Guess Where I am Going to Go

Well, I think that when I am back in KC I am going to have to go here: http://www.lidias-kc.com/

Yeah!! :-)

Anolini

anolini

This is the kitchen tool I am looking for. I would like to make Anolini and I am unable to find this little Italian tool. Anyone know what it is called? Anolini stamp?

New Year's Resolutions

So, I guess that there are always people who make resolutions every year and people who scoff at those who do because they do not want to. I am the latter usually but I am hoping that this year I am a bit different. Especially with food. I have always had a love hate relationship with food. One of the things that I would love to do is to learn how to make new dishes this year and eat healthier. I found a cool website that is pretty neat especially if you want to check your food intake. :-) Here you go: www.everydayhealth.com sign up fpr free and use the tools to track what you eat, your vitamin intake, water intake and weight watcher. I think it is pretty cool.

One of the Best Sites EVER!!!

Check out this site: www.etsy.com you can buy and sell homemade items!! How great is that?? Everything is darling!! This is now one of my favorite sites!!

Fun Facts and Things to Try!

I decided that one of the things that I am going to try to do is write more about fun things to try...and....well.... try them!! :-) For example, if you read this you may get quite a few posts about cooking and baking this year because that is one thing that I want to do more of this year= HOME COOKING!!! :-)

I found some things that I tink may be worth trying this year. These are from the Real Simple magazine:

*January 9th is Winter Trails Day!! Go out and try a new winter sport!! pg.10


* Did you kow that on your daily to-do list you should only have 7 or less things? I guess that this number helps us manage our daily tasks and actually accomplish them. I thought that was cool and I want to give it a try. pg. 10

*I thought these were really cute accessories and fun to wear! pg.38

*If you are a baker and need a cool rolling pin check this one out!! It measures the thickness for you!! pg.44

*OK, this I thought was so cool!! If you don't want to give out your number on craigs list or another site use inumbr!! Wow! :-) It hides your number and forwards calls to you. pg.44

*If you are vacationing and want to know what you can do in the area use this site. pg.44


So, try some of these out and let me know what you think. :-)

Zoë's First Christmas

Zoë is enjoying her "big" elephant pillow from her daddy and mommy, and her first dolly from her Granny Janny and Grandpa Steve.



Here Zoë is playing with her new cup that has her name on it from her Nonna and Grandpa in KC.



This is our tree and we wanted a picture on Christmas morning with Zoë right by it. :-)

This is Zoë's Christmas outfit...but it was a little too big for her, but I know nobody would care, and she loves it.



There was snow for Zoë's first Christmas. :-) Yeah!!

Zoë just LOVES her elephant pillow.

Luke 2:1-14

Luke 2:1-14

1 In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world.
2 (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.)
3 And everyone went to his own town to register.
4 So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David.
5 He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child.
6 While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born,
7 and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.
8 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night.
9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified.
10 But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.
11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord.
12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger."
13 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,
14 "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests."



One of my very favorite pieces of scripture is the angels visiting the shepherds. I always am whisked away in my imagination for a brief moment in time wondering what it would be like to experience something so incredibly supernatural. What did the shepherds say, or do? Was it an ordinary night, or was there something else a bit amiss during that night? Was any shepherd not there that night? Perhaps detained and ended up missing the whole thing? What did they even say to each other in the midst of their being terrified? Were they awestruck? Dumbstruck? There are those moments in life when there is no way of conveying how you feel in the moment. I am thankful this year for the awe inspiring things in my life. I am thankful to an Aunt who lived her life well. I am struck speechless at times to describe this little person in stature but a mighty warrior in spirit. She is missed greatly. I cannot describe the new level of love that I feel towards my daughter Zoë. How can you even begin to describe the love you have for a child? I now know a bit more than I did before, of God's love for us, while thinking of Him sending His son as a baby to this earth. I am also thankful for my husband Paul. I have seen him serve me at my worst and I am grateful for his gentle, tender, patient, and kind spirit. I see the fruit of the spirit in him everyday. I guess I am struck by the little things that God allows in our lives to see a glimpse of Him, like the angels that night singing with the shepherds and bringing good news. Tonight I am thinking of our good friends in Africa, for those people preparing to go and minister in other countries. I am praying for those people who are hurting for lost loved ones, in pain, or far from those they love. Lord, may your peace rest on them and may you give them a glimpse of your glory in their lives.

Yum, something good for dinner!!

OK, well, I guess that I need to tell you that I am definitely not the best cook in the world and I am a HORRIBLE baker... I mean... horrible. There are a few things here and there that I can bake and I am a better cook than I am a baker. All that said, I can now tell you a quick and easy dinner that you may want to give a stab at. It is one of Paul's favorite dinners that I make. Here is the only problem, I really do not measure, so you will have to do it by your personal preference. So here is the recipe:

Meatball Madness

You will need: EVOO, large skillet, 20 precooked frozen meatballs, skim milk, noodles of your choice, cream of mushroom soup (I usually use a family size), 2Tbs of flour and two different soup pans, casserole dish


OK here is what you do:

heat the meatballs in the large skillet making sure to heat them all the way through, especially if they are frozen. I usually heat them with a little EVOO. When they are heated all the way through turn heat down to low. In one of the soup pans put the whole can of cream of mushroom soup. Add to the soup a half a can of skim milk. Be sure to stir this. You can add the flour here to help thicken the sauce. You may need to add more... it's your preference. In the second soup pan get the water going for your noodles. Paul's favorite is penne... you can use whatever you like. When the mushroom soup is ready you can pour it carefully over the meatballs in the large skillet and let them heat together. Be sure to do this carefully as the soup can spatter. The last thing is to have a casserole dish ready. Put the cooked noodles(that have of course been strained) in the bottom of the casserole dish and then place the meatball mixer over the noodles and mix with a spoon... enjoy!! YUM!!

p.s. you can add veggies if you would like to this.... like.... cooked broccoli or something else that you like. :-)

Zoë is 7 months old!!

Well, Zoë is 7 months old today!! Yeah!! Good job Zoë!! Paul and I fed her her first rice cereal yesterday. What fun it was to watch her making faces. etc. She actually has already eaten a lot of different foods. oops. Paul and I really didn't follow any strick food guidelines. So far she is not allergic to anything yet. :) What a blessed 7 months. Thank you Lord for Zoë. We love her!!

who knew?

Who knew that McDonalds was not open on thanksgiving! I stopped at McD's this morning to grab Abbie an egg McMuffin for breakfast. I pulled up to the drive-thru window and the automated voice welcomed me, told me about the McCafe Latte's, and said to place my order... so i did,expecting that a real person would then respond to my order. 30 seconds went by, then a minute, then two, then three... after several attempts to get someones attention at the board, I decided to drive to the first pick-up window. Oh, by the way... by now 4 cars had pulled in the drive-thru behind me. Nobody at the first window... nobody at the second window. pulled around the size, noticed the lobby was a dark. Huh... i guess McDonald's is closed on Thanksgiving... but the automated machine still takes your order :-)

Julie's Obituary

CDAPress.com
Local and National News - Kootenai County, Idaho
Monday, Nov 23, 2009 - 04:20:41 pm PST
Julia 'Julie' Ann Johnson
Julie was born in Oregon City, Ore., on Jan. 6, 1952, to a musical family and learned to sing before she was a year old. Being the oldest of the seven siblings that followed, they formed their own choir at home. Her parents, Ron and Gloria Camp, needed a piano player to accompany their ensemble, so they sacrificed to ensure Julie had lessons.
Julie soon became a pianist at Calvary Mennonite, a church founded by her great uncle. She also sang in choirs and played in bands throughout her school career. Not only did Julie play the role of a big sister, but she found a niche in ministering to children at church and on mission trips with her youth group. God had gifted Julie with a passion for music and a deep love for kids. So, majoring in music education was a perfect fit for her.
In 1970, Julie graduated from North Marion High School in Aurora, Ore. She went on to college at Oregon College of Education in Monmouth, Ore., where she received her degree in music education. Julie met Greg Johnson during her senior year in college. She led him into a personal relationship with the Lord. Their wedding, July 20, 1975, was a celebration of music and a commitment to live out their faith in the Lord together. They continued to serve the Lord's extended family in a variety of roles for the past three and half decades. They lived in Oregon from 1975-1983 and in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, from 1983 to present.
Julie has passed on her passion for family, music, love of kids and faith in the Lord to each of her children. Emily is both raising her kids and working with little ones at school. Jake is following in his mom's footsteps and is studying to become a music teacher. And Betsy enjoys being a Mother and is passing on her musical gifts to her boys. Julie seemed to always have enough energy to balance both family and school. Julie has not only taught music to generations of kids through the years, but she always created a caring environment where kids experienced joy. She taught music in the Coeur d'Alene School District for 23 years, most recently at Fernan Elementary.
Julie went to be with the Lord on Nov. 22, 2009, after a year and half struggle with cancer. Julie loved God and people unconditionally all through her life.
Julie's "Celebration of Life" service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 28, 2009, at Real Life Ministries (No. 2) in Post Falls. Family will be greeting visitors at the visitation from 4-6 p.m. Friday, Nov. 27, 2009, at English Funeral Chapel in Coeur d'Alene.
Visit Julie's memorial and sign the online guest registry at www.englishfuneralchapel.com.

Julie singing to Zoë

Aunt Julie, My Mom (Janice) , My Daughter Zoë and Me (Abbie)

My Dear Aunt Julie

Thank you for your prayers and love. My Aunt Julie went to be with Jesus early this morning. Please pray for my family. For strength, peace and encouragement. We will miss her terribly.

4 and a 1/2

Paul and I have been married 4 and a 1/2 years today. Thank you Paul for being such a wonderful husband and my best friend. I love you! ~Abbie

Please Pray for my Aunt Julie and Her Family

Please pray for my Aunt Julie and her family. Click here to get to their blog. My mom is there right now. This is very hard for all of us.

Lyrics for JJ Heller's Song, Your Hands

JJ Heller - Your Hands
From the album Painted Red

I have unanswered prayers
I have trouble I wish wasn't there
And I have asked a thousand ways
That you would take my pain away
You would take my pain away

I am trying to understand
How to walk this weary land
Make straight the paths that crooked lie Oh Lord, before these feet of mine,Oh Lord, before these feet of mine

When my world is shaking, heaven stands
When my heart is breaking
I never leave your hands

When you walked upon the earth
You healed the broken, lost and hurt
I know you hate to see me cry
One day you will set all things right
Yeah, one day you will set all things right

When my world is shaking, heaven stands
When my heart is breaking
I never leave your hands

Your hands that shaped the world
Are holding me
They hold me still

Please Pray for my Aunt

Well, we recieved sad news last night. My Aunt Julie is not going to continue chemo. They are calling in hospice. Please pray for my Aunt and her family that God will encourage them, give them peace and that the Lord will use her life completely for His glory. I also ask that you pray for my mom to find a way to be with her. She is looking for a plane ticket to go be with her sister but they are super expensive. Pray we can get her to my aunt. Thank you for your prayers.

Zoë's 6 month check up

Well, Zoë's checkup went well. She is healthy but sore from her shots. She has grown 4 inches and weighs 13 lbs. 3 oz. Way to go Zoë!!

Zoë's First Halloween

Here are a few pics of Zoë on her first Halloween. No trick or treating because we were in MN, but if was a fun day!

14 year perfect streak gone in a split second...UGH!!

Yes, my pride is shattered and laying in peices around my feet. Truth: I am a very good driver. Also true: I have been driving for 14 years with no accidents that were my fault. Truth of Murphy's Law: on your crumbiest day, lowest emotionally, depressed already... something bad will happen. And yes folks, it has finally found me. I am tainted with the red paint of our car mixed with the taupe of my parents car. Yes, you heard that right... I rammed into my parents' car. How awful!! Here is the play by play-
Mom comes over and we are excited to go to Maddie's violin concert. Next we bundle everyone up in the car, including Zoë. Ready to roll... true story: I told my mom, "boy I am feeling depressed today." and I look into the rearview mirrior and instead of seeing my parents' car I see the sweet little face of Zoë. And WHAMMO!! I smacked right into the side of their car. Yes folks, yes, I am blamming the whole thing on my daughter who is just too darn cute she caused me to get into an accident. I've been driving almost 15 years and she has only been around 6 months. :) Right? OK, OK...totally my fault... I burst into tears... and went to the concert with bright red puffy eyes...life is crazy and I am glad it was just the car that was hurt and not anyone else.

UP

Please go rent the movie "UP" it is very worth the money. I would recommend buying it. :)

Someone do something about that baby!

Thank you Maddie for the beautiful violin solo! I loved coming and listening to you play. Gorgeous music!! Zoë went too along with grandma Janice. Zoë loves music so she listened very well and would jump on our legs and smile. Finally she just had to sing so I had to walk with her in the hall so we wouldn't disturb anyone around us. :) I am so glad that I was able to go. Love you Maddie!! Great Job!!

So I Think

So I think Zoë may be teething. I am not sure though. She is now 6 months old and today she has been extra cranky and very tired...sleeping all the time. She has also been eating differently than usual. I guess we will see. She has a 6 month check up on Thursday. I am interested in knowing how much she weighs and how she is growing etc.

Happy Half Birthday Zoë!!

Zoë is 6 months old today!! Wow!! Thank you Lord for our precious baby girl! We are so very blessed!!

Zoë and the Art

Zoë went to her first Art museum this Thursday. I was so blessed to have my friend Jessica with me. She helped me A LOT with Zoë. All went well during the time. Zoë did try to sneak in a few squeals in the areas that had good accustics that could carry her joy to all areas of the museum. Needless to say Jessica and I hurried Zoë through many different exhibits to keep her happy. :-) It was very fun! Thanks Jessica!! Jessica also had Paul and I over for a wonderful dinner Wednesday night. She and her husband Peter had us over, Jamie (Jessica's sister), Jason Bolt a freind of ours and Micheal Tong and his family who Paul knows from college and works with Jessica and her husband. What a small world it is!! The evening was awesome and how great to catch up with friends! Although I had a fantastic time it is sooooooo nice to home in our own bed. :-)

One More Sleep

Well one more sleep and we will be on our way home. Please pray that Zoë is able to sleep on the plane. She has begun squealing again at the top of her lungs... we have a hard time in Caribou Coffee. :-) I am going to explore downtown today. I will be going to the Minnesota Art Museum and the Midtown Exchange which is a global market... I am excited. I am also going to try to make it to eat street and try some new food. :-)

Another Fun Day

Yes, I ventured by myself into the deep depths of downtown Minneapolis. I am so glad that I did because I regained some of my "Big City" confidence. I went to a MOMS meeting with Sara Garrison. It was so kind of her to invite me. I really enjoyed being the outsider this time. So often I know everyone so it is good for me not to. Zoë screamed most of the time so I was in the back. She was not crying...just a joyful squeal to the Lord I guess. :-) The speaker was wonderful and very encouraging to all of us moms. (We are not insane as we sometimes think we are!) After the morning I had lunch with Mitch and Sara and their daughters...WONDERFUL!! What a great family! I am blessed to call them my friends. I decided after lunch to venture to downtown St.Paul here is the sequence of what happened next:...found it...had fun walking and shopping.... decided to leave before rush hour... followed the GPS... almost go up a one way street... miss the turn off... U turn...on the right street....oh no! ....new intersection... on wrong on ramp... on a new highway...where am I???...off an exit ... on again...wrong highway...drive a long way and then back track....continue doing this three more times in the middle of nowhere...yell at the GPS... Zoë sleeping.....FINALLY!!back at Bethel frazzled but proud I made it!!

Are You Ready for This?

Well, what a better way to say thank you for having us over for dinner by having your child poop everywhere. Yes folks, it has happened again... the magic and mysterious poop climbed out of Zoë last night right in the middle of dinner. Shirley Roehl, bless her heart, was chatting with me during dinner at their house when I heard these words: Abbie, I think Zoë is turning green. Hmmmm, I thought, I wonder if that green bean I just gave her fell onto her shirt...I WISH!! There was poop everywhere, all the way up to her neck. It was crazy, and she was happy as a clam...Paul had to help me strip her down and give her a bath right then and there in the Roehl's bathtub. I am so thankful I had an extra pair of clothes too. (Note to self for future...maybe pack TWO extra pairs of clothes!!) We returned home exhausted...whew!! Who knew having one child would be so adventurous?? Once again... this is a shout out for cloth diapers...has not happened once with the cloth...only disposable!

Beautiful Day

Today is a gorgeous fall day. Zoë and I are hanging out at a Caribou Coffee while Paul is in class. We will be going to the Como Conservatory today. Hopefully we will find it OK. Zoë is starting to scream right now and I am feeling bad because the guy beside me looks as if he is writing a paper... Zoë... Zoë ...Zoë. :-) I just need to distract her with the seat belt in her car seat and she should be good.

OK...I have a big prayer request today. My Aunt Julie goes in for an MRI today to see if the cancer has blocked off the lung please pray 1st that the Lord will heal her completely and 2nd that her lung is not blocked up so that she can stay home and not have to travel to Seattle again. Thank you for your prayers!!

-Abbie

Fun Weekend

The weekend went fast but it was so much fun! Paul and I had the pleasure of visiting my Aunt Winona and Uncle Wayne's house for two days. They are so much fun and full of hospitality. They let us stay at their house and we were able to the Mall of America with them then they treated us to dinner that night, THANK YOU Wayne and Winona! We really didn't spend much time there...just looked in at the baby stores. :) Paul and I went to an IKEA the night before and we LOVED it!!! IKEA is huge but so much fun to walk through. We bought a few fun/cheap things for Zoë's room. If you have never gone to one be sure that you do someday...very cool. hmmmm....what else.

Today, (Sunday) we were able to have the chance to go to John Piper's church (Bethlehem Baptist) it was great. You know, the church surprised me. It was very simple and to the point. It really was not showy at all. I liked the church and the sermon was about Jesus feeding the 5,000 (John 6) and how God created things in our life to point to Him. (go with me here, I am not good at explaining things) for example...we are hungry... we need to be filled... we eat bread and are satisfied... we are thirsty....we need to have our thirst quenched...we drink fresh water and we have the feeling of being satisfied. Piper's point was that these human things help point us towards what it is that we have in Chist... Bread of Life.... Living Water... Christ uses the human needs to point to the spiritual. I hope you followed the gist of the thought. Of course there was way more to it. :-) Paul and I then joined Mitch and Sara for lunch and we went over and watched a football game with them AND had dinner. THANK YOU Mitch and Sara for puting up with is. We love speding time with you and your beautiful and fun filled girls.

Right now I am typing away while Zoë is sleeping at a Caribou Coffee. (white chocolate mocha anyone? YUM!) I am going to try and venture out tomorrow and visit a conservatory with Zoë I am hoping we make it there in one piece.

One last thought... a 5 1/2 month old dressed as a giraffe walking around with her mom and dad at the Mall of America... SO CUTE!! :-)

Zoë is so funny

Zoë is so funny! She is definitely a charmer. Zoë LOVES people. She will smile and smile at anyone who will look at her. Zoë even makes little noises and giggles to try to get a strangers attention. When someone does pay attention to her she will suck in her breath and make a little squeal. It is so great to watch because she is so excited. When I see her little face light up I am amazed at how fun a baby can be. Just a year ago I didn’t even know if we were going to have a boy or a girl. There are times right now that are going too fast. Zoë will be 6 months old on the 7th of November. I wish that I could capture some of the moments we have with her in a bottle and save it for the future. I just can’t get enough snuggles, hugs and kisses from her. She is very petite and long…just a tiny peanut! ( maybe she will be like her petite Grandma Janice!)

Zoë and I have been exploring the city very little. I really am not a BIG CITY driver. The on and off ramps here are crazy. There are these one types of ramps that circle around and while you are going off the ramp you need to move over a lane because there are other cars trying to get on the ramp and if you don’t make it off in time you will be traveling down the wrong ramp and will find yourself on a highway that you did not want in the first place! (uuummmm….can you tell that this happened to me? Zoë and I were going somewhere…we didn’t know where…good thing we figured out how to get on the right highway!!!)

This morning Zoë was hungry. So, I fed her like normal and we were just about ready to leave when she threw up all over me… I mean, ALL over me. Puke was down my sweatshirt, inside my shirt in my pants… underneath everything…it was crazy. I had to change everything that I was wearing down to my underwear! It really went all over. Sheesh.

Today Paul and I will head to Wayne and Winona’s house. What a great weekend we will have!

and in Zoë news...

Here are things Zoë can do:

1. scream bloody murder at the top of her lungs...except she is really insanely happy!

2. giggle and giggle when you fake cough at her.

3.touch your face non stop.

4.charm any stranger with smiles and giggles and then when they leave she will turn on the water works.

5. will balance and stand at a table and play with some toys.

6. can almost sit byherself.

7. blows bubbles non-stop :) quite funny

8. babble and babble and babble... :)

She is a blast and I am thankful that the Lord entrusted us with her. :-)

Yesterday we had a chance to catch up with some freinds. I was able to spend some time with Jessica Melling. She was so gracious to come and visit with me at Bethel.
Paul, Zoë and I went to Mitch and Sara Garrison's house. They made a DELICIOUS meal. They are very hospitable and we had a wonderful time with them and their two girls Anika and Faith. :-) I am typing away and listening to Zoë trying to go to sleep. Paul is offsite today so I think I will take Zoë to R.E.I. and then to a noodle place for lunch. The weather is crumby today so Zoë and I can't go for our normal walks around the campus. Tonight Paul has class into the evening so Zoë and I will explore some more. :-) See you later!

Chunk

Zoë can almost sit by herself!! I can't believe it! She won't roll much but she is sitting up better and better everday. So as I write this I have a big chunk of baby wipe in my nose. Why, you may ask? Because I have blood gushing out of it. I can't seem to get it to stop! Zoë decided to grab my nose and in the process she took chunks of it with her and left me scrambling for something to mop up the blood and stop the flow. SHe just cooed with delight while mommy was sent searching high and low for the baby wipes. :)

And the Truth is....

So, the truth is I give my baby real things to play with. How funny that you give your child a new toy and you are so excited to give it to her and then she goes and wants the cup that you are drinking coffee out of? Of course I don't give her coffee...not because it has caffeine...but because it is too hot. :) I have to laugh, that as new parents we think that she will go ga ga over a new toy, but instead she plays with her coat, or a plastic cup or my necklace.
Here are some other "failures" of sorts:
1.Tried to give her a pacifier...nope, didn't take.
2. Tried to give her a bottle... no such luck.
3.Think baby Einstein would be fun for her to try.... pediatricians discover that is causes ADD. (sheesh...you can't do anything these days!)
4.working on getting her to drink from a sippy cup....she drinks from a normal cup.
These are just a few of the many failures. I guess what it boils down to is that in reality no one person is a perfect parent. We all just try to do the very best that we can with what God has given us. I have to realize that I love Zoë and I am looking out for what is best for her. I think I get the tiniest taste of what God may think of us. He loves us so very much, more than we can ever imagine and still puts up with our shenanigans. How often have I tried to "make a deal"with God? (only to find myself disappointed.) How silly is that? That is totally my humanness shining through like someone trying to cover up the smell of dog poop. I think that I am getting more mature with my walk with God only to discover that I am still a baby needing milk in so many ways. The things I think are best for me end up hurting me... why don't I trust in God at all times? Zoë is teaching me a lot about how very human and imperfect I am. Thank you Lord for using someone so tiny to teach me gently. So here is the verse I read today in my quiet time:

Ephesians 5:1 "Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children"

hmmm...yep, I think Zoë is trying to imitate Paul and I who love her dearly... and we are to do the same with God.

ZOMBIE ON THE LOOSE!

I am serious... Paul and I both slept horribly last night. We had to sleep on a full size bed which we do not fit on and it was super bouncy...so we kept rolling off, hahahahahaha!! I just think that is funny! :-) I am also laughing because we are both sooooo tired today. Zoë slept great. Paul woke up with red eyes and sneezes (the house is kinda musty). Don't get me wrong, I am soooo thankful for the place we are staying so that Paul can go to school and we can be here with him. But, it really was a hilarious night last night. I feel bad for Paul because now he is in his intensives and they are not easy. I am hanging out at the school today, wandering around because I really have no clue where anything is. I am hoping to see Zach and Lauren ...that would be soooo cool! I guess Carolyn and Rob will be coming too and it would be so neat to see them and maybe spend Halloween with them. So, back to the school. Everyone has been really nice and the campus is beautiful! I am getting my fill of fall here as the leaves are changing and falling from the trees...gorgeous! I have been walking around on the paths and I have gotten myself into some hilarious situations. There are lots of hills here and so it is difficult to manuver a stroller around the campus. Let's see...what else? We may go see a Timberwolves game next week... that would be fun. I have never been to a professional basketball game before. I will check out for now but I will try to write more later. :-) ~
Abbie

Psalm 19:1-14 (NIV)For the director of music. A psalm of David.

1The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.

2Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they display knowledge.

3There is no speech or language where their voice is not heard.

4Their voice goes out into all the earth, their words to the ends of the world. In the heavens he has pitched a tent for the sun,

5which is like a bridegroom coming forth from his pavilion, like a champion rejoicing to run his course.

6It rises at one end of the heavens and makes its circuit to the other; nothing is hidden from its heat.

7The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul. The statutes of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple.


8The precepts of the Lord are right, giving joy to the heart. The commands of the Lord are radiant, giving light to the eyes.


9The fear of the Lord is pure, enduring forever. The ordinances of the Lord are sure and altogether righteous.


10They are more precious than gold, than much pure gold; they are sweeter than honey, than honey from the comb.


11By them is your servant warned; in keeping them there is great reward.


12Who can discern his errors? Forgive my hidden faults.


13Keep your servant also from willful sins; may they not rule over me. Then will I be blameless, innocent of great transgression.


14May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.



Well, this is the chapter in Psalms that I was reading today that struck me so powerfully. This chapter is chock full of so much that I can't even comment on it all. The verses that I was looking at today when I was doing my study were 7 and 8. The one part that struck me was 7a :" The law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul." When I take the time to read God's word it is like a spiritual CPR done on my heart. It really does refresh your soul. Thank you Lord for your word!

Lesson Learned...

Okay, so sometimes I am such and idiot and forget the very basic of things; like praying about things instead of just trying to do them myself. Not that we should pray and do nothing, but doing something without praying is often fruitless. So i've been doing "all I can" for two weeks to figure out transportation while we are in MN for school. The easy thing would be to rent a car, but we don't have an extra $600 laying around, which it what the lowest rate was for renting a car. It seemed like every idea I looked into came up empty. Then on Wednesday Abbie asked a few other ladies in her Bible study to pray that we could find something that we could afford. A few hours later 2 friends who now live in the Minneapolis area contact Abbie on facebook saying they have a car we can borrow. Unbelievable... or maybe it should be believable, if I would just learn to pray about things a little more than just doing things on my own! Lesson Learned! Thank You Lord! And Thank You Doug & Brita for the use of your car.

BTW... i know I haven't posted anything about my time in Africa. I promise I will one of these days! There are so many great stories to tell of God's great deeds!

Private Quarters

Something brand new has come my way and I am so very excited about the opprotunity! I am a new, legit Private Quarters consultant! Yeah! Private Quarters you say, what is that? Think Pampered Chef but for the bed and bath sections of your home. The products are beautiful and luxurious but with lots of different price points. So, here's what I need... homes and parties scheduled. If you are interested in scheduling a party let me know and we can make it a BLAST!! What a great reason to get women together. :-) There are great hostess perks if you would like to host a PQ party. Just let me know if you are interested and we could set up a date and time. I am hoping that I will have some friends who want to have parties because I need the practice with people who are gracious while I am learning. So check it out at www.MyPrivateQuarters.com and let me know if you would like to host a party in November or December! ~Abbie

Yeah! Zoë rolled over yesterday so that daddy could see it! It was exactly one month from the first time she did it. Zoë picks and chooses her times to show off. Way to go Zoë!!

Needing some help if you can! :-)

So, Mommy's out there who have boys, my friend is getting two young foster boys tomorrow and has nothing for them... so, if you have some things that you could part with or some good "boy" advice send it my way and I can make sure that she gets it! Thank you SOOOOO much! ~Abbie

Sweet Potato Mix Up

Well, the title says it all. I am trying really hard to mix up our diet and get some healthier and different choices on the menu with out running to Taco Bell. I did pretty well this week with trying some new recipes and using elk meat. Tonight I made a blunder... I seriously thought I was buying sweet potatoes and I ended up with what I think must be yams.... oops. They didn't quite work out the way I thought. We tried to eat them anyway. :-) Poor Paul!!

The Many Faces of Zoë

Excited










Happy











Curious






What do you want?

5 months!

Zoë is five months old today!! Wow! Paul and I have been so blessed to have her for 5 months. How amazing! Thank you Lord for a healthy baby! She rolled over a couple more times today and started grabbing for toys to play with. :-) Soooo much fun!

First Snow

Well, Zoë experienced her first snow today. She did not like it. I think that she thought it was too cold. Daddy thinks that she secretly liked the snow. For awhile the snow was wet enough to make a snowman. Now all the snow is gone and it is just very wet outside.

Cold Weather a'Comin'

Well, the cold weather is moving in. This weekend was kind of a downer. You know the type when you just feel tired because of the weather... you jkust want to cuddle up with a cup of tea... or take a nap. I worked at getting Zoë's summer clothes put away. The sad thing is they all still fit her and they are sooooo cute. I cried putting them away. She is already getting big. No turning back. So, our house is older so it is a bit weird trying to figure out how to heat it correctly for Zoë. Her room gets REALLY cold. So I have been layering her in clothes... a onesie... a zip up onsie with feet and a blanket sleeper. She shouldn't get cold tonight! :) I made some chicken noodle soup with a lot of veggies this afternoon with home-made noodles. YUMMY! My mom came over to eat. Right now I can hear the rain... I love that sound. Well, I better let the dogs out and get some shut eye!

Funny Comedy... About Bacon

If You Had the Chance to Introduce Christ...

Spin Baby Spin!!

Well, I went to my 2nd spinning class today. I am thankful that Paul watched Zoë so that I could go. I am sore... but it is the "good" kind of sore. I enjoy meeting new people and being in a class with others. I am a bit competitive so I am always thinking that I am racing. I have to laugh at what the leader says; here is the quote: " Alright, get up to speed like we are racing downhill. Now if your butt shakes while your sprinting turn up the resistance!" I had to then say to myself... I think that my butt would shake no matter what gear I am on right now... :)

Zoë is laughing more. She giggles at the weirdest things. So now if she giggles at something I will repeat it over and over so she call laugh and laugh. I start laughing then. Here are some videos for you to enjoy!

Baby Dances To Beyonce @ Yahoo! Video

So Great

So, it is so great to have Paul back at home. Zoë recognized him right away and is having a hard time not being with him at all times. She is definitely daddy's little girl. Paul is napping a little right now. He is struggling with a little jet-lag. He has some wonderful stories of the medical team he was a part of in Africa. I will have to have him post some pictures of all that they did there. I always get tears in my eyes because I love Africa so much. It has been hard for me that I was not able to go along on the trip. I missed the people so much. I am hoping that we will be able to go again someday soon.

Reunion Photos That Bee Took

Zoë bundled up at the reunion. She was up at Mountain Top Retreat Center.


This is the best pouty lip EVER!!

Dad with his 4 kids
Zoë out like a light
Hmmmm.... I wonder what she could be dreaming about!? :)
The Strutz family reunion
Grandpa Bob and Grandma Theo with Great Grand-daughter Zoë.

Uncle Luke

I love this picture of Zoë and her Uncle Luke. :)

Even More Pictures from KC

Kyra and Zoë

Uncle Mark and Zoë

Zoë dressing up as her wormie... it was hard not to get this... her favorite toy is a little caterpillar. (we call it wormie)

Zoë loves just being in her diaper...she seems to be saying.... FREEDOM!!

Nonno with Zoë. :)

More Smiles

:)

Some More Pictures from KC

Zoë thinking she can crawl

Uncle Mark with his niece

Tea Party!! Girls Only!

City of Fountains

Steamboat Arabia

More Pictures from KC

Zoë getting ready to go to downtown KC

Zoë and Mommy at the marketplace

Nonna and Zoë

Zoë playing with Mommy's hat

Zoë's first plane ride! She did really well until we went down...then her ears began to hurt.

Video

Cousin Pictures!