So I've been noticing many of your blogs have customized backgrounds. I am looking for a change and was wondering if you might share the tips on how to spruce up my page...
As far as our life is going, Kiely's last day at work is going to be in May. Wow! It's really coming up fast. Kiely is enrolled at Portland State, he's starting his first class in June, we're contemplating moving in with is parents to save money, are really looking forward to a more flexible summer, will be moving to Portland in the fall when Kiely will start classes full-time!
I think we're ready for the adventure! So off we go!
Bounding, bumping, & laughing through life!
Sunday, April 26, 2009
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
My Little Men...Glorious!
Here are my little men in action...as if that was hard to come by : )
I just don't usually have the camera on hand.
Benjamin
Happy and lovin' life...even if his brother just took away his ball.Justus
Trying to be silly for the camera-such a poser!Gabriel
Captain Gabriel! Not a day goes by without a valiant effort to defeat the "bad guys"!My mighty warrior!!!
(To what he says, "No! I'm Gabriel")
He-he-he!
p.s. no more coffee for me. It's almost 2am and I'm typing away on the computer...THAT is not natural!
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Crazy-Perhaps! Excited-Definitely!!!
So, it seems like things are falling into place. It's so different from what I originally had in mind that it's hard for me to get a firm grasp on it's reality...but I'm pretty sure it's for real!!!
My amazing, talented and brilliant husband is going back to school!!!
Yup! Our sole provider for the last 4years is going to be a full-time student for the next 1 1/2 to 2yrs to get his master's degree in Electrical Engineering. And we're excited! When Kiely and I did our pre-marital counseling nearly 6 years ago, one thing he said was the most important to him, was having a wife that supported him. I wholehearted believe that that is one of the reasons God created women in the first place.
I've always remembered that and am learning bit by bit what that fully entails and how it plays out for us. I'm finding that the more I support his dreams and take them as my own, the more joy I find, and in turn, the more I want to help him fulfill those ambitions. It's a win-win cycle and we're getting ready to dive headlong into the heart of it!
Not that I'm not nervous. We are going to be making some rather large financial adjustments and from what I hear, we may not see Kiely as often as is desireable. So, it will be a great test to see how well my heart "really" lays hold of this concept...but all-in-all, I'm ready for the Adventure!!!
My amazing, talented and brilliant husband is going back to school!!!
Yup! Our sole provider for the last 4years is going to be a full-time student for the next 1 1/2 to 2yrs to get his master's degree in Electrical Engineering. And we're excited! When Kiely and I did our pre-marital counseling nearly 6 years ago, one thing he said was the most important to him, was having a wife that supported him. I wholehearted believe that that is one of the reasons God created women in the first place.
" The LORD God said, "It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him." Genesis 2:18
I've always remembered that and am learning bit by bit what that fully entails and how it plays out for us. I'm finding that the more I support his dreams and take them as my own, the more joy I find, and in turn, the more I want to help him fulfill those ambitions. It's a win-win cycle and we're getting ready to dive headlong into the heart of it!
Not that I'm not nervous. We are going to be making some rather large financial adjustments and from what I hear, we may not see Kiely as often as is desireable. So, it will be a great test to see how well my heart "really" lays hold of this concept...but all-in-all, I'm ready for the Adventure!!!
Thursday, March 26, 2009
The Verdict...
Well, we heard back from the company in Everett today and they decided to hire another applicant! Sooooo many different emotions going on here. My first impression-dissapointment! It really seemed like the perfect fit and would have gotten Kiely in the field of engineering he's most interested in-robotics! Just last night a friend from highschool that I've recently kept up with via blogging told me that her and her husband live in Mukilteo-the same town the company is in. I know God has a plan, but sometimes I wonder if He's trying to be confusing, or if that's just how it goes sometimes???
Another set of emotions-sympathy and defensiveness. I know my man is amazing and pretty brilliant, but with his current company thinking his job can be passed off to general technicians and this other company finding someone they thought fit the job better I don't want him to feel inadequate or rejected-because he's not!!!
Finally, relief! We would have made it work, and probably loved it, but our desire to find a smaller community that we can really settle into and not feel pressed by the cost of living. We've moved around alot in the last few years and with the boys getting close to school and having owned and rented-we're ready to make a permanent home. Where that is, only God knows right now, but I will say that He's never left us or forsaken our desires. Our God is GOOD!
Melody
Another set of emotions-sympathy and defensiveness. I know my man is amazing and pretty brilliant, but with his current company thinking his job can be passed off to general technicians and this other company finding someone they thought fit the job better I don't want him to feel inadequate or rejected-because he's not!!!
Finally, relief! We would have made it work, and probably loved it, but our desire to find a smaller community that we can really settle into and not feel pressed by the cost of living. We've moved around alot in the last few years and with the boys getting close to school and having owned and rented-we're ready to make a permanent home. Where that is, only God knows right now, but I will say that He's never left us or forsaken our desires. Our God is GOOD!
Melody
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Our ups and Downs
Do you believe God always has a plan? I do, but oh how I can forget when I don't see the details firsthand. : ) (I'm still learning to trust and let go)
We are in limbo right now. Kiely's company was bought out a little over a year ago and combined with economic stresses, they are panicking and, in our opinion, making very rash choices! They are based in Kansas and have moved a large percentage of the company over there and rumors are that Kiely's job is soon to be moved or lost. He interviewed for a job up in Everett Washington the other day and we are waiting to hear back. After his interview (that was 5hrs long-does that mean something?), we drove around and looked at the area.
Here's where the anxiety comes in...it's so big and so....expansive. Lot's of people, lots of stores and roads and telephone wires...and very impersonal!!! We love that here in Astoria (despite the weather), we have the sense of community. We love going downtown...cute shops, minimal traffic, personal relationships etc. There are a few communities skirting where the company is, but cost is also somewhat of a concern.....And of course, we don't even know if he's getting the job. Aahhhhh, ha! Deep sigh!
Well, whatever happens, God is good and in control...and we will miss our family and friends! Until then, I'll keep you posted.
Blessings,
We are in limbo right now. Kiely's company was bought out a little over a year ago and combined with economic stresses, they are panicking and, in our opinion, making very rash choices! They are based in Kansas and have moved a large percentage of the company over there and rumors are that Kiely's job is soon to be moved or lost. He interviewed for a job up in Everett Washington the other day and we are waiting to hear back. After his interview (that was 5hrs long-does that mean something?), we drove around and looked at the area.
Here's where the anxiety comes in...it's so big and so....expansive. Lot's of people, lots of stores and roads and telephone wires...and very impersonal!!! We love that here in Astoria (despite the weather), we have the sense of community. We love going downtown...cute shops, minimal traffic, personal relationships etc. There are a few communities skirting where the company is, but cost is also somewhat of a concern.....And of course, we don't even know if he's getting the job. Aahhhhh, ha! Deep sigh!
Well, whatever happens, God is good and in control...and we will miss our family and friends! Until then, I'll keep you posted.
Blessings,
Monday, March 16, 2009
Happy Birthday!!
Well, Benjamin is already 1 year old.
It seems to go faster and faster with each child.
Having three boys, I thought to some extent they would start to repeat themselves...but, even on our third, he is totally his own person and not in any way a duplicate of his brothers.
The things I love about Benjamin...
He has been sweetness from day one! Smiling and cuddling the whole way.
His blonde curly hair-Finally! : )
He loves to play the drums. Kiely got bongos for Christmas and Benjamin bee-lines for them whenever they come down. We also have a set of congas in our play room and he stands on the step stool to drum away anytime he can!
He loves his daddy, but is such a mama's boy-melt my heart!
He is already trying to wrestle with the other boys and just laughs if he gets knocked a good one. Such a little man!
It seems to go faster and faster with each child.
Having three boys, I thought to some extent they would start to repeat themselves...but, even on our third, he is totally his own person and not in any way a duplicate of his brothers.
The things I love about Benjamin...
He has been sweetness from day one! Smiling and cuddling the whole way.
His blonde curly hair-Finally! : )
He loves to play the drums. Kiely got bongos for Christmas and Benjamin bee-lines for them whenever they come down. We also have a set of congas in our play room and he stands on the step stool to drum away anytime he can!
He loves his daddy, but is such a mama's boy-melt my heart!
He is already trying to wrestle with the other boys and just laughs if he gets knocked a good one. Such a little man!
Happily drumming with daddy on the congas
He emptied our tupperwear drawer so there was room for him...such a cozy place to sit!
Benjamin thoroughly enjoying the left over shaving cream activity on the table...he did not want to get down : )
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Meal Stretch
I am often looking for ways to make our budget stretch farther so we can make better do with what we have and save more for the future. So far, my biggest challenge in this area has been food. My primary goal is to serve as many whole and nutritious foods as possible, and as most of you know, they are more expensive! So what to do? I’ve tried making many things from scratch, such as our breads, but with 3 young boys the time it takes and stress created is proving not always worth the money saved. So, to get to the point, here are some of my latest tips to saving grocery money while eating healthy and still getting our fill to eat.
First, I’ve picked a handful of meatless main dishes I can serve a few times a week. More veggies for healthy bodies and less meat for more room in our budget. Here’s a few examples:
Vegetable Enchiladas- Use a regular recipe, just saute’ up some bell pepper, onions, broccoli cauliflower, even potatoes, whatever your family eats, add the sauce, tortillas and cheese. Yum!!!
Taco Salad- I toss up lettuce of choice, black beans, olives, canned corn, broccoli, peas, peppers, whatever. Our dressing-sour cream and salsa or ranch, then a few crunchy chips and we’re usually set!
Soup, Soup, Soup! Any soup really. There are so many that don’t have meat, but are equally filling, often with beans or rice or just a thicker base. Tip: chowders or “cream” soups don’t always have to have lots of cream or milk (which can also be spendier), just remove a portion of your already cooked soup and puree in the blender. Add back into the soup and viola!!! P.s. to make your own broth the 3 keys to good flavor are onions, celery and carrots…a little salt goes a long way too.
Black Bean Quesadillas-black beans, maybe some cooked onion and pepper, cheese, tortillas and your favorite toppings.
I have quite a few others if someone is particularly curious…just ask!
Second, I’ve realized that there are many other countries that eat well (healthy and enough) while using very basic grains and such. So, I’m exploring ethnic staples that really cost very little and add lots of nutrition, variety and can stand on their own two feet. A few I’ve found:
Garbanzo beans- Our dinner tonight is garbanzo’s, red peppers, onions, broccoli, and spices saute’d and in a pita shell. Topped with sour cream or plain yogurt!I am also a great fan of hummus. There are so many different recipes, it easy to find one you like.
Corn meal (also known as polenta)- after it is cooked, much like rice, (except with constant stirring) it can be served alone with a savory sauce, grilled vegetables, baked apples for a sweeter treat, or it can even be made into little cakes and lightly fried for a tasty snack.
Third, I’m trying to use certain affordable vegetables (even some veggies can break the budget) to fill in the gaps and make certain meat dishes go farther. A few such veggies that do the trick seem to be potatoes, broccoli, green peppers and cauliflower. The potatoes and cauliflower work great because their taste is fairly neutral, and broccoli is very nutritious if your family likes it!!!
Well that’s it for me. I’m certainly no authority on the topic, so I’d love to hear your ideas and tips as well!!!
First, I’ve picked a handful of meatless main dishes I can serve a few times a week. More veggies for healthy bodies and less meat for more room in our budget. Here’s a few examples:
Vegetable Enchiladas- Use a regular recipe, just saute’ up some bell pepper, onions, broccoli cauliflower, even potatoes, whatever your family eats, add the sauce, tortillas and cheese. Yum!!!
Taco Salad- I toss up lettuce of choice, black beans, olives, canned corn, broccoli, peas, peppers, whatever. Our dressing-sour cream and salsa or ranch, then a few crunchy chips and we’re usually set!
Soup, Soup, Soup! Any soup really. There are so many that don’t have meat, but are equally filling, often with beans or rice or just a thicker base. Tip: chowders or “cream” soups don’t always have to have lots of cream or milk (which can also be spendier), just remove a portion of your already cooked soup and puree in the blender. Add back into the soup and viola!!! P.s. to make your own broth the 3 keys to good flavor are onions, celery and carrots…a little salt goes a long way too.
Black Bean Quesadillas-black beans, maybe some cooked onion and pepper, cheese, tortillas and your favorite toppings.
I have quite a few others if someone is particularly curious…just ask!
Second, I’ve realized that there are many other countries that eat well (healthy and enough) while using very basic grains and such. So, I’m exploring ethnic staples that really cost very little and add lots of nutrition, variety and can stand on their own two feet. A few I’ve found:
Garbanzo beans- Our dinner tonight is garbanzo’s, red peppers, onions, broccoli, and spices saute’d and in a pita shell. Topped with sour cream or plain yogurt!I am also a great fan of hummus. There are so many different recipes, it easy to find one you like.
Corn meal (also known as polenta)- after it is cooked, much like rice, (except with constant stirring) it can be served alone with a savory sauce, grilled vegetables, baked apples for a sweeter treat, or it can even be made into little cakes and lightly fried for a tasty snack.
Third, I’m trying to use certain affordable vegetables (even some veggies can break the budget) to fill in the gaps and make certain meat dishes go farther. A few such veggies that do the trick seem to be potatoes, broccoli, green peppers and cauliflower. The potatoes and cauliflower work great because their taste is fairly neutral, and broccoli is very nutritious if your family likes it!!!
Well that’s it for me. I’m certainly no authority on the topic, so I’d love to hear your ideas and tips as well!!!
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