Happy Date Night

As you know, date nights with Jamie are far and few between. At least I think so. We worked very hard early on when our children were first born to encourage them to have good sleep patterns. Our children have always been easy to put to bed. Because of that, Jamie and I usually have a few hours each night alone. Time to talk, watch a movie, play a game. So, most of the time I don't really crave an actual date with him. But, about once every 3 months it's time to go out!

Last night was one of those nights :)

Friends of ours watched Maggie and Michael for us. Jamie and I headed to Panera for a nice simple quiet meal. Panera isn't one of our children's favorite places to eat. So I don't get to eat there very often. And the idea of being able to sit and talk with Jamie without feeling rushed was appealing to me.

I think we sat in there for about 2 hours!

We went over our calendar's and schedules. Michael's birthday is coming up so we talking about party's and gifts. We're going to rent a cabin up at Rock Lake Christian Assembly for a few nights next week so we discussed some details about that. Talked a little about our children's responsibilities around the house and when to begin rewarding them for jobs. We also talked about going out more. We made a list of babysitters that we know we could call and decided to do that more often.

After all that talk, we went shopping. Bought Michael some presents. A baby gift. A birthday gift for a friend. Oh, and we talked about tv's. Again. I want a new one really bad! It's just not in the budget right now.

After our exciting date we went to our friends to pick up Michael and Maggie. We love Katrina and Brian! We can talk to them for hours. And we did!

When we first arrived we gave the kids the 'ol 10 minute warning. That 10 minutes turned into... er.... a few hours!

So, we're talking and talking with our pals. Then, Brian and Katrina notice that it's getting time for them to pray* at our church. Jamie and I offered to stay with all the kids while they went and did that.

They went and prayed and came back. Then we started talking again! Hehehehe We finally pulled out of their house around midnight!

Came home, tucked the kids in bed. Jamie and I finished some talking that we didn't get to before. Then, Jamie actually left to go to the church to pray* a bit. He came home around 3:30 AM.

I'm not use to staying up that late. But, it was very very enjoyable. I'm looking forward to going out with my husband more often!


*Meridian Christian Church held a special prayer time from 8:00 PM until 8:00 AM the next morning. We're having a big shin-dig at a local park and inviting the community so we wanted to cover the event in prayer. People of our congregation were encouraged to sign up for 1 hour time slots.

I'm a Working Girl

I have a job. Like a real job. I know, I know. Being a stay-at-home mom IS a real job. I mean I have an extra job. One that actually pays money.

I'm working at our church's Kids Kamp until the end of the summer. It's not full time. Thank you Lord! But, it's been enough to keep my mind swimming and my body begging for more sleep.

This past week I worked 4 days. The weeks following will be a lot lighter. Only 2-3 days per week. About 6 hours each day.

So in addition to taking care of my own children, I'm entrusted with the care of 3-5 more children. And I also plan activities, games, crafts, stories, songs, poems, and a little bit of knowledge.

The toughest part of all this... pre-planning everything. It's a lot of mental work. When I'm there it's wonderful! When I get in the car to drive home... not so wonderful. I'm begging Michael and Maggie to not talk. Or cough. Or sneeze. I want complete silence.

But, I made it through the first week and I'm excited to do more!

Pastor Appreciation Month

Just a friendly reminder... October is designated as Pastor Appreciation month.

So, show them a little kindness. Not that I'm fishing for any:)

But, really, volunteer to watch their children, invite them over for a meal, write them a note, make them a treat... just something to let them know that you appreciate what they do.

It really is a unique position.

Let the rant begin:

Meridian is building it's first building. Many MANY people from our congregation are putting in their own time to make this happen. Lots and lots of hours. These people work full time and then work on the building in their spare time. And, as we all know, there really seems to be nothing called spare time. They are sacrificing time away from their families.

The same is true for our family. Jamie works full time. It just so happens that the church is who gives him a paycheck. Yeah, it's nice to get paid to serve. But, it's also the way he supports our family financially. So, above and beyond that he's working on the building. When he was at the site for 8 hours today, on his day off, it wasn't part of his job description. And, when he goes back tomorrow that's extra too. So, please cut us a little bit of slack. It's a ministry for him/us but also a job. I know I'm probably not explaining this well... sorry.

My basic point is don't forget your ministers. They work hard too.

Thursday

Did I tell you about my wonderful day on Thursday? My parents came to town :) They live about 1 hour away and we do actually see them a lot, but it never seems like enough.

Me, my mom, my dad, and Maggie ran errands all day. We headed to Menards... my mom's new favorite place ever! Picked out some new lights for their kitchen. Went to Hobby Lobby (my personal favorite) and my dad bought me two new rubber stamps. I miss shopping with my dad. Then, a quick stop at Target for toilet paper. We had packed a lunch so we just ate in the car in between stops.

Then we picked up Michael from school. Michael really wanted to show Grandma and Grandpa his classroom and introduce his teacher to them. He was so excited to show them everything.

Then we all headed out to Okemos and met up with Jamie to show my parents the building site. We gave them a tour. Very fun and exciting for all of us. It looks smashing!

Then, my parents treaded us to dinner. We actually went to Cracker Barrell. I think I've eaten there 2 or 3 times. It was very very good. I was stuffed! I guess that's what chicken fried chicken, mashed potatoes, and mac & cheese will do to you :)

It was a great day with my parents. With Michael in school full time it's been harder to figure out how to get together, but we make it work!

People's Choice Award

We had a chili cook off today after church. It didn't seem that big of a deal to me at first until Friday night when I got the official rules emailed to me. One of the things that stuck out to me was the presentation. So I tried my hardest at that, knowing that my chicken corn chowder/ chili wasn't that exciting. I had a lace table cloth and used my good china to serve my chili to the judges.

Well, they judged the chili's and then everyone else had a chance to taste them and vote for their favorite. I didn't win according to the judges, but I one the People's Choice Award! Woo Hoo! My prize was a pepper mill. I've always wanted one and have never gotten one. I love it!

Here is my prize winning recipe... I've always wanted to say that about something I've made :)

1 can cream of celery soup
1 can milk
1 cup cooked chicken
1 cup chunky salsa (mild is what I use)
1 cup canned corn (usually one small can)


That's it.

Can you believe that I got the most votes!?! It cracks me up.

Merry Christmas!

This has been a great Christmas season for us! And, it's not over yet!

Last night we went to our church's Christmas Eve service. My mother and father-in-law went, and my Aunt too. And a family that we're friends with... we go way back. They have three boys. One is in Michael's class at school and one is Maggie's age. I sat with my in-laws and Aunt and Maggie. Michael sat with 'all the boys' a few rows ahead of me.

Highlights of the service: My good friend Bethany (I sometimes refer to her as my neat and tidy friend) danced to the song Breathe of Heaven. It. Was. Awesome. She did such a great job. I'm so proud :)

Ok, here's where I want to tell you a super funny thing that happened during the service. But, I'm a terrible story teller. But I'll give it a go.

So Rick, our senior minister, is doing a short sermon during the service. Towards the end he starts talking about how he loves Christmas Eve. How that's when things slow down. How everything is closed up for a day or two. How you can't go to Walmart, Target, Meijer, or even... he pauses... and says "Oh, sure 7/11 is open but who would want to go there?".

Michael shouts out "I do!". Thunderous laughter followed. Oh my goodness, I was crying. Partly because it was really funny. The timing was so perfect it couldn't even have been planned better. But also because I was super embarressed. I recovered, so did Rick, and thought for sure only Jamie and I would really know who said it. The place was packed and there were tons of kids and Michael was sitting in a sea of boys.

But, as I was walking down front for communion, about 20 people patted me on the back and said "Man, I love your son" and chuckled. Ahh... it was a good time.

After the service we came back to our house and had a few people over. We nibbled on pigs in a blanket, veggies, cookies, and nachos and talked.

This morning my in-laws came over (they live across the street) and also my Aunt spent the night. We opened presents together and watched the kids play. It was so nice. Arch, my fingers hurt but I want to tell you about their gifts and stuff. It was a great year present wise.

The only reason why I'm typing right now is because Maggie is sleeping, Michael is playing, and Jamie is gone helping at a Christmas Breakfast that our church puts on every year. He should be home soon and once he's showered a few times (he's a cook this year) we'll pack up the van and head over to my sister's for the evening.

Merry Christmas everyone!