Bye Bye Linoleum

Since Friday was Dad's birthday, I thought it fitting to ask him to get to work on our next home improvement project (part of a never-ending list).  I mean really, what better way to celebrate one's 47th birthday than by laying tile?

Friday: Andrew and Dad scraped off the existing linoleum while Mom and I went to a party.  Hey, give me a break, we did bring them Backyard Burgers for dinner!

Saturday: Dad laid the tile while Andrew did the cutting.

I had a last minute change of heart and went for a mocha colored tile instead of the multicolored slate.  I like it better and it was cheaper - quite a rarity for me.

Sunday: We (yes, I helped for this stage) spread grout.  Notice the area behind the stove that I never painted - and no Dad, I don't plan to do it now either!  

Dad even came up with a fancy looking design for the floor!  This was surprising coming from the guy who thinks green pants go with all green shirts.

We have lived in our condo for almost five years.  The previous owners probably wouldn't even recognize it because so much has changed: new kitchen countertops, new kitchen sink and faucet, laminate flooring, new deck, painted kitchen cabinets with new knobs, and now tile flooring.  We've done so much to this place that I'm going to have a hard time ever leaving it.

I've Been Missing You

Transcript of tonight's phone call:

Me: Hey MamaEse, it's Sarah.

MamaEse: I've been missing you.

Okay, so it's a partial transcript.  I can't even remember what else we said because I kept replaying her first words in my head.  I wish everybody in the world had someone that made them feel as special as MamaEse does for me.  Is there a much better feeling than knowing someone loves you, misses you, and longs for your company?

Well, I called to see if I could come up (two streets up that is) for a long overdue visit.  We swapped some stories, and I specifically asked about the ring below.  Mom went through her jewelry this weekend and gave me the ring on the left that was originally MamaEse's, and she also gave me her own wedding band (as she has deservedly upgraded after 25 years).  

I love that gold jewelry is becoming popular again!

I dressed up for school today just so I could wear these rings!  MamaEse's fancy garnet ring demanded no less than a fancy black dress!  I had MamaEse tell me all about the ring tonight.  She bought it while in Venezuela on a business trip with Jim (her husband, my great-grandfather).  She has had such an adventurous life, living all over the country and traveling all over the world.  I love that I can now carry part of that with me.  

The Sea Salt Onslaught

I called Andrew at lunch today and told him I was making one of his favorite dinners - lemon shrimp pasta.  Much to my dismay, he never really gets excited about food - even warm cinnamon puffs fresh out of the oven.  This meal, however, is different.  

He didn't even complain when he realized it was wheat pasta...

Trying to be more economical, I only made half of a recipe - just enough for tonight's dinner - no leftovers.  Just as I was finishing my plate, Andrew was finishing preparing his.  (Sadly, this is not at all unusual.)  I knew there was trouble when I heard shouts of frustration coming from the kitchen.  Apparently the salt grinder malfunctioned and about half a cup of sea salt dumped out onto Andrew's plate of pasta.  I tried to come to the rescue by scraping it off with a fork.  Andrew graciously tried to eat it, but could taste nothing but salt.  Then, I really came to the rescue with my next solution:  Elidio's dollar pizza.  Thank goodness it is Tuesday!

It helped that I made his favorite Red Lobster cheddar bay biscuits too.  (I scoop them out with a mini-ice cream scoop, so they are small, but you feel like you are eating lots!  You should try it.)

One of my favorite fruit salads (other than Mama Ese's of course).  Strawberries, grapes, green apples, and mandarin oranges - just like Chick-fil-A.

And I seem to remember saying no "drastic changes" in my healthy living post, so no mean comments about the cheesey, buttery, garlicky biscuits!

Still Waters

My small group is in the middle of a study called Resting in Him by Margaret Feinberg.  Two of the five of us have two kids, and the other three work in the school system and are coaches.  Like most people these days, all of our schedules are pretty tight.  This study has been a nice reminder that God desires for us to rest, and not just once a week for a Sunday nap.  Instead Feinberg references many scriptures that discuss rest as a lifestyle choice, something we choose daily.  

One of my favorite scriptures mentioned so far in the study has been possibly the most well-known of all - Psalm 23.  Sadly I have heard it a million times and have never really listened.  Strange how we can recite it from memory yet not really know what it means.  As you know, it talks of how God, as our Shepherd, leads us to the still waters to restore our soul.  One of the questions in our book asked about what the still waters are for us.  I think God gave me a revelation in the back room of Elidio's (after a delicious meal of completely health-conscious pizza, I might add).  Maybe the still waters aren't just found in those mid-afternoon naps, but instead the still waters are the small group meetings at Starbucks, the last-minute trips to Home Depot, the late night band practices, the chaotic birthday parties.  It might not be easy to see them that way, but through prayer God has changed my perspective on all those things on my to do list.

So often I let my mind race through all the things I have to do in the day.  I fail to be present in the moment.  I fail to appreciate the blessings that surround me.  Over the last week I have asked God to change my perspective and allow me to find the still waters in all of my tasks.  Andrew said last week he was going to remove the word "busy" from his vocabulary, and he challenged me to do the same.  I have actually found this surprisingly freeing.  After all, we choose almost everything we do.  

The last week has been filled with peace, rest and yes, still waters.  May his word be fresh and new for you today.

The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.

He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.

He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.

Hubbie's Blog

Andrew has been thinking about starting a blog for some time, and he finally has!  Between working during the day and going to class at night, I'm not sure when he will have time to keep it updated, but time will tell!  Check it out and drop him a comment to welcome him to the blog world!

Just in case you forgot, here he is.

Jake's Birthday

Last weekend we celebrated Jake's fourth birthday.  He had quite a day and couldn't care less about the presents.  Okay, maybe it was just that he didn't care about the clothes I got him. After four neices and one nephew, I don't think I have ever bought anything but clothes for birthday and Christmas gifts.  I get overwhelmed in the toy aisles, but for some reason feel right at home in the clothing department.  Melissa prepared quite a meal including regular chili, white chili, grilled hotdogs, and Spiderman cupcakes.  I'm afraid she's setting the bar a little too high for my comfort.

What's up with all this princess stuff?  I'm outta here.

His face is a dead-giveaway that he did not have permission to be eating this - and being the kind of aunt that I am, I saw it best to snap a picture and let him enjoy the moment.

I hate that I didn't get a better angle on this picture.  Pure joy on both faces.      

Check out those baby blues, and don't miss the two teeth barely peeking out.  P.S. How beautiful is my sister-in-law?

Audrey and Maddie were busy preparing a play for us, so I didn't get any pics of them.  Oh how I wish I had one to document Audrey's frustration when the audience mistakenly assumed the play was over and began to laugh and clap.  Apparently, it was not a comedy, so the laughs were not appreciated.  Katelyn is M.I.A. because she cried every time I put the camera to my face.  We're going to have to work on that because I don't know how to be around these kids without my camera.

All five of the kids were sick this week with a variety of illnesses:  strep throat, ear infections, and scarlet fever.  I think they are all on the road to recovery, but word is still out about the moms...

Healthy Living

Andrew and I are trying our best to make healthier choices, not necessarily for dieting purposes but more for longevity's sake.  We're not making drastic changes because it seems that often results in short-term success and long-term disappointment.  So far, we're going a little lighter on the Little Debbies (Andrew's fave lunch-time treat) and have been trying to eat more fruits and veggies instead.  Mom's Sunday lunch is usually quite filling, not to mention delectable, so Sunday night I planned to make a fresh salad.

A spinach mix with fresh roasted chicken (a la Ina Garten), strawberries, pecans, cheddar cheese, and homemade croutons.  So good it didn't even need any dressing...

...or so I thought.  I modified the meal a bit for my finicky husband.  A roasted chicken sandwich with spinach, cheese, and tomato.

Also, Andrew is now waking up early (and by early, I mean he gets out of bed as I am leaving the house...baby steps, people) to work out.  I've been having a hard time with my workout routine as of late.  Something about darkness, cold weather, and Rachel's absence (due to her coaching and grueling marathon training) has made it hard for me to leave the house for Pilates.  But do not fear, I have found the answer!  Exercisetv.tv has some full length exercise videos for free on their website.  I just set the laptop right on the floor with me and follow the instructor's lead.  It is so much easier than heading out into the cold, dark night for an hour long class.  Check it out and let me know which videos you like.  I have tried Yoga for Abs and Less is More Pilates.  Take my word for it - your muscles will be feeling it the next day!

We're also trying to be more environmentally friendly.  I found this concoction for a homemade cleaning solution on somebody's Facebook page.  I'm not going to lie - I haven't found a way to fully mask the vinegar smell, but it still feels better than rubbing chemicals all over my food-prep area. 

All Purpose Cleaner

2 cups water

2 cups vinegar

20-30 drops essential oil (I've tried eucalyptus and orange, but hope to find something a little stronger.)

Any healthy living tips you want to share?