By Nicole

Yum!  We are hooked.  Bread machine does the work.  I get it "shaped" and in the oven.  The kids have the best job of all!

The subtitle of Sheri Rose Shepherd's book is 14 Truths that will forever change the way you love and are loved.   I read this book from the perspective of a married woman, and I kind of fell into thinking that it was specifically a book for married women.  It wasn't until I re-read the back cover that I realized she wrote it for women at any stage. There are 14 sections (obviously...from the subtitle!) and each one begins with a verse from the Bible, a story that fits with the central idea of the section, a "Love Coaching" section that gives steps on how to move forward (complete with more verses), a "Let Us Pray" section that outlines a prayer, and "His Love Letter to You" - which is a letter written from Scriptural reference as God would speak to a woman seeking His will and love.  Finally, there is a "Treasure of Truth" with questions for a small group and an online video answer to another question. One of my favorite parts a

So, this is a preliminary post for what I am sure will be the nerdiest, most mathematical post I have ever done. My new make-ahead kick are pockets.  Pizza pockets, bbq pockets, breakfast egg pockets... you name it, I think I can wrap it in bread and call it a pocket. My mom used to make them with onion, hamburger and seasonings.  Growing up, we called them meat turnovers.  They were the best.  They are especially great right now because we eat them on the go, when we are running out the door in the morning, sitting at a football game or practice, or rushing to an evening activity.  They freeze exceptionally well and thaw into a perfect handheld meal. On a weekend day, I throw a batch of dough in the bread machine, make the filling, and do up 3 or 4 batches.  Each batch of dough makes 12 pockets.  I could probably stretch it into a little more, but I like the extra crust around the outside.  Guilty smile. This weekend I made 36 ham and egg pockets.  I am avoiding cheese because

Just this last August, I ran my second Narrows Half Marathon.  This year, my husband ran the whole way with me.  He kept me motivated and even let me cross the finish first!  I came in at 2:30:31.  An 11:29 minute average.  I'm not a fast runner, by most standards, but I have been getting better and faster with every half.  I beat my last year's time by almost 9 minutes, which was an awesome feeling.  I also ran in my Vibram Five Fingers Speed , and I loved every minute.  It's the run across the Narrows, the endless hills, the great people, and the feeling of being back in my college town.  It all melds together into an experience that I can't describe and just can't get enough of.  I'm already looking forward to next year. I can't figure out how to include a running picture from ontherunevents...  but you can see them  here .  My favorite ones are the bunny ears.   Here is a picture of me and my sister-in-law with our awesome medals and post-run swe

If you were to ever walk into my house (on most given days), your first thought would NOT be, 'Wow, she lives such a simplified, productive life.  I bet she's a great parent."  It might be something more like, 'Oh my stars!  What happened?  Was there a tornado?  How does she find her kids in this mess?  Should I call someone?'  Yeah....  I have never once claimed to be even a semi-decent homemaker. Our lives could be considered the antithesis of simplicity.  Both my husband and I work at least 40 hours a week.  I commute an hour each way.  Our kids spend more time in school or daycare or church during the week than they do at home.  During the school year, we eat dinner three nights a week at the church before Rangers, Missionettes, and Bible study.  This will be Connor's first year playing a sport, so we will be juggling football practices and games with the rest of the madness.  My husband also teaches a self-defense class at our local fitness center.  Oh,

If you've read any of my blog, you've read at least one reference to the fact that I am NOT a good housekeeper.  That's why, when I had a chance to get an advance copy of Cleaning House  by Kay Wills Wyma from Waterbrook, I jumped.  I was also feeling a little irritated with my whiny, non-helping-around-the-house-as-much-as-I-thought-they-should children. Kay did an experiment at her house, on her children  (which the twisted mom that I am thinks is awesome), to see if she could fix the whole youth entitlement attitude.  Now, she has five kids, ranging in age from 14 to 3.  And she spent a year carrying out her carefully controlled tactics, with a different, additional variable each month. I loved the intro.  I was nodding my head and cheering.  And secretly panicking about behaviors I catch myself in.  We unintentionally enable our children to feel entitled when we do unnecessary life skills for them. There are other ways to show our kids we love them than cleaning up

I have been so "absent" lately... And I'm feeling guilty that when I do post, it's a book review.  Hey, I love books, but it's got to get a little old after a bit. So many things have been happening.  We are constantly on the go.  Constantly.  So much that I need to find faster ways to keep in touch and document life for a while. I have so many unfinished posts.  In draft and in my mind.  Soon. For now, I am tweeting and trying to tumble.  To catch up on documenting creations and daily life. My alter egos are multiplying.  I hope I don't develop dissociative personality disorder. This blog won't stop... it's just lulling.  Relaxing in a hammock, not too concerned that the world is passing it by.  Slightly jealous that I have left it to rest alone while I tweet with the birds and tumble in the yard.  Soon, I will return to a slower pace.  The kind that enjoys a good yarn or a leisurely stroll.  The occasional rant.  Quiet reflection. There a