Menu Plan Monday (March 22)

Well last week was once again up in the air concerning following the menu. I was sick again so trying to cook didn't always happen. But we ended up having everything but the pizza, although not always on the planned day. Hopefully this week will be healthier all around. Here is this weeks menu. I'm going to try to be cleaning out my fridge, freezer and pantry before moving, so things could get creative in the upcoming weeks as far as meals. We'll see. This week is simple enough though.

Tuesday: Groundnut Stew
Wednesday: Church meal
Thursday: Cheese Corn Chowder
Friday: Pizza (we have yet to make this on previous weeks)
Saturday: Leftovers
Sunday: Spaghetti with meat sauce, veggie
Monday: Homemade Hamburger Helper

Don't forget to wander over to Organizing Junkie.

We're off to Great Places

Have you read Dr. Seuss's Oh the Places You'll Go? For what ever reason, the boys have been asking us to read it alot of late. And after reading it one afternoon, Mark turns to me and says does the waiting place sound familiar? Yes that dreadful "Waiting Place".

"...for people just waiting.
Waiting for a train to go
or a bus to come, or a plane to go
or the mail to come or the rain to go
or the phone to ring, or the snow to snow
or waiting around for a Yes or No
or waiting for their hair to grow.
Everyone is just waiting.

Waiting for the fish to bite
or waiting for the wind to fly a kite
or waiting around fro Friday night
or waiting, perhaps, for their Uncle Jake
or a pot to boil, or a Better Break
or a string of pearls, or a pair of pants
or a wig with curls, or Another Chance.
Everyone is just waiting." - Dr. Seuss Oh the Places You'll Go

It caught us in that moment how often we have found ourselves in that Waiting Place these past few years. We waited until I gave birth to Cai for me to apply to Seminary. Than we waited for an acceptance, waited for a response on job applications that Mark placed at various companies in Indiana. We've waited and waited for the chance to bring us closer to the future we envision. And the strange thing for me is, the moment I decided to stop waiting was the moment our chance came through. After Aiden was born Mark and I discussed our future on a regular basis. Trying to feel each other out. I still want to go to seminary, but I feel the need to stay home with my kids during these early years of their lives. Plus I know that full time school means having that find childcare, which we honestly can not afford. Mark wanting to grow beyond what his company can provide, however he feels there is still much to learn from those he works with. So after many talks we decided that maybe it was best if we stayed where we are for the time being. Enjoying life as is. Now Mark has been in contact with a company he worked for during High School and in the summers of college. In prior conversations they did not have a position open. However, soon after (Mark says the next day) Mark had informed his supervisor that we were planning on staying in the area for another 4-6 years, Mark received word of a position opening and was asked to do an interview. He jumped right on it. A couple of weeks later the company offered him a job. After many late night talked, some praying, and some negotiations with the company concerning salary and such, Mark accepted.

"NO!
That's not for you!

Somehow you'll escape
all that waiting and staying.
You'll find the bright places
where Boom Bands are playing.

With banner flip-flapping,
once more you'll ride high!
Ready for anything under the sky.
Ready because you're that kind of a guy!" -Dr Seuss Oh the Places You'll Go

So we're off to Great Places! Mark's last day at his current job will be April 9th. We will than pack up a U-haul, celebrate my step-Grandma's 90th birthday, attend church, say good-bye to Newton, and head out to Goshen, Indian. We plan to leave on the 11th of April and arrive at our new house on the 12th of April. Yes, we already have a house lined up. That's what we were doing when we went to Goshen couple weekends ago. We'll be renting to start, but plan on looking into buying in another year. Mark will start his new job on April 19th. Which gives us alittle less than a week to get settled before he starts work.

I can't express the emotions that have swirled within these last several weeks. I'm excited about this new job. It's a great position for Mark. And I'm excited about the possibilities that it will provide for me, although I still plan on waiting till at least Cai is in school before starting seminary. But for all my excitement, I'm scared too. For the first time in my life I'm moving more than 100 miles from my family. Currently my mother is only a 30-45 minute drive away, my brother is an hour. Goshen is a 14 hour drive, and that scares me. Not only that but while I'm ready to embrace this opportunity, I'm not ready to say goodbye to my friends and community I have found here. These wonderful people who have surrounded me for the last 4 to 7 years, both through college and beyond. I'm scared to leave this support system I have created, the routine I've made and the places that have attached to both because of the peace I've found there and the friendships I've made there. I'm not ready to leave, and yet I will. Because it's time to move forward, and this is our chance. It's time I take the leap of faith I keep telling myself I'll take. I'm doing my best to place my trust in God to guide me. And doing my best to trust in family to help me, both my and Mark's, as we move from away from mine and close to his. It's a big change, but this change is good.

"You're off to Great Places!
Today is your Day!
Your mountain is waiting.
So... get on your way!" -Oh the Places You'll Go

So I take Dr. Seuss words and smile. We are on our way to a whole new set of adventures. Keep us in your thought and prayers this next month. Life is sure to be a whirl wind for awhile. :)

Menu Plan Monday (March 15th)

Last week was all sorts of crazy. I was sick most of the week, and as soon as I was starting to feel better Mark started to get sick. :( This week has not been much better. While I'm doing better, Mark was home both Monday and Tuesday with the sinus infection I shared. So meals last week were moved around, changed and some just dropped. This week will hopefully start looking up now that Mark is starting to feel better. So here is the menu. Better late than never right?

Tuesday: We had chicken and rice casserole, with broccoli and cauliflower and mini muffins.
Wednesday: Green spaghetti, peas, mini muffins (left over from yesterday) and yellow cupcakes with green frosting. :) Happy St. Patrick's Day!
Thursday: Steak fajitas
Friday: Pizza
Saturday: eat out
Sunday: Left overs
Monday: Leftovers

Don't forget to go check out Organizing Junkie. Lots of participants to look to for ideas.

Menu Plan Monday (March 8th)

Well another week of cooking is past. Even in the craziness of travel I truly enjoyed having meals planned and cooked for me. While I take much comfort and pride in planning and cooking our meals, sometimes its nice to have a break. Not to mention having others cook for me makes me feel loved and cared for. :)
I am very proud of the fact that I successfully cooked steak last night for dinner. I'm not used to cooking steak, but had some in my freezer that my mother gave us. I used this recipe from Taste of Home. Mark and the boys all thought it was a hit.
Cai and I even made bread while Ian was still napping. I should note the blessing of Ian taking a nap. He does not do that very often anymore. I was a welcomed surprise to my day.

Well here is this weeks menu. Go check out Organizing Junkie for more ideas and recipes.

Tuesday: Homemade Hamburger Helper
Wednesday: Church meal
Thursday: Chicken and rice, veggie, muffins
Friday: Homemade Pizza
Saturday: Leftovers
Sunday: Leftovers or breakfast
Monday: Chicken pot pie

Spring is Indeed Coming

I meant to post this last week. But with everything else happening in our lives it got shelved for awhile.

Weather around here has begun to warm up. :) I can't express how grateful I am for not only the sunshine but the warmth. It means more time outside and less cramped between walls. Today is gray and rainy, but the rest of the week should be warm, although we will have rain throughout.

Anyway , I was unable to enjoy the gorgeous weekend due to the fact I was in Indiana (where it was nice but not nearly as warm as in KS). However, early last week I was able to enjoy the outside.

Not only does the warmer weather shout that spring is indeed coming. The little blue flowers (yes I know they are weeds) quietly whisper the end of winter.

True we are not done with winter yet. With ever changing Kansas weather, you never know what tomorrow will feel like. However it's still a nice reminder that winter can't and won't last forever.

So we'll soak up all the sunshine we can in this moment.

It should be noted that Mark finished the lid for the sandbox. Ian wanted it panted green. He even helped with the first coat. Last week Mark finished the last coat and added the handles. Ian is very happy with it. And is very proud of the fact he can remove it all by himself. He does still need help getting it back on when we clean up.

Menu Plan Monday (March 1)

This will be a very short post. Mark and I are traveling to Goshen Thursday through Sunday. Ian and Cai will be staying with my mother. Ian seems to be excited about sleeping at Grandma's house. I'm worried about Cai, however I know that he will be in good hands. This quick trip means that I will not be cooking much as I won't be home. If you're confused about our trip, don't worry. I'll fill you in soon. I promise. :) So here it is. This weeks very short menu.

Tuesday: Spaghetti with meat sauce, green beans, garlic bread

Wednesday: church meal

Thursday-Sunday: away from home (eating out or with family)

Monday: Steak, potatoes, veggie, and muffins

Now go check out Organizing Junkie. There is sure to be better meal ideas and recipes over there.

Post 100!

Well it has taken me a year and a half, but here were are: Post 100. Looking back, I'm amazed at the changes that have taken place in way I blog and just my life in general. I am certainly glad I started this blog.

I find it to be a good space to not only keep others informed of our life, but to document the growth of my boys and of myself. Lately, each post feels like an acknowledgment of my daily accomplishments. A reminder that what I do day in and day out is significant. And many times the post itself feels like an accomplishment, along with a sanity saver. Each post provides a moment to reflect, breath, and take a moment to look at what is happening around me. It is amazing how much more aware I am of what is going on around me while I write each of these posts. As I try to find words to express my feelings, my thoughts, and my actions, I often take time to really watch the boys play, really listen to their conversations with each other (right now mostly one sided), and just watch the magic that is childhood. I feel more grounded after. I remember what is important and what not so much. And through that I gain peace, even if only in the smallest form some days. I pray that I can continue to remember, reflex, and find peace through this blog. Here's to the next 100 posts! May I continue to find my place here.