It's Good to be Prepared!

Cute little dresses AND a fabulous sale means we are well prepared for Kate to turn two:) So I guess I'm a little ahead of myself seeing as Kate only turns one next month . . .

Out of the Mouth of Ike

"Mom, I wove my Grandpa Eggan. His name is Santa Claus!"

~

Overheard:

"Daddy, you aw my best fwend."


~

On the way to Costco:

"Where's my fwend Buka Gigi?"

Funny Faces

Hand-Me-Downs

Dear sweet Nicole drops bags and bags of clothes off for Ike when her Bubba outgrows them. Ike is quite certain that Bubba hand picks all the clothes for him as he always anounces excitedly, "Bubba gives this to me!" This coat, which once belonged to Bubba, is Ike's new favorite and he has to wear all the time! So thanks, dear friend, for all the treasures for our Ike! They are very much appreciated!

Left Behind

Bill and I were flying high. We were building our first home, celebrating our young marriage, and anticipating our firstborn. So when 2004 hit, with the dire news that my Dad had colon cancer and just six months to live, we found ourselves saddened and stunned.

Bill had known my Dad just a couple of years, but they quickly grew quite fond of each other. Bill had a knack for coming up with good ideas and Dad would figure out the details. They would then head off to the hardware store, hide out in the garage, and appear hours (sometimes days) later with the finished product. I usually got to reap the benefits of their hard work -- I got a handmade kitchen table and a one-of-a-kind easel. Bill and my Dad formed a special bond -- quite like father and son.

With the news of cancer, all seemed to come to a stop . . . except for the cancer. It kept spreading and eating the life out of Dad. At the time we became aware of the cancer, Dad looked healthy and strong, but within three months his body shriveled up, his skin jaundiced, he was in immense pain, unable to eat, and was barely skin and bones. Thankfully, Bill was right there with me feeling the pain and shedding tears alongside me.

Dad didn't get six months to live -- he only got three. But we cherished every moment. In the last few days, we sat around him as he lay curled up on the bed. Though he was unable to talk much, he would smile when his brother Shepherd would tell childhood stories. My Mom and sisters would hover around him and get anything he could possibly need. I laid there with him and held his frail frame -- scared that I would soon lose one of my best friends.

Amidst all the grief, I do remember this -- his ascension was glorious. That June 18th, 2004 my Mom came over to where I was asleep on the floor and gently told me that Dad had just breathed his last breath. My sisters, my Mom, her sister and friend, and I all gathered around his bed and sat there. We sat there not knowing what life would be like without him, but also knew he no longer was in pain. That day was annoyingly beautiful. There wasn't a cloud in the baby blue sky. The window was open above Dad's bed and the sheer curtains gently danced in the warm breeze . . . And we got to be there when the angels came and took him home.

Death by cancer seemed cruel and unusual. However, the lessons we learned and understanding we gained during that time is insurmountable. Seeing death makes me marvel at life. Watching suffering brings me to my knees. And knowing that in death my Dad went to be with his Savior, brings peace and hope to those of us left behind.

Pesto Pasta (or as Ike says, "Masketti")

Fresh Basil Pesto:

1 cup packed basil leaves
1 clove garlic
1 tsp salt
1/8 tsp pepper
1/4 cup Parmesan cheese
1/3 cup olive oil

Combine all ingredients in your food processor and blend until desired consistency is reached. Mix with cooked noodles and serve.

I suggest serving with grilled chicken.

Proverbs 17:9

~ Whoever covers an offense seeks love, but he who repeats a matter separates close friends.

As Christians, we must always be on a quest to love as Christ loves us (amidst ALL of our imperfections and ALL of our sin). None of that fake and fluffy stuff is allowed! We won't ever achieve perfection in this area, but we must desire it from the deepest part of our soul. After all, we aren't just on a quest to love, we are on a quest to BE like Christ.

Anyway, I came across this verse a couple of months ago and it's been on my mind every day since. I'm not a scholar, but here are my thoughts:

How would you feel if you did something unrighteous only to have a personal matter spread around like wildfire -- for all to know? Even simple matters. . . like what does your four year old son think when he hears you repeating his shortcomings to your friends? Last I knew, I haven't heard Christ talking to Moses about the sins I've done. I haven't heard of Christ forgiving me then getting on the celestial telephone and talking to Abraham about how foolish I was.

How would you feel if you were a teenage girl and heard your mother telling her friends at a party the foolish thing you did that morning? I've seen that face before, and it's embarrassment! You'd probably be a mother who was unaware that you were losing (if not had already lost) the confidence of your daughter -- Hmm, like separating close friends maybe?

Our interpersonal relationships can be quite complicated if we don't live together with forgiveness and understanding. If you keep bringing up sin, you are NOT seeking love. If you get on the phone and whine about how foolish your son or daughter is being, you are NOT seeking love. If you start talking about your husband's faults to whoever will listen, you are NOT seeking love.

I hope you'll seek love with me. Pure love. I hope you will join me in forgiving even without being asked. I hope you will pray instead of blab. I hope you will choose to understand instead of stirring up strife.

(Of course, if a "Christian" spouse, family member, friend, sins and continues to sin I do believe it is advised to seek counsel from a pastor . . . NOT, however, the ladies at the beauty shop!)

Walk, Don't Crawl!

A couple of weeks ago, I set Kate down on her chubby little feet and to my amazement she stood there balanced for quite a while with no help at all! Bill too saw this wonderous event so we clapped and cheered (as all good/crazy parents do:) We then tried to get her to stand some more and tried to see if she'd take some steps. Our quick Kate caught on fast to what we were trying to get her to do and in true stubborn fashion, decided to not play along. She'd lean back against our arms when we set her down on her feet. She'd hold on tight to our hands. She'd instanly put her hands forward to sit herself down. And the silly girl giggled the entire time, knowing full well we would play this game her way and her way only.

Well, like I said, it's been a couple of weeks and she still will only play her way! No walking for this little tyke!

Thanks, Sweetie!

Bill and Ike picked up this cake for me yesterday and Ike has been excited ever since they brought it home! He keeps getting into the fridge and picking up the box, putting the box back, lifting the lid, etc. It's been dropped a couple of times, but the thing is still holding up well!Tonight, dear sweet Ike, you can have a piece!

Big Girl!

Thanks, Mom!

Eagles Song

Happy Helper

Kate's graduated to her big girl seat! So exciting!

After About 10 Pictures . . .

. . . we both finally had our eyes open! And unfortunately were no longer smiling . . .

Wedding

It's as close to a date as we get these days! Tomorrow I get to go sit with my Bill and watch my childhood friend marry her true love. *sigh*

Little Toes

Picture Post

Little Kate

Game Night

Lasagna Roll-Ups

Recipe:

2 eggs
2 cups (16 oz) small-curd cottage cheese
1/4 grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons Italian seasoning
2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley
1 tsp dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
2 cups cooked ground turkey
12 lasagna noodles, cooked and drained
2 cans (8 oz each) tomato sauce

1) In a large bowl, combine the eggs, cheeses, and seasonings. Add turkey; mix well. Place about 1/3 cup on each noodle; roll up.

2) Place seam side down in a 13 X 9 baking dish coated with non-stick cooking spray. Top with tomato sauce. Cover and bake at 350 degrees for 30-40 minutes or until heated through.

Yield: 6 servings

Happy Ike

Kate and Gunga

Our Little Explorer

Max

While doing laundry one day, Ike was zooming this truck back and forth on the wood floor. I was getting a tad bit tired of the noise so I had him bring this truck to me. I put his laundry in it and told him to take his laundry to his bedroom. He was thrilled to help out and have a little fun at the same time (plus it kept him on the much quieter carpet). After each load he took, he came back for more. Now every day, he helps me distribute the laundry to it's designated area! Max makes chore time so much fun!

Rosemary Focaccia

From the Taste of Home cookbook:

2 medium onions, chopped

1/4 cup olive oil plus 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided

1-1/2 teaspoons active dry yeast (I just use one package . . . whatever)

1-1/2 cups warm water (110-115 degrees), divided

1/2 teaspoon sugar

1/2 teaspoon salt

3 to 4 cups all-purpose flour

2 tablespoons snipped fresh rosemary

cornmeal

coarse salt

1) In a large skillet, saute onions in 1/4 cup oil until tender; cool. In a large mixing bowl, dissolve yeast in 1/4 cup warm water. Add sugar and let stand for 5 minutes.

2) Add 2 tablespoons oil, salt and remaining water. Add 2 cups flour. Beat until smooth. Stir in enough remaining flour to form a soft dough.

3) Turn onto a floured surface; knead until smooth and elastic, about 6-8 minutes. Add onions and half of the rosemary. Knead 1 minute longer. Place in a greased bowl, turning once to grease top. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 40 minutes.

4) Punch dough down. Turn onto a lightly floured surface; divide in half. Pat each piece flat. Let rest for 5 minutes. Grease 2 baking sheets. and sprinkle with cornmeal. Stretch each portion of dough into a 10 inch circle on prepared pans. Cover and let rise until doubled, about 40 minutes.

5) Brush with remaining oil. Sprinkle with coarse salt and remaining rosemary. Bake at 375 degrees for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from pans to wire racks to cool.

Yield: 2 loaves.

This bread takes a while, but it's SO worth it. If you don't like rosemary, try chives!

Standing Post

Kate stood here and watched the boys play outside yesterday. It was far too windy for a little girl with the sniffles, but living in this town, she's going to have to get used to it sooner than later! Here is where she stood giggling and content, but longing for the time when she too can run and play outside.

Sketch

Fairy Kate.

Not too sure where I'm going with this. I thought I'd like the more realistic fairies, but the cartoon eyes seem to be a little more "Kate-like."

Paper Wings

Bill and Ike had so much fun tonight making paper airplanes. I think they turned out really well and they fly with such ease! We'll be taking these to Grandma and Grandpa's house so Ike can fly them from the balcony, into the ceiling fan, and down to the family room:)

Meet Gunga

We first met Gunga at the store. Kate and I were shopping and when we kept walking past Gunga, Kate would giggle and reach out for her. She did this several times and finally I picked up Gunga and Kate grabbed her and snuggled her. So now Gunga goes with Kate everywhere and tucks Kate in every night (and every nap time). Oh! so cute!

Kate Likes Trains Too!

Pretty in Pink

Snow and Stint

Bill woke us up bright and early (so early that Ike still thinks it's night time). As we were leaving to take him in to the hospital, we opened the front door to find ourselves in the middle of a giant snow globe. This is quite unexpected seeing as yesterday it was 50 degrees! Ugh.

This posed a little problem seeing as I've NEVER driven in the snow and Bill HAD to get in to the hospital to have the stint taken out of his kidney (he's been calling to have it taken out for over a month now). Anyway, there was no time like the present to learn. I demanded I drive while he was in the car on the way over so I could get a crash course in driving in the snow. It must have been annoying to some/all to see our large Chevy truck (with four wheel drive and anti-lock brake system I might add) going so slow. But alas! We are home safely and weren't one of the three cars we spotted in the ditches (but I shouldn't start feeling smug about that since I still have some driving to do). Yikes!

Well, I'm winding down and getting myself psyched up for going out there again to pick him up. And I'm feeling a bit guilty that I'm not there with him:(

Is There Any Other Way to Eat Ice Cream?