And Abraham Went Out . . .

Checking In . . . .

Outside my window . . . 

There are patches of snow melting. We had a decent snow a few days ago but its warmed up a tad now. Unfortunately we've had a good case of the sickies this week, so we haven't been able to enjoy the snow. I did let Mr. Basil go outside by himself to find a patch of snow by the parking lot. Seriously, he did! Kids can make fun out of anything.

I'm listening to . . .

The kids rough housing with a big grey tub. Ha! I tell you; kids, the things they are amused by. Isn't it funny how kids can be sick as anything but they somehow run around as if they had all the energy in the world? Amazing.

These. are a few of my favorite things . . .

The old tradition of the Jesse Tree. This year I've come to appreciate it even more than in past years. I'm seeing God in history and the ways He likes to work. I'm seeing His attributes. He is The Provider. He uses the unlikely. Providence. I just may have to do a whole post on this one.

In the kitchen . . . 

We've had a couple of new things from the kitchen lately. One was another stellar, healthy meal inspired by this great new blog I've discovered, Iowa Girl Eats. We had her "Superfood Salad" on Monday night. I topped it off with some "Finger Lickin Shrimp" (recipe from my sis in Colorado).  I don't have a picture of the dish but man, you have to try it! Doug wasn't feeling well that day and he said it was exactly what he needed. It's a light, refreshing, healthy salad for the middle of the winter. The ingredients are not your typical salad ingredients but actually blend together very well: quinoa, avocado  corn, pomegranate arils,  oranges, black beans, lemon, garlic, cilantro. Yum!

The boys and I are reading . . .

Just this morning we finished reading "The Nutcracker" by E.T.A Hoffman (translated from the German "Nutcracker and the Mouse King). We loved it! There are just so many fun educational tangents you can go off on during Advent and Christmas. We've also been watching productions of the Nutcracker Ballet on youtube and a surprisingly accurate cartoon version of the story.

On my heart and in my prayers . . .

I'm so very ready to actually settle down here and for our financial burdens to be lightened by the sell of our home in Washington. I still feel very much in transition right now. Boxes are still stacked everywhere and no pictures grace our walls. I've been daily praying for "home." Whatever that may look like. But even as I pray for home, I still pray for patience and wisdom. I don't want us to rush into anything. God's will be done. Be still my heart.

Plans for the rest of the week. . . 

Most of my plans have been cast aside for the week. I like the traditions of Santa Lucia but let it go because of the sickies. Tonight Doug and I were supposed to go out on a date but the sickies are still around, so I think we'll "circle the wagons" as Mrs. Burk would say.