"The best cookies I've ever made"

I made these cookies on Sunday and my husband proclaimed them "The Best Cookies I've Ever Made". Now maybe you can go make your husband these cookies:

Chewy Molasses Spice Cookies

Hope you are enjoying your holiday week!

2010 Book list

Here are the books I am planning to read for 2010:

Middlemarch by George Eliot

Parenting is your highest calling: And eight other myths that trap us in worry and guilt by Leslie Leyland Fields. Can't wait to give a review on this one.

Glenn Beck's Common Sense: The Case Against An Out-of-Control Government, Inspired by Thomas Paine 

Cranford by Elizabeth Gaskell

Open Heart, Open Home: The Hospitable Way to Make Others Feel Welcome and Wanted by Karen Mains

A Woman After God's Own Heart by Elizabeth George

My Life In France by Julia Child

Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Society by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows

Well....it's a start. =)
What are you planning to read this year?? Please share!!

Weekend reads

From the sublime to the ridiculous--the joys of my teenager 

I love my teen! She challenges me, she teaches me, and I am blessed to have her. I love Sally's take on having teenagers.

The list

Brilliant idea.

Wintery ramble

Wabi-sabi. Love it.

Have a wonderful weekend!

Phil. 4: 8--Slowing to see

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.

I don't remember much about last Christmas. I do remember driving, in the snow, by myself, to the hospital because I was dehydrated from throwing up so much. I couldn't keep anything down. I remember thinking: this is the lowest of the low.

I remember being in bed--all day and all night--my trash can by my bed for vomiting. I couldn't get up if I tried. I was sick. Real sick. Christmas Day I ate Fruit Loops for breakfast (it was the only thing I felt I could eat), laid down on the couch, watched the children open their gifts and them promptly ran to the bathroom, projectile vomiting all the Fruit Loops. It was a horrible time.

This Christmas I'm feeling much better. And I've got a little four-month-old baby who makes me forget about those dark days of hypermesis. It was the worst pregnancy sickness I've ever had. I felt so alone, so sick, so helpless. But this new baby--oh he brings me much joy.

I am relishing the Christmas season this year. I am slowing down, taking it all in. I am so thankful I can celebrate it in health.

Philippians 4:8 is written on a splatted note card above my sink. I look at it while washing dishes or in passing. I try to obey the Lord when He tells us to be thankful in all things. That we are to set our minds on what is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent or praiseworthy.

When we do this, in the midst of trouble or heartache, or pain, or just daily living, our eyes are opened to His abundant way of life. We weren't made to focus on our troubles. We can find things that are true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent or praiseworthy in every situation.

Join Ann as she explores gratitude at The Gratitude Community.

Hello!

I realize I've neglected this little place for quite some time. There are a lot of reasons why. I had a baby in July--my fifth--and that has taken up a lot of my time!! Having a fifth child has been a big adjustment for me. But I think I've found my new groove, and hopefully it will just get more and more comfortable. I will say I am loving being a mother to five children. So many little people to occupy my days with, to laugh with, to cry with, to love on. I am so blessed!
Another reason why I think I haven't been here more often is because I am processing so much LIFE right now. This past year has been a time of learning so much about myself and about the Lord. It has truly been a paradigm shifting experience where I have examined so many things about myself and my life to make sure I am truly living it for Him. It has been painful, joyful, and enlightening all at once. There's still so much I would like to say, but find I don't have the words for it just yet. I thought about quitting blogging, but realized I've already poured so much of myself into this place that I don't want to give it up. So I'll continue. But I'm not sure how yet.
And lastly, I think I've neglected this blog because I have just been living and enjoying LIFE. When you experience deep darkness in your life, the flip side is that you become more grateful, more faithful, more joyful, more GRACE-ful. Romans 8:28 "For God works ALL THINGS to the good of those that love Him."
Not sure how much I will be posting this month. But I plan to be back on a semi-regular basis starting in January. But then of course I could post every day next week! Funny how that happens. Just wanted to pop in and say hello to all my readers and friends who have been a part of this blog. You all have enriched my life so much with the connections. Thank you and I will be back soon!!