Grillin & Chillin

Hey these are my wonderful neighbors, soon to be known only as "Emily's mom & dad". We were wrapping up a yummy meal straight from the grill, enjoying the lovely river view from my deck. Oops - well, you can't exactly see the river in this shot, but it's right there. Gracie's demonstrating the proper way to eat a good piece of watermelon: feet up with hands & mouth fully engaged. Now if I could just get her to spit those seeds out just a bit farther...Oh, I live for summer & sunshine~ See ya & have a memorable Memorial Day weekend. Parades, tributes, food & fellowship are headed my way. Enjoy~

Because I want to...

Hey there- it's been a couple of weeks since I've said hi via Grace Full Days. They're no less full these days but with more sunlight & grilling out & fun stuff. Classes are over (Thank GOD) but due to start back this week. No rest, eh? I'm in the throes of planning the Swirly Twirly Birthday bash for the little sweetie who is convinced her birthday is "morrow". She knows she wants pink - pink birthday, pink presents...PINK. It'll be fun for sure & pink. Wish ya'll (that's MO code for everyone of YOU) could join us though miles separate us from celebrating with many. We know you'll sipping tea in your party dress along with us in spirit. :o)

So what's new? Hmmm...finished the quilt for baby Emily. Perhaps I can get my hands on it again to take a pic to share. There's just something about crafting a gift for someone special or not so special cause it's the giving that brings reward. Anyway, I was pleased & hope Em's mom & dad were pleased as well. Gracie sure would like to have it back if they're not. :o)

As I mentioned, classes begin this week. Articulation/Phonological Disorders & some kind of behavior managment class for special education which I took but gee...it was almost 20 years ago. 20 year ago...that sure sounds OLD! Oh, gosh - OLD! So, perhaps managing children has changed over the years & I'm getting up to speed at the rate of $430. Hmmmm..I better learn something for that price. On the bright side, no more classes with the Gestapo Professor - not another class with her - yippee skippee! I managed a B & A in my classes last semester, which was decent considering a large number of students either failed or dropped out of these REQUIRED classes. Feels good that I stuck it out. Cultivates character, right? Mmm, I'm feeling characterized. :o) Or maybe caricatured? :o) Hey, it's late & I'm writing, not because I'm procrastinating but because I want to.

Ok - so congrats to Taylor Hicks. He was my favorite since he 1st auditioned way back when. Plus, Gracie says his name sooo cute! We had pizza with the neighbors to watch the sometimes corny finale...ugh! We made it through Puck & Pickler - did anyone else think that was patronizing & pathetic?? Anyway - just past Prince, was the revelation that indeed Taylor was indeed America's favorite. I'm pleased, but can't wait to buy Elliot's 1st recorded musical work - what's it called? Not album, not record...CD? Is that correct? Regardless, you know what I mean.

Did I mention Gracie was big AI fan?? Of course, she had her own way to enjoy the show which typically included a twirly dress & hat. See pics above. Tonight, with my neighbors as witness, she actually asked for a microphone. She's destined to sing...perhaps not on American Idol but she'll "sang for Jesus". Too bad we left our fancy hat at Auntie Jeanette's today. All we had left was our knit winter cap. She dances just fine without the hat. :o) Funny, while the Brokenote Mountain piece was playing, she just happened to be riding her horse from the Uncle Bob collection. Not sure if you can make it out in the pics or not but perhaps my commentary brings some clarity.

AND before I leave the Grace-American Idol topic...We were going through the mail last week; I'm reading the important stuff in the front seat - not while we're driving but just at the mailbox idling...Gracie was perusing the latest Birthday Express catalog in search of PINK. All of sudden, she says "Amercan Idol" - just like that without the /i/ in American. I look back & sure enough, there's an entire partyware line of American Idol. Now most kids read the McDonald's symbol 1st, but Gracie's 1st was Amercan Idol. Destined to sing, I'm sure of it. Look what Carrie Underwood has done with "Jesus Take the Wheel". Right now I guess we'll keep belting "Deep & Wide" 20X a day & then take a break with "Old McDonald Had a Farm" before we do our daily rendition of "Hokey Pokey". We all know that's what it's alllllll about.

Ok, folks... that's it for tonight/today. Hugs & sunny smiles to ya'll! It's late & I'm going to bed because I want to. Night~

Princess Business

Hi there - of course, you know the drill. I am officially procrastinating submitting an assignment here at 12:24 AM. However, these new photos of Grace taken/shared by one great UB, must be posted without delay. :o)

Not many comments, just enjoy these photos from our Easter celebration in Wisconsin with the Contino Lords & Ladies - talk about a party fit for THE King & His princess girls. AND there's the Gracie girl horsin' around down at Papa's house this past weekend. What I didn't capture, sad to say, were the two black colts bucking around the pasture - well, mud hole at present. Spring indeed has sprung SEVEN new babies thus far at Papa's place. Mom would be deeeeelighted! See ya'll~

Every Blooming Thing~

So happy spring is finally here. The river view out my back window is growing crowded with buds & blossoms that make my heart sing. We play outside everyday; soaking up the sun.

Though classes are winding down, it's full throttle with projects & finals coming up next week. Grace & I are heading Missouri way on Friday for a funeral, unfortunately. Can't wait to get there but wishing to avoid the drive. Ugh! Thank God for nice play areas at the road side parks. Remember the days I used to catch a few winks there? Oh, how you chided me. Now it's all about chasing Grace. Chasing Grace...the reality is Grace pursues us; finding us in the most precarious situations. Aren't you glad He catches us?

More later~ Until then, take good care & take time to enjoy the tulips these days. They fade before you know it. Happy Spring~

Amberg Germany photos ~ just glancing back

This is one of the gates into the city centre or Altstadt. It's like a storybook or fairytale.


A view of my garden & a bit of the Moat Walk around the wall of the city. As the name implies, the walkway is now where the moat encircled the village years ago. There are several small gardens, a park, & pond along the Moat Walk. Though not visible in this picture, just a bit to the left of my backyard is a goldfish pond. Water views in front & back!











This is the view of the Vils river from the front - about 1/2 block down from my house. I could see it clearly from the 2nd floor of my home. Lovely, eh? Quite the water view. The church tower is where the markplatz or village square sits. Check out this webcam of the markplatz: http://www.amberg-live.de/single.php3?liste=2&kamera=1







Heinz & Lisa, my God-gift neighbors

Glancing back...Moving forward

Ok I'm looking back a little this morning - it is 1:30 AM. I went to bed early & woke up refreshed after a couple of hours. Hmmmm- probably should be doing something productive - Phonetics, language samples, billing, laundry, tax stuff (I know, I know - it's the 14th) - all that other "should do/could do stuff".

Joined Weight Watchers this week. Time to get heart healthy. My 1st full day under my belt. Pretty good except for that lil Frescata sandwich from Wendy's that looked so fresh & tasty & healthy - a bit of ham, cheese on a ciabata looking bun. I think I was taken by the name - Blackforest Ham & Swiss... Sounds yummy,eh? Rule #1 - check out the points before you order it!!! 10 whopping points for good sandwich but not 10 points good. Yeow - good thing I had the points available but what a price. Better planning next time. Ok, friends, my journal is fair game. Keep me accountable; ask to see my WW journal. :o) Ask nicely please.

Looking through some photos sent by my Amberg neighbors - Heinz & Lisa - really like my adopted parents while in Germany. I'm posting a few of my favorites. I had the most beautiful rose bush in all the city right in front of my house. No modesty here, it was the loveliest by far. Lavender graced the base of the bush so the fragrance was soothing; nearly intoxicating to the passerby. My garden...Those who know me well, know that I asked God for 7 things in a home before I even went to Amberg including:

1. garden or space to plant one
2. good neighbors
3. water view - lake, river, pond, whatever - just some water to look at
4. lots of windows & sunlight
5. the privacy of my own home but the security of being connected to another house
6. access to good walking path/trail
7. hard wood floors

Well, I got them all - minor exception, the floors only looked hardwood but was some kind of other flooring. I was happy! God gave me everything I asked for and then some. He's a good God & He gives good gifts to His children. I thank God every day for the home He's preparing for Grace & me. Not the HEAVENLY home, please...but our home while we serve here. Needless to say, I'm thanking God for some specific things in my next home. In the meantime, I'm sharing some of my favorite photos of life in Amberg, Germany. Enjoy~

Easter bonnets, baskets, & bunnies

Springtime is here! In celebration, Grace & I went on an Easter egg hunt yesterday. Despite the cold, it was quite fun. The missy has got the gist of it now. "Run. Eggs. Hug bunny. Mine." That's how she recounts the story anyway. After a word from the Homewood-Flossmoor park people to share out of your abundance with any neighbor who has no eggs...we ran to fill our little Easter basket/purse. What a delight to see those rosy cheeked tots squat down to pick up colored eggs. While kids were content to check out thr 1st egg, moms & dads (me included) were cheering them on to gather more treasures.

The Easter bunny made an appearance after the race for eggs. Grace gave a friendly wave from afar, too shy to get close then insisted "Hug bunny, " as we walked away. She finally gathered her courage, offering the bunny one of her eggs. He took the egg & after a silent but thankful nod, he offered the egg to another kid. "Oooh," Gracie said "Mine." Ok, if you're not going to keep it, Mr. Bunny, give it back.:o) Too cute!

I'm thinking today about traditions - those treasured in past & new ones I'm making in my own family. I love Easter. I love dyeing eggs & making cutie little baskets with that annoying plastic grass. Some of my favorite memories were waking up on Easter morning to a lovely basket of goodies & hunting for eggs after Sunday school. Those eggs would play hide/seek a dozen times before we exhausted the egg-hider. It was delightful becoming the egg hider for my neices & nephew. My mom was thoughtful with the chocolate bunnies and the Easter cake with brightly colored coconut. Across the country or the ocean, mom made sure I had a little bit of home in a chocolate bunny & Hallmark sentiment. What a delight to find an Easter bag-FULL of goodies today from my favorite PC. Heartfelt thanks, Chris, for remembering me & Gracie this Easter - just like mom. We love you~

Now lest I offend the serious & righteous reader among us, I daily celebrate Christ's death & resurrection. This sacrifice securing my access to salvation & healing. We are alive in Christ to the extent we have taken up our Cross to follow Him. As we live a life of worship, His resurrection we celebrate every day.
Happy Easter to you & yours!

PS: Milestones this week~

• Discovered her shadow - cool for a bit then "Stop it, girl"
• Singing phrases to songs: Hokey Pokey (Shake it 'bout), Happy Birthday (Bir'day to you) & Wheels On The Bus (Round 'n Round)
• Expanding social circle - going to familiar folks w/or w/out fruit snacks - thanks Holly
• Says "No Way!" - thanks so much Marge - if she starts saying "Hurry up, mama" - you are in big trouble, girl!

Mom's Chicken and Dumplings

My mom was a fabulous cook.  She was one of those cooks who measured by a "pinch" of this and a "dab" of that. We were after her all the time for more precise measurements.  "How much, mom? How much?"  It's really hard to duplicate those pinch and dab recipes, so I really never tried to make her delicious chicken and dumplings.

My sister and I were down home a couple of weeks ago for some Papa time. Tracy came across multiple copies of mom's handwritten recipe with actual measurements. What a find!

Sometimes in the struggle of juggling work, baby, house, bills, school and just life alone...I miss my mom. She was the great encourager when it came to tackling life as it comes and making the most of every situation. "You can do it! I know you can!" Despite the petty criticisms most daughters endure with our moms, I always knew that if she believed in me, I would be ok!

It was one of those days; one of those weeks missing mom.  Then I remembered the recipe for chicken and dumplings. I pulled it out and in one hour, viola~ I have mom's homemade chicken and dumplings. Delicious! Not only did it make me feel closer to mom, but Gracie helped me cook. She's a quick study, learning the best part of cooking is stirring, then licking the spoon. She did a great job rolling out the dough and my fingers. It was a memory cherished and a memory made with my little girl. The dumplings were yummy.  They weren't quite as good as mom's, but we are on our way.  I talked to Tracy this week. Guess what she made over the weekend?  Yes, she made mom's chicken and dumplings.

So for those of you who want a good southern chicken and dumpling recipe, I am happy to share this one. No family secrets here! Mom loved to share her recipes and goodies with others. I plan to fix a batch for the neighbors soon. Enjoy!

Nellie's Chicken and Dumplings

In medium size bowl, beat 1 egg well. Add 1 cup chicken broth, 1 TBS melted butter or margarine and 1 1/4 tsp salt, mixing well. Gradually add 2 cups all purpose flour. Mix well. Dough will be stiff and sticky. Add more flour if needed. Divide into thirds. Roll out onto well floured surface to about 1/8 in thick. Cut into desired size, shape dumpling. Drop into 6-8 cups of HOT (boiling) chicken broth in large pot. Use fork to separate dumpling and keep them from sticking to each other while dropping into the pot. Leave on high heat until bubbly then turn down to low. Cover and cook until done. Add cooked, de-boned chicken to dumplings. Shortcut: use canned chicken broth. Uncooked dumplings can be frozen for future use. Enjoy!

Hold On

Ever hear a song that just moves you? Not just the kind that makes you smile inside & think "Oh, that's a nice one". Sometimes songs come along that feel like they are physically touching me. The kind that make me want to pray or cry or do something. Perhaps it has to do with being a worshipper. The element of music, though not necessary to worship, is often the vehicle that ushers us into the presence of the King. We have audience with Him in our praise. In our abandonment & ardent adoration, He meets us right where we are.

I was washing dishes yesterday, listening to Nicole Nordeman's Brave CD - as I've done dozens of times (put her on your must listen list). She is a worshipper as well, singing the heart of God. Not in a high & lofty manner, but in the "day in/day out reality of where we live" kind of way. Her song, HOLD ON, was playing & something inside me connected with those words. Love will find me regardless...You can put anything after that regardless. Fill in the blank. He will find you. Love will find you. Regardless of my strength to look for Him or reach for Him or move to where He is. He will find me. Love will find you.

HOLD ON by Nicole Nordeman 2005

It will find you at the bottom of a bottle

It will find you at the needle's end

It will find you when you beg and steal and borrow

It will follow you into a stranger's bed

It find you when they serve you with the papers

It will find you when the locks are changed again

It will find you when you've called in all your favors

It will meet you at the bridge's highest edge

So baby don't look down, it's a long way

The sun will come around to a new day

So hold on

love will find you

Hold on

He's right behind you now

Just turn around

And love will find you

It will find you when the doctor's head is shaking

It will find you in a boardroom, mostly dead

It will crawl into the foxhole where you're praying

It will curl up in your halfway empty bed

So baby don't believe that's it over

Maybe you can't see 'round the corner...

To hang between two thieves in the darkness

Love must believe that you're worth it

You're worth it

Hold on

love will find you

Hold on

He's right behind you now

Just turn around

And love will find you

Relief

Ok - it's over. The exam is over without a minute to spare. In fact, I think I went into overtime with the transcription portion. My professor is Gestapo for sure!

Thank God the Gracie girl went to bed early tonight. Uncle Bob plum wore her out today playing, dancing & carrying on like good uncles do. I love those visits~ Really, I am truly thankful for the love deposits made into her little life. I fully believe good things will grow from positive seeds sown into the hearts of our little ones. We must take care regarding what we plant in their heart garden. We are the caretaker while they're young anyway. What responsibility! That'll preach, eh? Or maybe I've heard it before in a sermon. Things just take on new meaning when you have one of your own. Anyway...thanks, ya'll, for loving on my little treasure - meine kleine schatze.

Gurnee Mills! Whew - that's some serious shopping. As I expected, baby clothes were the main attraction for our spending group. And purple clothes, at that. This little Emily baby of my neighbors, due in June, will be all lavendered up! We brought home 3 purple outfits - all very, very charming. Gracie Nasrin (translation - Rose) will be sporting a lovely Easter dress bedeckt with vintage cabbage roses. I have visons of her 2 year pictures in this dress. Can't wait for the photos & plan to share, but indeed dread the whole appointment "wait your turn & then wait some more" experience JC Penney delivers without fail.

Anyway....Gurnee Mills - keep up, people! We visited Bass Pro shop - my 1st visit. My mom would be proud. In fact, I called the family to share the experience & even sent a pic via T-Mobile of Grace & the big fish. She sure enjoyed the deer & fish. I was dreaming about a boat for someday....someday when I have my house by the lake...someday.

Grace got a new book "Mommy Loves Me" - just in case she forgets. Can't have enough books. Bought some scrapbook stuff. Oh, I've got paper now. Got the stickers. Got vellum sayings & ribbon & adhesive & whatnot! Now if they only carried free time at Archivers, I could do some serious scrappin. Once this XXXX class is over & once I get this special project finished for baby Emily...I'm going to put some cutie pictures on some pretty paper. :o) Let's go, P. Chris~

So, the shopping trip was good & the company kept was even better. We got our tank full at CLC on Sunday & here comes Monday. Ok, folks - G'night to you~ Until next time, tschuss!