tonight since I pre-sampled with above piece of coffeecake I was not too hungry 90 minutes later).  However, I just had to indulge in one more piece just after the kids went to bed.  Oh, boy.  I'm still full but am eagerly anticipating the morning for some more!  I was going to share (I really was!) but the kids did not eat their supper so they have to wait til tomorrow too.  I offered some to Dan but he turned his nose up at it and grabbed cheddar pretzels instead. 
So, for future reference for me, I better be sure that someone (or several someones) are going to be over so I can share. 

With this as the inspiration, I'd like to attempt some more unique recipes. (Unique meaning new to me, not overly odd)  If you have any that are noteworthy, please send them to me!  I have succumbed to the fact that I may be adventurous on my own but it is still enjoyable to have some fun adventures in the kitchen.

Thankfully Content

It is so easy to overlook all of the blessings in my life.  And, it is easy to complain about various issues of life.  But, how often do you sit and reflect on all of the GOOD that happens instead of only highlighting the bad?  This evening I have been thinking about just that.  I have been placed in an amazing spot in several different areas.  I'll list my top 4 highlights.  Just for a qualification, I am not boasting, but merely stating my thankfulness that I am NOT overlooking tonight.

1.  I am thankful that I was born into a God fearing, Bible-believing and 2 parent family in the USA.  That has been such a deep rooted life enhancer.  I had the freedom to make my own choices (yes, some were not so wise but I learned from those!), and I stuck with the faith that I was taught.  I stuck with it not because that is what I was taught, but with investigating on my own I found it to be the Truth.  I have the freedom to go to the church I want to go to (unlike other countries) and I can speak of my faith publicly without fear or harm.  That is definitely something I can take advantage of!

2. I am thankful for Dano and God placing us together.  Looking back, perhaps we were "fools in love" not wasting much time on the dating scene.  We knew what we wanted (to be together and to be married) and achieved that desire quicker than many folks.  There were so many positive characteristics about Dano I did not realize I was even overlooking before I was married.  I did not understand how he managed money, or how devoted to his family he would be or how healthfully protective he would be of me, or how safe of a driver he was/is, or how understanding he would be of some of my emotions, or how much he would enjoy travelling...the list can go on and on.  There was so much I did not know that I did not know until I now know. (Yeah, say that sentence 5 times fast!) :)  God's timing for us getting together was just perfect.  A year earlier and we would have been on completely different paths and a year later...who knows what would have transpired.   I'm so thankful to have him as my husband and I know I am a better person because of many of his characteristics that positively affect me. 

3. I'm so thankful for the health of my family.  I hear and read about so much heartbreak from physical and emotional pain due to illness or hereditary problems or injuries...the list can go on and on.  While a child is developing there are millions of things that can go wrong.  I am blessed to have 2 beautifully healthy boys with no known ailments or allergies or deformities or disabilities...again the list can go on and on.  God has blessed me, Dano, Zack and Owen along with our families with outstanding health.  It is easy to focus on the negatives, but how often do we give God the credit for such healthy masterpieces.  (Again, not meaning to be boastful, be really people are His masterpieces!) 

4. I'm so thankful for our location of where we live.  I love living in a small town (technically it is a Village) with people who are trustworthy, and caring.  We are blessed with a comfortable home and yard and a safe road.  It says a lot that I am willing to go for walks alone, even at dusk, and feel content and safe within our neighborhood.  I can be a scaredy cat when it comes to being alone outdoors so this comfort is a big deal.  I have met some amazing friends since moving to WI and am so thankful that God has crossed our paths.  I feel so content with the location and all that goes with it. 

 It is so evident that He loves me and I need no further proof.  I am thankfully content for the often overlooked MAJOR blessings of my life.  If I did not have these 4 things, I would not say that He did not love me because there are several reasons that exemplify His love including the death of His only son for me.  But, since I do, I clearly know and see a passion He has for me and my family.  I serve a God who loves me...and perhaps even spoils me with many earthly riches and treasures...the best of these being family and friends.  I am thankfully content...in Him.

Bargain Shopping Bliss

I have realized over the years that there is one thing especially that can energize me when I am feeling tired.  I can be ready for bed and completely spent from a tiring day, but if you mention "shopping" I am almost always up for it!  For Dano, he has a 2 hour limit (on good days) of shopping and then he will be worn out and ready to collapse for the day.  Back in our dating days and early on in marriage I used to think this would pose a problem for us.  Now we realize how differently we are wired.  Dan likes some time alone to re-energize, and I like to be out shopping...so he stays home and I go out, then when we come back together we are both ready for time together.  Perfect! 

Every February for the past 4 years we have spent some time in Wisconsin Dells at a water park and end our trip with a visit to the outlets. This year I was extra tired after exerting much energy at the park (there are a lot of stairs to get up to the water slide towers!) and a poor nights sleep, so by the end there was only one thing I was up for doing...shopping of course! February is perfect timing to take advantage of stores trying to clear out Winter inventory to make room for Spring clothes.  So, I meander into my select stores and begin the bargain hunt for clothes for the kids.  Each year I am successful in jump starting my kids wardrobes for the fall season.  This year was no different.  I visited 2 stores and found "wicked awesome" deals!  Here are my purchases all for $80!!!

There are 18 shirts, 2 sweaters, 3 pairs of pants, 1 pair of pajamas and 2 pairs of shorts!   

It will be so nice to pull out these clothes again in the summer and the fall and be somewhat prepared for the changing temps, and it will remind me of a blissful bargain shopping day! 

Superbowl, Sunsets and Snow Fun

SUPERBOWL: Living in WI it feels almost obligatory to mention something about the Packers.  So, although I was excited to see the game (and perhaps evenly so the commercials!), I was most excited to watch the boys of the house enjoy the big WIN.  For each touchdown Dan threw the kids in the air so they could reach the ceiling with either their feet or their hands (depending on which child it was).  Now, I wish I had a photo of that, but instead I have one of the fans excited for the big game. 

SUNSETS: One of the greatest things about where we live is the sunsets out our back windows.  I have a husband who likes to close all the blinds just before the sun goes down, but he has lovingly kept the back windows open now for 4 years to oblige my interest in the beauty of the sky at night.  I look forward to this view every night and am thankful for God's beauty, yet again.

SNOW FUN: We had a "warm" day of about 30 on Saturday.  So, it is the prime time to play in the snow, of course!  The kids enjoyed tunnels, sledding, snow football and belly-flops.  We have drifts so high that the Zack and Owen were able to jump off our rock wall into a high drift of snow.  Even Dan got in on the action!  Since pictures are worth 1000 (or more!) words, here are a few.



Here is the belly-flopper.



Owen was caught in the act of eating snow...



Z and O are buried feet first.  Dan dug a deep hole for each of them and they jumped in. 

Oh the joys of living in WI.  I know people complain about the cold and all the snow, but enjoying moments like this can allow you to embrace and dare I say enjoy the snow and cold temperatures.

Overcoming Regret

You can not live in regret, but perhaps Dan and I faced a bit of it yesterday. 

 The Culprit:   Blizzard 2011. 

 The Weapon: Our shovel. 

 So, what would the regret be??  Many previous trips to Sears this fall and winter contemplating the purchase of a snow blower, and coming home saying "We can make it one more year without one."  Now that I think about it, I don't think this is the first year that we have said that either. 

Anyway, despite not having a snow blower, the driveway was still cleared out quite well, thanks to Dan and above shown shovel.  We were all able to enjoy a bit of cold pleasure in the snow.  The kids played, Dan made tunnels and I photographed. 

This was during the night.  I was just amazing looking outside at the wind and snow. Beautiful.



Zack is measuring the height at the end of the driveway before Dan finishes shoveling.




Dan's tunnel.  He almost fits!




Owen is jumping over the "path".  I think this was one of his favorite parts of the storm.



This was taken "the day after" against the street snow.  This is what the snowplow accomplished.  The walls are huge!



And this is Owen and Daddy relaxing after a hard day of work.

Although there may be regrets of not purchasing that snow blower, there are no regrets of observing many moments of His beauty and creativity and suspecting that He is smiling down at His creation both outdoors as well as indoors. 



All in a Snowy Delayed Day

I used to think it was the kids who wanted the school cancellations, delays, and early releases.  Now, I realize it is parents that also enjoy them.  My secret confession; I enjoy sleeping in on delays and cancelled school days.  However, this morning I was actually awake and ready to get up at the normal time when I found out school was delayed so we had some extra happenings that passed the enjoyable morning too quickly.

I normally do not bake before school because it is so early, but today the kids and I enjoyed some homemade Coffee Cake (No Owen, there is no coffee in it, and thanks Theresa for the yummy recipe!)  I did not leave Dano out in my people listing who ate it.  I offered him some but he does not have an appreciation for morning baked goods so he stuck to his Fruity Pebbles.) 

Then we separated the fruit snacks so the kids could have a box and Dano could bring a box to work and they would both have a slight variety.

While we were enjoying a warm indoor treat and drooling over fruit snacks Dano was outside taking care of the snow drifts that had imprisoned our vehicles to the garage.  It was a cold, windy morning and his diligence is much appreciated.  I came out right at the end of his hard work to take a quick photo.

Now the kids and I are gearing up for an anticipated snow day tomorrow.  I hope I am not disappointed and forced to send Zack to school.  And, since I have AWD on my Enclave, I have a few ideas for a whole day off...