I have a teenager!

My beautiful girl is 13 today. She's so excited to finally be old enough for facebook! This is the photo she chose for her profile pic. Isn't she cute! =)

soup season:: potato medley

I love love love autumn. For lots of reasons. Today's reason is soup. Soup is one of my favorite comfort foods. This morning I found a few potatoes that needed to be used quick, so I cubed and boiled them until soft. Meanwhile, I found a few other things that would make a nice addition to a soup. I don't really have a recipe, but here's the gist of what I did:

5 small-ish potatoes, cut up and boil.

1/2 a red onion, chopped in food processor

a handful of baby carrots, chopped in food processor

about 1/2 head of cauliflower, also chopped in food processor

After chopping veggies in the food processor, I threw them in a pan with some butter (couple tablespoons maybe) and some garlic (a clove)... sauteed for a while, until soft. When the potatoes were soft, I drained them and then added some milk (I had 2% on hand) and gave them a mash. Not a thorough mashing, like for mashed potatoes.. just a semi-mash. Then I added the other veggies and some more milk. This part is up to you, how "soupy" you want it.. I left mine on the thick side. Finally, I seasoned it with salt and pepper, and then sat down to savor it while checking facebook.

I welcome any wonderful soup recipes. I'm a huge fan. Enjoy!

forgiveness

Today I told Joe that I'm choosing to forgive him. It's not because he deserves it or even because he's asked for it, but because I don't want bitterness to become a part of me. This has been a hard week. I don't like the way I've been feeling when I'm around him. It's just been yucky. And so I choose forgiveness. Here's the thing. Holding on to hurts doesn't do anything to the other person. But it leaves this yuck in us that can turn into bitterness, and that's just not something I want in my life. It may be a daily choice that I have to make, and it doesn't mean that I won't get angry or hurt sometimes. What it does mean is that I will feel the anger or the hurt when they come, but then I'll let them go. I won't allow them to penetrate into my being or let them infect my spirit.

One thing is for certain. God is my peace. I don't know how anyone can get through things like this without Him.

"Bitterness is like drinking poison and expecting the other person to die." (not sure where this originated.)

I choose peace. I choose hope. I choose joy.

you hold my world

I love love love Israel Houghton. Last night I was told that he had a new album out, and I went to itunes immediately to download it. Perfect timing. SO perfect. Joe and I have agreed that he would take the kids on Thursdays so that I can have a day off. They're with me the rest of the week. He comes in the mornings and takes the girls to school three days a week while I'm at work, but now I'll take the girls to school (after a stop at Starbucks as long as they're ready early enough!) and then have the rest of the day to run errands, read a book, catch up on work around the house, go to a movie... basically whatever. So I was really looking forward to today: a chance to blast this new album while getting some things done at home. And this song hit me at such the perfect time, in such a perfect way. The lyrics:

Take my heart/ Lord will You take my heart/ As I surrender to Your will/ I confess You are my righteousness/ And until You move me I'll be still/ And know that You are God/ YOU HOLD MY WORLD IN YOUR HANDS/ YOU HOLD MY WORLD IN YOUR HANDS AND/ I AM AMAZED AT YOUR LOVE/ I AM AMAZED THAT YOU LOVE ME/ YOU HOLD MY WORLD IN YOUR HANDS/ YOU HOLD MY WORLD IN YOUR HANDS AND/ I'M NOT AFRAID MY WORLD IS SAFE/ IN YOUR HANDS OH/ IN YOUR HANDS/ Take my life/ Lord will You take my life/ You are the reason that I live/ I believe You have forgiven me/ And by Your grace I will forgive/ And know that You are God/ And know that You are God/ You won't let go of me/ You won't let go of me/ You won't let go of me/ You won't let go never let go/ You will take care of me/ You will take care of me/ You will take care of me/ You will take care always take care/ You hold my world in Your hands/ You hold my world/ And You won't let go

My suggestion: Proceed directly to itunes and download asap. Enjoy. And feel the love.

xoxo